An important facet of any business these days is social media. Without a social media face, businesses are missing out. Social media is critical in gathering new business, keeping customers informed of your world and keeping up with current business trends and efforts.
But who’s going to run your social media? Do you have the time? Do you have the know-how? If you or someone else at your business doesn’t, you may want to think about using an intern to run your social media.
Why would you use an intern to run your social media?
- Twenty some things are the experts on social media. They know what sites are hot, which apps are hotter, and the best ways of reaching out on social media.
- They usually bring an energy and excitement that social media needs and expects which may be lacking in your older, busier employees.
- It doesn’t necessarily have to be a full time position, so they can either be part time or else have other responsibilities in addition to social media.
- They can teach you a thing or two so when they leave, you can pick it up.
- Your intern can sift through social media communication and answer what’s easy and pass on what needs a more expert touch to you or the appropriate contact.
Many people are still asking how important is a college degree in 2014? The answer is very; employers want to see a college degree. Therefore, college kids are working hard and trying to make the most of their college experience to prepare for the work world. Internships are pretty critical aspects of education, and using an intern is often a win-win situation for both student and business. Still, you should watch out for a couple of things when considering an intern.
What to be careful of if using an intern for social media:
- They may not be as consistent or as invested as you or other employees (however, usually interns work hard because it’s the first step in a career and you have the potential to be a really good reference).
- Though they may know social media, they may not know your industry as well as you do. You don’t want misinformation or a major faux pas landing in the big world of the Internet.
- The possibility of overloading them exists and your social media could suffer. If you’re piling on other responsibilities that may seem to take precedence, social media could suffer if it’s perceived to be less important. Just make it clear what your expectations are.
Social media is tricky – it often appears to be a small part of running a business, but instead, it’s an important marketing face. Social media needs to wear an excited, current tone, and who better to direct that than an excited, current intern?
Just remember, handle things on your end, too, and give clear expectations and guidelines. You never what you may learn, too, and soon you can be tweeting and Instagramming yourself!
About the Author: Heather Legg is an independent writer covering topics related to social media, small business and health and well-being.
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