I guess I could start off by asking you “why do you hire someone to cut your grass or clean your house?” or “why do you pay someone to move your home or office?” .

Usually you will get 1 of 3 different answers:

1. I’m to busy and don’t have time
2. They have the expertise or equipment that I don’t have
3. I’m just lazy!

I’ve had the luxury of being a social media manager for a business to now owning my own business. I started my business managing my own social media, and had LOTS of time to perfect it! But as the business grew so did my TO DO list – accounting, hiring, customer service, networking, marketing, and oh yea Social Media. Your postings go from once a day to every other day to a couple times a month. Your office gets covered with sticky notes of great blog ideas!
Unfortunately – consistency is one of the most important factors of a successful social networking campaign (content being another). It doesn’t matter what your goal is for social networking you have to be consistent:
Visibility – if you aren’t consistent you aren’t visible.
Customer Service – If you aren’t monitoring everyday and responding then you aren’t providing customer service.
Branding – Well I believe you are getting the idea!!
It didn’t take me long to pay for my own services I offer other businesses – social media marketing!! Don’t let good intentions keep you from growing your community, enhancing your customer service, or building your brand.

I caution you on hiring a social media manager just because of your lack of expertise!! The experience a social media manager is a true asset, but your lack of knowledge can sometimes negate that asset. I don’t ever expect my clients to get on the same level as our consultants, but learning the basics gives them a better understanding of what to expect and helps us create the RIGHT campaign…..one that can deliver results. (When searching for a social media manager, ask them if they offer free tutorials to their customers).

And, well if your answer is #3 – I’m just lazy – and you weren’t to lazy to read this far into the blog, I suggest you find that passion that drove you to starting your own business in the first place. Because right now you probably aren’t a good candidate for a social media manager to deliver good results.

If you have any questions on how to find a good social media manager or how you can create a successful social networking campaign yourself, feel free to comment or email Networking WINS and ask us.