LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network. If you are not one of the 225 million active members on LinkedIn, you are missing out on an extremely crucial networking opportunity.
A LinkedIn profile is a personal branding resource. It opens doors to job opportunities, clients, mentors and keeps you connected to thought-leaders in your industry. Here are three reasons why you can’t afford to miss out on LinkedIn.
Topics: Public relations, branding, social media, LinkedIn
Last week, I attended a fun student-alumni speed networking event at Penn State Brandywine where I spoke to students about interview tips, networking tricks and job search advice.
Not only did I love representing Garden Media as a proud PSU alumna, I was inspired by the students’ enthusiasm and willingness to invest in their futures.
As with many of the talks we give to students about attending networking events, applying for internships and going on interviews, there was a common theme among the questions asked.
Here is a list of those top questions with tips for students:
Topics: Public relations, branding, Internship, leadership
It’s impossible to escape the hashtag these days. The tiny # symbol has successfully infiltrated most social media platforms and is used for a variety of difference reasons online.
Public relations professionals and social media managers alike use hashtags to garner attention to their brands and connect with like-minded consumers on the web. Hashtags are also a fast, easy way to communicate directly with customs and brand ambassadors.
While the # may seem simple, there is a lot of strategic planning that goes into choosing the right hashtag and using it.
This infographic from the Huffington Post shows how to best use this powerful social media tool.
Topics: Public relations, Twitter, social media, Social, Infographic
You know by now that working in the PR industry is similar to attending matchmaking bootcamp.
Research, listening are a few things PR professionals need to do to match the perfect client with the perfect customer. Timing plays a huge role, too.
We’ve identified additional things that make brands irresistible to consumers.
Topics: Public relations, hiring a public relations person, garden business, Garden Media, leadership
For today’s trending Thursday post, we’re highlighting the NaTECHure trend from our 2016 Garden Trends Report.
NaTECHure is the intersection of two of the hottest trends in education: technology and nature.
When technology and nature come together they get people off the couch outside. The latest example of this is the Pokemon craze, but other new apps and virtual reality engage kids with gardening and nature in fun, new ways.
Topics: Public relations, garden marketing, Trending Thursday, Garden Trends, Youtube
Today is National Matchmaker Day- yes there is a holiday for everything. This holiday marks a particularly important one for PR professionals, because it is a great day to learn how to make the best match for your customers.
Just being Mr. Reliable or Ms. Congeniality isn’t enough. When looking for the perfect match, you need to pull out all the stops and know every aspect of your potential partner.
Being a good matchmaker, or PR professional, is about the ability to listen and understand the habits, passions and hobbies of the pair.
Asking the right questions can be the difference between success and failure in setting up an interview, pitching a new client or even simply enjoying a meal with a prospect.
Topics: Public relations, garden marketing, image building, leadership, decision-making
I never thought of myself as a brand until recently. I’ve been in public relations for more than twenty years and without even realizing it, I’ve become my own personal brand that builds relationships and shares advice on social channels. And I’ve even secured my own personal web profile.
When most people think of a brand today, a company is usually the first thing that pops into their heads. In the age of digital marketing, everyone can be their own brand.
Topics: Public relations, branding, Digital Branding
Anyone who works in this industry knows that pitching and PR go hand-in-hand. An interesting, timely pitch sent to the right contact ultimately means you’ll be successful. It also helps you to build relationships with new contacts.
While good pitches can do wonders for your brand, bad pitches can lend your email straight in the trash.
This infographic from PR Daily shows exactly what makes bad pitches unappealing and what you can do to fix your pitch.
Topics: Public relations, social media, Garden Media, pitching, Infographic
Layered Landscapes are the new industry trend taking over yards in 2016. A 3-D yard rich with wildlife defines a true layered landscape according to the 2016 Garden Trends Report.
While the term quite literally applies to the landscape itself, the essence of the trend also applies to PR.
Successful PR industry leaders serve a well-defined purpose, create a team that maintains a diverse skillset and avoid blind spots.
Topics: Public relations, Trending Thursday, public relations media plan, Garden Trends, key influencers
It’s the age-old industry question: How do you measure the value of PR?
The simplest answer? You can’t put a price on public image!
As public relations professionals, it’s our job to turn our clients into stars and help create compelling brands with large, loyal followings. It’s also our job to help clients understand that a favorable public image is priceless.
This infographic from Prezly looks at quotes from leaders in their field, such as Seth Godin, Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Benjamin Franklin, public relations professionals from Ketchum, and more.
Topics: Public relations, PR Measurement, branding, image building, Infographic
