I am a sophomore at FIT and I today I am completing  my first internship at C.I.Visions!

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to do PR, but I did not actually know what the job entailed. I embarked on my first internship with little knowledge of the industry and a lack of confidence.
I interned with C.I. Visions because of the personal atmosphere that the office generates, this is not only with the clients and the media but also with each other. It was important to me when choosing my first internship that I would be able to ask questions, encouraged to participate and most importantly LEARN! Throughout the course of my internship I was able to do all of these things. I was able to learn so much about the public relations industry and the way it operates, as well as writing and communication skills. Interning at C.I. Visions has not only taught me about PR but also so much about myself. I am happy to say that I am leaving my internship today grateful for everything that I have experienced. I am so lucky to have had my first internship at C.I. Visions.

-Jen

So, you have been on social media for quite some time, you have promoted your brand, product or services all over the Twittersphere, you have blogged and been blogged about, you have drank the Kool-Aid. What happens now? How do you stay current?

Remember, the concept of social media is no longer the latest best thing for your marketing success. It is no longer about whether you are on social media, rather about how effective you are in your social media practices!

So, what can you do better?

Find a niche – Think big, but first think small! So far, you would have looked at all the social media that is available out there – social networking sites, blogs, micro-blogs, Bookmarking sites, business networking sites, and sites for sharing other media. Now, you need to decide, “What works best for my business? Who is my audience? Where do they hang out more?” When you find your answer, that is where you need to focus.

Staying social – means you need to continue to get out there…continue to be seen and heard….like dating no one said it was going to be easy – but rewards can be oh so sweet…til next time…

While the medium of blogging and social media is all so 2010 – remembering to use the communication skills and graciousness more prevalent in the olden days are necessary and a skill many in the current “it generation” are lacking. Be Nice – be flexible for any mode of communication that the blogger is comfortable with. This makes you more approachable. If ask for their phone number and pick up the phone – you will be surprised how speaking directly warms and creates long-lasting relationships. Give Adequate Lead Time. Pitch a story well in advance of its deadline or relevancy. Ideally, 4-5 days lead time is appreciated. Also, give a hint about the pitch before the call, so that the blogger can do his groundwork and ask relevant questions during the call. Make it Easy. Do not send pages and pages of pitch or press release. Instead, send the blogger a summary and a link to the full version. This way, the blogger can provide that link to the press release in his post. Remember, bloggers are busy people, so it does not hurt to make things a little easier for them. Also, try to provide them with relevant or related links, the apt jargon or technical language to be used, relevant images, and any other information that you think will make the writing process easier for them. And yes, sometimes, especially with product placement, it even pays to mention similar or comparable brands or companies when making a point as to the trend or relevance of your story angle.

What’s in it For Them? Let’s face it. Bloggers do not always write promos for free! It doesn’t hurt to give them a little incentive, if they are to take the trouble to cover your pitch. Offer an exclusive. Blogging is a continuous process, with frequent updates throughout the day. Something that is news at the beginning of a work day may not possess the same importance at the end of the day. Being the first to make a pitch could make all the difference in your chances of getting written about. Moreover, it won’t hurt to offer an exclusive, as this could greatly increase your chances of being accepted. Highlight the Benefits. Your pitch has more chances of success if there’s something in it for the blogger you’re pitching to. Clearly outline what you’re asking for and how it will benefit the blogger, their blog, and their readers etc. Freebies don’t hurt! Bloggers are welcome to a free sample of your product as this will ensure that they can give a true first-hand testimony to the quality of your product or service. However, do not assume that the free stuff entitles you to a positive review. Bloggers usually like to say it as it is.  Yes, readers securing coverage whether on a blog, in a magazine or newspaper, on television, etc. takes a lot of work!  But the value of the coverage is extremely valuable.  Conservative industry estimates equal the value of a third party endorsement to your product, service or company at a least THREE TIMES – the dollar cost if you had been able to buy an ad with the same media outlet!  Now you see why so many companies and brands hire a Public Relations Agency…

When Sending Info to Bloggers –Keep it Personal and Relevant! Bloggers do not respond well to a pitch that is totally unrelated to their blog or their interests. Pitching a product that is irrelevant shows that you have not done your research, or worse, that you do not consider the blog’s content important. This could lead to sure rejection of your pitch. Look at the categories in the blog, and at previous posts. Make sure your pitch is really relevant to your post. Looking at the title of the blog alone will not help you decide whether your pitch is relevant. Bloggers, like any media contact prefer to receive personalized pitches, acknowledgments of their work rather than a general press release. If, and when, they receive a mass mailed piece you are severely limiting your chances of it being read.  Even worse is when there is one sentence in lieu of trying to personalize the message, and the rest of the pitch has been copied and pasted onto the email. Difference in font sizes and types does nothing positive for the pitch. Pitch your story in a way that is relevant to the posts written on a daily basis. In your pitch, mention how this product or story falls in line with the theme and content of the blog. Pitching a unique angle raises your chances of being covered and it’s also a subtle way to get the blogger to cover it in a way that is suitable to you.  Remember taking the time to customized and personalize and receiving one great story is so much sweeter than sending to dozens and receiving nothing!  Get Blogging!

Bloggers words are reaching a larger and larger audience with the growth of the medium. Pitching a product to a blogger, for review is fast gaining popularity over pitching the press. As new media, there are not many widely understood rules on the Hows and the Whys and this makes pitching bloggers a very crucial and sensitive aspect of blogging.
Here are some of my guidelines to pitch a blogger:

Research, Research, Research – before actually sending the pitch, familiarize yourself with the blog, the blogger, and the content of the blog. Post some comments on the blog, and let the blogger become aware of your interest in posts, views, and opinions posted on the blog.   Check for a contact page to see the preferred method of receiving communication. Follow these guidelines rigorously. Send your pitch after the blogger has approved your comment. Also, never make your pitch through your comments, or post a link to your product/website into your comments. Bloggers will feel offended that you are using the popularity of their post as a vehicle to push your product to the forefront. Bloggers are often very busy and may not appreciate the phone ringing off its hook with cold calls and irrelevant pitches. They are especially ticked off by cold calls from strangers with pitches that are not in the least related to the theme of the blog. Instead, they advice that you email them first, so that they can consider the pitch and solicit a phone call to get things moving.   More to come…now go  seize the day!