The Business of Broadband

In the last few years, I’ve been a student of social media. I’m still learning, practicing and trying to make sense of it all.

When there’s something I don’t know how to do, or if I need ideas to get jump started on a social media marketing project, there are a few resources that I know won’t let me down.

Whether you’re new to the notion of using sites like Facebook and Twitter for business purposes or a seasoned marketing pro, you might also find these resources helpful.

MarketingProfs
The folks at Marketing Profs live by the motto “Smart thinking…pass it on”. I think they’ve got the right idea. This site offers juicy morsels of smart marketing advice for both Basic- and Pro-level members in the form of email newsletters, articles, reports, webinars and videos.

The site boasts an active member’s forum where you can get help from your peers and other marketing professionals. The MarketingProfs staff and a slew of their members are also active on Twitter, so you can check out comments from real users as they consume MarketingProfs content or sit in on webinars.

Worth a tweet: Ann Handley (@MarketingProfs)

Social Media Examiner
Founded by content marketing and white paper expert Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner offers practical advice to help you navigate the jungle that is social media. My favorite things about this resource are the extensive list of how-to articles and the collection of case studies that explain how other companies have found success with new marketing strategies. Plus, the editorial staff includes a number of smart cookies, such as Amy Porterfield and Denise Wakeman.

Worth a tweet: Michael Stelzner (@smexaminer)

Brass Tack Thinking
I first found Amber Naslund through her Altitude Branding blog. She’s in the trenches every day as the Director of Community for Radian6 and I respect her tell-it-like-it-is attitude. She’s also a shining example of what it means to be an advocate for social media and digital marketing in your own organization.

Next year, she’s publishing a book about the impact of the social web with Jay Baer. These days, you can find her blogging with Tamsen McMahon on Brass Tack Thinking.

Worth a tweet: Amber Naslund (@ambercadabra)

Mari Smith
Talk about a firecracker! Mari Smith has more energy and enthusiasm for marketing via Facebook than anyone I’ve seen. Her website, MariSmith.com, offers tools, training kits and articles full of social media marketing methods. You can also find Mari all over the web (and the country!) doing guest blog posts and speaking at marketing events.

Worth a tweet: @marismith

SmartBrief on Social Media
Check out the SmartBlog on Social Media and subscribe to the SmartBrief on Social Media to stay up-to-date on the latest social media news, applications, articles and reports. Getting SmartBrief in my inbox each day helps me bridge the gap between the C-suite and the front lines by being on top of the latest trends and seeing how other social marketers are getting results.

Worth a tweet: @sbosm

So, those are my top 5 social media mentors and resources. What are yours? Leave a note in the comments below and we’ll all learn something new!