I get asked quite often why I don’t Tweet or use Twitter. First off, our agency does use Twitter regularly and I am a huge fan of Twitter from a business perspective. I think businesses with something important to say or offer salient information quickly makes perfect sense to use Twitter. I easily see business applications for it, but that's it. From a personal use perspective, I see no significant value in the use of Twitter.
And I will give you my five reasons why:
1. My life it not that exciting to be Tweeting my daily random thoughts, routine, musings and happenings. Quite frankly, neither are most people who use Twitter. Sorry. But why in the name of sweet baby Jesus do you think people care about your life that much?
2. Keeping up with that much incessant noise and clutter is a colossal waste of time. We are bombarded with thousands of messages daily from all sorts of sources. Why do I need more meaningless distractions in my life?
3. Tweeting time is not billable. That one was easy!
4. Too much exposure is a bad thing. Frankly, I don’t need to let my competitors know what I am doing, where I am travelling to, or what I am working on. Loose tweets sink twits!
5. Finally ... I need to save my news and other shenanigans I’ve been up to with my dear friends when we lunch or get together over vino. Surely we need something to talk about. Yesterday, I met up with my three good friends at the Four Seasons Hotel for lunch where we spent a solid two hours catching up on all the latest gossip, our lives, kids, the Toronto Mayoral election and who we know who got a botched plastic surgery job.
Ahhhh .. you can’t get that kind of quality time on Twitter.
Showing posts with label Conversations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conversations. Show all posts
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Monday, January 05, 2009
Inside PR .. thanks for the memories!
Hope you get a chance to listen to episode #143 of the Inside PR podcast. It’s a special broadcast ... since it’s the last time you’ll hear me on the show.
I had a great time being part of the Inside PR panel. It was a wonderful experience and I learned so much about the podcasting process. I wanted to do it for a year and I was really fortunate to have been asked to join the group by the creators of the show Terry Fallis and David Jones. They are consummate professionals and were willing to take a chance with a podcasting novice like me.
Martin Waxman was also a new addition to the panel this year and is staying on in 2009. I think Martin is my long lost Jewish half brother. Martin is so easy to talk to and his intelligent wit is something I looked forward to each week. His popular culture references all date back somewhere in the sixties (thank god I watched Laugh-In) and his stories of his youth in Winnipeg are so freakin’ funny.
As for Terry Fallis, he must be the most gracious and genuine human being on the planet. I’ve never met anyone so accommodating, sincere and articulate. His vast use of the English language astounds me every time he opens his mouth. It’s no wonder that he’s an accomplished novelist, winning the 2008 Stephen Leacock award for humour for his book Best Laid Plans. Joe Thornley is lucky to have such a business partner.
Okay, here comes my Wizard of Oz “Dorothy” moment. Of all the men on the show, I will miss David the most. He’s a big reason for the show’s success. I’ve known David the longest and we’ve crisscrossed many times throughout our careers. I first met David when we volunteered for a CPRS awards show more than ten years ago. David is a dichotomy of sorts. He has a boyish face but sports an incredible head of silver fox hair. He has the warmest smile but watch his Don Rickles mouth. He’s got a tough business edge, but knows how to get a choice seat at Cinderella's Royal Table at DisneyWorld. David has been my competitor, my client, golf buddy, fellow panellist and peer in the industry. But most of all David is my friend and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been part this show with him.
The best part of this podcast for me was the “pre-show chatter” before we went live to tape with the topic of the week. We usually spent 10 – 15 minutes nattering about the business, our competitors, our clients, our previous week’s ups and downs. It was like being in a PR executive support group. I never felt threatened or undermined and always felt at ease to say whatever came to mind. I think a lot of our pre-chatter discussions were even better than what we put on air! Get the guys to air those once in awhile!
So with that, let me urge all my blog readers to keep on listening to this wonderful podcast. If you’re in PR, the show is a must listen to each week.
I had a great time being part of the Inside PR panel. It was a wonderful experience and I learned so much about the podcasting process. I wanted to do it for a year and I was really fortunate to have been asked to join the group by the creators of the show Terry Fallis and David Jones. They are consummate professionals and were willing to take a chance with a podcasting novice like me.
Martin Waxman was also a new addition to the panel this year and is staying on in 2009. I think Martin is my long lost Jewish half brother. Martin is so easy to talk to and his intelligent wit is something I looked forward to each week. His popular culture references all date back somewhere in the sixties (thank god I watched Laugh-In) and his stories of his youth in Winnipeg are so freakin’ funny.
As for Terry Fallis, he must be the most gracious and genuine human being on the planet. I’ve never met anyone so accommodating, sincere and articulate. His vast use of the English language astounds me every time he opens his mouth. It’s no wonder that he’s an accomplished novelist, winning the 2008 Stephen Leacock award for humour for his book Best Laid Plans. Joe Thornley is lucky to have such a business partner.
Okay, here comes my Wizard of Oz “Dorothy” moment. Of all the men on the show, I will miss David the most. He’s a big reason for the show’s success. I’ve known David the longest and we’ve crisscrossed many times throughout our careers. I first met David when we volunteered for a CPRS awards show more than ten years ago. David is a dichotomy of sorts. He has a boyish face but sports an incredible head of silver fox hair. He has the warmest smile but watch his Don Rickles mouth. He’s got a tough business edge, but knows how to get a choice seat at Cinderella's Royal Table at DisneyWorld. David has been my competitor, my client, golf buddy, fellow panellist and peer in the industry. But most of all David is my friend and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been part this show with him.
The best part of this podcast for me was the “pre-show chatter” before we went live to tape with the topic of the week. We usually spent 10 – 15 minutes nattering about the business, our competitors, our clients, our previous week’s ups and downs. It was like being in a PR executive support group. I never felt threatened or undermined and always felt at ease to say whatever came to mind. I think a lot of our pre-chatter discussions were even better than what we put on air! Get the guys to air those once in awhile!
So with that, let me urge all my blog readers to keep on listening to this wonderful podcast. If you’re in PR, the show is a must listen to each week.
Monday, April 14, 2008
What’s the deal with Twitter?
I’m not slow or dim-witted, but I just don’t get it? I really don’t. This whole Twitter hullabaloo seems like such a waste of time, energy and focus. Many bloggers describe Twitter as an addiction, like crack cocaine. Bloggers even write about kicking the habit and going cold turkey. Oh, that’s nice. Another vice I don’t need.
I’ve done my research, went to the Twitter site and watched the video, read enough blogs on the subject to bore me to tears, talked with a bunch of folks in the industry, and I can only surmise that Twitter is nothing more than an outlet to outpour every insignificant (and sometimes significant) thought for everyone else to read. What’s with the need to share every bit of information? “Hi, I landed at the airport.” “I’m at a trade show and this speaker is awesome!” “Has anyone seen my sunglasses?” “Here’s a cool site with some great stats.” Twittering reminds me of Jerry Seinfeld constantly divulging every little detail of his life to his friends … “like the other day I went to the bank and this teller gives me this look …” Enough already!
Share what is really important to those that matter. Have we reached a point in our social media circles that we must be "in the know" all the time? I thought Madonna wrote the book on voyeurism in her ego-stroking film Truth or Dare but I think those that Twitter have an equally insatiable appetite to tell all and read all. Are we so full of self-importance that our thoughts must be on someone’s radar 24/7? Follow me: I have so much to tell you in 140 characters. Yah ok, I’ll get right on it.
One of my employees uses Twitter and finds the online cacophony deafening. He says he’s too busy at work to keep up with the Twittering. He’s lost interest. So have I, and I haven’t even subscribed to the service yet.
Perhaps I’m not the target market for Twitter so I don’t want to fully pooh-pooh something just because it doesn’t make sense for me. It has an obvious following and growing every day. Funny though, none of my close friends even know what Twitter is. We use the antiquated route of updating each other with phone calls and email. I even get together with friends for regular catch ups. Oh so nineties of me.
At the end of the day, keeping up with the random thoughts and interests of my peers, competitors, acquaintances etc., has no appeal.
I have a life, thank you very much, and I need to get back to it now.
I’ve done my research, went to the Twitter site and watched the video, read enough blogs on the subject to bore me to tears, talked with a bunch of folks in the industry, and I can only surmise that Twitter is nothing more than an outlet to outpour every insignificant (and sometimes significant) thought for everyone else to read. What’s with the need to share every bit of information? “Hi, I landed at the airport.” “I’m at a trade show and this speaker is awesome!” “Has anyone seen my sunglasses?” “Here’s a cool site with some great stats.” Twittering reminds me of Jerry Seinfeld constantly divulging every little detail of his life to his friends … “like the other day I went to the bank and this teller gives me this look …” Enough already!
Share what is really important to those that matter. Have we reached a point in our social media circles that we must be "in the know" all the time? I thought Madonna wrote the book on voyeurism in her ego-stroking film Truth or Dare but I think those that Twitter have an equally insatiable appetite to tell all and read all. Are we so full of self-importance that our thoughts must be on someone’s radar 24/7? Follow me: I have so much to tell you in 140 characters. Yah ok, I’ll get right on it.
One of my employees uses Twitter and finds the online cacophony deafening. He says he’s too busy at work to keep up with the Twittering. He’s lost interest. So have I, and I haven’t even subscribed to the service yet.
Perhaps I’m not the target market for Twitter so I don’t want to fully pooh-pooh something just because it doesn’t make sense for me. It has an obvious following and growing every day. Funny though, none of my close friends even know what Twitter is. We use the antiquated route of updating each other with phone calls and email. I even get together with friends for regular catch ups. Oh so nineties of me.
At the end of the day, keeping up with the random thoughts and interests of my peers, competitors, acquaintances etc., has no appeal.
I have a life, thank you very much, and I need to get back to it now.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Dove does it again
Another provocative look at the beauty industry, again brought to us by Dove. The company’s new viral video, entitled Onslaught, stars a bright seven-year-old girl, all smiley and freckle-faced, staring blissfully into the camera. The serene scene takes a drastic u-turn as the young girl is bombarded with images from the beauty industry. The rapid fire-like scenes are set to compelling music (performed by British band Simian) and each frame is fabulously choreographed. The end of the video offers up a wonderful inspirational message. I won’t spoil it – you’ve gotta watch it. Both Adage and Adweek give the viral piece two thumbs up. Adage calls the video a “triumph”, while Adweek calls it “technically beautiful.”
I couldn’t agree more. Perhaps it’s not as powerful or universally themed as Dove’s previous Evolution viral video, but the message is provocative and very current. It’s yet another great example of how social media can be used to unleash viral videos. Onslaught, like Evolution, is the brain child of Tim Piper. He was art director, director, writer and editor of the new film.
I asked Nancy Vonk, Chief Creative Officer at Ogilvy, for her thoughts on the campaign. Here’s what she had to say:
“Onslaught was presented as an idea to our Dove client in the same meeting as we presented Evolution and other short film concepts. They're designed to encourage mothers to sign up for Dove's mother-daughter self esteem workshops provided through the Dove Self Esteem Fund. The Dove clients came to Ogilvy with a request to identify the best way to achieve this goal, and didn't have preconceived ideas about what medium to use. In the end, the web was the best place to speak from both a cost perspective and creatively; we could tell compelling stories without the time restraints of TV. And online we could be far more engaging, with opportunity for people to join in a discussion on the issues. And, of course, the Dove site is full of helpful information.
The reaction to Onslaught is huge (no pressure after Evolution) and there's some debate going on about true motives. Dove isn't trying to hide the hope that this work will create interest in its products. Of course we all hope for that. And it's working. But the hope to make a positive impact on the world is equally genuine. They've made a huge investment in helping women and girls, and the passion they bring to the table is inspiring to us.”
Nicely put, Nancy.
As a mother of a soon–to-be seven-year-old girl, the Onslaught message seems to be pinpointed squarely at me. I am the beauty industry’s best customer and sucker for all miracle creams and potions. I buy endless books on fitness and dieting and have my own personal supply of “all things Hoodia.” I’m not overweight, just trying to stay fit and prolong the inevitable Wrinkled Neck Syndrome. Beauty images are all around us and, to some extent, hound us every day. I can’t escape it either.
I try to set a good example in front of my daughter. But I got caught this weekend. My daughter saw me reading Skinny Bitch the other day (very funny book - I recommend some junk reading once in a while). She asked me what the book was called. “Skinny Girl,” I said. Problem is she’s a very good reader and figured out I was lying. Ugh.
Onslaught, like Evolution is meant to start conversations with our most valuable resources – our children, specifically our young daughters. Dove might not be able to save my generation from feeling inadequate, fat, bloated, deprived and totally body conscious. But we can sure as hell make sure our daughters, granddaughters, nieces and other young girls we love don’t feel this way. Ever.
I couldn’t agree more. Perhaps it’s not as powerful or universally themed as Dove’s previous Evolution viral video, but the message is provocative and very current. It’s yet another great example of how social media can be used to unleash viral videos. Onslaught, like Evolution, is the brain child of Tim Piper. He was art director, director, writer and editor of the new film.
I asked Nancy Vonk, Chief Creative Officer at Ogilvy, for her thoughts on the campaign. Here’s what she had to say:
“Onslaught was presented as an idea to our Dove client in the same meeting as we presented Evolution and other short film concepts. They're designed to encourage mothers to sign up for Dove's mother-daughter self esteem workshops provided through the Dove Self Esteem Fund. The Dove clients came to Ogilvy with a request to identify the best way to achieve this goal, and didn't have preconceived ideas about what medium to use. In the end, the web was the best place to speak from both a cost perspective and creatively; we could tell compelling stories without the time restraints of TV. And online we could be far more engaging, with opportunity for people to join in a discussion on the issues. And, of course, the Dove site is full of helpful information.
The reaction to Onslaught is huge (no pressure after Evolution) and there's some debate going on about true motives. Dove isn't trying to hide the hope that this work will create interest in its products. Of course we all hope for that. And it's working. But the hope to make a positive impact on the world is equally genuine. They've made a huge investment in helping women and girls, and the passion they bring to the table is inspiring to us.”
Nicely put, Nancy.
As a mother of a soon–to-be seven-year-old girl, the Onslaught message seems to be pinpointed squarely at me. I am the beauty industry’s best customer and sucker for all miracle creams and potions. I buy endless books on fitness and dieting and have my own personal supply of “all things Hoodia.” I’m not overweight, just trying to stay fit and prolong the inevitable Wrinkled Neck Syndrome. Beauty images are all around us and, to some extent, hound us every day. I can’t escape it either.
I try to set a good example in front of my daughter. But I got caught this weekend. My daughter saw me reading Skinny Bitch the other day (very funny book - I recommend some junk reading once in a while). She asked me what the book was called. “Skinny Girl,” I said. Problem is she’s a very good reader and figured out I was lying. Ugh.
Onslaught, like Evolution is meant to start conversations with our most valuable resources – our children, specifically our young daughters. Dove might not be able to save my generation from feeling inadequate, fat, bloated, deprived and totally body conscious. But we can sure as hell make sure our daughters, granddaughters, nieces and other young girls we love don’t feel this way. Ever.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Remembering Alexander Graham Bell and the Postman …
There are two simple pleasures I enjoy in the business environment that are quickly becoming extinct.
Let’s start with my favorite: Receiving mail, the traditional way … via the mailman! I love it! Letters, notes, invitations, packages (not the direct mail kind), RFPs, thank-you notes etc. You feel extra special when you see a pile of envelopes and packages sitting in the in-basket with your name written on it. In my view, taking the time to write a letter, buy a stamp, address the envelope and drop it off in the mail requires a lot more effort than whipping off an email.
I’m very old fashioned when it comes to some aspects of mail. And please don’t get me started with electronic cards. How do you spell lazy? H T M L greeting card, that’s how! I couldn’t believe the number of electronic Christmas cards we were sent last year. Nothing to rip open, nothing to display on the mantel, no pen signatures with a personalized greeting … just a bunch of dancing reindeer and spinning snowflakes that slowed down my computer. Ugh.
And speaking of old fashioned, can we have some live conversations please? Let’s stop hiding behind email. Doesn’t anybody pick up the phone anymore? Everyone is popping up in my Outlook these days. Potential clients, suppliers, candidates, and spam … you name it, there it is. The problem is I am bombarded with so many intrusive emails that I delete in a hurry. With my spam filter on steroids, I often don’t return suspicious looking “hi there” messages. I’ve deleted countless important emails that could have easily been prevented by a phone call. I’m a strong believer in the “personal touch” approach. The PR business was built on that premise, and we need to remember the importance of reaching out and giving clients and stakeholders some TLC. When Jerry Maguire needed to resign “Cush” to save his agency, he didn’t email his dad, he got on a plane and worked the living room! A touching scene.
I think it’s vital for our business. We are raising a bunch of socially inept PR professionals at the junior level when they can’t even hold their own in a business meeting. Why? They’re too busy hiding behind their emails and “IMing” the world to even notice that there are human beings in the room. The power of persuasion and client intimacy doesn't happen over an email, it's often a face-to-face encounter or a live conversation over the phone.
Let’s all remember that while digital electronic devices may be ruling our mode of communication, there is still room for those ancient phone calls and hieroglyphic hand written notes.
Call me old fashioned … but for heaven’s sake call me!
Let’s start with my favorite: Receiving mail, the traditional way … via the mailman! I love it! Letters, notes, invitations, packages (not the direct mail kind), RFPs, thank-you notes etc. You feel extra special when you see a pile of envelopes and packages sitting in the in-basket with your name written on it. In my view, taking the time to write a letter, buy a stamp, address the envelope and drop it off in the mail requires a lot more effort than whipping off an email.
I’m very old fashioned when it comes to some aspects of mail. And please don’t get me started with electronic cards. How do you spell lazy? H T M L greeting card, that’s how! I couldn’t believe the number of electronic Christmas cards we were sent last year. Nothing to rip open, nothing to display on the mantel, no pen signatures with a personalized greeting … just a bunch of dancing reindeer and spinning snowflakes that slowed down my computer. Ugh.
And speaking of old fashioned, can we have some live conversations please? Let’s stop hiding behind email. Doesn’t anybody pick up the phone anymore? Everyone is popping up in my Outlook these days. Potential clients, suppliers, candidates, and spam … you name it, there it is. The problem is I am bombarded with so many intrusive emails that I delete in a hurry. With my spam filter on steroids, I often don’t return suspicious looking “hi there” messages. I’ve deleted countless important emails that could have easily been prevented by a phone call. I’m a strong believer in the “personal touch” approach. The PR business was built on that premise, and we need to remember the importance of reaching out and giving clients and stakeholders some TLC. When Jerry Maguire needed to resign “Cush” to save his agency, he didn’t email his dad, he got on a plane and worked the living room! A touching scene.
I think it’s vital for our business. We are raising a bunch of socially inept PR professionals at the junior level when they can’t even hold their own in a business meeting. Why? They’re too busy hiding behind their emails and “IMing” the world to even notice that there are human beings in the room. The power of persuasion and client intimacy doesn't happen over an email, it's often a face-to-face encounter or a live conversation over the phone.
Let’s all remember that while digital electronic devices may be ruling our mode of communication, there is still room for those ancient phone calls and hieroglyphic hand written notes.
Call me old fashioned … but for heaven’s sake call me!
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