Those of you who know me, know I don’t recommend something unless I’ve either taken the course/class personally, or know the individual extremely well. I’ve taken the Social Media Marketing Specialist class through VAClassroom and can tell you it rocks! Craig Cannings has recently updated the course and for the month of April is offering $50 off the cost. Here’s the link to register: http://preview.tinyurl.com/y8yazoh, and don’t forget the $50 discount code: SMAPRIL2010
Below is more information about why having this skill is important:
VAClassroom Co-Founder Craig Cannings mentioned in a recent webinar that he was reading a 2010 Predictions post from one of his favorite blogs, Social Media Today, and they were forecasting what trends would take shape in the coming year. Interestingly enough, the 2nd prediction on this blogger’s list was that "The Social Media Specialist position will become mainstream." In fact, a few months prior, she did a post on the "Responsibilities of the Social Media Specialist (AKA Community Manager)" and she mentioned that this particular post was the most popular one she did all year.
In the latter part of 2009, an article in the popular "Entrepreneur Magazine" also alluded to the future growth of Social Media Specialists. Here is an excerpt from the article:
"Between blogging, tweeting, Facebooking and updating a LinkedIn profile, it’s a wonder how a business owner has any time to answer e-mails and phone calls, much less run a company. But the time invested in social networking is well spent in this age where maintaining a social media presence can be a necessary piece of a successful marketing strategy.
“Trouble is, as the number of platforms grows, so does the time it takes to feed and groom each account. Not to mention the front-end investment of setting everything up.
“For those caught up in a social media blitz–and those contemplating taking the plunge–why not consider outsourcing? A virtual professional can tackle those time-consuming tasks."
It seems like the writing is officially on the wall: Up-to-Date Social Media Skills will continue to be in serious demand in 2010! However, like any skill, it is important that it is developed and updated on a consistent basis in order to effectively service your clients’ evolving needs.
This is why VAClassroom has launched a brand new 2010 edition of our Social Marketing Specialist Training Program. This program will equip you to deliver the cutting-edge, in-demand services your clients are desperately seeking in 2010.
VAClassroom has just released a special $50 discount on this program for the month of April, below is the link for more details on the program as well as a $50 Discount Code:
Click here to enroll today: http://preview.tinyurl.com/y8yazoh
$50 Discount Code: SMAPRIL2010
http://preview.tinyurl.com/y8yazoh
I hope you enjoy this class as much as I did! 
