From Future Camp to Summer Camp!

Today, social media class was unlike any other. We spent the class at Future Camp! We discussed how social media can add value to our public relations careers.

It had a bit of a rocky start but once we split up into our desired PR industries it was actually quite interesting. My agency group determined that consistancy and reaching out to potential employers is a great way to use social media to help your further career.

Future Camp turned comedic when we took a picture of my friend Andrew's rattail who he coveniently name "Ryan the Rattail." Ryan got a little frisky with Caterina's bun.. here is evidence.We determined that he should aspire to grow his rattail out to match this lovely gentlmen's rattail:

Now, back to business.. we duscussed how both sections of the Humber PR program can create a stronger bond. We concluded that activities through out the summer will be a good opportunity to develop good relationships with our fellow PR students. White water rafting, Canada's Wonderland, cottaging and camping were all ideas for our "summer camp" adventures.

here are the twitter links for the other students in my class who are interested in agency work:
Catherine - @catherineflint
Christiaan - @queerinTO
Kareena - @Kara_Victoria
Laura - @LoloinToronto
Maram - @Maoudi

And the man who is host to the rattail is Andrew - @bar2cci

Who's Who In The Pepsi Refresh Project

The Pepsi Refresh Project inspires the United States to help their country and local communities. Pepsi has started a project where American citizens submit ideas to the Pepsi Refresh website, the public votes on their favourite idea and the winner receives a grant from Pepsi. Now, these can't just be any old ideas, they must benefit the community in one way or another. The ideas must fall under the following categories: health, arts & culture, food & shelter, the planet, neighbourhoods or education. There is a maximum of 1,000 ideas per month and the idea is up for votes for only a month.

Watch this promotional video to learn more!

To better understand this project, I will describe who is applicants, voters, ambassadors, partners and everyone else in between.

Applicants:

- People

- Pro-social businesses

- Non-profit organizations

Applicants must be at least 13 years old, a legal american citizen and must speak english. The applicant must have access to internet so that they can monitor their idea's status. The applicant must be able to complete their idea within 12 months of recieving the grant. There are 32 grants given out every month.

Surprisingly, even celebrities are submitting ideas. Check out Kevin Bacon's idea:

Voters:

Voters must also be 13 years or older and a resident of the United States. They can vote up to ten times from the same IP address.

Ambassadors:

There are six amabassadors. Each one represents one of the six categories the ideas must fall under. The categories include health, art & culture, food & shelter, the planet, neighbourhoods and education. The ambassadors are experienced in the field and can review whether or not the ideas are legitimate and achievable.

Partners:

Pepsi has partnered with a four organizations to make sure this project has a legitimate foundation.

1. GOOD: a collaboration of individuals, businesses and non-profits set to improve the world we live in.

2. DoSomething: helps young people make a difference in their school and community.

3. City Year: helps younger people learn the skills necessary to change the world.

4. GlobalGiving: provides an online service that directs donors to charities in the donor’s community.

Click on the links below to get the full SWOT and POST analysis of the Pepsi Refresh project:

Caterina Ventrella : Strengths

Kareena Coehlo: Weaknesses and Opportunities

Sophia Tupper: Threats

Aasana Sri: Objectives and Strategies

Jessica Sanchez: Technology

An All-Around Fashionista - My Personal Brand

Here is my personal brand!

The presentation below has helped me focus my public relations career and objectives towards the evolving world of fashion.

Nadine's Personal Brand Plan - FASHIONISTA

View more presentations from MissNadineR.

Stay tuned for blogs about high-end, street and bridal fashion!

Enhance A Brand's Image Using Social Media

Check out my video blog on How Public Relations has been affected by broadband connectivity ie. Social Media!

This video discusses:

1. How Public relations can benefit from social media

2. How to communicate with the customers instead of to the customers

3. Blogging from the inside

4. "Ideavirus"

If you would like to read the referenced manifestos please go to Dierdre Breakinridge's PR 2.0 A Communicator's Manifesto. I also reference Seth Godin's Unleashing An Ideavirus.

A young passion for fashion

Tavi Gevinson, 13, is an internationally known fashion blogger. Tavi is the publisher of Style Rookie. The writer is a respected high fashion style critic. Tavi posts fashion trends and critiques new designers. She reviews fashion shows from around the world. Tavi’s writing skills surpass that of an eighth grader. Most people assume her blog is a fraud. The Chicagoan simply defends her gift in interviews. To learn more read this article, The Chicago Tribune.

One of the most recent posts is a critique of Paris' fashion week. Tavi gives a detailed look into the designs from Christian Dior, Chanel and Armani. Tavi writes in a sarcastic and humorous manner. Style Rookie is suitable for all ages.

Tavi posts pictures of her own unique and creative style. The writer recently blogged about her blue hair. To emphasize the trend Tavi posted photos of other artists using the same styles.

Fashion is a passion of mine. I respect Tavi for her dedication and success in the fashion industry. Here is a list of other sites where Tavi appears

• POP Magazine
• Flickr
• Polyvore

Check out Tavi’s interview with Rodarte for their new line at Target.

Tavi Gevinson is a great example of how social media can bring you fame. Style Rookie reached out to the fashion world and made a name for herself. I wish her all the best. I will continue to watch Tavi blossom into a greater young success.

The Anti-Tweet!

Twitter has developed into a worldwide social media phenomenon. I’m sure you have a good idea what twitter has to offer. I won’t waste time.

Twitter’s benefits definitely surpass its disadvantages. However, I would like to point out some negative aspects of Twitter. Please go to my partner, Julie Ibrahim’s blog to learn the advantages.

My biggest concern with Twitter is the “Noise” factor. Far too many people tell us what they ate, where they went last night, and quite frankly, the last time they visited the bathroom. Sometimes it is difficult to get through the junk.

I find it difficult to search and find the right people. I can never find friends unless I have the exact Twitter name. Also, when searching for celebrities, it is very difficult to differentiate between the legitimate pages vs. the fan pages. I wish there was an easier way to identify people.

Check out this video from a CNN debate between journalists.

If it weren’t for my social media course, I would have no idea half the features Twitter has to offer. For example, the hash symbol (#) in the search field. The “@RT” symbol that simply means a “re-tweet,” These symbols now help me search within Twitter. However, how does one find out about these features on his/her own?

On a more serious note, my friends and I are concerned with children on Twitter. I understand the min age is 13. How and who is controlling this? How are parents monitoring what their children are following? Here is an interesting article on the affects of Twitter on children.

Looking at Twitter from a PR perspective, one must be careful of how they project themselves. A celebrity could destroy their image with a few unnecessary tweets. Organizations could casually promote CSR initiatives, forgetting they could have to back it up. On a personal note, how do I differentiate my “fun” tweets against my professional tweets?

Let me know what you think. What other problems have you come across? Do you disagree with the above?

"How To" Use Google Docs!

Working on a group project? If you are studying or working in Public Relations, you most likely are. I present to you Google docs!

Google docs allows you to post documents, spreadsheets and presentations online. Group members can then view the posted documents, where they can collaborate/edit the documents. Users can create the document on google docs, or import the file from their computers. The application is easy to use and efficient.

Check out this video on how to use Google docs. The presenter may be a bit monotone, however, you will learn a lot!

For those of you who are a little more technologically advanced, you may just want to check out the Google docs tour.

Check out my group member's blogs on Google docs, Mike Thomson and Jacqueline Goldstine.

I appreciate the value of the “How To” assignment. I have been introduced to many new social media outlets. I find the best way to learn about these social media applications is by utilizing them. I enjoy learning networks. I hope throughout this program we continue to share our knowledge about social media.

If you are interested on learning “How To” use other social media applications visit this reference list.

Would You Jump Off The World’s Tallest Building?

Once again Dubai has set a world record! The Burj Khalifa is by far the world’s tallest building. Standing at over 800 meters tall (2625 ft), the building contains over 160 stories. The construction started January 2004. It took Dubai six years to set the world record for tallest building in the world; this includes the tallest freestanding structure, sorry CN Tower! Go to this link to check out the difference between Burj Khalifa and other towers/buildings.

Most of you might be thinking, “ What/who is Khalifa?!” Well, just days before the opening of Burj Dubai, Sheik Khalifa gave $10-billion to Dubai to help cover the bailout funds. Sheik Khalifa is the head of the United Arab Emirates, as well as the ruler of Abu Dhabi. In honour of this donation Dubai renamed the building Burj Khalifa. Here is an article from the Globe and Mail that can explain further.

Here is a video of the inauguration of Burj Khalifa on January 4th, 2010!


When I searched twitter for #BurjKhalifa, I found it interesting to find real estate postings. I never thought that Twitter could be used to sell/rent out properties! I also found a posting from BrandDubai saying “#BurjKhalifa is a source of pride for Dubai and the UAE.” I found this very interesting. I searched further on the Burj Khalifa website to find that the building symbolizes international cooperation, a prosperous Middle East, and success in human talent, not on oil reserves.

Now, back to my first question “Would you jump off the world’s tallest Building?” Apparently, a few people were crazy enough to do it! Watch the video below as proof.

The Burj Khalifa uses social media to promote the extravagance of both the building and its inauguration. Social media is an excellent way for the world to connect itself. Spectators from around the world were given the opportunity to feel as if they were there as the base jumpers were risking their lives.

The inauguration and the base jumpers are a great inititative by Burj Khalifa's PR team. It is a great way for the world to appreciate and respect the building. It also brings in a lot of customers from around the world. Becuase really, who wouldn't want to stay on one of the top floors of the tallest buidling in the world?

In interest of starting a debate, do you think this building is a waste of money, considering our struggling economy? When I researched articles online, a lot of comments would suggest that yes, perhaps this money could have spent more wisely. Here is an article if you wish to read further.