Social Media gets me out of the corner
I’d like to give a virtual hug to many of the local PR pros in town. It seems in the past year, I have learned a lot from others in the industry, mainly through social media, but also at local communications events, especially PRSA functions. You’ve helped me get out of the corner of the room at PR event, wondering how to start up a conversation or look for advice.
As an Indie working at home alone, networking with others in my field is essential to not only my sanity, but furthering my knowledge of this constantly changing field of work. Who knew when I started out three years ago that social media would be so important? I feel as if it has opened up new relationships with folks I may not have met in the past.
When I am stumped on how to go about an aspect of my work, I can tweet about it and various folks will offer their advice to me. Many of them I have never met. I also see others in PR “re-tweet” my client successes or promotions or “share” the info on their facebook pages. Communicators forward my blog posts to others. It seems that while we are still trying to do our jobs and help our clients, we’re becoming more open to sharing other’s news and info too.
Because of my transparency on this blog and online, I have found its easier to connect and chat with others at local events because they know more about me than just my job. They will ask about my pregnancy or vent with me on a frustration I shared online in a Facebook status. Yes, its a little weird to have a stranger know I am craving honeynut peanut butter because I tweeted about it, but its kinda cool that they can approach me and use that as a way to break the ice and start a conversation about our jobs.
For those of you who have a hard time getting out and networking with others, start using social media to warm you up. The relationships you build online make it so much easier when you go out. It seems most everyone is online now, so have an easy open for conversations at an event. Put your Twitter name on your name tag or set up a meeting with someone you follow on a blog or Facebook to learn more about them.
The business benefits of getting on social media are great, too. I started to do workshops with a gal (@amandablum) I met through Twitter and I can’t help but rave about all the reporter queries I’ve gained by following and building relations with local journalists. Social media can really help us do our jobs better!
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Comments
July 8th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Another great post, Ms. Shaff. I recommend interacting with questions on LinkedIn. I have one up right now about Twitter. I get a lot of random, “know nothing” answers from people who pass themselves off as PR professionals, but occasionally you get a real gem like the intern who had the best answer to the question.
It is through answering and asking questions I have built a network – including Dennis Erokan – founder of the BAMMIES – Bay Area Musicians awards. Never met him, except through LinkedIn.
Same with MySpace. Met two Hannah Montana stars – they contacted me, not the other way around. If you visit my MySpace page – MarketingSociologist, you’ll see some of the world’s greatest musicians. I have been in touch with members of the Alice Cooper band, like bassist Dennis Dunaway; guys I grew up with. People I interviewed like John Mellencamp, Eric Burdon, Jimmy Vaughan. I LOVE the Internet.
Even found my college roommate, the Amazing David, in Austin through social networking. Good, excellent, solid advice here, Ms. Shaff.
Twitter and Friendfeed: PhoenixRichard
July 9th, 2009 at 7:22 am
Awwww, Char, I didn’t know you cared:)
Not only will I second that emotion, but I’ll go further to state that until I moved from Phoenix, I didn’t appreciate what a rich social media community we have. One could have a very active social life by just checking out the various meetups that happen every day and night, it seems. Between the various co-working spaces, social media club, refresh, phx marketers, gangplank hacknight, social media breakfast, phoenix friday night, britekite meetups, foursquare, etc…. It’s downright silly not to take advantage of it.
If you don’t know how to take advantage of these tools, just ask!
July 9th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Charlotte:
Thoughtful post. Throughout my years of writing for metro Phoenix newspapers (Mesa Tribune, The Phoenix Gazette and The Business Journal), the region’s PR community was especially helpful when I needed a contact, often immediately.
Now that I have more time, I’d like to return the favor. Call if you or your colleagues want input from a veteran journalist.
Mike