Social Media Corner October 2013 - How Social Media Sways Your Holiday Shopping (and you may not have even realized it!)

Did you know that a whopping 65% of holiday shoppers flock to social media to find that special something for that special someone?

Pinterest is always my go-to for a brilliant idea that I cannot take credit for when it comes to all things arts and crafts.  Well it turns out Pinterest is also the top social site for those seeking  ideas for holiday gifts (and décor, and recipes, AND crafts, etc, etc!). According to a survey by Crowdtap, 48% of participants named Pinterest the leader for inquiring minds looking for holiday gift ideas.  With so many people flocking to Pinterest, are you capitalizing on this and pinning inventive ideas on why your product is a must-have this holiday season?

When it is time to seal the deal, Facebook ranked the highest in social sites that have influenced a holiday gift purchase.  Facebook is key when asking friends for recommendations on things such as finding the best flat screen for your husband or the latest age appropriate toy for your niece or nephew when you have no idea what kid’s like.  Perhaps  you are planning the company holiday party and you’re seeking a great restaurant as a venue—Facebook saves the day again. 

And, people love to share a good deal on Facebook.  Whether it be coupons, contests or sale updates, sharing the latest bargain is easier than ever on Facebook. In fact 44% of online shoppers are finding the best deals via a recommendation. 

As marketers we know social media is much more than keeping up with friends and family, but don’t forget if you’re managing social sites for your business to include relevant content  including pins, coupons and contests that inspires and influences your target audience during the holiday season when shopping is at its prime.

http://mashable.com/2013/08/21/social-media-shopping/

October APR Trivia

Question: The Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA hosts FREE study sessions for its members pursuing Accreditation in Public Relations each year. Which month do the sessions begin and how many weeks do they meet?

A.   February/10 weeks

B.    May/14 weeks

C.    February/20 weeks

D.   May/6 weeks

Answer: A. Study sessions begin in early February and include 10 sessions. We generally take one week off halfway through the sessions, which wrap up in early May.

Local Image Awards 2014 - Think, collect and find a buddy!!

Even though it is still early, your local Image team is preparing for the 2014 Local Image Awards. And, so should you!

The more you think about the potential of a project becoming an Image entry and collecting support materials as you go, the easier it will be for you to compete in the Local Image Awards. As you plan or participate in projects from January 2013 through the competition deadline on March 11, 2014, try to determine if they meet the Image standards. Also, think about the Image Award categories - maybe the special event you ran didn’t meet all the objectives you set, but the speech you wrote for the CEO to give during the event exceeded expectations and changed the attitude of the audience. Be smart - always look at all the elements of a campaign and find the perfect fit for your project.

If you are planning to submit an entry in the competition and have never entered before - or you need a little bit of guidance - then you need an Image Buddy! Last year, we started “Image Buddies” and it was a huge success. Several members took advantage of the mentoring program and went on to win - locally and at Golden Image.

Your Local Image Committee has seasoned “Image Experts” who will be there to offer encouragement and advice on how to submit an award-winning entry. We will personalize your “match” with someone who knows you or your company and has won an Image Award in the category you want to discuss. We think by offering a hands-on experience with a trusted and knowledgeable “buddy” you will feel more comfortable about asking questions and make entering Local Image a little less daunting.

If you have any questions about Local Image and/or would like help from an Image Buddy, please contact Vicki Moreland at vbmoreland@flylcpa.com or 239-590-4502. 

Save the Date! - November SWFL FPRA Chapter Luncheon

Sign Up Today for November's FPRA SWFL Chapter Luncheon!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Join your FPRA chapter at their new luncheon location - The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bell Tower Shops at 13051 Bell Tower Drive in Fort Myers.
Click here to register now!

Price: $20.00 for members, $25.00 for non-members and $10.00 for students

Date: November 5, 2013 

'Tis the Season for Holiday Story Pitches!

Join us on Tuesday, November 5 and find out five stories the media wish you would not send their way during the holidays-- and five tips for generating solid November and December story pitches for your clients and organizations.

Our media panel consists of TV and newspaper professionals, including: Tammy Ayer, the News-Press Media Group; Darrel Lieze-Adams, Waterman Broadcasting; and Lois Thome, WINK News.

Reminder: This is our first luncheon meeting at our new location, the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops.

Our Panelists:

Tammy Ayer is editor of Grandeur Magazine, part of the News-Press Media Group.

She came to Fort Myers to work with the News-Press in June 2002, first working as night city editor for four years.

Since then, she has advanced to Lifestyles editor and is entering her third season as Grandeur editor.
 

Darrel Lieze-Adams serves as the Executive News for Waterman Broadcasting (NBC2 and ABC7).

He has been with the station since 1997.

During his tenure at Waterman Broadcasting the station has won four National RTNDA Edward R. Murrow's for Investigative Reporting.
 

Lois Thome joined WINK-TV in 1992 and since then has garnered many awards and recognition including:

The Best News Anchor in Southwest Florida, the Phi Delta Kappa Lay Person of the Year, the Quill Pen Award from the Florida Association of School Administrators, and the Library Advocate of the Year by the Southwest Florida Library Network.

I Can't Live Without - October 2013

My goals and objectives. After my annual performance evaluation, I print them out and post them where I see them daily. That way even on the worst days when I feel as though I've accomplished nothing but minutia, I can still see the big picture and feel successful.                             

Betsy Clayton, APR, Programs Chair