Blogging: The Latest “It” Trend
Everyone is doing it, everyone wants a piece of it, it’s like peer pressure without the drugs. I’m talking about blogging, it’s everywhere. Blogging is the hot handbag in the business and professional world, with just about everyone jumping on the blogging bandwagon. So what makes one blog better than the other? What differentiate the good from the bad? Share your thoughts below.
PR Students Beware……
Public relations, as it has been taught to you, is ceasing to exist. Of course, the mindset and strategic foundation is always going to be there, BUT there is a new media revolution taking the public relations world by storm. In plain and simple words, many college PR courses are simply a little bit behind the times. So what can you do to prepare your mind and make yourself a more effective PR machine when you graduate? Here are some tips that I had to find out the hard way, check ‘em out:
1. Use new media to find your voice. Write a blog, host an online radio show, do a video blog, Twitter away, host a contest online, develop a survey and conduct research using new media; whatever the case, integrate new media into your means of communication. Doing this will help you find your voice and create a presence online, both of which are valuable post-graduation.
2. Take business classes IN COLLEGE. The true PR superstars are the ones who can integrate business objectives with their PR strategy. Most CEO’s, COO’s and CFO’s want to have someone on their team who can show them how PR efforts help business achievements flourish. An understanding of business and economic strategy will be greatly appreciated by your first boss and those who follow.
3. Read your school books and everything else. Now most PR textbooks are the same in one way or another, but the information is of value; however, don’t stop with your textbook. Read everything relevant to PR, yes everything, blogs, tweet, news articles, magazines, text updates, press releases, EVERYTHING. This will benefit you in many ways, from expanding real-world knowledge to basic writing techniques, it’s the best thing you can do in and out of school.
4. Practice PR everyday, no matter what. No, you don’t have to be working on a serious publicity campaign to practice and hone your PR skills. Actually, just having a PR state of mind in your everyday life does wonders for honing your skills. Meet someone new? Don’t shy away! Smile, shake hands and be confident, maybe even offer them a business card (of course, you have one already, right?). Professor needs a volunteer to speak in front of the class? No you’re not being a suck up! This is a great opportunity to develop listening and public speaking skills, something every PR professional needs, so go for it!
5. Teach your professors. Not in the “I’m-a-know-it-all-and-can-I-have-an-A” kind of way, but more in the “I-found-this-great-info-and-I’d-like-to-share-it-with-you” kind of way. I guarantee your professor will appreciate the gesture and, probably, pass along the info to other professors or share with the class. And so what if they take the credit? You just proved that you know something valuable and passed it along for others to learn as well. Plus, maybe it will inspire your professor to start thinking about PR in a real-world-non-collegiate kind of way.
Wanna add to the list? Comment below and let your voice be heard!
PR Connect Offers Live Feed Service
PR Connect is now doing live Twitter feeds for events! Do you want a real-time feed of your event, but no time to tweet it? PR Connect will do the work and get the words onto Twitter. Currently, this is service is being offered for evening and Saturday events; however, we hope to expand on this fairly soon! If you would like your company or organization’s event tweeted live on Twitter for a real-time feed, please email PR Connect at prconnects@gmail.com for details.
How PR Can Help Your New Business Succeed
With the current state of unemployment in areas across the country, many have decided to venture out into the world of entrepreneurship. Whether you are opening up a mom-and-pop bakery or creating a online web-store, public relations is a crucial part of building and generating business. This is why it’s crucial to have someone schooled in the art of PR to guide you and help you build your vision effectively. Check out some more reasons why PR can help your start-up:
1. PR people have a network. Whether you hire a student intern or a seasoned pro, PR people love to connect and usually have a network of connections that can help your business grow. From media to online sources to business contacts, a PR pro can distribute news about your business using the proper channels in the right way.
2. PR people can help you refocus your vision. Not getting the result you want? Stumped with ideas for gaining consumer attention? A PR person can help you refresh your perspective and think outside of the box. There are tons of ways to create awareness and boost the bottom-line, but sometimes we tend to get stuck in the ritualistic trends. It’s up to your PR pro to develop new and creative ways to meet business objectives.
3. PR gives more than it takes. Now, I realize that PR can cost and if you are a start-up, there can be very little money to put towards public relations; however, one suggestion is to hire a current student or recent graduate as an intern, give them your vision and, as a team, develop your direction. This is a win-win situation for both parties because you get a fresh-faced PR enthusiast and the intern gets to exercise some grassroots tactics in public relations. Yes, you can receive effective PR services that are cost-friendly on a budget and the results can be much greater than the overall financial output.
4. PR people can keep you out of trouble. PR people know (or should know) how to handle crisis situations in the business world. This is an invaluable skill that can keep you from making some big boo-boos; however, in the event of a mishap, a PR person can guide your business toward ethical repair.
5. PR people think fast and can multitask. A PR person can take on multiple roles, from creative thought to social media aficionado, there are many hats in public relations. As an entrepreneur, you definitely want someone who can do it all and think on their feet, especially in the event that you run into a blunder.
These are just a few reasons as to how PR professionals can help entrepreneurs get their business moving in the right direction. Want to add to the list? Comment away!
Keeping Up With the Joneses……..
Okay, so a few weeks back I did a post about my daily RSS, where I included the sites I read daily and feel are noteworthy to take a peek at. I have since updated my RSS with new sites because, as a PR person, it’s so important to stay above the current trend. So take a look at the sites on my current feed and add them to yours, if you feel so inclined. Check ‘em out!
Andy Sernovitz’s, Damn! I Wish I’d Thought of That!
These sites have some great content, hope you all find them as interesting as I do!
The Do’s and Don’ts of Networking
As a PR thinker, I recognize the importance of networking and how it can create new opportunities for individuals. However, many of us have made, or will make, networking boo-boos at one time; therefore, I felt it was important to write a post dedicated to the do’s and don’ts of networking. When we network, we have to do it the right way and it can be harder than just making small talk, handing over the business card and being on our way. Networking is an art and with practice, it can be easily perfected. Okay, so let’s just dive right in, shall we?
Do’s:
- Do make sure your business card has your contact information on it. There is nothing worse than having someone hand you a business card that has no information on it, as in it just says “This is my card.” No, this is not quirky, cute, innovative or anything else, actually it’s just plain ridiculous to show up at an event with an unprofessional looking business card. So please remember name, phone, address, email, Twitter, blog, etc. Please.
- Do keep your conversation friendly, but professional at the same time. Explicit language, sexual innuendos and mild come-ons do not qualify as networking, at least in the professional world. Keep your conversation relevant to your industry, profession, etc. The purpose of a networking event is to make professional connections and build industry relationships, not to find a date to go home with.
- Do get out there and mingle. At a networking event, being a wallflower will do absolutely nothing, so get out there and chat it up! Sitting in a booth or next to the bar defeats the purpose of going in the first place; I know, it can be intimidating, but that’s usually because we put too much pressure on ourselves. Just think of networking as a way to meet new friends and put yourself out there, you never know who you will meet.
- Do be courteous to everyone you meet. From the wannabe-Ebay start-up guy and the Myspace software engineer, be polite to each person you meet. The wannabe-Ebay guy may be a struggling start up right now, but who knows where he will be in 5 years? Or perhaps he and the Myspace software engineer are former fraternity brothers from college? It’s so important to treat everyone equally because you never know who knows what or whom.
- Do make sure you follow up after the event. No, not the desperate, “Can we meet for lunch? Are you available to talk about my company? Are you hiring?” kinds of follow-up. Instead, try the “It was great to meet you at (enter said event here). Your website/blog/brand/firm, etc. looks amazing, I’m interested to hear more about (xyz here). I look forward to your correspondence” kind of follow-up. It’s a great way to re-acknowledge your meeting, let them know you looked at their work and would like to build a relationship. This is an easy way to start a lasting business connection.
Don’ts:
- Don’t drink too much. Please, please, please, control your liquor intake at networking events because you don’t want to be remembered as the person who fell, spilled, hit on the Sony VP, yelled obscenities to the bartender, etc. Over-consumption is a huge mistake people make at networking events, mainly because they are nervous and need to kick back a few before venturing out. Of course it’s great to have a little something to help loosen up, but going above and beyond is quite unprofessional. Remember, you are not only representing yourself, but also your company and everyone else who works there.
- Don’t be desperate. So we all know the point of networking events is to meet, make small talk, act interested and then move into the business convo, right? Okay, so since we all know this, there is no reason to bust out the business card as soon as you approach someone and cut to the chase of asking for a job. I have seen this happen and it is very embarrassing for both parties, not to mention a complete professional turn-off. So refrain from desperate actions such as this, as it will reflect badly and these people are often remembered quite unfavorably.
- Don’t be afraid to attend by yourself. As humans, we are inherently conditioned to need a partner, but this is not always the case and sometimes we must venture out alone. It’s okay! Of course it’s great to have a wingman, but going alone has its’ perks too, so don’t be hesitant. Going alone gives you the opportunity to meet people without having another person to introduce, leave as early or late as you like and challenge yourself. Often times, people who attend alone get props for going without a buddy.
- Don’t forget to brush those teeth and pack some breath mints. Okay, easy enough right? I mean, this should be obvious for people to remember……not always the case…..
- Don’t misrepresent yourself. This is a HUGE no-no because misrepresentation can lead to bad reputation. If you misrepresent your knowledge, skills or job and someone you networked with finds out, this can severely damage your credibility. Be honest, be honest. If you are the mailroom guy, be honest, of course you can dress it up a little bit, but don’t lie and give people the wrong impression. Not even a white lie is acceptable, it just does too much more harm than good.
Okay, so here are my networking do’s and don’ts, I hope this list continues to grow to help others who may need the information. Have one to add to the list? Comment below and let the readers know.
Guest Post by Carlin Scrudato: PR Pro’s: Looking for a great workout? Try Media Training
*The following is a guest post written by Carlin Scrudato, be sure to check out her blog here.
With a packed house on the 7th floor of the Pacific Design Center, which I may add is a beautiful place to work, PRSA-LA Young Professionals held an event at Rogers and Cowan, entitled “Spokesperson Bootcamp: Media and Message Training.” Two things that caught my eye about this specific event were the seasoned veterans serving as panelists as well as answering the question, “Is everyone a spokesperson for a company, organization, university, etc?” The panelists and moderator provided an engaging conversation about preparing PR professionals for media interviews including crafting the message, dealing with difficult questions along with their own horror stories and advice for the future. The panelists included:
1.Harry McCracken, Founder & Editor, Technologizer @HarryMcCracken
2. Marie Domingo, Principal Strategist, Domingo Communications @MariaADomingo
3.Sallie Olmsted, Executive Vice President, Rogers & Cowan @Salliemeta
4. John Nicoletti, Director of Public Affairs, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
5.Michael Goldstein, Journalist and President of MSG Communications
Q & A kicked off the night with, “ Who is in a position to be a spokesperson?” Sallie started off the conversation with a great point that media training is an acquired skill. Media training needs to occur for phone, radio, and television interviews. One of the biggest challenges is that an executive or spokesperson may know everything about the company, but they need to understand that this two-letter word is what matters: sound bite. Understand your three main points, if you venture off topic, go back to those points and keep it short. As Sallie stated, “Serve the meat, then put the vegetables on the plate.”
Many times the CEO is the one who desperately needs media training
Spokespeople must understand that you are there to do a job and you must be accurate, clear, interesting, and refreshingly honest. This point noted from journalist, Harry McCracken, fell under the question of most important things when speaking to media; with John Nicoletti adding authenticity as a key factor.
Then, this conversation stemmed into one of my favorite parts of the discussion. The question I was so eager to have answered, “ Is everyone a spokesperson?” Yes! Then, as Michael Goldstein stated, “ On the flip side, everyone else becomes a citizen journalist and reporter.” From a recent graduate’s perspective, I was a spokesperson with my first internship in California unknowingly. I was interning and working an event while conversation began with many press outlets and community members. I happened to be by myself for an extended time and at first didn’t know what to do. I did not want to speak on behalf of the company and I most certainly did not want my boss to believe I was not competent to engage with executives, media, or community members.
At that point, I made a quick decision. I remembered key points from fact sheets and recent press releases as I continued researching the company during my internship. Hypothetical: If asked a question on solar panels, I would state, “The reason we’re here today is seeing the progression of solar technology. In our recent press release, x, y, and z were discussed and some advantages that you may not be aware of are x, y, and z.” It was a way for key messages to spread across the community and media without speaking on behalf of a company, in which I was merely just an intern. In addition, I gave some statements that could be seen within many outlets as well as extra information that may be beneficial for a blogger or key journalist within this specific field.
Some tips and advice the panel chimed in on were things “never to say to the press”, which included no comment, means you did it, and off the record. Try not to namedrop, bring arrogance to the interview and, as stated before, never speak on behalf of someone else. Get back to the three main points you came in with! Things we all should know: conduct yourself in a professional manner, try not to wear prints on camera, and understand that it’s all media so be comfortable but understand this is a reflection of said company, organization, university, etc.
We are all learning new tricks within the realm of public relations and media training teaches you the skills and techniques to get your message past the gatekeeper, which depending on the interview situation, can be a reporter, camera, or production editor. I will leave you with this question, as mentioned earlier, what if your CEO needs media training because as he does interviews, he doesn’t represent the brand effectively? What steps do you take as a PR professional? How does the conversation or convincing begin?
Next month’s meeting will be on August 19th regarding Crisis Communications. Check out the Young Professionals via their blog at PRSA-LA YP. I want to thank PR Connect for letting me guest blog! You can find me on twitter @cscrudato or via my blog at http://www.cscrudato.wordpress.com.
Food For Thought
With the expansion of new media, PR professionals have the ability to exercise influence at the tip of their fingers. From blogs to social media sites, PR pros can broadcast a message directly to their audience without the middle man. So with the new media convergence that is currently taking place, it begs the question, do we still need the middle man?
The answer is YES! Though the PR industry now has more options for creating awareness, traditional journalists and bloggers are necessary to getting that much-needed publicity. Now bloggers, Tweeters, journalists and PR professionals have been thrown into the mush pot of influential media power players. A blogger with a huge following can influence the perceptions and ideas of many since a blog can often feel less disconnected than a newspaper article. Journalists continue to do what they do best, convey the facts. However, many journalists are adopting new media strategies in order to work with the changing communication channels and create a deeper connection with their readers.
PR pros, always develop a relationship with the journalist and/or blogger first! If the individual rejects your information, it’s okay! Don’t push the person, just be okay with the rejection and continue to foster the overall relationship. If it’s a blog, comment on the blog, show interest and know what the blog is about; perhaps next time you want to get your message out, that person will lend a willing eye.
For the PR professional, the options are limitless for distribution of a message and this is a great thing. Even though you have the ability to convey your message straight from the source, it is still vital to maintain positive relationships with media professionals. With the transformation of traditional media, gatekeepers may move into new media industries. A solid network of media contacts will always be valuable, no matter which way communication changes. As media changes, the PR industry will adopt and adjust; yet, as strategic thinkers, we must continue to stay connected to our media professionals. Any thoughts?
Riding The Transitional New Media Wave
The public relations industry is headed for a big bang, with new media at the forefront of this transitional tidal wave. Right now, PR professionals everywhere are experimenting with online marketing strategies, digital communication and social media. PR pros are trying to understand exactly how, when and why to use these techniques to enhance business development. I had an interesting conversation today with someone who spoke the exact words that have been running through my head, “Keep up or get left behind.” So true.
In PR, the foundational practices will always be the same, but now it’s also about the technological strategy used to enhance a brand or campaign. The PR industry has been hit by a tidal wave and there is no other choice but to move forward and embrace the transition. Now, the PR power players are those who know how to strategically use new media, while holding onto concrete PR practices. It’s not about giving up one for the other, it’s about finding a balance between the two worlds. Experimentation is key to finding this balance and always remember your audience, in an effort to ensure success.
Recently, I have run into PR professionals who either do not understand the new media convergence or merely refuse to embrace it. I think to myself, how can this be? How can someone who has been doing community relations for 15 years or strategic PR for 10 years not understand the direction that PR is going? It completely baffles me and brings me back around to the words I heard today, “Keep up or get left behind.” This new media tidal wave is huge and it has it’s hands in everything that is PR, from the way we communicate with clients to creative image and brand portrayal.
The value in this is that as PR pros, we are on the cusp of something great for the PR industry. It is a chance to seize the moment, take the knowledge and integrate it into our everyday practices early on. As long as PR pros continue to educate themselves on the changing industrial trends, we will stay on top to this colossal tidal wave. Granted the adoption of new media methods is only in the beginning stages, but the earlier the better; there is no turning back from here. Learn it, embrace it, use it and let it rock!
