KLily Communications, MPS PR/CC Vanity Update

KLily Communications, an agency of my own heart, will continue to study, network, and share Public Relations and Corporate Communications expertise to leverage clients' new media platforms and increase brand equity. Additionally, you can look forward to a more snazzy division of the company at the beginning of 2011. The plan is to organize a network for professional web developers, coders, video producers, event planners, and communicators.

Though it has been almost a year since I've blogged, I can at least say that I've earned a 2010 Master of Professional Studies degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications (MPS PR/CC) from Georgetown University. I'm only bragging because my MPS PR/CC degree represents the priceless experience I've had working on goal-oriented research, positioning, and branding for influential organizations in the D.C. area. I have developed marketing communications strategies and creative tactics for companies like The Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington, the Investment Company Institute, and the National Crime Prevention Council. Big thanks to Frank Walter, Senior Vice President at Environics Communications; Michael Long, Director at White House Writers Group; Don Neal, President at Leading Authorities; and Allison Barber, President at Sodenta for making it all possible.

If you are an ambitious web developer, coder, video producer, event planner, or communicator who is interested in joining the KLily Communications team, please leave a message on Facebook or Twitter and stay tuned for job postings!

Share Pics, Videos, Documents and Audio on Twitter

Twi.tt claims it will help you tweet anything and everything, but this is how it really works...

• Share pics and documents by uploading them from your computer or entering the url.
  

• Share videos by uploading from computer.

Here's the link: http://www.twi.tt

Coming soon to Twi.tt:

• Ability to upload and post audio from computer or enter url.
  
• Record and post audio/videos from microphone/webcam and send files, including images via e-mail.
• Create and post a poll.
• Get embed code for your poll
  

Do you upload videos to your website, facebook and youtube accounts?

Don't forget to tweet your videos! It's very simple. Just log into your Twitter account via TwitVid.com and upload your Video File or Webcam Capture. It's also easy to share videos on Facebook, Myspace and YouTube from here, plus you can grab the TwitVid widget.

On the go with mobile video cam and web? Share files from your cell phone with TwitVid too.

Here's the link: http://www.twitvid.com

How can Myspace compete with Facebook and Twitter?

In 2006, Nielsen called Myspace the "fastest-growing top web brand," but today a growing number of users are getting bored with their accounts. I haven't checked mine in days. It is mostly musicians and artists who depend on the site. Myspace CEO, Owen Van Natta, took the position from co-founder Chris DeWolfe in April 2009, so the site is at a crucial point in its history.

Currently, Facebook is the largest social network with over 200 million users and Twitter has grown by more than 1382% in the last year. How will Myspace compete?

I think the key is to tap into the fact that people have different agendas on each social network. Myspace will never survive if it's simply trying to be like Facebook. But, if the network jumps out on a limb and utilizes real-time technology and new applications in innovative ways like it's next biggest competitor, Twitter, then Myspace just might have a chance at becoming a leader again--even if only in the entertainment industry.

Social Networking for the Fearful

I've run into enough people who are scared of social networks that I felt a need to blog about it. Even though it can be frightening, I suggest that companies, politicians and celebrities who are skeptical about using social networking sites should think about the world differently.

We are living in an open-source, information-driven world today and there is no going back to the days before digital technology. Millions of people are sharing articles, pictures and micro-blogs each second and millions of people are living transparent lives on Facebook. Sharing experiences is the new way to learn about newsworthy issues.

If public figures don't adapt to a transparent lifestyle, they will be forgotten and those people who give up visuals and updates online will create a strong presence and stay in the spotlight as audiences are thirsty for as much information as possible.

Companies that are hesitant to enter the social networking scene are not alone, but they can't deny the benefits that social networking has offered companies like Zappos, Starbucks and CNN that have strengthened their bond with customers. Social networking is obviously a smart way to connect with the public and give them a new experience with your brand.

Remember that the benefits of social networking are stronger than the disadvantages. Building long-term relationships, engaging in more conversations with the public, and having the ability to measure success in a variety of terms is what's most important when it comes to social networking and building a strong brand.

So, it might not be desirable to lay your life out on the internet, but it can definitely be profitable if you do it right, and developing new, stronger relationships can be rewarding. Just be sure to act in accord with your personal or your company's ethical standards at all times.

Twitter 101: Protect Your Reputation

Companies (and people like Kanye West who worry about impostors) need to protect their reputations on Twitter. People are talking about you whether you want them to or not, so the best way to handle this is to establish a presence for yourself, build a strong brand and use tools that help you listen to the people in Twitterville. Zappos, Comcast, Starbucks, Ashton Kutcher, Oprah and Soulja Boy aren't spazzing out about stalkers and fake Twitter accounts because they're focused on using microblogging to boost their reputations.

I'm paying attention to Twitter tools and the innovative ways that people are using real-time technology for brand expression. I love how companies are using Twitter to interact with customers in a new environment--followers get to enjoy a different experience and the trick is to get them to appreciate it for the long-haul. I also love it when Soulja Boy posts links to live performances and pictures of his tattoos.

So, when you think about Tweeting, think outside of the box. Think about using your creativity to take control of your reputation and enhance your current campaigns.

Mr. West Spazzed on Twitter

I must admit that Twitter is going strong right now. That's why Kanye West blogged about it yesterday! He sounded off about his disgust for the real-time, "stalkerish" website. At 8:00 this morning, the blog had 159 comments and the majority were praising Kanye for dissing Twitter and sticking up for himself in the face of fake celebrity accounts. BUT, my favorite comment announced that Kanye's blog is floating around in Twitterville.

WHAT IS TWITTER? People ask me that question everyday. So, to Kanye and the rest of the curious cats, here's my response:

For people who connect with public audiences, Twitter is simple. It's another form of communication. It's a microblogging website that allows you to share your thoughts and links to information (blogs, articles, videos, pictures, live shows, etc.) in 140 characters or less, with millions of people.

And guess what? No one is holding a gun to your head telling you to Tweet your every move so your followers can stalk you. Be smart, think strategically, and indulge in Twitter's innovations.