After being in the social media space since the beginning from guiding startups to Fortune 500s along with building social media AI technologies, one question that always comes up is: What are the best social media companies in the world? And this is truly a loaded question, so I thought I’d shed more light on it.

First and foremost, are we talking about social media companies themselves like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and the rest of the usual suspects or third party companies that operate in the social media space like consultants, social media agencies, etc.? Chances are you’re thinking about the latter.

Secondly, while writing this post I’m watching the 2021 Tokyo Olympics in the background and it reminded me of one thing: These athletes devote their lives to a sport they love and do everything they can to be the best at one thing. Then strive to win at all costs.

This ties back to the core point I’m trying to make: What really makes someone or a company the best at something? It’s ultimately having a clear focus/vision then executing on goals — truly becoming a force to be reckoned with.

In the world of social media many of these core principles are lost and companies need to take a step back, think through the challenges they’re facing then bring in the A-Team whether it’s someone specialized in XYZ for a Fortune 500 company or an outside firm with specific capabilities. Nowadays the “Renaissance Man” approach just doesn’t fly.

The moral of the story is that the best of anything in life comes down to those that have the passion and devote the time and energy to win. And the best social media companies in the world will be those that see the forest before the trees via their talent.