The simple answer is - YES! Traditional public relations companies are essential, but most are not up-to-date on social media as added value to their customers/clients.
What is social media? Some think of it in narrow terms and only include social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. The use of the sites in a strategic manner can be beneficial for any company. But, I have also seen responses from business people that say, "I am on Facebook and Twitter, but it's not doing anything for me." These are the folks that just don't get it. Social networking sites are used to interact with others in a social, fun environment. The implementation of social media campaigns can enhance your social interaction with a sharing of information and ideas to your customer base as well as others within similar industries. To be honest, I used to think that social networking was all that was needed in a social media campaign. Well, I was wrong!
The "media" in social media adds even more impact to a company, brand, product, event, etc. This involves multimedia techniques to further enhance the company/client relationship. Use of media sites such as YouTube, Ustream and others take social media to another level. It allows you "to put a face with the name".
How does a social media campaign relate to public relations? Many people believe social media campaigns are customer service/relations tools. Others believe social media campaigns are internet marketing / personal branding campaigns. Well, they are all right and are essential to public relations in today's interactive society. I have been known to say a great social media campaign is a preventive measure for any negative press that may or may not be true. An effective campaign will essentially develop a loyalty within its base and can be used to project confidence in the the face of negative press, rumors or scandals.
Adding a Social Media Manager on staff would be ideal for any public relations firm wanting to capitalize on the fast-growing/developing social media industry. A Social Media Manager can properly work 2-5 campaigns simultaneously depending on the aggressiveness of the campaigns. But, outsourcing to individuals or companies that have experience in the development and implementation of social media campaigns could be a fiscally responsible choice too. Public Relations firms should start looking at providing social media campaigns for all their clients as an added service.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Social Media, Public Relations & Entertainment
In my experience within the social media industry, I have witnessed many situations in which the social media industry can be extremely beneficial to person in entertainment and sports. Although such social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter are used by many celebs and sports stars, the potential to use social media is still relatively still untapped.
I believe that an effective social media campaign for individuals in the entertainment and sports industry can be a vital tool in this new media market. Actors and sports stars currently using some parts of social media are on the brink of the industry explosion. It is just a matter of time before the social media industry becomes part of mainstream media. Public relations firms and entertainment agents are still engaging in traditional practices while some actors, musicians and athletes have taken the opportunity to begin to tap into this industry. It’s a matter of you either get it or you don’t.
I have chosen to recognize a few people that seem to be on the right track. These entertainers and athletes have started developing and retaining fan bases by their regular use of social media networks. In addition, they make the public aware of their current and future endeavors which generates a “buzz” and interest in their projects. They also have the ability to retract negative tabloid rumors or provide their own perspective on reports (positive or negative) about them.
Cathy Baron, a native Texan, currently living and working in the Los Angeles area is an actress that has been an active member of several social networks. Cathy has recently been involved in the critically acclaimed internet TV series “Valley Peaks” playing the role of Shelly Breaker. In addition, Cathy played the sultry, Susan, in the Burger King Flame fragrance commercial. Cathy regularly updates her MySpace profile. In addition, you can find Cathy on Twitter where she keeps her followers up to date with what she is up to professionally and personally. Her interaction with her fan base creates fan loyalty and maintains interest in her career.
Nakia Reynoso, a musician in the Live Music Capital of the World (Austin, TX), can be seen interacting on such sites as Facebook and Twitter on a daily basis. Like, Cathy, Nakia is creating a relationship between himself and his followers/fans. He uses his influence to help promote charity events and organizations he is involved in.
When C. J. Wilson joined the Texas Rangers in 2005, he began using MySpace as means to build a fan base and give some insight into the life of a Major League Baseball player. An avid Guitar Hero fan, C.J. began to attract gamers alike to his MySpace page. He has used his MySpace friends to promote and participate in Guitar Hero events which support different charities. C.J. recently added a Twitter account to also keep followers up-to-date on Spring Training workouts in Arizona.
These professionals are doing what is necessary to use social media to their advantage. Although they are considered more vulnerable to public scrutiny, they have a means in which a rapid response can help “circle the wagons”, if necessary. Implementing a comprehensive social media campaign for actors, athletes, musicians or any other talent should be considered to supplement any PR or marketing plan.
Abel C. Ruiz, Owner of RCS-Austin, can develop and implement a social media campaign for you. The campaign will increase fan base, generate widespread interest in your current projects and be able to provide an immediate means to react to news or rumors involving you. With a properly implemented campaign, you will receive more opportunities seeking in you and an ability to ask for higher contract wages. Don’t have PR or marketing personnel hired? Inquire about RCS-Austin’s consulting and referral services. RCS-Austin is interested in individuals wanting to increase their career opportunities.
Visit RCS-Austin online
Become a Fan on our Facebook page
Follow us on Twitter too!
I believe that an effective social media campaign for individuals in the entertainment and sports industry can be a vital tool in this new media market. Actors and sports stars currently using some parts of social media are on the brink of the industry explosion. It is just a matter of time before the social media industry becomes part of mainstream media. Public relations firms and entertainment agents are still engaging in traditional practices while some actors, musicians and athletes have taken the opportunity to begin to tap into this industry. It’s a matter of you either get it or you don’t.
I have chosen to recognize a few people that seem to be on the right track. These entertainers and athletes have started developing and retaining fan bases by their regular use of social media networks. In addition, they make the public aware of their current and future endeavors which generates a “buzz” and interest in their projects. They also have the ability to retract negative tabloid rumors or provide their own perspective on reports (positive or negative) about them.
Cathy Baron, a native Texan, currently living and working in the Los Angeles area is an actress that has been an active member of several social networks. Cathy has recently been involved in the critically acclaimed internet TV series “Valley Peaks” playing the role of Shelly Breaker. In addition, Cathy played the sultry, Susan, in the Burger King Flame fragrance commercial. Cathy regularly updates her MySpace profile. In addition, you can find Cathy on Twitter where she keeps her followers up to date with what she is up to professionally and personally. Her interaction with her fan base creates fan loyalty and maintains interest in her career.
Nakia Reynoso, a musician in the Live Music Capital of the World (Austin, TX), can be seen interacting on such sites as Facebook and Twitter on a daily basis. Like, Cathy, Nakia is creating a relationship between himself and his followers/fans. He uses his influence to help promote charity events and organizations he is involved in.
When C. J. Wilson joined the Texas Rangers in 2005, he began using MySpace as means to build a fan base and give some insight into the life of a Major League Baseball player. An avid Guitar Hero fan, C.J. began to attract gamers alike to his MySpace page. He has used his MySpace friends to promote and participate in Guitar Hero events which support different charities. C.J. recently added a Twitter account to also keep followers up-to-date on Spring Training workouts in Arizona.
These professionals are doing what is necessary to use social media to their advantage. Although they are considered more vulnerable to public scrutiny, they have a means in which a rapid response can help “circle the wagons”, if necessary. Implementing a comprehensive social media campaign for actors, athletes, musicians or any other talent should be considered to supplement any PR or marketing plan.
Abel C. Ruiz, Owner of RCS-Austin, can develop and implement a social media campaign for you. The campaign will increase fan base, generate widespread interest in your current projects and be able to provide an immediate means to react to news or rumors involving you. With a properly implemented campaign, you will receive more opportunities seeking in you and an ability to ask for higher contract wages. Don’t have PR or marketing personnel hired? Inquire about RCS-Austin’s consulting and referral services. RCS-Austin is interested in individuals wanting to increase their career opportunities.
Visit RCS-Austin online
Become a Fan on our Facebook page
Follow us on Twitter too!
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