The first tip, “Steal content and ideas. If you’re flat-out exhausted and out of ideas, then get them from somebody else — either content, or ideas, or both.” Huh, I said, “Well, I guess I’m on the right track.”

However to make it mine, I really wanted to own it. So the following are my top 5 tips for creating content.

1. Relax.

Don’t feel pressured to find the perfect article, resource or original idea. If it’s your idea, it’s already uniquely yours. Have you ever had a difficult time recalling someone’s name or that restaurant you love at the precise moment you needed it? Yet a few hours later out of the blue, you snap your fingers and say, “I got it!” That’s because your mind continues to work for you, even though you’ve moved on. The same thing with creating content. I find the more I pressure myself to find that idea, it doesn’t happen. Ideas typically don’t come on demand. However, much like this post, the ideas came to me after I determined this was my topic and I stepped away from it. So pick up a book, go for a walk, watch a movie or just grab a coffee and people watch. The ideas will start flooding in.

2. Be curious.

We’ve all seen those unique ads or videos show up in our friend’s feed on Facebook. Or you’ve seen an interview or commercial on TV and it piqued your interest. If you find one that’s interesting, click on it and then go deeper. For instance, I was watching an interview on NBC’s Rock Center with the creators of the viral videos, “Sh*t Girls Say.”  The two creators have become Internet sensations with three videos. Well, I’d only seen one so I decided to check out the series while the interview was taking place. Not only did the videos make me laugh out loud, they gave me an idea. You see, the reason the videos are successful is because women can relate to it and men know someone like that. It crosses all boundaries. From there I became curious about why that is and after a few videos learned more about a topic that I haven’t even thought of and now have increased my knowledge and feed the content machine. You’ve got to be willing to go the next step and be curious. I swear if I was a cat I would have gone through my nine lives by now.

3. Go to your reader.

If you don’t have a reader, then the first thing to do is set one up. I’m a big skimmer (which also means I probably miss more than I catch, but I’m okay with that) so I can quickly search out titles or topics and determine if I want more. I usually always find the one gem that makes it worth it. There’s a wealth of information out there so go out and get it. After reading a handful of posts, you’ll feel energized and ready to tackle your project.

4. Coffee with someone in your same profession.

As a public relations professional, I’ve learned that there’s no point in explaining what I do to my family and friends. Typically after such an explanation, the first question is, “so who have you done ads for?” I just hope that at that point my eyes aren’t visibly rolling. However having coffee with someone in your same profession can be very empowering. We understand what we’re up against. We understand wins. We can talk about industry trends and how we’re using it. We can talk about our crazy days and all the caffeine we need to make it through it. And we can talk about what we do for fun. Typically following such a discussion, I walk away feeling energized and with a handful of new ideas…and that leads to more. See number two above.

5. Go to Facebook and Twitter.

With the greatest crowdsourcing at your fingertips, why not? What’s interesting is that during the day, there are groups of topics that rise to the top. Much like conversations, the hot topics get the most attention. For instance, check out Twitter trends and then click on topics that might interest you. Skim and find other topics or individuals that look interesting and then click, click and click. Before you know it, you’ll find something that has sparked your creative juices. With the new Facebook feed it’s easy to see what topics everyone is talking about because it groups similar topics together. Today in Reno-Tahoe for instance, the main topic was snow and the coming series of storms with everyone either playing in it or excited for more. It gave me an idea for a new client blog, “online excitement builds on prospect of more snow.”

I hope you’ve found these tips helpful. And if all else fails, steal it…figuratively, of course.

I sense this year is going to be amazing and filled with adventures, opportunities and incredible success. I want to take you along for the ride.

We’re going to be talking about…

1. Why content is king and how to be a content creator
2. Developing compelling stories and become the storyteller you’re destined to become
3. How to make the right noise in a world that is overloaded it
4. Integrating technology, plus a few of my favorite apps and tools
5. Turning on your social listening ear
6. Open up to a world of creativity

And if there’s something you’d like to see, let me know. See you on the electronic pages!

RKPR Inc. is hiring for a senior account executive with demonstrated experience in the following areas: public relations and media pitching; marketing communications and account management; branding; social marketing strategy, implementation and measurement; and event production and promotion.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: strategic client consultation, planning and recommendations; developing news angles and pitching media via traditional and social channels; writing and editing for press releases, media pitches, social posts, e-newsletters, editorial, among others; ability to determine the “news” opportunities; facilitating requests for information; coordinating regional media visits and tours; special event development, implementation and coordination; promotion development, implementation and fulfillment; program measurement and evaluation.

Must be highly organized and have impeccable attention to detail. Exceptional writing skills are required from 160 characters to editorial and everything in between. Degree in Journalism, Marketing or related field. Proficient in Microsoft Office and design experience a plus. Minimum of five years of experience required and agency experience preferred. Creative thinker and results driven, business to business and tourism experience, as well as knowledge of region a plus. Salary DOE.

Provide your LinkedIn resume to Ronele Kingensmith. Emailed resumes or cover letters are not accepted.

If you offer a product or service (and who doesn’t right?), then knowing how to use these tools for your business could make the difference in getting and more importantly retaining customers. In recent weeks, there’s been a lot of action on Foursquare with businesses setting up accounts left and right. Right now Foursquare doesn’t offer an easy way to secure a business page so it really is a free for all. However, once you’ve claimed your business you can really start having fun by adding deals and rewarding those who check in.

Gowalla’s newest update allows check-ins on Foursquare, it’s much larger rival in the GPS-enabled smartphone location service arena. According to a Pew Research Center Study released in December, these platforms draw a small audience with 4% of online adults using “geosocial” sites. Remember when you said, “Face-what?” and now it has more than 500 million users. Right now Foursquare is at 5 million members and Gowalla is at 600,000.  That’s a lot of people sharing their experience with their friends and associates and, more importantly, a business opportunity.

And not to be left out, in recent weeks Yelp added check-in offers for its members joining Facebook places with its new deals.

How important is all of this? Well let’s just say based on how fast Starbucks and Southwest Airlines jumped at the opportunity, I’d say you might want to take a second look. The day after the Facebook Deals announcement, Starbucks starting advertising that it would donate $1 per Facebook Places check-in up to $75,000 to the Conservation International. And just before Thanksgiving, Southwest Airlines launched its charitable check-ins using Facebook Places. Simply check-in at the airport and Southwest Airlines will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation up to $300,000.

The bad news? You might be saying, “Hey, I think I just got a handle on Facebook and Twitter and now this?” And if you’re not on one of these platforms you can guarantee your competitors are  either already on it or looking into it.

The good news? It doesn’t take long to be up and running. You’ll want to work closely you’re your social marketing manager or team to evaluate and determine what’s going to work best for your business…and if it does.

We know that going through this jungle is easier with a little help which is why RKPR offers consultation and training on location-based services as well as all things social. E-mail us to learn more.

We hope you can join us Thursday, September 23 for a little sendoff and well wishes as Kristen begins a new journey.

If not, don’t fret.  Share your stories, thoughts or well wishes here.  We’re sure Kristen will treasure it.

My question is, who’s getting more play.  The “candidates” or Chipotle? Right now the candidates are but there’s a huge opportunity for Chipotle. If they haven’t already got a plan in place to take advantage of this opportunity, they’re missing the boat. One idea, awarding someone for ousting a Mayor. There’s a PR opportunity there to be taken advantage of. Looking forward to seeing who the real winner is in this race and as the battle for Foursquare Mayorships continue…is your business ready?

1. You will need the Facebook app for iPhone. Sorry Android and Blackberry users, apps are on the way.
2. You can check in on the newsfeed pages, look for the balloon icon in the upper right, or go to the main screen and the look for the new “Places” icon.
3. Depending on how you manage your Facebook friends, for example some use it exclusively for friends and family while others use it as a business outreach tool, it’s important to know that when you share where you are it shares with your entire friend list. They don’t have to be using “Places,” they can just click “Places” from their device and see where you are. This differs from Foursquare in that most users who have set up Foursquare know that they are sharing their location with their friends and, if you’re like me, have been a little more aware of accepting friend requests. Also, Foursquare allows you to just check in without telling anyone or customize who you want to know. “Places” does not.
4. You can also tag friends who are with you. This is interesting and has some privacy ramifications. For instance, what if your friend isn’t as open as you about sharing or they might have told someone they were somewhere else and then pop up with you?  There’s also no verification from those you’re tagging to confirm. That may have changed but I did it twice last week and it just showed up in my friend’s feed. Read more about how privacy concerns are involved with this.

That said, “Places” is fun if you’re already using tools like Foursquare and are in the habit of telling your Facebook friends via status updates that you are at “X.” Plus it’s kinda neat to check in to “Places” and see who might be at the restaurant, concert or event you’re at.

From my perspective, I’m leaning toward primarily using Foursquare and will also add in the mix “Places” for opportunities that are appropriate and when I don’t mind sharing with my entire Facebook friend list. One thing you won’t see me doing is checking in to my house…that’s private.

Tonight is the Opening Ceremonies for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games…and coverage has been little to non-existent. But that’s no excuse. If you’re not familiar with the Paralympics or the Paralympians that compete, let me sum it up – living life and achieving their dreams.

I received the following message from the U.S. Olympic Committee today via e-mail and instead of paraphrasing it I’ve decided to include the entire context here.

It’s important for all of us to understand where these athletes come from, their challenges and the amazing sacrifice these individuals made for themselves, their families and our country. And over the next 12 days as they reach for Gold, they need to know that we’re cheering them on. I know I will. I personally wish all the athletes success as they strive to do more than most ever will.  

Three stories. One dream.

Dear Ronele,

The Opening Ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games begins tonight. For Team USA, these games represent years of endurance and anticipation. Let me introduce three Paralympians who share one inspiring dream.

Alexi Salamone. Adopted from the Ukraine after being born with deformed legs as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Alexi just wanted to be like other kids. Wrestling and sled hockey made that possible. Now years later, Alexi has been named to his second U.S. Paralympic Team.

Heath Calhoun. After losing both legs while serving in Iraq as a squad leader for the 101st airborne, Heath learned to ski through the Disabled Sports USA Wounded Warrior Project and the Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. Paralympic sport became a critical part of his rehabilitation. His three-year-old son now says, “Daddy, you can run with me again.” Heath has been named to the U.S. Paralymic Team and is honored to be the U.S. Flag Bearer for Opening Ceremonies.

Nikko Landerros. A high school wrestler, Nikko and his best friend were hit by a car in 2007. Both boys lost their legs. Shortly after, Nikko toured the Olympic Training Center, visited with Paralympic ambassadors, and was introduced to sled hockey. Today Nikko is a proud member of the 2010 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team.

Three stories. One dream.

For the next 12 days, your U.S. Paralympic Team will compete for Gold at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Please join us in cheering on the extraordinary athletes who make up Team USA!

Charlie Huebner
Chief of Paralympics
United States Olympic Committee

P.S. Thank you to the many who support Paralympic Sports Programs in 114 communities nationwide. Your generosity enables athletes with disabilities to participate in competition and in life.

For me personally, becoming a student of social networking means providing value to clients and the community while growing professionally and personally.

So for anyone who has asked that question, here are 20 tips.

1.    It’s okay to start with baby steps but the key is getting started.

2.    Look at ways to become involved in the conversation.

3.    Worrying about making a mistake can paralyze you so don’t over think it.

4.    Start with something you know and share that expertise, even if you don’t have any followers.

5.    Once you start keep it up.

6.    Followers will come as you become consistent.

7.    Proficiency will happen the more you do it more.

8.    Learn by watching others.

9.    Take what you learn and build on it by finding resources designed to perfect your style.

10. Open your mind to the possibilities of each social platform.

11. Audiences are built over time as you open yourself up and offer something of value.

12. Realize it won’t happen overnight.

13. Don’t try to learn everything about all the social channels all at once.

14. Become a student of the social media area you believe provides the most value to your followers.

15. Then take on the next social media area and learn more and so on.

16. When you discover a new platform spend about a ½ signing up and learning about the application.

17. Seek out ways to simplify you post time. For example Tweets can be set up to post directly to Facebook and LinkedIn.

18. Simplifying your monitoring and response time with free services such as TweetDeck and HootSuite.

19. Take online conversations offline. Attend a TweetUp or ask to meet someone in person if you share common interests.

20. Most importantly have fun.

Point of entry:  Everyone in the course started from different places. Some were quite proficient and for others it was brand new. The ability to communicate the importance of say Twitter versus a Facebook Fan page in a concise and effective manner really pushed me to think of experience beyond my boundaries. It drove me to see it from their position and how these tools could have a direct impact to personal brand and business interests.

Information gathering:  The flood of information available online can be overwhelming. However, anyone who is a student of social networking understands the importance of RSS feeds and social bookmarking to be efficient with their time. Without these two resources there’s no way I would be able to recite a fact, remember a case study or provide examples during the class.

Validation:  We all want validation that we’re doing something right but social networking is a different ball game. There is no right or wrong way. It’s about maximizing the socials sites to provide the value you need based on your vision statement and goals.

Learn from anyone: The neatest thing about social networking is that everyone is learning at different speeds and anyone can find new feature or an easier way to do something. This is especially true for newbies who have an incredible knack for finding new tricks. 

Interaction feeds knowledge: My personal quest for learning more was enhanced greatly throughout the course. Questions and the personal desire of the individual participants drove me to not only find answers but be active in the process.

My thanks go to Dr. Bret Simmons for inviting me to co-present and the students for their active participation that motivated me to learn and do more.