Firms hire consultants to handle Facebook, Twitter

Many small businesses see the need to engage in social networking to keep in touch with customers and reach new ones, but these firms neither have the time nor the skill to do this effectively. The solution: Hire a consultant.

The Wall Street Journal reports on a number of firms are taking this route. It cites Sylvester Chisom, owner of an auto detailing business that began paying a consultant last summer to blog on Twitter, post status updates on Facebook and run marketing campaigns on both sites.

A company called 3 Green Angels charges clients a $400 fee to organize real-time Twitter discussions on specific topics. Everywhere LLC charges clients up to $20,000 to arrange three streaming video press conferences led by popular bloggers, while some public relations agencies tack on social-media support as part of a package of advertising and public-relations services.

It may make sense for some companies to pay for help to learn how to use social media, according to Larry Chiagouris, professor of marketing at Pace University. But he warns that to use sites like Twitter and Facebook effectively, small firms typically need to be in control to show they are legitimate and sincere. "Unless a third party lives with you a long time, they can't do that very well," he says.

Nevertheless, just scan the landscape and you will find more and more businesses using social networks to reach their clients and keep them happy. Your competitors are, too.

For more on consultants and social networks:
- check out this Wall Street Journal article

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