Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT, and the State of Public Relations
December 31, 2009 – 7:37 am
First off, a piece of personal news: today marks my last day at SHIFT Communications. It has been a great ride and I am leaving some friends, particularly a great team, behind, What’s next? It is too early to tell tales, but my next move is sure to include explicit responsibilities relating to social media. I believe social media is only going to take more and more of our time, attention and resources- whether ”we” toil in PR, marketing, advertising, or numerous other departments. In fact, that thinking leads me to the meat of this post; rather than talk about my own moves (though I will be sure to update here once I have decided on my next step), I thought I would take a gander at where public relations is and how I think it, and its related disciplines, are changing.
Isn’t this a better idea than an “End of Year” list or “2010 Predictions” post? I
My SHIFT Team
think so. Even if you don’t, let me have it in comments.
I’ll start by saying that I am making no declarations or writing a manifesto here- but stating my observations. If you think that’s the same thing, cheers.
- Public Relations as Media Relations Mill is Coming to an End
Public relations agencies have actually made progress in scaling down the mass-spamming of media targets, at least in my experience (that’s not the same as saying it’s gone, of course). However, the reliance on media relations as the backbone of PR agency work seems to be getting its oxygen only from client demands to be in this or that publication. When clients deprive us of that oxygen, we will be freer (or forced) to pitch our talents in other areas: strategy, social media, content creation and other more creative, effective pursuits. I can say from experience that clients are already clamoring for more strategic counsel vs. more of the same ol’ media relations. That’s a great, early sign of what may come.
- PR Agencies Must Catch Up to Each Other in Social Media Know-How
Some agencies “got it” early, and I have been lucky enough to work for two–SHIFT Communications and Topaz Partners– over the last several years. Other agencies, including larger ones, have caught up (have they?). Is the next step that the early leaders dart out ahead on the Next Big Thing? Or do larger agencies scale up their social media services to the point where it’s a standard discipline? I would love to see the former- and I think we are already seeing the latter (witness Edelman, no slouch in social media awareness anyway, and its recent hire of David Armano).
The opportunities to teach social media and create more awareness among clients, agency talent, and the industry at large is still there. If anything, the audience has increased and is hungrier.
- We Won’t Figure Out Measurement, or Will We?
I am fond of saying that PR should own social media because we have had decades of practice in not being able to figure out measurement. Social media was made for us? Of course, we can figure out measurement- the only question is do we want to, and do we want to do it in a way that will show clear benefits to clients? I will continue to pay attention to the likes of Katie Paine to try and stay on top of this important, untamed aspect of the PR industry. I will definitely be working harder on measurement in 2010.
- “Personal Brand” Should be Recognized for What it Is: a Networking and Reputation Boon for Companies
Here in Boston, when I go to events, I am used to the fact that typically, very few PR agencies are represented at the events. Good old-fashioned face-to-face networking is a must– and the people that use social media to build up their own “brand” or whatever you want to call it would be foolish to squander that on online pursuits only. I’m not talking about traveling to conferences if you don’t have the budget- but I can’t say enough about the value of that- I am talking even more about what you can do without a big budget: impromptu “Tweet-ups” and other gatherings- especially to greet visitors from out-of-town; local industry events, whether they be for PR/Marketing groups or for clients’ vertical industries.
The most visible agencies will win that battle in each city. In Boston, I would argue that mantle is up for grabs. Looking back to my earlier paragraph, many PR folks know more about PR than others know. Time to stop hiding that light under a bushel.
- Will PR, Marketing, Advertising and other Functions Merge?
That’s a fascinating question. I watch to see if companies look at “full-service” agencies, or if social media becomes a set of tool fitting the needs of the separate disciplines (include customer service and even sales in that group), which remain distinct. I lean toward the latter. PR and advertising, in particular, want to hold on to their at times diametrically opposed views on earned vs. paid attention, and how social media serves that. I continue to be entertained and educated by the stories of PR efforts that strike a wrong chord- or even anger customers, as well as advertising efforts upended by creative that is too clever for its own good, at the expense of relevance and engagement.
Who will win? I don’t think we need a winner.
On to 2010
Will I stay in PR? I think there is a lot of unfinished work I could attend to, whether at agencies or in-house. On the other hand, it is also an opportunity to redefine what I do- does it make sense to pursue positions that have more specific social media responsibilities? I think so- now is the time. What form that takes is a matter of time, people and opportunity- and there is a lot of that right now. 2010 is going to be a great and fascinating year.
80 Responses to “Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT, and the State of Public Relations”
Twitter Comment
RT @DougH: New Blog Post- Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT, and the State of Public Relations [link to post] – wow!
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By KirstenParagona (Kirsten Paragona) on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
A great final blog post for SHIFT by @DougH [link to post] . Doug, can’t wait to hear more about your next adventure. Best of luck!
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By ValerieSimon (ValerieSimon) on Dec 31, 2009
Doug: Wishing you well on your next stop. I love your optimism for 2010. I, too, think it will be a great and fascinating year :)
By Bryan Person on Dec 31, 2009
Doug,
First of all, let me be the first to say that it’s been a pleasure to work with you over the last couple of years. Your social media savvy and know-how has been invaluable. Second, good luck with whatever is next. I’ll be curious to see which fork in the road you decide to pursue given your multiple skill sets.
I also wanted to mention that I like your though provoking questions about the future of PR. As a client of SHIFT’s, we’ve been pleased with the balancing act you all have maintained between traditional PR activities and embracing the power of social media. I agree with you though, there will be some interesting transitions in 2010.
Last but not least… Happy New Year!
Best,
Aaron | @aaronstrout
By Aaron Strout on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
RT @DougH: New Blog Post- Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT, and the State of Public Relations [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By GuidoS (Guido Stein) on Dec 31, 2009
Doug, best of luck in 2010 and your new adventure, I can’t wait to hear what you do next!
Kyle
By Kyle Flaherty on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
RT @DougH: New Blog Post- Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT, and the State of Public Relations [link to post] (Thuoght provoking)
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By TilsonPR (TilsonPR) on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
Excellent thoughts on the state of public relations from @DougH: [link to post]
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By hoovers (Hoover's) on Dec 31, 2009
Might not be a manifesto, but youdaman! May the next thing be the best thing!
Much repect due to you as a professional, but even more in friendship.
Cheers, Adam
By Adam Zand on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
Party better than Topaz exit? RT @DougH: Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT, and the State of Public Relations [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By NoOneYouKnow (Adam Zand) on Dec 31, 2009
Doug,
Of course, nicely done. You hit the nail on the head with many points here, and I think you know where I agree with you most…that PR has forever changed and those who practice it must continue to evolve or risk forever playing catch-up, that measurement can no longer be the 100-pound gorilla in the room that PR tries to ignore or fight owning, and that branding–personal or otherwise–is something we all must own or it will drive itself.
It’s no coincidence that you and I have spent more time together in the past year than in the 10+ years we’ve known each other. Our lives and careers have evolved in the right ways. I’m personally grateful for this change, and hope to be a part of your next big adventure, if only to help you celebrate your next successes. I agree that 2010 is going to be a great and fascinating year.
Best wishes,
Carissa
By Carissa Caramanis O'Brien on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
Nicely done, friend. RT @DougH: New Blog Post- Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT, and the State of Public Relations [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By carissao (Carissa O'Brien) on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
Reading: [link to post]
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By michaelpearsun (Michael Pearson) on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
Congrats Dough! RT @DougH: New Blog Post- Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT, and the State of Public Relations [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By CMajor (Christine Major) on Dec 31, 2009
Congrats on starting a new phase in life :)
By Leslie Poston on Dec 31, 2009
Doug, congratulations on this move. SHIFT is definitely going to miss you.
I agree with you about the huge value of meeting people as meat people, in the flesh. I gotta do more of it. If I did NY resolutions that would be one of them.
HNY and best of luck,
Tim
By timallik on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
Reading @dough Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT, and the State of Public Relations [link to post]
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By leslie (Leslie Poston) on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
Some great social media and general PR networking tips that work even outside of Boston, thanks @dough [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By mariedomingo (MarieDomingo) on Dec 31, 2009
Doug, Fantastic post and great insights, but that’s what we have come to expect from your. Have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!
Best,
Warren
By Warren Sukernek on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
Fantastic insights on PR & Social by @DougH: Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT, and the State of Public Relations [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By warrenss (Warren Sukernek) on Dec 31, 2009
Nicely done. Going to just cut and paste into my 2010 post and claim it as my own. Because, isn’t that how social media works, with fair use? I’ll link to you on the bottom as someone who is smart, though.
Congratulations on the new 2010 plan, and go kick some tweed Boston butt.
By Jeremy Pepper on Dec 31, 2009
Dough – as always a class (and smart-as-hell) act! You are one of the great thought leaders that have helped me and, as it is very clear, many others in the industry.
I can’t wait to see what your next move is. We all expect nothing short of something that will be truly fantastic!
All the best for 2010!
/colin
By Colin Browning on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
RT @warrenss Insights on PR & Social by @DougH: Social Media Top 5 [link to post]
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By neicolec (Neicole Crepeau) on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
RT @Armano: Best of luck to @dough and he provides some commentary on the state of PR [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By susanbeebe (Susan Beebe) on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
RT: @dough New Blog Post- Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT, and the State of Public Relations [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By ctanowitz (Chuck Tanowitz) on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
Best of luck to @dough and he provides some commentary on the state of PR [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By Armano (David Armano) on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
RT @Armano Best of luck to @dough and he provides some commentary on the state of PR [link to post] (I second that!)
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By conniereece (Connie Reece) on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
“Doug Haslam » Blog Archive » Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT …” [link to post]
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By marketingbot (AMS) on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
Doug Haslam » Blog Archive » Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT … [link to post]
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By bankruptcy_reno (Bankruptcy Attorney) on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
Doug Haslam » Blog Archive » Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT … [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By theMediaDude (The New Media Dude) on Dec 31, 2009
Wow, what a humbling response to this post. I am proud to count you all among my friends, new and old. For the non-Twitter commenters here:
Bryan- Yes, I am very optimistic. A lot of new exciting stuff is going to happen in 2010.
Aaron- you have been one of the leaders in the social media community, and I have come to expect nothing less than your support and encouragement.
Kyle- I can’t wait to see what’s next either! (Did Austin TX get up early today? Y’all were all over this post)
Adam- you and I have been through a lot of PR wars- it just keeps getting more interesting. Thank you.
Carissa- it’s great to see you back in my life, though a shame it took social media to do it.
Leslie- thanks for being an influence, and a force in the New England social media community
Tim- Exactly– we should all get out more. Meat-meeting will be the buzzword for 2010 (well maybe we can think of a better one)
Warren- You have a great New Year as well!
Jeremy- still away. I won’t prosecute. Petty larceny.
Colin- you were one of the most fun clients I have ever had (shh don’t tell Aaron). Can you influence an influencer? Keep bringing on the good stuff- more Friday funnies and more video please!
By Doug Haslam on Dec 31, 2009
Doug, best of luck in your next move. 2010 will surely be a productive and changing year.
- Kasey
By Kasey Skala on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
Oops: From @DougH the State of Public Relations [link to post] offers some excellent thoughts #PR #socialmedia
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By davidhughan (David Hughan) on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
From@DougH the State of Public Relations [link to post] offers some excellent thoughts #PR #socialmedia
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By davidhughan (David Hughan) on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
Great post from @dough [link to post]) congrats and best of luck on the next phase!
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By davidparmet (David Parmet) on Dec 31, 2009
Can’t wait to hear what you have in store in 2010, Doug. I know it’s going to be amazing!
Best of luck, my friend!
By Zena Weist on Dec 31, 2009
Looking forward to finding out what’s next for @dough!
By Todd Van Hoosear on Dec 31, 2009
Twitter Comment
From @DougH the State of Public Relations [link to post] offers some excellent thoughts #PR #socialmedia
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By davidhughan (David Hughan) on Jan 1, 2010
Hope the next step in your career is as great as the work you’ve done in the past. I’m a Doug Haslam fan and I look forward to seeing what ever you do next, I know it will be great!
I was thinking Doug. What if many agencies are still using traditional cold calls and they still work? For example, you notice a company gets some more funding, doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that they will probably need some PR help. Might sound like the wrong approach considering social media, but what if it still works? Isn’t the question about PR agencies involvement in social media, what is still working for them?
By John Cass on Jan 1, 2010
Twitter Comment
Good luck to @dough on his next move. Some good PR insights here, too – I agree: [link to post]
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By davefleet (davefleet) on Jan 1, 2010
Twitter Comment
Good PR insights here: [link to post] #humberPR
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By tgoncalves1 (Tanya Goncalves) on Jan 1, 2010
Enjoyed the post. I think anyone who is in the business and straddling the PR/social media worlds thinks about the very same questions you raise here. The smart ones don’t have answers or claim to see the future, but they are aware that they are part of an evolution in the communications industry.
I look forward to following your evolving thoughts and career path this year. Maybe your journey will bring you to Toronto one of these days?
Best of luck to you in 2010.
By David Jones on Jan 1, 2010
Kasey, Zena and Todd– thanks!
John- you flatter me. AS for your question about cold calls, it seems there is indeed a place- but rather than a list of companies to call (say, going off Venturewire dispatches, why not prequalify certain ones before calling to increase chances? That’ how I cut down my media lists when calling on news over the last few years. More prep, fewer calls, higher results.
David- so the dumb ones are the ones who actually have the answers? Sign me up! ;) Thanks for the thoughts– and Toronto is on my bucket list (just not in January). You;ll be among the first to know when I do make it up there.
By Doug Haslam on Jan 1, 2010
Oh, I like your style. Doesn’t every industry become lovey-dovey after a while?
This comment was originally posted on POP PR Jots
By Tyler Hurst on Jan 1, 2010
Hi Jeremy,
I agree with a lot of what you’re saying, and find myself also very frustrated at the pat-each-others-backs mentality that is pervading in the largely self-serving Social Media industry.
I’m also highly irritated by the amount of crap content that points out the obvious under the guise of ‘how to’ and ‘5 steps to’. There seems to be a total lack of actual methodic framework strategy, which is what I’m currently writing a lot about.
And finally, I agree that little of the SM world seems to be actually 1. having any proof for all they are talking about, and 2. doing anything to actually help the world and bring about social change.
All the best,
Scott
This comment was originally posted on POP PR Jots
By Scott on Jan 1, 2010
Jeremy – I’d like to say kudos for a refreshingly candid blog post, but I don’t want to sound like one of those contemptuous cheerleaders. In fact, you almost make me feel obliged to tell you you’re wrong in one way or another.
Despite that impulse, I think you’re entirely on-the-mark regarding the need for some legit proof to back up the lofty claims. I was especially annoyed a few months ago with all the hype surrounding Twitter’s influence on Hollywood box office. I’m not saying that Twitter buzz can’t influence the success or failure of new film (I’m sure it can), but none of the stories or related comments I read on the topic bothered to cite any sort of proof — once the idea was out there, everyone drank the Kool Aid and accepted it as fact. Ditto for the social media release — I’m all for adding links and multimedia assets, but they don’t by themselves give value to an otherwise worthless announcement.
So thanks for the worthwhile blog post… and don’t STFU! :)
This comment was originally posted on POP PR Jots
By Erik Deutsch on Jan 2, 2010
This is a very refreshing post. I am in my third year at the University of Sunderland and about to go out into the world of PR and we have been taught about social media. This has been great for me as I have had skills that experienced practitioners haven’t necessarily had and has helped me to get noticed during work experience.
However, I think there is a problem with things that you believe should happen. For example, pointing out PR’s unethical practices will undoubtedly damage its own reputation; couldn’t this undermine its perceived value to companies and possibly damage the PR industry as a whole?
Another view though is that it is in line with the CIPR where you should remain open, honest and transparent and surely pointing out the unethical will only make the industry stronger and more focussed in the future, cutting out bad practice. It is a difficult choice to make. To me it looks like a catch twenty two.
Overall though I do agree with the fact that Social Media is not the be all and end all of PR, it is another tool in the PR toolbox and should be used appropriately. For me personally although I take part in blogging and tweeting I do so to take part in these conversations, broaden my knowledge and overall get a job at the end of my degree. I want to be a well rounded practitioner and not necessarily a one trick pony, it may suit others and I haven’t got anything against being a social media ‘expert’ but it just isn’t me, or at least not at the moment.
All the best
@jac12
This comment was originally posted on POP PR Jots
By Jack on Jan 2, 2010
Twitter Comment
RT @davefleet: Good luck to @dough on his next move. Some good PR insights here, too – I agree: [link to post]
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By skyone5000 (hans) on Jan 2, 2010
Twitter Comment
Wherever @DougH lands, they will be lucky to have him. Read his thoughts on the state of public relations [link to post]
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By elizabethsosnow (Elizabeth Sosnow) on Jan 2, 2010
Doug,
Sorry I’m just catching up on this news now, but I wish you all the best in your new endeavors! I hope you’ll let me know what your plans are, and you should feel free to contact me if I can help you in any way.
By Howard Greenstein on Jan 3, 2010
Howard, Thanks, I will definitely keep you in the loop.
By Doug Haslam on Jan 3, 2010
Twitter Comment
Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT, and the State of Public Relations [link to post] via @AddToAny
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By ciaoenrico (Ciaoenrico) on Jan 4, 2010
Gonna miss you, hombre. Great post – both graceful and thought provoking. Talk soon… /TD
By Todd Defren on Jan 4, 2010
Doug, how about “meating” as the top buzzword for 2010? Apologies to all of the vegetarians out there, but we’re talking about live meatings, not dead ones.
By timallik on Jan 4, 2010
Doug, best of luck with your next move!
Your point about face-to-face networking is spot on. Only so much brand-building can be done online – meeting people in real life makes a huge difference (both personally and professionally).
Keep on the bike!
By amymengel on Jan 4, 2010
Twitter Comment
Great post from @DougH sums up a lot of my thoughts on state of PR: [link to post]
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By jbenanto (Jeff Benanto) on Jan 4, 2010
Doug, best wishes for your next adventure.
By Jon Bornstein on Jan 4, 2010
Twitter Comment
Great insights on the the state of PR from @DougH – [link to post] [Good luck in your new ventures, Doug!]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By lisahoffmann (Lisa Hoffmann) on Jan 4, 2010
Twitter Comment
How PR is changing [link to post] RT @LisaHoffmann
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By charlottewalker (Charlotte Walker) on Jan 4, 2010
Doug:
Nice post. Congratulations on the next chapter. Given your SM knowledge, confident it will have a happy ending for you.
Mark Wallace
@mwallcomm
By Mark Wallace on Jan 4, 2010
Jeremy, you’ve already said most of it. And it’s considered bad manners to link back to something you wrote three years ago that lays waste to what most assume is brand spanking new.
There reason there are so few telling the truth and calling out the BS is because there is no money in it. You and I have punctured balloons as pure avocation, because it’s just fun for us. But we’re wired differently.
This comment was originally posted on POP PR Jots
By Ike on Jan 4, 2010
And, you know what junior staffers? It’s best left NOT to you, but to senior PR people that understand those little things like strategy, tactics, and have a long view of the clients, the space and the industry. So thank you very little and now STFU and learn from those in the industry longer than one year.
Guess I should shut my mouth, then! ;-)
This comment was originally posted on POP PR Jots
By Daniel Honigman on Jan 4, 2010
Great, thoughtful post, Doug, and I’m really looking forward to your next move! Wherever you decide to apply your capabilities and talents, I’m cheering you on. Your observations pinpoint the key issues right now for PR’s relationship (and integration with) social media practices.
In a risky move, I decided not to call myself primarily a PR firm a few years ago, after many years of running a successful PR business. Now, I’m not even calling myself a “social media specialist” as a primary identity because (1), there are so many making that claim now; and (2), it’s about where we are going with the social media tools—as you mentioned, there are so many uses and creative applications possible across organizational silos. Social media is no longer completely owned by PR and marketing, although certainly, all practitioners in those fields should be trained in social media strategy and integration, in my opinion. Measurement and metrics—how to obtain them, analyze and evaluate them—needs to be a required part of that training.
Now, I think we are moving quickly toward integration of overall business strategy, innovation, collaboration and social media, social networking and uses of both external and internal communities, so my own business focus has moved to discovering and facilitating new opportunities at that crossroad. We’re already seeing exciting new business opportunities there, as well as world-changing opportunities for nonprofits, social entrepreneurs and social innovation. These trends excite me more than anything else and will redefine some of the labels we have taken for granted in the past. Ooh…I feel some blog posts coming on…Happy New Year, and keep us posted on what you’re up to! Best to you in taking your next steps.
By Cathryn Hrudicka on Jan 4, 2010
Todd- Thanks, and I am flattered to rate “hombre” rather than “amigo.” Don’t think I don’t catch those little things :)
Tim – “Meating” it is. Look for it in the next Word of the Year announcement.
Amy- Thanks, and I can;t wait to get back on the bike– soon!
Jon- Thanks for the well-wishes.
Mark – At the risk of sounding not-humble, I share your confidence. There is a lot of interesting opportunity out there.
By Doug Haslam on Jan 4, 2010
Cathryn- Thanks! Comments like yours are what really make a blog post sing. You reinforce the idea that for me, “PR” does not have to be my designation- or, that what “PR” is is changing, and I want to stay at the forefront of those changes.
Now; I’m looking forward to your blog posts!
By Doug Haslam on Jan 4, 2010
Nice post, lots of great points. BTW, did you see that I included you in my ‘Original Gangsters’ post :)
http://www.siliconvalleywatcher.com/mt/archives/2009/12/5years_the_old.php
This comment was originally posted on POP PR Jots
By TomForemski on Jan 4, 2010
Twitter Comment
..Hence, my comment @DougH insightful post, Social Media Top 5: Exit: Stage SHIFT, & the State of Public Relations [link to post] #in
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By CreativeSage (Cathryn Hrudicka) on Jan 4, 2010
Twitter Comment
@DougH Aw, thanks! Your post & all the comments are must-reads for #PR pros & anyone using #socialmedia: [link to post] #smchat #hcsm
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By CreativeSage (Cathryn Hrudicka) on Jan 4, 2010
ITA with Tyler, et al. that I like your style. There is too much back patting, self promotion, spin and buzz out here in PR and Social Media, not enough sleeve rolling and getting the job done. Look forward to more posts.
This comment was originally posted on POP PR Jots
By Davina K. Brewer on Jan 7, 2010
wow dude. came across your post via @cthilk.
This post echoes my everyday struggle with respect. Ill bet half these "experts" havent brought in $100k in a year. Prolly not even $50k. Anyone disagreeing with you is either 1) new to the game or 2) still drinking the juice.
My hope is that one day people will have the frankness and balls to call people out. A 14 year old knows more about social than most of us, let’s be truthful. Good post.
@sethhart
This comment was originally posted on POP PR Jots
By seth on Jan 8, 2010
Thank you for this post, we are a online dating website blog network, which college students read our blog, so thanks and well post this article on our blog. what are some facts about college relationships
This comment was originally posted on POP PR Jots
By what are some facts about college relationships on Jan 11, 2010
Really interesting post. Having been made redundant from my last PR agency, and having set up on my own, one of the great things to have come from the ‘media cull’ has been that we seem to be working much more collaboratively with journalists – more as content partners and providers than ‘flacks’. The less journalists there are, the less people there are to hunt for the story and so there’s a huge opportunity for PRs to become enablers, as never before. What it does mean is that we actually have to spend some time getting to know our media – now, more than ever, a ’spray and pray approach just won’t cut it.
This comment was originally posted on Lindsay Olson
By Caroline Tarbett on Jan 11, 2010
Very important points you make here as potential clients consider their PR budgets for 2010. It’s more important than ever to have a plan, but be ready to change it. Thank you for the thoughts!
This comment was originally posted on Lindsay Olson
By JenniferKMG on Jan 11, 2010
It seems like the landscape sure is shifting. What does the state of the PR industry look like at the moment? Can it accommodate a sudden influx for the field of journalism?
This comment was originally posted on Lindsay Olson
By DC Jobs on Jan 11, 2010
Alison,
Thanks for including my post. Yes, the big changes in media do mean a lot for PR. One choice for a displaced journalist is becoming a “flack”- another is to become a writer on the corporate side, especially as more companies become content producers- and publishers- themselves. We have seen this happen at Kaspersky, among other companies, and very smart people like David Meerman Scott caught this trend early.
To Chuck’s point, it has always been an advantage to have an “ex-hack” in a PR agency for the reasons stated. I would like to see the traditional journalistic ethic fused into the “new media” landscape- I think that is more imperative. It just has to be worth the journalists’ time to be in that space, setting good reporting examples (that is, there needs to be a livelihood under the hood).
This comment was originally posted on Lindsay Olson
By Doug Haslam on Jan 11, 2010
Hi Alison,
Thanks for the mention!
At my last firm a number of journalists came through, but so many also burnt out on PR pretty quickly, the skillsets, while close, weren’t close enough. I think the new environment offers tremendous opportunities, both for journalists and PR folks. A lot of our clients are marketers, so they are used to creating content that sells. You know, “Always Be Closing.”
But compelling content is more altruistic in nature. It’s not there to sell, it’s there to inform. Along the way it benefits the publisher. In a way it’s a shift from a central journalism point (like a newspaper) in which business indirectly supports the work through ads, to a scattered model in which each business (or group pf businesses) can be its own news publisher.
I find this movement tremendously exciting.
This comment was originally posted on Lindsay Olson
By Chuck Tanowitz on Jan 11, 2010
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By Philadelphia car accident attorney on Jan 12, 2011