An article by Brian Solis, called “PR Secrets for Startups” strikes a very interesting debate on the relevance of the new and exciting world of web 2.0. No longer does PR involve traditional media, but the use of blogs engaging not only traditional journalists, but a new set of influencers. Solis writes,
“PR is now more than ever, something more capable and influential than simply writing and sending press releases to contacts generated by media databases. The media landscape has been completely blown open to not only include traditional media, but also bloggers and most importantly the very people we want to reach, our customers.”
Indeed, social media has forced traditional pr professionals to evaluate how to put a human face to its tactics and that is where social media comes in. Truth be told, I’m technologically inept. It was until I took this course that I learned about Twitter, Delicious, and how to blog. I don’t understand how my voice can stand out in the crowd when everyone is saying the same thing.
Solis writes,
“Social Media is anything that uses the Internet to facilitate conversations between people – it is not the practice of social marketing. I say people, because it humanizes the process of communications when you think about conversations instead of companies marketing at audiences.”
The element of social media is that it forces companies to engage in an active dialogue with more targeted audiences. After all, public relations is about building relationships. But the offline component must not be forgotten.
June 5, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Monica
I would not say that you are technologically inept. Not at all!
And I think you do make a very valid point about companies, never quick to change or try anything new, being dragged into the 21st Century by social media. It is a nice addition to our toolkit as PR practitioners.
Looking forward to reading more.
AM