Slightly informed opinions about web metrics, SEO, social media, public relations and other professional things communications people find interesting.
While learning different techniques to boost my creativity, I can't help but wonder who actually uses these crazy techniques. As I sat enjoying my delicious Birthday Cake Oreos, I realized companies probably use techniques all the time. Honestly, look at some of the crazy inventions that have come to fruition.
The first crazy invention that was SCAMPER-ed into existence is the Snuggie. Like I could mention anything else.
The original blanket with sleeves combined the problems of cold hands while texting, a constantly moving blanket and the need for an additional wizard robe into one magical garment. A website (snuggiesightings.com) allows you to post pictures of when you've seen a Snuggie in the wild. You can even get one for your dog.
Next we find nail stickers.
Someone (like me) who couldn't paint their nails thought how can I combine the beauty of exotic prints with the ease of no mess application. Hence the nail sticker. These strips make sure that your nails are never stained or sloppy looking. If applied right.
Finally, we have the BookBook.
Someone sat their thinking, "Man, I'd really like to have a device that protects my phone, carries my wallet necessities and looks like a book so I can hide the face that I have my phone out," and created the BookBook.
You can even get them for your Macbook.
All of the above examples illustrate what can happen when you look at the uses, functions and needs of different objects and combine them into a new product. These things sound crazy until you realize how great the combinations are. I couldn't live without my Snuggie.
Seeing these inventions helped me find perspective on Thinkertoys and realize that maybe, just maybe, I will too find use for them someday.
Public relations is a profession with a multitude of responsibilities. One of the most important and commonly overlooked is professional development. Students enter this major eagerly anticipating when they can begin planning special events and making a difference by helping nonprofits with writing, design and promotion.
Few arrive at Waynesburg and think, "wow, I can't wait to attend some great conferences." Actually I don't think anyone says that. I sure didn't. It wasn't until my first PRSA Pittsburgh Professional Development Day during my freshman year that I realized I loved learning about the profession as much as I enjoyed practicing it.
Go ahead, say it. I'm a huge nerd. I know. Nothing inspires me more creatively than hearing an industry professional share their insight and offer advice on how to replicate their success. I think this love of knowledge will help me be successful one day because I never believe that I know everything and I know I can always improve.
This week at Waynesburg University was our second annual Public Relations Week. Embracing the need for professional development, the PRSSA Chapter diligently works to bring in speakers that will directly benefit all those who are interested. While some members don't see the value, I've learned a lot this week. I leave each presentation with pages full of notes with ideas for the future.
By far, my favorite presenter this week has been Melissa Monk. While her background isn't PR specific, she discussed the importance of branding and networking. Her essential advice was crucial to everyone intending to enter the work force.
While she included a lot of great information, her discussion on Linked In was my favorite part.
While listening to her presentation, I took copious notes and made a to do list of things to update on my Linked In. I learned I need to include all experience to show that I'm well-rounded and a multitasker. Your profile should reflect the professional you.
Her advice made me realize there are so many more things I could learn about Linked In, so I scoured the Internet machine and found this rad video.
Not only does it give an overview (which I needed), it shows another way to use the social medium. The site is valuable for making connections and finding the right businesses to help you out. It shows you connections of who is right for you and how to narrow down what you find.
Next, I found this article discussing how to optimize your business. Because at this point I'm selling myself, the advise is still valuable.
One speaker's presentation caused me to research an underutilized social media site and find ways to enhance my brand. The more speakers you see, the more you learn. While most people don't realize it, conferences and speakers are sometimes the greatest places to find inspiration. You just have to be willing to hear it.
At Waynesburg University, we spend a lot of time learning about old and new school public relations. We have classes dedicated to teaching how to effectively use these tactics, but most of the focus remains on old school. This means we are drilled on the importance of releases, stories and conferences.
But what about social media?
Sure, we all use it in some capacity, but we're not taught how to use it professionally. Because we are a small school, we don't have the staff or probably the numbers add a course like that. I think that George Cicci, director of integrated marketing at Waynesburg University, is considering teaching a course next spring, but that won't benefit me.
All of that to get to this point- I found the coolest example of learning to use social media ever.
At the University of North Texas, students in the Strategic Social Media course imagined that social media existed in 1912. They used Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook, among others, to see what it would've been like. Pinterest boards were created to model the White Star Line product and intrigue potential travelers.
Twitter server numerous functions, including a live discussion with White Star Line and the families of Titanic travelers to keep them updated. Additionally, students were assigned real passengers and they had to tweet about their experiences both aboard the luxurious liner as well as the sinking.
On top of that, the students had to do research about the Titanic. This included reading reports about the incident and case studies conducted. Not only were they learning how to use social media both professionally, personally and in a crisis situation, but they also learned.
In my opinion, this is wildly creative. It sparked such a strong interest in me that I've been trying to get Waynesburg professors to adopt the idea and implement it both in class and in organizations. Unfortunately, I have no takers, but this is still a unique idea that helps teachers present the material in a way that students will be interested in and want to pursue. Also, it helps me think for the future of project ideas and ways to incorporate fun and learning.
Essentially this is creativity and public relations done right. A model example for classes to come.
