Social media week special: Is everyone a social media consultant these days? How can you decide whether the person you want to hire to help you with social media marketing has the skills you need?

Join a panel discussion moderated by Oakland Local Academy’s Susan Mernit, and featuring amazing social media experts--and leaders from the companies who hire them.

There are more than 55,000 people who list themselves as "social media consultants" on Linked In.  Given this situation, how do you know if the person you're working with is qualified and has the skills to deliver what you need?

News & community media organization Oakland Local and  co-working spaceTech Liminal  invite you to come share your views--and get tips from some experts at our interactive panel on "How to hire a social media consultant."

The event is Monday, February 13 at 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM at TechLiminal, 268 14 Street, Oakland CA 94612

To participate you need to register for social media week:http://socialmediaweek.org/

Our panelists include:

Krys Freeman, aka blaKtivist. Oakland's own Krys Freeman is expert at using social media to market events and drive discussion as her work with Butch Voices and Code for Oakland proves.

Snapfish's Deanna Dawson, an Oakland Local, has hired countless consultants in her career, and has great advice to share.

Julia French , covered communications (http://coveredco.com/), an expert at aligning social media with brand messages and events.

Fran Maier, Founder and board chair, TRUSTe and long-time entrepreneur.

In honor of social media week, wine and snacks will be served.