For the last few weeks I’ve started to compile a social media abilities list. Namely the skills and strengths that you would need in any high level position within an organization to carry out the social media duties and responsibilities required to be successful. Consider this the reverse RFP for social media consultants and companies. I know there are more questions that could be added, so feel free to add to it. If you can answer in the affirmative to the majority of these questions, then you are well on your way and uniquely positioned to help a lot of organizations.

1. Do you understand how social media fits into the overall marketing plans and goals of any organization regardless of industry?

2. Could you build a sound business strategy for a client around social media?

3. Will you be accountable for the quality of all social media plans/strategies/services delivered to clients as well as their overall client satisfaction?

4. Could you establish social media programs that actually drive revenue?

5. Can you drive social media work for clients? Including strategy development, tactical expertise and execution, and measurement of all their social programs?

6. Can you develop a methodology that includes resources, team structure, core processes, and best practices that can be  scalable across the board with media and marketing teams?

7. Could you identify and define social media opportunities for clients as they align with their overall digital marketing goals and strategies?

8. Could you collaborate  across all departments and disciplines to identify and implement social training needs?

9. Could you identify and act on opportunities to attract, market, and recruit top social media talent?

10. Can you manage the recruitment, hiring, retention, and professional development of a social media team? Do you know what to look for?

11. Can you determine the correct roles, responsibilities, and expertise needed on your team to scale and grow a social media practice?

12. Do you know how to monitor trends in any industry and collaborate with upper management to ensure preparation for potential changes within a market segment? and then position the company or division for success as an industry leader?

13. Could you work with global practice leads and other social media managers to develop, document, and share social media strategies and successes?

14. Can you facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and encourage participation for social media across teams and offices?

15. Can you act or be the central resource for information related to social media? Would you want to be?

16. Could you be a credible spokesperson of social media at industry events?

17. Could you increase and raise the awareness of your organization’s credentials on social media both internally and externally?

18. Could you advise client teams and other internal executives on the execution of social media programs and new business opportunities?

19. Can you determine the right solutions for technology and measurement of social media?  Including evaluation of current resources as well as social media vendors and develop partnerships with those vendors?

20. Can you collaborate closely across all departments and teams within an organization to provide complete solutions for clients?

21. Can you contribute to new business development by representing social media strategies and services? Could you sell social media to a client?

22.  Do you have the ability to build relationships with senior executives within key client accounts? Is schmoozing part of your DNA?

As I said before, this list is by no means the end all be all, and is definitely a work in progress. It at least gives those within an organization looking for talent some talking points, or talent on the outside looking in, a starting point in which to evaluate themselves in regards to the social media big picture.