As the director of corporate communication for HomeCenter, a large home supply store, you are charged with looking into the possible hiring of a social media specialist. You know that other companies have both profited from and been hurt by fast-moving viral news.

Social media experts, companies hope, can monitor cyberspace and be ready to respond to both negative and positive messages.

They can help build a company’s brand and promote its online reputation. They can also develop company guidelines for employee use and encourage staffers to spread the good word about the organization.

To learn more about social media jobs, you decide to go to Doug Goodwin, who was recommended as a social media consultant by your CEO John Brauburger. You understand that Mr. Goodwin has agreed to provide information and will be paid by HomeCenter.

The CEO wants you to explore the possibilities. You decide that this is not a matter that can be handled quickly by a phone call. You want to get answers in writing.

Many issues concern you. For one thing, you are worried about the hiring process. You are not sure about a reasonable salary for a social media expert. You don’t know where to place that person within your organizational structure. Would the media expert operate out of corporate communications, marketing, customer service, or exactly where? Another thing that disturbs you is how to judge a candidate. What background would you require? How will you identify the best candidate? And what about salary? Should HomeCenter pay a full-time salary for doing what most people consider to be fun?25 Your Task. Compose an e-mail inquiry to doug.goodwin@mediaresources.com. Explain your situation and list specific questions.

Mr. Goodwin is not an employment source; he is a consultant who charges for his information and advice. Make your questions clear and concise. You realize that Mr. Goodwin would probably like to talk on the phone or visit you, but make clear that you want a written response, so that you can have a record of this information to share when you report to the CEO.