Social media is the new magic pill. Millions of people spend lots of time on it. However, having friends on Facebook, followers on Twitter and connections on LinkedIn doesn't make one a social media "expert." In reality, there's no such thing. No one can truly be because there are thousands of networks and growing every day. No one knows everything you need to know about all of these networks.
Millions are trying to cash in on this new phenomenon, but should you give your money to social media "experts?" The answer is a resounding "No!" And I have five reasons for this:
1. Social media is free.
It's free. Why should you paying hundreds to thousands of dollars to learn something that's free to use?
2. It's easy to learn and implement.
I am a big believer in delegating and paying others to do work for you. But some things are not worth spending your money on. Most social networks are easy to learn. Chances are you have friends who can teach you the ins and outs of any social network without gouging you.
3. Most introductory teleseminars give little helpful information.
Before asking for money, most "experts" introduce themselves through teleseminars. However, most "Make Money with Social Media" teleseminars may teach you how to get more friends on Facebook, more followers on Twitter, but they fall short when it comes to teaching you ways to make money. Which begs the question, "Why should I give you money?"
4. Everybody knows the "cutting edge" techniques.
The "cutting-edge" techniques these "experts" charge you for today become outdated by tomorrow. Everyone will know them. These techniques tend to be nothing more than good old-fashioned marketing common sense. If you have to pay premium money for something everyone will know tomorrow, it's not worth it.
5. It's hard to get a good return on your investment.
Since the market for social media is people who don't want to be sold, it's hard to get a good return on your investment. Still, so-called "experts" from all over are charging $497, $997 or more to teach you their "expertise." But if it's all about the conversation, as they say, then what are you getting for your money? You're spending money to build a business, not to learn how to talk.
The problem is most "experts" don't have a track record of success in making money. Most can't give you references of people they have helped. For most "experts," the only ways they generate income are to charge for their programs and book speaking engagements. But how many of these "experts" are generating income using social media?
Also, social media should be part of an overall marketing and branding strategy. Most use it as part of an overall strategy while teaching you as if it is the entire strategy. Just like any other marketing tool, it takes time to build properly. It doesn't have to take forever. But whatever you do, avoid the hype and the gimmicks that can cause you to waste your money on these self-proclaimed social media "experts."
