The Social Media Services Team:

Congratulations on expanding your business into the wild west of social media!

AND, you’re going about it wisely by researching and asking those you trust for recommendations for help in this arena before you throw yourself headlong into it … which is probably how you found us.

Why choose us to help you with your social media goals?

Good question. Glad you asked. 

Social Media Services [SMS] understands your business has unique goals and needs, and social media isn’t the “end-all-and-be-all” of marketing. Yes, we’re a social media business that readily admits it!

While we’re very passionate about businesses communicating with online communities through social media, we are the first to tell you if we don’t think social media is right for your business at this time. We’ll also let you know if we feel our company isn’t the best match for your specific needs. Believe it or not – and much to the dismay of greedy social media evangelists who are strictly in it for the quick buck – these situations DO come up.

We also know that a social media plan entails more than having Twitter and Facebook accounts. So, we start at the beginning to learn more about your specific situation and what the objectives are for your social media efforts. That allows us to better guide you in setting up your social media to accomplish your objectives and complement the other elements of your business plan. 

Being a small business ourselves, we realize how easy it is to get overburdened by the details of your business, so we can also assist you by providing ongoing management of your social media plan.  Just as having a “Girl Friday” can be indispensable in managing your administrative needs, we can be invaluable in managing your social media efforts.

Whatever level of need you have, we strive to provide high quality, high value service with an honest, transparent, attentive-to-detail  mindset.

What about our backgrounds?

Here’s the official corporate version:

We at Social Media Services have a diverse set of skills that combined together, provides a well-rounded team for small businesses.  The skills of our core group include social media platforms, offline and internet marketing, sales, education/ training, graphic design, and website development. We also work with a small group of other professionals when needed to fulfill special needs.

Now here’s something a little more up close and personal:

Becky: I wear several hats for SMS, but I’m responsible for keeping things coordinated and running smoothly. I have extensive experience in health care (former radiographer), higher education, teaching, research, writing, and internet marketing. I’m comfortable with technology, was an early supporter of social media in education and business, am active on social media platforms, and enjoy teaching others about the latest in social media. At SMS, I also serve as a social media manager and am the primary client instructor/trainer. I try to stay healthy by working out, walking, and eating right, but it’s a challenge because being Southern-born, it’s tough for me to stay away from fried foods for long. 

 Brian:  I help SMS with social media management. This is a great match for me because I’m also an independent solo musician, so this position lets me focus on helping others while furthering my own passion, too.

Dennis:  I assist SMS with sales, marketing, and networking. I’ve accumulated over 30 years of sales and marketing experience in the retail, health care and insurance industries. I’ve run my own business so I understand the ins and outs of being a sole owner and all that goes with that territory. It seems I end up as the resident “IT” guy wherever I go, including at SMS. I love to unwind by playing golf. I used to work at the Masters when I was a teenager, and would LOVE to play the course. Anyone who’s a member of the Augusta National and needs a playing partner can call me – I’ll be glad to oblige.  

Stephen: I’m a social media manager with SMS.  I grew up with computers and technology, so I’m never without some kind of digital media for communicating. In addition to working with SMS, I’m working on my business degree and plan to expand my skills into the music business arena. I update my personal status frequently with fun and interesting blurbs that catch readers’ eyes, giving them something interesting yet informative to read.

In addition to what we’ve learned on our own, we’ve also tapped into a variety of social media resources for continuing education and focused coursework and in this niche, including the International Association of Social Media (dissolved in May, 2010), co-founded by Mari Smith known  as the “pied piper of the online world”  and the Lets Get Social Network, founded by Kate Buck, Jr, also known as the “social media flygirl.”

We also follow other heavy hitting social media experts including Chris Brogan, Mike Stelzner, Jason Fall, Ann Handley, Brian Clark…to name just a few.  Thank goodness all these social media “stars” are very generous in sharing what they learn. Otherwise, it would be next to impossible for anybody to keep up with the changes that occur in such a dynamically morphing industry.

Rather than getting distracted by every new shiny object that comes along in social-media-land, we’re focused on staying abreast of the trends and best practices for  “bread and butter” social media consultation, evaluation, education, training, set-up, and management.

We feel you’ll be pleased with our skill level and our effective yet affordable approach. So, check us out…take advantage of the valuable free content on our blog, review our list of services, and contact us so we can find out more about how we can help you connect with your online communities.