"The Internet has made public relations public again, after years of almost exclusive focus on media. Blogs, online news releases, and other forms of Web content let organizations communicate directly with buyers."
I thought this was an interesting point made my David Scott. I could not agree with Scott more. The media has been a focal point of the public relations practice for years. Since the advent of social media, organizations have been able to take a more direct approach toward communicate with their target publics. Though the media are phenomenal resources for public relations practitioners, this medium is not always controllable and can affect PR approach.
I think we're really going to see a drastic shift in where the public goes for credible information. I think the media could lose it's touch, when the public goes to blogs, organizational websites and resources and organizational social media accounts for news.
Scott is dead on when he talks about the importance of social media. These resources provide practitioners with an avenue to communicate directly with our public. We now have the opportunity to present the appropriate messages to develop mutually beneficial relationships with our publics.
Some question whether or not social media will die. To me, I just can't see it happening. Unless another resource surfaces that enables us to communicate with our public as quickly as we are, social media is here to stay.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Adversity
So, this wasn't the best weekend for ONU men's volleyball.
We competed in the MIVA Championships at Ohio State University this weekend. Against some of the best teams in the country, we finished the weekened with a 1-5 record. Not what we're use to.With one starter unable to play because of a finger injury, we experiemented with several different lineups and had different personel on the floor throughout the weekend.
It's difficult to reflect on tournaments like this, because as a competitior, I want to immediately erase this from my memory. However, these are the athletic experiences when we have the greatest opportunity to grow and learn as a team and as individual players. In the words of the great John Wooden, "failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
This quote by the legendary UCLA basketball coach could not be more applicable to our situation right now. Our season has not come to an end, and we have an opportunity to look at what we did this weekend and make the necessary changes before the national tournament in two weeks.
The national tournament is three days of nothing but volleyball. It's a race to the finish, and teams that run out of gas are left behind with no AAA to bail them out. Each team is faced with adversity during the three day event, and the teams that handle adversity the best are the ones that are successful. Our team didn't handle adversity as well as we could have this weekend.
So even though, I want to throw this weekend out and immediately take out the trash, I need to go through the junk and search for the important elements that I can't play without. Even in the eight short hours since the tournament ended, I've thought about the ways I need to be a better player, teammate and leader.
This year's team has something special, and I refuse to end this season on the same note as my two previous years as a Polar Bear. Even though, we're frustrated with the way this weekend played out, it could be a blessing in disguise. This could be the wake-up call that we needed, and the final lessons that we had to learn before our run to reclaim the national title.
We competed in the MIVA Championships at Ohio State University this weekend. Against some of the best teams in the country, we finished the weekened with a 1-5 record. Not what we're use to.With one starter unable to play because of a finger injury, we experiemented with several different lineups and had different personel on the floor throughout the weekend.
It's difficult to reflect on tournaments like this, because as a competitior, I want to immediately erase this from my memory. However, these are the athletic experiences when we have the greatest opportunity to grow and learn as a team and as individual players. In the words of the great John Wooden, "failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
This quote by the legendary UCLA basketball coach could not be more applicable to our situation right now. Our season has not come to an end, and we have an opportunity to look at what we did this weekend and make the necessary changes before the national tournament in two weeks.
The national tournament is three days of nothing but volleyball. It's a race to the finish, and teams that run out of gas are left behind with no AAA to bail them out. Each team is faced with adversity during the three day event, and the teams that handle adversity the best are the ones that are successful. Our team didn't handle adversity as well as we could have this weekend.
So even though, I want to throw this weekend out and immediately take out the trash, I need to go through the junk and search for the important elements that I can't play without. Even in the eight short hours since the tournament ended, I've thought about the ways I need to be a better player, teammate and leader.
This year's team has something special, and I refuse to end this season on the same note as my two previous years as a Polar Bear. Even though, we're frustrated with the way this weekend played out, it could be a blessing in disguise. This could be the wake-up call that we needed, and the final lessons that we had to learn before our run to reclaim the national title.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Campaign American PetRoleum Institute
This quarter, I am enrolled in Dr. Ag's Campaigns class. This is the third campaigns class I've taken with Ag, and each Campaigns class I grow as a student and a professional. I have big expectations for this campaign, but things are a little different this time.
1. The main objective of the campaign is to "effectively educate the target market, the 18-25 year old range, on national energy issues." This has already proven to be a challenge for me, considering that I'm energy illiterate.
2. We are working for the American Petroleum Institute as part of the energy tomorrow: america's challenge. We have until April 15 to complete the campaign (an extremely tight deadline).
3. As part of the competition, we aren't implementing the campaign. Our team is strictly instructed to come up with a campaign plan. Even though this is much different than we are use to, given our tight deadline, not implementing will save us a lot of time and stress.
4. The class consists of nine students, and we are all working on the campaign together. This is much different from the groups of four or five that we have worked with in the past. I was skeptical at first, but we have a strong group dynamic that has worked out wonderfully so far.
If we place in the top three, we will go to San Francisco to present our campaign. With money and our public relations program's reputation on the line, we mean business!
This campaign will challenge us in much different ways. Energy issues aren't a hot topic among 18-25 year olds. We will have to be creative and innovative in our strategies and tactics to reach our target public.
The two previous campaigns I've worked on have been great learning experiences. This time around, it's more about doing!
**The following link is a survey for our research. If you are an ONU student, who has NOT completed the survey already, please take a minute or two to complete this survey. We really appreciate it.**
1. The main objective of the campaign is to "effectively educate the target market, the 18-25 year old range, on national energy issues." This has already proven to be a challenge for me, considering that I'm energy illiterate.
2. We are working for the American Petroleum Institute as part of the energy tomorrow: america's challenge. We have until April 15 to complete the campaign (an extremely tight deadline).
3. As part of the competition, we aren't implementing the campaign. Our team is strictly instructed to come up with a campaign plan. Even though this is much different than we are use to, given our tight deadline, not implementing will save us a lot of time and stress.
4. The class consists of nine students, and we are all working on the campaign together. This is much different from the groups of four or five that we have worked with in the past. I was skeptical at first, but we have a strong group dynamic that has worked out wonderfully so far.
If we place in the top three, we will go to San Francisco to present our campaign. With money and our public relations program's reputation on the line, we mean business!
This campaign will challenge us in much different ways. Energy issues aren't a hot topic among 18-25 year olds. We will have to be creative and innovative in our strategies and tactics to reach our target public.
The two previous campaigns I've worked on have been great learning experiences. This time around, it's more about doing!
**The following link is a survey for our research. If you are an ONU student, who has NOT completed the survey already, please take a minute or two to complete this survey. We really appreciate it.**
Monday, March 21, 2011
Don't Blink on the Link
As I delve further into Paul Gillin's "The New Influencers," I'm starting to resinate with some of Gillin's words of wisdom. In the beginning of the chapter, Gillin refers to links as "the currency of the blogosphere." This is something that I immediately identified and agreed with. Prior to my experience with this blog, I did have some experience with a forum called Volley Talk.
I wouldn't necessarily call Volley Talk a blog, but it definitely has blogging characteristics. For an avid college volleyball fan like myself, Volley Talk is a sanctuary. Volley Talk is different from blogging in that conversations varying in topics are started, with members continually commenting on them. Similar to blogging, Volley Talk is a great way to get information, and Volley Talk users are held accountable for what they say. I do not comment, but do marvel at the insightful and idiotic things these volleyball fans post on the Internet.
Back to "The New Influencers"...
The best part of Volley Talk is the references volleyball fans have access to. When people post, they frequently provide links with articles and videos: an absolute goldmine for volleyball fans like me. I tend to resinate with the Volley Talk users who post links and videos, because personally I think it gives them more creditability. So yes, I completely agree with Gillin when he says that links are in fact the "currency of the blogosphere." I think links though are money for both the readers and the bloggers. Links make you worth more to the public. Let's face it, nobody likes the generic brand that's not worth much. They want the quality product, that has some value.
I wouldn't necessarily call Volley Talk a blog, but it definitely has blogging characteristics. For an avid college volleyball fan like myself, Volley Talk is a sanctuary. Volley Talk is different from blogging in that conversations varying in topics are started, with members continually commenting on them. Similar to blogging, Volley Talk is a great way to get information, and Volley Talk users are held accountable for what they say. I do not comment, but do marvel at the insightful and idiotic things these volleyball fans post on the Internet.
Back to "The New Influencers"...
The best part of Volley Talk is the references volleyball fans have access to. When people post, they frequently provide links with articles and videos: an absolute goldmine for volleyball fans like me. I tend to resinate with the Volley Talk users who post links and videos, because personally I think it gives them more creditability. So yes, I completely agree with Gillin when he says that links are in fact the "currency of the blogosphere." I think links though are money for both the readers and the bloggers. Links make you worth more to the public. Let's face it, nobody likes the generic brand that's not worth much. They want the quality product, that has some value.
Just for fun..
YEAH STATE!!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
It's PhRiday
So last week's hot topic was Jim Tressel. This week, we're going to talk about Miss. Rebecca Black. Those of you who have lived under a rock for the last week, Black is a 13-year old singer who released her first single "Friday" this week. Within a week, Black's single reached the Top 50 on iTunes. From a social media standpoint, Black is a QUEEN!
The music video for the single was released on YouTube this week! Black can credit the video streaming site for her success. On Th-Thursday (hahah punny), the video had been viewed more than 12 million times. Three days later, the video has been viewed close to 27 million times. Black and her single have been the hot topic this week, and the young singer is clogging the media circuit. Her YouTube run has proved to be extremely beneficial in exposing Black to the public.
Black has also been the victim of tough criticism via social media sites. Facebook, Twitter, Blog and YouTube users have posted harsh comments about the 13-year old and her new single. Sure, "Friday" isn't the most lyrically deep song on the airways today, and Black is definitely not the next Aretha Franklin. However, I'm going to take a different approach. I think Black is refreshing.
Too often, we are exposed to young singers who are acting 15 years older than they really are. Black isn't singing about love or whipping her hair or talking about how she can't be tamed. I don't think that our youth have the best role models. So yeah, she's not the best singer in the world, but Black isn't provocative or scandalous, and she acts her age.
The music video for the single was released on YouTube this week! Black can credit the video streaming site for her success. On Th-Thursday (hahah punny), the video had been viewed more than 12 million times. Three days later, the video has been viewed close to 27 million times. Black and her single have been the hot topic this week, and the young singer is clogging the media circuit. Her YouTube run has proved to be extremely beneficial in exposing Black to the public.
Black has also been the victim of tough criticism via social media sites. Facebook, Twitter, Blog and YouTube users have posted harsh comments about the 13-year old and her new single. Sure, "Friday" isn't the most lyrically deep song on the airways today, and Black is definitely not the next Aretha Franklin. However, I'm going to take a different approach. I think Black is refreshing.
Too often, we are exposed to young singers who are acting 15 years older than they really are. Black isn't singing about love or whipping her hair or talking about how she can't be tamed. I don't think that our youth have the best role models. So yeah, she's not the best singer in the world, but Black isn't provocative or scandalous, and she acts her age.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Third Time is the Charm!
For those of you who don't know, I am a proud member of the ONU men's volleyball team. This weekend we are hosting the GMMVC championships. In February, we played six of the teams in our conference. On Saturday, we will play the final three teams left. Based on the results from February's playdate and Saturday, the championship tournament will be finalized and played on Sunday.
My freshman year, we lost in the semifinals to Cincinnati (eventual champs). Last year, we made a valiant effort through the tournament, but lost in the semifinals to Dayton in dramatic fashion. This year, I have a feeling that the third time will be the charm..
We are currently 6-0 in conference play and are three wins away from capturing the GMMVC regular season championship. This year has been the most successful year for the team since I've arrived at Northern. This team gets it; we just click. We have the home court, and I have a feeling that the team is ready to take the championship.
If you have the chance, come over to King Horn to support us! I think we've got something special in us this weekend!
YEAH BEARS!!
My freshman year, we lost in the semifinals to Cincinnati (eventual champs). Last year, we made a valiant effort through the tournament, but lost in the semifinals to Dayton in dramatic fashion. This year, I have a feeling that the third time will be the charm..
We are currently 6-0 in conference play and are three wins away from capturing the GMMVC regular season championship. This year has been the most successful year for the team since I've arrived at Northern. This team gets it; we just click. We have the home court, and I have a feeling that the team is ready to take the championship.
If you have the chance, come over to King Horn to support us! I think we've got something special in us this weekend!
YEAH BEARS!!
Monday, March 14, 2011
PeRsonal
So to kill two birds with one stone, I dove into Paul Gillin's "The New Influencers" while exercising on the elliptical. To set the scene, I am a lanky 6'3" human being. Reading and taking notes on the elliptical = POOR LIFE DECISION. My girlfriend saw me and said "please don't do that again, you look ridiculous."
However, in the chaos that was my multi tasking effort, Gillin touched on something that caught my attention.
"Blogs give individuals a way to express their voices in a way that is highly personal and controllable."
In my short lifetime as a blogger, I have noticed and appreciated the PeRsonal aspect of blogging. I'm not incredibly concerned with grammar or AP style. I'm not trying to think of the most intelligent word to say. It's my PeRsonal journal (that anyone with an Internet connection can view).
This blog has my PeRsonal slant on, and I have the ability to control the content of the blog. I didn't understand the appeal of blogging, but as I continue my blogging journey, I'm starting to figure this whole thing out. Gillin touches on the immediacy and convenience that blogs offer users. PeRsonally, I have been surprised at how much I have enjoyed my blogging experience. I have a feeling that as I progress with Gillin's book, my passion for blogging and social media will progress as well.
However, in the chaos that was my multi tasking effort, Gillin touched on something that caught my attention.
"Blogs give individuals a way to express their voices in a way that is highly personal and controllable."
In my short lifetime as a blogger, I have noticed and appreciated the PeRsonal aspect of blogging. I'm not incredibly concerned with grammar or AP style. I'm not trying to think of the most intelligent word to say. It's my PeRsonal journal (that anyone with an Internet connection can view).
This blog has my PeRsonal slant on, and I have the ability to control the content of the blog. I didn't understand the appeal of blogging, but as I continue my blogging journey, I'm starting to figure this whole thing out. Gillin touches on the immediacy and convenience that blogs offer users. PeRsonally, I have been surprised at how much I have enjoyed my blogging experience. I have a feeling that as I progress with Gillin's book, my passion for blogging and social media will progress as well.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
2.1
This week, I had the privilege of working the OHSAA playoff games hosted by ONU. I coordinated the post-game press conferences. In addition to some great PR practice, I watched some really good basketball.
On Saturday, Celina and Van Wert squared off for the Division II District Final. After watching some teams in semifinal action on Wednesday, I was expecting a good game. My expectation were certainly exceeded.
This was the scene with 2.1 seconds left to play. Celina had the ball on their end of the court. I found myself shaking. I had no affiliation with either team, but at that moment of the game all of the emotions and feelings that I felt as a high school athlete came rushing back to me.
Van Wert was able to force a turnover, giving them the game and the district title. RIOT ENSUED! But, I sat back and watched.
I looked at the Van Wert crowd and remembered the exciting feeling when your team has just pulled out a thrilling victory. The Van Wert students were cheesin' and the parents crying tears of joy. I could tell that Corey Clifton (Van Wert's star player who dropped 27 points) was on top of the world after he drained a pair of game winning free throws.
On the flip side, my heart went out to the Celina nation. It's the worst feeling when you watch your friends and/or loved ones lose in such a heartbreaking fashion. My last high school volleyball match ended in a thrilling five-set fashion, the final set being 24-22. I felt for senior forward John Homan, who was crushed after the game. It's an awful feeling when your high school athletic career comes to an end, especially the way his did.
So where I am going with this? The ONU Sports Center was flooded with school and community pride. That gym underwent every single emotion in a quick hour and a half. Those Van Wert and Celina players, coaches and fans will remember Saturday night for the rest of their lives. Some of my favorite memories as an adolescent involved volleyball games and intense swimming races.
I went to that game to do a job. I had to check in the media and coordinate the press conference. More important, I got to experience a moment. I'm a firm believer that sometimes you have to embrace the environment that you are in and what you are experiencing.
2.1 seconds is all those ten players on the court had. A short amount of time, but I'm sure they will never forget what happened in those 2.1 seconds.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
PRactice what you PReach?!
So I wanted to branch out and not write about Jim Tressel and the OSU football scandal that is currently flooding the media. However, as a PR student at a private institution in OHIO, I couldn't resist.
I have read Coach Tressel's book The Winner's Manual as a sophomore in college, which I thoroughly enjoyed and found extremely inspirational. Last month, Coach Tressel spoke at the Central Ohio Public Relations Society of America Luncheon. Coach Tressel spoke about the five Rs in public relations. He was captivating, and even though he isn't a public relations practitioner, I believed that he possessed a good grasp of the practice.
However, I can't help but be a little disappointed...
1. I don't think Tressel and the OSU camp have handled this crisis extremely well.
2. If the accusations are indeed true, and Coach Tressel knew of these NCAA violations, this hurts the credibility that Tressel has established over his years of coaching and mentoring.
USA Today columnist Christine Brennan had no problem addressing Tressel's hypocrisy. Brennan was quick to point out that the football coach recently released "his latest book, Life Promises for Success: promises from God on achieving your best, is a collection of 'inspiring readings and Bible promises designed to encourage those seeking to success in every area of life.'"
Tressel has built strong relationships with his internal and external publics based on his "firm belief" on the importance of honor and integrity, something that as a PR guy, I have always applauded. However, this week's events aren't watering the beautiful garden that Tressel has tended to for several years now.
My approach on this situation is not quite as extreme as Brennan's. However, OSU needs to step it UP!! They have possession of the ball, but could lose this game if they throw the ball away. Tressel is a public relations practitioner's dream, because of the relationships he has formed and nurtured. It would be unfortunate if that all goes to waste.
I have read Coach Tressel's book The Winner's Manual as a sophomore in college, which I thoroughly enjoyed and found extremely inspirational. Last month, Coach Tressel spoke at the Central Ohio Public Relations Society of America Luncheon. Coach Tressel spoke about the five Rs in public relations. He was captivating, and even though he isn't a public relations practitioner, I believed that he possessed a good grasp of the practice.
However, I can't help but be a little disappointed...
1. I don't think Tressel and the OSU camp have handled this crisis extremely well.
2. If the accusations are indeed true, and Coach Tressel knew of these NCAA violations, this hurts the credibility that Tressel has established over his years of coaching and mentoring.
USA Today columnist Christine Brennan had no problem addressing Tressel's hypocrisy. Brennan was quick to point out that the football coach recently released "his latest book, Life Promises for Success: promises from God on achieving your best, is a collection of 'inspiring readings and Bible promises designed to encourage those seeking to success in every area of life.'"
Tressel has built strong relationships with his internal and external publics based on his "firm belief" on the importance of honor and integrity, something that as a PR guy, I have always applauded. However, this week's events aren't watering the beautiful garden that Tressel has tended to for several years now.
My approach on this situation is not quite as extreme as Brennan's. However, OSU needs to step it UP!! They have possession of the ball, but could lose this game if they throw the ball away. Tressel is a public relations practitioner's dream, because of the relationships he has formed and nurtured. It would be unfortunate if that all goes to waste.
Hola!
Hello Blogosphere!
It is now time for me to hop on the blogging bus and get on the social media interstate. I must admit, I have always been critical of blogging. I never really understood the purpose and have always felt that blogging gives egomaniacs another channel to talk about themselves and complain about things that they have no control over. However, I am ready to turn a new leaf.
Spring brings warm weather, big smiles and tons of news. Spring is a sizzlin' time for ONU festivities and PR action, which will be the focus of my blog. I have a great feeling that this is going to be a great spring. The weather will be great, the end of the year will be exciting and maybe I will become a fan of blogging. We shall see...
Ready or not Blogosphere, HERE I COME!!
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