Monday, November 28, 2011
Social Media Certificates?
Well this blog post by Beth Harte was definitely something that I found odd. http://www.theharteofmarketing.com/2009/01/social-media-certification-for-the-low-low-price-of%E2%80%A6.html She goes on to discuss how she has been offered Social Media Marketing certificate courses for around $1500 to become certified in social media marketing. Now here is where even someone with my limited knowledge of the subject see the total scam. Being taught how to use Facebook and Twitter in a crash course for that money does not seem like a wise career move. The real social media experts are practicing and using blogs and other medias on a daily basis. Now as she discusses how many companies will see this certificate as actually valid and bypass real marketers in social media. To me this is the real issue and not just the scam of the certificate. Somewhere someone got a great job because they wrote a $1500 check and spend 2 hours online learning to post on Twitter and Blogger.
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Social media has become such a hot marketing catch phrase. Everyone seems to be an expert on the subject matter. I have heard many complaints about these classes. Either they are far too basic, or they are far too advanced. Skill levels within the classes vary so much, that I'm not sure these classes are really meeting anybody's needs.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to see the high price value placed upon this (supposed) scam. It goes to show what a hot topic social media marketing is. Social media is at the forefront of today’s marketing world, and not only does that mean opportunity for business to utilize this new medium, it also means more jobs for marketers. Social media marketing is a whole new beast that requires different skill sets and abilities. I can see how this offer could sound appealing.
ReplyDeleteIts sad but I can see how this scam could work. A lot of small business owners with little experience in technology see the potential in social media, but without feeling proficient they are scared of putting themselves out there. A certificate, as ridiculous as it may sound, would do the job. It's that feeling of being capable in something. For individuals who grew up with social media it seems ridiculous, but if you were older without knowledge of social media whatsoever, would you take a stab at it?
ReplyDeleteWhat is the difference in a management certificate or a social media certificate? Companies want experience besides education these days in social media markets. I think companies would accept this certificate when considering employment. I would not participate unless my company paid my way to advance my job performance, if I was working in that field already.
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