The growing popularity and phenomenal success of social media has opened up a new stream of profession – Social Media Experts. While Social Media Experts have existed all along the history of mankind, their presence in the pre-Facebook and pre-Twitter era was rather subdued.

So, how do you become a Social Media Expert? How much do you need to do so? Does it require reading lengthy books and manuals? Am I good enough to become one? What if? These are some of the most common questions people ask me on social media. And what’s the answer to these? Let’s find out.

Social Media is More Common Sense, Less Rocket Science

Contrary to what most people believe, learning Social Media is not very difficult. All you need is a bit of common sense, a positive attitude, ability to build and sustain relationships. There is no rocket science involved in becoming a Social Media Expert. All you need to do is get the following basics right.

It’s never too late

Most traditional marketers believe that they’ve missed the social media bus. However, as with other good things in life, it’s never too late to start with social media. You do not have a Twitter or a Facebook account? – Not a big deal.

What’s more important is that you realize the need for these accounts and create impressive profiles on all relevant social media networks. The time to get started is today and now.

Read, Read and Read More

While I’m personally not fond of bookish knowledge on any subject, I’m still a voracious social media reader (and writer). Social Media technologies change lightning fast and the only way you can keep up with these changes is by reading a lot and reading more often. Follow top social media blogs (like the one you are reading now) and get linked-up with social media experts with proven track-records on other social networking sites.

Join all relevant social networks

Make sure to have appealing and impressive profiles on relevant social media networks. Twitter and Facebook are an absolute must. I personally recommend LinkedIn as well as it’s perhaps the most widely used professional networking service which connects millions of Social Media Experts around the globe.

Further, a passive presence on a social network is of little value. Ensure that you maintain an active presence and get engaged in frequent conversations with people in your social network.

Build Relationships

Having an ability to build and maintain cordial relationships is vital to becoming a Social Media Expert. Be a people’s man, it helps. Don’t sound too pushy and don’t over sell yourself. There’s a thin line differentiating social media spammers and social media experts and you certainly don’t want to end up in the former category.

Attend Social Media Events and Meetups

While it’s important to have a solid online presence, it is equally crucial that you meet other social media experts in-person to learn from their experiences. Check your local area listings for events and Meetups related to social media.

Spread the word regarding such events to contacts on your social networks. Take photos and publish them to your contacts. Don’t forget that the real world is equally important as the virtual world for becoming an effective Social Media Expert.

So, what are you waiting for? Get started today in your quest to being a Social Media Expert. Have any doubts or need help? I’m here to help. I hope the next Social Media Expert Success-Story I hear is yours!