I’m T.L. Hines, founder of Social Media Scout, and I know there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals and companies out there billing themselves as “social media experts.”
I’m never going to call myself an “expert.” No one is in this Brave New World, because it’s simply changing and developing too quickly. Anyone who claims to be an expert, guru, or similar moniker is just trying to fool themselves.
Or you. Or both.
That said, I think the basics of social media are the basics of any successful enterprise: create a system, use it, refine it, and repeat. That’s what I’ve been doing for my own social media efforts since 2003. (Actually, since the late 1980s–I still fondly recall the “Missoula Area Conferencing System” I connected to via my Mac Classic while attending the University of Montana). And that’s what I promise to do for you.
So if you’re thinking of vaulting into the world of social media, here are five reasons to make Social Media Scout your spotter. Vaulting can be tricky, after all.
- A systematic framework for social media.
Social media can be something like a thousand rabbit trails, all crossing paths along the way. Suffice to say, it’s easy to wander down those rabbit trails without a sense of direction. That’s why I developed something I call Social GPS, a six-stage framework that helps you develop a social media game plan–as well as an ongoing plan for participation, followup and refinement. Most social media “experts” will tell you they can help you set up a Facebook page. Or start a Twitter account. Or create a blog. But they don’t tell you why you should do those things (and not everyone should), or how to keep them going. I’ll always present a case that answers your who, what, where, when and why questions. And month to month, I’ll continue to scour the social mediasphere for mentions of you, your products, and your competitors. Bottom line: you make connections–the absolute Golden Rule of social media. - A limited client base.
By design, I’m only creating slots for about 10 ongoing social media scout clients. I won’t accept more than that. Why? First, my “day job” is writing novels–something I continue to love and do. As such, I need to leave time for writing, editing, story development…and social media efforts on my own behalf. Second, it matches the spirit of social media. I don’t want to make this venture a giant mill, churning through a larger and larger client list; I want to build a community of clients who are committed to establishing dialogues within their circles of influence. - A background in marketing and communication.
Before founding Social Media Scout (and before my career as a novelist), I was an advertising agency Creative Director/Owner for several years. During that time, I worked with companies–small and large–creating plans to market brands locally, regionally, and nationally. As such, I understand the ongoing realities and challenges of marketing. I’m not the young kid sitting at his computer, cranking out code and telling you I’ll like, totally rock a Facebook page for you, dawg. Instead, I’ll bring both business owner and marketing perspectives to your social media efforts. - A willingness to ask “what if.”
As I said, I’m not just going to lead you through the technical gee-gaws and call it good. I go beyond the immediate technical needs to address long-term planning, and I’ll always come to you with “what if” scenarios that expand your opportunities. What if you develop partnerships with like-minded companies? What if you create custom merchandise with your logo and sell if through your web site? What if you re-package your existing knowledge as training videos or seminars? I’ll keep asking you those kinds of questions as I explore possibilities with you. (In fact, here’s a list of services.) - A full-time social media person, without the full-time cost.
The burgeoning world of social media is spawning turmoil at large companies. Indeed, many are calling for full-time executive level positions such as “Chief Community Officer” or “Social Media Manager.” I agree: social media is a full-time task. I think of it as my primary “job,” even though I write novels; social media is how I connect with existing (and hopefully new) readers. Without any readers, after all, there’s not much point in writing books. That said, I don’t think every company who needs social media services can create a full-time position. I offer an alternative that lets you get your feet wet, as the old cliché goes.
To find out more, contact me or click on the Start page.
