23. Twitter = Awesomeness

There has definitely become a trend in my blog recently: social media. Since you have been dying to know even more than you already do about the absolutely amazingness of social media, and don't worry because we will be covering them (all), but the time has come to discuss different parts. I could probably talk about social media all day, but I want to open the discussion for Twitter.

In a presentation I went to recently given by Nick Dragon, he broke down the three main social mediums for us, and this is how he categorized it:

Facebook = Friends (more personal)
LinkedIn = Professionals (no explanation needed... yet)
Twitter = Awesomeness (everything that doesn't fit into the other two)

Since you want to find excuses to network as a communications professional, Twitter raises awareness of you. It explains you. It can assist others.

Some advice for the new Twitter fiend: do not get discouraged if no one follows you at first. You have to follow people. You have to post on your Twitter. You have to provide a reason for people other than the ones who truly love you (Mother) to follow what you are doing... at every second of the day. Do NOT abuse the power of Twitter awesomeness unless you are willing to lose credibility.

22. Crazy Little Thing Called ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!

I love, love, love this video that was shown at the PR conference. In our current society, social media is vital. We cannot ignore it. I know I wont. The conference had a least one social media lecture in each session. Most had more than that! So why is social media so vital in the wonderful world of PR where I seem to be spending my time (and you should just see my twitter feed as it is littered with links from awesome people in the industry) so vital to our needs as communications professionals? If you don't get involved, you get left behind. Scott Duehlmeier actually said, "Once a new technology runs over you, if you aren't part of the steamroller, you are part of the road." (Scott Duehlmeier is a renowned PR social media practitioner. You can follow him on Twitter at @Paco_Belle)

Here is the deal, friends. GET INVOLVED! Don't become part of the road!  Join us in the webosphere now!

*Tune in later for exciting Twitter-ness.

21. Public Relations and Social Media

I am a PR major, so I often see things from a public relations perspective. Combine that with an article I read about PR practitioners using social media, and you have a blog post. Stick with me friends, this may be a bumpy one!

How is social media/internet changing how companies are viewed? On one side, there is a rise of non-traditional companies. Businesses that would have never survived on the street where you live because the demand was not great enough in one localized area, not only survive but thrive. After all, nationalized is another kettle of fish entirely. People can buy and sell, create and sell, essentially ANYTHING and sell! The key is to link yourself into their lives. With giveaways, many companies create a place for themselves in your life with you volunteering that space.

The flip side is represented by traditional companies. While you don't see many full-fledged campaigns for say, Volvo, you do get some very exciting viral videos. Old Spice... need I say more? If I do, here it is!