The Zen of Social Media Marketing (Book Review)
25. May, 2010 
35 Comments
So I just got done reading an amazing book. The Zen of Social Media Marketing: An Easier Way to Build Credibility, Generate Buzz, and Increase Revenue by Shama Hyder Kabani. Now I was anxiously awaiting the release of this book for quite a while now since I came across Shama in Business Week’s Top 25 Entrepreneurs Under 25.
Shama is the president of The Marketing Zen Group and from the get go I was extremely enthralled by her story and was immediately drawn to her love of Social Media and the power of Social Media in the future of business on a whole. After being rejected by corporate America, she saw through the corporate fears that social media marketing was just a ‘fad’ that would go away in no time. I think we all know that that’s certainly not the case.
She is a wonderful example of an entrepreneur for all of us. Taking a “No” and turning it into a “New Opportunity” and building her vision into a fruitful business while branding herself into a got to person for Social Media. She herself is an interesting individual with a self proclaimed “Book a Day” reading habit. I don’t know about you but that’s pretty interesting in my book.
The Zen of Social Media Marketing is Shama’s first book and it is a fine one at that. She brands the book as the last Social Media guide that you will ever need and truly delivers on that promise as you are able to find the book itself online at www.zenofsocialmedia.com where you enter the code you receive after purchasing the book and you have instant access to a piece of literature that will be updated as the Social Media climate changes and new tactics come into play. This alone is priceless.
The book itself offers great content and covers everything from Online Marketing Basics, Blogs, SEO, Facebook, Twitter, Video Marketing. It turns out to be a perfect guide to taking the leap into marketing online. The tactics provided will be useful to those just starting out as well as to more seasoned marketers.
One of the most powerful Chapters in the book is probably the one on video, where Shama (despite having her own video blog at www.shama.tv) hands the reigns to Dave Kaminski of Web Video University, she clearly believes that Dave will provide more value to her readers being the expert and he surely delivers. He covers in great detail the use of video and offers up some great pointers that we can all learn from.
All in all the book is an easy read, is affordable (Amazon has it cheapest), and offers up great value given the fact that you will have access to an updated version online on a continuous basis.
This one comes highly recommended.
FYI…you can follow Shama on Twitter at @shama
If you find this info Valuable be sure to SHARE with others. Leave me a comment below and let me know what you think of the book 
Hey Brian!
This book seems to have many of the qualities and interests that I look for in a book! I love seeing other successful young women (like myself
) rock it out in the business world!
Will definitely look into getting myself a copy!
Have an awesome week!
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..The “Magic Mix” To Making A Great First Impression On Your Blog =-.
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 25th, 2010 at 9:19 PM
Hey Amanda, most definitely. She is an awesome role model and the book rocks as well. Be sure to follow her on Twitter as well.
Hope you have a great one as well
-BT
Hey Brian,
This sounds like a MUST READ! I’d love to be a “book a day” person as Shama is but that would mean giving up sleep all together, considering my schedule… ha ha. Thanks for a top class review.
~Marcus
.-= Marcus Baker´s last blog ..Facebook Advertising On The Internet – Should You Bother? =-.
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 26th, 2010 at 12:13 AM
Marcus, that makes two of us my friend. Not sure how much sleep I’d be able to get. It sure would feel good though.
Thanks for stopping by bud.
-BT
Thanks Brian,
I’m diffidently going to get this book. I love the title… The Zen of Social Media Marketing.
I’m really glad I dropped by,
Coach Freddie
.-= Coach Freddie´s last blog ..A Little About Coach Freddie =-.
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 26th, 2010 at 12:14 AM
Hey Freddie, good stuff my friend. It is some great content. Happy you stopped by as well.
-BT
I can’t wait to read!!! She is pretty awesome!!!!!
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 26th, 2010 at 12:15 AM
Hey Maja, she is a phenomenal woman. Definitely a role model for you women and young entrepreneurs alike.
-BT
Hi Brian,
awesome book review. I ordered it immediately. Thanks for sharing.
Take care
Oliver
.-= Oliver Tausend´s last blog ..Financial Intelligence in MLM Network Marketing XI – Delayed Gratification =-.
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 26th, 2010 at 10:30 PM
Hi Oliver, glad you liked it. Let me know how you enjoy the reading
~BT
Thanks for the post Brian! I bet this book is great because social media is the future to building networking/ home business. There is a good reason why Facebook is getting close to out doing Google.
-Reggie Barnett
.-= Reggie Barnett´s last blog ..How to get 400 visitors with 15 minutes of marketing =-.
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 12:39 AM
Reggie, Social Media certainly is the way forward in home business. So everyone better be willing to share and build relationships.
Thanks for stopping by my friend.
~BT
Shama seems to be a very interesting woman and I’m sure her book is packed with useful information and values. Need to check it out! Thanks for sharing!
.-= Young And Fabulous´s last blog ..Living Longer And Healthier All Starts In Your Head =-.
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 26th, 2010 at 10:32 PM
Hey Cherrie, she sure is an interesting woman. Check it out and let me know how you like it.
~BT
Brian
Thank you for the book review. There are just too many books out there on Social Media and prefer reading a blog review prior to purchasing a book. Enjoy books that are easy to read, comprehend that provides useful information.
.-= Jane´s last blog ..3 Benefits of Attending Conferences/Social Networking Events, Day 1 =-.
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 26th, 2010 at 10:32 PM
Hey Jane, I think this one will be perfect then. It is very insightful and definitely an easy read. Good stuff.
Thanks for stopping by.
~BT
That sounds like a great read, I’ll definitely have to check it out! I had seen one of Shama’s videos and she’s very compelling. I’m sure the book is amazing, thanks for the review!
Wishing You Every Success!
Vicki
.-= Vicki Berry´s last blog ..Three Keys to Improving Your SEO =-.
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 26th, 2010 at 10:33 PM
Vicki, she is definitely great to watch on her shows. She knows her stuff and is an absolute sweetheart.
~BT
Hi Brian,
Great review and thanks for putting it out there and bringing it to our attention. The title alone has me intrigued and anxious to get a copy of it myself.
I’m all about incorporating zen and a whole holistic approach into the context of business. There is a whole new mindset out there. A more personal style of doing business is becoming more powerful today and social media is definitely the way to achieve that. All I know is I definitely need to know more about it…stay on my game, if you will.
Glad I clicked on your review.
Gina
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 26th, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Hey Gina, happy you stopped by. The title is one of the things that caught my attention when I first read about Shama’s company (Zen Marketing Group) and then about her upcoming book. It just seemed like a perfect combination. Zen like marketing if you would…gotta love it.
Thanks for stopping by.
~BT
This post came at the perfect time…I literally had Amazon up and was browsing for another great social media book to read. I’ll be scooping this one now!
Thank you for the insights.
Cheers,
Nick
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 26th, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Haha…Nick I guess it was meant to be then my friend. I hope that it provides you great value. Do let me know how you liked it.
~BT
Brian! You totally encouraged me to get this book now! I can’t wait!
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 27th, 2010 at 1:29 AM
Awesome
Hit me up and let me know how you like it.
~BT
Hey Brian,
Thank you so much for your kind review. As an author, I can tell you that it is a very challenging process to put a book out there and wait for people to respond. When esteemed bloggers like you appreciate the book, it really makes my day.
I am really grateful for the overwhelmingly positive response the book has received.
Thank you once again.
.-= Shama´s last blog ..Facebook Update: Privacy Issues, Landing Pages, and More =-.
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 27th, 2010 at 9:15 PM
Hey Shama, it’s a pleasure to have you stop by. You’ve done an awesome job getting your book out there and it truly provides an unbelievable amount of VALUE to your readers.
Keep up the great work and keep the positive vibes going. Here’s looking towards your next book
Talk to you soon.
~BT
Hey Brian, you have me intrigued now I am going to out get me a copy of this book now! I’ll let you know what I think after reading it
Thanks for sharing!!
cheers
Nat
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 27th, 2010 at 9:16 PM
Hey Nat, hope you enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by and I’ll be waiting for your feedback
~BT
Hi Brian,
I definitely will order the book based on your review… sounds like a gold mine of valuable information. Years ago I read “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” by Robert Pirsig which was a wonderful introduction to the world of Zen.
All the Best,
Phil
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 27th, 2010 at 9:17 PM
Hey Phil, happy you stopped by. It is some wonderful content. I hope it gives you the same feeling as your first “Zen” book.
Cheers,
~BT
Brian,
Outstanding review and starting with the name The Zen of Social Media Marketing totally had me intrigued. I see a massive trend of a more holistic and spiritually aware approach to business and the way we connect and communicate.
I have been following Mari Smith and I know she has a new book on FB and I’m sure I’ll pick it up as well however this book and just as importantly the author Shama Kabani and her story.
It is important that the feminine energy play a bigger role in the world and just in time women are showing up.
Thank you,
Faith
.-= Faith Barnard´s last blog ..Net Neutrality Means Keeping the Internet Free for Everyone =-.
Brian Tomlinson Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 12:38 AM
Hey Faith, I’m totally with you on that.
Mari Smith is huge in Social Media right now as well. Anything she puts out will surely have some great value for all of us to learn from.
Fully agree that it is a joy to see these strong women ruling the Social Media landscape. Much like our very own Katie Freiling.
Talk to you soon and thanks again for stopping by.
~BT