@markritter

There’s a bunch out there, for sure. Social Media Examiner has an event in February called Small Biz Success Summit (aff) and there stuff is always great. The only downside is you’ll have to listen to me, because I’m one of the presenters.)

I don’t believe there is any value in getting certified unless you are attempting to get a job as a social media manager and they’re looking for some sort of certification.

Personally, as an owner, I wouldn’t give any weight to a SM certification. What I would give weight to is your Twitter account, LinkedIn account, blog, etc.

Notice that I didn’t say how many fans, followers, subscribers, etc. you have. That’s important, but it’s easy to get any of those. I’d look for true skills, not just numbers that can be bumped up via Fiverr.com.

Of course, I may be in the minority here.

Anyone else have a thought on this?

I agree with Mark. I have hired people with internet marketing certifications only to find that they went through the motions, but didn’t really use, understand or care about the stuff.

Social media is all about experience. Do they know what to share? How to share it? Are they effective communicators that can craft a good message and find a hook to have fun with it? I think it also helps to have strategic thinkers who see the overall picture and not just day to day mechanics.