What are the "New Rules of Engagement"??

It’s perhaps the biggest defining rift between PR and newsroom reporters: what’s the best way to pitch a story: traditional phone calls/email or social media such as Twitter, Facebook or blogging?
Click here to hear a lively discussion of News Generation’s radio panel from Thursday, June 18, 2009, featuring four of Washington, DC area's most influential radio decision-makers who addressed how to effectively build relationships and which method they prefer using.Panelists include:
·Chilli Amar, Co-Host and Traffic Reporter, The Carson Show from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., MIX 107.3, twitter.com/ChilliAmar
·Leslie Bradshaw, Communications Manager, New Media Strategies, market leader in social media marketing and measurement, twitter.com/lesliebradshaw
·Mitchell Miller, Assistant News Director/Assistant Program Director, WTOP Radio, twitter.com/wtop
·Jen Richer, Web/News Coordinator, NewsTalk 630 WMAL, twitter.com/JenRicher

Check Out Capital Communicators Group Blog for Program Recaps

Thanks go to Robin Ferrier, president of the Capital Communicators Group (CCG), for posting a recap of June's lunch in which I was delighted to participate as one of three speakers sharing insights and encouragement about jobs and job searches. Check it out at http://capitalcommunicatorsgroup.blogspot.com/.

It was great to present along with Katherine McHale, Senior Associate, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Susy Howard, Principal, The McCormick Group.

And if you're not on the list to learn about upcoming CCG programs (July will be at Voice of America) you're missing out on one of the bargain networking and learning opportunities for communicators in the DC area!

WNG Summer Networking Reception

WHEN: Thursday - July 9th 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

COST: WNG Members: $15 advance registration
Non-Members: $30 advance registration
($10 surcharge for unregistered walk-ins)
REGISTER

Cash bar/Complimentary hors d'oeuvres

WHERE:Hamilton Crowne Plaza ~ The Hamilton Ballroom 1001 14th Street, NW Washington, D.C.
(at McPherson Square Metro station, Red line)


The summer networking events are in full swing. This event is described as "for general networking purposes" and Washington Network Group (WNG) expects a large turn-out because it's open to all five of the WNG Roundtables: International, Technology, Government, Communications, and Entrepreneur. With a cross section like that you just HAVE to meet someone interesting and useful to know!

WWPR Featured in BEST OF DC

BEST OF DC is a new 360-page book that highlights organizations and leaders in our nation's capital with copy, lush photography and beautiful layout ($100 on Amazon) ~~ and Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) was the only female communications organization to be highlighted in the book!

Pictured at left is WWPR Lauren Lawson (second from left) with fellow Board members at the Best of DC party at the National Press Club. Congratulations ladies, and to all WWPR members!

Podcast available for PRSA-NCC's "The Evolution of PR in the Age of Obama"

"The Evolution of PR in the Age of Obama,” from PRSA-NCC is now being offered as a podcast of the professional development workshop which was held on June 17, 2009 at the U.S. Navy Memorial and Heritage Center. This podcast was produced by News Generation, Inc.

Consider it another step in the evolution of Public Relations. YouTube, Facebook, blogs and the innovative use of the Internet, web sites and massive grassroots campaigns utilizing call-to action e-mail groups and texting were key parts of the Obama team’s success both in generating public support and in raising unprecedented amount of campaign money. Since he has taken office, the Obama administration has sent word out to federal agencies to make these new technologies a centerpiece of their communications plans.

PRSA’s Professional Development Committee assembled a diverse panel of experts who examined ways public relations professionals can make effective use of these incredible new technological tools and how they can be incorporated in with traditional campaigns. The presentations evoked a lively discussion and helped the audience learn the best ways to successfully use social and digital media as part of their overall public relations strategies.The panel included:
• Monte Lutz, senior vice president of digital public affairs at Edelman
• Brad Peck, senior director of communications at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Allyn Brooks-LaSure, deputy associate administrator for public affairs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Christina Pearson, senior vice president at Fleishman-Hillard
• Moderator: Phil Rabin, West Glen Communications and editor, Capitol Communicator

To download the podcast, click here.

women speakers: contest, new FB page

Women who want to learn more about public speaking may want to check out two new resources from The Eloquent Woman, my blog on women and speaking: You can find us--and become a fan--on Facebook, and you can enter the blog's "15 Weeks to Step Up Your Public Speaking" contest. One lucky winner will be chosen for 15 weeks of speaker coaching, based on the short video and essay she submits; the coaching will include her top three priorities for improving her speaking. And the winner also receives this custom-designed Flip Mino HD camcorder, to make it easier for her to submit her questions, feedback and progress during the coaching. Entries are due by midnight ET July 31, 2009; the winner will be selected in August and begin the coaching program in September. (You can read about what the 15 weeks include and find entry details at the link above.) Even if you don't want to enter, please share this unique opportunity with other women! I look forward to talking to you in these new forums.

follow us!

We've added a new way to follow the Capital Buzz and its posts: Just sign up using the "Followers" box below right, or here. Followers can sign in using existing Google, AIM or Yahoo! accounts, or by creating a new Google account. It's just another way to stay on top of our updates and news. You also can sign up for email updates or download our RSS feed, also at right. Thanks for your interest and participation in the Capital Buzz.

Plan Ahead! Save the Date for AWC-DC's Annual Tea

Forget the heat and humidity of August in Washington! Instead look forward to the charms of tea sandwiches and lovely little cakes in the one of Washington's most gracious and historic hotels, the Willard, while mingling with colleagues, clients and connections.

AWC-DC's Annual August Tea at
the Willard InterContinental Hotel
Wednesday August 12th
4:00-6:00 p.m.

It's one of my favorite networking events!
More details to come, but I'm already thinking about which hat to wear that day!

Want to Measure Twitter? Ragan Reports No Clear Standout Among Metrics

For the past two months all I've heard about from colleagues and professional society programs is social media, especially Twitter. And while in every discussion and presentation someone raises the question, "How do I measure it?!" there has rarely been a valid answer.

So I was especially interested in the article Analyzing Twitter: variety of metrics, no clear standout by Chris Near that appeared today in Ragan's Daily Headlines. According to Near, "The good news is that you have several online Twitter profile analysis/ranking services to choose from. The bad news is that none of them offers all the metrics you really need or want. "

Near reviews:
Twinfluence ("interesting statistics as well as a percentage ranking system")
TwitterAnalyzer ("good for getting graphs of your preceding month's message volume, subjects you discuss and links you use")
Twitter Grader (their algorithm may still be a work in progress
Twitterholic and TwitterScore ("too problematic to take seriously")

Check out the article to see if one of these might be useful for your purposes.

BOASTS AND TOASTS: WWPR President Receives Nonprofit Entrepreneurship Achievement Award

We're so proud!

Lauren Lawson, President of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) and national spokesperson for Goodwill Industries International, is the recent recipient of the Nonprofit Entrepreneurship Achievement Award from the Greater Washington Women’s Network (GWWN), part of the National Association for Female Executives.

Congratulations Lauren!

Social Media in the Marketing Mix — How to Choose It, When to Use It

American Marketing Association (AMA-DC) offers program exclusively to marketing execs with director-level and above titles, staff management and 15+ years of industry experience.

Date: Thursday, June 25
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Morrison & Foerster ~ 2000 Pennsylvania Ave, 6th Floor

Cost: $50 Members; $65 Non-members
Register: Pre-registration closes at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24th. (onsite registrants are subject to an additional $10 surcharge). Lunch is included.

Speakers:

• Casey Golden, serial entrepreneur and social media expert, heads a panel of corporate, association, and nonprofit execs.
• Ed Bennett, Director, Web Strategy, University of Maryland Medical System
• Ted Hall, Founder and President, ShopBot Tools
• Katherine Watier, Director of Online Marketing, Environmental Working Group

According to a recent social media survey by McCann Erickson Bristol, two out of three marketing experts say that they don't understand social media, even though they agree that it's here to stay.

Social media can deliver a whole new level of interacting with your audience, but you have to choose which platforms are right for your business know when to use them. And who's going to be in charge of securing, monitoring, and maintaining the media?

In this limited attendance program (see above -- and tell the Capital Buzz what you think of such restrictions!) the AMA’s panelists will discuss:

• "That Was So Ten Minutes Ago": Just when we got used to Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter...along comes Wave. How do you keep up with the wildfire pace of changing technology?
• Cool Tools (but know the rules): It's not enough to know that you want to blog, link, friend, or tweet—you need to know how it will help you achieve your business goals.
• Strategy First: Whoa! Don't jump on the bandwagon until you understand the tools. Knowing how to use social media effectively means maximizing the benefits and minimizing the risks.
• Whiz Meets Wisdom: Your youngest hires understand the technology and are at ease using it; your mid-levels have organizational wisdom and marketing aplomb. How can they collaborate?
• Building New Relationships: How do you find the right targets, reach new audiences for your business, and engage them through social media?
• Inside Out, not Outside In: Done right, social media can inspire loyalty from new audiences...but there's a danger if you get it wrong.

If any Capital Buzz readers attend we'd love to have your feedback on this program and whether it delivers at the level promised for 15 yr+ marketing execs!

BOASTS AND TOASTS: Recognition for Two Colleagues

It's always nice to share good news and recognition for fellow communicators.

Professional Development Forum Online, a publication of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), has published “School's Out! But Don't Ignore Your Need for Lifelong Learning,” by colleague Ed Barks in its June edition. Ed's firm, Barks Communications, specializes in media training for effective work with reporters.

And isn't it nice to be appreciated by your staff and employer? Luana Bossolo, Assistant Executive Director for Public Relations in the Practice Directorate at the American Psychological Association (APA) was the recipient of May's Value Award for Employee Development at the APA.

Her own staff nominated her, saying she, "exemplifies a leader who consistently promotes employee development. She regularly encourages her staff to take advantage of learning opportunities in order to enhance our job skills and to grow professionally. .... Luana has actively supported our staff in learning new social media techniques to communicate Public Education Campaign messages about the value of psychological services and ways psychologists can help people live more productive and fulfilling lives. .... Luana has a keen ability to identify team members’ strengths and assign projects accordingly."

The commendation calls her,"a champion of employee development. She encourages her staff to excel and grow professionally. Luana deserves recognition for her strong adherence to this APA Core Value." And the APA clearly rewards such endeavors: Luana will be awarded $250 and presented with a certificate by Dr. Norman Anderson, APA's Chief Executive Officer, along with a specialized Jefferson-style cup with her name engraved on it and her name will be added to the plaque for Core Value winners.

Congratulations to both Ed and Luana!

The First 24 Hours: More on Responding to Crisis in a Web 2.0 World

Free Critical Mention White Paper

Both WWPR and IABC have dealt with the topic of crisis communication management through social media in the past month. The speed of the news cycle has more than quadrupled, so the secret to managing crisis communications now is real-time monitoring and real-time response.

This free white paper from Critical Mention was highlighted in The Bulldog Reporter's Daily Dog and features crisis expert Janet Harris' insights and tips on how to respond with your version of the story within four to six hours of the crisis. Important points include the key difference between a crisis and a scandal; what to look for in a crisis monitoring service; the research you should do now to ensure rapid response when bad news breaks; and the best ways to work with legal in advance. You can download this free white paper—"The First 24 Hours: Crisis Response in a Web 2.0 World."

Speed Networking: Want to Meet A Lot of People Fast?!

WHAT: The Third Annual WWPR Speed Networking event

WHEN: Tuesday, June 30 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Bar Louie, Private Back Room ~ 701 7th St NW #D, Washington (Chinatown/Gallery Place Metro - down alley/courtyard from Clyde's)

COST: free for members; $15 for non-members

I admit it -- I'm conflicted. This is another demonstration of what a bargain WWPR membership is. It's free for members and includes a drink and appetizers in a nice setting. No other professional society can beat the goodies that Washington Women in Public Relations members get from their organization.

The gimmick is one you're familiar with from speed dating: you get two minutes per person (better hone that elevator speech) as you try to connect with everyone in attendance. During the the first half hour you mingle while munching and drinking, then at 7 p.m. the speed networking begins. Afterwards you can spend time catching up with those about whom you want to learn more.

But....leaving with a stack of business cards is not what real networking is about. I don't know how you can establish enough rapport, learn enough about the other person or share enough real conversation in a few minutes to lay the basis for a relationship, which is what networking entails.

Still, this is a very popular event and right now people are more aware than ever of the need to establish contacts to help with future job searches or building their freelance business. So, it's a bargain, it could be fun and maybe you'll make a great new contact. Enjoy!

Learning about New Media at The New Rules of Engagement

On Thursday, June 18, News Generation hosted “The New Rules of Engagement: Tips, Tools and Techniques for Building Radio Relationships in the Era of New Media” panel at Maggianos in Chevy Chase. The premise of the discussion was to find out how reporters are really using new media to communicated with their listeners, to grow their audience, and to handle pitches and break news. For about a year, I have attended many social media panels, and have heard that “reporters love Twitter and are using it more than anyone else out there.” I wanted to put that theory to the test, and the answer was “yes” and “no.”

Leading our discussion, the panelists included:

• Mitchell Miller, Assistant News Director/Assistant Program Director, WTOP Radio, on Twitter at twitter.com/wtop


• Jen Richer, Web/News Coordinator, NewsTalk 630 WMAL, on Twitter at twitter.com/JenRicher


• Chilli Amar, Co-Host and Traffic Reporter, The Carson Show from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., MIX 107.3, on Twitter at twitter.com/ChilliAmar


• Leslie Bradshaw, Communications Manager, New Media Strategies, market leader in social media marketing and measurement, on Twitter at twitter.com/lesliebradshaw and her blog http://www.lesliebradshaw.com/

After a brief introduction of the panelists, each described how long they have been using new media. And, the discussion continued through the great chemistry of the panelists. Each gave great examples on how they started in new media, and how it was shifting the way they deliver news and entertainment programming. Mitch Miller explained that WTOP is now a “digital media platform” instead of a traditional radio station. We learned that radio has made a seemless introduction into the world of new media, and efforts will only continue to grow.

Chilli Amar gave a great visual example equating new media to real life example. She said when you are in grade school and Johnny tells you that if you eat watermelon seeds, you will get pregnant. “Johnny” in this example is all of the social media network users out there. And, after Johnny tells that tale, you run home from school and say “Mom and Dad, it is true that if you eat watermelon seeds that you will get pregnant?” Mom and Dad debunk the myth, and they are the WTOP and WMALs of the world. They are the ones that fact check and confirm details before making any information public, and ensure that the truth will get out through their platforms.

We encourage everyone who attended the panel, and those who did not, to post questions for our panelists to keep the discussion going at: http://tuninginradio.blogspot.com/

Communicating Pandemic: Keeping the Public Informed

Communications Roundtable Series: FREE and Open to the Public
Johns Hopkins University
M.A. in Communication Program Presents:
"Communicating Pandemic: Lessons for the Future"

Monday, June 29, 7:30 ~ 9:30 p.m.
refreshments and networking begin at 7:00 p.m.

The H1N1 flu has been declared a pandemic. We hope it will not prove to be as lethal as the 1918 influenza outbreak, but also we wonder if we are prepared.

Learn how scientists, journalists and public health advocates are working to keep the public informed and what everyone needs to do in the face of pandemic.

Johns Hopkins University Washington, DC Center (Red Line Metro to Dupont Circle)
1717 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Lower Level Room 7

Panelists:
Rob Stein, National Health Reporter, The Washington Post
Joe Neel, Deputy Health Editor/Correspondent, National Public Radio
Andrew Pekosz, PhD, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Jeffrey Levi, PhD, Executive Director, Trust for America's Health
David Fouse, Director of Communication, American Public Health Association
Moderator: Jane Twomey, PhD, The Johns Hopkins University Master's in Communication Program

Building Radio Relationships in the Era of New Media

The New Rules of Engagement: Tips, Tools and Techniques for Building Radio Relationships in the Era of New Media
Thursday, June 18 at noon - 1:30 p.m.

Maggiano's Little Italy Chevy Chase

5333 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20015

Metro: Red line to Friendship Heights

You will learn:
*How radio reporters are using social media to gather news;
*What works on news & talk radio;
*Integrating new media into the traditional medium of radio;
*Techniques to use; and
*Preferred social networking sites for radio pitching.

Panelists include:
*Mitchell Miller, Assistant News Director/Assistant Program Director, WTOP Radio, on Twitter at twitter.com/wtop
*Jen Richer, Web/News Coordinator, NewsTalk 630 WMAL, on Twitter at twitter.com/JenRicher
*Chilli Amar, Co-Host and Traffic Reporter, The Carson Show from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., MIX 107.3, on Twitter at twitter.com/ChilliAmar
*Leslie Bradshaw, Communications Manager, New Media Strategies, market leader in social media marketing and measurement, on Twitter at twitter.com/lesliebradshaw and her blog http://www.lesliebradshaw.com/

Register now for $27.50. Expert panel and lunch is included.

http://www.newsgeneration.com/dcinvite.htm

PRWeek Offers Free Webcast: Harnessing the Power of Twitter

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

12:00 p.m. EST/9:00 a.m. PST

A host of marketers are trying to capitalize on the enormous interest being generated by social media platform Twitter, but it’s not always clear what is the best way to go about using it for marketing or corporate communications needs.

This webcast is designed to offer tangible insights into the ways that corporate communicators and marketing communicators can “harness the power of Twitter” to meet real business objectives.

Featured speakers:
Sarah Molinari, corporate communications manager, The Home Depot
Kelly Groehler, senior manager of PR, Best Buy
Jenny Dervin, director of corporate communications, Jet Blue

Moderated by Erica Iacono, executive editor, PRWeek

Visit http://prw.haymarketcomm.net/r/?ZXU=891990&ZXD=41875233 to register ~ it's free.

For more information, e-mail Natasha Mulla at mailto:natasha.mulla@prweek.com

The T.E.M.P. Report 2.0™ for JUNE 2009~ Exclusive to The Capital Buzz

A brief update on the current Washington area PR employment scene based on the view from PRofessional Solutions, LLC, the Washington market’s only PR temporary staffing agency.

Last month (May’09): Slow
Last year (May’08): Fair

Ratings:
Bust - virtually no hiring for jobs, freelancers or temps
Slow - a few, mostly low-level, positions being filled; fewer jobs for freelancers or temps
Fair - existing jobs are being filled and moderate work for freelancers and temps
Strong - organizations are hiring at all levels and good work for freelancers and temps
Boom! - virtually everyone who wants work is finding it

Kate’s Overview: In the movie “Gigi” Maurice Chevallier sang “I’m Glad I’m Not Young Anymore”. I thought of it recently after interviewing six recent college grads in the course of a week who have applied for PR temp assignments through PRofessional Solutions, LLC. I, too, am glad I’m not young anymore when I see the competition I would be facing!

Within a few days one of the six let me know she has landed a job, and I fully expect to hear as much from a couple of the others shortly. Why? Because they are smart, well-prepared for the work world, have had amazing internship experiences and because they do a better job of preparing cover letters, being positive, asking for and accepting advice than many professionals with 10 or more years of experience. I wish I had been as professional and prepared as the current crop when I graduated (bleeped) years ago!

The Washington market is hiring, judiciously, but it's looking for bargains now. We see clients looking for maximum value from their PR temps and permanent hires now, expecting to find new employees willing to take on multiple roles, lots of work and responsibility and be able to expand quickly into new initiatives. And the people we see getting jobs this month, at the entry and senior levels, have been talented and personable -- a reminder that employers, like all of us, want to work with people they like and who will fit in with their current teams.

Want to Get More Attention? AWC-DC Presents a Speaker Who Says She Can Make You and Your Message “POP”

Tuesday, June 16
6:00-8:30 p.m.

Topaz Bar (1733 N St., NW, ½ block south of Dupont Circle Metro)

$20 AWC members; $25 nonmembers (includes hors d'oeuvres and one drink)
Register online at http://www.awcdc.net/.

For more information, contact Elaine Graves at egraves@hers.com, or call 202-863-0256.

How do you get your boss to listen, convince an interviewer, pitch a project or even just work a room? Nationally-recognized author, speaker and consultant Sam Horn , recently featured in The Washington Post says she can tell you the secrets of how to command interest and respect for your ideas and projects.

Her latest book, POP! explains how to express yourself in a “Purposeful, Original and Pithy way” so that people want to know more about your idea, project or company. Sam has been featured numerous times on radio and television, including spots on "The Tonight Show" and National Public Radio.

Hear from Reporters about their Love for Social Media

At PR workshops, we hear a lot about how reporters love new media, and applications like Twitter. Want to hear about it first hand?
This week, in addition to reporters at WTOP and WMAL, we added two panelists for our lively discussion on June 18th about new media and how it is changing the way reporters gather their news.

Our newest additions are:

*Chilli Amar, Co-Host and Traffic Reporter, The Carson Show from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., MIX 107.3, on Twitter at twitter.com/ChilliAmar

*Leslie Bradshaw, Communications Manager, New Media Strategies, market leader in social media marketing and measurement, on Twitter at twitter.com/lesliebradshaw and her blog http://www.lesliebradshaw.com/

To register for the panel, visit: http://www.newsgeneration.com/dcinvite.htm

Hope to see you there!

Zappos does it again

Was sent this post by a friend from an online chat http://www.sitelead.com/blog/zappos-live-chat/2009/06/01. Don't know what they do to train their customer service team, but would love to find out.