Mobile newspapers?

Hi all,

I've just bumped into the latest technology advancement which is he mobility of newspaper's on mobile. From the earliest invention from Gutenberg and his printing press, now its digitally transmitted to your Blackberry's or iPhone. For me, it's time the PR should take greater initiatives to plan communication effectively as the news are spreading faster than virus, and it's hard to shake it off like herpes. 

It's just my opinion, what's yours? Leave your comment.

7 Steps To Building The Right Social Media Connections

By Angelique Rewers, ABC, APR

Once upon a time, it seemed as though the number of "followers" or "connections" a person had on social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn was akin to the number of votes they had for homecoming king or queen. It was the adult version of a high school popularity contest.

However, as these websites have matured -- and as professionals have figured out how and how not to use them -- most everyone is realizing that it's not about the number of connections you have, but the number of right connections. Just like in the real world, you want to make sure you're making the most of your networking time by connecting with those people that have similar or complimentary interests or expertise and, therefore, create a mutually beneficial relationship. In fact, many people who have large followings of the wrong people are taking the drastic step of deleting their connections and starting over from scratch.

If you're just getting started building your social media network -- or if you're thinking about doing a major re-haul -- here are seven steps you can take to help you build the right connections. 

1) Start with the people you know. If you’re still not using social media and are hesitant to get started, the best way to get your feet wet is by connecting with those you know: your friends, your family, your neighbors, and your co-workers. But don’t stop there; your network is likely a lot bigger than you might think. Don't forget about your former co-workers, your connections through professional organizations to which you belong, your clients or customers, and even vendors with whom you've done business.

2) Add the new people you meet. Not so long ago (unless you were in sales), the majority of the business cards you collected at networking events, conferences, trade shows and other professional development opportunities probably went in the garbage can the next day. Today, however, there’s no excuse for not taking a few minutes to extend the life of those connections by extending social media invites the very next day. Be sure to remind the person who you are by referencing something from your conversation or by providing a piece of follow-up information that you promised.

3) Follow your followers' followers. Check out the connections and followers of your colleagues, peers, friends, etc. On Twitter you have the option to follow them directly. In LinkedIn you may need to ask your connection to make an introduction. Either way, if you have things in common with your networkers, it stands to reason that a good portion of their followers is also worth following. Just be sure not to “spam” your connections’ lists.

4) Broaden your reach. Extend invitations to people in groups to which you belong in both the real and online worlds, such as professional organizations. On LinkedIn you can connect with the folks you "meet" through LinkedIn Groups. And on Facebook you can make connections when you're invited to attend an event or when you join someone's fan page.

5) Follow the experts. We’re constantly learning from experts in our respective industries. Why not reach out to these folks in the social media world? Maybe you've just read a great book. See what the author has to say on Twitter. Or maybe you’ve received a brochure for an upcoming conference that you’d love to attend but can’t. Before you throw the brochure in the trash, search for the speakers names on social networking sites and send them an invitation to connect. Let them know that you saw their session description for the conference and you’re disappointed you’re going to miss it, but would love to keep track of where else they might be speaking.

6) Do some digging. Don't forget to take the time to search for topics that are of interest to you. Granted, this is the most time consuming of all the methods. But it will give you the chance to unearth new sources, experts and connections that will add value to your business and who you might not otherwise have ever “met.” Be on the lookout for bloggers, reporters and analysts who cover your company or industry.

7) Invite others to follow you. To truly create an online “relationship” it needs to be a two-way street. One of the best ways to encourage others to follow you is by showing that you will provide value to them. In other words, be worthy of their time. Start by ensuring your online profiles are professional (i.e. no avatar photos) and accurately describe who you are, what you do, and what topics you’re interested in. Provide content and commentary that matches that profile, is timely and doesn’t spam. Link to blog posts, videos and articles your followers would find interesting. Ask questions and provide insightful comments on other people’s posts. Make it easy for others to follow you by providing widgets on your valuable content (i.e. content worth sharing), such as your website, blog posts, article archives and podcasts.

Remember: It’s no longer about the number of connections you have on these sites—it’s the quality of those connections. Today, people are looking for authenticity. They want to meet real people with real things to say who will add value to their personal and professional lives.

Public Relations Tools

1. Media relations

Historically the core of public relations, media relations, includes all efforts to publicize product or the company to member of the press (TV and radio, newspaper, magazine, newsletter and Internet). In garnering media coverage, PR professionals work with the media to place story about product and companies. This is done by developing interesting and relevant story angle that are pitched to the media. It is important to remember that media placements come with good stories and no payment is made to the media for placement. In fact, in order to maintain the highest level of credibility, many news organizations bar reporters from accepting even the smallest gift from companies. 

Key tools used in media relations include :

• Press kits (written information such as a news release, organization background, key spokesperson biographies and other supporting materials that provide information useful to reporters)
• Audio or video news release (prerecorded features distributed to news media that may be included within media programming) 
• Matte release (articles written by companies often as filler material when their publication lacks sufficient content. PR professional submit matte release directly to targeted media via email or fax.
• Website press room (online press room that caters to media needs and provide company contact information)

2. Newsletters

Marketers who have capture names and addresses of customer can use a newsletter for regular contact with their targeted audience. Newsletter can be redirected at trade customers, final customers or business buyer and can be distributed either by regular mail or electronic. Marketers using newsletter strive to provide content of interest to customers as well as information on products and promotions. 

3. Sponsorship

Companies and brands use sponsorship to help build good recognition by associating with an event or group. Marketers can examine sponsorship opportunities to find those that reach target groups, fit within a specified budget and provide sponsorship benefits that suit the marketer's objective. 

4. Employee communications

For many companies communicating regularly with employees is important in keeping employees informed of corporate programs, sales incentive, personnel issues, as well as keeping them updated on new product and programs. Companies use variety of means to communicate with employees, including intranet, email, online and print newsletters. 

5. Special events

These run gamut from receptions to elegant dinners to stunts. Special events can be designed to reach a specific narrow target audience, such as individuals to communities. Also attracts the attention of mass media such as TV news and major newspapers, which provide broad reach.  

What is public relations?

The art or science of establishing and promoting a favorable relationship with public. The business world of today is extremely competitive. Companies need to have edge that makes them stand out from the crowd, something that makes them more appealing and interesting to both the public and the media. 

The main goal of a public relations department is to enhance a company's reputation. Staff that work in public relations, or as it is commonly known, PR, are skilled publicists. They are able to present a company or individual to the world in the best light. The role of public relations department can be seen as a reputation protector. 

Preface

This is only a test. A test!