Arrgghh is pretty much all that can sum up this time of year, not just for me but probably for all graduates.

The dissertation is progressing well but the fresh deadlines for semester two assignments thrown into the mix make time management the ultimate task yet again and then there is the daunting prospect of finding a full time position of employment for when I finish.

The current climate is not the best for some people they may have to face the prospect of after four long, hard years of study the ultimate finale is signing on to the dole queue!

I have not yet finished my degree but would love to have something lined up ready for after I hand in my dissertation, one less thing to worry about but from an employers point of view do they want to employ someone who is yet to receive their final graduation grades?

I have come to the conclusion is all that I can do is try, the worst that can happen is that I receive a rejection letter, a slight dent to my ego but full of optimism I will continue to express my interest in organisations and applying for vacant positions - wish me luck!!
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Last Friday displayed a spectacular example of what employers fear most when discussing the implementation of social media.

A vodafone employee logged into the official twitter account and 'tweeted' an offensive message. Although vodafone acted quickly and removed the stray message it was too late after it had already been re-tweeted across the twittersphere.

Vodafone quickly reacted by apologising individually to each follower but was this necessary?  I was only alerted to the debacle after reading one of the numerous apologies and choosing to investigate further as to what exactly they were apologising for.

Vodafone acted reponsibly by releasing an apology but did they need to apologise individually to everyone or was it just making the initial issue larger than what it already was?

Although my dissertation is focussing on the public sector I was unable to use this as a prime example but it just goes to show my dissertation may be of benefit to the industry after all!
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Tonight's lecture was by Karl Milner, Director of Communications at the Yorkshire and Humberside Strategic Health Authority.

This has been my favourite guest lecture talk of the series so far – we can’t forget that there is one more to go!

My initial interest is due to my desire of joining a NHS comms team upon graduation but there were many different gems of information to take away from the talk.

Firstly, Karl is a natural speaker, engaging the audience and humour appropriately.

The NHS is no different to any other organisation and this also applies to the methods employed.

Karl introduced the idea that “PR is about being human – emotion is stronger than science” and this is very true. Where this is human connection participation will be increased, Karl used the example of the honesty box with a baby’s face beside it where proceeds doubled.

Karl also spoke about how reputation is about keeping a promise – as long as we maintain our promises we should also be able to maintain our reputation.

There are five actions to ask of any PR action Karl suggested;

1.    What is the message? (There are always three audiences)
2.    When will they be listening? (It’s not always what you say its if they are listening)
3.    Who is the best main man? (In the case of the NHS it is usually doctor as they are trusted)
4.    How will we know if they have heard us?
5.    Finally, does this tactic undermine our promise?

Using the tactic of social marketing Karl explained how using data they were able to establish a problem, understand the problem then provide a solution through insight.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the talk and it has made my hunger to join the NHS even stronger.

If anyone would like a copy of my notes from the lecture please feel free to drop me an email.
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Unfortunately I think that Sarah’s lecture was a bit like marmite – you either loved it or hated it, I’m afraid to say that I agree with the latter.

The lecture began promising with Sarah explaining that at Lush no one has a job title allowing the CEO to move people to an area he felt best suited them. I would have been far more interested to hear how that worked rather than what she actually presented on.

Sarah spoke of the various political/environmental campaigns that Lush had participated in, the products involved and how the idea came about. Although a certain amount of planning was involved it came across that most of the ideas came about on a whim rather than with any logical or strategic thought.

The main message that came through was that Lush was a political campaign group hiding behind bars of soap preferring to fund other action groups who were prepared to fight for their beliefs rather than do it themselves.

As one member of the audience challenged Sarah on in the Q&A at the end, if I was a corporate lawyer wishing to do the best job I could rather than campaign against fox hunting would you still hire me? Although Sarah danced around the question the answer was clearly no.

The reception from the audience was mixed with either people feeling disgruntled at being read the riot act after every slide about palm oil and plastic bottle soap, or you feel in love with their beliefs even more hence the marmite comment at the beginning. As with everything you can both gain exposure and build a profile or you can damage it and unfortunately for me Lush has now lost my custom for good.

If anyone would like a copy of my notes from the lecture please feel free to drop me an email.

More information on the lecture can be found here.
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Fernando Rizo was a very engaging guest lecture speaker maintaining everyone’s attention at all times.

A lot of the content of the lecture rang similar of the book ‘Here Comes Everybody’ by Clay Shirky (a great read by the way!) but it does not make any of the points made any less true.

Fernando was really reinforcing the concept of media complimentarity where social media is not replacing ‘traditional’ media but it is complimenting along side it something which I have an interest in due to my dissertation.

Further more Fernando raised the subject of when does the new become the old? We talk of social/new/digital media as new alongside traditional media but when does it all become traditional? Fernando predicts that it will be less than 5yrs time.

The three pillars of PR which Fernando provided us with in the lecture were brilliant points to start building an online campaign on and Fernando was right to acknowledge and point out that these change all the time just like the online world does.

A quote I picked up on in the lecture is how I would like to end this commentary and is a quote that I feel sums up the subject nicely.

“Even if you’re on the right track – you will still get run down if you just sit there.” Will Rodgers.

You can follow Fernando on Twitter @fernandorizo

If anyone would like a copy of my notes from the lecture please feel free to drop me an email.
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I have seen Andy Green a number of times now in previous CIPR lecture series and have always found him a humorous pleasure to watch.

This particular lecture I found incredibly interesting and the points made were very true.

Andy has always made his PR ideas to appear so easy and obvious bucking the ultra confusing and complicated PR campaigns in favour of simple ideas that work.

The ideas of memes introduced in this lecture were a new concept for me but it is certainly something that I will take away with me and read up on further.

If anyone would like a copy of my notes from the lecture please feel free to drop me an email.

More information on his lecture can be found here.
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Well I am sad to say that I will just remain a shortlisted entry - I wasn't one of the lucky few to end up in the top three.

Well done to the finalists and to all who entered. I have requested feedback on my entry and hopefully will be able to work on this ready for my next entry for an award.
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I have been shortlisted for my first ever award!

This year a new award has been introduced to PR students at Leeds Metropolitan University called the Claire Maskall PR Prize and I have been lucky enough to be shortlisted!!

Claire sadly died but had led a 35yr enviable career in the world of corporate relations that ranged from the nuclear and electricity industries to housing and construction to banking and finance.

The prizes are a two week placement at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) + £1000 donated by Claire Mascall’s Family for the first prize and second place prizes consisting of;
Two week placement at the Centre for Public Relations Studies + £500 donated by John Morgan

Two week placement at MCG PR + £500 donated by Redmayne-Bentley; and

Two week placement at MCG PR + £500

Seven people have been shortlisted including myself so fingers crossed and good luck to all involved for the prize giving next Monday evening at the CIPR guest lecture!


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I have been lapse in updating the CIPR lectures on my blog but better late than never!

Daryl Wilcox came to deliver a thoroughly interesting talk on being digital. Although not all of the context was entirely different from any other social media talk I’ve participated in there were a few points which provided food for thought.

Firstly Daryl mentioned that we will be the ‘first generation to be actively engaged in social media one way or another.’ It is eye opening to think that I/we are a part of the generation who is changing the media landscape forever.

Any more thoughts on this would be gratefully received.

The other thing I will take away from the talk is monitoring your online presence. I have ‘googled’ myself in the past but never gone down the route of google alerts. If possible I would have liked to have received more talks on how to use google alerts, google analytics and RSS feeds.

You can follow Daryl Wilcox on Twitter @darylwillcox.

If anyone would like a copy of my notes from the lecture please feel free to drop me an email.
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With the rise in use of social media in general it got me thinking whether it was just the main corporate arena using the tool or have other sectors joined on the band wagon too?

The internet has been around for over fifty years but commercially it has only really been used by the general public since the 1990s. The year 2000 saw the “.com boom” where the internet was the very latest thing on the market; many companies made their fortunes and consequently lost them also. Over time the novelty of the internet has worn off but its uses and popularity has not.

The main benefit of the internet and consequently social media is not the tool itself but what it has allowed users to do. Social media has removed the cost and professional barrier allowing users to go online and share content, thoughts and ideas. In a nutshell social media hasn’t changed the way people communicate or work it has simply removed obstacles to it. In relation to the not for profit sector social media has enabled users to create, join and grow groups around issues they feel passionate about.

Social media has also changed the amount of people that can be communicated to at one time. Previously communication was often one to one or one to many but now social media has opened up the possibility of many to many communication with users often able to re-communicate a message with ease through re-tweeting on twitter or re-posting on facebook. The most important aspect of this is the fact that many to many communication can occur but that charities are reaching many more users than before with less cost and effort.

Charities have not only been using social media to communicate to their supporters but to each other too. ‘WeAreMedia’, a wiki project where over 100 non-profit technology professionals have collated knowledge and resources for training materials to help other charities to learn how to use social media effectively. What is more insightful is that the concept for using social media as a resource for other charities was first thought of through discussions on blogs, twitter and facebook. The site has evolved and developed into the amazing resource it is today with presentations being shared with charities all across the world.

Different social media channels are also recognizing the rise in use by not-for-profit organizations and have developed additional applications to accommodate this. Facebook now have charity gifts available in the gift shop. WWF are one of the charities now offering gifts at $5 each with the proceeds going to the charity. This is simply an online version to the charitable donation gifts that have been around for many years already. Twitter now allows users to edit their avatar (the picture placed beside a users name) to include a charities logo – due to the time of year many users currently have a red poppy visible at the corner of the avatar allowing users to spread the message of the charity that they are supporting.

Mashable has come up with five essential tips to ensure that charities get the most out of social media when pushing their message, they are summarized below;

1.     Remember that social media is a conversation – you will get a better following and result if you take the time to realize that the conversation is two way and if you engage with your audience. You need to ensure that you consume information as well as broadcast it, asking for ideas and feedback where necessary to ensure both you and your audience are getting the most out of the interaction.
2.     Be active and responsive – No one wants to follow a disused twitter account so to ensure you keep your audience interested make sure your social media presence is constantly alive and up to date. In terms of time and resource it may be better to only engage on a few sites, it is better to have a good presence on two or three sites than an unresponsive one on twenty.
3.     Be personal and Authentic – Your social media profile must be authentic, people prefer to talk to a person rather than a brand.
4.     Encouraging and sharing – The greatest benefit of social media is the ability to share information quickly and with ease. Encourage your followers to share the information and message to ensure more people and new audiences get to hear about your cause.
5.     Make social media an organization wide activity – The message is simple, the more people at the organization that are communicating people through social media the more people can be reached. 

Social media is potentially a powerful tool for any organization and/or PR professional to utilize whether in the private, public or not for profit sector. It can be employed to simply get the word of the charity out, connect with key stakeholders, encourage support or even raise funds. As with every communication tool, the benefits can only be reaped if the hard work, patience and diligence is in the first instance used and if each tool is utilized properly but if the advice above is taken on board then the potential return could be great.

If you are interested in following some charities via social media site twitter please see some suggestions below.

Alternatively suggestions would be welcome in the comments box at the end.

1. The 1010 Project
Name:@the1010project
Website: the1010project.org
Mission: “The 1010 Project is a nonprofit organization that provides income-generating grants to indigenous
development partners in Kenya and raises awareness in the United States on behalf of the global poor.”

2. American Cancer Society
Name:@AmericanCancer
Website: cancer.org
Mission: “The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health
organization.”

3. American Red Cross
Name:@RedCross
Website: redcross.org
Mission: As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the
American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering.

4. Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology
Name:@anitaborg_org
Website: anitaborg.org
Mission: “The Anita Borg Institute seeks to: Increase the impact of women on all aspects of technology, and
increase the positive impact of technology on the world’s women.”

5. Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group
Name:@aidg
Website: aidg.org
Mission: “Boston-based nonprofit working in Guatemala & Haiti to get communities affordable renewable
energy, sanitation, and clean water. Friend us. We’re nice.”

6. Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia
Name:@C2CPhilly
Website: cradlestocrayons.org
Mission: “To provide, free of charge, low-income and homeless children from birth to pre-teen the basic
essentials they need to be safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued. We also set a foundation for lasting
change through the meaningful, tangible volunteer opportunities we provide to thousands of youth and adults
each year.”

7. Create The Good
Name:@createthegood
Website: aarp.org
Mission: “Create The Good is the network to connect AARP members, friends and families with ways to make a difference. Founded in 1958, AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives.”

8. Exploratorium Museum
Name:@Exploratorium
Website: exploratorium.edu
Mission: The Exploratorium stands in the vanguard of the movement of the “museum as educational center.”
It provides access to, and information about, science, nature, art, and technology. The Exploratorium is a
leader in the movement to promote museums as informal education centers.

9. Greenpeace
Name:@Greenpeace_Intl
Website: greenpeace.org
Mission: “An independent global campaigning organisation acting to change attitudes and behavior, to protect
the environment and promote peace.”

10. Hemp Industries
Name:@HempIndustries
Website: thehia.org
Mission: “Non-profit trade group representing hemp companies, researchers and supporters.”

11. The Humane Society of the United States
Name:@humanesociety
Website: hsus.org
Mission: “The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization —
backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been
fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating
animals and confronting cruelty.”

12. Kramden
Name:@Kramden
Website: kramden.org
Mission: “Dedicated to bridging the digital divide by awarding computers to hard-working, underprivileged
children.”

13. The LAMP
Name:@thelampnyc
Website: thelampnyc.org
Mission: The LAMP (Learning About Multimedia Project) provides basic media literacy skills to the
inter-related groups of youths, their parents and educators throughout New York City. Free media literacy
workshops and events demystify the constant flow of media these three groups encounter, bridge the gap
between generations, and provide workforce development skills for future generations.

14. LCA Trust
Name:@preserveland
Website: lcatrust.org
Mission: “We provide emergency funding and legal support to preserve open spaces and natural resources,
and promote smart-growth ideals that foster land conservation.”

15. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Name:@llsusa
Website: lls.org
Mission: “The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization
dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. LLS’s mission: Cure leukemia,
lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.”

16. LIVESTRONG
Name:@livestrong
Website: livestrong.org
Mission: “At the Lance Armstrong Foundation, we inspire and empower people affected by cancer. We
believe that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything.”

17. The Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
Name:@magdrl
Website: magdrl.org
Mission: “Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League. All-volunteer org. We rescue, rehabilitate and find homes
for lost, abandoned or neglected Great Danes.”

18. National Peace Corps Association
Name:@pcorpsconnect
Website: peacecorpsconnect.org
Mission: “We are citizens who served in communities in more than 134 developing countries since the Peace
Corps was created in 1961. That global experience defined our lives and changed our views of the world and
of our role in that world. We are teachers, community activists, business leaders, government officials,
 members of Congress, ambassadors, social entrepreneurs, and other members of the Peace Corps family.”

19. The National Wildlife Federation
Name:@NWF
Website: nwf.org
Mission: “The National Wildlife Federation works to inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s
future.”

20. Nature Conservancy
Name:@nature_org
Website: nature.org
Mission: The leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important
lands and waters for nature and people.

21. PETA
Name:@officialpeta
Website: peta.org
Mission: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the largest animal rights organization in the
world. PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most
intensely for the longest periods of time: on factory farms, in laboratories, in the clothing trade, and in the
entertainment industry.

22. Save the Children
Name:@savethechildren
Website: savethechildren.org
Mission: “Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change for children in
need in the United States and around the world.”

23. Share Our Strength
Name:@sharestrength
Website: strength.org
Mission: “Share Our Strength is a national organization that works hard to make sure no kid in America grows
up Hungry. We weave together a net of community groups, activists and food programs to catch children at
risk of hunger and surround them with nutritious food where they live, learn and play.”

24. Stand Up to Cancer
Name:@su2c
Website: standup2cancer.org
Mission: “Stand Up To Cancer is a new initiative created to accelerate groundbreaking cancer research that
will get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives. SU2C’s goal is to bring together the best and the
brightest in the cancer community, encouraging collaboration instead of competition.”

25. UNICEF UK
Name:@unicef_uk
Website: unicef.org.uk
Mission: UNICEF UK is one of 36 UNICEF National Committees based in industrialised countries. UNICEF
National Committees raise funds for UNICEF’s worldwide emergency and development work. In 2007 UNICEF
UK raised £41.3 million for UNICEF’s work with children worldwide. UNICEF UK also advocates for lasting
change for children. For example; UNICEF UK’s Public Affairs Team works to change government policies and
practices that are detrimental to children’s rights in the UK and internationally.”

26. WWF
Name:@WWF_Climate
Website: panda.org
Mission: To stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans
live in harmony with nature, by: Conserving the world’s biological diversity; ensuring that the use of renewable
natural resources is sustainable; promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
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