Tag Archives: Blogs

Elusive Media and the Twit Pitches

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Sara| Leave a comment

I’ve been working on a small campaign pitching media in the New York area this week.  Normally, New York isn’t exactly my favorite market to pitch because everyone seems especially in a hurry to rush you off the phone and will promptly tell you so.   Anyone who has ever worked in public relations knows the frustration of unanswered email pitches and dodged phone calls.

I’ve had a well-known-expert in the field tell me to stick to a well-crafted email pitch and leave the Twitter pitches alone.  Well, as they say…variety is the spice of life.  This week I got frustrated and decided to Tweet the reporters I had been trying to reach.  To my surprise, three of the five people I reached out to responded to me within minutes.  I used a casual yet informative approach-all within 140 characters.  There really isn’t an official guide to the Twitter pitch, but I can say, any links you have that can take them back to the press release/photo/video etc… are the best, especially when you’re working with limited characters.

So what’s the moral of the story?  Try it!  Tweet your pitches.  What’s the worst that can happen besides getting no response? Come on, we’re all used to that by now.  Tell me, what experiences have you had with Twit pitching?

follow me @SaraAlsia

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Posted in Daum Weigle, Public Relations, Social Media, We Like

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The New Form of Surveys

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Justin| Leave a comment

Gone are the days of long surveys and how-do-you-feel questionnaires. We now have social media.

Last week, a unique new study was released that analyzed the emotions of individuals at different parts of the day. The unique part – it wasn’t done in the conventional way. Sociologists at Cornell University used Twitter, not the standard questionnaire or survey, to discover that our moods are at their best in the morning and right before bedtime.

Now some of us here at Daum Weigle may question those numbers because we find it hard to believe that the world is happiest after hitting the snooze button a couple times, but for now we are willing to overlook that. The important part is that social media is changing how we study human behavior.

And while some could have guessed that this was inevitable, it is still no less groundbreaking. Now we can eliminate the margin of error and leaning of surveys that steer respondents towards a certain answer.  Social media brings pure, uncensored data.

So with this new wealth of public data for researchers who knows what we should expect to see analyzed in the future.

Maybe a study on what people do most during their workday commute? Or maybe a study on mood swings during sporting events?

Whatever the next topic may be, we can be guaranteed one thing – thanks to social media in the public domain, less people will be asked to take a survey for a 1 in 10 chance to win a $20 gift card.

- @Justin_Nunez

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Posted in Daum Weigle, Marketing/Communications, Social Media

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Networking in an Increasingly Connected World

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Justin| Leave a comment

Job searching – no one loves it but everyone must do it. Whether you are just starting after college or are a tenured professional, job searching and networking is a skill set that we all must master.

Now I know what you’re thinking. But don’t cringe. This is an opportunity.

As a new addition to the Daum Weigle team, I recently had the privilege of experiencing the challenges and opportunities of networking firsthand. Yet even after weeks of developing the craft, I realized that there is no how-to rulebook out there on the best ways to utilize social media.

Some say avoid it completely. Others embrace it without any sense of tact. I say make it an instrument in your growing arsenal for success.

First, we must recognize that our online personas are just as capable of making a lasting impression as are face-to-face interactions. Once here, we can start building our stories and connecting to the world.

Whether it’s a blog, a Facebook page, Linkedin or just a few characters each day via Twitter, tailor your writing and media posting to the type of people you want to attract.

Sure, you can protect certain aspects. Who doesn’t cherish their personal interactions? Just don’t hide completely.

Social media is your opportunity to connect with other professionals who you may not otherwise meet. Research your audience. Connect through similar interests. Layer your interactions over multiple platforms.

Start with the arenas that your target companies and audiences operate in. Do they have a Linkedin page? A Twitter profile? Identify what they are talking about and connect with them across those mediums. Then convey your story through what you write. Post about mutual interests and newsworthy topics. Initiate the dialogue and build those connections.

This is the world we live in and companies are increasingly looking towards the online world to see who the next great leader will be.

Whatever the topic, whoever the professional, don’t be afraid to tell your story. Just as you would present your skills in an interview or chat-up other professionals at a networking event, do the same in the online world.

This is your chance to make an impression. Don’t waste it.

- @Justin_Nunez

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Posted in Daum Weigle, Public Relations, Social Media

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Employees Need Social Media Guidelines

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Jon| Leave a comment

As a director of marketing would you authorize any employee in your organization to talk with news reporters or issue a press release on your behalf? Of course, not. It’s a crazy thought.

But according to an unscientific survey from a web media company, seven of 10 organizations do not require any formal training process for employees before they are allowed to blog, tweet or post to social media sites for the company.

Seems like another crazy thought.

With surveys showing that most people get their news from social media, it’s vital to protect your organization’s online reputation.

Various court cases have held that employees have First Amendment rights that allow them to post on social websites. And in doing so, they may name their employers. Former or disgruntled employees will have their say. There is little that can be done to stop them.

But the for the vast majority of employees, a few basic guidelines can go a long way. They need to understand the organization’s vision. They need to know when comments are appropriate and when it’s better to remain silent.

If you don’t have already have social media guidelines in place, take the time now to create them. A number of companies post theirs on the Internet. Use them as a starting point for your own company. And then take the time to share this with your employees.

Those people working for you can be a tremendous public-facing asset. Or they can become a major liability.

– JD

 

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Posted in Daum Weigle, Marketing/Communications, Public Relations, Social Media

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Say It Isn’t So! Will Facebook Really Be Shut Down on Nov. 5th?

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Sara| Leave a comment

Last month I read about the elusive hacker group “Anonymous” threatening to shut down Facebook. Saturday, Nov. 5th, 2011 is supposedly when it all goes down. Really, Anonymous Hacker Group? Why take away our fun? Oh yes, that whole bit about the government spying and using our private information for other purposes. Ah yes, viva the resurrection of privacy.

You want my opinion? Get real. While Facebook is the social media giant, why stop there? If this threat is real then they should also go for Twitter, Google+ or heck, even the the whole internet in its entirety. Want to do something impressive? Shut that down. Our personal information is skimmed and harvested at just about every turn we make these days.

And as I have seen first-hand, the hard work and time it takes to organically grow a client’s Facebook page, I can just picture PR executives across the world pulling chunks of their own hair out on Nov. 5th. If this threat is real, it will have a very interesting ripple effect. I hope it isn’t but what do you guys think? Check out this YouTube video that was supposedly uploaded by the group making the threat.

Click here to watch

 

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Posted in Daum Weigle, Public Relations, Social Media

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Beware of the Blogger

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Jon| Leave a comment

As little as five years ago if your organization received a call from a reporter, you‘d probably think of a newspaper or TV journalist — maybe someone from a radio station.

Today, who knows where that reporter may work?

So you heave a sigh of relief when it’s not the New York Times looking into some possibly shady deals involving your company. It’s someone from an innocuous blog site you’ve never heard of. Take the call, right?

It might be better if you were “out of office” for the next hour while you do some homework on your caller. Many of today’s biggest stories are being broken by bloggers.

They may or may not have journalism degrees. They may not even be very good writers. But many are aggressive and have a curiosity that makes them potentially dangerous. What they post may be reposted again and again, eventually making its way to the “major” media.

The moral of this post is beware of the blogger. Remember, what gets posted on the Internet lives there for a long time and can be viewed by virtually anyone, anywhere in the world.

Treat Jerry at BigNews.blogspot.com with the same careful consideration you would give to any reporter. Be prepared if you are going to give an interview. You’ll be glad you did.

-JD

Twitter: @jdaum

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Posted in Public Relations

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Dive Right In Or Is It #TooSoon?

Posted on March 29, 2011 by | Leave a comment

So, here it goes. I talk a whole lot about social media but truth be told this is my first self-authored blog. Don’t judge or better yet do.

In this industry we are constantly excited about the latest trends, the next big thing that will shake social communities. The social platforms at our fingertips seem endless and we want it all. But do our clients?

The truth is not everyone is ready to take on all that the online world has to offer. Even if the platforms are “free,” there is a need to critically analyze the pros and cons of each tool. The old persuasive saying, “because everyone else is” should never be a driving factor. Will the endeavor help you achieve your objectives, how will you measure success, do you have the resources and budget to keep it thriving, will it enhance your current social community and offer unique insight for viewers? These are all important questions.

Despite the social media hubbub it’s best to do your research and create a solid, agreed upon plan before diving in headfirst. So, tuck away your personal urge to pioneer the next great viral video and start playing to everyone’s strengths.

–RGD

Follow me on Twitter @RGDwyer

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Posted in Social Media

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Let the Pontification Begin

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Cindy| Leave a comment

Pretty obviously this is the Daum Weigle, Inc. blog. We’re just another communications company out there trying to blab about us and our customers in any way that we can. We specialize in old school and new wave communications. We realize where the future is, but that doesn’t mean we don’t know where we came from (somewhere right behind that preposition). So, as far as a specialty, I don’t think we really have one, other than solid communication that works. And it all works in its own place.

Everything goes today – news releases, Twitter, Facebook – hell, even sandwich boards have their place. It’s an info centric world and as word people we find that exciting. So, that’s what we are going to talk about – talking, writing, hand gestures, signals (even smoke).

Welcome to the blog world!

Robin will be talking about a lot of things – we hope. She has a real interest in 140 words. Twitter is her thing and I am looking forward to hearing her wisdom on hashtags, lists , etc.

Meredith should be checking in on a number of subjects including her expertise in FB. She also handles most of the complaints on Facebook, so she really deserves a chance to vent herself.

And Sara is going to have some great tips on dealing with the fourth estate. She talks with reporters and editors all day long.

Jon is the Mark Twain of the group – expect some wizened observations and get ready for some real sarcasm – not for the faint of heart.

You’re going to have to stay on your toes with this group.

- CW

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