Media Training 101: Fact or Fiction?

It’s no secret to those who know me that I’m enjoying my post-television news career. What I don’t share quite as quickly is the, previously unexpressed, appreciation for the work that is done by those in the news business. The revelation occurred after listening to clients talk about what they believe are “truths” about how the media works. One of the joys I have in our work is helping those same people understand more about how the media actually operates.  Part of that process in our media training is something we call, “Media: Fact or Fiction.” Here’s a snippet:

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Tags: Blog, Communications, facts, fiction, fundraising videos, journalists, media, media relations, reporters, storyteller, television news

When Talking is Better Than Texting

One of the longest running and biggest challenges of emails and text messages is inflection and expression. Sure, you can write in ALL CAPS IF YOU REALLY WANT TO EMPHASIZE A POINT and you can smile or wink;), but so much is still lost in translation. Then there are those who hide behind e-mail in communication. You know the people who do it, in fact, maybe you even do it. But why?

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Tags: Blog, Communications, fundraising videos, Good Business, media, online, public, relations, Social, storyteller, talk, text, YouTube

How Does Social Media Effect Traditional Media?

Michigan State head basketball coach Tom Izzo recently proclaimed his “lifer” status with the Spartans after considering a job opportunity with the Cleveland Cavaliers. As Izzo deliberated this life changing decision, the rumor mill was cranking away with reporters tapping sources, staking out near the basketball complex in East Lansing and outside Izzo’s offices. There were even some reporters contacting Izzo’s mother to see if she had any insight into what was going on inside her son’s mind.

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Tags: Blog, citizen, Cleveland Cavaliers, Communications, fundraising videos, journalism, media, media relations, Michigan State, News, storyteller, Tom Izzo, YouTube

Fresh Angles Are Key to New Blog Content

Probably the number one reason people say they don’t want to blog is because they think they have nothing to write about. And we all know the key to a successful blog is to have consistently updated content. I myself sometimes find it hard to come up with an interesting topic, and I’m only responsible for writing one blog a week! So while I was struggling to come up with a topic for this week’s post, I found myself wondering, “If I could write the most awesome blog ever what would it look like?”

My mind immediately went to a book I just finished reading, one that was truly inspiring in a very unexpected way. When You are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris is a “realish” (Sedaris is quoted as referring to it as “97% true”) compilation of essays Sedaris wrote about his own life. The essays are witty, clever and sometimes a little inappropriate, but what really caught my attention was how Sedaris was able to turn the mundane, everyday events of his life into this fantastic work of literature.

Somehow he creates an entire chapter on his attempt to make coffee while the water is shut off, another about having a lozenge fall from his mouth into the lap of a fellow plane passenger, and yet another about how his short legs prevent him from keeping up with his partner when touring foreign cities causing him to be perpetually lost - all the while bringing a new understanding of love, fear and relationships to the reader.

Now I by no means consider myself an exciting person, so this book really inspired me to take a different look at my everyday life. Going to the grocery store, dinner with friends, a regular day at the office – all have the potential to teach a lesson on life, work and relationships, if only I could come up with the proper segue. If I could do that, just think of all the blog posts I would have ready to go!

So this is my challenge to you and to myself – instead of taking everyday events at face value, try to figure out how many different ways you could tell the story of your day. Look for a different angle, pretend you are telling it to a different audience, and try to tell it in a humorous manner and then a serious one. Who knows, you may begin to see your average day as the inspiration for your next blog post (or best selling book, fingers crossed).

And if you are still looking for a little more inspiration, I recommend any of Sedaris’s books!

http://literati.net/Sedaris/david-sedaris-books.htm

Tags: Blog, Blog Ideas, Blogging, David Sedaris, storyteller, StoryTeller Media & Communications

Video Blog with Heidi Ruen and Chad Whisnant

Another video blog is up via Chad and Heidi. Lots going on again in the past week. The highlight includes a litter of some seriously adorable golden retriever puppies. Watch our vlog to see just how cute they are and why they made their on camera debut.

Tags: Blog, Helping Paws, March Goodness Campaign, Razoo, storyteller, Twins Ballpark Target Field, Uponor, Video blog, Vlog, Web Video

The Anti-Social Side of Social Media

Undoubtedly, social media has changed the way many of us communicate.  This blog is a case in point. However, it seems more and more social media has made us all master multi-taskers absent of focused communication and in many cases downright unsocial.

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Tags: be here now, Blackberry, Blog, Facebook, flickr, iphone, myspace, PDA, Twitter, YouTube

Blogging Basics: Why Blog for Business?

To blog or not to blog. That is the question that our clients and associates often ask. “What would I write about?” Or another question is, “Who reads those things?” Some are more paranoid and say, “I don’t want people taking shots at me.” All are valid concerns, however, if you’re serious about marketing your business in this hyper fast age of information, get blogging.  Fast!

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Tags: Blog, Blogging, blogging basics, local newspaper, PR campaigns, TiVO, trade journals, Wall Street Journal