The Benefits of Social Media
Normally in my blogs I write about the world of social media, public relations and marketing. I focus on what’s going on the business world and how it is relevant to public relations. However, as my last few weeks of college are coming to a close, I have been reminiscing on my college experience and how much I have truly learned. While I appreciate all of the classes that I have taken over my college career, there are a few that stick out as being crucial to not only my career, but my life. Without hesitation, I can say that my Style and Design class, that I am currently taking, has been one of the most beneficial classes I have had and probably ever will have.
To summarize, Style and Design has taught me about the world of social media and how far of a reach one can have if they just put themselves out there. It still blows my mind when I think of “tweeting” with top public relations executives all over the world. Also, I always thought of blogging as a pointless activity because I thought no one actually “reads these things.” Then I was proven wrong. Jennifer Handshew from Mindset Media commented on a blog I wrote about their company. I was so excited and surprised to think that someone, besides my classmates and professor, actually read my blog. I am also in the process of creating an online digital resume and portfolio, something I never dreamed I could do on my own. When it is posted, which should be very soon, anyone can view it at hollystalvey.com. The possibilities from that exposure are endless.
In conclusion, social media has benefited my life in so many ways. What makes it even more remarkable is that, contrary to popular belief, it actually is pretty easy and the results are astounding. Social media gives average people the opportunity to reach those that seemed unreachable through the amazing tools of the Internet. It can help create relationships that would have never existed before. I am thankful for the knowledge that I have gained and must credit this knowledge to my professor Mr. Robert French. I feel so much more prepared for the “real world” now, and I am confident that these skills will make me a more competitive potential employee over others who have never had the opportunity to learn about the wonders of social media.
Drug Recycling: The New Frontier?
In a nation that is “going green,” it only makes sense to begin drug recycling. Many states, 33 in fact, are now establishing drug recycling programs for unused prescription drugs to go to the uninsured or the those who simply cannot afford their prescriptions. When I first heard the term, I was a bit put off because it seemed, well, scary. In my mind, I thought of a new drug dealing ring that would begin with these “donated” drugs. However, after reading the article on MSNBC’s website, I was swayed to think differently.
Many prescription drugs go unused every year, and the disposal of them has become an issue within itself. In fact, recently it was discovered that traces of some of these potent drugs could be found in the water supply because most drugs are flushed or otherwise disposed of by putting them into the sewer system so that they will break down and not be abused. Giving these drugs away to those that need them makes sense. Of course safety precautions should be put into place to ensure that none of these drugs are tampered with, but assuming a safety program is strong enough, the idea of drug recycling is too good to pass up.
In addition, to helping those in need, this program could also help keep medical costs down to hospitals for serving the uninsured. If these people can get the medication they need early instead of prolonging an illness into an ultimate visit to the emergency room, it would save thousands, maybe millions, every year. Many states are having trouble, or just haven’t, promoted the idea very much because it is still somewhat of a new frontier. The policy needs some fine tuning, but with some work and a unified system, this program could be quite beneficial to all.
Mindset Media is Making the Connection
As I sat here looking for something interesting to blog about; I came across an article from PR Newswire that grabbed my attention. The heading read, “People Who Buy More Than Three Pairs of Sneakers a Year are Far More Likely to be a Leadership Type than the Population at Large, According to a Mindset Media Study.” I was instantly drawn in because of the sheer uniqueness of the headline. After reading the press release, I decided to go Mindset Media’s website to learn more about this innovative company. Mindset Media is easily one of the most cutting-edge and unique companies that I have learned about in a while.
Mindset Media is an online ad network that helps brand advertisers reach their target publics by identifying personality traits that fit their specific brand. They gather this information from a Mindset Profile that only the advertising companies can access. Once they do, they can gather information on anything from who would be most likely to drive a hybrid to what kind of people are most likely to buy organic food. It helps identify what kind of personality trait their target audience has. For example, people who possess the trait of “self-esteem” are more likely to buy premium coffee, such as Starbucks. Advertisers can use this information to better frame their messages for their intended audience.
I am surprised that I have not heard of this company until now. As a PR major we learn that one of the most important aspects of delivering a message is to know who your publics are. Failing to identify the correct publics is a waste of the practitioner’s time and the company’s time. Mindset Media helps advertisers better market their brands by identifying exactly who the target audience is by identifying unique personality traits.
I find this company to be so intriguing. Their website is very clean and polished looking, yet it does not give away too much information, which seems to add an element of mystery, which drew me in even more. I hope to hear more about the findings from this company because I think they are at the forefront of target public research.
Bringing Vintage Back
As each year passes, new technologies are introduced and time seems to progress into an infinite abyss with the question of “what will they think of next?,” soon to be followed by an answer of another astounding advancement. And, although progress is great and necessary, sometimes we have the tendency to long for remnants of the past. This is especially evident in media. Television shows seems to change as often as the weather. They are new, then discontinued and put into syndication, and at some point they are taken off the air and placed somewhere to be “retired” and ultimately forgotten.
However, sometimes I wish to see these old shows again. I must admit, that with all of the advertisements and constant reminders of what’s “new now,” it is easy to forget about the oldies-but-goodies. Thankfully, The Walt Disney Company is taking the lead to offer many of its vintage shows online. All of the details have not yet been ironed out, but many other major networks are following suit. CBS and NBC said last month they would put advertiser-supported episodes of older TV series online. Disney has not released the names of the shows it plans to offer, but CBS announced it plans to provide “MacGyver” and NBC plans to provide “Miami Vice.”
I think this is great opportunity for fans of the older shows to get to watch them again in all of their glory. Additionally, the shows are to be funded through advertisements, so they will be free to the public. Disney, along with the other networks, should take full advantage of this opportunity to reach older markets that they probably, normally, do not target. As computers are becoming more of a necessity rather than a luxury, they are common in more homes, including those of aging households. Not only will they be giving fans episodes that they cannot get anywhere else, they also will be opening a door to a new public which could lure advertisers.
The Media Bandwagon On Starbucks
Starbucks shocked coffee-lovers and media outlets all over the world when it announced that it would be closing 7,100 of its U.S. shops for three hours to give employees a “refresher” course in the art of coffee-making. Howard D. Schultz proposed this action to reorient employees on what it takes to be more customer friendly and to improve the overall customer experience.
What is interesting about this shutdown is the massive amount of media attention the popular coffee company received. Although it is true that Starbucks is easily the most recognizable name in the coffee industry, I still find it baffling that the media took this seemingly insignificant event and made it into a huge public relations ordeal. In fact, PR Week had an article that stated that the day of the brief closing will “live in infamy.” I assure you, I will not remember this day for years to come as the day Starbucks closed for three hours. And yes, I understand that Starbucks is undergoing some major changes, with Schultz being brought back as CEO and all of the new implementations that he is planning to make, but I still am compelled to wonder why the training session was such a big deal. I mean, all Starbucks really did was train employees. I do not feel as if they “shutdown,” which is the term many media outlets are using. It was only for three hours, and it was in the afternoon, not the morning, which is when most Starbucks shops are most busy.
I suppose it is an example of the power Starbucks has within the industry. When a company so large and well-known makes any kind of move, it is destined to make headlines.
MySpace is Stepping Out
Who doesn’t love free music?
The problem is that none of us dislike free music, and that is why so many songs are downloaded illegally everyday, dropped into iTunes and imported into an iPod. MySpace, the famous social-networking site, demonstrated its immense social reach and impact when it allowed musicians to upload their music directly onto their MySpace pages making it available for all to hear. Many unknown artists became famous from MySpace. Now, MySpace is taking it a step further. In an attempt to be separated from other social-networking sites, such as Facebook, Myspace is trying to organize a deal with the major recording labels to allow Myspace users to listen to their favorite music for free, as long as they are at their computers. MySpace proposes that this free sampling be paid for by advertisements and MySpace even wishes to offer downloadable MP3 files, for a fee.
I am not a MySpace user, but this sounds like a brilliant idea. There are often times when I am working at my office, or using another computer besides my own, and I wish I had some tunes. Streaming music in does not bog down the computer with needless files and, best of all, it would be free. Not illegally free, but legally free, no guilt included. With this new application, users could sample more music and artists, which could be great for up and coming bands and artists who need exposure. With the vast amount of illegal downloads, offering free music does not seem like a stretch. It could even help the situation by allowing users to listen to a song in its entirety, as opposed to a 30 second clip, before deciding to download or not.
Overall, I am now eager to hear how the deal will flesh out. I would love the opportunity to stream in music from my office computer or any other computer that I cannot download on. The new system could be a win-win situation for all involved. Users get free music, artists gain exposure, recording labels profit from artist exposure, a new media channel for advertisers and publicity for MySpace.
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em
The term “social media” continues to expand in meaning as technology continues to progress. Technology seems to change everyday and is constantly encompassing a variety of new tools and features . However, one meaning of the term proves to be more literal in nature and is especially evident during this time of the year. The new “social media” can be referred to as a group of reporters called “embeds” who are being hired in droves by the major networks to follow the political candidates around. With advances in portable cameras and camcorders, the lives of the political candidates can be captured almost instantaneously, uploaded and visible to the world within minutes.
These reporters are becoming increasingly popular to the major news outlets for one main reason: cutting costs. These “embeds” can do what large camera crews cannot. They provide interesting, alluring content for a fraction of the price and they can submit any raw data they capture in minutes while blogging as they go. Of course, the most popular shots are those displaying the candidates in moments of imperfection. These reporters agree that video footage of a candidate getting angry is cause for brief celebration because it makes for great video footage and generates much response. One reporter noted that headlines alone only grab an audience’s attention briefly, yet, when video is added into the mix, the outcome can be astounding.
It is easy to pity the candidates and their lack of private or “downtime.” However, after researching many of the candidates’ websites I began to realize that social media does not discriminate and these candidates should play the game better. Although they all have blogs and video, much of the content is mundane and average. They have just as much of an opportunity to upload and post videos as the reporters. In fact, they have an edge because they can control what is posted if they do it themselves. If videos capturing interesting moments on the campaign trail are what the audience wants, then let them have it. Of course this strategy would not prevent embeds from continuing to follow their every move, but it would draw more attention to their personal websites as opposed to the major networks. In other words, the candidates should embrace the wonders of technology and social media for capturing more than just speeches.
Hey Man, Thanks For Ruining it For the Rest of Us
One thing that I absolutely cannot stand is when people file frivolous lawsuits. Recently, the Blue Man Group has been hit with a lawsuit from an attendee who claims that the BMG caused him “emotional stress” when the group used the man as a participant in their popular “Esophagus video” stunt.
During the stunt a camera appears to be shoved down the participant’s throat, revealing what the inside of the throat looks like. However, a camera is never placed inside or even on the mouth. Instead, a live feed video switches on from a pre-recorded medical video.
From an audience member’s perspective, I am saddened to know that what should be entertainment is being compromised. I have personally seen the BMG perform and I understand that clearly much of what they do is not real. It is an illusion, but that is what makes it fun, after all, it is entertainment. The act would not be nearly as interesting if every detail was explained to the audience and the BMG would constantly have to come up with new material.
BMG’s public relations firm, Carol Fox & Associates, have recently released a statement explaining the entire process behind the stunt, revealing the illusion and taking away the fun. From a public relations perspective, the reality of the illusion obviously has to be revealed not only to defeat the lawsuit, but for the purpose of informing the public of the truth. However, it is a shame that it has to come to this.
Alan Kemper Discusses His Job at the AUSBDC
Alan Kemper, a counselor at the Auburn University Small Business Development Center, discusses what he does on a typical day at the SBDC.
Tsk, Tsk on Target
Target, the super, savvy retailer, has just made one major mistake by upsetting many loyal bloggers within the blogosphere by dismissing them because they are not Target’s “core guests.” Unfortunately, this audience is within Target’s “core guests” assuming that its “core guests” are its customers.
I find it a bit ironic that Target responded by not responding at all. Unless, of course, you call belittling the blogging community a response. It is obvious that Target is not quite up to par in the social media department. Blogging is the new medium, period.
In Target’s defense, however, I personally did not find the ad to be offensive at all. I understand that a younger audience may be more susceptible, but in reality, there are many more sexually oriented ads in the world of media other than Target’s female model laying on its trademark bulls-eye.
I do believe Target will rebound just fine. By now, they should understand that bloggers are not a public to dismiss and not responding could potentially force them into a response by making their mistake into a story for the New York Times.