My social media purge

Ok, so this may sound outrageous, terrible and weird but I am suddenly finding myself moving away from the social media craze that my networks and profession seem to demand of me.

Maybe it was the few beautiful days I just spent at the cottage (by the river, on the dock, at the campfire, relaxing with my friends). Maybe it’s the hours I spend on the computer ALL day at work. Maybe it’s the rediscovery of my love of reading. Maybe it finally feels like summer. Whatever the reason, I am finding myself less likely to check my facebook, tweet, or even keep up my blog.

Gang's all here.

But here I am, writing my blog again, so I obviously still realize the importance of social media. I am glad I understand it and have experienced. At the same time I am glad I know how to take a step back and take a break from it.

Isn’t weird how we know so much about random strangers because of our connections on social media sites? I realize this connection has it benefits, but there are something things that we just don’t all need to know. Email simply allows us to keep in touch and share information on a more private basis. Isn’t this good enough? (Rant over.)

And here I am, sharing my private thoughts with an online audience, making websites for people, promoting a website as part of my job. Maybe I just need to get this rant out of my system, because the truth of the matter is social media exists. It is important and relevant and will keep evolving. I guess I can’t underestimate the power of social media, but I can choose to be a bystander more often than not. Maybe you should try it.

My weekend ‘sans’ social media

Amanda and I down by the water.

This past Friday at 4pm I logged off Facebook, shut down my computer and got ready to head to the cottage with some friends. Held up by the TTC and Friday traffic, we finally arrived in Havelock, Ontario at 9pm to start our girls’ weekend!

 

My lovely friend Amanda invited me to join her and some girls from her work for a weekend by the lake. I had a blast. Made some great new friends. Ate and drank way too much. Relaxed by the campfire. Slept well at night.

At first it felt strange being away from the computer, but I took the time to enjoy it and it was kind of refreshing! When I’m at home, the first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is turn my computer on. Then I check it throughout the course of the day responding to emails, making comments, updating profiles. At the cottage that option vanishes! I didn’t even get cell phone reception.

When I got back to the city I had a whack of emails in my inbox, and messages to deal with. It requires some catching up, but the reality is that nothing is so pressing that it can’t wait for a few days. And the world of social media goes on with or without me.

It is nice to have something to come back to. I think this weekend confirmed my love (and slight addiction) of the web and social media. But I think if I’m willing to give it up cold turkey for a weekend here or there I’m still doing okay!

Facebook offers comfort in tragic times

Recently my hometown of Thorold experienced two devastating, tragic loses. With a cloud of heart break and sadness over us all it may have been the hardest week imaginable.

It is times like this that I really realize how important community is. Family, friends, neighbours, colleagues – all brought together in a time of need.

What surprised me most was the presence of this community online. I thought Facebook would seem like something so trivial in times of tragedy, but for us it became a form of comfort. With groups created to honour the memory of two amazing Thorold men, Facebook users began to pour their hearts out. No relationship was too insignificant to share memories, thoughts and best wishes. An abundance of pictures, stories and videos were posted. It became a way to give and receive support to each other. It gave us reason to cry and to laugh. It touched our lives.

We can’t deny the growing importance of social media in our lives. It is all around us so why not use it to our advantage. This also reminds me of the implications of our use of social media has on other users. What we do and say online affects other user and members of our community.

Thorold has been touched by these tragedies and although we don’t understand why, we are comforted by our community – in person and online. We are comforted by sharing and memories. We are comforted in knowing we have two incredible angels watching over us. Grant and Mr. Mahler will always be in our hearts, and their legacy will always remain – even on facebook.

Starbucks and social media…a delicious combo!

By now, I have completed many communications plans for many of our courses at Centennial. One common tactic that seems to always be used is social media. It is a relevant, cost effective way to get out key messages and achieve objectives.

Many companies seem to be joining in on this trend and adding social media to their list of tactics. Starbucks is one of my favourite things, and ever since I’ve been learning about PR I can’t help but notice the communications aspect of its business. Its mission? to inspire and nurture the human spirit— one person, one cup, and one neighbourhood at a time – and that’s just what it is doing…even online.

With an extensive website that includes links to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and My Starbucks idea, Starbucks seems to be right on the social media mark. Yummy and social media savvy! I like it! Here’s the gist of what it’s all about…

• Twitter: This tool lets Starbucks keep in touch with its customers through quick and frequent exchanges. With over 120,000 followers and almost 1500 updates I’d say it’s obvious that it is reaching a lot of people whether customers, fans, or critics.
• Facebook: A fan page and many applications are features of this tool. I think this is a great idea. There are so many loyal fans willing to plaster their love for Starbucks on their Facebook pages, I know I am.
• YouTube Channel: This tool features 22 videos including testimonials from customers about products, charitable efforts, etc. I think these videos are a way for Starbucks to tell its own story, to broadcast itself.
• My Starbucks idea: This tool is a forum for customers to share their ideas on how to improve the Starbucks experience. I give it credit for launching right into the world of social media with its own social media networking site. It has started a conversation and relationship and I think that true, loyal customers (like myself!) will understand that these changes take time and planning.

What’s most important and effective is that all of these efforts are linked, creating one overall social media space. They are also all linked to Starbucks social responsibility, encouraging people to volunteer, addressing rumours, and giving the facts. I think this goes to show that being active in social media is important to the corporate culture of the business.

Maybe I’m swayed by my own love of Starbucks and its caramel macchiatos, but I think that from a communications aspect it is doing a lot of things right. No social media campaign is perfect. What is most important is that Starbucks is participating, and I’m sure it is working the kinks out along the way…after all, PR is pretty unpredictable, right?

Online communications can be fun with friends…and mangia cakes!

Recently, as part of a Client Project class, I had the opportunity to work with one of the most creative, passionate, thoughtful people I know – my good friend Amanda Rietveld. For what seems like forever, Amanda has been making the loveliest and unique cakes for many specials days – family functions, birthdays, weddings and more! Through word of mouth her baking projects grew and before we all knew it she was taking orders.

The need to make her talents official struck me over the head after a conversation with another good friend. After little convincing we were soon making a business card and website to spread the word about the emerging home-based business, mangia cake by amanda. Using a soft colour scheme of yellow, pink and brown along with girly details, music and text all aspects of mangia cake became a reflection of the homemade, personalized service.

With the help of our host bludomain we were able to create a unique and cheeky website aligned with the business card and overall business image. I was forced to ask questions like: “What is the call to action?” and “is it user-friendly?” Keywords were placed on each page. Lists were made, words were bolded. Not only did the site have to look good and make sense, but it had to work from a communications standpoint – I was actually applying all the things I’ve been learning in school.

Now that the company image has been established, and the business card and website created, Amanda is entering the world of social media. She is currently writing a blog, with plans to expand to other medians such as Facebook and Twitter.

As I launch into an internship based on online, web communications I know this experience will help me in many ways. Most of all, I am happy to have helped share the special talents of an amazing friend and client.

Does social media belong in the hands of PR people?

I think the use of social media in public relations has a lot to do with corporate culture. If a company has a strong corporate culture, social media tools can be an effective way to promote and enhance it. Whether it’s a Twitter account, Facebook page or a company blog on behalf of the CEO, the PR professionals can use social media as a way to connect with both internal and external audiences.

So I think that social media does belong in the hands of PR people, especially if they (and/or their corporations) have an understanding of how to use it. No one can stop them anyways. Chances are their own level of understanding will affect its success in a business environment, so they are entering into the world of social media at their own risk! The corporate culture must embrace it in order for it to be effective, and for the PR people to really do their jobs.

So exactly how should PR people use social media? Once again I think it depends on corporate culture, business intentions, available resources, etc. Lynn Terry gives readers 10 suggestions of what they can do in her post on “How to used social media…Successfully.” The gist of it: “have a clear objective, be a valuable resource, and use the social media services in the ways they intend to be used. Anything else will get you filtered out, unfollowed, banned or blacklisted and ultimately be a complete waste of your time.” I think she makes some good points. If you’re social media efforts fail it’s because you’re not using the tools wisely.

In addition, I think social media is most effective as a tool when it is combined with traditional elements such as communications plans, news releases, etc. that all reflect the same corporate culture and help build strong relationships. Overall –it’s about expanding PR! Social media can and should be used by educated, relevant professionals. This doesn’t mean that they have to abandon traditional methods, but instead use them together. Whether it’s an online blog or a news release a company’s key messages and visible image must be clear.

Why not make use of the craze of social media? There is no debate that it is happening, so companies might as well benefit from it. It allows them access into a growing, evolving means of communication, and access to a large, diverse audience. If PR professionals aren’t engaging in social media, are they really doing a good job of communicating? I don’t think so! At times I understand they are held back by their corporate culture, but if so, they should be fighting for the cause. And if not, don’t they know that they’re missing out on such a huge opportunity?

What is “blogworthy?”

On a recent trip back to the city after a weekend at home, I was flipping through the latest issue of People Style Watch (a guilty pleasure of mine).  I came upon an ad and the first thing I noticed was the word “blogworthy” written across the middle of the page in large, red letters. Upon further inspection, I realized it was an Oscar Mayer advertisement for their new Deli Creations flatbread sandwiches. Upon even further inspection I noticed there was no contact website, no link to a blog – just a picture and a plug about the new microwavable lunch product.

So what exactly is blogworthy about this ad or this product I wondered?

Once I got to my computer I began searching online for the new product. All I could find was a simple section on the Kraft food website. Still no sign of a blog, no sign of any social media efforts. After even more searching I was surprised to find that Oscar Mayer does actually have a blog. So why not direct us to it in the ad?

Kraft is claiming that the new product is worth being blogged about but where is the proof? Do they just expect people to see the ad and start blogging about it? I don’t think it’s that easy! I realize that I am blogging about it now, but I don’t think a rant is what they were referring to when they call the product “blogworthy”.

Can we just throw this word around and expect it to create positive buzz with no substance? I think it’s safe to say that just about anything can be worthy of being blogged about. It’s more about the how and why than the what.

Nice try Oscar Mayer, but you may have missed the wienermobile on this one.