Characteristics of a true social media strategist
Everyone and their dog, or at least the ones who have an interest in and are active in social media, claims to be a social media strategist. I’ve touched on this in the past, but something that Tamar posted recently got me thinking about it again.
Tamar asked several of the more influential people in the social media sphere what they thought the characteristics of a good social media strategist were. Chris Brogan, said “I think the term “social media marketer” might just be a temporary thing, because it’s like saying “email marketer.” I believe the people who use social media tools as a part of their marketing strategy should understand the following:
- relationships over shotguns. — marketing in online communities is a slower, more matching-based approach, where you think hard about whether the person you’re connecting with is the idea recipient of the information you have to share. It takes more time, but sticks much better.
- party hats not bullhorns. - social software and the communities it empowers are for contributing, not pushing. Share something at the party; don’t just barge in to give your messages.
- it’s not always about you. - sometimes, other people’s products are better. In this world we’re developing, we say that outright. We don’t obfuscate or dance around. We just say it when we think someone’s done it better.
People using these tools have to “be human” well, and by that, I mean realizing that all life isn’t based on marketing directives. Instead, it’s about contributing, bringing something to the picnic, and doing what Radian6 Marcel LeBrun calls “listening at the point of need.” That means, knowing when to promote your idea, product, or service.”
First off, Chris is totally right on this. Hit the nail on the head. He’s one of the guys I look to when I’m looking for information.
Second, I want to add to this slightly and say that just because you know how to do something doesn’t mean you should. For example, I just put a 
proposal together for a local business, and when I was brainstorming the tactics, I had added podcasting to the list. After sitting down and really thinking about the brand I was sending the proposal to and what the goals of their social media strategy was, I realized podcasting really wasn’t right for them. It’s a very minor example, but an example nonetheless.
Just because someone knows how to use social media tactics doesn’t make them social media strategists. Strategy comes from a larger, more considered place.
Before you hire the next guy that comes along and tells you he’s a brilliant social media strategist, take into consideration the things that Chris said above and ask some pointed questions about the strategic ability of the people pitching you to do your social media strategy.
( podcasting image: John Biehler used under a Creative Commons License)
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Strategy, Tactics, Tools, Using New Marketing
1 opinion for Characteristics of a true social media strategist
Power outage delayed post « PR Research
Jul 16, 2008 at 4:04 pm
[…] Mashable has 5 Steps on How to Develop a Social Media plan. Plus, you will also need to measure your social media. Then you will become a Social Media Strategist. […]
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: