Power Friending

Powerfriending Review by Andie Lewandowski

Toronto based-writer Andie Lewandowski recently reviewed PowerFriending on her blog Andie as a Writer

“Cred: Shares her technology expertise in Toronto’s Globe and Mail, on Yahoo!, and in online and cable television shows: Webnation, CommandN, TWiT, and the late Call For Help.

Summary: Non-fiction, how-to book. Amber walks her talk.

Follow the author in action as you read and see applications of her tips at work and to keep up on the new trends that aren’t in the book.

Read if…
you are on Facebook
you want to be on Facebook
you aren’t on Facebook
you are interested in social media other than Facebook
you want a social media expert to communicate in an adult, formal tone
Read when…
you have a specific question – the contents & index allow this book to be used as a reference piece
you wake up in the morning – read a few pages and try out the tips (this will help you avoid being overwhelmed by all the information)
you want examples to show how companies handle issues and problems with customers online
you need guidance for strategizing your growing business’ social media plan
you think you don’t need a social media strategy (you do!)

This Book Is Like… reading a traditional book. Malcolm Gladwell-esque.

Amber is so bright, real and relatable on camera. Her written words feel different because her personality has lost its visual and auditory impact and therefore, this book highlights her professional side.

Despite cute nods to a tech savvy personality with made up words and publishing under her handle, I found the style of the book dry when compared to the Amber I’ve been mentor-crushing on since 2004 – or the Amber I met a few weeks ago!

However, I have come to realize that this book is for people who are more comfortable with the formal tone and want a straight forward instruction book. This is a large niche that needs an authority like Amber – I only hope they find her!

If you want the real Amber – well, my favourite version of Amber – keep up with CommandN.

Highlights:

Amber gives the gift of simplicity with these basic guidelines for social media conduct:
The ABCs of Internet Friending:
Authenticity
Bravery
Consistency
Amber also covers the history of social media, for those who are just joining in and are feeling like they’ve been missing out. This is a refreshing change from the overall tone of social media.
“Fail.”

It’s good to see the former web design and usability expert incorporating visual layout elements into this book:

I wanted more.

Next time, MOAR INFO GRAPHICS PLZ.

Of course, I’ll always be a fan-girl:

(I rarely mark my library territory.)”

If you have not got your copy of PowerFriending yet just look to your right for the bookseller of your choice