With the rise in popularity of social networking sites and social media as a way to establish and enhance conversations with employees, customers, potential employees and more, the question arises about who is a true social media expert?  It seems like everyone is anxious to jump on the bandwagon and claim that they are experts.  Blogs are posted, articles are authored, webinars are conducted and seminars are held every day on this topic yet what the credentials of these “experts”?  In my eyes it’s like conducting a search for a web design firm (which I just completed.  First I look at the website of the agency or firm interested in working for me. If their site doesn’t impress me, then I won’t consider them.  I think the same rules apply for people who are out there claiming to be experts.  A quick check of their involvement in social networking is called for.  What does their LinkedIn profile look like? Is it complete?  Are they on Twitter and, if so, how many followers do they have, how many are they following and, even more importantly, how many updates do they have?  If they have tweeted only twice then how much of an expert can they be?  Not that Twitter is the end all, be all, but a quick Google search will show you how involved your “expert” really is.  I encourage you to think twice about taking the advice of some random person.  Look to those who are recognized experts in the marketing field — a few I look up to are Chris Brogan, Guy Kawasaki, Jeremy Epstein and Brian Solis.