In a time of Facebook, Twitter and Digg, businesses small and large are finding social media as a new way of connecting with their customers. Some get it, many have it and some are just too confused to even attempt it. But whether you fall into the first category or the latter, in today's economy you know you need it. This knowledge then begs the question of how does anyone handle the heavy demands of social media networking and still manage to run a business. Many businesses hire someone to handle it for them. A social media manager will create a business' media accounts, build their networks, create and distribute content and protect it.

Many don't realize the importance of properly managing their social media accounts. This can be the first place a potential customer learns about you, and where your returning customers will go to learn new information; something this powerful must be protected and managed closely. A social media manager can provide reputation management (a must in today's virtual world), search engine optimization (more hits lead to more sales), site makeover (stay competitive) and find out what the competitors are up to (knowledge is power). By allowing someone else to handle the headache, this gives you the freedom to focus on the more important day-to-day issues of running your business.

The demand for social media management has exploded due to the ever increasing social media networks. Customers can't look at products without being asked if they want to "friend", "like" or "tweet" about the items their looking at. A social media manager will ensure that your customers are being heard and that your customers hear you. With the increase in global user base and the increase in revenues that social media ads add to your bottom line, companies must ensure they continue to grow and enhance their user's experiences. A social media manager will make sure your message gets across and ensures your customers are coming back for more.

With the billions of dollars available in the fast growing global economy, you want to make sure you get a piece of the pie. A social media manager can help you get a bigger slice while at the same time providing your company with a knowledgeable outlet that does not even have to be on the full time payroll. Many social media managers work as independent contractors with multiple clients.