As most of you are aware, Tiger Woods has made most of the news stories in the sports world lately. Due to a recent car crash and rumors of infidelity, Tiger has had some monumental questions to answer. Being in the spotlight as much as Tiger is, it was important that he was able to let the public/fans know what was going on and fill them in on what was happening with him and his career. Luckily for Tiger, he probably had a PR rep or two to advise him on the best way to address the public.
This brings me to the topic of my blogpost today: Tiger's PR team...the question being: was there anything Tiger's PR team should have done different or better?
If you ask me, I think Tiger should have been advised more by PR reps to get his face out in the public after his accident and accusations. Tiger has only made 1 or 2 appearances since everything happened over a month ago. During that time, people had a million questions for Tiger but he was nowhere to be found. While I feel bad for Tiger because his personal business is his personal business, he does have a duty to his fans as well. Knowing that he was going to be in the spotlight, Tiger should have addressed any questions immediately and honestly. However, at least he seemed sincere when he finally made the public apology.
Looking to the future, hopefully, any PR advisors he has are more ready to push him to face the public whenever they need him with his return to the upcoming Masters. This time he should be advised to let the public know what they can expect from him in the Masters and in the future. After that, like all good gossip, things will probably calm down for Tiger.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Organizations & Social Networking Sites
The internet can be a great outlet for organizations. As we have discussed in previous posts, organizations can utilize company blogs, make podcasts, vlog, and use message forms to listen to their consumers. Recently, I have noticed an emergence of organizations on social networking sites (i.e. Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter). However, I question how opportunisitic these sites are for organizations and if these sites are more beneficial for one organization over another.
First, I can understand why organizations use Twitter. The ability to constantly update a post gives an organization an ability to let consumers know what they are doing. However, I have a harder time understanding why organizations use Facebook and MySpace. These social networking sites were originally created for student use only. An individual could use these sites to stay connected with friends, make new ones, post pictures, and share information. The functions these social networking sites provide are the same functions organizations can utilize on their website. The only difference: organizations cannot actively try and create a following like they can on Facebook and MySpace...which brings me to the answer of my second question.
As I just mentioned, social networking sites appeal to organizations because they allow them to try and create a following. And, despite what I did just mention, I do believe that social networking sites can be more beneficial for some organizations over others. For example, the Lupus foundation has successfully utilized social networking sites to raise awareness and money. The NFL also allows teams to have Facebook sites and fans are able to visit their team page and recieve the information they want. But, these organizations have an advantage because they already have a large following! People want to be part of a charity on Facebook so they can donate and where there is football there will always be fans.
Therefore, my advice would be: if you have a large following already, then go ahead and use social networking sites. If not, create a following on other internet applications and then move to Facebook or MySpace. And, as I always say...no matter what the internet application, always tailor the site for the consumers and give them what they want.
First, I can understand why organizations use Twitter. The ability to constantly update a post gives an organization an ability to let consumers know what they are doing. However, I have a harder time understanding why organizations use Facebook and MySpace. These social networking sites were originally created for student use only. An individual could use these sites to stay connected with friends, make new ones, post pictures, and share information. The functions these social networking sites provide are the same functions organizations can utilize on their website. The only difference: organizations cannot actively try and create a following like they can on Facebook and MySpace...which brings me to the answer of my second question.
As I just mentioned, social networking sites appeal to organizations because they allow them to try and create a following. And, despite what I did just mention, I do believe that social networking sites can be more beneficial for some organizations over others. For example, the Lupus foundation has successfully utilized social networking sites to raise awareness and money. The NFL also allows teams to have Facebook sites and fans are able to visit their team page and recieve the information they want. But, these organizations have an advantage because they already have a large following! People want to be part of a charity on Facebook so they can donate and where there is football there will always be fans.
Therefore, my advice would be: if you have a large following already, then go ahead and use social networking sites. If not, create a following on other internet applications and then move to Facebook or MySpace. And, as I always say...no matter what the internet application, always tailor the site for the consumers and give them what they want.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The Dual Power of the Podcast
Podcasts: voice messages created, sometimes accompanied by video, for some sort of purpose. Maybe you want to talk to an audience that is dispersed over a large geographical area or create a series of podcasts to put online for any viewer's entertainment. Whatever the reason, more and more people are podcasting and it has even been learned to be utilized by more and more organizations today.
I think podcasts are a great way for organizations to send a message to their target consumer base. A podcast can be aired on the radio, listened to on the computer, or downloaded to some device and listened to while on the go. A company can create a series of podcasts to create a launch for new products that are going to be coming out. A company can also create a series of podcasts that may answer frequently asked questions or gives out information about an organization. A podcast is great because people are given a choice. Instead of having to navigate a company's website or make a phone call, a consumer can get a one-on-one feel with an employee and hopefully the podcasts provides them with a direct answer.
In order to ensure that direct answers can be given an organization needs to make sure that they think about everything a consumer would want to hear. It is important to listen to what customers have said in the past in order to provide valuable information and feedback on podcasts. Otherwise, the audience is being talked at instead of talked to.
Podcasts have also been used in organizations to keep employees in the loop. My neighbor works at IBM and he informed me that employees are given podcasts about new products that are coming out and they listen to these podcasts in their cars on the way to work. Not only is the message informative and a great way to engage employees, it gives employees something to do on their way to work. This might not be their choice of car company but I think it's a good idea!
So overall, podcasts can be used by anyone...even organizations (aka dual power)! If you want to create one whether you work for an organization or want to for fun...here is my advice:
1. Make it interesting
2. Think of everything the audience would ask you if you were podcasting in public and make sure to cover it
3. If creating a series, keep the audience wanting more
Finally...
4. If working for an organization, make sure the information is valuable and informative
Thank you and Good Luck!!
I think podcasts are a great way for organizations to send a message to their target consumer base. A podcast can be aired on the radio, listened to on the computer, or downloaded to some device and listened to while on the go. A company can create a series of podcasts to create a launch for new products that are going to be coming out. A company can also create a series of podcasts that may answer frequently asked questions or gives out information about an organization. A podcast is great because people are given a choice. Instead of having to navigate a company's website or make a phone call, a consumer can get a one-on-one feel with an employee and hopefully the podcasts provides them with a direct answer.
In order to ensure that direct answers can be given an organization needs to make sure that they think about everything a consumer would want to hear. It is important to listen to what customers have said in the past in order to provide valuable information and feedback on podcasts. Otherwise, the audience is being talked at instead of talked to.
Podcasts have also been used in organizations to keep employees in the loop. My neighbor works at IBM and he informed me that employees are given podcasts about new products that are coming out and they listen to these podcasts in their cars on the way to work. Not only is the message informative and a great way to engage employees, it gives employees something to do on their way to work. This might not be their choice of car company but I think it's a good idea!
So overall, podcasts can be used by anyone...even organizations (aka dual power)! If you want to create one whether you work for an organization or want to for fun...here is my advice:
1. Make it interesting
2. Think of everything the audience would ask you if you were podcasting in public and make sure to cover it
3. If creating a series, keep the audience wanting more
Finally...
4. If working for an organization, make sure the information is valuable and informative
Thank you and Good Luck!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Employees: Communication Connect the Dots
A company is only as strong as its employees.
Why? If the employees slack off at work and do not really care about the orgs success, than the organization is affected (for worse). Which is why I am a strong advocate for building a strong communication base for the employees.
I define a strong communication base as a place to listen to employee feedback. This way, employees can make another feel valuable or communicate that their work and contribution is respected. A slacker at work could turn into employee of the month. So, the question becomes: Do you think the solution is that easy? Or am I being too optimisitc?
Well, I think it is that easy and I know so from personal experience. I used to work in an organization where I felt invisible and so did every other employee. The boss was very authoritative and did not take to well to listening to other people's point of view. He had a vision for how the company should be run and he was going to stick with it. There were so many things that he did wrong that we all had simple solutions for. There were also so many things he could have done better when engaging customers and we all had ways that he could fix that too. Finally, he was a poor facilitator at improving employee relationships and making our work feel valued.
Eventually, he realized communication was key and put up a white board where we could leave suggestions and then held a weekly meeting to discuss everyone's suggestions.
By listening to what the employees had to say, my boss turned his company around. I guess it truely is important because even my Social Media and PR book devoted a whole chapter to the importance of listening to the employees.
Below is a listing of other ways to communicate with employees as discussed by Charlene Li & Josh Bernoff:
1. Create an online community that employees can participate in (maybe a message forum). This is the virtual white message board. This is great because if a company is big-branches everywhere can find one place to come together
2. Encourage employee blog posts.
3. Build a company wiki (a place to edit and store information about a company). This is great because it is a project that everyone can work on and everyone participating has the same goal: build company sucess.
And, there you have it! But always remember it is extremely important for the management to always be listening and care about what their employees do and say.
Why? If the employees slack off at work and do not really care about the orgs success, than the organization is affected (for worse). Which is why I am a strong advocate for building a strong communication base for the employees.
I define a strong communication base as a place to listen to employee feedback. This way, employees can make another feel valuable or communicate that their work and contribution is respected. A slacker at work could turn into employee of the month. So, the question becomes: Do you think the solution is that easy? Or am I being too optimisitc?
Well, I think it is that easy and I know so from personal experience. I used to work in an organization where I felt invisible and so did every other employee. The boss was very authoritative and did not take to well to listening to other people's point of view. He had a vision for how the company should be run and he was going to stick with it. There were so many things that he did wrong that we all had simple solutions for. There were also so many things he could have done better when engaging customers and we all had ways that he could fix that too. Finally, he was a poor facilitator at improving employee relationships and making our work feel valued.
Eventually, he realized communication was key and put up a white board where we could leave suggestions and then held a weekly meeting to discuss everyone's suggestions.
By listening to what the employees had to say, my boss turned his company around. I guess it truely is important because even my Social Media and PR book devoted a whole chapter to the importance of listening to the employees.
Below is a listing of other ways to communicate with employees as discussed by Charlene Li & Josh Bernoff:
1. Create an online community that employees can participate in (maybe a message forum). This is the virtual white message board. This is great because if a company is big-branches everywhere can find one place to come together
2. Encourage employee blog posts.
3. Build a company wiki (a place to edit and store information about a company). This is great because it is a project that everyone can work on and everyone participating has the same goal: build company sucess.
And, there you have it! But always remember it is extremely important for the management to always be listening and care about what their employees do and say.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The Consumer's World
I've been reading a lot lately about organizations using social media (i.e. apps on the internet) to promote their companies and address problems/issues. The internet can be an effective way to reach out to a multitude of consumers at the same time and 24 hours a day. However, if a company fails to utilize their social media appropriately, then they are walking onto some very dangerous territory.
If you ask me, I always notice one problem ...a company presents the image that someone is there listening and reaching out to the customers...when there really isn't. For the past couple of weeks -I have decided to test this. I have been posting comments and trying to contact orgs. via their websites. Whether it is a blog, twitter, or a message forum ..no one seems to hear me. One time I did get a response, but it was an automated one telling me that my comment was appreciated. I'd rather sit on the phone and stay on hold for 15 minutes...@ least I'll eventually get someone to talk to.
I know there can be a lot of benefits to putting your company online and many organizations have managed to use the web very successfully, but I'm still not buying it. As a consumer ..I want to be heard. An organization online does not provide me with any ease of access because I feel invisible and most times if you want information they still direct you to a number to call.
In my Social Media and PR class, we are reading a book that is a how to guide for companies who are using the internet to reach out to their customers. In the last chapter we read, the authors talked about Dell's experience with social media. At first, an employee at Dell started a blog and it was a total bust. Then, one blog made it turn into a success! Why you ask? Because the employee started listening to what the consumers were saying and responding back to them.
Often times a company forgots that they are only as powerful as their consumers make them. Therefore, consumers should be heard. Using the internet to connect with customers is a great idea ...but customers should always be the first priority.
If you ask me, I always notice one problem ...a company presents the image that someone is there listening and reaching out to the customers...when there really isn't. For the past couple of weeks -I have decided to test this. I have been posting comments and trying to contact orgs. via their websites. Whether it is a blog, twitter, or a message forum ..no one seems to hear me. One time I did get a response, but it was an automated one telling me that my comment was appreciated. I'd rather sit on the phone and stay on hold for 15 minutes...@ least I'll eventually get someone to talk to.
I know there can be a lot of benefits to putting your company online and many organizations have managed to use the web very successfully, but I'm still not buying it. As a consumer ..I want to be heard. An organization online does not provide me with any ease of access because I feel invisible and most times if you want information they still direct you to a number to call.
In my Social Media and PR class, we are reading a book that is a how to guide for companies who are using the internet to reach out to their customers. In the last chapter we read, the authors talked about Dell's experience with social media. At first, an employee at Dell started a blog and it was a total bust. Then, one blog made it turn into a success! Why you ask? Because the employee started listening to what the consumers were saying and responding back to them.
Often times a company forgots that they are only as powerful as their consumers make them. Therefore, consumers should be heard. Using the internet to connect with customers is a great idea ...but customers should always be the first priority.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
The Art Of Flickr
When you come back from a wedding, birthday, night out with the girls/guys...where do you post your pictures? Do you bring them to Walmart to get developed or post them on Facebook for the whole world to see? Maybe, just maybe, you put them on your Flickr account! Which, brings me to the topic of my blog post: Flickr!
My original thoughts about Flickr: Why would anyone go on Flickr, when they already post pics for free on Facebook?My most recent thoughts about Flickr: Who wouldn't want to join!?
For those of you who may not know, Flickr is the current sensation. It is an internet hot spot to post pics! Not only are you posting pictures of your friends and fond memories, but organizations and major corporations are taking advantage of this site. Like Facebook, you have the option of putting your pictures out there for the world to see. Unlike Facebook, you can order prints, people can buy your photos, and it is a great utiliization for nonprofits! For example, an animal shelter was able to make their pictures into cards featuring their lovable pets (Kanter, 2008)!
Furthermore, on Facebook, you can put pics into an album...but it does not offer you the ability to categorize and organize like Flickr does. Sometimes a Flickr account is not even made up of the works of one, but the works of many. According to Kanter (2008), "using the group features, people can share their photos and their a thousand words." Flickr also allows individuals and organizations to use a mapping feature to show where your photos are taken!
So this what I think you should do.
1. Set up a Flickr account (if you already have one, BRAVO!)
2. Fill out a profile and start sharing photos!
3. Use tags, titles, and descriptions to make your photos great!
If that doesn't sell you, this will! ...According to Kanter (2008), "Flickr is truely a global community focused on photography." What picture "taker putter upper" wouldn't want that!?
Kanter, B. (2008). How nonprofits can get the most out of flickr: Tips for using the online photo-sharing site successfully.
My original thoughts about Flickr: Why would anyone go on Flickr, when they already post pics for free on Facebook?My most recent thoughts about Flickr: Who wouldn't want to join!?
For those of you who may not know, Flickr is the current sensation. It is an internet hot spot to post pics! Not only are you posting pictures of your friends and fond memories, but organizations and major corporations are taking advantage of this site. Like Facebook, you have the option of putting your pictures out there for the world to see. Unlike Facebook, you can order prints, people can buy your photos, and it is a great utiliization for nonprofits! For example, an animal shelter was able to make their pictures into cards featuring their lovable pets (Kanter, 2008)!
Furthermore, on Facebook, you can put pics into an album...but it does not offer you the ability to categorize and organize like Flickr does. Sometimes a Flickr account is not even made up of the works of one, but the works of many. According to Kanter (2008), "using the group features, people can share their photos and their a thousand words." Flickr also allows individuals and organizations to use a mapping feature to show where your photos are taken!
So this what I think you should do.
1. Set up a Flickr account (if you already have one, BRAVO!)
2. Fill out a profile and start sharing photos!
3. Use tags, titles, and descriptions to make your photos great!
If that doesn't sell you, this will! ...According to Kanter (2008), "Flickr is truely a global community focused on photography." What picture "taker putter upper" wouldn't want that!?
Kanter, B. (2008). How nonprofits can get the most out of flickr: Tips for using the online photo-sharing site successfully.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Vlogger's Advantage
I believe that all bloggers have one common goal: putting a message out there and hoping somebody will read it. Now, this might be more true or false depending on how devoted a blogger you are or how much you even care about your blog. But, for anyone reading this right now, we are going to pretend that you are a blogger and you care about having and reaching a very large audience.
So you want to reach a large audience. How is this possible? Well, bloggers must figure out creative ways to convey their messages. You think to yourself, " I am going to write about something that interests me, maybe attach a couple of pictures, and maybe add a video link or two." However, you still have to figure out how to draw people to your blog site, make them want to read your blog, and ultimately have them want to follow your blog and encourage others to do the same. If you ask me, a blogger has it hard.
Now, picture this. You are sitting at home, bedazzling up your blog and posting links to Twitter and Facebook hoping to see the number of people reading and following your blog keep increasing. If you are new to blogging, this could take days, even months! Then you turn to your friend, "the vlogger" and her video message on YouTube gets another couple hits every minute! You think to yourself, "how do they do it!?" Well, this is what I would like to call the vlogger's advantage.
What is a vlogger you ask? A vlogger is a video blogger and if you ask me, has more of an advantage at reaching a large audience than a blogger. In order to get my point across, I came up with 5 reasons for why a vlogger has a bigger advantage over a blogger.
1: I believe that more people would rather listen and watch a video vs. sitting down to a read a blog (then again that could just be what I would do).
2: I think you have the opportunity to be more creative. In a video blog you can tape yourself in almost any environment and can actually show viewers who you are. Blog followers can only rely on pictures on a blog site and a bloggers tone of voice to figure out about the person whos blog they happen to be reading.
3. Vloggers can use YouTube to post their video blog. With the millions of people on YouTube, there is a very good chance that viewers will just stumble onto a videoblog and watch it.
4. (similar to 3) Vloggers on YouTube can reach a larger audience. Almost anyone goes on YouTube and will typically click on a link to see a YouTube video. People have to be interested in reading blogs in the first place in order for them to see a link to a blog and want to click on it.
FINALLY...
5. If a vlogger is also a blogger . . . watch out! They are providing readers with a choice: watch my blog or read it.
However, as I mentioned above, this is only my opinion. Leave a comment and tell me yours! Oh and if you are wondering why a vlogger advocate has a blog: I hate taping myself so I will never be a vlogger. Isn't it ironic.
So you want to reach a large audience. How is this possible? Well, bloggers must figure out creative ways to convey their messages. You think to yourself, " I am going to write about something that interests me, maybe attach a couple of pictures, and maybe add a video link or two." However, you still have to figure out how to draw people to your blog site, make them want to read your blog, and ultimately have them want to follow your blog and encourage others to do the same. If you ask me, a blogger has it hard.
Now, picture this. You are sitting at home, bedazzling up your blog and posting links to Twitter and Facebook hoping to see the number of people reading and following your blog keep increasing. If you are new to blogging, this could take days, even months! Then you turn to your friend, "the vlogger" and her video message on YouTube gets another couple hits every minute! You think to yourself, "how do they do it!?" Well, this is what I would like to call the vlogger's advantage.
What is a vlogger you ask? A vlogger is a video blogger and if you ask me, has more of an advantage at reaching a large audience than a blogger. In order to get my point across, I came up with 5 reasons for why a vlogger has a bigger advantage over a blogger.
1: I believe that more people would rather listen and watch a video vs. sitting down to a read a blog (then again that could just be what I would do).
2: I think you have the opportunity to be more creative. In a video blog you can tape yourself in almost any environment and can actually show viewers who you are. Blog followers can only rely on pictures on a blog site and a bloggers tone of voice to figure out about the person whos blog they happen to be reading.
3. Vloggers can use YouTube to post their video blog. With the millions of people on YouTube, there is a very good chance that viewers will just stumble onto a videoblog and watch it.
4. (similar to 3) Vloggers on YouTube can reach a larger audience. Almost anyone goes on YouTube and will typically click on a link to see a YouTube video. People have to be interested in reading blogs in the first place in order for them to see a link to a blog and want to click on it.
FINALLY...
5. If a vlogger is also a blogger . . . watch out! They are providing readers with a choice: watch my blog or read it.
However, as I mentioned above, this is only my opinion. Leave a comment and tell me yours! Oh and if you are wondering why a vlogger advocate has a blog: I hate taping myself so I will never be a vlogger. Isn't it ironic.
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