If you are serious about launching a social media agency, take the time to learn the various networks before you engage with any clients.

There is a great deal of information available for free on social media best practices, so yes, you can learn about social media and be knowledgeable enough to help others.

Before you allow anyone to hire you, make sure you have the basics down. Watch, listen, learn and then start engaging.

Grow your social network so you have proof of your knowledge. Prospective clients will look at your profiles to see if you have followers, you are engaged, and you have authority.

Once you're comfortable take on a few pro bono clients to test your skills. That will not only teach you some things you may have missed, it will also help give you confidence to take on clients for real money.