Social Strategist – Got What it Takes?

Social Strategist – Got What it Takes?:

As social media becomes mainstream and social business ramps up, companies are creating new roles to manage the people, processes and technologies associated with the shift. The era of the Social Strategist has begun. An Infographic, based largely on a research report by the Altimeter Group profiles this nascent role and what it takes to be successful in it. Some highlights:

While 79% of corporations have undertaken social media efforts, they are early stage. Only 23% of Social Strategists surveyed had a formalized program with long-term direction

Six major challenges face the Social Strategist:

1. Resistance from internal culture

2. Measuring ROI

3. Lack of resources

4. An ever-changing technology space

5. Resentment and envy of the role

6. A looming increase in business demands

Social Strategists have one of two career paths: A) Fall behind in requests from vocal customers and internal business units, thereby becoming reactive, or B) Develop a proactive program that gets ahead of the demands, and operate from a strategic planning position.

What makes them successful at addressing the challenges? The bar chart below shows the major characteristics Social Strategists view as critical to their success.

The full Infographic is shown below. Links to it, the Career Path of the Corporate Social Strategist report, and other helpful items can both be found on the Resources page of this blog.

Infographic