Are you still lurking?
In the first post of my New Year-New Habit series, “Stop Lurking and Other Resolutions,” I suggested we cease lurking this year and start commenting on the digital content we intake. Try to build this good public relations and social media habit this week by:
- Leaving one comment on a blog you read
- Sharing two other articles with your Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter communities
Easy steps, right? Here’s my second suggestion, which may get some of you out of your comfort zone.
New Year-New Habit No. 2: Pick Up the Phone
In the iPhone 4S we trust. Thanks, Apple.
I’m a 21st century digital girl and rip off emails, texts and tweets faster than Ryan Seacrest produces new projects.
Yet journalists’ inboxes groan under the burdensome weight of pointless and unrequested email. Bloggers get inundated with, again, unrequested pitches to review products or consider a guest post. Even my clients try to balance their inbox load, with every new email competing for attention. (Note to clients: Always read mine first. I promise it’s important.)
But is this really communicating?
Email has become a hot potato. I can say I took action because I fired off a digital missive to you. Of course, I assume no responsibility that you received it, understood it, care about it or will act upon it. But I did something!
This year, make it a habit to select the right communications channel for the job.
- Are you relying information that the recipient can digest at his or her leisure? Email is fine.
- Are you trying to resolve an issue involving multiple people? Pick up the phone or schedule a conference call.
- Are you pitching a journalist for the first time? Email is fine (assuming that email is his or her preferred method).
- Are you following up on a pitch and want to know if you’re of value to the reporter? Pick up the phone and build a real relationship.
Flex those vocal muscles and resolve to really communicate this year. I promise: It’s less scary than the Iowa caucuses.
What PR or social media habit would you like to develop this year? Leave a reply and let me know!
P.S. If you’re looking for tips on how to use email more effectively, I wrote some ideas for Examiner.com in 2010 that still ring true. What would you add?
