Last week Facebook upped the ante on location based social networking with Facebook “Places.” “Places” provides an opportunity to for you to share where you are with your Facebook friends.  It’s been less than a week since the launch of this new, fancy tool and after a bit of confusion, like it not working in all cities including LA at launch, friends are starting to share activity. Here’s some tips and thoughts as you do.

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.

Note:  RKPR Inc. was contacted by the Nevada Commission on Tourism (NCOT) as a possible stop in a six week program they were pulling together for Ben Martinac, a student from Germany studying Tourism Management. Ben had attended an NCOT international media FAM a year earlier and was on a personal quest to learn as much as possible about his field by studying abroad during the summer. Ben joined the RKPR team the week of Aug. 9. We couldn’t have been more pleased to host Ben and we look forward to hearing about his journey. Best wishes for your continued success!   

Around one year ago when I received the invite to a press FAM to Las Vegas and Reno-Lake Tahoe I had no idea what to expect. I was pretty excited about the trip but was somehow thinking: “what am I going to do in the desert for ten days?” The general image we’ve got in Germany about Nevada is Vegas, and desert. Well, I wasn’t wrong about Vegas. Gambling, nightclubs and a lot of booze, and all that in the middle of the desert. Exactly how I pictured it. After four nights in Vegas we packed our stuff and continued the journey to Reno. After an hour flight, we landed in Reno and what’s that? Another Las Vegas, just the pocket version. At least that’s what I thought at that time. However, I was proven wrong pretty soon.

The next morning we were taken out to the Truckee River for Whitewater Rafting by members of the NCOT. I was soon amazed by the variety of nature along the river. No sounds of car engines, no honking, no noise whatsoever. Just the whooshing of the river. From that moment on I knew I was at the right spot. And as this wasn’t enough, Lake Tahoe just blew my mind the following day. What a beautiful place, surrounded by snowcapped mountains and that’s in July. Sweet! An all American evening at the Reno Rodeo, a visit in Virginia City and a ride on the V&T steam train through the mountains was the cherry on my sundae.

So the trip was over far too soon but the good memories stayed. So come December, I am thinking about where to spend my summer. As I am studying Tourism Management and I wanted to gain some experience in the Tourism Industry, I remembered this awesome place Lake Tahoe. Wouldn’t it be great to spend the summer there and learn something job related while I’m over there? So I took my chances and wrote an email to Chris (Chrystal) and Bethany (Drysdale) at the NCOT asking whether they could use an intern during the summer. And what did I know, they actually did. So they and Angela (Froelich) organized this whole itinerary for me for six weeks during the summer. I’d be working with the NCOT for a few days, then two days with the Carson City Convention & Visitor Bureau, a week with RKPR, followed by Nevada Magazine, Reno-Sparks Convention Center and Virginia City. So there I am, it’s January and I know I’ll have the greatest summer ever. I couldn’t wait for August to come. Eight months later I was finally sitting in the plane heading to Reno.

Until now it has been one of the best experiences of my life. I worked with the NCOT, Carson City Convention & Visitor Bureau and RKPR. I’m getting to know all these interesting people, learn a lot about how tourism on a state scale is working but also how it’s done at shop floor. I have the chance to experience the whole chain of the industry at first hand and learn from professionals while staying in one of the nicest areas I’ve ever been to.

So far, while working for the NCOT and RKPR, I’ve learnt a lot about public relations – fun things such as pitching and writing press releases, but also a little less fun things such as clip reports. At least now I know that even the dullest things matter as much as everything else. A big surprise to me was that social media are used as widely for PR and marketing purposes. Back home in Germany it has just started to become a PR/Marketing tool. I was quite impressed since it is really easy to manage and it is more or less cost free. Furthermore, you can reach such a wide population with just a few clicks.

Working with RKPR has been a lot of fun. They have a great team that’s been very helpful and supporting. I was given a lot of opportunities to write press releases and social media posts and was supported with a lot of guidance and constructive criticism what allowed me to improve myself and broaden my knowledge about the field and the Reno-Tahoe Territory. Also apart from work they have been great, too and took me out so that I get to know the city better and don’t spend my evenings bored in my motel room.

I had a terrific time at the Carson City Convention and Visitor Bureau as well. It has been a totally different experience than office work. I was working at the front desk and at first I observed how visitors are being assisted and given information about the area but later I also took care of handling visitor inquiries. I have gotten to know so many different people from all over the states and the world – even a couple from my home town stopped by at the bureau. What a small world…

I am very excited about the next couple of weeks and what’s waiting for me at the other companies/agencies. Next week I’m with the Nevada Magazine and so far I’ve only heard great things about them.  If I’ll only be able to pick up half of what I’ve picked up so far it’s going to be another amazing three weeks.

I recently became a Facebook Fan of the new ABC hit show, Modern Family. Not only do I enjoy my Wednesday nights because this brilliantly written show is on, but I can’t seem to get enough of the Facebook posts that Modern Family shares multiple times a week. The Modern Family page is a perfect example of great social media.

The fan page engages their audience by including sneak peeks to that week’s upcoming show, scene photos with quotes, polls to see what was the best quote of last night’s show, favorite moments and more. With every post that Modern Family puts up on their page, thousands of people comment, expressing their love and excitement for new and past shows. This sitcom has created a great name for itself through T.V. promotion, but more importantly by using social media as a FREE outlet to support and share their great success. This is how you utilize social media.

I don’t think I get out much, at least not compared to some of my friends. But you may think I do if you’re watching me on Foursquare, the latest social networking/game/time suck to hit computers and mobile devices. Ever since I added the geo-targeting app to my phone last month I’ve been checking in at locations around Reno and beyond to earn 5 “Mayorships” and 7 badges. I’ve even earned the Swarm badge for checking in at the same location as at least 50 other users, which was pretty cool. I have my account linked to Twitter, which is linked to Facebook, so I can selectively share my check-ins with followers and friends as well. This may not have been the best plan as I’ve now convinced my mom, who tracks my activity on Facebook, that I eat out too much.

The question is do I share too much? I wondered that when I first saw Foursquare being used. Frankly, do you care if I’m at Home Depot?  You might if they’re having a huge unpublished sale storewide. That’s useful information and makes check-ins meaningful. Users can also post tips for specific locations which allow you to learn more from the people who know…the regulars. Last month I was in Oakland for a concert and looking for a place to eat before the show. We used Foursquare to see what was nearby, then followed a tip about a great spot with Caribbean-style small plates at killer happy hour prices. Indeed, they did.

The tool has its detractors who say Foursquare is annoying and creepy. Take for instance the creator of NoSquare, an application that helps you avoid Foursquare hangouts.  If you’re not a user, it can be annoying to have your Twitter or Facebook feed filled up with “I’m at Taco Bell” nonsense. And yes, it can be creepy when others know your whereabouts at all times. But that’s where users need think before they post. Some quick tips:

• Limit direct to Twitter/Facebook check-ins. If you want to share on those networks, consider adding informative updates to your check-in.
• You don’t have to post every stop you make every day. Aside from over-sharing, it can open you up to danger.
• Checking in at home means you’re letting everyone know where you live, and by default, letting them know when you’re not there.
• Have fun. Earn badges. Oust someone as mayor. After all, it’s just a social game.

For 12 days coverage of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games dominated the news and social media with posts, Tweets, blogs and more about the athletes, the games and the spirit of competition.

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.

What do you get when you invite the entire RKPR team to dinner at a gourmet steakhouse? Five raucous diners willing to try anything on the menu, before and after photos of plates of food, tweets and Facebook posts throughout the meal and more than three hours of good conversation and fun. That’s what went down when we all headed to the new Atlantis Steakhouse to try out the new menu and tour the completely renovated restaurant.

We learned a lot about the Steakhouse, like the fact that it took more than 100 hours to create the menu, from sampling dishes and fine-tuning recipes to designing and proofreading the final version. We also learned that the giant octopus, which was a light fixture on the ceiling of our dining room during its nightclub days, was auctioned off on Ebay to a nightclub in the Midwest.

But perhaps the most important thing we learned was that Atlantis Steakhouse fits perfectly within Reno-Tahoe’s new marketing identity. It’s a “far from expected” dining experience and one that’s sure to alter people’s perception of the casino resort property. As a longtime resident I recall the Purple Parrot days of Atlantis with its traditional coffee shop fare. And that’s what stuck. But our lavish meal has completely changed that perception. So cheers to Atlantis for creating a fantastic dining experience!

Now to the nitty gritty: what did we eat? Here’s a quick list and a few comments about each.

·         Crispy Calamari – Perfectly crisp, just the right amount of salty and a tasty caper dipping sauce

·         Ahi Tuna Tartare – Refreshingly light and very fresh tasting

·         Escargot – If you’ve never had it, try it here first

·         Maine Lobster and Blue Crab Cakes – Red peppers in these give them a bit of a southwestern flair

·         Oysters on the Half Shelf – We downed a dozen and Liz invented Lizsabi sauce, a mixture of wasabi and horseradish, to dress the oysters

·         French Onion Soup – hearty and a good portion size, and the bread and cheese on top were just right

·         Prime Rib and Barley Soup – also hearty and delicious

·         Spinach Salad – prepared tableside with a warm dressing that smelled fantastic

·         Wedge Salad – served in a slight bowl so it’s easier to eat

·         Filet Mignon, 12 oz. – a huge steak, perfectly cooked

·         Colorado Lamb Chops – the best I’ve had in town

·         Prime Rib and Diver Scallops Duet – a serious meal with a giant juicy portion of prime rib and golden seared scallops

·         Trio of Filet – a mountain of tasty with three petite filets, three toppings and mashed potatoes

·         12 oz. Kobe Chopped Steak Burger – probably the size of Emily’s head, juicy, and perhaps the best burger she’ll ever eat

·         Sides including creamed corn with a kick, truffled mac and cheese, sautéed spinach, asparagus and broccolini

·         Almost every dessert on the menu, all of which were phenomenal, including Chocolate Mousse, Cheesecake, Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp, Bananas Foster, Crème Brulee and Dark Chocolate and Peanut Butter Torte

We highly recommend the Atlantis Steakhouse and when you go, let us know what you had.

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to represent one of our clients at the GBK Celebrity Gift Lounge for the Oscars in Hollywood. Since working at RKPR I’ve definitely assisted with my fair share of events.  However, this event seemed to be quite different than previous ones that I’ve experienced. While I had overwhelming help for the preparation of the event from the RKPR team, it was just me and the client when it came down to the actual event. Travel, event set up, media and celebrity interaction and representation of our product, it was all up to me and our client.    

Prevennia, a dietary supplement that is scientifically proven to block the initiation of breast cell mutation, was the client I was representing. Each celebrity and selected media outlets were gifted with a one year supply of Prevennia, a $550 value. While other event sponsors were promoting fun products including eyelash extensions, skin care lines, clothing, food and beverage products, we were there educating guests about a very important issue that affects everyone in some form or fashion – cell mutation. It is a serious issue and reaching out to the public to insure awareness was much harder than I had anticipated. 

Nearly every Hollywood star and media outlet that visited our booth was totally onboard with what we had to share. They showed genuine and positive interest about learning more and seriously investigating Prevennia for their use.

Comments about passing the word along to loved ones and the product being a GBK Oscar Gift Lounge favorite is what made Prevennia be the talk of the event. With as much time and effort being put forth prior, during and post event, it is such a rewarding feeling to know that RKPR’s efforts may someday change the lives of millions.

Check out our Flickr gallery to see who we met with and what they had to say about Prevennia.      

I still find it funny that there are people out there in the marketing world who just don’t understand the purpose of social marketing and how it can really benefit a business or organization. Just the other day I was at a meeting where I explained our launch strategy into the social media aspect of the campaign, and about 95 percent of the people in the room began to talk about how they “don’t understand the hype of social and why it’s so vital to spend time on this ‘resource.’”

Well let me tell you something, social media is just getting started and it’s here to stay. I explained the importance of strategizing and why some businesses fail and others prevail in social marketing…they still didn’t seem convinced.

These particular social media skeptics are event planners and organizers who are being greatly affected by the economy, forced to make lay-offs and have very little funding for advertising or paying for events.  Their organizations are the ones that would flourish with the help of social marketing.

I continued to explain about the engagement of fans and followers and that if a business is really “doing it right” more than a few hours, daily should be dedicated to social outreach.  It isn’t as simple as posting a comment and then walking away. There is tracking, researching what people are saying about your organization and then creating conversations with them, posting and uploading video and photos, engaging your audience by not just telling them what your mission is, but showing them.

As the meeting continued on and into different items, it was circled back around to social marketing by one of the skeptics, which led me right through the open door to explain how social media would play a crucial role in an event like the one that was being explained. 

I think it was right then, that the 95 percent of skeptics in the room went to about 5 percent. This is a FREE outlet to reach a wide variety of audiences…USE it people, learn it and embrace it!

Several days ago I chuckled at a Tweet from @GrammarGirl that linked to a column outlining a plan to institute a sarcasm mark. “I can get on board with that,” I thought. After all, I use sarcasm regularly in verbal communications and have to hold back on social sites and in e-mails for fear I’ll be misunderstood.

But this column in the USA Today drove home what I was feeling.

We’re becoming overly nice in our online communications, which are increasingly becoming our main form of communication. Exclamation marks and emoticons are becoming ubiquitous, a boon for ridiculously happy people. But that’s not who I am, or many others, and it means that I don’t get a chance to share my full personality with friends. So I say yes, let’s amend our punctuation repertoire to add in a sarcasm mark because our authenticity depends on it.