Book Review for Erik Qualman: Digital Leader: 5 Simple Keys to Success and Influence
Book Review of Digital Leader: 5 Simple Keys to Success and Influence by Erik Qualman
This book covers a variety of topics and I would gladly recommend it to any of my friends not just for the social media aspect, but also because it actually made me re-look and evaluate myself as a person. Qualman takes a unique approach to describing some do’s and don’ts of social media as well as how it impacts a person and their life. The three highlights of the book that I would like to point out are the stories and examples that Qualman uses to correlate the topic to the reader, his use of ‘digital deeds’, and the main lesson of the book: STAMP.
Qualman uses many techniques to capture and retain the reader’s attention in this book, and his book is more than just a how to or step by step novel, it is an insight on social media and how it can affect marketing and yourself greatly. He uses many stories and instances of ‘Digital Deeds’ which usually provides useful information or insight about the main point he is trying to hit in each chapter. The overall main idea of the book, the five keys to success and influence, are broken down into an acronym called STAMP which Qualman tackles throughout the entire book. He tackles the importance of each acronym and how each one of it plays into the overall STAMP module and our personal lives.
Beginning with the first highlight of Digital Leader, I would like to start with are the story lines and examples that Qualman strategically weaves throughout the book to incorporate case examples or relevancy to the topic that is being spoken about. Digital Leader is a book about balancing personal life and social media. How to market yourself and your company in a proper way through social media, and how to become a digital leader by integrity, example, simplicity, and empowerment. Within each chapter Qualman uses either personal stories or stories from relatable figures that are known to most Americans such as Ronald Reagan, Steve Jobs to well-known companies such as Ford and IKEA. Qualman also uses examples to his advantage throughout Digital Leader, making sure to back up all lessons that was ‘taught’ with an example, or a guiding example. Qualman’s examples can range from once again personal experience or general ideas that he has come across to even step-by-step proposed ideas. For example in one of the chapters Qualman explains instead of reading instruction manuals to take short-cuts such as guided videos on YouTube or reviews on google to help with the assembly of furniture to save personal time. Examples like this help Qualman show the importance of let’s say time management and usage of time of the Digital Leader in reference to social media outlets and other distractions or ‘noise’.
The second topic that I would like to bring up from Digital Leader is probably one of my favorite parts of the book, the ‘Digital Deeds’ that one can find sporadically throughout Qualman’s book. These deeds highlight and shed light on the important factors that Qualman is trying to bring to the reader’s attention to accomplish with social media that is not necessarily part of his ‘STAMP’ idea. These Digital Deeds include items such as: saying thanks to your family via email, how to control and announce your ‘digital voice’, how to be more efficient in tasks such as multitasking (with great reference to Microsoft’s 4D’s in chapter five), and activity toolboxes. These deeds are usually suggestions on how to improve oneself on becoming a better digital leader and overall a better person. I have bookmarked many of these deeds and have returned to them multiple times even after reading the book.
The third topic I would like to speak about from Digital Leader is the main focus of the book, STAMP. An acronym standing for Simple, True, Act, Map, and People. This acronym refers to the personal stamp on our lives and others. What we do and how it makes a domino effect. I believe this is an important read for any leader, not just digital, because Qualman takes all of these principles and lays out the meaning behind each one. Simple relates to simplification of life and focus. Not having to stress over the little things, how it can affect the human body (giving such data like being overly stressed is more harming than drugs. Also that texting is more hazardous than marijuana!). Truth refers to being true to yourself. Being the leader you want to be and not conforming to societal expectations. Find your true passion and explore it endlessly never giving it up. Being true to yourself about items such as time commitments, the ability to say no to others, and putting yourself first. Act is one of my favorite points that Qualman points out. Without action, there is nothing. No reaction. Don’t be afraid to take the first step, to make a couple of mistakes, or even to explore and take risks. Map is to set goals and have visions. Without these you will not get far- or will continue to travel an aimless road. People is the last part of STAMP which concludes that success is not a solo thing. It can occur, but to have true success means to have it and share it with others. My favorite quote from Digital Leader is ‘Success doesn’t happen alone’.
Taking these items from STAMP and combining them with our new digital world and all of the social aspects that is included with it, Qualman flawlessly guides us through the book to make us a digital leader in an online AND offline world. Qualman takes each individual acronym and not only teaches a valuable lesson but lays its out in an easy to follow manner backed by examples or situations that Qualman has been in or a recognizable and well-known figure has described. Throughout the journey of Digital Leader I have discovered that this is just more than just an insight on basic social media concepts. I was expecting items that I did find such as privacy and what to post on social media accounts (i.e. pictures, tweets, etc.) that was basic knowledge to me, but I also found items that really made me sit back and re-think and re-visit some situations I’ve encountered in the past and know that I will encounter in the future. Being a digital leader isn’t just about having a clean social media slate, it is about knowing and having the knowledge to compete and be culturally, socially, and personally aware at all times- online and offline.
In conclusion, I would like to say that Qualman has presented an impressive piece of material with his book and has given a simple, yet resourceful insight on the 5 keys to success and influence through his STAMP method. Utilizing examples and creative stories that many Americans or younger generations can relate to, Qualman sets the reader in a setting which he can fully capture and retain his audience. By offering his ‘Digital Deeds’ at various inputs of the book Qualman just adds on to his lessons or highlighted points that are deemed critical in becoming a true digital leader in the new era. Digital Leader has been a book that I have read, revisited, and bookmarked upon purchase back in September. It is one that has made me reevaluate myself, social media, as well as general approaches to life and business.
(Aprox. 4.75 pages long with 1256 words)