It’s More Than Knowing the Tools
My first four years in publishing I learned everything I could about making books. I could write, edit, proof, keyline, set type, layout a page, plan a bookmap, develop a prototype, and conceive ideas for books, series, programs that were unique and loaded with value.
Until I was responsible for growing the business, I never fully understood that some great ideas aren’t actually so great.
Take, for example, what makes a great business website …
A coder has one definition of a great website.
A designer has another.
A writer defines great in yet another way.
An editor has still another.
A marketer will point to yet another.
Yet if customers or clients are looking for something other, then none of those definitions count.
A great book isn’t great if no one wants to read it.
A great game isn’t great if no one wants to play it.
A great business website isn’t so great if customers don’t participate and buy from it.
If our strategies and tactics don’t align with our customers’ missions and goals, then businesses close and people lose jobs.
So understanding the tools and tactics of social media is critical – you wouldn’t want an advisor who didn’t. Understanding the strategy and culture is crucial too – don’t take advice from someone who can’t explain the why as well as the what and the how. But experience is a key component to expertise in any field. And if growing your business is what you want to use social media to do, the most important question you can ask a social media advisor — bar none — is …
Have you ever been in a position where people would lose their jobs based on decisions you made?
Because you really want your social media advisor to be able to tell a great idea from a great idea that isn’t so great.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz on your business!!
