Santa made a wise choice when he picked Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to guide his sleigh each Christmas Eve. Though Saint Nick had nine reindeer to choose from, Rudolph was the right team member for the job because he had all of the qualities necessary to make a successful trip around the world delivering presents to deserving boys and girls. 

Just as Rudolph stood out from the herd thanks to his skill set, businesses often need to identify a member within their organization who can best fit the role of social media manager. It just so happens that Rudolph’s resume, and that of a top social media candidate, are quite similar! Just like Rudolph, the ideal social media manager…

Is Knowledgeable

Rudolph must know the sleigh’s flight plan and understand Santa’s expectations for the journey.

Social media managers must be well versed in customer service information, product details, policies, procedures and the brand’s overall strategy in order to maximize effectiveness.

Is Resilient

Rudolph’s path isn’t always easy. Sometimes he finds himself running behind schedule or caught in a blizzard. However, his passion for the Christmas season helps him stay the course and complete his task at hand.

While social media managers may encounter disgruntled users or may be busy troubleshooting customer service complaints, they must always be consistent with brand messaging, clearly communicate information and never let their emotions get the best of them.

Is A Multitasker

In addition to guiding Santa’s sleigh across the globe, Rudolph must communicate with his team, respond to messages from the North Pole and always anticipate a variety of weather conditions.

While creating content and managing accounts are a huge part of a social media manager’s job, they must also perform other tasks such as developing a content calendar, creating effective promotions, reporting growth and feedback, as well as budgeting time.

Is A Listener

Just how does Rudolph help Santa distinguish between the naughty and the nice kids? He listens!

Social media managers not only develop posts for accounts, they also monitor these accounts and blogs, review sites and stay current on customers’ feedback. Listening is a vital part of managing a successful social media community. 

Is Mobile

Rudolph is on call year-round. His duties aren’t confined to Christmas Eve; he must always be ready to help Santa prepare for whatever crisis – such as a toy shortage – that might emerge.

The role of social media manager is not a 9 to 5, at-your-desk type of job. Social media managers must be comfortable responding to needs on-the-go and must learn how to rely on tools and applications that help them perform their duties from wherever, whenever.

Is Willing to Merge Professional and Personal Life

Rudolph is Santa's brand ambassador. Even when he's not commandeering his sleigh, he represents Santa, the elves and plays a vital role in the entire North Pole empire.

While a social media manager is the voice of a brand online, when they're not on the clock, they still must manage and maintain their own social media presence in a professional manner in accordance with brand standards and values.

What other qualities do you see as vital for a company to find in order to identify their very own Rudolph?