Archive for March, 2009

Scott Krugman, National Retail Federation

Friday, March 13th, 2009

Scott Krugman, VP of Communications for the National Retail Federation, discusses how you handle communications when the news is bad and how to use social media to get your message across.

Some of Scott’s VlogViews:

“I think a lot of people get intimidated by new media because they haven’t played with the space yet. And I think the important thing to understand is you have to know when you need to be proactive…I think when you’re proactive in your own initiatives it’s going to help you respond in a crisis.”

“You need to treat bloggers, at least the legitimate ones, much like we do the mainstream media. It’s ok to engage. It’s ok to pitch. It’s ok to have the dialogue. And I think once you’ve established that relationship, your message is going to come through.”

“The good news about the blogosphere is that it’s two way communication and because of that you’re going to have plenty of opportunities to get your message out to that space as well…..There is one side of the group that may be out to get you, the good news is, there is another side that’s right out there to defend you.”

PR News’ Next Practices Conference Series:

Howard Bragman

Howard Bragman

Adam Brickley

Adam Brickley

Stephanie Anderson

Stephanie Anderson

Jeff Mascott

Jeff Mascott

Kerry Zobor

Kerry Zobor

Kerry Zobor, World Wildlife Fund

Friday, March 13th, 2009

Kerry Zobor, VP of Communications for the World Wildlife Fund, discusses “Earth hour,” a global initiative to show concern over climate change that will occur on March 28th, 2009.

Some of Kerry’s VlogViews:

“This is a real visual message to our leadership this year that we’re serious about climate change and people are concerned about it. We’re particularly interested in a powerful message being sent this year, because we do have a new administration which we hope will take serious action on climate change and we’re also looking to our world leaders to the UN treaty meeting in December that world wide we need a new climate change treaty.”

“We’re getting a lot of pick up on facebook and twitter, a lot of activity on myspace. We have a very compelling short video that’s on youtube that anybody can access. And we have a website, earthhourus.org and there are a lot of materials….whoever the participant, we have something for you.”

“The word is spreading. It’s becoming a movement.”

Earth Hour” is on March 28th, 8:30-9:30 local time.

PR News’ Next Practices Conference Series:

Howard Bragman

Howard Bragman

Adam Brickley

Adam Brickley

Stephanie Anderson

Stephanie Anderson

Jeff Mascott

Jeff Mascott

Scott Krugman

Scott Krugman

D S Simon Inks Deal with The Onion

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

Interview with Dan Mirk and Sam West, writers for TheOnion.com. Writers agree to viral development deal but only if allowed to choose their own pseudonyms. Dan and Sam sort of give tips on how organizations can make their videos go viral. Hint: think titanium skewer.