As I sat down to write this blog post tonight I had no idea what topic I wanted to delve into. Having attended the side-panel earlier today I was inspired by the notion of how the mediascape is changing and how we as professionals cannot ONLY change with it, we must also be able to use it to our advantage. Interested in how the future of public relations was viewed by others, I did a quick search and found a post on Edelman’s blog called, “Is Public Relations Ready for Discontinuous Change?”. The interesting thing about many of the articles I found when I ran my search was that they all discuss the changing media landscape. This is a time where people are utilizing tools like Google, Tivo, and online news services. In an era where it has ever been easier to create and consume information what does the future of PR look like? Most of us will be graduating within the next year and we’ve got to recognize that with all the changes occurring in our field and in the economy in general increased emphasis will be placed on cost to businesses. Edelman argues that one way to take advantage of the emerging media scape is to use the web to our advantage. We can have direct conversations with key stakeholder groups, garner feedback, and influence many through blogs. Edelman also argues for the idea of experimenting and even considers adding video clips to press releases as they are sent out. My question is, understanding the influence that using the web can have, why don’t many companies have blogs? And why don’t more PR companies automatically turn to the web when coming up with tactics for their clients?
November 20, 2008
Creativity is a must!
Amy Tan talks about our inner creativity in this presentation. I thought this would be beneficial for a good presentation to review, but also to get ideas on how to be creative in our life, which can help when you’re putting together your presentations. Amy had personal stories to keep the audiences attention as well as humorous slides. She was personable and even gave personal accounts as to past experiences in her life. This presentation is one to keep in mind when you begin on yours. She also talks about our inner creativity and where she believes we get it from. While she does make comments perpetuating the stereotype of her own culture, she still delivers a great presentation. Keep in mind to be mindful of what you say and how you say it. I also noticed that the camera zones in on the audience. They are attentive and genuinely interested in what she has to say. Can you think of ways to be creative and set yourself apart from other presentations? Do you think adding stories and humor is beneficial to a presentation?
Technology becoming something to master
With social media becoming more and more a part of the PR profession, the mastering of technology is a must. With new advancements in technology happening everyday how is one to keep up with all of it? In a recent blog post on PRsquared by Todd Defren he mentions techmemme. Techmemme is a database that compiles stories involving technology into an easy to access list of links. The links are generated through a news picking software so they are constantly updated. So why is this useful to PR professionals? It is important because as social media continues to gain steam and importance in our profession the more we need to be familiar with several types of gadgetry and technology. This database will allow professionals in the PR industry to read all the latest information regarding the newest innovations in technology all in one convenient place. Do you think that this database is useful why or why not? Do you think it is worth mentioning on a PR blog?
