Today's Question: Should Your Social Media Personality Match Your Real Personality?

As of late I’ve had the opportunity to actually connect in the flesh with some of my social media friends. Most recently, I spent the afternoon with some fellow tweeps at the Cleveland Indians social media suite.

Prior to the game, the digital media coordinator sent all of the attendees our Twitter handles so that we could meet virtually. Twenty-four hours before the game we were tweeting back and forth, proclaiming our excitement for the next day to all of our followers and tagging each other in posts. Then, we met…and for the most part, we sat at a game in beautiful weather and tweeted back and forth TO EACH OTHER…so much for “social”.

Where were all of these interesting people that I met online? Did they stay at home watching the game in fear of the end of the world (the game was on Saturday, May 21, 2011)?

I was so excited for this game, I immediately started following everyone on Twitter, I made a special Twitter list so that I could see what each person was tweeting and I read all of their online profiles. When I entered the suite on Saturday, I shouted “What’s up, social media suite?” Instead of responses, I got weird looks.

All I can say is I am who I am…via social media or in social settings.

Today's Question: Why is it Important to Check Your Ego at the Door?

It seems so simple, but this concept can bite even the brightest person in the butt! Confidence is a quality that is important in any leader, but in the midst of this confidence there must be a sense of humility—otherwise your ego will stop you from being a great leader.

It good to have a reminder of this handed to you every once in a while. Just this week in a state of frustration, I wanted to send off an email to another volunteer explaining that I clearly knew what I was doing since I’m required to do similar tasks for companies much larger than this organization…my ego was bruised and I wanted to lash out—at another volunteer—because I felt that my abilities were questioned.

After calling my friend for counsel, taking a deep breath and waiting about 10 minutes, a cooler head and smaller ego prevailed.

Reflecting on that event, I realized that this happens all too often. I’ve spent personal time, money and resources on my career; I spend my free time learning more about social media, communications and trends; I work during evenings and weekends for my own job as well as those organizations I volunteer with; and I take my work very seriously (even if I don’t take myself seriously)…so how can MY motives be questioned?

I’m not alone; many of us are wired the exact same way. But, don’t let your ego get in the way, you might miss out on a great idea, new opportunity or learning experience—and great leaders don’t let those things pass them by.

Today's Question: Did You Participate in the Most "Social" SuperBowl Sunday?

I did...with the gusto of a "kid in a candy store"-thanks for that reference, Carmax. In fact, I got so wrapped up in tweeting and posting, that I nearly forgot that there was a professional sporting event going on.

The running commentary on Twitter and Facebook had me in stitches, from the flubbed up lyrics during the National Anthem to the A-Rod/Diaz feeding frenzy, those four hours of sitting in front of two screens (sometimes three) flew by!

But, it was exhausting. Today I realized that I missed some commercials, big plays and maybe even some quality one-on-one spoken communication with friends...instead I typed away, replied and posted my own thoughts on everything from commercials to the halftime show.

In spite of all of this, it was exciting to be a part-even if it was minor-in the most "social" SuperBowl Sunday and it proves that social media is a very powerful tool that can be used to organize groups of people, influence decisions and make differences in our world...and it is accessible to some many people.

Today's Question: Is Social Media Making Me Fat?

According to the fitness assessment I had done with my personal trainer (yep, I asked for this "gift" for Christmas), it has to be. Instead of burning calories picking up the phone or walking to a friend's house for a visit, I simply get online, post an update, comment on a photo and send a video link. I log on my laptop instead of logging miles on a pedometer and I'd rather be trekking through my Tweets then trekking through a park.

So, I've made a New Year's resolution and added "personal trainer sessions" to my outlook calendar for three times a week for the next 4 months! Perhaps this will only give me more energy to poke, tweet and message--but it had to be done!

I have to conclude that my obsession with social media is impacting my waistline. I'll keep you updated on my progress...thank goodness for mobile devices.

Happy New Year!

Today's Question: What's So Great About Product Placement?

Although at times it can be a little annoying--notice how every teacher in the new show Glee has a Mac, or how every judge on American Idol drinks Coca-Cola from glasses that prominently displays the logo, or how about the Kenmore kitchen on Top Chef...well, in a nutshell product placement is a communications professional's dream. And what's more, we really appreciate those earned placements versus the paid ones.

Last week, my client Channellock reaped the benefit of one such unexpected placement on The Jay Leno Show.



What we did after the segment aired was nearly at important as Cookie's good tool sense. We made sure that every Channellock friend, fan and follower knew about the segment. Within 36 hours we posted it, emailed it, forwarded it and repurposed it to get maximum exposure. Because it's one thing to secure the placement and its another thing to make sure that people have seen it!

I hope you enjoyed my attempt to share it with you!

Today's Question: Did I Run Out of Questions?

No, I have not run out of questions--it just seems as the days have gotten shorter, my time has gotten tighter. I've been busy with community service events, hanging out with my Little, standing up in weddings, teaching others about social media, oh yeah, and making O-H-I-O pictures on someone's lawn. (That's me on the left.)



Stay tuned for more questions about news coverage, product placement, leadership, time management, office politics, social media and communications! Don't worry, I will Keep Asking Questions!

Today's Question: Do I Have Enough Blog Cred to Repost an Old Blog?

Well, I might not be established enough, but I'm going to do it anyways. I've been meeting a lot of "social media" posers lately. After being engulfed in the world of Social Media, I no longer feel like a poser. I have a decent understanding of how businesses can and should use social media, I'm expanding my personal brand via social media, and I'm able to measure these results for clients and put them in terms that make sense--drive Web site traffic, increase awareness and ultimately, have a positive result on sales.

Posers, beware! There's a new social media enthusiast around!


Original Post March 2009:
I think I might be. I've been trying this blog for about a month, I try to Tweet nearly every day, I update my Facebook status, I accept Linked In invitations, I watch videos on YouTube (and have even downloaded some), I subscribe to RSS feeds, I download widgets, the list goes on and on--but I still kind of feel like I'm faking my way through it.


I feel this way because every time I turn around there are new social media "experts", "mavens", and "gurus"--it's quite humbling to think that I just recently added my blog (with 18 admitted followers) to Technorati--I'm nowhere near this coveted, self-proclaimed expert status. Heck, at my first job we didn't have the Internet...I guess Al Gore hadn't gotten around to inventing it. I would have to go to the library to look up old newspaper articles.





Because this form of communication is changing all of the time, maybe we are all posers or experts. The ability to share and connect with others is available for nearly everyone.





For now, I'll continue to post, update, download, share, connect and communicate--just try and stop me!

Today's Question: Are All Media Impressions Created Equal?

As the landscape for PR professionals continues to change, we are faced with how to measure our results. Traditional metrics including impressions, CPM and Web site traffics have made way for positive blog posts, Tweets and online recommendations. With that said, many of our programs are still evaluated on impressions--how many people can we reach; how many eyeballs will see our placements. The new question becomes--how many of these impressions are engaged and will result in action?

There are standard multipliers for evaluating a paid versus earned placement, but how do we rate a blog placement or comment on a message board. Aren't these more engaged placements? The overall numbers are smaller, but the direct feedback from purchasers is much more meaningful, so isn't it OK that the volume is less?

It really comes down to a better understanding by professionals on how to evaluate today's programs. So, all impressions are not created equal and they shouldn't be!

Today's Question: Do You Have a Personal Social Media Policy?

Even if your employer doesn't have a social media policy--it's important that you have a personal one. I'm not suggesting that you need to "hide" the person you truly are, but you might want to consider the things you are sharing with the Cyberuniverse. There are plenty of options for privacy blockers that you can use.

You can still participate in the local Sunggie Pub Crawl, just make sure that your photos are "untagged" or blocked from certain connections in your social network!

It's also important to set goals for why you are using social media--entertainment, professional, personal, etc. That way you can determine how you are using the media and decide on the best online persona for you--but don't try too hard. Just because you have a review coming up and your supervisor follows you on Twitter, you don't need to tweet that your work day finally ended at 9pm!

Just make sure that you are comfortable with your social media policy--remember, you might actually have the opportunity to meet or work with some of your friends and followers!

Today's Question: Do You Have a Connection Obsession?

Hi, my name is Krista Holloway and I am a connection addict. I spend most of my time online, reading, sharing and communicating with others. While being connected with social media is important for my profession, I think this obsession might be a problem. I actually posted a tweet that stated "my day job is interfering with my social media time."

What is happening? Before the proliferation of social media, I hadn't heard from people from college, high school--or even elementary school--now, I'm seeking these people out--looking at their photos and asking about their kids. Even though I have the NHL Center Ice cable package, I read Red Wings' game feeds over Twitter instead of watching the game on TV! Last night, I updated my Twitter status through my new Blackberry Storm at my book club. And I'm the first person to make fun of the pregnant woman who was tweeting while in labor...I don't think I'm that far off.

Is this going too far? Is it time to seek professional help? Well, I'm not a quitter, so I will continue to Twitter!

Today's Question: Are We Really Communicating How We Feel Through Social Media?

Social media has given us a new forum for communicating our feelings and thoughts. When I first started out on facebook, I would carefully craft my message and consider who might be looking at my updates. Well, the other day, I realized that social media didn't effectively communicate how I felt and caused quite a stir among my family and friends.

Last week, I was having "one of those days." Instead of blowing up at anyone or even internalizing it--I posted on facebook: "Krista is thinking that if the world ended right now, I'd be OK with it." I wasn't depressed, just really frustrated. I thought I was being clever--anyone that knows me understands my sarcasm, right? I got caught up in the moment and posted without thinking--big mistake.

A few co-workers laughed about my post and agreed with me...one of my friends emailed me to make sure I was OK...when I got home, my husband was upset. He got called by his family to make sure that everything was alright with us, with my health, with our dog, etc., etc.

Now, if I had "said" that statement to my husband, a family member or friend, there wouldn't have been a problem--but a status update without inflection, nonverbal cues and a laugh caused panic and concern.

I think I'll take a little more time with my updates in the future!

Today's Question: Have You Heard of PitchEngine?

PitchEngine is quickly becoming a public relations pro's best friend. Many of us have been waiting on the sidelines trying to figure out when and where to introduce social media into our annual client campaigns...especially when they are more familiar with conservative outreach.

Well, now is the time to embrace the SMR (social media release) and pitchengine is a tool to help us do just that. Our traditional media outlets are dwindling. The Baltimore Examiner, Rocky Mountain News, O at Home, domino and other print publications have recently stopped publishing and additional layoffs are being made across both broadcast and print platforms.

Social media releases offer us a new frontier to explore. Not only can PR pros push the news, but we are giving both journalists and consumers the opportunity to react, support and act on the information we are providing to them!

If you're a PR pro, get to know PitchEngine and if you're a consumer (we all are) continue to share, comment, endorse and even criticize.

Our opinions matter now more than ever--and companies, representatives and brands are (or need to) start listening!

Today's Question: How Did You "View" the Presidential Address?

Whether it was on a major network, over a cable news station, online or even via facebook, chances are you "viewed" last night's Presidential Address. And if you didn't watch it, you will still be surrounded by the ongoing media coverage--in newspapers, on the radio, in conversations with friends and co-workers, via email, through status updates on social media sites--the list goes on and on.

When a major national event happens--we "view" it. Although the way we view these things has changed dramatically. Can we actually imagine gathering our families around a radio and listening to fireside chats? It sounds so archaic and time-consuming.

And now we do more than just watch or listen--we participate! We watch the Address on facebook while twittering about the President's comments; we text our friends while we listen to the Address on the TV; we attend virtual events to show our support for the President's message; we vote in online polls rating his performance--heck, some of us even blog about it!

So, it's time to stop viewing and start acting--you can try not to, but it's nearly impossible--and would we really want it any other way?

Today's Question: Isn't it Really Just About Common Sense?

There's been a lot of online and offline chatter about the do's and don'ts of social media. You can find the five things to do on Twitter to get 1,000 followers in 36 hours, as well as the rules of engagement with friends and colleagues on Facebook.

We struggle with who to friend, who to follow and who to link to...we seek information on how to use this extremely addicting and completely transparent form of communication. Should a colleague really see that I had a few drinks over the weekend, would a client be upset if I tweet about an upcoming event, do I really want my boss to see photos of me from high school.

I think that it just comes down to common sense. If you wouldn't complain about a colleague to their face in the office, why would you use your status update to vent your feelings when he/she can see it later--and what's more, comment on it!

Social networking can be fun because you will probably learn something about others and yourself along the way.

Just remember, think before you type!

Today's Question: What's so Great about Orange Fireworks?

In my opinion, absolutely nothing. Orange fireworks lack a certain creative element--come on, fire is already orange, so what do orange fireworks bring to the display?

Without your own creative element, you run the risk of not bringing much to your company or future company. Creativity is especially important in today's economic state. A little creativity can do anything, such as help your company save money through a recycling program; produce stronger communications results for your clients by reaching target audiences through social media; or develop your personal public relations plan by spending time exploring new opportunities and networking with new people.

Creativity can come from anyone--you don't have to have a "creative" job description to be creative. Your unique point of view can be creative. Think of your interests and inspirations and draw creativity from those things.

Just please, don't allow yourself be orange fireworks!

Today's Question: What is Your Facebook "Face"?

I'm not a self-proclaimed expert at anything, I am, however, a self-proclaimed student of everything. As I explore and practice in the social media world, I've been trying to figure out my face. How am I using the social media, what image am I portraying to others, am I doing it right?

I thought I would take a look at the "faces" of Facebook that I've noticed along the way.

1. The Therapy Seeker-This person provides status updates on everything--from break ups to break downs. You know the status "can't believe the day I'm having, and it started with my dog eating my plane ticket" or "Hope I make it through the day" or "I've been up for 68 hours straight." Sometimes, it slightly crosses the line of TMI.

2. The Self-Promoter-This person is using facebook to promote their cause, their views or their personal brand. The status updates read "Check out my blog to see what I think of the stimulus package" or "Come by my office and I'll give you 20% off of teeth whitening if you say, 'Super Duper Day'" or "It's tax time-let me help you."

3. The Incognito-Not much to say here--no updates, no photo, no online personality.

4. The Social Butterfly-This person floats from one social engagement to the next. Common updates "Heading out to the movies with my girls" or "Running to the gym" or "Doing lunch with my bff, movie with my mom and dinner with a new guy."

But, here's the beauty of social media and online interaction--you can start your day as a self-promoter and end as the social butterfly.

Right now, I'm a social promoter seeking to be incognito. What's your face?