October 27, 2010

Sports fans utilize social media to stay updated on World Series

Social networking has changed the way people communicate - we all know that. But did you ever think how it has changed the way we watch sports? I know I didn't. But this article focuses on how people will stay up with the upcoming World Series - and it even discusses the types of "voices" people use on Facebook vs. Twitter. It's not the same audience.

I'm not posting this article because of the World Series angle. I'm posting about it because if sports fans are following these conversations (and they are), you or your organization could gain something from these media. Think about it, and make a strategy about the types on information you want to disperse, who you want to talk to, etc.

Read the article here

October 22, 2010

How serious do you look?

For your reading pleasure, I recommend this Journalistics blog post entitled "Is social media the cause of the casual office?" I think it brings up great points about how social networking has changed the job of customer service and public relations - to a more friendly and casual style. Can you adequately represent your company in jeans and flip flops? Do you think you have to be in a suit to be taken seriously? Or is there a happy medium?

Think about it.

October 21, 2010

What NOT to do on Facebook

So you finally were able to start a fan page for your business on Facebook? Well, don't let it go stagnant. The only reason anyone will visit your fan page regularly is new, dynamic content.
Check out this article about "The 9 Worst Ways to Use Facebook for Business."

And don't forget - we're bookmarking lots of articles on our chapter's Delicious account.

October 13, 2010

Social: IRL Coming to Springfield

After a great presentation by Ben Smith (@benasmith) at the recent professional development conference, he decdied to bring one of his Social: IRL events to Springfield - now, do yourself a favor and don't miss it!

Social Media Marketing Boot Camp with Sarah Evans (@prsarahevans)
7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Thursday December 9, 2010
Veridian Event Center, 309 South Avenue

Limited tickets will be available.

You'll spend a full six hours of session time with Sarah, taking an in-depth look at the role of social media in marketing your business or organization.

You won't just learn effective social media marketing techniques, but will look at how social media works in conjunction with traditional marketing and public relations and why that's important. This includes practical ways of engaging customers and prospects, case studies, help with creating a social media based marketing plan, hints and tips, ways to make your brand stand out online, effective engagement, latest trends, tools and resources, and plenty of opportunities for discussion and Q & A. This will be a very hands-on event designed to give you lots of practical experience and learning, and for you to leave with new ideas and tools you can implement in a very real way.

With attendance being limited there will also be some great opportunities for quality networking and building valuable relationships.

Discounts are available for multiple registrations. Special discounted rates are also provided for members of the PRSA or Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, for non-profit organizations, and for students. Standard registration is $225. PRSA members, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce members, and non-profit organizations receive a discounted rate of $195. Discounts available for multiple attendees. Special registration $125 only for full-time students.

Registration includes breakfast pastries on arrival and a day long refreshment station with coffee, tea, water and sodas. Lunch is not included. The Veridian is located in the heart of historic downtown Springfield with great lunch options within a very easy walking distance. We encourage you to use your lunch break to explore the downtown area and connect with other attendees.

A post event meetup will take place in the evening after the event. This will be open for anyone to attend. Watch for details!

Click here for more information about the event or to register. http://www.socialirl.com/events/.

October 12, 2010

Need a graphic? Make it yourself!

We're always looking for ways to add visual or audio interest to our daily tasks, and infographics are becoming increasingly popular. You don't have to be a graphic artist to produce them, though. Check out this article with great tips on spicing things up!

October 11, 2010

Think you know your audience? Watch for new trends!

Knowing your audience is HUGE in public relations and marketing....and using a consistent tone across channels helps to increase transparency and clarity of messages while communicating with your audience. It is important to note that demographic trends are changing, and this Ad Age article discusses one major lifestyle trend. Click here to read the full article.

They are a growing -- and graying -- force.


Never-married single people ages 25 to 34 now outnumber the married crowd by 46% to 45%, a stark reversal from just a decade ago, when couples held a 20-point edge in the age group, according to an analysis of new Census data by the Population Reference Bureau. In essence, selling to singles no longer means just targeting teens and those in their early 20s.

Remember: our chapter has a Delicious account to share and bookmark articles!

October 8, 2010

Like 'Em Or Not, Citizen 'Journalists' Are Part of the Mix

Leonard Pitts at the Miami Herald is certainly correct that citizen “journalists” are not really journalists. He rants about it in this article: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/06/1859362/citizen-journalists-spreading.html.

Whether it’s a neighborhood blogger who attends city council meetings or someone with a smart phone who snaps a photo or shoots a video of breaking news and then posts it on the Internet with commentary, that person knows nothing about journalism. They’re clueless. Having said that (and congratulating Mr. Pitts for his article), the fact remains that citizen journalists are now part of the mix. They are part of the journalism world and part of what PR practitioners must take into consideration. It will be interesting to see where all this leads. There is no doubt that citizen journalism will morph into something else. Who knows what that will be! But it is fascinating that the digital revolution now allows a vast number of people to report on what is happening in the world. Will they get it right?

October 7, 2010

Define your audience

Market segmentation or defining target markets has always been important in reaching our audiences. Facebook now has made it easier to do so, too! Read this piece from Ad Age to learn more.

October 6, 2010

Meeting - with a twist!

Have you ever felt like the youngest in your organization acted like they knew everything? Have you ever wondered what journalism/PR college students were learning in the classroom? Have you ever wished you could get a leg up and learn the newest industry trends?

This is your chance...

At the monthly October meeting, we'll be hearing from students from Drury and Missouri State - and the tables will truly be turned. You won't want to miss this!

Press Releases 101

Some of the most basic skills are the easiest to lose if you're not paying attention to WHY you do things the way you do them. This Journalistics blog reminds us of the inverted pyramid style - something every journalism teacher likely taught each of us at one point in time or another.

Read the article here

Remember: our chapter has a Delicious account to share and bookmark great articles!

October 5, 2010

BIG thanks!

Wow! What a great professional development conference last week, "Buzz for Your Business." We had a wonderful turnout of members, students and other guests to listen to our fantastic lineup of speakers. Thanks to the committee for their hard work in attaining sponsorships, scheduling speakers and attending to various details! All your hard work really paid off.