Your Social Media Mission - PR It Forward

[Jason Kintzler]

From the amount of response to PitchEngine, it's apparent that the majority of social media adoption is coming from PR professionals, not journalists. While there are some early adopters like Wired Journalists and others in the media world, the most aggressive campaigns and exploration resides within the PR industry. From social media releases and newsrooms to TwitPitches and Facebook profiles, PR people are finding ways to open up the conversations between not just media and brand, but brand and consumer. That said, it should be PR people who lead the way for all media, and here's how we'll do it.

As PR pros we all have our coveted contacts - people we have stellar relationships with that know we're passionate about the brands or clients we represent. I believe it is through these relationships that we can help propel social media into mainstream adoption.

If you've begun to experiment with social media in your PR efforts, take the necessary steps to educate your media contacts one by one. Don't talk over their heads with whiz-bang urls and flashy widgets that make no sense to the average journalist. Like my friend Chris Brogan pointed out in his recent newsletter, think back to when you first experienced social media tools like Twitter. Did it make immediate sense? Now, put yourself in the shoes of a pressed-for-time, budget-strapped newspaper reporter or magazine editor juggling several stories at once. It's just not top of mind, or bottom for that matter. That's where you come in.

You can be the one that introduces a journalist to the value of social media. Get them set up with a Twitter account, or show them how to filter an RSS feed using Google Reader. Don't assume everyone who has a computer is using social media, in fact I'm pretty sure most people still use the Google search page as an entrance point (and exit point) of the web. Show them just as you would show a friend and spread the social media love around as if you owned it- because you kind of do.

Traditional media's hesitation to adopt social media isn't all about ad revenue, I think it's part fear of the unknown. Those of us who have been hooked by social media understand its relevance in society and importance to the future of media. That's why we have to be the ones to share the experience with them. Not only will we open up a new channel for conversation between our media contact and our agency, we'll also make it easier for them to pitch social media to their peers and within their newsrooms. It's like the 'viral loop' promoting itself (Wow, that's a little confusing).

It seems like everyone is an expert on social media these days, especially bloggers. My favorites are the people who discount social media as "trendy" or a "new widget" as if they don't believe it's a new dynamic of communications. Maybe we should set them up with a FriendFeed account?

Of all the "PR Secrets" out there, I think this may just be one to rally around. At the risk of sounding like a Jerry McGuire mission statement, let's all come together as social media enthusiasts and PR It Forward.

Original post on PitchEngine | The Social Media PR Revolution

[Philippe Borremans]

Here in Europe I have the impression that mainstream media is much further in the use of social media than my PR colleagues are... Also, if you look at the training offered to reporters and the studies being performed by journalism schools I would think the media are taking a more structured approach into understanding social media... I still have to see the first well thought social media education for PR people... Again, I do think there is a huge difference between the US/UK and mainland Europe. One thing which tells a lot is a simple look at the PR agencies websites... No RSS feeds in most cases.. and they offer "online PR services" ? Not really serious if you ask me. PS: thanks for PitchEngine, great tool !

[Nancy Stall]

I agree with you Jason. Think of the media as our customer and us promoting the relationship. We're doing what we're preaching -- helping them do their job better.

[Hal Amens]

Good points, particularly, "Don't talk over their heads with whiz-bang urls and flashy widgets that make no sense to the average journalist." That is hard to avoid because of the jargon.

I am interested in PR as part of the corporate strategies for Enterprise 2.0. My blog is written for the executive suite with a focus on business and just enough technology to assure readers it can be done. This might be a useful tool when you need to talk with fellow journalists or executive clients about Web 2.0 and/or Enterprise 2.0. I invite you to add it to your tool bag: http://lpf9007.blogspot.com Executive Report: E2W2

[Jason Kintzler]

That's great Lara. I think we're all inspired and invigorated by what's happening. Imagine what an influence we can have on our media friends...There's much more to come on PE, so stay tuned! Thanks for the support.

[Lara Kretler]

For a while I struggled trying to find a cool name for my blog... now I'm wishing I had thought of "PR it forward." That would have been perfect! I love this post, thanks for sharing. I've been focusing my enthusiasm and energy on getting other PR folks excited about social media, but now you're making me think I should turn my media friends onto it instead. I'm doing this a little bit now, but could do more. Thanks for the great idea!

[Jason Kintzler]

igoogle- loaded with feeds included betwittered, friendfeed and more

[Sue Melus]

Hey Jason, so what is your home page when you launch your browser?

[John Carson]

Thanks. To be honest, I love this stuff. Doesn't seem like work actually. I will be a regular in the PitchEngine community.

[Jason Kintzler]

Thanks John. I applaud you, as a journalist, for jumping in to 2.0, or whatever the kids are calling it these days. I bet you learned a lot just by launching that blog. By the way, love the title.

[John Carson]

Nice thoughts, Jason. I wrote about Web Who.0 a while back and feel that people are finally starting to get the idea that it's a living thing, not a tool.

You can read it here if interested:
http://makejohnnycash.blogspot.com/2006/12/web-who0.html

Cheers,
John.