I grew up Southern Baptist here in the Midwest. At least once a year my church would hold a week long Revival and bring in a guest Evangelist. I have some fond (and not so fond) memories of those days.
In Southern Baptist life an Evangelist spreads the gospel or the “good news” to a somewhat captive audience.
A Social Media Evangelist does much the same thing. Here’s what I mean:
In my thinking, Social Media is about connecting people through conversations. Those conversations are usually started at a social media outpost like Twitter or Facebook. Many blogs these days are all about the conversation as well. It’s what we try to do here at FrankDickinson.me – “Creating Conversations In a World of Chatter.”
Whether through a somewhat captive audience at Twitter, Facebook, a blog or a host of other ways, Social Media Evangelists move beyond promoting themselves to promoting the good news of:
Their friends
I’m blessed to be friends with Debbie Fagan of eTrendzShop.com. For a long time now Debbie sends out a regular tweet about a Reiki blog I write. When i started this blog, she started posting this:
If you look at Debbie’s Twitter stream you will finding it full of these type posts. She is a Social Media Evangelist for her friends!
Causes their audience should support
In the day and age in which we operate our businesses, if you are supporting a cause, you are in the minority. It’s good for your business and your Karma!
Let me be an Evangelist at this point and draw your attention to a cause i absolutely believe in: Check out Danny Brown and 12 for 12k. Danny, and the 12 for 12k supporters are definitely “Changing the world through social media.”
Products and services that can help their audience
If you have found a great restaurant with amazing food and atmosphere, don’t you want your friends to know about it? What about a great movie?
The same should hold true for the products and services you have used (key), believe in and think can help your audience.
Remember a Social Media Evangelist spreads the “good news.”
Here’s a few of my favorites: (not affiliate links)
Help for Non-Profits: John Haydon
Growing your blog: Chris Garrett and Authority Blogger
Getting started with Online Marketing: 30 Day Challenge from Ed Dale and Dan Raine
I’ve used and believe in each of these products and services. I promote them without hesitation. I’m proud to be their Social Media Evangelist.
Notice that I did not mention:
your products
your joint ventures
yourself
Just sayin’ 
Are you a Social Media Evangelist? Share your thoughts, ideas, friends etc. below!
