You can use courses , webinars and more to better understand social media
You can use courses , webinars and more to better understand social media
Education4 )
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 .”
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 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 .
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 .
Dave Kerpen
Dave Kerpen is the CEO of Likeable Local . He is also the co-founder and chairman of Likeable Media and the New York Times bestselling author of Likeable Social Media and Likeable Business .
DaveKerpen . com
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