Having been involved with Special Olympics Australia for almost three years now, it was sad to hear recently of the loss of the global movement's founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. There has been much said about the amazing things Eunice did during her life, both here in Australia and around the world, and it's a testament to the incredible legacy she has left for people with intellectual disability. Rather than focus on disability, it was Eunice's intention to show what amazing abilities these people have and, through sport, she was able to do so.
I've been fortunate enough to attend a Junior National Games here in Australia in 2008 and the excitement and anticipation that is built up around these events is amazing. Everyone comes together with the common purpose of achieving things others deem impossible and many of the stories created during such events are simply inspiring.
Sport has this amazing capacity to bring people together. While there are certain components within the 'sporting community' that we'd rather forget (a few exceptions to the norm), it is generally able to bring participants, supporters, coaches and volunteers together to share the best of human spirit - particularly in the case of Special Olympics. The difference that simply participating, let alone a gold medal, can make to people who are often marginalised in society is incredible and sport also acts as a form of rehabilitation in this sense, overcoming past challenges and building social support networks. In terms of community building, this is a key element of sport in Australia.
Eunice Shriver was a unique individual in terms of how she was determined to adjust global perspectives around intellectual disability, but there are other stories as well that are just as indicative of the power of sport in bringing people together. You may have heard of the instances during World War I when opposing armies lay down arms on Christmas Day for a game of football - such humanity in amidst the brutally.
Another example is the unification of South Africa around the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Nelson Mandela is no doubt an amazing individual, but his efforts to calm a warring nation through the symbol of the Springboks is remarkable. This documentary from the ESPY Awards is 'shivers-down-your-spine' stuff:
We often talk about the bad things brought about by sport but it is important to remember that that passion and dedication can be a fantastic thing in the hands of the right people.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Taking online events offline - the new networking
I've recently been part of the launch of PRinks, the monthly social get-together for people in the comms industry, and it has been a refreshing reminder of the power of online networks to build relationships. It's also given me an interesting view on traditional networking and where the value of these events lies.
My partner in crime, Gemma Crowley of DRPR, (@GemCrowley) and I met via Twitter as we both work in PR and have an interest in social media. With a mutual friend, Jemma Lee of Verve Communications (@jemmallee), we decided to catch up for a drink one evening after work and thought, 'Why not do something like this with other industry folk who might like to meet and share a drink?' So we did. And two weeks later we had the first PRinks at the Cabana Bar in St Leonards.
Now, while it was a relatively small gathering for our first turn out, it was quite exciting to see the response from our colleagues and people we'd never met or spoken with before. It was also great to put some faces to names that we'd spoken with online and find out that these people were just as interesting offline as well. We've already set a date for the second round in September and I'm looking forward to meeting a few new folk and hearing their take on things. The whole premise is to keep these events social and relaxed and anyone is welcome to come along.
And I suppose this is my point about networking. Much in the same way that everyone including the dog stops when the bald bloke says he's a banker, there's a preconception around networking events that when you attend you are simply looking to find the nearest person with a blank cheque book, and the environment can sometimes been both forced and unpleasant.
This is where I think online events taken offline have a real role to play. Think of it as a 'try before you buy' scenario - if you have a pre-existing connection with those organising/attending the event, you're more likely to be comfortable in that environment and less likely to be given a sales pitch. You are, like everyone else, simply there to have a good time sharing a common interest with those around you. While one of the criticisms of these types of events is that they have an air of exclusivity, I think it's just something that those involved need to be wary of and look to include all those who are interested. At the end of the day, there's certainly no door list, bouncer or secret handshake for PRinks (though a handshake would be cool...) and the more open and inclusive a gathering is, the more likely it is to be considered valuable and worthwhile for those looking to meet and share a few ideas in a relaxed setting.
Often the best connections you make are with those who are interested in what you have to say rather than what you have to offer. Hopefully online channels can continue to be the leveller in this regard.
My partner in crime, Gemma Crowley of DRPR, (@GemCrowley) and I met via Twitter as we both work in PR and have an interest in social media. With a mutual friend, Jemma Lee of Verve Communications (@jemmallee), we decided to catch up for a drink one evening after work and thought, 'Why not do something like this with other industry folk who might like to meet and share a drink?' So we did. And two weeks later we had the first PRinks at the Cabana Bar in St Leonards.
Now, while it was a relatively small gathering for our first turn out, it was quite exciting to see the response from our colleagues and people we'd never met or spoken with before. It was also great to put some faces to names that we'd spoken with online and find out that these people were just as interesting offline as well. We've already set a date for the second round in September and I'm looking forward to meeting a few new folk and hearing their take on things. The whole premise is to keep these events social and relaxed and anyone is welcome to come along.
And I suppose this is my point about networking. Much in the same way that everyone including the dog stops when the bald bloke says he's a banker, there's a preconception around networking events that when you attend you are simply looking to find the nearest person with a blank cheque book, and the environment can sometimes been both forced and unpleasant.
This is where I think online events taken offline have a real role to play. Think of it as a 'try before you buy' scenario - if you have a pre-existing connection with those organising/attending the event, you're more likely to be comfortable in that environment and less likely to be given a sales pitch. You are, like everyone else, simply there to have a good time sharing a common interest with those around you. While one of the criticisms of these types of events is that they have an air of exclusivity, I think it's just something that those involved need to be wary of and look to include all those who are interested. At the end of the day, there's certainly no door list, bouncer or secret handshake for PRinks (though a handshake would be cool...) and the more open and inclusive a gathering is, the more likely it is to be considered valuable and worthwhile for those looking to meet and share a few ideas in a relaxed setting.
Often the best connections you make are with those who are interested in what you have to say rather than what you have to offer. Hopefully online channels can continue to be the leveller in this regard.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Non-profits leading Australian social media advancement
I remember when I first took an interest in social media and how it was influencing the communications industry. One of my initial frustrations in trying to find out more about what businesses were doing was that there was a real lack of case studies putting the theory into practice in Australia. I suppose it wasn't too surprising, as many who were taking their first steps into the space were likely wary of crowing too loudly about their efforts in fear of having their approach analysed and dissected by those in the industry. Sadly, the result of which was that it was hard to find real examples where companies were engaging stakeholders online and how they were doing so successfully.
Enter the non-profit.
NPOs are always looking for ways to reach new audiences and strengthen ties with existing ones, so online was no doubt a natural progression for many. They've also been the ones willing to talk about their efforts and where the successes and learnings have been and this had led to some fairly innovative approaches being undertaken. Globally speaking, the most obvious of which has been the charity: water Twestival events that raised over $250,000 in a week earlier this year - this example has changed the way most people view the value and power of online communities. Through online channels such as Twitter and YouTube, charity: water was able to generate an online groundswell of support that led to an offline fundraising effort around the world.
In the last few months it has been really encouraging to see the number of Australian non-profits taking an active interest in online community engagement. It's probably a combination of a few things: generally low cost (time being the main factor); tapping into an active passionate audience; providing an area for passionate ambassadors to show support.
We've recently had a few great examples worth noting - Dry July was a phenomenal success (raising $1.2 million), combining offline and online communities to raise awareness and funds for hospitals around Australia; ActionAid Australia has broken new ground with Project TOTO and it's unique blogger outreach program with Stilgherrian (keep an eye out on v2); and Movember has already harnessed the viral power of online networks in previous years so it will be interesting to see where they take the 2009 campaign.
At Sefiani, we've recently commenced working with 40K Home Foundation - an NPO which is taking an active stance in the fight against poverty in India by focusing on interactivity, science and adventure. While we've only been working together for a few months, what's been most obvious is their enthusiasm and willingness to try new things and we look forward to broadening their reach over the coming months in the lead up to the launch of their inaugural project in Bangalore.
With organisations like these leading the charge in online engagement and strategy, it would be interesting to hear whether social media has been a blessing for NPOs or whether the challenge to engage new communities will simply become more difficult with an ever-increasing number of movements asking for our support. Perhaps this could be an interesting discussion for the Social Media Club Sydney in the future? As opposed to hearing how someone's managed to take advantage of online channels, I'd be intrigued to hear how social media is being for good and how these organisations will overcome future channels with these technologies.
Enter the non-profit.
NPOs are always looking for ways to reach new audiences and strengthen ties with existing ones, so online was no doubt a natural progression for many. They've also been the ones willing to talk about their efforts and where the successes and learnings have been and this had led to some fairly innovative approaches being undertaken. Globally speaking, the most obvious of which has been the charity: water Twestival events that raised over $250,000 in a week earlier this year - this example has changed the way most people view the value and power of online communities. Through online channels such as Twitter and YouTube, charity: water was able to generate an online groundswell of support that led to an offline fundraising effort around the world.
In the last few months it has been really encouraging to see the number of Australian non-profits taking an active interest in online community engagement. It's probably a combination of a few things: generally low cost (time being the main factor); tapping into an active passionate audience; providing an area for passionate ambassadors to show support.
We've recently had a few great examples worth noting - Dry July was a phenomenal success (raising $1.2 million), combining offline and online communities to raise awareness and funds for hospitals around Australia; ActionAid Australia has broken new ground with Project TOTO and it's unique blogger outreach program with Stilgherrian (keep an eye out on v2); and Movember has already harnessed the viral power of online networks in previous years so it will be interesting to see where they take the 2009 campaign.
At Sefiani, we've recently commenced working with 40K Home Foundation - an NPO which is taking an active stance in the fight against poverty in India by focusing on interactivity, science and adventure. While we've only been working together for a few months, what's been most obvious is their enthusiasm and willingness to try new things and we look forward to broadening their reach over the coming months in the lead up to the launch of their inaugural project in Bangalore.
With organisations like these leading the charge in online engagement and strategy, it would be interesting to hear whether social media has been a blessing for NPOs or whether the challenge to engage new communities will simply become more difficult with an ever-increasing number of movements asking for our support. Perhaps this could be an interesting discussion for the Social Media Club Sydney in the future? As opposed to hearing how someone's managed to take advantage of online channels, I'd be intrigued to hear how social media is being for good and how these organisations will overcome future channels with these technologies.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Top 25 communicators shun Twitter
Well, been a while since I last posted here but I think it's fair to say it's been an extremely busy and challenging time over the last month or so. It's interesting to reflect and see where social media fits in your life and how 'necessary' it is when bigger priorities come along...
And, to start with a somewhat loose fitting segue, I was therefore drawn to a post from Zach at USASEOPros regarding the number of top global communicators, as listed by PR Week, that are ignoring Twitter.
The study found that only two of the top 25 had a personal presence on Twitter (8%) which is fascinating given the prophecies that Twitter is the communication platform to end all others. You'd think that these people would be the very ones looking to utilise and further such technology, wouldn't you?
So what's different? Is it a case that they're simply too busy to bother? Or do they not see value in engaging on a regular basis? Given Twitter's fantastic ability to share information and ideas at a touch, would it therefore not make sense that these leading communicators share their own views with the world? Equally, only a select few seem to share these ideas on a blog (Richard Edelman regularly though Rachel Whetstone seems to have posted last in 2007).
If Twitter doesn't seem to hold relevance for those at the very top of the communications industry, will it continue to thrive with the remainder or is it at risk of becoming a form of echo chamber without the input of the world's leading minds?
UPDATE: This is further supported by an article on Anthill suggesting that only two of the Fortune 100 have Twitter and none have blogs. (Thanks @nickhealy!)
And, to start with a somewhat loose fitting segue, I was therefore drawn to a post from Zach at USASEOPros regarding the number of top global communicators, as listed by PR Week, that are ignoring Twitter.
The study found that only two of the top 25 had a personal presence on Twitter (8%) which is fascinating given the prophecies that Twitter is the communication platform to end all others. You'd think that these people would be the very ones looking to utilise and further such technology, wouldn't you?
So what's different? Is it a case that they're simply too busy to bother? Or do they not see value in engaging on a regular basis? Given Twitter's fantastic ability to share information and ideas at a touch, would it therefore not make sense that these leading communicators share their own views with the world? Equally, only a select few seem to share these ideas on a blog (Richard Edelman regularly though Rachel Whetstone seems to have posted last in 2007).
If Twitter doesn't seem to hold relevance for those at the very top of the communications industry, will it continue to thrive with the remainder or is it at risk of becoming a form of echo chamber without the input of the world's leading minds?
UPDATE: This is further supported by an article on Anthill suggesting that only two of the Fortune 100 have Twitter and none have blogs. (Thanks @nickhealy!)
Monday, June 15, 2009
The importance of crisis communications
Several weeks ago I discussed the future of PR on this blog as there'd been a bit of loose discussion around its sustainability in the long term communications landscape within the context of social media. It was pleasing to see several comments agreeing that social media provides huge opportunities for public relations and that there is, of course, more to PR than simply churning out media releases.
Surprise surprise.
The main element that people seem to acknowledge is the imperative integration of social media in the issues and crisis management sphere of public relations. This has always been, and likely will always remain, one of the genuine tools in the kit bag of any agency or in-house practitioner, and the value of expert crisis communications advice cannot be ignored. While people may debate how agencies will handle their transformation into digital channels, one thing we all must grasp is the power of social media in times of crisis as it is then that our clients need guidance most.
We recently had an internal presentation from crisis comms specialist Jane Jordan discussing this very issue and how online tools could and should be used in a crisis. While there's no doubting that traditional channels are still a vitally important consideration during such times, online channels are becoming increasingly more important as they are, more often then not, the platforms that break the news. Not only this, they are also often the community worth monitoring to see how an issue may unfold.
Today when 140 characters can be the difference between the right information and the wrong information (and a resulting fire), having a strong understanding of the tools available to you and how to best use them is vital for all businesses.
If ever there was a selling point for Twitter and it's related applications, surely this is it. The value in monitoring real-time conversations as they happen and engaging with them as and when necessary is something that we are now really beginning to understand. Ask Dominos.
Surprise surprise.
The main element that people seem to acknowledge is the imperative integration of social media in the issues and crisis management sphere of public relations. This has always been, and likely will always remain, one of the genuine tools in the kit bag of any agency or in-house practitioner, and the value of expert crisis communications advice cannot be ignored. While people may debate how agencies will handle their transformation into digital channels, one thing we all must grasp is the power of social media in times of crisis as it is then that our clients need guidance most.
We recently had an internal presentation from crisis comms specialist Jane Jordan discussing this very issue and how online tools could and should be used in a crisis. While there's no doubting that traditional channels are still a vitally important consideration during such times, online channels are becoming increasingly more important as they are, more often then not, the platforms that break the news. Not only this, they are also often the community worth monitoring to see how an issue may unfold.
Today when 140 characters can be the difference between the right information and the wrong information (and a resulting fire), having a strong understanding of the tools available to you and how to best use them is vital for all businesses.
If ever there was a selling point for Twitter and it's related applications, surely this is it. The value in monitoring real-time conversations as they happen and engaging with them as and when necessary is something that we are now really beginning to understand. Ask Dominos.
Friday, June 12, 2009
List of Aussie and Kiwi PR bloggers
Following the great work of Kylie Lewis, Trevor Young and the marketing brain power of Kate Kendall, a list of Australian and (four) NZ PR bloggers has been pulled together earlier this week with some interesting results.
I suppose what struck me most was the lack of them.
Less than 50 at last count - at least 15 of which are organisations rather than individuals.
We are an industry based on communication and, while we may come under criticism from time to time (positioned somewhere between lawyers and used car salesmen...) there are some genuinely intelligent practitioners out there with oodles of wisdom on both our industry and the corporate world in general. Are we, as Kylie suggests, simply too busy to put our thoughts down on a blog? Or is it, rather, that we ourselves are still coming to grips with what a digital age entails and how we should be getting involved?
Interested to hear from any PR pros who read but don't write blogs as to why they're yet to take the plunge.
Personally, I hope to have a look through those I'm yet to read and see what other interesting issues are being discussed online. Who knows who the next Richard Edelman might be...
I suppose what struck me most was the lack of them.
Less than 50 at last count - at least 15 of which are organisations rather than individuals.
We are an industry based on communication and, while we may come under criticism from time to time (positioned somewhere between lawyers and used car salesmen...) there are some genuinely intelligent practitioners out there with oodles of wisdom on both our industry and the corporate world in general. Are we, as Kylie suggests, simply too busy to put our thoughts down on a blog? Or is it, rather, that we ourselves are still coming to grips with what a digital age entails and how we should be getting involved?
Interested to hear from any PR pros who read but don't write blogs as to why they're yet to take the plunge.
Personally, I hope to have a look through those I'm yet to read and see what other interesting issues are being discussed online. Who knows who the next Richard Edelman might be...
Friday, May 29, 2009
Have you heard the news? PR is doomed :)
And, as there's a chance you came here through Twitter, the prophecy must be true!
...
There seems to be a fair amount of PR doom and gloom around at the moment. If you believe the experts, it would appear the newspaper is on its way out and with print, television and radio struggling to find businesses keen to advertise, it's not surprising to see both radio and TV advertising advertising themselves... With these institutions struggling to stay above water, and given that the bread and butter of most PR firms is media relations, it would appear that we'll soon have no one to talk to.
So, GFC aside, what's the cause of all this concern?
Why, it's social media, of course.
Now, much like observer Aaron Schoenherr, I too am going to have a slightly biased opinion given my choice of profession, but, unlike Furat Kurcaali, I see social media as an opportunity for public relations - not a burden. In the best case, PR is about providing genuine communications solutions to clients. It's not just media relations, it's stakeholder strategy.
When people talk about consumers sourcing their news from digital platforms like Twitter, Jaiku, Pownce or Yammer and confine PR to extinction, they're forgetting the other, sometimes more valuable, components such as issues management, investor relations or employee engagement for example. And just by listing these few other elements of PR we can see how social media can be integrated into existing practices to further enhance the service offering of all agencies willing to get involved. Real-time monitoring and tracking for crises, identification of industry forums and development of online communities - these are just a few examples of other strings waiting to be added to the bow.
Sure, you could say PR's extinct...but you might find a few people who'd likely disagree.
UPDATE: Interesting article in Mumbrella today looking at the demise of Fairfax's newsprint. Seems the wheels are in motion... Check out the comments for some passionate opinions on the topic.
...
There seems to be a fair amount of PR doom and gloom around at the moment. If you believe the experts, it would appear the newspaper is on its way out and with print, television and radio struggling to find businesses keen to advertise, it's not surprising to see both radio and TV advertising advertising themselves... With these institutions struggling to stay above water, and given that the bread and butter of most PR firms is media relations, it would appear that we'll soon have no one to talk to.
So, GFC aside, what's the cause of all this concern?
Why, it's social media, of course.
Now, much like observer Aaron Schoenherr, I too am going to have a slightly biased opinion given my choice of profession, but, unlike Furat Kurcaali, I see social media as an opportunity for public relations - not a burden. In the best case, PR is about providing genuine communications solutions to clients. It's not just media relations, it's stakeholder strategy.
When people talk about consumers sourcing their news from digital platforms like Twitter, Jaiku, Pownce or Yammer and confine PR to extinction, they're forgetting the other, sometimes more valuable, components such as issues management, investor relations or employee engagement for example. And just by listing these few other elements of PR we can see how social media can be integrated into existing practices to further enhance the service offering of all agencies willing to get involved. Real-time monitoring and tracking for crises, identification of industry forums and development of online communities - these are just a few examples of other strings waiting to be added to the bow.
Sure, you could say PR's extinct...but you might find a few people who'd likely disagree.
UPDATE: Interesting article in Mumbrella today looking at the demise of Fairfax's newsprint. Seems the wheels are in motion... Check out the comments for some passionate opinions on the topic.
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