January 18, 2010

I am Not a Social Media Guru

There has been a lot of talk recently about snake oil salespeople and so-called social media gurus.  Michael Bourne calls them out over Bourne Social and BL Ochman provides some simple guidelines to make sure you aren’t being snuckered by some flight-by-night “consultant.”  You know who they are talking about, I’m sure they are following you on Twitter with all kinds of Top 10 Tips on getting Twitter Followers and all the rest.  But when I read these posts I get concerned that other “consultants” (like me) would get lumped in with the rest.  

So let me make it clear.  I am not a social media guru.  I am a marketing consultant.  Social media is one tool in my toolbox.  And it is a tool I feel pretty comfortable using and recommending in the appropriate context to achieve your broader marketing goals.  And I should.  I am not someone who throws up a blog or a Facebook page and hangs out a shingle.  Yes, this blog did just launch recently but I used to have a personal blog and have been writing guest posts and posts for clients for years.  I’ve been active on Twitter since 2007.  I browse over 200 tech and marketing blogs a day to stay current.  I try all the latest tools.  I spend at least 5 hours a week listening to podcasts from thought leaders (more on my favorites later.)  I judiciously implement social marketing programs for clients, train clients on how to use the tools in their business, and integrate social media into broader PR and marketing programs.  

And these programs show results.  For one client, user acquisition has more than doubled since implementing my social media recommendations.  Is that all me? No, it takes a great product and an integrated campaign, but facilitating WOM and building a community are important to this brand.  For other clients, their presence and engagement on Twitter has brought new business leads, PR opportunities, podcast interviews, and have proven invaluable to their success.  Can I always talk about the programs or provide hard-core ROI, no, not always, but I can promise the advice I provide will not be snake oil.

By the way, for those of your looking to hire a social media consultant, check out this Social Media RFP (Request for Proposal) Template courtesy of Maggie Fox at Social Media Group.  I’d be happy to fill it out for you.