PR and Twitter

I enjoyed Greg Kamp's discussion of public relations in the last class. I particularly found it interesting that media reps are using Twitter as a primary means of finding news stories, a trend to which PR professionals are responding. I did a little more research on this subject, and today I found this article that reiterated not only this growing trend, but addressed the potential disaster that can strike a firm that doesn't respond to the social media/Twitter trend in a prompt manner.

Responding means not only utilizing the media, but also restructuring the entire organization to understand and compensate for major changes in day-to-day operations. This is an interesting and brief read that really drives home the realities of PR and social media.

Budget Season

Is anyone else in the throws of forecasting and budget season?? One thing that I really wish I had more training on was how to set-up a successful budget and budget tracking tools.

When I think back to undergrad I don't remember learning any-- and now in graduate school I think it would be really helpful to learn more ROI techniques along with budget training.

I know a lot of us are hoping to use our graduate degrees toward management positions in the future. I know that is one area that I could use more practice in.

Does anyone else use any great templates or understand seismic calculations, etc?

Hayley

Female Reports in Male locker rooms

Recently, the New York Jets owner issued an apology on behalf of his organization to report Ines Sainz for the harassing behavior of his players. When Sainz was conducting an interview with Jets QB Mark Sanchez, other players were hooting and making comments in the background. Sainz ignored the comments though they made her feel uncomfortable. Other female reports witnessed this behavior and reported it to the Jets' leadership.

I applaud the efforts of the owner in apologizing, however, isn't it a hazard of the job when it comes to males dominated sports. I mean if a woman is in the locker room for interviewing, there will be comments that will be made because you are in what is considered a "male domain." Unfortunately, it is common for events such as this to take place in locker rooms. However, it is the first time that a public comment has been made.

I can imagine the chaos that was taking place within the PR office and how they would handle the situation. Especially, when attitudes towards professional athletes have begun to take a turn into the negative. Organizations need to begin to take player conduct on and off the field more seriously before it causes them to spend unnecessary money in settling harassment lawsuits.

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/13/new-york-jets-kicks-off-season-facing-harassment-claim/?hpt=C2

HARO

Thank you to Greg Kamp for the tip about HARO. HARO, or Help a Reporter Out, is a great source for public relations professionals. As Greg mentioned, once you sign up, HARO will email you three times a day with a listing of upcoming news articles, along with questions the writers are seeking. Businesses and individuals can then contact the reporters, explain why they should be considered sources, and they might receive some free publicity because of it.

I was really excited about the idea of this website, but also somewhat skeptical. Would the reporters only be interested in national companies? Or maybe the queries would be so specific, St. Ann’s would never be able to participate. “Looking for one eyed males, ages 23-44, who enjoy jet skiing.” But lo and behold, this service is one that practically any company can use. This evening’s email had 59 queries, with articles that ranged from travel to business to high tech industries. And I even felt like some people I know personally could be sources for a few of the pieces. Like the one education post that made me think of a certain college I attend . . . .

But word to the wise, there are rules. One being that you can’t repost the queries on blogs. Sorry Susan! But you can forward the emails . . . .

Sign up today at www.helpareporter.com.

Public Safety Announcements

I was checking email the other day and I noticed a banner ad for CSXT railways, which services most of the Eastern United States and Canada. The ad itself made me curious as to what why CSXT would be posting an ad for railroad safety. I started looking into the number of crashes as of late. It does appear that worldwide 2010 has been a year fraught with accidents, many of them deadly. While in Rochester we may not notice trains too much other than, maybe, taking a tour of the old subway or watching the clock when we are stuck watching one slowly pass us by. Despite what may be considered our local ignorance, (if it’s not around me, it’s not important) trains do still crisscross the United States, and are mainstays of transportation across the globe. With 4+ billion people utilizing this method of transportation daily, accidents are bound to happen, and those accidents are likely to be fatal. CSXT has not had crash in the US in 5 years, and when they have had accidents they have not been deadly. Despite this fact they still need to keep awareness up, that the reason CSXT is having such a high level of safety, is due to the cooperation of the people who both use trains and are around them at any time. The ad itself was affective in that it grabbed attention, and made customers and non customers aware of some general safety. In doing some searches for this article I came across the CSXT site CSXT Advertisements showcasing many of their ads that are running right now about the benefits of trains. AND CSXT Safety which has all of their public safety announcements listed for workers, community, and riders.

"Crisis" Management Resource

PR guru Johnathen Bernstein defines a Crisis as "Any situation that is threatening or could threaten to harm people or property,seriously interrupt business, damage reputation and/or negatively impact share value."

Although I agree with Greg Kamp on his thoughts on what really should be considered a crisis (I.E. Shooting at a University), it is still important that a business should learn how to plan and manage situations that may potentially damage its brand in any way (I'm sure Greg feels the same way).

Check out Bernstein's website and blog where you'll fine tips and information on both types of "crisis". You can also subscribe to free monthly newsletters from his site!

B-A in the D&C!

In case any of you missed your classmate in Sunday's Business Section: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20100905/GROUP01/9050317/-1/group01/A-leader-in-the-family-business