(Sheri, Best practices, Online marketing, Social Media) Permanent link It seems like everyone these days is talking about social media. From my discussions, I’ve discovered some people don’t know how to use it effectively. Or maybe they don’t have the time or desire. And, when it comes to business, they certainly don’t see the benefit of jumping on the social media bandwagon.
In the past week I’ve read two articles about why using social media is good for teens and Boomers alike. The first, by Tamar Lewin at the New York Times, cites a study done by the MacArthur Foundation that discovered by participating in social media, kids gain the technology and literacy skills they need for success in today’s world. The study found teens usually have a full-time, intimate community they communicate with in an “always on” mode. And, this usually leads them to spend more time learning on the Internet—how to use it, how to use applications it offers and how to use social networks, among other things. Skills like these can translate into workplace assets when the “always on” kids hit the business world. At the other end of the spectrum, my latest issue of Money Magazine highlighted how Boomers should be using new media to stay contemporary in their own workplace. Contributing writer Dan Kadlec addresses how social media like text messages, wikis, Twitter and blogs, can make workers more productive. He provides the basics on how these new tools work and a few tips on using them effectively for business. I thought the information on Twitter was particularly intriguing. There’s no doubt new media is here to stay. (I wonder when we’ll stop calling it new!) I suggest you climb on board and make it work for you. (Samantha, Corporate culture, Social Media) Permanent link This week our office held a Lunch and Learn, and Twitter was the topic of choice. (Thanks, Matt!) While appeasing our appetites, we enjoyed a 101 lesson on the micro-blog. I have more to learn about Twitter, but it’s not too daunting. In fact it looks like fun.
I found an interesting blog post posing the question: Is Twitter Mainstream? Sure Twitter does not have the following that Facebook or MySpace have right now, but I predict it will… and soon. If you take just 20 minutes to look around the site you’ll see it’s a very active blog. In October, Twitter saw a leap in activity regarding the election– check out the interesting stats. Since I’m not yet versed in all things Twitter, you’ll appreciate this interview with Steve Rubel, a Twitter user and blogger at Micro Persuasion. With more than 10,000 followers, Steve knows a thing or two about tweeting. So, check out Twitter and what others are saying about it, and report back if you too will give it a chance. (Eric, Executive insights, Marketing) Permanent link
The whole country is mired in a cycle of "negative economic growth." That's economist-speak for "business is down." We are in a Recession and the economic downturn is impacting everyone.
Today, two Kansas City Icons announced layoffs, St. Lukes and Perceptive Software. As they say in the movies, "it's ugly out there."
I've led agencies through many economic cycles. And if there's one thing we've learned, "this too shall pass."
We all know, and it's been proven time and again, that the organizations that keep marketing during the down times always come out stronger, with increased market share and positive momentum. Just as many financial advisers say, "this is a great time to invest because stocks are cheap," we say, "this is a great time to market because your message will stand out even louder when others go silent."
Be excellent at what you do. Tell your story proactively in a clear and compelling manner. And the right business will come to you.
That's always been our story, and we're sticking to it.
Onward and upward.
(Community Leadership, Interns) Permanent link One of my favorite parts of my job is interacting with college students and sharing some of the lessons I’ve learned in my few years post-college. I’ve found there are three really great ways to both do this and be a good representative of my own company in Kansas City and beyond.
This year, I was the chairperson for GKC PRSA’s student day – PRSSA Day. The event was nearly three weeks ago, but after months of planning and a day filled with speakers and practical sessions, I’m just finishing tying up all the details.
I also love being the Morningstar Communications representative at college career fairs. It was great to be back at KU last week. Rock Chalk! I know how much hearing from young PR pros meant to me when I was a student, so I figure it’s my duty to return the favor.
Plus, I’m fortunate enough to supervise our awesome interns every couple of semesters. Talk about a win-win situation. Our PRSSA Day theme this year was Be The Winning Candidate, so I’ve been thinking about the things I wish I’d known when I was a green college student looking for jobs and internships. I’ve decided to share some of those lessons here. I don’t know how many posts this will take, but for students or those looking for a job, I hope these tips will be helpful. For those of you in a hiring position, I hope you’ll join this conversation through the comments section, below.
Tip #1: Suit Up
I’ve had lots of chats with industry colleagues about interviews, and while there are lots of opinions about what to say, what to bring, etc., we all tend to agree on one point: dress code. Suits – or something equally, professionally formal – really are the way to go. The New York Times agrees.
Sure, there may be a time when you’ve done your research and know without a doubt that your interviewers will be in jeans and sneakers. But that doesn’t mean you should treat the interview any less formally. Wearing a suit shows us that you’re serious about the job and understand how to dress professionally. Because even if we, the interviewers, wear jeans most days, we suit up for formal presentations and other extra-important events.
So what does this mean, practically speaking? Guys, a full suit is super impressive. But a shirt with a jacket and/or tie will work, too. Wear something that fits you well and that you feel comfortable, yet professional, in. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed – look sharp!
Girls, consider a full suit, or structured separates, such as a skirt or pants with a jacket or cardigan. Make sure nothing is too tight or too short (if you have to think twice, it probably is!). Keep accessories to a minimum. We want to remember more about what you said than what you were wearing (though cute shoes will steal any conversation, let’s be honest).
It’s old and cliché, but true: You only have one chance to make a first impression. So make sure you look fantastic for your interview.
(Andy, Best practices) Permanent link As the year winds down, the economy is not as strong as we would like. You may find yourself with some extra time at work. Don't just try to look busy, be busy.
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep you productive: Clean out your files - you would be surprised at how much paper you do not need to keep. Update your database - whether it is on your phone, computer or day planner, make sure your key contacts are correct and current. Organize your work space - is your cube or office set-up to maximize your productivity? Look at ways to make your space more efficient. What can you help others with - are there company wide projects where you can lend a hand? Are there initiatives that will happen next year that need to be researched? Use this quiet time to think ahead and be prepared. Lend a hand if one is needed. Use your vacation time - if you have it, use it. Take your time and volunteer, rest or travel. You will come back with a fresh outlook and ready to hit the ground running. (Erin, Online marketing, ROI, Social Media) Permanent link
I am often daunted by the thought that my blog entry needs to be ahead of the curve and insightful. Some days, I just don’t have anything insightful to share. Yet everything I read about social networking suggests you need to make contributions every day to have a presence.
Like Clara said, it can take 5-10 hours a week to really dive into new media. Right now, I’m not able to commit that kind of time, but I do have a few minutes here and there to share random thoughts.
So here’s my short, maybe insightful, maybe not, contribution for today.
I read an interesting Tweet from one of the many PR pros I now follow - Brian Solis. I find he often adds the most useful content to my Twitter inbox. He posted a great blog about research indicating the importance of blogs to influence consumer spending.
Several months ago I posted an entry about how in order to convince clients that starting corporate blogs or investing time and money in social media is a good idea, they often want research. Numbers. They want to know it will work. Well, the industry is now finally starting to develop the research that proves the usefulness of new media in the consumer sector.
(Interns, Best practices, Recruitment) Permanent linkPosted by Kathryn Greenhaw While brainstorming possible topics for a good intern blog, I considered a variety of issues pertaining to standard internship expectations. I tossed around giving tips about how to write great pitches and press releases, how to ask a lot of questions, or how important it is to be confident and take the initiative on projects. All these factors are important to being a great intern, of course.
But when it comes down to the “it factor” of what sets an intern apart, I’ve noticed one deciding factor. A good intern is more than just “willing and able” – they are enthusiastic. Internships often have a reputation for not being the most glamorous position. And yes, the position sometimes requires you to do mundane day-to-day tasks. But I’ve found if you are enthusiastic about the mundane tasks and go above and beyond in your daily duties, you will quickly earn your colleagues’ respect. In turn, they will trust you with more important tasks. At Morningstar Communications, each employee – interns included – is hired with an expectation of excellence. From the day you are hired, you are expected to research, write, edit and communicate well. In addition, you are expected to utilize your unique set of talents and abilities to benefit the Morningstar team. From there, what you get out of your internship depends on the effort you exert. I’m very fortunate that Morningstar Communications does not provide a typical internship experience. I’ve known about Morningstar Communications for years, and had always hoped that I might have the opportunity to be a part of their team. I knew that working for Morningstar would give me the opportunity to learn from some of Kansas City’s best PR executives. But I didn’t just want to learn from them – I wanted to contribute. By being an enthusiastic intern, I have been presented with incredible opportunities to learn, grow, and excel at Morningstar Communications. And by achieving their expectations of excellence, I have become a valued part of the Morningstar team. If this sounds like the type of internship you are interested in, please send your resume and writing samples to awoodward@morningstarcomm.com. We’re now hiring spring and summer interns! |