We are living in a world today where everything is driven by social media and because of that it seems as if everyone is a social media expert, but what makes a true “expert” and how do you find one that can effectively guide you in the right direction? We’re going to touch on that in this post.
Whether your business is looking to launch new social media initiatives or revamp existing efforts, bringing the right ammo to the table is critical for success. And when searching for social media consulting/guidance the old saying holds true: “Don’t tell me what you’re going to do, show me what you’ve done.” Essentially, look into a consultant or company’s past — what they have accomplished — as one key deciding factor.
Another trait to look for is how a social media expert is viewed by their peers along with others in the industry (news outlets, etc.) which is a good indicator of their expertise and influence. Everyone can read articles or watch YouTube videos on social media marketing, but only a handful are true thought leaders and therefore recognized for such. You want A players on your team.
Domain expertise also plays an important role because of how social media is segmented into a wide variety of digital worlds where foodies flock together, gamers unite and the list goes on. You need someone who’s an expert in social media as it applies to the particular product or service you are selling.
The moral of the story is to take things in steps, do your research and ultimately know that the force is with you.