October, 2011

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The Difference Between Experts and Expertise

Waxing UnLyrical

“How do you become a social media expert?” That was one of the questions I was asked when I was in Lincoln, Neb., last week. I was speaking to several students at UNL, and while I didn’t get a chance to speak to each of them one-on-one, I could tell that they are serious about being the best professional communicators they can be (this was at the College of Journalism & Mass Communications).

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Saying “No” Is Better Than Saying Nothing

Bad Pitch Blog

'[Guest Post by Jonathan Rick] All we are saying is: practice deftness , not deafness! In a recent post, Chris Brogan describes one scenario familiar to anyone not living under a well-hidden rock: “Today I sheepishly deleted several e-mails. that were waiting for a quick response. maybe 100 overall. So that means almost 100 people got my attention , got me to read something,” and then never heard back.

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Are You Listening?

Journalistics

The physical presence of ears does not make you a good listener. Listening makes you a good listener. If you’ve created a Twitter, Facebook, or [insert your favorite social media] account for your brand, congratulations, you now have ears. Are you listening? I think we’ve reached a point where most brands realize they need to be present in social media, and I think most that create a presence actually are listening, but you wouldn’t know it.

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Relationship advice for PR practitioners

PR Conversations

Relationships are in the DNA of PR – in fact, the name itself indicates the function manages relations with publics. But the priority in PR practice is largely on writing skills rather than interpersonal ones; whilst although academic definitions and literature highlight two-way communications, they largely omit what is required to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships.

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The Upside of Leaked Internal Communications: 2024 Mini Benchmark Report

Leaked internal communications can be strategically valuable assets rather than just risks to manage. When used proactively, these leaks can highlight leadership and innovation—qualities that resonate in today’s media. By approaching internal comms with a dual-purpose approach, companies shift from mere risk avoidance to leveraging these moments as credible public messages around strategy.

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Getting Back on Track

Waxing UnLyrical

It’s been just about a month since I told you WUL’s publishing schedule would be indefinitely halted. Well… I’m back! More or less, that is… Many of you have asked, so here is what happened and how the last month went. Remember I told you I had to undergo a laparotomy (that’s abdominal surgery, where they cut into your tummy, not fun) to have a mass on one of my ovaries removed.

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It’s Just Social Media. Don’t Freak Out.

Waxing UnLyrical

If you are reading this blog, chances are you don’t need to be told about the merits of social media. It is ubiquitous. Most of the advice we received from early adopters years ago is hardwired into our brains: Listen first! Respect people’s time! Offer something that is relevant and valuable! Measure! Measure! Measure! This isn’t anything new. These are tactics you would apply to customer/client relations even if you worked in an old-time general store selling beans out of a bin.

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Lessons From a Very Public Break-Up

Waxing UnLyrical

Earlier this year, National Australia Bank got Australia and the world talking with its very public ‘Break-Up’ campaign. Based on the idea that NAB were breaking up with the other leading Australian banks, the campaign combined new and traditional media and communications to achieve some stunning results for the bank, including winning the Cannes Grand Prix in PR.

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The B2B End Around

Waxing UnLyrical

Guest post by Ken Mueller. Whether it’s marketing or public relations, I often have people tell me: “It’s different for me. I’m in B2B, not B2C. Social Media won’t work for me.”. To that I say, “Poppycock! Horsefeathers! Balderdash! Codswallop! Fiddlesticks! Tommyrot!” And I might even throw in a “Baloney!”. OK, I don’t really say that, but I want to.

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Free Culture and Attention as Currency

Waxing UnLyrical

Most web assets from the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Google, Tumblr, Foursquare and a gazillion others appear to be free, opening floodgates of content, ranging from the genius of Wikipedia/ Ushahidi to the apparently innocuous LOLcats. The shelf life of tweets, status updates, YouTube videos and, hence, their footprints on the public memory, is dropping by the second.

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The Importance of Personalizing Your Press Release for Journalists

Journalists receive an overwhelming number of press releases daily, making it hard for your news to stand out. While some news is valuable, most is not.

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5 Tips to Find Your Best Audience on Social Media Platforms

Waxing UnLyrical

Guest post by Thursday Bram. A while back, my dad asked me if he should be on Twitter for his business, which involves liquidating furniture. I flat out told him no. Not every audience is on Twitter. In fact, a lot of audiences aren’t on Twitter: based on a November 2010 study, the Pew Research Center estimates 8 percent of Americans use Twitter. When you dig even deeper into the demographics, it becomes obvious that a lot of the prime audiences for my dad’s business — the people most likely to

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Why Netflix Should Keep Qwikster

Waxing UnLyrical

Netflix announced yesterday that it would end Qwikster, the company it spawned last month to handle its mail-order DVD service from its streaming service (splitting those apart happened over the summer). As you might imagine, there was a hearty round of, “I told you so!”, “Finally! Netflix does something right!” , etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

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Subtext: “Real” Listening in Social Media

Waxing UnLyrical

This is a story about subtext and listening in social media. I returned a couple of nights ago from the PRSA 2011 International Conference in Orlando, Fla. It was lovely; I got to catch up with so many of my friends whom I don’t get to see except at this conference, make several new ones, and also meet Bill Dorman and Adam Toporek for the first time (we recognized each other immediately across a crowded room, how cool is that?).

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The Klout Drama Kontinues

Waxing UnLyrical

I cannot believe how much drama there is around Klout’s most recent changes. I mean, come on, people, it’s only a number. How many times do any of us have to say that?! Let me tell you a little story. . Last week, I clicked through to an email Klout sent me telling me I had new notifications (yes, now I’ve realized that they’re doing that every day, and I’m not going to fall for it any more; suffice it to say I wasn’t having a particularly smart day) on my pro

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Do's and Don'ts: How to Pitch Your Press Release to Journalists

Speaker: Michelle Garrett, PR Consultant, Author, Speaker

Yes - press releases are still relevant in the world of public relations! 🎯 Ever wondered how to write a compelling press release, or what are current best practices for pitching your news to earn media coverage? In this exclusive webinar with Michelle Garrett, PR Consultant, we’ll cover tips and advice to help you get the most out of each piece of news you pitch!

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Picking the Right Measurement Tools: a #measurePR Recap

Waxing UnLyrical

Jen Zingsheim guest-moderated last week’s #measurepr chat and provided the following recap. And even though this is posting late (hey, I was out!), I’m going ahead with it since I know the transcript will be useful to you. Also it’s a great recap. On October 11, the #measurePR chat had a terrific guest in Don Bartholomew of Fleishman-Hillard.

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Happy Birthday to the Measurement Queen

Waxing UnLyrical

It’s been quite a last few days, hasn’t it? . This past Wednesday evening, I was traveling home from a speaking engagement at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln when I was scrolling through my news alerts and found out that Steve Jobs had passed away (note: said scrolling was being done on my iPhone). Now, I was in no way an early Mac adopter, but ever since my conversion last year, I’ve come to love Apple products.

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Writing What They Don’t Want To Read: Bad News In Print

Waxing UnLyrical

Let me just say first that I’m writing this with the certainty that one of you PR pros will fly out of nowhere, tackle me to the floor, and pin me there with a stern lecture straight from your training about how to do this. But here goes. I’m going to be discussing how to deliver bad business news in print, which I think is more important because of the fact that people keep records of bad news the way they keep lottery tickets: just in case.

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What Would Mickey Measure?

Waxing UnLyrical

I’m going to Disney World! OK, I’m not really going to Disney World. I am, however, headed to Orlando, Fla., tomorrow, for PRSA’s 2011 International Conference. I love this conference. It’s my fourth in a row, and thanks to the magic of social media, every time I’ve been back, I get to meet friends from all over the country – nay, world – whom I’d probably never get to see otherwise.

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Are Your Impact Comms Resonating With Stakeholders?

Whether your organization is at the start of its sustainability and impact journey or years into it, many brands share a common concern: the uncertainty of whether they are sending stakeholders mixed messages. Creating content that speaks to your audience's “love language” can be a tricky dance. But, worry not! 3BL has put together tips to ensure that your content not only finds its rhythm but also resonates with your target audiences.

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#measurePR: Influence and Social Media

Waxing UnLyrical

Seeing as how Jen Zingsheim has bravely been shouldering the #measurePR burden weight the last few weeks, I thought it only right to ask her to return to this week’s chat… but this time, as a guest. And since the topic of influence in social media isn’t going away any time soon, particularly with new tools cropping up , we thought we’d talk about that.

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Deirdre Breakenridge on 3 Things You Need to Know about Social Media

Bad Pitch Blog

'As we noted in an earlier post, Deirdre Breakenridge did a quick guest post for the Bad Pitch blog. She talks about the need for an inside-out approach to social media, having a purpose behind social media efforts and the need for PR people to step out of their comfort zone to truly assume the role of the hybrid PR professional. As the skill set continues to broaden, "complacency will not get you to the strategy table.

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Working with a PR Pro: Third Time’s a Charm

Waxing UnLyrical

I’m back. Yes my “PR pro” series continues. I had previously written a two piece series on hiring and working with a PR Pro from the brand side. And I think the fact that this has become a series of posts v. just one post shows just how hard the process can be in finding the right fit for your business when it comes to public relations.

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When TweetLevel Visited #MeasurePR

Waxing UnLyrical

Almost a month and a half ago (yikes!), Jonny Bentwood, the creator of TweetLevel, appeared as the guest on #measurePR. Jen Zingsheim, who guest-moderated the chat, provided the following recap. And even though this is posting late, I’m going ahead with it since I know the transcript will be useful to you. On August 30, the #MeasurePR chat had a terrific chat with guest Jonny Bentwood of Edelman Digital, who is the brains behind the TweetLevel influence tool.

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Adapting to the Future: The Evolving Role of Crisis Management Firms in a Rapidly Changing World

As the Internet continues to grow and change, the role of Online Crisis Management firms is evolving. This article explores how these firms are adapting to the new topography of Online Crisis Management. Through interviews with industry experts and case studies, we uncover the key strategies and tactics that are driving success in this dynamic field.

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How Long Can We Get Away With It?

Waxing UnLyrical

In the first half of 2011, Facebook’s revenue hit US$1.6 billion. How much of that revenue comes from tiny Malta? I would guess that it’s probably not more than 0.05 per cent, making us barely a blip on the radar. As we know, being the small guy hidden away in the corner can have its advantages. While Facebook is busy elsewhere, Maltese companies have been busy taking the opportunity to experiment and develop campaigns and promotions, many of which pay little or no regard to the promotions guide

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Facing Our Fears

Waxing UnLyrical

So, today’s Halloween. You’re probably trying to figure out what you costume you’ll wear to a party tonight, and, by the way, have you stocked up on candy? (I’ve been joking that instead of candy, this year I’ll be giving out toothbrushes. Hey, I’m all about what’s good for kids, even though I don’t have any.).

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Hybrid PR in a world with less time & attention x more tools & messages

Bad Pitch Blog

'Earlier this week, I enjoyed (finally) meeting Deirdre Breakenridge and attending her presentation on the " Hybrid PR Professional " with Cincinnati PRSA. Deirdre is addressing how the skill sets in our industry are expanding and changing along with the myriad of changes we see every day across journalism, public relations, consumer habits and technology.

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Visibli Bites the Bad Pitch Apple

Bad Pitch Blog

'We predicted someone would send us a pitch tying into Steve Jobs (very unfortunate) passing. And, less than 48 hours later, Visibli takes a bite out of the bad pitch Apple. Here''s the pitch. Date: Fri, Oct 7, 2011 at 3:14 PM Subject: STUDY: Over 50% of ''Steve Jobs'' tweets came from Apple products Hi everyone, Hope you''re doing well. Wanted to tell you about a study we just conducted.

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Communicating During a Crisis & Navigating the Chaos

Speaker: Shawna Bruce, Director of M.D. Bruce & Associates Ltd.

Are you ready to face the unexpected? When the stakes are high and the pressure is on, there's no time to waste - you must be prepared to communicate clearly and confidently. In today's unpredictable world, mastering the art of crisis communication is a must-have skill for any public relations professional. Whether you're facing a weather disaster, a cyber attack, or a PR nightmare, knowing how to craft a clear and compelling message can mean the difference between chaos and calm, confusion and

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BPB Gets Dynamic & Data Becomes Content

Bad Pitch Blog

'Thanks for Reading So our landlord , Blogger (read: Google), unveiled " dynamic views " recently. This gives YOU, our gentle readers, the option to view The Bad Pitch Blog in as many as seven different ways. So if you''re reading this via email or RSS (technically the 8th and 9th way to view the blog), you should click through and check it out. To be honest, we were playing with it and didn''t realize there''s no way to preview this slick change.

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Mentoring, networking and innovation: a prescription for the 21st century

PR Conversations

Mentoring, networking and innovation: a prescription for the 21st century, is a co-authored g uest post by Alan Berkson and Fred McClimans. Make good choices about mentoring, networking and innovation opportunities. Photo of sign at Newton-Lee Elementary School in Ashburn, Virginia by Fred McClimans. History is filled with examples of linkages between networking, mentoring and innovation, but over the centuries the “knowledge acquisition ecosystem” has changed considerably.

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Assessing Ottawa Public Health’s ongoing response to the endoscopies infection scare

PR Conversations

Guest post by Josh Greenberg, PhD. Hepatitis: autoimmune cell. Establishing the scenario. In a hastily organized media conference on Saturday, October 15, 2011, the City of Ottawa’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Isra Levy, announced that a local, privately owned “non-hospital” medical clinic failed to follow proper infection control measures, resulting in the potential exposure of 6,800 patients to Hepatitis and HIV.