Ben Parr of Mashable writes a very exciting post today for those who currently have and hope to find a job in social media, myself included. Ben discusses the current popular status of social media jobs, and his outlook for the near future. Ben writes:
“Even if the title changes, the role of the social media marketer or manager is not going anywhere. Building community, reaching out to potential customers, building stronger relationships, creating buzz – they are fundamental goals to every company. So long as people use social media to share their thoughts and their complaints, the need for people to fill social media jobs will continue to grow.”
This is good news. For one, it validates that social media as a whole is very valuable to marketers, and will figure to be increasingly prevelant as more of us social media junkies get hired and do our trade. Social media should continue to grow despite the weak economy and fact that many companies are slashing marketing spending. Why? Most social media opportunities are free, or very inexpensive. Even hiring just one coordinator to run your blogs and social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook is much more cost effective at establishing relationships with consumers than blowing tens of thousands of dollars on a local cable spot, for example.
Additionally, consumers are much more price sensitive today and look to the internet for price saving information. Social media has the opportunity to inform consumers of sales and discounts via microblogging updates,(see Dell’s Outlet on Twitter) and keep loyal customers involved through blogs and social networking sites. Add the fact that people are staying at home more due to high gas prices, consumers will be spending more time online-which means more face time with your brand.
Note: Parr’s post provides a link to a Jeremiah Owyang post that is an unbelieveable resource of social media professionals and the companies that employ them. Jeremiah also has some pretty good links for job seekers and employers looking to connect; see them here.
Brandon,
Great to hear you reinforcing the idea that web communities are not only here to stay, but are destined for more growth! Whew! Job security!
I’m on the journey myself, simultaneous to implementing several (new) social media strategies for folks in the music business (meaning that, due to the demand, I hardly have time to work on my own stuff!). In the nineties, I worked in music in NYC (was starting to deal with some heavy names) but left to start a family in AZ and work in sales/marketing in other fields-would’ve been impossible to be a suburbanite/mom/wife and work in music at that level, considering the geographical disadvantage.
Now with the social web, I’m back in music. My location: The Web. The social web is such a new concept to many of the ‘ole music guys who once counted on large numbers of (retail) record sales and kept the keys to that kingdom. Some of these guys, I either worked for or looked up to from afar-the guys who managed/produced/developed major stars at the Mariah Carey level.
Now I am (‘lil me-living in AZ, with my “laptop thingy” and my “geeky internet friend networks”) getting some big ears to perk up and buy in. They’re shifting a big part of their focus to communities and it’s pure bliss for me!
Communities have the power. They need us and we need them. It’s such and exciting time for us all! Please keep it up, Brandon! I’m looking forward to following you on Twitter as well as your cool blog!
All the best, Bridget Zeuner (Zoy-ner)
bridgetztalk on Twitter
Sounds like a very exciting time for you right now! I am actually somewhat opposite of you, however; I have TOO MUCH free time to work on my own stuff since I don’t have a full-time gig. I imagine we both envy each other somewhat on that issue. Thanks for the kind words, and I too am excited to follow you on Twitter and see what you’ll be working on in the future!