Disqus - Friends of jonbuscall

Re: E-mail Etiquette and Why it's Important

Davina K. Brewer — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:22:12 -0000

All good tips. FWIW: As part of #3 I'd add a caution about large attachments.

And for #4 I have two tips: 1) before asking for a job, do a little research, as perhaps you'll discover that someone–such as myself–is a solo practitioner, without a job to offer and 2) which really should go without typing, Spell Check. (Resisted the urge to put an exclamation mark there.) Always. Certainly when applying for a job as a professional communicator.

Re: How social media has helped make me better a PR professional

Davina K. Brewer — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:49:27 -0000

Interesting post. Social media is helping me connect: with media, clients, bloggers and most importantly, consumers. As social networking is all about two-way communication, I am learning (and helping clients learn) the value and importance of engaging with target audiences.

Re: PR pros: Overwhelmed by social media? Stop complaining and start taking action.

Davina K. Brewer — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:09:06 -0000

Good guest post. As suggested here, I mapped out a plan, elected to start small with LinkedIn, Twitter (@3HatsComm), and committed to updating my blog. And I just keep learning (still tackling that WordPress Codex).

As someone fairly new to social media, it is a combination of being overwhelmed, and as others have mentioned, being under prepared.

Social media and social networking pushes us into using new platforms and new tools. More importantly, we're forced change our strategic marketing mindsets from the standard and traditional to the (scarier, less controlled) changing dynamics of SM. FWIW.

Re: The How (Not) Guide to PR

Davina K. Brewer — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:04:35 -0000

Good list, and realizing that PR is so much more than just publicity is key. I'd add to the How (Not) Guide to PR: Ignore the Business side.

Like Kami, I think that new PR pros need to learn to think strategically. And as you've suggested that means planning and research, but it also means having an understanding of business. PR as relates to corp. communications, as it connects with design, as that factors into overall brand and pricing strategy, sales and marketing and so on.

Just because you're a "writer" don't think you'll get out of having to know spreadsheets, statistics, and measurement. PR does not operate in a vacuum, it's part of the business world and you'll need the business skills too.

Re: PR in the blogosphere: What’s ethical?

Davina K. Brewer — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:35:06 -0000

Agree, “there’s a fine line between endorsements and bribery.”

Cash for reviews and stories, buying column inches, airtime on blogs should be labeled for what it is – Advertising.

Now a free test drive of a product (then having to return it) or a small sample is one thing. But there’s a big difference between a free theme park pass (if blogger just happens to be in town) and an expenses-paid trip (fly, stay, eat, play).

The ticket is $70 access (like free movie pass) while the free trip is compensation for services to be rendered, and a disclaimer should be included on the “endorsement.” That the FTC may make this required speaks to a lack of ethical disclosure of these practices.

Re: When Did PR Become a Dirty Word?

Davina K. Brewer — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:07:29 -0000

I tell people that I am their communications partner, helping them integrate their marketing communications and public relations with their other strategic initiatives, with design, with branding and so on. It's not just about SM or PR; it's about both working together. FWIW.

Sorry for the report. Previous comment got eaten by the Interwebs.

Re: Does PR equal an automatic Social Media Pass?

Davina K. Brewer — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:48:19 -0000

I posted something similar to this on David’s blog: I don’t think SM has to all always be done by an external PR agency. To your point, while I agree SM needs internal management, I do not think it’s the SOLE domain of the in-house communications department either.

To play devil's advocate, regarding transparency and who is tweeting: were I a shareholder or employee of huge company I’d be a little concerned if my execs spent more time blogging and tweeting rather than, you know, running the company. And as someone in PR, I get that he or she are not doing all the listening, researching, linking, tagging, and writing on their own; they have help, professional help.

IF it is not ghost writing when the internal director of corporate communications posts the blog or a tweet, the why is it when that person happens to work outside the building?

What matters is the relationship between the Company and the PR Pro (be that an internal MarComm manager or firm AE). An outside contractor can be just as involved with the development of the brand if they have a strong relationship to the company and its leaders. Ideally everyone works together to plan, execute and achieve SM objectives. FWIW.

Re: Let’s Do it, Communication

Davina K. Brewer — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:00:39 -0000

Good post and I think your point is well made re: more methods not always being better. Being able to get your emails or update your Twitter status via your phone is a great convenience, but not always the best way to communicate.

It's a case of efficiency vs. effectiveness. Streamlining the channels; knowing when an email can save time/accomplish more than a call or vice versa; designating SM channels for certain types of contact are my best tips.

Re: Surprise – Disrespecting Competitors Doesn’t Work!

Davina K. Brewer — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:44:21 -0000

Makes me think about the MAC vs. PC ads, both digging at each other rather than really showcasing the products and what they do best. Even if you're right, that self-promoting bashing just sounds bad, can be a turnoff. If you build the better mousetrap, the comparisons should take care of themselves.

Such a good post, thanks.

Re: It’s Who You Know – Maximizing Your Company’s Social Reach

Davina K. Brewer — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:52:42 -0000

I disagree a little about setting FB or Twitter quotas. You should always be listening, but I think less is more if you what you do say is of genuine interest or value.

That said I think the rest is dead on, re: SM and strategic planning:

• Plan what tools, channels including places other than FB and Twitter.
• Plan who is on the SM teams; who tweets, who comments.
• Plan for the messengers to speak in their own voices, with a little guidance from core brand Message or MOD.

As always, good stuff. Thanks.
.-= Davina K. Brewer´s last blog ..Social Networks & the Rookie, Part the Second: Personal or Professional? =-.

Re: 14 Key Skills & Attributes For New Public Relations Professionals

Davina K. Brewer — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:12:23 -0000

I'm still adding skills, improving talents as an "old" PR professional. A lot of the old abilities like writing, research and attention to detail relate to the new; learning how writing a release is different than writing a blog post.

ITA with Amy Mengel that PR practitioners needing business skills, and should have an understanding of finance, marketing, economics, etc. to know how the communications program is part of the business.

Re: Why Would You Bother to Comment?

Davina K. Brewer — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:13:36 -0000

Yesterday Edward Boches wrote about how blog comments are often a Greek chorus of “Word” and “ITA.” So if we are all chiming in to add the same thing “why bother?” (And I yes I added my two pennies worth in the comments.)

Conversation vs. monologue is a good point. I’ve read short, straight-forward opinion posts and blogs that could have been a four-part lecture series, neither of which seemed very open to feedback or comment, so I didn’t.

I don’t think something has to be controversial for folks to disagree or engage in healthy debate. There are several sides to any story, it just takes something interesting or engaging to pique interest, and get people thinking and typing.

Re: Interactive or Engaged?

Davina K. Brewer — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:56:49 -0000

The release you mention says it's a new SM initiative, and perhaps interaction (advertising) is step one on the way to engagement. Give folks some deals, some fun stuff so that they welcome your brand in their personal spaces like FB. Then ask about what they want; listen, respond and engage.

As for which agency to hire: while I think PR is better suited for SM than advertising it's the campaigns that are integrated, complementary and work together that have the best chance of hitting on all cylinders.

Re: Who’s Watching Now?

Davina K. Brewer — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:05:33 -0000

Customer service (and SM media) should never sleep. I've always marveled when hotels, hospitals, etc. only have reps on call M-F, 9-9 but the doors (or website) are open 24/7. Same true of SM; it's often during the nights and weekends that people are out shopping, buying, visiting and chatting about your brand the most. Time to pay attention is always. BTW I wore my LSU shirt, got my free Chik-Fil-A.
.-= Davina K. Brewer´s last blog ..My Twitter Rules: I won’t tweet about lunch. =-.

Re: A New Rule for the Workplace

Davina K. Brewer — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:54:16 -0000

Remembering that everyone is different, has their own agenda and norms is important and it boils down to managing expectations: your own. You can't control what others do or say (or don't, if someone is ignoring you); you can only control what YOU say and do and how you react to and handle the actions of others. FWIW.

Re: Who Makes The Social Media Rules? You Do!

Davina K. Brewer — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:32:51 -0000

I've seen how the collective anoints leaders, resulting in a groupthink with everyone agreeing with each other so much of the time. Makes it harder to stick with your own voice, especially if you don't like that collective flavor of Kool-aid. As you say, we need to be ourselves and make our own rules if necessary.

Re: PR Consultants Have the Freedom to be Human

Davina K. Brewer — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:17:35 -0000

Kellye- I had a similar experience several years ago...ended up working from the hospital with cell phone and laptop. Things worked out okay, no work lost. As a freelancer "have laptop, will travel" means my office goes with me (not always a positive though).

Like Heather I’ve had understanding managers who let me take time when needed, even work remotely so I could spend extra time with family. But that’s not always the case, and being solo I like setting my own schedule without ever being asked for a doctor’s note.

Glad your mom is doing better. Thanks for sharing.

Re: Tempted to Pull the Plug on Facebook? Here’s why you should think twice.

Davina K. Brewer — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:14:01 -0000

Frustrated more than tempted, though I understand the inclination to leave. I've just made a choice to make FB as much my personal space as possible; LinkedIn, Twitter, FriendFeed, etc. are my professional communities. I also think it's risky for anyone in a B2C market, even B2B to ignore FB as a marketing channel/tool; and you can't play if you don't pay (stay on). Thanks for sharing.

Re: Crap + SEO = Optimized Crap

Davina K. Brewer — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:56:14 -0000

Poo graphics.. no, scented poo graphics. Such wonderful crap, love it.

Re: The social media country club

Davina K. Brewer — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:54:32 -0000

Mark- Great discussion going on here. I haven't read Chris' book, so I cannot comment, but I do read a lot of blogs, follow folks on Twitter and am not always impressed with what's shared. Which is all about MY expectations. As you mentioned, you were expecting so much more based on other comments and reviews; hard for anything to live up to the hype.

Edward Boches posted a blog a while back, http://bit.ly/2gwsvP, wondering why no one disagrees with each other in SM. Either we are all geniuses, have fallen into a bit of a Groupthink rut and/or we're afraid to make the argument. As Carla mentioned upthread, it's harder to write a compelling dissent. Nice to see someone give it thoughtful consideration, thanks for sharing.

Re: Connection without cronyism

Davina K. Brewer — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:34:37 -0000

I just blogged about your last post, and here you go again, making me think.

I think there are checks and balances in the SM community and we do tend to speak out, discuss and debate issues, as evidenced by the comments on your last post. To me the best behavior to adopt is the easiest, cheesiest, scariest of all: be yourself.

Regarding the anonymous feedback idea, and I am paraphrasing here, is justice served in secrecy justice? Right now people are comfortable hiding behind avatars and forum handles, free to write the most glowing or damning reviews on Amazon, Epinions, TripAdvisor, without revealing our secret identities. With Facebook connect stripping the mask away, will that change?

Thanks for holding up the mirror, making me take another look.

Re: Rocket (Branding) Crisis

Davina K. Brewer — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:34:50 -0000

The School and Sports icons being a little different is not that bad, but in this case they are too far apart. (And I notice when retailers get my LSU purple and gold wrong.)

The early 2000s logo is representative of that era (and the 90s really, with the swirly ring thing). The current crest logo is trying to promote establishment and history, as if they've halls covered in ivy for a century. Is that really who they are?

It's not just a logo or branding issue, they have an identity problem. What this school needs to do: Figure out who they are and who they serve now. Figure out where they are going, and what that future holds. Build an icon, a logo and brand around that and stick with it. FWIW.

Re: Yes, I am a guru.

Davina K. Brewer — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:34:39 -0000

Grand Poobah, Big Cheese, Jolly SM Giant, Bloginator, the list is endless.

RE: humility and being labeled a "guru" or "expert", I wonder if it's sort of like the Sports Illustrated or Madden Football cover curse? Thanks for the lighter, fluffier post for this Friday.

Re: The Easiest Way To Explain the Marketing Process

Davina K. Brewer — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:16:39 -0000

I like the hourglass metaphor too. Just curious, from your graphic, where do you the taper, the tight squeeze before things expand towards the bottom? IMO there may be 2:
1) The first between Know/Like when folks are kicking the tires, deciding if your product is right for them or if they are ready to move on and
2) The tight squeeze is around the Try/Buy juncture, when actually money/time/commitment is involved.

I'll certainly keep this image, and your smart questions in mind. Thanks for sharing.

Re: When You Don’t Engage, You Don’t Add Value!

Davina K. Brewer — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:08:42 -0000

ITA that folks who add value to my Twitter stream are the ones with whom I'm most engaged. Which is as much a reflection of my Twitter style as theirs.

That said, if you do engage with me via a DM or an @ reply, you'll get a response..unless your hawking porn or spam. But then, I don't have thousands of followers trying to get my attention either.

It's also about where you engage: there's more out here than just Twitter and I'm much more likely to engage with someone who's also posted on my blog, or commented on other blogs I read, or on LinkedIn groups, etc. FWIW.