Google+ gets a new look for spring

It's not just haute couture models parading down the runway with the latest spring fashions.

Google+ has done its first redesign since launching last summer and my initial impression is that I'm giving this a plus one for the right direction. 

(more…)

Social network rush hour

For me, it happens everytime I tune in and it reminds me of stop and go driving.

I start by watching the stream fly by and then all of a sudden brake fast to find I'm at a standstill (and not just because I've moved onto another task).

Let me explain.

(more…)

Counselors Academy: a double major in business and PR

This is a slightly revised version of the message I wrote as chair of the 2012 PRSA Counselors Academy conference, which is, as I've said on a number of occasions, my PR highlight of the year. I've learned more about running a business, understanding people and communication industry trends and challenges from Counselors than anywhere else (including Mad Men ).

If you're a PR agency owner or leader, I'd encourage you to check out this year's schedule and join us in New Orleans. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want more info. 

(more…)

Inside PR 2.92: Is it social media or social business?

This post was originally published on Inside PR 2.92.

We start with some exciting news about Inside PR’s new partnership with PRSA.  We’re heading to New York in early April to join them as the official podcaster of the PRSA Digital Impact conference.  They’ve got a great line-up of speakers and we’re planning to record a number of interviews with social media influencers that we’ll use on future shows.  Stay tuned for more details…

This week, we feature an interview with Giovanni Rodriguez that roving reporter Martin conducted at SXSW. 

(more…)

Are we in an era of PR crises?

Social media amplifies, the good, the bad and the PR crisis. It seems that every week some sort of issue percolates to the surface and catches our attention because of the combination of social media and an organization's failure to communicate.

I attended a Council of PR Firms panel on this subject at SXSW with industry leaders Gary Stockman, CEO, Porter Novelli, Bob Pearson, president, W20 Group, Melissa Waggener Zorkin, CEO, president, and founder, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide and Mark Stouse, VP and global communications leader, Honeywell Aerospace.  The group felt the last part of 2011 and early 2012 had more than its share of PR crises and looked at five high profile cases and whether or not the organizations involved used communications effectively to help resolve them.

(more…)