Comments on: Inside PR # 137 – Wednesday, November 12, 2008

By: meznor

meznor — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:54:21 +0000

I agree with Rick, and with the response Terry/David/Martin gave.

Social media experience isn’t necessary to get a job, but it’d be a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the tools. People who have current knowledge on PR tactics and techniques through new technology and social media will certainly have an edge over people who don’t, even if they just have theoretical knowledge, not hands-on experience.

Just like any profession or career path, understanding emerging trends affecting it is essential not only to lifelong learning and building your career, but even to simply maintain your place in the industry. Don’t think for a second that seasoned PR practitioners can sit idly and depend on their experience in a world that is moving as quickly as the one we live in. People are successful when they work on their craft.

Of course, you don’t have to integrate yourself into the Web 2.0 mentality or comment on blogs or podcasts (as you just did, ironically!)… you can observe and study how others are using the technology and bring your own innovative ideas to PR strategies. Knowledge is power.

A good little slideshow on why Social Media Matters:
http://www.slideshare.net/mzkagan/what-the-fk-social-media/v1

…
Thanks for the show, Terry & co.

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:28:06 +0000

Hi again to the Inside PR cast and crew. I have to be honest and say I haven’t been listening to Podcasts on my morning commute for a while now, and haven’t listened to your show recently.

I think that Talk is Cheap drew me back in.

Having graduated from Centennial’s CC&PR program in the last six months, I was thrust into the social media space. Being a techy and ‘webby’ guy I enjoy it a lot. But, not all of my classmates did.

Social media is a pretty hot button these days, but it’s not going end traditional media relations, solid writing, project management, etc. Though, an awareness of what social media is, and the customs of those engaged in it can never hurt.

I think the person looking for work in public relations, who isn’t interested in SM, needs to really play up their strengths as we’d normally do.

Considering their audience (potential employers) would also be important. Thornley Fallis, Palette PR, Maverick PR and the H&K Digital Practice may not be the best agencies (or departments) for someone with no interested in social media to apply to.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:29:14 +0000

I was a bit discouraged to hear the panel scoffing at the idea of someone sending a resume to apply for a job without also having a presence in the world of social media (gasp!). I understand the importance of social media right now. I follow a few blogs and I have a Facebook account, but I don’t have my own blog and I don’t usually comment on other people’s blogs. I don’t have a “brand” in the world of social media (nor do I care to have one right now).

I want to know if anyone has advice for a person looking for work in public relations, but who is not really interested in social media?