I spoke in Los Angeles on Wednesday.  I had a great time and met some fun people.

I’m the guy people call in when they want answers to the question: Why do I need social media? Although my answers focus on the “what” — or the various tools and platforms used in social media — first you need to know the “why.”

I unveiled my updated presentation in L.A. Afterward, I thought of a few things I didn’t mention, but are worth sharing. Here are three small points I’ll add to my next talk:

How to be a social media expert. Usually when I start my section on the tools for social media, I like to make everyone an expert first.  I begin by asking: Who has a first and last name and can think of an eight-character password? If you raise your hand, you’re an expert.

Next, I remind everyone that they don’t need to enroll in a course on how to use social media tools.  Most applications are easy to use and  straightforward. After you sign up, just watch and listen for a while. Progress by small steps.  Each site has its own culture;  respect the culture.

Different people consume media differently: Consider using different platforms within your social media solar system.  Some people prefer to read. Others are audio people. Even more people like visual presentations and find video their medium of choice.

Give people options. It will generate more opportunities over time.

LinkedIn: I shared with the L.A. audience that LinkedIn is based on the philosophy of six degrees of separation, but I didn’t go much deeper.

The power of LinkedIn is that you can ask for referrals from people in your network to people in their network you want to know.  I don’t have a huge community in my LinkedIn network. I’m not aggressive about collecting names.  The reason is when I call on someone within my network for a referral I want them to know who I am and be willing to help.

I really like my new presentation for 2010, but this was only my first opportunity to share it this year.  I have a little tweaking to do, as always.  I’m excited to share it again soon. Feel free to call on me if your organization is in need of a speaker.

Rosh