Archive for Networking
“How do you keep up on all of this social networking stuff?”
Posted by: | CommentsThis is a question I’ve been asked more than a few times and for those looking to enter the social networking world it’s an important one. After all, we’re all busy enough that adding on additional layers might take away from other priorities…that’s not the goal.
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.
New UNR Extended Studies Course Focuses on Personal Branding
Posted by: | CommentsIf Google is your new business card, then managing your personal brand online is critical. The University of Nevada, Reno Extended Studies Program offers a new course this November designed to assist students with hands-on techniques to build the online presence needed to remain competitive in today’s economy. “Google is Your New Business Card: Building a Valuable Personal Brand” is led by social networking, branding and entrepreneurship experts Bret L. Simmons, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, and Ronele Klingensmith, president of RKPR Inc. The 10-hour, four-session class assists students in discovering their personal brand and how to develop valuable content around that brand.
“With Google being a 21st-century electronic business card, it communicates one’s personal brand to the world–with a click of a mouse anyone can learn about you,” said Simmons. “Combine that with today’s intensely competitive business environment, and it’s even more essential to actively control what is being said about the value of someone’s unique skill set. You can control your brand and that’s what this course is about.”
Through hands-on coaching from social-media experts, students will learn how social-media tools correlate, as well as the most effective ways to use the tools discovered to create a personal brand. It will also go beyond traditional social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and static websites to demonstrate how to create and operate a dynamic blog and develop a presence on Twitter the right way.
Klingensmith founded RKPR Inc. in 2002 to provide clients with innovative communications strategies. With her 17 years of communications experience, Klingensmith offers a broad range of expertise with a variety of clients in various industries with strong emphasis on travel and tourism, focusing on the integration of social networking, new media and integrated communications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno and received her Accredited in Public Relations (APR) certification in 2003 from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
Simmons teaches classes in organizational behavior, entrepreneurial psychology and research methods at the University of Nevada, Reno. His research currently focuses on positive organizational behavior and employee performance. In addition to academic publications, his research has been featured in articles by US News & World Report and USA Today.
Class dates for “Google Is Your New Business Card” are November 2 and 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. and November 16 and 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is required for the course, for information visit online or call the Extended Studies office at 775-784-4046.
Why am I excited about the Nevada Interactive Media Summit on March 7?
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Back in December, RKPR took advantage of an opportunity. Honestly, I keep thinking that anyone would have done what we did. I’m also naïve enough to believe that all communications professionals call journalists back, but I know that’s not true (ssshhh, I know because the journalists tell). But the truth of the matter is we did step up while others watched. We seized the opportunity.
In January, I received a “D” message from @nvbob asking what I thought about co-presenting with him on real-life social media strategies using RKPR’s December case study as an example. Absolutely!
On March 7, Bob Conrad, APR and I will be leading a workshop during the inaugural Nevada Interactive Media Summit titled, “Unconventional PR Strategies: How Social Media Has Changed Communications.” And trust me, it has changed.
As a 16 year communications professional, I’ve had the privilege of seeing technology soar. Fortunately for me, I love technology and, even though math still provides me challenges, I can quickly grasp new tech concepts, applications, etc. The one area I find completely fascinating is social networking, especially its implications on businesses, brands, organizations and individuals.
It seems as though on a regular basis I hear myself saying, “today media changed.” One such instance that’s quite vivid was when US Airways Flight 1549 landed in the Hudson River and the first shot that appeared on all the major news sites was from a ferry boat passenger (@jkrums) via his mobile phone posted to Twitpic. The photo was everywhere and for the next several hours @jkrums was being interviewed by all the major networks. What amazed me even more was that his first-person account was news and the media wanted to hear his story. He seized the opportunity.
During our presentation, we’ll talk about the changing face of communications and that a solid strategy, strong goals and realist objectives are as foundationally critical to a social media campaign as they are to a traditional program.
I feel quite honored to be included with such knowledgeable presenters. I’ll be attending the entire day and I hope to see many others attending as well.
Details / Registration $25 (register by Wednesday), $40 Walk-in.
In-Person Networking – It’s Not Dead
Posted by: | CommentsThere’s a lot to be said for the “new” networking—that is social media and the myriad options for connecting online. It’s as easy as surfing the internet, posting brief thoughts and uploading photos and video. And despite being able to share personal details and often random thoughts, it’s done on your own time, at your own computer and on your terms.
