It took me a few minutes to figure out what was happening, but all signs point to this:

I just received my first product pitch from a PR flack.

Not for this blog of course, but for my Her Nashville Chic Geek column. Now that I’m on the receiving end of the PR effort I realize just how natural it is to pick these things apart like so many folks do.

Here’s what I learned and appreciate upon first reading:

1. The pitchess has read at least one of my columns and/or has an understanding of my passion (tech and productivity for busy women)
2. She did my homework for me and listed the ways her tech product helps busy moms be more productive
3. She gets that geeky folk like to play with geeky things and has offered to let me put my itty bitty hands on a tester

Because the PR pro communicated these things, I will be emailing her back and asking some questions. Honestly, I’m curious because her device, though intriguing, has received less than glowing reviews. (Well, that and I’m a HUGE fan of the competitor’s product)

I also want to know how she found Her Nashville; she’s not from around here so how did my local column get on her radar?

As a PR pro, have you been on the receiving end of a pitch? Did you pick it apart? Were you impressed?

A quick social media reality check courtesy of Communications Overtones:

Certainly, social media tools can lead some people to believe that they are much more popular than they actually are. And many have amassed a small, or even fairly large following online. There is nothing wrong with it, but as in all things, this attention can be used for the good or for self aggrandizing.

My advice to communicators is to remember that the tools, while interesting and important, are never the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal is to be an effective communicator.

Amen, sister. Thanks for that.