I have this problem with people coining themselves as social media experts. Why? Because the technology is young, ever-evolving and there are infinite possibilities in utilizing the medium that have yet to be discovered. How could somebody possibly be an expert when there is a vast amount of uncharted territory and so much that has yet to be discovered?
Okay, I get it. People are branding themselves as “social media experts” left and right because they discovered an opportunity in the knowledge they’ve acquired, simply by using the tools more than the general population. And since the general population is curious about social media, but either afraid of or too busy for it, the few who use it frequently can call themselves “the experts.”
Hell, I’ve even been perceived as an expert by my clients, simply because I am able to present the opportunity social media offers brands. Yes, I would agree that I have educated myself on the subject of social media by doing, using and reading much of what I can get my hands on, but I’m no where near an “expert.” There is so much more to know.
I could not have said it better than Michael J. Goldrich, Director, Global Web Services and E-Commerce with Dolce Hotels and Resorts, who stated “This industry is so new I am puzzled by how someone can say they are a social media expert.” Golrich continued on to say, “The one that is an expert is the marketer in the company that has found success by trial and error.” (link to article: http://ow.ly/jxZV)
While I agree that the best way to gain an understanding of social media’s capabilities is by doing, I disagree that trial and error makes you an expert. I believe those who are actively testing out social media can call themselves”educated,” but not “experts.”
What do you think?
