Is social media making money?

The UGA PRSSA student-run PR firm (Creative Consultants) had a year-end presentation competition  and my team received 3rd place! As part of our prize, we were given the opportunity to tour Jackson Spalding, a local public relations firm. 

After a brief tour and several interesting facts about the company’s history, the group sat and chatted with three of the firm’s employees. I was so surprised at the amount of time they invested and the candor they displayed as we discussed everything from industry trends and new media to interview tips and vital skills.  The discussion was very informative and introduced me to a new perspective on several issues. One key take-away message I got from the discussion was that social media is awesome…but only if you can prove that it is increasing your client’s bottom line.

My generation is all about new media/social media (this entire blog is about it!) But, knowing how to use Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, blogs, wikis, iPhone apps and many others is not enough. Young professionals need to be able to measure the return on investment and know which tools are the best fit for each client and each situation.

From a PR stance, this article about the Phoenix Suns basketball franchise provides a creative example of how PR and digital media can be intertwined to engage target audiences. For this NBA franchise, Twitter has allowed them to connect on a personal level with many of their fans. Twitter has also aided in media relations for the communications/PR department- and, we all know that good media relations= good PR!

History in the Making

The 2008 presidential election is one to remember for many, many reasons. I am currently sitting in the UGA Drewry room watching the big screen and the room is slowly starting to fill with people and excitement!

But, from the PR standpoint, this past year’s election campaign set a new standard in many ways. Previously I posted about all of the social media and communication tactics used by Obama and his campaign. However, the part that stood out the most to me was the logo used to represent him, his campaign and his message.

Below is a link to a video interview with one of the creators of the logo. It’s a few minutes long, but I found it to be very interesting- especially some of the choices they considered but didn’t use!

Sol Sender interview

(credit: cameron.io)

Best of ’08- Technology Education Stories

Yes, I realize my last post is all about a new year, and this completely contradicts that…but I thought it was an interesting overview nonetheless! 

 

E-School News published a list of the top ten most significant technology education stories of the past year in December.

And the winners are…

10. Students use cell-phone cameras to send and receive inappropriate photos.

9. JuicyCampus leaves a nasty stain on campus relationships.

8. ‘Botnet’ attacks put school computers under hackers’ control.

7. The power of online video is a force for good–and bad.

6. A landmark cyber-bullying case inspires new laws–and raises awareness of a growing problem.

5. The RIAA scores huge wins … and then alters its strategy to combat illegal file sharing on campus.

4. U.S. students get low-cost laptops aimed at children in developing nations.

3. Broadband policies spark debate as the U.S. slips farther behind.

2. Rising costs, and a tanking economy, hammer schools–forcing several key changes in behavior.

1. President-elect Barack Obama’s historic victory signals a shift in federal ed-tech policy.

What do you think? Are these note-worthy events? Or do you remember one that didn’t make the cut?

New Year = New Thoughts

Originally I began this blog as a class assignment, but  now the class is over. You are probably expecting me to explain right about here how this is the end…but it’s not!

I found that I really enjoyed learning all about the interesting advancements made with new technology, so I hope to continue blogging. My goal is still to update about once a week. However, this semester will likely feature more general new media information instead of posts focusing on tourism and non-profits.

Each week at the UGA New Media Institute, we have a guest speaker discuss how his or her company is integrating new media, so I may highlight some of the lessons learned there. I also read several interesting technology-related articles each week that I may incorporate into my posts.

No matter what it is though, I hope you find it enjoyable and educational! Let me know if you have any new ideas!