theCLog

The best way to learn about social media is to dive in. It’s not brain surgery. For most people and small businesses, lessons aren’t required.

With social media becoming as buzz-worthy as “green,” consultants and self-professed experts are popping up all over Charlotte to help clients demystify Twitter, Facebook and other social media tools.

Corey Creed, president of Hippo Internet Marketing Training, is an active member of Charlotte’s social media scene. He estimates that of all the people offering social media consulting services, about two-thirds are legitimate.

“Just being good at using social media is different than teaching a business how to use it,” Creed said. “You don’t hire someone that just uses it.”

Jim Mitchem of Smash Communications agreed, saying a real “expert” is rare.

“I often say that if you can articulate the commercial applicability of social media to people who want to invest marketing money into the medium, then you’re an expert,” Mitchem said. “I’ve seen few people who can do this.”

…

Creed, on the other hand, said a consultant doesn’t need extensive training to advise very small businesses. He believes a few weekend seminars — a service he himself provides — and heavy experimentation can teach them what they need to know.

“There’s a deeper level for big business, but for a chiropractor in Rock Hill or a dentist in Concord, it’s not that hard,” Creed said. “I think people spend too much time reading about this stuff and not enough time doing it.”

Read the rest of this The Mecklenburg Times post here.

Bookmark It

Posted in Biz, News | Leave a comment