Small Business | Forum « Best way to become a Social Media Specialist

Best way to become a Social Media Specialist (9 posts)

Topic tags: Social Media for Small Business, Social Media Specialist, Social Media Strategist

Madeline Vazquez said
9 months, 2 weeks ago:
I just love Social Media and want to pursue something in that area or at least become better at applying it for use in my direct sales business. Can anyone suggest how to become a strategist/specialist or get the appropriate (credible) training without having to spend a ton of money?
@mchillemi | # | Top
Brian Mulawka said
9 months, 2 weeks ago:
I would suggest getting started with the piles of excellent articles on sites like this. Free social media webinars are pretty easy to find as well – Social Media Examiners has some excellent ones, as do BlogSpot and Hubspot. When you are ready to start building your resume, focus on education from established companies like the summits offered by SME or even some of the (sometimes very expensive) online courses and seminars from Ragan.
And best of luck for sure!!
@brianmulawka | # | Top
Mac said
9 months, 2 weeks ago:
if you are not in the field, a copywriting course that targets the online markets can be very helpful. learning how to write for an online audience is a great starting point.
@richardmclaughlin | # | Top
Madeline Vazquez said
9 months, 2 weeks ago:
@richardmclaughlin @brianmulawka Thanks so much for your feedback. I will have a look into your recommendations.
@mchillemi | # | Top
Rich Brooks said
9 months, 2 weeks ago:
@mchillemi
I’m a big fan of SME’s different Success Summits. It was actually how I got involved with SME in the first place, and have been amazed at the great amount of information delivered there.
I have also enjoyed the Blogworlds I’ve attended over the years (now New Media Expo.)
A lot of what you can do is take what the “experts” say and then put it to use, seeing what actually sticks. Although there are definitely best practices in social media, depending on your industry, your mileage may vary.
@rich-brooks | # | Top
Russell Allert said
9 months, 2 weeks ago:
@mchillemi Hi Madeline
Read a lot. Find the best blogs out there and read everything you can. Set up an RSS feed (I would recommend Google Reader).
Then start playing around with the social networks. Get a feel for them and start using them a lot. Keep up to date with social media news and updates as well (again, more reading),
Start a blog, about anything, and start writing – a lot.
Then when you think you know a lot about everything in theory, start in practice. Start with your own stuff – maybe start a blog and Facebook page and test out those theories. Do this for months. With the major networks.
Then, when you feel more knowledgeable and confident, ask around to see if anyone wants some help for free (small charities) and run their social media for them. Meanwhile start helping people on Twitter/forums with small issues and start talking & asking questions in blogs and forums (like this one).
Once you have built up experience and reputation, then you can think about a business. Then, and only then, start charging people for your services.
Russ
@russellallert | # | Top
Madeline Vazquez said
9 months, 2 weeks ago:
This is exactly the right feedback I was looking for. Thank you @rich-brooks and @russellallert.
@mchillemi | # | Top
Russell Allert said
9 months, 2 weeks ago:
@mchillemi No problems, Madeline. If you have any questions, I am happy to help.
Russ
@russellallert | # | Top
Laura Christianson, Blogging Bistro said
9 months, 1 week ago:
After you’ve done massive amounts of reading, which the guys above suggested (and I assume you’re already actively using social tools, which is a must for anyone who hopes to be a social media specialist), volunteer to teach workshops for local civic groups, the community college’s continuing ed program, conferences, etc.
Of course, you need to feel comfortable teaching in order to do this, but teaching about a topic is the absolute best way to learn it inside and out.
@laurachristianson | # | Top