The Social Media Skill shortage.....

I read today that there is a skills shortage in Social Media, and that it will hamper growth:

Mark Begley, Major Players' head of digital and creative, said despite a 390% growth in the number of candidates with social media experience in the last two years, these candidates only make up approximately only 2 per cent of the total talent pool.

Begley said: "Forrester's research relating to growth is emphasised by what we are currently seeing in the market place. An increasing number of companies have expressed their need to find highly skilled people to help build their social media capabilities and provide effective return on investment."

And at the same time, I read what must be the worst list of "Top 100 UK Tech People" yet put out (it may just be sour grapes, but I think I see 3 or 4 of the top 20 UK tech bloggers on there - and you know this one is especially bad as the author puts himself in as one of those Top 100). I estimate about 30% of those are potential Top 100 - I'm sure all are worth knowing, but not all live up to the billing of:

......the finest geek minds and microblogging wordsmiths in the UK that you should follow for all things tech.

Initially I thought these were just 2 transparently self serving pieces in the fine tradition of link baiting (I know, I know - consider me linkbaited ), but then it hit me - there was a strong connection. QED.

The problem, however, is clearly not a lack of skilled people but more one of fishing in shallow waters.

(Who? Me? Linkbaiting. Perish the thought...... )