Hi guys!
Once again I come to seek your wisdom. Hopefully this is something someone else out there is wondering...

I've seen lot of advertising out there for Social Media Management training and I'm wondering... Is it worth it? Personally, I already manage 4 accounts, but I find that each client so far has been so different that I sort of learn as I go. I just started a few months ago with this, but I have received some good feedback. I imagine like anything training like this could give cut the learning curve but it also seems like there are so many that some might be a waste of time if you have basic knowledge. What do you guys think? Advantage or scam?

Luz,

It is hard to say without knowing the program that you are looking at. There are some programs that have a guarantee for xx amount of days. Some programs are basics and others are in depth. Let us know what you are looking at and we can help you from there.

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Lee Drozak

I've seen a ton of them but most recently Kate Bucks and Lauren Roeder's. I like Lauren and I have actually seen some of her webinars but her stuff is structured to be training for small business and can be very basic. If there was one that was worth it for you I'd love to hear about it. My biggest challenge right now is putting together packages so I can plan better for the future but I also wonder if attending a seminar would allow me to offer more and better management services for the accounts I have. Other than that I just see ads online that get targeted to me through facebook and other sites. I just get worried when their pitch for the course sounds like SMM as a "get rich quick" scheme, rather than something you have to work on daily... Any recommendations would be hugely appreciated. I've been reading everything I can only and having a great time managing these account so I would love to make this my niche from here on out, but I want to make sure I cover all the bases.

It really depends on your level of experience with social media. I love Laura Roeder, but I get the impression that her products are geared toward small business owners with little to no knowledge of social media and how it works. So for newbies that might be the route to go.
If I were going to consider taking a course or seminar on social media I'd want it to focus on an in depth marketing aspect and would be looking to people like Scott Stratten, Mari Smith and others that I've been following for ages on different social media venues. I want someone who walks the walk, and isn't just talking the talk.

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~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& founder of VA Survival School

@Tina You're so awesome. You keep giving me gems on all the threads I post. Thank you for that! Greatly appreciated. That was my fear with LKR, but part of me was just interested because I like her "attitude". Although, that is a good reason to model my communication after hers, not to pay her $95 a month for things I already know.

What you are saying is exactly what I'm looking for. I'd like more technical training and in depth marketing training. I'll definitely check out your suggestions. Honestly, what I would really love (if anyone has heard of any) is a program that also includes REALLY technical information and real clear and data oriented practices that will bring results to my clients. Anywho, I'll do some more digging around and let you guys know if I find something awesome.

If there's any of you in VA-land who might have an answer I'd love to hear your thoughts on this bit. Assuming you've done an intake consultation and given them a contract, what (if any) progress documentation do you present your clients with (weekly, monthly, quarterly)? I found with some of the personal friends I've been doing this for that less is almost more. If I give them a spreadsheet with my detailed plan it seems to confuse them, not interest them, or throw them off. Am I over-thinking this?

Hello again Luz!
I agree with Tina. Also, there is a ton of free information out there. Much of the paid stuff I've seen doesn't really reveal any "secrets" that you can't find on a blog or a good Google search. If there's a particular piece that you'd like to take to the next level, just google it. For instance, I'm really good on Facebook, but never ran an ad before this weekend. Between their Help pages, a few video tutorials and blog posts on Amy Porterfield's website, I was able to figure it all out.

Good Luck!
Raven

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Change Catalyst for Entrepreneurs
www.verandalane.com