Everyday PR with some Social Media- PRCA3334

Social Media is a major impact on Public Relations. Public Relations is, “a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.” By using social media, PR professionals are able to build and maintain that relationship through instant feedback of their customers or clients.  The Facebook comment or tweet concerning the organization is read in real time and can be addressed immediately if need be.  It also works that way with the organization. If they have a piece of information that they need to share ASAP, social media is there to disseminate the information to all of their customers, stakeholders, media outlets, etc.

With new emerging trends on social media, PR professionals can update their campaign based on the latest trend to get optimal results.  Some organizations now have used only social media when constructing a campaign.  Social media has the ability to go viral, to share information with thousands, even millions of people with one click.  Contests on social media are great tactics to use in a PR campaign. They generate awareness, raise followers, and you can track your progress as you go along.  It is real-time action with real-time results.

My Twitter account has definitely been more content-oriented these past few weeks.  I don’t tweet much because I think it is important to not overload on “junk.”   Contributing a new perspective or idea into the conversation is a rule I generally like to follow when tweeting. That doesn’t mean I am not guilty of tweeting the “what I’m having for lunch,” or participating in Scandal live tweets on Thursdays. However, I always watch what I tweet and/or retweet.  It is a great platform to use and I think it will be around just like Facebook.

Online Activism- PRCA3334

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Social media as the unique ability to make a picture, video, post, tweet, go viral and reach tens of thousands of people in a matter of minutes.  Because of that, social media is a great way for activist to speak up about their issue and let their voice be heard. I personally have never been a part of activism on social media. I don’t really know the reason, either. I have issues that I am very passionate about, and I enjoy debates and conversations about politics.

When I think “activist” I immediately picture the most stereotypical protester on the streets of Washington, D.C. holding a sign and yelling a chant. However, there are other ways people become activist and show it without being the stereotype. My client TOMS is a great example of an organization benefiting from people coming together for a cause and doing something about it on social media. Customers tweet, Instagram, and post their pictures of how they are making a difference and uniting in a cause.  Once they do that they all have a common bond with one another that sparks more to unite with them. It is the power of social media that connects them, wherever they are.

As for me, I am not sure if I would join a cause via social media. It depends what it is and what I am doing in life. I’m always aware of what I put on social media because once it is out there, there is no turning back. I am conscious of the content put out on my pages because there is always a consequence- good or bad.

 

 

Shutterfly faux pax- PRCA3334

In our age of technology, it can be an awesome resource, or a culprit of misuse. The mistake Shutterfly made definitely wasn’t intentional. What started out as a great idea quickly turned into a customer service nightmare.

I have to say, my immediate thought when first reading the article was, “so what, it’s not that big of an ordeal?” Reading the comments and tweets to Shutterfly though made me see it from a different perspective. While I have never been nor hope to be in a situation like some of the customers, their comments and concerns needed to be addressed appropriately and quickly. Shutterfly was right in issuing an apology tweet then email. After those apologies went out, I would have also sent a discount code in email to further apologize to those customers whose feelings were hurt. Then explaining it was a technical error and they will work quickly and swiftly to dissolve it so it does not happen again. I think they did act quickly and respectfully in response to the situation. However, it didn’t help that a second “opps” email went out again. This kind of thing shows that you definitely cannot please everyone, but how you respond to your customers makes a difference.

TV & Twitter- PRCA3334

TV shows that use Twitter to connect with their fans are at a great advantage to those who do not. They are simultaneously promoting their show, gaining new followers, and entertaining the current followers. It’s a fantastic tool to use and many shows have caught on. ABC’s Scandal is known for live tweeting during their shows. It gives the followers a chance to connect with the characters/celebrities and feel like part of the action.  It is fun to see other followers tweeting about the same show you are. Particularly during award shows, the tweets are very entertaining! The hashtag you use is also really important. As a PR professional, we can track how many people are talking about the show, celebrity, topic, etc.

The show I tweet along and watch religiously is Scandal. I follow the stars on the show, and the show itself on Twitter. Many of my friends also tweet during the show with me. The cast of Scandal is very good at live tweeting fans during the show. Since the show is so popular, many of my friends and followers also tweet during the show. The down side is, if I cannot watch that episode right away, I have to stay off Twitter so I don’t have any spoiled surprises until I can watch the episode.

Since my profile on Twitter has been private, I haven’t received any responses from a celebrity. Maybe now that it’s off I will hear something back.

Remembering, 50 years since JFK’s Assassination

JFK Assassination

 

It’s been 50 years since the nation was shocked by the assassination of our land’s 35th president.  Today, thousands gather at his memorial in Arlington, VA to pay their respects, as well in Dallas, TX where he was shot.  This kind of tragedy makes us wonder why? Why would this happen to such a person?  In an interview with NBC’s Tom Brokaw, former president Bill Clinton said, “He meant something to the country and he symbolized the future. And it was as if he was snuffed out.”  There have been numerous conspiracy theories  surrounding President Kennedy’s death.  Perhaps this is because there was never an actual trial.  The main suspect, Lee Harvey Oswald was killed too before he could stand trial.  http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/18/21480070-so-consequential-an-act-50-years-later-jfk-conspiracy-theories-endure?lite

There have been books, movies, tv shows dedicated to solving the murder of the president.  The most recent has been the book by Bill O’Reilly, Killing Kennedy, which then turned into a docudrama by the National Geographic channel.  It starred Rob Lowe and Ginnfer Goodwin as JFK and Jackie O.  http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/killing-kennedy/

The nation has always been fascinated with the Kennedy’s and their legacy.  I wander if the hype would be as big if the assassination plot had been proven.  There is so much mystery there, I think that is why it continues to serve as such a big spotlight in the media.

Tainted Jerky Doggie Treats

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For those of us who have a four-legged furry friend, you might want to lay off the jerky dog treats, particularly ones made in China.  According to an FDA report on Tuesday, a mysterious illness is tied to these treats.  About 600 dogs have died and thousands have been sick due to the treats.  FDA officials do not know what exactly is causing the deaths or illnesses.  The FDA warns pet owners to be aware of their animal’s behavior.  If signs of decreased appetite, sluggishness, vomiting, diarrhea, and others occur in your pet after eating jerky treats, report it to your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator: http://www.fda.gov/safety/reportaproblem/consumercomplaintcoordinators/default.htm