Oh, boy! Looks like more folks are discovering public relations truths via Google. This recent Flackrabbit search query needs no introduction…

…but it does need an answer. Here, let me: Read More…

{Our next guest post is courtesy of D.C. flack and photographer Stacey Viera, who ponders how much disclosure to provide when promoting your clients on social networks and/or entering into partnerships with other vendors.}

“In the interest of full disclosure.” How often do you use those six little words? I would argue, probably not often enough.

I acknowledge that full disclosure can be overused. “In the interest of full disclosure, I’m married.” Hey, I didn’t ask if you wanted to go on a date. I just wanted to know if you were done with the Metro section of the paper so that I could read it!

But how often do we see a Tweet from a PR person promoting their “friend,” only to find that it originated from a paid client relationship? Or a Facebook link for a “beautifully designed new blog” that we only later learn was designed by the same person who posted the link? Read More…

Clearly, people on Twitter enjoy reading about common PR career misconceptions. I know this because I’ve started to Tweet links to my posts using the free link-shortener and tracker called bit.ly. It makes your link smaller, thus, Twitter-friendly. And after you share your link, you’ll be able to see in real-time how many people click on that link, when it is re-Tweeted and by whom, and when it’s shared on Facebook and Friend Feed. Like this:

If you work at a place (or for clients) who demand metrics, bit.ly gives you the data you’ll need to see how much traction your message is getting. Read More…

I’ve often wondered how one goes about creating a LinkedIn group. The other day, I found out by starting one for DC Flacks. Now, if someone at work asks me about the pros/cons/ins/outs of this particular tool, I’ll be able to speak with some authority because I’ve actually done it.

Some goes for the social media consulting I do on the strategic use of blogs, Twitter, PitchEngine, Facebook, Foursquare, Yelp, etc. I know how to do these things well because I’ve used them for myself and continue to explore their uses.

It’s the story of Team Newman‘s life, really. Dave and I play around on the Internet and try out new things. The stuff we try personally often ends up benefiting the folks who hire us. It’s not that we magically know geekery, it’s that we get a lot of practice. Read More…

DC Flacks will celebrate a HAPPO Happy Hour this Tuesday at District Chop House in Downtown D.C. If you’re a communicator in the area, please join us! RSVP here.

ABOUT HAPPO

If you’re following social media and PR Twitters like Mike Schaffer, Robert French, Heather Huhman or Sarah Evans, you’ve likely read about HAPPO via the hashtag #HAPPO. It stands for Help a PR Pro Out, a brilliant concept that connects PR job seekers with employers looking for top talent.

Although folks are Tweeting gigs and using the hashtag daily, the real event is on Friday, February 19, from 10am-2pm CT, when some of the nation’s leading PR pros will Tweet job openings and help facilitate matches. Read More…

I’d like to offer up FlackRabbit as platform for those of you without blogs to publish your public relations and communications expertise. You’re incredibly smart and I’d love to see your thoughts in pixels; why not do it here?

I often harp on PR folks for not blogging. It’s hard for me to understand why one would not want the writing practice and a published account of their knowledge.

It’s a lot of work though. A blog is like a dog. If you don’t feed, water and bathe it, and take it for frequent walks, it will die. Some folks would rather not bother with the maintenance; maybe you’re more of a cat person. In any case, I urge you to seek out the opportunity to pen a guest post for a relevant industry blog–be it on FlackRabbit or somewhere else. You’ll get all the benefits of a published piece, without the actual blogging part.

How do you get started? Think of it as a pitch for a client. Read More…

The thing a lot of folks overlook about digital public relations is that core skills like strategically utilizing social media, writing for search engine optimization and directing metrics-driven Web strategy aren’t usually sharpened from 9 to 5.

Digital flacks do most of their research and development at home and for themselves. They blog,write columns, speak on/host panels and plan happy hours. They Twitter, Buzz and Facebook. They read countless articles, surf Mashable and attend conferences. All on personal time. I’m not talking about “social media gurus.” These people are traditional PR pros, but with the added bonus of a highly sought-after, enhanced digital skill set.

Because digital flacks rarely leave the practice bubble of the all-seeing, insanely reactive, Very Public Internet, they are getting more PR practice than you. As a result, they may possess a greater understanding of crisis communications strategy; they receive public accolades and enhanced credibility, and are often a client’s one-stop resource in today’s increasingly tech-centric PR profession. Read More…