Enhancing Your Community

Posted on 24. Apr, 2012 by

I had started writing this post two days ago and was having trouble finishing it, and then, last night I came across this article from the New York Times – perfect timing!

Lately I feel like I have been preaching that people need to put away technology and be more present with each other. Perhaps it is because I sometimes have an issue with being focused on friends and family when something is going on at work or online that I feel I should be watching. Examples of this have included waiting for a client story to hit the papers, or waiting for an email to come in saying we won a piece of business – and then, of course, there are the times that I an eye on my mobile device so I can be available to my children’s school or nanny in case of emergency. This activity can quickly bleed over into checking social media sites, text messages, etc. more frequently than I should.  But, if I ignore my friends – chances are they will not be available for that coffee or lunch the next time I want to go out. (This is why all those who bring a mobile to the table should be forced to play “The Phone Stack Game“.)

Think about the last time you met up with a friend that you have not seen or talked to in a while. Do you know what’s already going on in their life because of Facebook status updates? Does it ever feel like there is nothing new to discuss?

“…we have confused conversation with connection and collectively seem to have embraced a new kind of delusion that accepts the simulation of compassion as sufficient unto the day.”

This is true for your personal relationships, but I would argue that there is relevance to your business relationships as well.

Having entered the pr industry in the mid 1990′s, I can recall a time when I did not have a mobile phone or a laptop to do my job [for those of you keeping track, yes, I walked up hill to school both ways, too]. I could sit through business dinners without calling into the office or home. I was forced to practice the art of conversation with family, friends, clients, prospects, and even strangers. I built relationships with the people as we broke bread. Many of these people I am still in contact with today. They became and are my community, in some senses.

In taking some time to reflect on how digital so many of my relationships have become, I realized that social media and digital tools (yes, including email) are there just to enhance your community - NOT create it. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you build your own professional community:

  • Don’t be afraid of the phone. I promise you the phone will not bite you. The worst thing that could happen is that you will get hung up on — or bitched yelled at, but if you are a publicist you need to grow some thick skin – and this exercise will help. ;) I meet so many young publicists that are afraid to make calls. And sure, every blog you read or PR best practice you hear about dictates that you email a journalist and NEVER, ever call them. And, while I agree with this in many cases, I do not agree on all. Some details need to be worked out over the phone. And, you HAVE to speak with your clients to keep them informed and build report. You should not hide behind emails.
  • Turn your mobile off before you go into a restaurant. I was raised by parents who believed that proper table manners could take you places – and I have found this to be very true – ESPECIALLY in business [thanks mom & dad!]. Would you talk on the phone to another person while you are dining with someone else? Probably not. Texting people or checking your mobile device at the table is no different. Turn the phone OFF. Yes, I mean power it down… all the way down. This way you will not be inclined to check it in your lap. If you must check messages, excuse yourself and quickly check messages. Worries that your child may need you (I have used this reasoning to justify my actions – and it’s bogus)? Kick it old school and leave the number of the place you will be with your sitter. Chances are the maître d’ can track you down and let you know there is an emergency at home – which is the only thing that should tear you away from your client / journalist / boss / anyone who matters. And remember: just because your dinner companion is using their mobile device you don’t have to. Make them feel like they are important – not second to whatever is on your phone.
  • Engage in person more than you do online. Go ahead and update your status across your social profiles, but consider how you should engage off line. Perhaps you discussed a book at your last meeting with a client that you found to be really insightful. Why not send them a copy with a [gasp!] handwritten note? Going to be in the neighborhood? Set up a time to meet. I have found great success by asking press if I can stop in for coffee (I offer to buy, but few accept for reasons of payola). After that, I tend to get replies to all my pitches – even the dogs that will never turn into a story or mention. Meet IRL as often as you can, otherwise you may end up saying “FML“.

Bottom line: old school communications is not passé. You should start to build relationships through classic communications methods, and then continue to develop your community through use of social media tools.

 Photo Credit: Yutaka Tsutano

Hello? Can You Hear Me?

Posted on 14. Feb, 2012 by

Last week my phone rang. Sure, this is not an odd occurrence. I probably get more inbound calls at the firm than any other person given the nature of my roll. But the nature of the call was somewhat unique.

A reporter that I have been working with via email from a national outlet called me. [gasp!] And, it was not to work out details.

Yep. She wanted to meet me via phone. I almost fell off my chair. You see, dear reader, this does not happen very often. In my business, and sadly much at all anymore. When I used to walk up hill to school both ways in the PR world, calling and faxing journalists because email was not widely used at the start of my career, I used to speak to reporters a lot as I pitched. Now, because of all of our technology (which makes my job MUCH easier), there is less phone work.

Bridge built with one easy, quick call.

Should you call every journalist in your database? No. But, don’t forget that the phone is a tool – and not just for txting. So this week, do one thing – make a call.

 

Image courtesy of Ritchie Brett via Creative Commons license.

The “…ations” of Our Business

Posted on 27. Mar, 2009 by

When did the occupation of public relations become so confusing to people?  When I graduated from college, I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication.  My studies were concentrated in public relations.  I understood this to mean that my job would be to communicate a business’ message to the public: directly, through the media, and if needed and depending on the company I worked for, lobbying.

Today, there seems to be some question as to what this practice entails.  Is it just effective writing? Is it a robust database to help your clients get traction in the media? Is it throwing a press release on the wire? Is it lobbying a bill on the Hill? Is it working with investors of a business to get the company’s messaging across? Is it social media?

The truth is, effective PR firms and people know how to do all of that, and in most cases, do much of it well.   The business of public relATIONS is all about communicATION. And in today’s world that means communication to many types of people across multiple channels.  The multiple channel piece of the equation is key.

From bloggers to national broadcast television placements, it is all important and beneficial. In fact, some of the smaller, less “glamorous” placements can do more for your bottom line.   Consider the reach an outlet has AND how respected they are.  A very targeted blog about a specific subject may get your client more traction than a mainstream newspaper placement.  Think podcasters are important to target? You bet! Leave no stone unturned and achieve better results.

Bottom line: relate and communicate information effectively across all channels. That is what today’s PR is all about.