Tuesday, December 8, 2009

No, PR Hasn't Killed Me (yet)

I didn't believe that anyone read my blog (except my mom of course) until I received a complaint that I had been neglecting it. So, here, for all three of you, is my post explaining where I've been and where I'm going (and taking you with me!).


This blog is coming at you from the Newsengine Associate at Euro RSCG Worldwide PR from my corner nook I like to call the 'Oasis'.


Yes, that means I completed my final job application with great success - totalling in with the recession application number of 150+. (My computer memory is thankful that that large folder will soon be purged from my desktop.)

As I begin my long, ever-changing career in the communications industry, I am thankful for the whirlwind the industry's in to keep things exciting as well as the constant that people will always want to communicate and will crave something bigger than themselves - in this case, the voice created by the collective, the media. (Yes, I studied anthropology too.)

I am part of an iniative created by Marian Salzman - top global trendspotter, current President of EURO PR and mastermind behind Porter Novelli's Jack + Bill (pop-up PR agency for Fashion Week) called Newsengine. This department is a compilation of working traditional and experimental social media - all done in real time. We are the go-to for to-the-minute brand strategy and communication. Yeah, it's a big title to carry around... but my team and I are thrilled to tackle the new territory.

Needless to say, there have already been lessons learned and late nights. Good thing motion sickness is only conducive to real rollarcoasters, because I am definitely on a figurative one.

Here are some things I've picked up and stored so far....

  • You may make more money according to your contract but after NECESSARY health insurance and gym membership are taken care of, you basically make the same as the man you order a double-double from.
  • Twitter is changing everything. It is the new first impression. Tread lightly.
  • A hashtag (#) makes tracking a list on Twitter quick and reliable. I welcome the new media-monitoring.
  • A TweetUp is the modern Satelite Media Tour (SMT) - Think online communication with a live broadcast found at a microsite.
  • Internal clients are just as bothersome as outside clients (necessary evils at times) - just ask the art department dealing with us.
  • Google Alerts is revolutionary, yet imperfect. Set up alerts for the same exact thing with two different accounts - you'll see what I mean.
  • Blogging is the new Media (haven't I been banging this drum long enough already?) Cision (a media directory) now has zillions of bloggers listed as journalists (bc they are), whereas 2 years ago when I spent hours making media lists, they weren't an option.
  • ReTweeting gives people credibility. Only make something you want to see bigger get bigger than it already is.

My brain is exploding with new concepts and ideas. It's nice to know that all of the blogs that I read and concepts I followed during my long, unpaid time off after school are paying off. I also love that social media is a job. What did the generations before me have to feel this way about?

I'll be back soon. I haven't died... I'm just busy (finally). Hope you're satiated for a while.