The winged eyeliner queen sold 2.43 million copies of her newest CD "25" last week and shattered a world record. Yes, I'm talking about the vocal angel, Adele. Her smokey vocals and hard-hitting, emotion-filled songs have taken the world by storm forcing all of humanity to break out their tissues. However, it's not just humanity that wants a piece of Adele's buzz, commercial brands are throwing its tissues into the ring as well.
Since Adele's renewed fame, brands like Coca-Cola have used its Twitter account to combine branding with popular culture (see the tweet here). SHIFT Communication's blog titled, "What Brands Can Learn About Social Media from #Adele25" has given amazing insight into the do's and do not's of piggybacking your brand onto pop. culture.
The blog post is a definite read for those social media managers for businesses across the globe, but I will highlight two key points I thought were really important.
Point 1: Do
One "do" that was listed when using popular culture of viral topics was to make sure the trending topic you're siting is relevant to your organization. If the topic doesn't fit with your business, or if you can't create a correlation from the topic to your product then don't push it out on social. You do not want to post an irrelevant tweet or post and your followers scratch their heads, or worse, criticize you for trying to hard.
Point 2: Do not
Do NOT forget your hashtags on Twitter. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how often someone's creativity goes to waste because they forgot a hashtag. Hashtags include you in the conversation; it is your gateway to becoming viral yourself.
This blog post was a great overview of tips for anyone's social to potentially be included in a trending topic. Again, I highly encourage you to read the full article at SHIFT Communications blog here.
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Social Media Policies and Why They are Important
You buy a car. You love your new car, but suddenly something breaks on it. What do you do? Well depending on the damage, you could grab the manual manufacturers put in your glove compartment. That manual gives pages and pages of how your car works and why. You put your tire back on, fix your headlight, change the oil or fix whatever else was broken on the car. Afterward you reflect back on the handy-dandy manual and how you don't know what you would've done without it.
Like cars, social media has manuals too. They are called social media policies. Social media policies are becoming increasingly important because every business now has a social media platform (or should). When these platforms are ineffective or causing trouble, the organization should look back to its social media policy.
A social media policy consists of an introduction summarizing what the policy contains. The introduction usually explains the organization's culture, mission and values, as well as how the social channels tie into them. Next, a social media policy should address the responsibility of the online spokesperson(s). Online spokespeople should be appointed in an organization as the voice of the social channels. These people should be trained as to what each channel does, as well as the purpose of the channel in the organization. Responsibilities of an online spokesperson could include the values the organization looks for in the spokesperson, and outlining any state or federal laws that the spokesperson needs to follow online.
Then, a social media policy should address the rules and guidelines of all other social media users within the organization. The employees of an organization are always representing it and this holds true online especially. Many organizations have gone under scrutiny because of the sensitive information employees post online, or the calloused or inappropriate opinions employees comment or share. These comments and posts are not always about the organization, but the character of an organization's work force is always under scrutiny online where consumers can see. Finally, most policies have a conclusion that sum up the points of the policy and why its important again.
The content an organization puts into a social media policy should act as a manual when confronted with online etiquette issues or questionable posts on the organizations social media platforms. As an organization, you will find the upkeep of your social media policy will help you make decisions, as well as defend your social media decisions, if the policy is done well.
To find example social media policies, you can simply Google "social media policy templates."
Get Your Social Media Organized for the New Year
2016 is quickly approaching. The New Year always brings commitments to getting organized, why not do the same for your organization's social media accounts? Social media calendars are a great way to do just that.
Social media calendars are calendars that explain your future social media campaigns and include the content and visuals you hope to post. Calendars can be time consuming, however, if you block out some time during one day at the office at the beginning of the month, you'll find it will help you in the long run.
To create a social media calendar you can Google "social media calendar templates," there are Microsoft Word templates on the 2013 version or you can get a plain date calendar from Wal-Mart. Most headings of the calendar are: date, time, content, visuals and responsibility.
Social media content calendars can be as in-depth as you'd like. Some social media administrators prefer to block out a month of content at a time while others prefer to create three, six, even a year in advance. Usually, these months will include the chosen "theme" for the social media platform, the topic to post, visuals and who is responsible for the post each day.
Organization is important in almost every endeavor, it's time to include an organization's social media accounts to the list. You're stress levels will thank you for it the first time you don't have to think about what you're going to post on your organization's Facebook five minutes from now.
Social media calendars are calendars that explain your future social media campaigns and include the content and visuals you hope to post. Calendars can be time consuming, however, if you block out some time during one day at the office at the beginning of the month, you'll find it will help you in the long run.
To create a social media calendar you can Google "social media calendar templates," there are Microsoft Word templates on the 2013 version or you can get a plain date calendar from Wal-Mart. Most headings of the calendar are: date, time, content, visuals and responsibility.
Social media content calendars can be as in-depth as you'd like. Some social media administrators prefer to block out a month of content at a time while others prefer to create three, six, even a year in advance. Usually, these months will include the chosen "theme" for the social media platform, the topic to post, visuals and who is responsible for the post each day.
Organization is important in almost every endeavor, it's time to include an organization's social media accounts to the list. You're stress levels will thank you for it the first time you don't have to think about what you're going to post on your organization's Facebook five minutes from now.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Is Social Media for All Businesses?
Social media platforms can be difficult to manage from a business standpoint. Sure, places like Coca-Cola, Victoria's Secret and Ford make it look easy because with huge hiring ability and millions in yearly revenues it is easy to hire people to take care of the organization's social channels. As a small business, however, it may be daunting hearing everyone talk about creating Facebook pages. You may think, "When will I find the time," or, "Is is that important?"
I'm hear to tell you yes! Social media is that important! In the day of "googling" everything it is important to have information readily available for potential and current clients. Facebook pages can be an ideal place for people to come find out more about you, your product/service and more practical details like business hours.
Facebook can also be a place for your consumers to influence others - for good or bad. Facebook gives consumers the ability to comment and review your business on your page. As new consumers find you on Facebook they can read the (hopefully) glowing reviews your previous customers have said about you. Or, if someone has said something not as nice, Facebook gives you the ability to defend yourself or correct information that is not accurate.
Finally, Facebook is a free tool that has huge marketing ability. Facebook provides free analytics on each business page for the page owner (Facebook calls these people administrators) to look at to see how their social media efforts are paying off. If you would like to invest money into Facebook advertising, the analytics page gives you those options as well, which include boosting posts, Facebook ads and target audiences.
Facebook is an amazing and essential tool for many business owners no matter how large the business is. As far as other social media platforms go, you will want to do a lot of research to see if the platform is a good fit for your business. Twitter usually is a difficult medium for businesses to break into and Pinterest is usually better for visually-based businesses.
Social media is essential to business now. If your business does not have a social presence, or at least a website, you are behind in the game. Now, a huge warning for those interested in social media for your business or if you already have one for your business: a vacant, inaccurate Facebook page or website is worse than not having one. Though social media is important if you do not have the time, energy or inclination to keep a page updated do not create one.
I'm hear to tell you yes! Social media is that important! In the day of "googling" everything it is important to have information readily available for potential and current clients. Facebook pages can be an ideal place for people to come find out more about you, your product/service and more practical details like business hours.
Facebook can also be a place for your consumers to influence others - for good or bad. Facebook gives consumers the ability to comment and review your business on your page. As new consumers find you on Facebook they can read the (hopefully) glowing reviews your previous customers have said about you. Or, if someone has said something not as nice, Facebook gives you the ability to defend yourself or correct information that is not accurate.
Finally, Facebook is a free tool that has huge marketing ability. Facebook provides free analytics on each business page for the page owner (Facebook calls these people administrators) to look at to see how their social media efforts are paying off. If you would like to invest money into Facebook advertising, the analytics page gives you those options as well, which include boosting posts, Facebook ads and target audiences.
Facebook is an amazing and essential tool for many business owners no matter how large the business is. As far as other social media platforms go, you will want to do a lot of research to see if the platform is a good fit for your business. Twitter usually is a difficult medium for businesses to break into and Pinterest is usually better for visually-based businesses.
Social media is essential to business now. If your business does not have a social presence, or at least a website, you are behind in the game. Now, a huge warning for those interested in social media for your business or if you already have one for your business: a vacant, inaccurate Facebook page or website is worse than not having one. Though social media is important if you do not have the time, energy or inclination to keep a page updated do not create one.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Mozzarella Sticks at the Golden Arches
I have an important announcement for humankind - McDonalds will be offering mozzarella sticks 3 for $1 nationwide! If you're as fanatic about Italian cheeses fried in delicious golden brown crusts you will want to lend an ear.
Buzzfeed wrote an article yesterday spreading the word of McDonald's decision to offer mozzarella sticks nationwide after positive feedback from the test locations earlier this year.
Some people are excited...and others not so much. However, you can never please everyone. According to the tweets Buzzfeed reported in its article, the enthusiasts are saying things like, "No lie these mozzarella sticks are bomb." But the nae-sayers are saying things like, "Word of advice: NEVER get mozzarella sticks from McDonald's."
Since they are new, the mozzarella sticks' future hangs in the balance at McDonalds, but McDonalds' PR seems pretty solid right now. Historically, McDonalds has been attacked from all sides because of things like the sugar, fat and salt contents in its food and targeting children to eat fattening meals by giving them toys. I stand by the fact that fast-food is obviously not that nutritious and if someone is that concerned then just don't choose to eat at McDonalds and stop complaining, but I digress.
The introduction of all-day breakfast menus at McDonalds (FINALLY!) and now the addition of mozzarella sticks shows me that McDonalds listens to its customers, which is great public relations. We asked for it, and they gave it to us after research that reflected a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties.
This attentive listening and research on McDonalds' behalf has show positive results in both sentiment and profit for the company as well. McDonalds reported the first quarter of growing sales in the United States for the first time in two years.
As a celebration for McDonalds finally coming back to the top, lets all feast on $1 mozzarella sticks in its honor.
Buzzfeed wrote an article yesterday spreading the word of McDonald's decision to offer mozzarella sticks nationwide after positive feedback from the test locations earlier this year.
Some people are excited...and others not so much. However, you can never please everyone. According to the tweets Buzzfeed reported in its article, the enthusiasts are saying things like, "No lie these mozzarella sticks are bomb." But the nae-sayers are saying things like, "Word of advice: NEVER get mozzarella sticks from McDonald's."
Since they are new, the mozzarella sticks' future hangs in the balance at McDonalds, but McDonalds' PR seems pretty solid right now. Historically, McDonalds has been attacked from all sides because of things like the sugar, fat and salt contents in its food and targeting children to eat fattening meals by giving them toys. I stand by the fact that fast-food is obviously not that nutritious and if someone is that concerned then just don't choose to eat at McDonalds and stop complaining, but I digress.
The introduction of all-day breakfast menus at McDonalds (FINALLY!) and now the addition of mozzarella sticks shows me that McDonalds listens to its customers, which is great public relations. We asked for it, and they gave it to us after research that reflected a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties.
This attentive listening and research on McDonalds' behalf has show positive results in both sentiment and profit for the company as well. McDonalds reported the first quarter of growing sales in the United States for the first time in two years.
As a celebration for McDonalds finally coming back to the top, lets all feast on $1 mozzarella sticks in its honor.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Chipotle in Trouble?
Recently, Chipotle is shutting down nearly 50 locations in the Pacific Northwest due to E. Coli outbreaks that could potentially link back to Chipotle stores around the area.
According to an article by Buzzfeed, at least 22 people have contracted E. Coli after eating at Chipotle restaurants. The shutting down of the stores is a safety precaution as of now while health investigations continue.
From a PR standpoint, is this an emerging crisis for Chipotle, or will our nation's love of burritos as large as your face surpass the E. Coli scare?
I'd like to speculate that even though at least 22 people have contracted E. Coli that could be linked to Chipotle, the restaurant chain will come out largely unscathed. I think that Chipotle's mainstream status and use of fresh foods will overcome the present situation. Also, Chipotle's quick response to the allegations, its close investigations with the local health departments and store closures provides a strong sense of remorse and responsibility on the corporation's behalf.
So I leave it to you - will Chipotle skate by this health threat without a scratch? Or will we have to order our extra guacamole somewhere else?
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Press Release Potential
If Public Relations tactics were a buffet, press releases would be the bread and butter - in other words a staple of the meal.
Press releases are one of the tactics used most often in the PR industry and that is not likely to change anytime soon. Although the ways to submit press releases are numerous with the addition of websites, email, social media and online news rooms, a well-written press release can still make or break your ability to get published in nonowned media.
Some of the important pieces of the content that should go in your news release are as follows:
1.) Address the "5 W's" and the "H."
Press releases should tell the most valuable information of what your news is talking about. If a reader doesn't know "who, what, when, where, why and how" there will be gaps in your story, which leads to an uninterested target audience.
2.) Keep it brief.
Journalists and editors don't want flowery language. Keep your writing concise and professional while telling the most important information first. If a journalist wants to expand on your story for a feature article, he or she will call you or express interest through another channel of communication.
3.) Insert relevant quotes.
Quotes that are relevant to the press release your pitching can increase interest and add more information from a credible source within your organization. Try to keep the length of the quote correlated with the length of your news release. You don't want your news release to be a line or two long and then follow up with two paragraphs of quotations.
4.) Finally, be sure to end with a boilerplate.
A boilerplate is the last paragraph that basically sums up what your company/organization does in your industry or community. It can also explain a little bit of your organizational history, serving area and company values/mission statement. By reading a boilerplate an editor should have a good idea about what your organization does and why.
Press releases become easier with experience. If you're new to PR or press release writing, be sure to find a coworker or boss to edit your press release once you are finished writing to catch any mistakes before sending it to media contacts. After a press release or two you will be writing like a pro in no time.
Press releases are one of the tactics used most often in the PR industry and that is not likely to change anytime soon. Although the ways to submit press releases are numerous with the addition of websites, email, social media and online news rooms, a well-written press release can still make or break your ability to get published in nonowned media.
Some of the important pieces of the content that should go in your news release are as follows:
1.) Address the "5 W's" and the "H."
Press releases should tell the most valuable information of what your news is talking about. If a reader doesn't know "who, what, when, where, why and how" there will be gaps in your story, which leads to an uninterested target audience.
2.) Keep it brief.
Journalists and editors don't want flowery language. Keep your writing concise and professional while telling the most important information first. If a journalist wants to expand on your story for a feature article, he or she will call you or express interest through another channel of communication.
3.) Insert relevant quotes.
Quotes that are relevant to the press release your pitching can increase interest and add more information from a credible source within your organization. Try to keep the length of the quote correlated with the length of your news release. You don't want your news release to be a line or two long and then follow up with two paragraphs of quotations.
4.) Finally, be sure to end with a boilerplate.
A boilerplate is the last paragraph that basically sums up what your company/organization does in your industry or community. It can also explain a little bit of your organizational history, serving area and company values/mission statement. By reading a boilerplate an editor should have a good idea about what your organization does and why.
Press releases become easier with experience. If you're new to PR or press release writing, be sure to find a coworker or boss to edit your press release once you are finished writing to catch any mistakes before sending it to media contacts. After a press release or two you will be writing like a pro in no time.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
How To Handle Social Media Mistakes
Mistakes can be made in the office all the time, but hopefully there is an editor, manager or process in place to catch mistakes before they are sent out for all the world to see. Social media, however, doesn't have this "catch-all." Once you post, it is posted. Of course you can edit the wording or delete something all together if backlash has started over a post that is deemed inappropriate to the public, but that does not mean the post is gone. In today's social media atmosphere it is naive to think that viewers and readers do not screenshot posts, save visuals and share mistakes before they are taken off of a social media site.
So all businesses know they need social media accounts in today's market, but if a mistake does happen on your business' social media account how can you handle this crisis safely, professionally without putting the mistake in the spotlight?
The blog, PR in Your Pajamas has graced us with a wonderful post titled "How to Save Face After a Media Meltdown" detailing how to patch-up a social media mistake.
The first point they make is not to make excuses like "we've been hacked." This is an unprofessional response to a rude or inappropriate post on your business' page. It's 2015, industries with social channels no longer should be fumbling its way through social. This doesn't mean everyone is an expert, but we should all know what privacy settings are and how to keep a username and password protected. Also, social media users know what a hacker's work usually looks like. If you've truly been hacked simply explain what happened, apologize for any inconvenience and share your plan to not get hacked again. However, if you have not been hacked and you say you have, you will lose your credibility on social media forever.
One tip this blog shared if a mistake does happen on your social media page is to own up to it. People have seen your mistake, and some may be angry about it. However, if you make a sincere apology and take responsibility for your mistakes people are a lot more inclined to forgive you.
A tip I have for all of you social media writers is to create a content calendar for each of your social media channels. Creating content calendars allows you to plan out your month's posts in advance. This avoids the rush of forgetting to post on Facebook for the day and as you rush out of the office create something hasty that sends a tidal wave of backlash onto your page.
Social media content calendars are easy to find on Google. Simply search "social media calendar," go to Google Images and you will find a whole list of templates.
If you sit down for an hour or two at the beginning of each month to plan your posts I think you will be surprised how much good content you come up with and how much time the calendar saves you over the course of the month.
I hope these tips help keep your social media platforms running smoothly. Happy posting!
So all businesses know they need social media accounts in today's market, but if a mistake does happen on your business' social media account how can you handle this crisis safely, professionally without putting the mistake in the spotlight?
The blog, PR in Your Pajamas has graced us with a wonderful post titled "How to Save Face After a Media Meltdown" detailing how to patch-up a social media mistake.
The first point they make is not to make excuses like "we've been hacked." This is an unprofessional response to a rude or inappropriate post on your business' page. It's 2015, industries with social channels no longer should be fumbling its way through social. This doesn't mean everyone is an expert, but we should all know what privacy settings are and how to keep a username and password protected. Also, social media users know what a hacker's work usually looks like. If you've truly been hacked simply explain what happened, apologize for any inconvenience and share your plan to not get hacked again. However, if you have not been hacked and you say you have, you will lose your credibility on social media forever.
One tip this blog shared if a mistake does happen on your social media page is to own up to it. People have seen your mistake, and some may be angry about it. However, if you make a sincere apology and take responsibility for your mistakes people are a lot more inclined to forgive you.
A tip I have for all of you social media writers is to create a content calendar for each of your social media channels. Creating content calendars allows you to plan out your month's posts in advance. This avoids the rush of forgetting to post on Facebook for the day and as you rush out of the office create something hasty that sends a tidal wave of backlash onto your page.
Social media content calendars are easy to find on Google. Simply search "social media calendar," go to Google Images and you will find a whole list of templates.
If you sit down for an hour or two at the beginning of each month to plan your posts I think you will be surprised how much good content you come up with and how much time the calendar saves you over the course of the month.
I hope these tips help keep your social media platforms running smoothly. Happy posting!
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Is Instagram That Big of a Deal?
Last week I broke down and finally got an Instagram account. I had been putting it off since freshman year of college, and I guess I wanted to see what all the fuss was about surrounding this picturesque platform.
So, at 4 am while I couldn't sleep, I signed up for Instagram and published my first Instagram picture featuring my boyfriend, Kyle, and me.
So, at 4 am while I couldn't sleep, I signed up for Instagram and published my first Instagram picture featuring my boyfriend, Kyle, and me.
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| #Instaglam #fierce #adorable |
Now that I have had the platform for a little over a week, I can't help but get the feeling, "this is it?" It's nice that people can post pictures in all sorts of filters, but can't you post these pictures on Facebook and Twitter to the same end?
Also, maybe it is because I only follow about 70 people right now, but the frequency of posts are minimal compared to Facebook and Twitter. Due to the lack of posts I feel a little bored scrolling through the same pictures.
So tell me your thoughts. Do you love Instagram? Why? Or have you tried Instagram and felt the same way I do? Instagram lovers, can I have some tips to further my relationship with this social media platform?
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Netflix and...Analytics?
This June I spent seven hours watching most of the first season of Marvel's Daredevil on Netflix in one night. Needless to say I was hooked. I finished the first season in roughly three days. Netflix is a global phenomenon. It controls how many people spend their waking hours. It is a driving force for procrastination and instant entertainment gratification. If you have Netflix, think about your favorite series on it - what episode hooked you into finishing the season? Do you remember? Netflix does.
In a recent news release, Netflix declared with its new analytic software the company can tell the exact episode that hooked a viewer onto a series. This is important because with Netflix's relatively new stakehold in Netflix original series it is important for the producers to tell a story in a way that will be so irresistible Netflix viewers cannot look away; this will then lead to the demand of multiple seasons.
The product development abilities from analyzing the data associated with getting people hooked on a show is a potential gold mine for Netflix. However, PRNewswire looked at this news in another light. PRNewswire probed further into Netflix's choice to send out a press release about this new data. They point out that Netflix could have easily chosen to mention it's new found software capabilities nonchalantly, but instead they crafted an elegant, newsworthy story out of this information and sent out a news release to create headlines.
Netflix also paired this news release with 12 infographics detailing the "hook" episode of a few fan favorite series, like Orange is the New Black. PRNewwire calls this an "Intelligent Mix of Tactics." Netflix saw an opportunity to create interest, relate to the public and generate marketing content out of data analysis - something not many people are that interested in. From this analysis Netflix synthesized the information into something it's target audiences might truly care about and created visuals so the target audiences could share and compare. You might look at the first episode of Daredevil and think (spoiler alert), "Nah, that's not when I was hooked. I was hooked later in the season when Mrs. Cardenas died." However, your friend may say, "No way! I was hooked from the first minute." Then you can both proceed to talk about the whole season and go back and watch Daredevil from start to finish again in high anticipation for season two.
PRNewswire concludes its point by saying businesses should look to create an "Intelligent Mix of Tactics" in as many public relations and marketing situations as possible to create public craving. Think outside the box. Create interesting visuals. Write impressive news releases. Most importantly, know what your audience craves - not what you think they crave.
I'll leave you with this final thought from the PRNewswire article by author Ryan Hansen. See the full story and more tips on "Intelligent Mix of Tactics" here.
"When creating any sort of content, whether it’s a television program or a white paper, analyzing and understanding your target customer is key. How your customers choose (or don’t choose) to interact with your content and products provides valuable feedback that can help you better communicate with them in the future."
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
The Happiest Place on Earth
Of course I'm talking about Disney World! The rides, the characters, the magic! But how did Disney build the magic and keep it a part of their company culture? How did The Walt Disney Corporation becomes the leaders in the world of engineering true happiness?
I just finished reading a book for a class called Good to Great by Jim Collins. It was an eye-opening business manual for creating continually great companies. A great read for anyone if they'd like to think about a few truly great business concepts.
Anyway, Collins asserts that Walt Disney became the world leaders in creating happiness and the leading company of amusement parks and cartoons by sticking to a simple concept of preserving its core values. Being great doesn't have to be complicated. It's a simple question - what can you be the best in the world at (in the book Collins calls this the Hedgehog Concept, but if you'd like to learn more about that I'd read the book) and then sticking to what you do best at. Walt Disney answered the question with something like, "we want to be creators of world happiness." I'm paraphrasing of course because I wasn't in the board room when that conversation happened, but I imagine it went something like that.
The Walt Disney Corporation then proceeded to do just that - creating world happiness. Each tactic the Walt Disney Corporation created fit into it's goal of creating happiness on a global scale, keeping the magic alive and fighting cynicism in an increasingly cynical world. Now, this wasn't without risks. Walt Disney was the first to create a full length animated movie, but that didn't stop them from creating happiness by drawing cartoons.
The cartoons, kids clubs, amusement parks and cruise lines all produce happiness for its patrons. Now you can say it's hard to be unhappy on a cruise and that's true, but the Walt Disney Corporation does so much to keep the logistics of what actually goes into all the parades, costumes and magic a secret. Each employee goes above and beyond to make a Disney amusement park visit truly magical, and that is why I love Walt Disney World and the Walt Disney Corporation so much.
Being great isn't hard, it actually simplifies your life, Know what you want to be the best in the world at, make a list of actions to achieve that goal, and most importantly, if something doesn't fit into what you can be the best in the world at cut it out! Don't make more stress for yourself. You don't see Walt Disney trying to make money off of manufacturing Q-tips right?
I just finished reading a book for a class called Good to Great by Jim Collins. It was an eye-opening business manual for creating continually great companies. A great read for anyone if they'd like to think about a few truly great business concepts.
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| The book cover of Good to Great |
Anyway, Collins asserts that Walt Disney became the world leaders in creating happiness and the leading company of amusement parks and cartoons by sticking to a simple concept of preserving its core values. Being great doesn't have to be complicated. It's a simple question - what can you be the best in the world at (in the book Collins calls this the Hedgehog Concept, but if you'd like to learn more about that I'd read the book) and then sticking to what you do best at. Walt Disney answered the question with something like, "we want to be creators of world happiness." I'm paraphrasing of course because I wasn't in the board room when that conversation happened, but I imagine it went something like that.
The Walt Disney Corporation then proceeded to do just that - creating world happiness. Each tactic the Walt Disney Corporation created fit into it's goal of creating happiness on a global scale, keeping the magic alive and fighting cynicism in an increasingly cynical world. Now, this wasn't without risks. Walt Disney was the first to create a full length animated movie, but that didn't stop them from creating happiness by drawing cartoons.
The cartoons, kids clubs, amusement parks and cruise lines all produce happiness for its patrons. Now you can say it's hard to be unhappy on a cruise and that's true, but the Walt Disney Corporation does so much to keep the logistics of what actually goes into all the parades, costumes and magic a secret. Each employee goes above and beyond to make a Disney amusement park visit truly magical, and that is why I love Walt Disney World and the Walt Disney Corporation so much.
Being great isn't hard, it actually simplifies your life, Know what you want to be the best in the world at, make a list of actions to achieve that goal, and most importantly, if something doesn't fit into what you can be the best in the world at cut it out! Don't make more stress for yourself. You don't see Walt Disney trying to make money off of manufacturing Q-tips right?
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| Walt Disney World logo from Google Images |
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Facebook Ads are All Grown Up
Gone are the days when Facebook allowed organization and business pages to simply boost posts and call them an ad. This year, Facebook installed a well organized, detailed ad system that has analytics that may rival Google Adwords.
Facebook now lets administrators create multiple ad campaigns using Facebook to create specific ads for your company or business. For example, let's say you own a small coffee and bake shop. Now you can use Facebook to create a list of ads for your new coffee blends and organize them into one campaign. While your coffee ads run, you can make another list of ads for your homemade muffins into a separate campaign. All of these ads appear under specific campaigns in the ad manager.
Facebook also lets you create custom audiences to target the demographics that most visit your company, or if you're looking to expand your market and relate to a new audience you can do that too. To create ads for custom audiences, go to the ads manger landing page, look for the "Tools" tab in the upper left and pull the drop down menu. You will see an "audiences" button in this menu.
If you're new to Facebook ads don't be afraid to play around with the Ads Manger to get a feel for what Facebook has to offer. All of these tools are here to help you get the most out of your ads and reach a whole new audience online.
Facebook now lets administrators create multiple ad campaigns using Facebook to create specific ads for your company or business. For example, let's say you own a small coffee and bake shop. Now you can use Facebook to create a list of ads for your new coffee blends and organize them into one campaign. While your coffee ads run, you can make another list of ads for your homemade muffins into a separate campaign. All of these ads appear under specific campaigns in the ad manager.
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| This is a screen shot showing what the new ads manager landing page looks like. The red, circled buttons are how you create campaigns and ads. |
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| The "Tools" tab. |
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| The "audiences" page. |
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Social Media Tricks of the Trade
If you surveyed people based on the question "Do you feel like you know your favorite social media platform well?" many people would probably be inclined to say yes.
However, social networks are coming out with new layouts, formats, tricks, looks, wallpapers, buttons and apps constantly. How could someone possibly know all the idiosyncrasies of a platform without being one of the platform's creators? That is why I started searching the Internet for a few tricks to my favorite platforms, which are listed below to improve your social media prowess...or to tell you something you already know. If you're in the latter category, feel free to shake your head and mutter "I thought everyone knew that."
To personalize your page, go on you or your company's - yes this works for business too - Twitter page and click the "Edit Profile" button (on the desktop view, not available on mobile view). Once the menu pops up, look for "theme color." Once you click on that button, personalize your page by picking theme colors or upload a pattern true to you or your brand. The theme you choose will color URLs, hashtags and other users' handles.
This is a great way to personalize your company from a marketing standpoint. It makes your Twitter page more personal and furthers branding efforts. The Ohio State University football team has a Twitter page and has branded their Twitter page scarlet, which makes the page look much cooler and official than if the page was set in Twitter blue (check their page out at Twitter handle @Buckeyes).
2.) I'm going to talk to businesses now. Pinterest can be a wonderful marketing tool, it is visual and now you can buy select pins right on the app! This cuts out the middle man, though as a business it may cut down traffic on your website. However, don't be alarmed; instead look if your traffic to Pinterest has increased.
To address some of the Pinterest newbies, the first step to a business getting noticed on Pinterest is to get on the site. I would recommend Pinterest to any fashion or jewelry retailer out there - no matter how big or small. Also, Pinterest is great for furniture makers, designers, artists and chefs because this social network is extremely visually driven.
My tip to businesses on Pinterest is to make sure your privacy settings are public. It can be very easy while making a profile to click some form of private privacy setting. Pinterest can boost your business's search engine optimism (SEO) on Google. It allows your pins to pop-up in Google images more easily and many more people can find you this way!
* Important to note: For a personal Pinterest, or any other private social platform, always be aware of how your privacy settings are set - your page may not be as private as you thought.
That is all my tips and tricks for now. I will continue talking abut social media tips as I write on this blog, but if you cannot wait until later, check out the website that has more helpful tips here. My challenge to you is give me a tip to talk about or send me a trick you didn't know before. The point of social for both businesses and personal is that you interact because of that you can learn a little something new everyday.
However, social networks are coming out with new layouts, formats, tricks, looks, wallpapers, buttons and apps constantly. How could someone possibly know all the idiosyncrasies of a platform without being one of the platform's creators? That is why I started searching the Internet for a few tricks to my favorite platforms, which are listed below to improve your social media prowess...or to tell you something you already know. If you're in the latter category, feel free to shake your head and mutter "I thought everyone knew that."
Haley Grigsby's fabulous tips and tricks to navigate and personalize your social media experience:
1.) Twitter has instituted the ability to personalize your page. When I first saw this trick I flashbacked to my Myspace days, when junior high Haley was worried about her top friends, but, surprisingly, not many social platforms actually allow you to do this simple task.To personalize your page, go on you or your company's - yes this works for business too - Twitter page and click the "Edit Profile" button (on the desktop view, not available on mobile view). Once the menu pops up, look for "theme color." Once you click on that button, personalize your page by picking theme colors or upload a pattern true to you or your brand. The theme you choose will color URLs, hashtags and other users' handles.
This is a great way to personalize your company from a marketing standpoint. It makes your Twitter page more personal and furthers branding efforts. The Ohio State University football team has a Twitter page and has branded their Twitter page scarlet, which makes the page look much cooler and official than if the page was set in Twitter blue (check their page out at Twitter handle @Buckeyes).
2.) I'm going to talk to businesses now. Pinterest can be a wonderful marketing tool, it is visual and now you can buy select pins right on the app! This cuts out the middle man, though as a business it may cut down traffic on your website. However, don't be alarmed; instead look if your traffic to Pinterest has increased.
To address some of the Pinterest newbies, the first step to a business getting noticed on Pinterest is to get on the site. I would recommend Pinterest to any fashion or jewelry retailer out there - no matter how big or small. Also, Pinterest is great for furniture makers, designers, artists and chefs because this social network is extremely visually driven.
My tip to businesses on Pinterest is to make sure your privacy settings are public. It can be very easy while making a profile to click some form of private privacy setting. Pinterest can boost your business's search engine optimism (SEO) on Google. It allows your pins to pop-up in Google images more easily and many more people can find you this way!
* Important to note: For a personal Pinterest, or any other private social platform, always be aware of how your privacy settings are set - your page may not be as private as you thought.
That is all my tips and tricks for now. I will continue talking abut social media tips as I write on this blog, but if you cannot wait until later, check out the website that has more helpful tips here. My challenge to you is give me a tip to talk about or send me a trick you didn't know before. The point of social for both businesses and personal is that you interact because of that you can learn a little something new everyday.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
The Need for a New Look at Law Enforcement PR
Many know about the tension between law enforcement and the public eye. If you are not aware of this tension, you may be living under a rock; Patrick Star, please rejoin society.
Any public office or occupation is often under widespread scrutiny. This scrutiny seems to intensify if someone works in politics or law enforcement. When a person is appointed to protect our freedoms, we often do not allow a large margin of grace when it comes to mistakes. To an extent, this limited margin of error is justified; these occupations come with a large social responsibility. However, isn't there still a human factor that should be applied to these occupations we should account for when criticizing these peoples' job performances? This doesn't mean politicians or law enforcement shouldn't be scolded, investigated or terminated from their jobs if the mistake is grievous enough, but should society break out the tar and feathers when the slightest whiff of conspiracy is circulated around Facebook?
Whatever your opinion of law enforcement, I'd like to pose the question about how law enforcement specifically can improve its public relations. Do you think law enforcement agencies do enough to improve its image and to promote the positive things the men and women do in this industry? I would argue law enforcement agencies could do more to relate to the public in an effort to combat the negative spotlight recently targeting it.
I would suggest law enforcement do two things: more community involvement and more saturation in social media.
Community involvement is important, in my opinion. The more the public sees law enforcement officers in positive atmospheres within the community the less threatening officers may seem. This could take the form of more education in schools, appearances at state and county fairs or charity days like Toys for Tots drives. This stance may seem weak; some may say "why should law enforcement back down and try to soften their image?" This is a good point, and law enforcement always deserves respect and cooperation, but trying to relate to the people an officer is trying to keep safe is not weak, it is smart. Trying to fight discontent and mistrust is not alleviated by more mistrust and secrecy. If you're breaking the law you will be reprimanded, this fact doesn't change, but maybe law enforcement can be more incorporated into the community as protection and not an enemy. Make no mistake though, this ideal must be bought into by both the public and the law enforcement agencies.
The other idea of mine is for law enforcement agencies to relate to the public with social media. The flood of negative sentiment on social platforms could be combated if law enforcement agencies put out its own content on social media. This gives a chance for law enforcement officers to speak up and let people hear their side of the story. Misinformation and misunderstanding is the greatest enemy to trust. Anyone can post on Facebook about an encounter with law enforcement, but what would happen if a law enforcement officer posted about their experiences at 3 a.m, wondering about the car he or she just stopped on the highway. What if this officer shared his or her fear about coming home to his or her family and the possibility of bleeding out on the highway while backup is miles away?
I am not claiming to have all of the answers. I am trying to promote a positive conversation about solutions and communication between law enforcement agencies and the public.
I welcome comments, but please keep them polite, respectful and constructive.
Any public office or occupation is often under widespread scrutiny. This scrutiny seems to intensify if someone works in politics or law enforcement. When a person is appointed to protect our freedoms, we often do not allow a large margin of grace when it comes to mistakes. To an extent, this limited margin of error is justified; these occupations come with a large social responsibility. However, isn't there still a human factor that should be applied to these occupations we should account for when criticizing these peoples' job performances? This doesn't mean politicians or law enforcement shouldn't be scolded, investigated or terminated from their jobs if the mistake is grievous enough, but should society break out the tar and feathers when the slightest whiff of conspiracy is circulated around Facebook?
Whatever your opinion of law enforcement, I'd like to pose the question about how law enforcement specifically can improve its public relations. Do you think law enforcement agencies do enough to improve its image and to promote the positive things the men and women do in this industry? I would argue law enforcement agencies could do more to relate to the public in an effort to combat the negative spotlight recently targeting it.
I would suggest law enforcement do two things: more community involvement and more saturation in social media.
Community involvement is important, in my opinion. The more the public sees law enforcement officers in positive atmospheres within the community the less threatening officers may seem. This could take the form of more education in schools, appearances at state and county fairs or charity days like Toys for Tots drives. This stance may seem weak; some may say "why should law enforcement back down and try to soften their image?" This is a good point, and law enforcement always deserves respect and cooperation, but trying to relate to the people an officer is trying to keep safe is not weak, it is smart. Trying to fight discontent and mistrust is not alleviated by more mistrust and secrecy. If you're breaking the law you will be reprimanded, this fact doesn't change, but maybe law enforcement can be more incorporated into the community as protection and not an enemy. Make no mistake though, this ideal must be bought into by both the public and the law enforcement agencies.
The other idea of mine is for law enforcement agencies to relate to the public with social media. The flood of negative sentiment on social platforms could be combated if law enforcement agencies put out its own content on social media. This gives a chance for law enforcement officers to speak up and let people hear their side of the story. Misinformation and misunderstanding is the greatest enemy to trust. Anyone can post on Facebook about an encounter with law enforcement, but what would happen if a law enforcement officer posted about their experiences at 3 a.m, wondering about the car he or she just stopped on the highway. What if this officer shared his or her fear about coming home to his or her family and the possibility of bleeding out on the highway while backup is miles away?
I am not claiming to have all of the answers. I am trying to promote a positive conversation about solutions and communication between law enforcement agencies and the public.
I welcome comments, but please keep them polite, respectful and constructive.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Game of Thrones: Social Media Edition
Being connected to the social universe often means wading through seemingly endless opinionated posts on Facebook, fast-paced tweets and critiquing someone's selfie game on Instagram. The "Big 4" of the social platforms are crowned Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Linkedin, but are there new contenders in the social media game of thrones? The increasing popularity of visual social platforms like Snapchat and Periscope may say so.
The contenders:
1.) Snapchat
It's no secret Snapchat has become popular among the ages of approximately 16- to 23-year-olds - high school and college students. Snapchat has stepped forward as a means of communicating and sharing that is instantaneous, feeds into our narcissistic need to take pictures of ourselves and our need to put our nose into what others are doing - making it a perfect platform for personal social media.
Starting out as a basic interface that only allowed users to send pictures that lasted 10 seconds or less, Snapchat has evolved from its first version to what it is today. The addition of filters, ability to take video and "Snapchat stories" are all additions that have made the platform more interesting and modern. Another feature Snapchat has added is the "Discover" feature, which allows companies to appear on Snapchat to connect to users through a platform most companies wouldn't even think to use. Mostly networks, magazines and celebrities have made appearances on Snapchat's "Discover" channel, and it's used to push visual content to followers or anyone who wants to click on the "Discover" menu and then proceed to push a network's icon. The "Discover" channel gives a glimpse into "interesting" people's lives and makes the viewer feel a part of what is happening. As a visual company, like Cosmopolitan magazine or the Food Network, a glimpse into the content being fed through the "Discover" channel could be all a potential subscriber needs to tune into a cooking show or notice the newest cover of Cosmo magazine and buy it at the gas station.
2.) Periscope
Periscope is quite new. Launched in March of 2015, Periscope is another visual platform that markets the ability to see the world through another person's eyes.
How Periscope works: a subscriber can broadcast live video feed through the application to followers around the world. You can then post the video on Twitter (with Periscope's unique Twitter button that connects to your Twitter account). Also, you can make your video available for replay by pressing the "Replay" button, however, like a Snapchat story, the replay is available for 24 hours only. But don't take my word for it, check out the website, or the app on Google Play or the App Store.
Periscope offers a social aspect by sharing video, but by also posting "hearts" to the video posted. Similar to the "Like" button on Facebook, you can see how much your adoring fans liked the video of you and your cat singing karaoke to the newest Taylor Swift track.
All jokes aside, Periscope seems like a budding flower in the garden of social media. Interactive and visual, Periscope has the potential to be a powerhouse, especially if it keeps adding new features like Snapchat is doing. It can also become an untapped gold mine for visual companies to broadcast short videos, like "a day in the life," or what a product is able to do, maybe taking a page from Blendtec's marketing handbook and creating something similar to the "Will it Blend?" videos (see one here, it's pretty cool).
It is hard to foresee the future and what will become a trend and what will flop. However, Snapchat and Periscope have seemingly good roots to become kings in the social market...or maybe one of the Big 4 will swoop down on the usurpers and smite the rebellion. We shall see.
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