Experts and Gurus Aren’t Necessarily the Best Social Media Teachers

The People to People Connection

Social media attracts literate, intelligent, curious people — people who like to explore new ideas. Though some brand themselves as experts or gurus. In a industry barely defined, we’re all Social Media Explorers still learning the whys, hows, and ROIs. Folks new to the territory might find that the traits of the most qualified teachers aren’t what they would be in an older, more concrete type of enterprise.

Here’s what to look for in a social media teacher or guide.

• Count Internet years. 3 years experience is entry level in the concrete world. It can be extensive experience within Internet time.
• Check for depth. A deep understanding will show itself in the ways a person can describe the culture of the Internet, how it shifts, and how the values of social media worth within and against the values of ecommerce. Look for understanding how how social media as a piece of a comprehensive marketing / customer plan.
• Check for skill set. Even though the teacher may not be the person who’ll be executing the plan, he or she should be well versed in using the tools.
• Check the breadth, particularly the individual’s networks. Social media is business based in influence, relationships, and connections. Discuss how the networks match up to your business and its goals.
• Get the facts. Ask for cases and social media initiatives this person actively led.

The field, the metrics, and the best practices are still forming. Some folks have worked with the tools, but never applied them in actual P&L situations. Some have studied the theory. Some have built a narrow niche of expertise. While others understand how to move people all over the web, but can’t articulate it yet.

Many great minds and great practitioners are available to help. Know your goals and listen actively, the best match won’t be hard to find.

Let me know if I can help.

Liz Strauss

Want an hour of Liz’s personal consulting time? See the About Liz page.

Liz Strauss

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