Book Review: Return On Influence by Mark W. Schaefer

After already having resolved the mistery of Twitter through Mark Schaefer’s book “The Tao of Twitter” (affiliate link) I knew I had to get his new book “Return on Influence” (affiliate link) immediately. Mark explores the power of what he calls today citizen influencer. Everybody including YOU has the chance today to become an internet celebrity. You can earn your influence through a high Klout score which is discussed in depth in his book.

Not only will you learn more about social scoring systems you will also find great case studies explaining how big companies use today these systems to find the right people to connect, who can create buzz and become the brands powerful word of mouth influencers on the web.

Many social thinkers such as Mitch Joel, Michael Stelzner, Gini Dietrich,Robert Cialdini, Robert Scoble and many more appear in the book with great stories. Another interesting part of the book is where Mark tells you more about how people try to game the system in order to get a higher social scoring. Not really something you should follow to do but certainly good to know;-)

I am not really in favor of judging people in a job interview based on your Klout score but I get the point. You can certainly use it as one of many criterias but your first impression, your charisma, your persuasiveness and of course your skill sets should still outweigh a number today. Nevertheless whether we like it or not social scoring is happening, period.

His book is definitely a hot topic and we live in a very exciting time where new technologies will continue to shaken up businesses;-)

Congratulations to Mark for another great book;-)

I am following Mark on his blog {GROW} and can only recommend his book.