I remember seeing a post on Facebook with a message along the lines of, "Whoever calls themselves a social media expert is a liar." I mean, who could blame this person? The idea of people who pride themselves in their expertise in social networking sites seems ludicrous. The idea of people who completely understand the vast and ever-changing systems of social networks is even more ridiculous. More importantly, what better example of a modern-day career is there besides "social media experts?" I mean, what would Don Draper think of social media experts? What would Gandhi have done if he had a Twitter?
"An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind. @AllOfIndia #Peace #Truth"
I will shamelessly admit that I have applied to countless companies for positions as a "social media intern, "social media guru," etc. Not because I consider myself as anything close to an expert at social networking nor do I aspire to be the world's greatest social media expert. But it is an internship that I'm highly interested in because I'm interested in pursuing a career in public relations and/or advertising. It's also happens to be a very common job currently on the rise. Because whether or not you believe in a "social media expert," the bottom line is: companies need to be on social networking sites and SOMEONE has to be in charge of it. But why?
Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Youtube and other social networking sites are all FREE. Why pay $80,000 dollars for a 30 second commercial when you can market your brand through Youtube for free? Companies that rack up hundreds of thousands of followers can send out upcoming sales information and new products with a click of a button. Social networking sites also provide fast and direct communication with customers. And in Taco Bell's case, being sassy = viral attention.
At the end of the day, you might not believe in social media experts and how they earn their livings, but you can't deny that they play a major role in making the business world go round. Social media is power.
