The major difference between a social media user and professional is just 4 tweets!

OK, maybe it is a bit more than just 4 tweets on Twitter.

I have discussed on my blog many times in the past about the “so-called” Social Media professional phenomena that is emerging today.  Everywhere you turn there seems to be a few hundred “social media professionals” coming out of the woodwork here in Calgary.  Are you concerned as a business owner which one you should turn to for advice on how to implement this as a strategy for your business?  Or should you?

I had a friend in my office and we joked about what makes a social media professional?  We concluded that the “so-called” professionals achieve their qualification simply by sending out their mandatory four tweets.

Does your Calgary business really need someone like this?

This is a great question.

Does your business really need a social media specialist?  I would say NO, if that is all they are doing for you.  But you need more, what about your strategy?

When it comes to “so-called” professionals, you know the people who are out there.  The ones who say you have to be on Twitter!  Your business needs a Facebook page!  Just get a LinkedIn profile and you will fine.  What is the substance behind the reasoning is often something I think about.  Why? How? When? Where?

• Does social media play into your public relations strategy?
• How about your marketing and sales plan?
• What happens if you get a negative review on Yelp, how do you respond?

I received an email from one of these “so-called” Social Media experts in Calgary last week and I almost hurt myself when I read the reason why this person got into social media. It was hilarious.  I mean not for the business owner in Calgary who is concerned about the success of their business, but the overall trend that is happening in the industry today.  This person claims to have sold promotional materials for a number of years but now wants to get into to helping business with social media.

Here is the reality about Social Media in Calgary from the way I see it.

Social Media is simply a spoke in your overall marketing and corporate communications strategy.  That is it, maybe some will say a cornerstone…I will buy that one as well.

On its own, Social Media doesn’t have a leg to stand on.  But when it is combined with effective marketing and sales planning, corporate communication tactics and your staff are actually meeting the needs of your clients it can be a wonderful part of your overall business strategy.

Maybe, just maybe it is more than just 4 tweets to being a professional.  I may take someone who has business success.