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Stay on top of UGA Connect

Posted on October 19, 2007 by Luke Armour

UGA’s Grady College “CONNECT” PR and social media conference is this weekend. I would love to have been there, but just couldn’t make it.

UGAConnect “CONNECT” PR and social media conference

When: 19-20 October

Where: Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication –
University of Georgia

This conference is intended to educate public relations professionals and educators on social media and is organized by the great Karen Russell.

Just a few of the luminaries at this event are Kevin Dugan, of Strategic PR and the Bad Pitch Blog, the keynote speaker, Josh Hallet, Katie Paine, Josh Bernhardt and master of the PR blogosphere Constantin Basturea.

Good pal and Yin to my podcasting Yang, Paull Young will be presenting a case study on the Forward Blog as a demonstration of social media helping steer PR into social media. He’ll also be yapping about Second Life and podcasting. Please view the agenda.

Like me and can’t make it? Stay on top of it with these helpful links:

UGA Blog

UGA Connect Twitter feed

UGA Flickr stream

Filed under: Professional Development, Public Relations, Social Media | Tagged: , | Leave a comment »

Pitched by Kogan – and happy to be

Posted on September 20, 2007 by Luke Armour

kogan.jpgI got an email today from Rachel

Kneebone at Kogan Page, the official publisher of the CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations) out of the UK. See excerpt below:

Kogan Page is Europe’s leading independent publisher of Public Relations books. We are the official publisher of the CIPR. We wondered if you might be interested in featuring some of our books on your blog as they should be of interest to your readers.

Follow[ing are] a few of our most successful and forthcoming publications, and more can be found on our website, www.kogan-page.co.uk.

New strategies for Reputation Management – Andrew Griffin (Published January 2008)
Only 31% of people trust business leaders to tell the truth according to a survey conducted by the Institute of Business Ethics. A damaged reputation can have severe knock-on effects on the bottom line, and most corporates value their reputations accordingly. Written by the managing director of Regester Larkin, the leading international reputation management firm, New Strategies For Reputation Management will demonstrate how you can deal effectively with unexpected crises, and what strategies you should be implementing to build your company’s good reputation at other times.

Winning New Business – Richard Denny (Published October 2007)
Today everyone in business is expected to be a sales person, whether they work in the sales team or not. With the growth in concepts like “total marketing”, “living the brand”, and “customer relationship management”, the need for everyone in business to maximise sales and profitability is paramount. Written by Richard Denny – one of the world’s most renowned sales gurus – Winning New Business takes the fear out of selling, showing you just what to do and how to do it.

Public Relations Strategy – Sandra Oliver (Just published. Published in association with the CIPR)
This challenging book reflects the intense discussion that is taking place on the nature of public relations and how it develops and supports management strategy. It links models and theories of strategic management to the PR function and discusses how globalization and the Internet are changing organizational PR strategy.

Creativity in Public Relations – Andy Green (Published 2007. Published in association with the CIPR)
Creative input is inevitably required of the PR practitioner and yet there is a lack of real understanding of the mechanics of the processes involved. By clearly establishing a definition of ‘creativity’, Creativity in Public Relations will help PR practitioners and general readers to get ‘under the skin’ of the creative process and use it to greater effect in their work.

Public Affairs in Practice – Stewart Thomson, Steve John (Published 2007. Published in association with the CIPR)
Public Affairs in Practice explains how public affairs (PA) is now much more than just political lobbying. It examines the methods PA professionals use to make an impact and taking each area of the industry in turn looks at the tools involved in delivering a PA programme. It also highlights the potential benefits of public affairs, such as protecting an organization from perceived threats of new regulation; identifying new market opportunities; and raising the profile of an organization

Our authors are also available for interview or comment, and are often interested in writing topical pieces based on their books.

I’m happy to pass this information along for two reasons:

First, it’s the first pitch I’ve EVER gotten that has anything to do with Public Relations, which, by the way, is the focus of this blog. I mean, it’s even in the title. I thought it was timely and relevant, although she spelled my name wrong (Dear Mr. Amour) and the formatting of the email was all over the place. Too many forwards?

Secondly, I’ve read a few PR books from Kogan and have been very pleased. So, without actually having yet read any of these books listed above, I can recommend them based on Kogan’s reputation. I’ll keep you posted, I’m sure I’ll be reading a few of them soon. If you’ve read any, drop us a line and give us the thumbs up or down.

Filed under: Public Relations, Public Relations Books | Tagged: , | 5 Comments »

When a fun idea isn’t a good idea

Posted on August 21, 2007 by Luke Armour

Saw this in my Twitter feed today from SarahWurrey. Sharpie tattoos for people who aren’t ready for the real thing. The blog post has links to a Flickr set. Cool idea. Read the blog post and be sure to read the comment from Sharpie designer. On a side note, I think it’s impressive Sharpie has people trolling the blogosphere looking for brand mentions.

But this is what you have to think about when promoting a event or stunt. As mentioned in my Forward Podcast interview with Peter Shankman, having the idea is great, but you’ve got to think of everything. Drawing designs on skin with potentially toxic chemicals might not be how you want your brand to be remembered. Hadn’t thought of that? Well, Sharpie has apparently, and you’d be well to start thinking like that if you’re getting into event or stunt PR.

Could it be problematic? Hard to say, but PR people should be in the business of a) avoiding bad press and legal problems b) dealing with bad press and legal problems others have created but not c) creating things that lead to bad press and legal problems. Lesson learned.

Filed under: PR Lessons Learned, Event PR, Public Relations | 3 Comments »

Reforestation, Great Social Media Work, Hear Me Roar

Posted on July 12, 2007 by Luke Armour

Update: An update on the Converseon blog site has some interesting lessons learned about this project. As we pave the way in the new media landscape, we should pay very close attention to the successes and mistakes of others. One thing they don’t mention is that there were two Members Project reforestation initiatives and this one didn’t make the cut. The other one did – with surprising results after little marketing. People need very specific directions and no matter how much planning you do, one single distraction (such as registering) will derail the train.

Paull Young‘s agency, Converseon in NY is doing some great social media work. Here’s something that’s a great cause that really shows their mad skilz. Yes, I just wrote mad skilz. His project is one of the 50 remaining American Express Members Project (you’ve seen the tv commercials) projects. If you hold an American Express card, you have to vote by July 15th in order for this project to go on to the next round. It’s (as far as I know) the only Second Life project in the remaining 50. It’s a virtual reforestation project that also plants real trees in rain forest areas. If this wins, 1 million trees could be planted. Pretty cool. Vote here.

As an added bonus, you get to hear the melodious crackling tones of my voice through a junky mic on the embedded video (rss readers, click Second Chance Trees). I was honored to do it, I just wish Paull had given me a bit more warning so I could have had better equipment more readily available.

Anyway, read Paull’s post about the project that has some excellent lessons on dealing in the social media space. Not only is the project cool, Paull’s really educating us about the process. Kudos. Well, good luck, remember, voting ends this Sunday, July 15th!

Filed under: PR Lessons Learned, Future of PR, One to watch, Public Relations, Social Media | Tagged: , | 4 Comments »

A Virtual PR Update

Posted on June 20, 2007 by Luke Armour

Virtual PR Murder Mystery LogoActually, this is a real update – on a virtual topic.

I thought I’d run down the list of those nice comments and friendly shout-outs from my fellow blogospheroids regarding the infamous Virtual PR Murder Mystery (listen now). I spent a lot of time on that and I appreciate the comments and witty banter that has developed because of it. Also, the link love. Also the attention.

I get lonely.

This is also to find out if I’ve missed any and, maybe, to shame some people who said they’d write about it (or should have written about it), but didn’t – into doing so. Did I mention that thing freakin’ took me for ever?!

I also have word that my evangelists are out there – even now – spreading the viral virtual on my behalf. So very kind.

virtualpr.jpgAlso, Master Penn emailed me a snap of the stats today. I was shocked to see it, but – there, plain as day, without question, was, that’s right: a pie chart. I was stunned! Oh, wait, there are numbers, too. Seriously, “total number 250, unique IP 185.” And while I have no idea what that means, my guess it is that more people than the following have listened to my unique tale. I’m flattered. Also, I got an email today from a PRSA associate, not just a member, someone who actually works for PRSA saying “p.s. The ‘murder mystery’ — very cool!”

So, in no particular order, I want to acknowledge that:

Many thanks to all who have enjoyed it, blogged it, sent me an email, called, podcasted it , or IMed me about it. I

Filed under: Public Relations, Virtual Geek Dinner | 3 Comments »

Case Western Reserve University enters SL

Posted on May 17, 2007 by Luke Armour

severance.jpgWell, wasn’t this a surprise to me? I read today – a bit late, I admit – in Crain’s Cleveland Business’ Reporter’s Notebook this week (from Shannon Mortland, second story) that Case has set up a virtual campus in Second Life. I’ve been spending a bit of time in Second Life the past few weeks to figure out what all the hub-bub is. My theory is, you can’t complain about it without trying it, and we should all keep an eye on the changing landscape.

Well, the landscape of Case has changed, it’s been digitized. It’s featured on it’s own sprawling, in-construction SL campus. From the Case website:

Logging in to our virtual reality campus is the next best thing to seeing Case in person. Get a feel for the 550 park-like acres that comprise the Case campus, and explore local landmarks, University Circle and the greater Cleveland area as well.

I have to admit, they sold it better on the Mortland’s article:

“Students have already had most of their general questions answered through campus visits,” said Mir Bear-Johnson, a Case student who has created a virtual persona on Second Life, where he acts as a campus ambassador. “Now they want the nitty-gritty information about double-majoring in subjects like music and mathematics and how it’s done, and what campus food is really like.”

Most web-based platforms that send you to Second Life give you a SLurl (Second Life URL, like Crayon’s at http://slurl.com/secondlife/crayon/), but Case is applying some old-school (no pun intended) tactics that irk me a bit. Case’s site about SL is odd. There’s no SLurl. Case’s site in-world is also odd, you can’t find it. It took me a few minutes to figure it out, because as a web reader I was looking for the SLurl.

So what you have to do is go to the Case website, find the Second Life page, open a PDF with instructions [tracking downloads, no doubt] that tell you that you have to search for the group OneCleveland in SL. You then have to add yourself to that group in order to be able teleport to the campus. So I did all that because I was curious – and damn tenacious. This all comes after you download the SL software. Sound fun? No.

The best part? There was no one there and there wasn’t anything to do. It’s still under construction, but two of the five islands have structures and offices. I’m sure it looks just like the campus, look at the picture above, that’s me standing on Severance Hall. But if you’re going to make me jump through so many hoops, especially ones that I know you are tracking, then at least signal someone to come talk to me. Pay a student to sit around in SL and wait for someone to join the group. Then bust your butt to Case, find them, and ask them if they need anything. There was no one there, and I’m not surprised. Sure, it’s new, but damn hard to get to, also. That’s one barrier they need to fix. Pronto. Oh, and add a freakin’ SLurl to the Case page. Have the instructions available for newbies, but let the prospects in without the hassle. The worst part is that now I’ll never know what the campus food is like…

Filed under: Public Relations | Tagged: , | 3 Comments »

Let’s Bum Rush the Charts

Posted on March 11, 2007 by Luke Armour

The Bum Rush The Charts blog says it all. Not only is it a good idea, but Penn makes it a good cause for a different reason. Here’s a snippet from the BRTC blog:

On March 22nd, we are going to take an indie podsafe music artist to number one on the iTunes singles charts as a demonstration of our reach to Main Street and our purchasing power to Wall Street. The track we’ve chosen is “Mine Again” by the band Black Lab. A band that was dropped from not just one, but two major record labels (Geffen and Sony/Epic) and in the process forced them to fight to get their own music back. We picked them because making them number one, even for just one day, will remind the RIAA record labels of what they turned their backs on – and who they ignore at their peril.

I’m a fan of Black Lab, I fell for them back when they released Your Body Above Me in 1997. I’ve listened to a few newer tunes, but I still love that old record. I’m looking forward to getting back in touch with Black Lab. I’ve also found out they re-released Your Body Above Me with some original pre-label-touch-ups and tracks cut from the first release.

You can read more on numerous other blogs by visiting Technorati here. Again, I’ll finish up with a very succinct message from the Bum Rush The Charts blog:

If you believe in the power of new media, on March 22nd, 2007, take 99 cents and 2 minutes of your time to join the revolution and make iTunes “Mine Again”. . . Nothing would prove the power of new media more than showing corporate media that not only can we exceed their reach and match their purchasing power, but that we can also do it AND make a positive difference in the world. If we can succeed with this small example, then there’s no telling what can do next.

Filed under: Admin Notes, Future of PR, podcasting, Public Relations, Social Media | Tagged: | 4 Comments »

New Sheriff In Town: Social Media

Posted on March 7, 2007 by Luke Armour

badge.jpgPhoto by Bill Davenport

I love this. Police departments across the country are turning to social media sites and tools like YouTube to fight crime. AP writer Eric Tucker wrote this article about just that. While the police are hesitant to give too much credit to the application of these tools to catch criminals, they are still embracing this new media. This isn’t a new idea, just a fresh approach.

As I’m fond of saying, these tools are tactics, not strategies and – while some PR people and companies can’t often figure this out – these police departments have. From Tucker’s story:

“This is just something else – an extra added feature that we can now use to get our message out there on a countrywide or worldwide basis,” [Sgt. Michael Bentolila] said.

“I kind of applaud the fact that police are using the latest tools,” said Michael Brady, a retired police chief in Charlestown, R.I. who teaches criminal law and criminal procedure at Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I. “We tend to get stuck in technology deficits. We tend to want to stick with the old tried-and-true.”

And like I mentioned above, it’s no replacement for doing a traditional job well done. Whether you’re talking about good media relations, strategy planning, communication channel building with an influential public or keeping the peace, knowing which tactic best suits the task at hand is crucial.

“Technology,” [Patrolman Brian] Johnson said, “will never replace the feet-on-the-street.”

Agreed. For PR, technology will never replace good relationships. But it can make them easier to create…

Filed under: One to watch, Public Relations, Social Media | Tagged: | Leave a comment »

Greatest Event Ever, Podcamp Toronto

Posted on February 24, 2007 by Luke Armour

fallis.jpgAmazingly, it hadn’t even started yet when I thought this.

In the first 2.5 hours since I arrived in Toronto, I’d had the social media time of my life. Got picked up by Terry Fallis, from the excellent PR and agency-side Inside PR podcast and Thornley Fallis, at the airport. We drove straight away to the Imperial PUBlic Library to meet up with some folks. This is the sign he held up when I walked out of customs.

Holy cow, the pub was like the pantheon of social media superstars in Canada and the American NE. I was stunned, humbled, and awed. I can’t tell you awesome it was to talk shop with people I felt like I have known for years.

Key players were Mitch Joel, host of Six Pixels of Separation The Twist Image Podcast and John Wall, host of The M Show and his wife the lovely Corinne Carin (my apologies), Leesa Barnes, Mitch Joel from Six Pixels of Separation – The Twist Image Podcast, Michael Seaton – Scotiabank’s The Money Clip Podcast and The Client Side, and Bryan Person from New Comm Road.

Today I’ll be meeting Donna Papacosta – Trafcom News when I finally meander to Podcamp Toronto. More later.

Filed under: Public Relations | Tagged: | 11 Comments »

Join me at Podcamp Toronto

Posted on February 19, 2007 by Luke Armour

Join me and hundreds of other people for Podcamp Toronto this weekend!

Not only will I be enjoying the company of some of my favorite podcasters, networking with other social media geeks, and enjoying the Canadian highlife, I’m also speaking on a panel Sunday morning.

The 10:45 Panel Discussion is entitled Should Your Company Be Podcasting? Moderated by Mitch Joel from Six Pixels of Separation – The Twist Image Podcast. Panelists will be Michael O’Connor Clarke of Thornley Fallis; me; Donna Papacosta – Trafcom News; Terry Fallis – Inside PR and Thornley Fallis; and Michael Seaton – Scotiabank’s The Money Clip Podcast and The Client Side.

Donna has written a detailed post about it too, wherein she refers to me as a “prolific blogger and king of podcast parody.” Great, wait until the attendees hear what I have to say about whether their companies should be podcasting:

“…and so the real test is whether or not your business podcast is funny. If it’s not, don’t bother. Does that answer the question?”

“But I own a funeral home…”

“Were you not listening? Funeral homes are goldmines for funny. You should podcast, consult me on the side about how to make that hysterical. Next question…”

You can listen to a few of my travel plans as detailed by the hilarious and knowledgeable jokers David Jones and Terry Fallis from Inside PR, the Canadian PR podcast on these audio clips I stole from their shows here and here.

It’s going to be quite a weekend and I’m really looking forward to it. If you’re going to be in town, drop me an email or come to the panel discussion and lob softball questions at the panel. Actually, ask the tough questions, with this star studded cast, we just can’t go wrong. I might even ask a few questions of the esteemed panel myself!

Filed under: Future of PR, Podcast, podcasting, Public Relations, Social Media | Tagged: | 3 Comments »

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