To Posh To Post?

I want to look at the concept of employing an agency to 'do' your 'social' for you. Here is my take….the whole point of going 'social' is to do 'social' - not pay someone else to do it for you.

You may employ an advertising agency to come up with ideas for you, or an accountant to do your accounts - but you don't pay someone to date your partner do you? Your online voice should be your authentic voice. And that means you talking.

Of course it is important to obtain help - especially when you are so busy that you need people to help you - and there are new 'social' services out there (like me) offering to help even the most apprehensive, nervous, inexperienced client get the ball rolling.

Before embarking on a new relationship you may read up on dating etiquette; buy some decent new clothes; maybe take a friend out to a new restaurant to try the place first. But when it come to the real date - the engagement online with potential new and existing clients and friends - you want to do that bit yourself don't you? And that is how online socialising works too.

By all means employ a consultant to assist, at whatever entry level you are at, (and I am happy to offer you a critique of your current position and offer ways of moving forward while protecting your reputation online) but in my opinion it is a mistake to use an outside agency so that you get someone else tweeting and facebooking for you so that you can then tick the box and say 'yes, we have a social networking policy'.

If you are a sole-trader or a small outfit - I believe that you should seek help and support from a consultant who intends showing you how to do it yourself. It's empowering.

If you are a large company, then free up time for one of your staff who really understands and is committed to protecting, projecting and developing your authentic voice online just as you are all doing so in 'real life' and task them with the role in collaboration with the key decision-makers.

'Going social' is a new strand to your marketing mix that you need to embrace, learn and engage with.