As those reading in the Steamfeed.com arena are aware, the starting point for SteamFeed was fed by a growing need to separate the self proclaimed “gurus”, “experts”, and bot companies promising outlandish results in just 7 minutes a day, from those that are actually doing the job in the trenches day in and day out. We understand that snake oil salesmen will be everywhere there is a place to make a quick dishonest buck. We have blogged about it, chatted about it and posted about it. However it dawned on me recently that I have not yet seen a post addressing the day in and day out “regimen” that social requires to be successful. Of course we all know it is all glamour, jetting from one engagement to the next, blogs, posts, strategies all just roll off the tongue and life is wonderful…NOT!!
Lets take a look at some of the activities that are shared whether a seasoned social media professional, or brand new to the profession.
Read, Read, and then read some more.
One of the most important exercises that a social media professional must be doing, is reading any and as many as possible, blogs, articles, books, whitepapers, etc. Any content that
English: Graph of social media activities (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
is relevant to what and how you do what you do on a daily basis. This does not mean just social media content, but includes all the peripheral responsibilities that come along with the position. Remember you are most likely going to be called upon to meet a “jack of all trades” job description. Photography, video, blogging, strategy, curate and create content with trusted and as well as the latest apps, just to name a few. I block off time each and every day to make time to read, and then I grab any and all opportunities to read some more. A big part of your job is knowing where “things” are going, your clients are going to expect you to know all the latest and greatest in all area’s of “their” social space. At the least you need to have a well rounded background in all forms of communication surrounding social.
Know Your Social Media Weaknesses
This can be a tough one for many. Nobody likes to admit to weaknesses, but it is so important that you understand that failing to acknowledge weakness in a particular area can mean disaster to your overall effort. Again, remember you are going to be expected to know a lot about a lot…it makes sense that you are not going to perfect in all areas. As your business progresses be cognitive of what areas are a constant struggle. Chances are you struggle because you are behind in that particular area. The real important thing here is recognizing and addressing it. If you are weak in say invoicing, hire someone to do that. If your blogging skills are not where they should be just yet, hire someone to handle that until they are. Recognizing and addressing your area’s of weakness is in itself a strength, if that makes sense.
Listen to your inner voice
This particular one is also hard for beginners. But, really, the best advice I can offer….listen to yourself, and more importantly believe in yourself. Yeah it scares the heck out of you, that out on a limb feeling, you will be second guessing yourself of course, but stick with your gut reaction. I have found 9 out of 10 times my gut reaction was right on the money. The added effect here is validation, when you realize you were correct in your thinking, it builds your confidence and you find it easier and easier to believe in yourself. I would love for some of my colleagues to comment on this particular thought, have you found the same to be true?
Ask for HELP
I have found that the vast majority of professionals in the social space are great sharers. They are extremely knowledgeable in the area of being social after all. Utilize that character. Get yourself out there, join some Linked In groups, Twitter chats, Facebook discussions, anyplace that you can interact with others that are involved in the profession. Remember this is SOCIAL media, if you are apprehensive about meeting new people and engaging (being social) I would venture to say that maybe you picked the wrong career. Sorry if that is harsh, but it is a lot less harsh then the tongue lashing that your client that is paying to be social will deliver. Ha ha.
There is no “One way”, or “Magic Pill”
All those posts you read from social media managers and community builders talking about patience…yeah that’s all true. It takes time and lots and lots of effort. Lots of trial and error, very rarely does something work for all clients in the same way. Consistency is soooo important, if you don’t stick with it and are willing to try any and all outlets that might get that traction we crave, you are not gonna make it. Hard work combined with dogged consistency wins the day and the client. The positive from that is it always an exciting day, sometimes frustrating, but when it clicks and a strategy gets solid traction…that’s what I like to call AWESOMESAUCE….
@Gettysburggerry
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Great tips here, Gerry.
Making a living (or trying to ) in the social space is challenging because the technology is new and rapidly evolving. This brings us to your first point; constant research.
While essential to be familiar with the almost daily developments in platforms, this can be a minefield unless you're centred and "listen to your own voice."
Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for stopping by Ray. It is really coming at us fast these days. No let up sight…woot,woot.
What no "Magic Pill"? Good stuff here Gerry, the more you know…
Thx buddy, glad to see you in the thread….have an awesomesauce rest of the week.
You are spot on with the fact that a career in SMM involves constant learning. There is always something new you need to know how to (or if you should) implement.
Also – with the inner voice, I also think that voice can also save you from some major screw ups. Knowing the community (ies) you are working with, you get to know what is and is not acceptable.
Great post Gerry!
Thanks Carrie, I appreciate you stopping by, I know you have been very busy working with Santa's, Streamfeed Elves. As always, a pleasure to have you stop by…
I agree – Social media takes never ending learning, constant reading of what is happening in the social space, and consistency. It's not going to happen that we "go viral" 5 minutes after creating our first account.
One of my most important lessons was that trusting my gut was okay. I may not have been the most experienced at first, but if we know the basics of interacting with people and business principles, we know enough to trust what we know.
Great post, Gerry!
Great insight Gerry, but wait a minute I was hoping you could right me. Prescription for the magic pill! What to do, I guess I better go read…GoodJob!
Hey Randy, thanks for stopping, if you find that magic pill…give me a holler….
I can relate about how a big part of a smm job is knowing where “things” are going, and how your clients are going to expect you to know about all the latest and greatest in all area’s of “their” social space.
Part of building your value as a sm marketer is being able to recognize emerging trends and capitalizing on them. This can't be done without patience, practice, listening, and action.
Reading more + sharing more + connecting more + engaging more = learning more!
Thanks Jacob, it does seem a never ending process. However, it is pretty exciting finding new and emerging trends..Have a great week.
One thing I understand, long before social space was in place was/is research. Venturing into the client's world require research to know the language and culture, this giving each professional a greater understanding. That has not changed from real time work, to online work. No more trips to the library and pouring over journals. Technology will always be my nemesis and require more of me. It's real work and I love it. Elizabeth
Here, here…very well said Elizabeth. There is no easy way…
I am so glad that this article mentioned all the reading! I do that so much, I was beginning to think it was way over the edge! My job as a Director of Creative Marketing with the focus on Social Media is truly a joy — but WOW it’s a lot to keep up with all of the ever-evolving techniques and channels. Following your gut is a huge part, but only after all of that daily reading that can seem to never end. All good stuff!
Social media positions are becoming very popular at different companies. Newberry College just created a social media major to allow their students to learn everything they need to know about being a social media professional!