Education
For those with their formal school years already behind them,
social media education is coming in the form of on-the-job
training programs. “Companies are beginning to acknowledge
social media literacy as a critical job skill,” says Uganec. “We’re
seeing a steady increase in on-the-job social media training and
education offerings as a result.”
In fact, Altimeter reports that 50 percent of companies
surveyed are planning on providing an internal social education
program for their employees. The same report notes that
spending on corporate training has risen to $70 billion for U.S.
businesses.
“Not only does social media education help employees cope
with changes in their industry, it can benefit the business
overall,” Uganec explains. “Employee advocacy and engagement
both increase within properly educated workforces, and
education plays a big part in reducing the likelihood of a social
media gaffe that turns into a nightmare for your PR department.”
You can use courses,
webinars and more
to better understand
social media
4) Meetups
Embrace your locale and search out social media marketing
meetups happening nearby. Meetup is a fantastic resource
for keeping up to date with the social media meetings that are
happening in and around your city. As of right now, there are over
a million active members interested in Social Media Marketing
meetups.
5) Join An Online Group
What better way to brush up on your social media skills
than social media? LinkedIn Groups is a watering hole for
like-minded professionals looking to join forces. Share ideas,
circulate relevant articles and news in the industry, and chat
with individuals interested in the same cause. You’ll find groups
like Social Media Marketing--the largest and most active social
media marketing group on LinkedIn.
Closing The Gap Once And For All
With new technologies come new opportunities, new trends,
and new efficiencies-but also new challenges.
As the workplace becomes more and more influenced by
social media, it’s important that we-as students, job seekers,
employees, and business owners-stay fluent and up to date.
TOOLS TO BRIDGE THE SKILLS GAP
1) Free Online Courses
Hootsuite Academy offers free courses that can help you
develop fundamental social marketing skills. You can also
choose to showcase those skills to employers or clients through
industry-recognized Hootsuite certifications. For those who
aren’t blessed with the gift of time, it’s an awesome way to get
trained and certified without having to step foot in a school.
2) Online Webinars
Social Media Today offers a series of webinars and podcasts
that are released almost monthly. Webinars are a great source
for accessing keynote speakers, thought leaders and important
roundtables. Grab your computer, turn up the volume and get
in the zone for an informative session. We offer regular free
webinars and ebooks at Likeable Local as well.
3) Conferences
Dave Kerpen
Keep your eyes peeled for conferences happening in your
neighborhood. Plenty of universities and organizations host
social media and tech conferences all the time. Grab a seat and
listen to what some of the pros in the industry are buzzing about.
You’ll find a list of conferences happening in major cities on sites
like Social Media Examiner.
Dave Kerpen is the CEO of Likeable Local. He is also the co-founder
and chairman of Likeable Media and the New York Times best-
selling author of Likeable Social Media and Likeable Business.
DaveKerpen.com
23
23