Several times I’ve done some incredibly boneheaded things on this blog, in my podcast and on Twitter. People pointed it out in many ways: some nasty, some as instructive for others, and some feeling pity that I wasn’t educated properly.

Good luck with your Guide and on getting it into the hands of those who need it the most.

You are spot on in that I should have taken a moment to tell you the story. Instead I chose to send you the generic press release.

So here it is. I wrote the Community Banker’s Guide to Social Network Marketing for a few reasons: first, the train my staff and educate my board on the project upon which we were about to embark; second, to share what I feel turned out to be a valuable tool for community bankers in battling and keeping on a level playing field with larger institutions; and, third to keep my writing chops and professional reputation up to date.

You are correct in your assessment about my use of a PR firm to circulate the message. I am a fully employed banker. As such, I am short on time in getting the message across and relied on the generic PR. Having said that, I am sure you would agree that the ebook has value.

Regardless, your post nailed it and exposed a crucial flaw. I compare it to job seekers’ resumes I receive on an ongoing basis. They should be as personalized as possible. Tough way to get taught a lesson.

Thanks so much for calling me on it. It definitely has been a way to improve myself going forward and a good way to learn for your readers.

Regards,

Jesse Torres