Valleywag Sucks!

Not really. I actually like reading it quite a bit. But I wanted to lead with that because it was just one of many entertaining comments I heard at the Social Media Club Boston event last night. (Note: The quote was from Dan Lyons stating that they didn't out him as the Fake Steve Jobs)

PRSA puts on great programs, but we are not the only font of PR knowledge. Judging by the number of PRSA members I saw there, you all agree with me.

I wanted to share a few interesting snippits from the event:

Josh Bernoff’s advice to companies planning to engage the blogosphere (POST):

P—Profile (who are you trying to reach)
O—Objectives (What do you want to do?)
S—Strategy
T—Technology (How do you want to do it?).

It is a mistake to pick a Tech and build from it (i.e. What are we going to do with Facebook?).

He also stated companies need to have one of five goals before creating their blog and engaging in the blogosphere:

Speaking
Listening
Energizing (getting people to help you sell your stuff)
Support
Embracing—Get other people to help you design your next product/services (i.e. Dell and the Linux PC)

Have something to measure against. (a common theme of mine, so I was glad to hear it) What’s the goal? Not just “we need to”

They summed it up nicely – Social media is only bad for liars.

We will continue some of this discussion at the PRSA September event on measurement on 9/25. See you then.

9/25 - PRSA Boston Measurement Program

It really must be fall, two posts from me in a day.

I strongly encourage my readers to register for the Sept. 25 PRSA Boston *breakfast* program on measurement: Measuring Up: Gauging the Effectiveness of Your Public Relations Efforts

We will be looking at practical advice, including continuing the debate about social media measurement.

More information is available here.

Beer helps you be a better PR person!

If I told you drinking beer can make you a better PR person, many of you that don't know me would wonder if I lost my mind. (Those that do would helpfully offer to take my extensive single malt collection off my hands).

But, last night at the Boston Beer Company (makers of the great Sam Adams beer), Michelle Sullivan, the company's director of PR shared some great advice on product PR with 30+ PRSA Members over a few glasses of adult beverages.

What I really liked about the program is that Michelle focused on six case studies - five that showed what they did well and one that showed what they tried that failed. Many of these case studies have lessons I can apply to my technology accounts.

They audience was full of questions and the tour was a great way to kick off the evening. (Look for a more extensive recap in our June newsletter) What did you think?

Following are some pictures to show off the night:

PR pros to invade the Boston Globe 4/23

PRSA Boston and the Publicity Club of New England have joined forces to bring you a great program in two weeks:

“Breakfast with The Boston Globe Editors” (at the Globe)

The panel of Globe editors will include Gideon Gil, Caleb Solomon and others.

The panel will answer questions such as:

1) How will the Globe evolve as print circulation numbers decline and audiences increasingly turn to Internet sources for news and information?

2) What is the best way to work with the Globe’s reduced staff of editors and reporters?


3) What new trends are occurring with seeking stories, information gathering and reporting?

Attendees with also be able to register to take a tour of the Globe after the panel discussion.

Cost: PRSA Boston Chapter and Pub Club Members $35Non-Members/Guests $55PRSSA/Pub Club Student Members $20

To register, click here.


I want to thank Kelly Woodsum of the Publicity Club for working tirelessly to pull this one together on short notice.

This was a great opportunity and we couldn't pass it up. Lucky, the measurement panelists we had pulled together for April agreed and graciously offered to do the program in the fall. So never fear, you will be able to get your fill of measurement as well.

I expect this program to sell out quickly - so register now!

Learning About Social Media

Aside from the question, why are dues so high? One of the most common questions I get from our members is, I hear the buzz about social media, but how do I learn more, and how can I use it?

Well, PRSA Boston has brought together a panel for you. We have gathered some of the leaders and pioneers together for a practical discussion of tips, tricks, and tools as well as the pitfalls to avoid for successfully reaching and engaging bloggers and other social media participants.

The panel will answer questions such as:
What is a social media release and how can you create one?
What are the five things you should avoid doing when utilizing social media?
What can you do to make your Website more effective?
What are the most practical means for working with bloggers and communicating your message?

Our panel of experts and thought leaders includes:

John Cass - author of "Strategies and Tools for Corporate Blogging," to be published by Butterworth-Heinemann, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc., in 2007.

Todd Defren - principal, Shift Communications, research fellow and advisory board member for the Society for New Communications Research. Defren created a template for the Social Media Release and Social Media Newsroom.

Paul Gillin - veteran technology journalist with more than 24 years of editorial leadership, writes the social media column for BtoB magazine. His forthcoming book, “The New Influencers,” chronicles the changes in markets being driven by the new breed of bloggers and podcasters.

Todd Van Hoosear - practice Leader for social media, Topaz Partners. Van Hoosear is active in the Social Media Club Boston and Chief Propagandist for Tech PR Gems.

When: February 26, 2007 – 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Dinner & Networking 6-7:00
Program 7-8:30

Where: The Newton Marriott
2345 Commonwealth Avenue (Route 30)
Newton, MA

Sign up here