Fumbling About with Social Media

Posted by Rahna on March 2, 2009 under Media, Social Media | Be the First to Comment

I just have to post this….

This tweet about a comment over heard by Twitter user Avinash Kaushik, (“Web Analytics: An Hour A Day” author and Google analytics proponent) simply must be commented upon! 

“Social media is like teen sex.  Everyone wants to do it. No one actually knows how. When finally done, there is surprise it’s not better.”

While it made me laugh out loud, I think the analogy is completely apropos.  Social media takes time to master; finesse only comes with practice.  You must have patience, dedicate time and effort to knowing how to handle it, and focus on how to get something out of it that works for YOU (either from a personal perspective or from a professional point of view).

I don’t’ think the Twitter or Facebook investors need to worry about it too much….Everyone I know who has ever had sex actually did try it a second time, and eventually learned how to do properly, eventually growing to appreciate it immensely.  I think that social media is a safe bet for both individuals and companies alike!

Gen X moms versus Gen Y moms

Posted by Rahna on September 18, 2008 under Consumer Engagement, Media, Social Media | Be the First to Comment

ontinuing the discussion of my last post, I just read a bulletin put out by MediaPost’s Research Daily that recaps a study done for Parenting Magazine

http://www2.worldpub.net/images/parenting/pdf/MomMatters_JulyAug.pdf

The study shows the differences between Gen X moms and Gen Y moms in terms of where they are going for information and parenting guidance.  Here’s what it showed:

So if you are going to grow your base with the coveted 18-34 year old crowd, you cannot ignore the social aspects of the internet.  Join in the conversation and get engaged.  You’ll find out quickly that your consumer is already there and already talking!

Public Relations

Posted by Rahna on July 28, 2008 under Media | Be the First to Comment

A client of mine, Poise, Polish and Panache had just had an article published in the local Whittier Daily News. This start-up company provides etiquette training and is just getting established in the community.  

1.    Congratulations! It is very exciting to be published in the newspaper and marks a great milestone in your company’s growth.

2.    To all others reading this blog, don’t underestimate the power of PR. My client has already gotten several calls as a result of this exposure.

3.    Plan your PR interactions. My client and I knew in advance that a reporter would be coming to her talk so we prepared for the interview in order to maximize the opportunity. Here is a summary of what we discussed: 

·         Understand what the reporter wants to get out of the interview. Ask questions about what kind of story, what kind of background information they will be needing, anything that can help you understand the objective of the story.  Remember, reporters want to tell stories…interesting stories that capture the minds and hearts of its readers

·         Understand what you want to get out of the interview. Public Relations builds exposure for you and your business.  Have three succinct messages that you would like to convey and be ready to communicate them.

·         Make the reporter’s job easier. Have a packet of materials with as many facts, figures, pictures, etc. as you can to help make the reporter’s job easier. This will smooth the way and ensure a good working relationship with the media.

·         Stay in control of the interview. Even if the line of questioning goes in a different direction, there are ways that you can conversationally get in the points that you want to make. Think about all the possible angles.

·         Remember that you are always “on record.” Everything you say is fair game to the reporter, so make sure you are buttoned up (see the next point to ensure this!)

·         Practice, practice, practice. You can never be too prepared for a media interview.   

Again, congratulations to Poise, Polish and Panache, a company on its way to teaching tons of people proper etiquette, to gain more confidence in social settings and advance their careers as quickly as possible.  See full article here: http://www.whittierdailynews.com/education/ci_10017835?source=email