{"id":3561,"date":"2013-03-08T15:50:58","date_gmt":"2013-03-08T20:50:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/progressions.prsa.org\/?p=3561"},"modified":"2018-08-09T16:44:34","modified_gmt":"2018-08-09T20:44:34","slug":"preparing-for-your-public-relations-future-with-social-media","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progressions.prsa.org\/index.php\/2013\/03\/08\/preparing-for-your-public-relations-future-with-social-media\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for Your Public Relations Future with Social Media"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s our nature in this day and age to immediately be critical of new forms of social communication. I\u2019ve been part of that group at times. I criticized Foursquare<\/a> and I didn\u2019t see the immediate value of Google+. Even MySpace<\/a> is back in the picture, with some still blasting it<\/a>.<\/p>\n

One of the things we need to realize is that being critical of these new tools will put you behind the eight ball for the future. I have no problem with taking an in-depth look into what each network brings to the table. But, it\u2019s not worth your time to shoot down every new shiny thing that hits the market.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at the \u201cBig Three\u201d platforms: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. It took a few years before they hit mainstream. Even now, though, people are still dismissive. You will never have 100% of professionals understand these established platforms. Some will be on Facebook, but not Twitter, or vice versa. Regardless of what platforms you prefer to use, you need to understand everything.<\/p>\n

So, what platforms will impact us a few years down the road? This is tough to predict because the next \u201cgreat\u201d platform may still be in development. What I can tell you is how I can see newer platforms emerging to assist us as public relations pros.<\/p>\n

Vine\"\"<\/strong><\/a>
\nImagine sending a quick ribbon-cutting video out or even a product teaser. Vine can be that app for you. It\u2019s also a way of staying ahead of the \u201cI want my information yesterday\u201d crowd.<\/p>\n

Instagram<\/a><\/strong>
\nSure, we have already seen this photo-sharing app blow up. But, the InstaWeather and InstaPlace apps are great supplements for Instagram. Use these to create unique photos and \u201ctime capsules\u201d for your events.<\/p>\n

Bump<\/strong><\/a>
\nThis app was introduced to me by my wife a few months ago. I\u2019ve since used it with colleagues to share files, swap contact information, calendar dates, photos, social profiles and apps. Bump transfers the information right into your contact list.<\/p>\n

If you find yourself thinking negatively off the bat about new, shiny social media networks, apps or platforms, keep these two things in mind:<\/p>\n