We’re all in showbiz

I've been thinking about this for a while…In social media, we're all in showbiz.  

We have our stage, whether blogs, video or other networks. Our shtick, that is who we are, how we present ourselves and what we choose to do and say. And our audience (for better or worse).

We're out here singing our hearts out (or in my case playing recorder ) – in the hopes that someone will listen and connect.  Our interactions are public. And the accolades and (savage) critics are always lurking in the wings. 

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Sharypic: a real time online photo carousel at Counselors Academy

I first learned about Sharypic at the PRSA Digital Impact Conference, when Matthias Lufkens mentioned he used it a photo sharing platform at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

It's a new site and few people in the room had tried it. Joe Thornley set up a DI stream and we saw how well it aggregated Twitter and Instagram photos.

Now it's a month later and I'm in New Orleans for the start of Counselors Academy, the annual conference for PR agency owners/leaders. And we're testing Sharypic to visually capture our event with a live photo wall at the main sessions. 

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Irrelevance could be just around the corner

A friend of mine recently commented that he still doesn't get Twitter.  

I understand how he feels because I was there…many of us were when we started. And from trial and error and all the hours spent, we start to see the value – or don't.

But the flood of negative responses surprised me because you could see they were from people who'd based their opinions on things they'd heard or read. Not from a personal experience with the site.

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Morning dip – how I manage the social media overflow

I'm often asked how I find the time to what I do, which translates into: how I stay so active on social channels and especially Twitter and still get my work done.

A question for the ages…

It's not hard, really. But you have to make choices. 

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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. 

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