Platform begins by delivering the opposite of a Wow! experience. The first third of the book is more or less common knowledge, if you have some degree of familiarity with leadership and social media. But its knowledge that is not easily executed and knowledge Michael Hyatt has earned through trial and error on his path to success.
After an excessive number of endorsements (nearly 30) from a who’s who in social media, publishing and Christian leadership, Platform begins by repackaging the same old “how to be successful” advice using the current social media buzzwords. Hyatt borrows several concepts and terms from other social mediates sprinkles in a little of his perspective, the equivalent of a literary nip and tuck, to create an unoriginal first 70 pages. Then things get good!
Beginning with part three, Platform becomes the go-to how-to manual for building an audience using social media. It’s 160 pages of personal experience and social media success, and it makes Platform a rich vein of information to mine. After working as the Social Media Program Manager at Compassion International for nearly five years and reading 10 to 15 social media blogs daily, and averaging one social media/leadership book a month I still found 20 action items to pursue.
Platform is a quick and easy read packed with tons of useful information regardless of your familiarity or experience with the subject. It needs to be a a resource in your social media toolbox.
