Social Media & Your Reputation

Please excuse me while I rant for a while.

You see, I recently stumbled upon an article highlighting Tweets that were sent during a Twitter feud between British boy band One Direction's Zayn Malik and his fellow Brit, The Wanted's Max George.  The battle of the bands words got pretty heated, and other members of each respective band intervened while the fight raged on.

One Direction's Zayn Malik attacks The Wanted's Max George on Twitter

I have just one question to ask these boys: Do you not have a publicist!? Is no one explaining to you how damaging a conflict broadcasted to millions of followers on Twitter can be to your reputation?

Not only did the Twitter feud make headlines, it also made both band members look, well, rather lame.

This feud really got me heated because I understand how frustrating  it must be for the publicists of celebrities who use Twitter in damaging ways. When you spend your career managing the image of celebrities/companies, etc., it can be pretty upsetting when your client blatantly disregards all efforts you've made on his or her behalf.

Beyond my publicist-sympathizing reasons, this fight also upsets me because it proves that people truly don't realize just how much their presence on social media can affect how they are perceived by others. This goes beyond celebrities or major corporations; this is true for every single person with a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest account.

Your social media profile is your avatar. It is your online persona, and it's what people perceive to be a direct reflection of you, your beliefs and your actions. What sort of message was sent to young fans of One Direction when Malik referred to George as "Chlamydia boy"? Not a very respectable one, if you ask me.

Maintaining a squeaky-clean profile on social media sites is vital to your personal image (unless, of course, you're Marilyn Manson and you're success rests solely on your ability to shock & dismay the general pulic.) It should not be taken lightly. So, before you post that questionable picture or decide to bad-mouth someone online, ask yourself: "What do I want the people who look at my profile to think of me?"

When it comes to social media profiles and reputation, I've got one thing to say: Clean it up, people!

A Lesson in Disappointment-- And Optimism

Today I learned my first hard lesson in PR.

A particular client that I have worked extremely hard for over the last six months has decided that he is unsure whether or not he wants to continue his contract with us at the beginning of next year.

Obviously, this has been a huge blow to me. I've put in countless hours writing press releases, searching for new media to pitch to, organizing blogger review visits and taking a virtually non-existent Facebook following and earning 1,000 + new "likes" for this client. I usually try to let things roll off my back, but this one really stings.

Earlier today, I was expressing my angst and obvious disappointment to my boss when she reminded me of one very minute, yet very important, detail: This is just a downfall to the business we're in.

As my boss explained to me, a lot of people don't quite understand what PR professionals actually do. There is a common misconception among marketing professionals that Public Relations can be accomplished by anyone who has access to a media data base and is a decent writer. In reality, PR is so much more than being able to send a few emails. It requires constant creativity, coming up with new angles that will get media interested and conducting an array of day-to-day tasks that keep clients happy.

Although this setback has had a slight affect on me (only because I put so much care and effort into what I do), I have decided to face my disappointment head-on. We may retain this client, we may not. At least I know I've done everything in my power to keep the client happy.  

You know what they say: "That's show business."

Bringing Atlantis Home

Last Friday, I had an unbelievable experience. I had the absolute pleasure to assist with PR efforts during the Atlantis Roll Over at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Not only was my experience enjoyable, but it was an amazing event to add to my resume. I mean, it's not every day that you get to be apart of American history.

 For those of you who don't know, the space shuttle Atlantis made her final moving journey on Friday, November 2, 2012 when she was rolled over from the VAB at Kennedy Space Center to her new home at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The 10 mile journey took all day, and the public was granted rare, up-close access to the orbiter when she stopped at Exploration Park at KSCVC during her trip.

Most of my day was spent on a bus shuttling media to and from KSC, Exploration Park and KSCVC. At one point I had the not-so-glamorous task of running through KSCVC with a tray full of food for the bus drivers to eat. However, after my bus rounds, I was able to assist with media efforts in the exclusive media viewing zone, which gave members of the media a fantastic view of Atlantis as she rolled down 405 and into her new home.

Beyond this, I was about 5 feet away from Atlantis at one point and got to see Buzz Aldrin and other astronauts walk in front of her as they escorted her to her new home. It was a pretty powerful site.

Astronaut Jon McBride posed for a pic with me in front of Atlantis

 At dusk, as Atlantis stayed parked outside the new 100 million dollar building that will house her from now on, fireworks exploded in the sky directly above the orbiter. I couldn't help but be in awe of the image. It was absolutely the perfect ending to a wonderful day.

Working an event that size with so much national and international media coverage is an experience I will never forget. It was definitely a magical day and I was once again reminded how lucky I am to have the job that I have.

Welcome home, Atlantis! The journey continues.