Beyond the Hashtags: Redefining the Social Media Professional
When evaluating new talent in the marketplace, I seek individuals with untapped potential, often unknown to them. I look for a strong communicator, thoughtful answers (with examples) and people who are motivated to be the best they can be. I like talent who can move the needle, bring solutions to the table and generate new ideas. I also like to look for individuals with a secret weapon. I’ve hired marketing professionals at heart who are also writers, photographers, videographers, designers, trend spotters, story tellers or analysts. These secret weapons are the skillsets which make a strong social media professional and I look for he/she/they/them to help fill these roles.
To identify candidates, it is crucial to value the intricate landscape they navigate. This includes staying attentive to digital trends, mastering digital pattern recognition, and adapting to evolving algorithms. Social media professionals shoulder the responsibility of consistently delivering a brand promise amidst the potential misinterpretation of individual posts. The relentless demand for continuous content creation, regardless of holidays or personal time, heightens the risk of professional burnout and mental health. In the pursuit of developing a brand's reputation, these professionals must recognize and navigate the multifaceted complexities that define communication roles, shaping our world from traditional communication to modern brand-consumer relationships.
Understanding the stigma surrounding social media in business is crucial. Having been the "social media girl" for many years, one might assume it involves merely taking a picture, crafting a caption, and posting. How challenging could it be? However, when a consumer brings your product home, it transforms into a form of identification, carrying with it the relationship with the brand chosen to be part of their online community. It is essential to maintain consistent consumer expectations, aligning the quality of the product with the caliber of their online relationships.
Let’s continue to champion the upcoming generation of marketing professionals, guiding them from social media enthusiasts to marketing leaders. Such mentorship not only enhances your brand but also serves as an investment when you appoint your next strategic asset. By doing so, you contribute to driving value for your consumers, modernizing the customer experience, and fostering a complete and enduring relationship.
Photo Credits: https://www.labmpls.com/digital-downloads