One of the thought leader best practices today is having a group of friends that help activate each others messages across social media platforms. It’s the old PIF (Pay It Forward) model where you all share each others networks to activate and amplify each others messages. Here are three simple steps to put a program like this in place and execute it over and over:

1.) Pull the group together and nurture it over time.
2.) Write a clear “ask” and make it easy for others to help you.

3.) Give shout outs to those that help, and share a follow-up on the status of what was activated.

This post covers #2 and will not address #s 1 and 3.

We are all so busy. So, if you’re going to ask a busy person to help you, it’s important that you make the “ask” easy to understand. When I’m asked to help, I want to read a one-paragraph description of what they want activated and I want to see a series of Twitter, Facebook and Google+ messages that I can choose from to activate. Fairly simple.

Here’s an example of an event that I’m right in the middle of activating.
I’m teaching a MOOC (Massively Open Online Course) called “Rapid Book Publishing for Educators” starting on November 18. On November 8, I sent a message to the 20 folks that activate each other (see message below). I gave a clear “ask” and stated that we had 350 students signed up for the MOOC and that I wanted to move it to over 500. It worked. On November 13, I sent another message with a quick status of the campaign and a request for further activation. As we had gone over 500 in those five days, it was worth celebrating as that celebration would help get attract others. I also included two additional tweets that everyone could be proud sharing.

• Over 500 students registered -free #MOOC “Rapid Book #Publishing for Educators” on @canvasnet @thinkaha http://bit.ly/18y7I5e #rapidpub
• Thanks to our sponsors @SoftChalk and @academicpub over 500 students for Rapid Book Publishing MOOC http://bit.ly/18y7I5e #rapidpub

As you can see, I tried really hard to make it as easy for those that I asked for help, to help me without spending too much time. I then let them know how much I appreciate their help and support.

Try it, it works.

Mitchell

Message sent on November 13:
I wanted to follow through and say thanks as we hit the goal and have over 500 students registered. If you played a part in helping, thanks! If you haven’t, there’s still time. I’ve added two more tweets and reattached the messages. Thank you in advance for lending a hand. Have a great rest of week and let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you.

Mitchell
408-257-3000

Message sent on November 8:
Hi Team,

Through the non-profit I’m the executive director of http://opendoorsgroup.org, I’m teaching a free MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) through Canvas, one of the leaders in the field. The MOOC is titled “Rapid Book Publishing for Educators” which runs from November 18 through December 29 (elapsed sessions are only four weeks). Although we’ve tailored the content to educators, 70% of the content applies to business folks as well. As part of the MOOC, the class will write and publish a @THiNKaha App book. Should be fun!

There are currently 350 students registered and I’d like to see it go over 500. Can you please help spread the word? Please use the messages below if you need a template.

Thanks in advance for your help, let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
408-257-3000

Twitter:
Check out this #MOOC #MOOC “Rapid Book #Publishing for Educators” by @canvasnet @thinkaha http://bit.ly/18y7I5e #rapidpub

#MOOC on “Rapid Book #Publishing for Educators” will itself write and publish a @thinkaha book http://bit.ly/18y7I5e #rapidpub

Ever thought about creating your own textbook? This upcoming #MOOC will show you how! http://bit.ly/18y7I5e #rapidpub

How do you create a book without taking a sabbatical? Join this #MOOC and see! 11/18-12/29 http://bit.ly/18y7I5e #rapidpub

Join my friend Mitchell Levy who is delivering a #MOOC on rapid book #publishing for #educators http://bit.ly/18y7I5e #rapidpub

Coming soon, how to write a book: a #MOOC titled Rapid Book #Publishing for Educators @thinkaha http://bit.ly/18y7I5e #rapidpub

LIKE the Rapid Book Publishing course at http://bit.ly/18y7I5e #rapidpub @thinkaha

Mitchell Levy, leader in Thought Leadership and publishing, guides you toward your goal of writing a book http://bit.ly/18y7I5e #rapidpub

Rapid Book Publishing for Educators is coming soon http://twubs.com/rapidpub #rapidpub @thinkaha

Facebook/Google+:
Starting on November 18, the Open Doors Group is delivering a MOOC on Rapid Book Publishing for Educators. This is a great opportunity to learn about creating/using incremental content for your courses and potentially monetizing that years of hard work you’ve built into the material you’ve been using to teach. Join Mitchell Levy, a well known educator in the fields of Thought Leadership and publishing, as he guides you towards realizing your goal. #rapidpub or visit http://bit.ly/1cfGXL3.

Want to author your own book? Join Mitchell Levy, a leader in the field of Thought Leadership and publishing. Learn how to realize your goal of publishing a book based on expertise and knowledge of your field. This MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) is specifically designed for educators and professionals. For information search Twitter for #rapidpub or visit http://bit.ly/1cfGXL3.

Capture a lifetime of achievement and professional experience in your own book. A book is sure to be an aid in advancing your career within your academic and professional circle. The MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) is taught by Mitchell Levy, a well known publisher and expert on Thought Leadership. http://twubs.com/rapidpub #rapidpub

LIKE the Rapid Book Publishing course at http://bit.ly/1cfGXL3 #rapidpub