You’ve got questions, I’ve got a fishing pole
You guys call, IM, email and DM me with lots of questions! It’s humbling. And the wonderful thing about being the go-to geek for the technologically curious is that I have the opportunity as a PR professional to do two of my favorite things: teach you how to be a better communicator while increasing your self-confidence.
However, it’s often challenging for me to give a “correct” answer when asked questions like, “can you tell me the best tools for non-profits?” or “can you tell me what blogs to read” or “can you tell me how to convince my boss we should Twitter?”
My answer, as many of you have recently discovered, will likely be: “it depends on who you’re trying to reach and/or what you want out of it.”
Good PR–no matter the medium–isn’t one-size-fits-all. The use of new media should be strategic. Be it technology that advances your client’s cause or enhances your own personal craft.
Any flack worth her salt knows you can’t go communicatin’ before considering your audience and overall goal.So, when you ask me these questions without giving me this context, it’s difficult for me to answer. I’m just not capable of giving you a generic response without feeling uncomfortable.
To be clear, I love that folks ask me questions, just know that my answer will likely put the burden back on you to ask yourself/your client more questions and come up with your own answer. You know, because I’d rather teach you to fish than throw you a halibut.
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Margie M. Newman, Amy Martin. Amy Martin said: You've got questions, I've got a fishing pole. Or: Why it's hard for @MargieNewman to give generic social media tips: http://bit.ly/abpcgo [...]
Having been one of those lost in technology folks emailing you, thanks for the blog! Keep up the great work!
I love that you email me! I just feel bad when I can’t give specific answers to your (and other folks’) questions!
.-= Margie´s last blog ..It’s Sunday morning. Do you know what the Internet is saying? =-.