Social Networks are like Gardening (and Other PR Blog Jots)

Care and Maintenance of a Social Network
Chris Brogan
In an important reminder for those who join a social network, add 1,000 “friends” to and then forget to stay in touch, Chris points out that merely friend-building on your various networks doesn’t necessarily cut it when it comes to forming and keeping strong relationships. He notes that online relationships require as much work and maintenance as our “real life” friendships, and offers a few tips on how to keep your social network healthy. He suggests dropping an email every now and then, and making sure to comment on friends’ blogs when we get the chance. “In the blog world, comments mean that you dropped by, paid someone attention, and thought enough of their work to leave a note. We forget to do this, especially when we read a lot via an RSS reader (like I do). Click through and comment on a post here and there, and not just “good post,” but something pertinent to your friend’s efforts.”

Audition 2.0
Jaffe Juice
In his “iPhone for an Episode” podcast sponsorship campaign, Joseph Jaffe has received iPhone #2 (disclosure, iPhone #1 came from CustomScoop), this one from Tim Coyne in exchange for assistance in landing an audition on one of four major network programs. He’s hoping that by using his social network and promoting the project on a popular podcast, he will set himself apart from other actors clamoring for such opportunities. Jaffe thinks it is just crazy enough to work, mentioning the “One Red Paperclip,” project, where a regular guy bartered his way into a brand new house online. “This sponsorship is going to involve you. In this new and wonderful world of social media and social networking; where book titles like "Wisdom of Crowds", "Tipping Point", "World is Flat", "Long Tail", "Life after the 30-second spot" and "Join the Conversation" are not cliches, but calls-to-action, each and every one of us can make incredible things happen.”

Grudge Match - PR vs HR
Murphy’s Law
Mentioning the much-discussed post from MyRagan’s fictional blogger Cassandra in which she blasted human resources and bemoaned the lack of understanding between PR and HR departments, Tom Murphy takes a different angle on the subject. He wonders if the rift may be caused by the similarity between the two. Tom points out that PR and HR are the two departments of most companies that have the most contact with the others departments, and require the most personal interaction. “For me a strong working relationship with HR is an absolutely non-negotiable for PR. Building that relationship is essential for every PR practitioner whether you are in-house or on the agency side. The benefits, from better insight into internal challenges to increased PR opportunities are worth every minute of your time. My advice is understand HR’s challenges and objectives.  Align yourself with them and you will create a fantastic environment which will have a positive impact on your internal and external communications programmes.”

PodCamp Fever
Bryper.com
While it seems, via a brief scan of the registered attendees, that everyone is already attending PodCamp Boston 2, Bryan Person reminds us all that after less than a year since the first PodCamp, the “fever” has spread worldwide. PodCamps have been held everywhere from Australia to Singapore, and the movement doesn’t appear to be losing steam anytime soon. See you all in Boston! “And let the message be heard loud and clear: new-media enthusiasts everywhere are hungry to come together to teach, learn, and share. Social media is very much social, and I’m not just referring to online channels through which we often communication. Indeed, we look forward to, and in fact relish, PodCamp’s face-to-face working sessions, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, debates, hotel room jam sessions, and pub chats, where we share best practices, ask and answer hard questions, challenge each other to do more, make new friends and colleagues, and collaborate in endlessly interesting ways.”