Too Much New Media? 5WPR CEO Ronn Torossian Sets it Straight

Sometimes, it’s simply amazing to hear the old, tired voices from the past talk about the changes that have come, and how it leads to losing touch with some old, unknown thing that grounds us to our past. We have seen it, through the centuries, with every technological advancement. When it was surmised that we were made sick by germs instead of an imbalance of elements or demon possession, no one screamed louder in objection than the old doctors. When explorers pointed west across the seas, and said the round Earth would carry on and not end, they said those explorers were mad.

In the information age, every step forward in our technology has been greeted with shouts and boos, mostly from those who are stuck in the technology of the past, complaining that this new technology removes some sort of spirit or soul from communication. Even those who pioneered the “new” technologies of their day 50 or 60 years ago make it seem that somehow the texting, tweeting, Facebooking, Pinteresting generation has lost something in the exchange of ease of communication. But maybe, they’ve found something instead.

Wireless Telegraph, 1915. - NationalGeographic
There was a time where the stalwarts decried the death of the letter at the hand of the short-form telegraph (which used to charge by the letter). There were those who believed that the moving picture would be the end of live theater, and kill the art and artistry of performing to crowd. Some people reading this may even be old enough to remember their parent’s laments that rock & roll, along with Elvis and The Beatles, would be the death of “good” music. In each of these cases, while the older generation cried about all that had been lost, the younger generation saw a new way to communicate, either literally or artistically, within the world given to them.
Instagram

Instagram is as much an art as any other form of photography. Just because the filters and focus are in the camera’s software, and not hardware, doesn’t mean the artist’s eye hasn’t found something beautiful, and photographed it as they’d like to see and remember it. As stodgier voices complain about words being shortened, abbreviated, and made up in texting and tweeting, they should remember that every generation has produced slang, and found ways of shortening and abbreviating words and terms for convenience and ease. If it seems strange today, that is only because never before has communications technology grown so quickly, spread so rapidly, and become so readily available in human history.

This doesn’t spell the end for the old standbys, necessarily. The pendulum always swings back, and what was old will be new again. The Elks Club hasn’t been burnt down to make room for a Google + hangout, but social media is here to stay, and grow, and change our lives in a myriad of ways yet to come.

Source:http://ronntorossian.blogspot.com/2013/07/too-much-new-media-5wpr-ceo-ronn.html

Using a Corporate Wellness Program to Boost Morale

Boosting morale within your business is becoming something that more and more business owners are becoming concerned with. From Casual Fridays to free donuts in the break room, there are several approaches to making your employees happier and, in turn, creating a better work environment for all involved parties.

However, one of the morale boosters you should seriously consider is incorporating a corporate wellness program. After all, what are the reasons for people missing work? Reports indicate that that it comes down to illness, stress, and lack of sleep—all brought on by rigorous working conditions. Therefore, incorporating a wellness program of any kind not only tackles this problem head on, but shows youremployeesthat you do indeed care for them.

The goal of corporate wellness programs is to promote health and wellness throughout an organization. This extends beyond simply physical health, but also incorporates emotional and mental health as well. These types of programs can either provide employees with a very basic package of services or much more comprehensive packages.

There are ultimately two significant roles for a corporate wellness program:

1 – They promote and lead to ahealthier lifestylefor your workers. Any companies will create events or contests that are structured around their wellness programs; these include things like mock Biggest Loser contest for weight loss or contests for the tastiest and healthiest recipe.

2 – They result in a decrease in health care expenses while also drastically improving worker morale. The sense of community and healthy lifestyles ties in with these decreases in spending, making everyone happier.

In addition, a well-planned corporate wellness program includes several levels of participation. A few suggestions include, but are certainly not limited to:

·        Health risk evaluations

·        On-site diagnostic screenings

·        Meal planning,

·        Screening and planning for disease prevention

·        Educational tools related to the health improvement of workers

Larger business may also want to look into creating a space where their employees can work out and distress during breaks or even before and after work. Larger businesses are already doing this and showing great results in worker performance and attitude. Of course, this area or facility doesn’t need to be anything elaborate. After all, there is a fine line between promoting your corporate wellness program and allowing workers to take advantage of such good graces.

The important thing to get across in this entire process is to let yourworkersknow that you view them as more than just a production unit. By beginning a corporate wellness program, you are showing that their health and well-being comes first.

As a business owner, you will see an increase in productivity and employee attitudes and satisfaction. A corporate wellness program can quickly become a staple if your business and can actually cause more than just increases in worker productivity—it can also paint your business in a new and more positive light. So while the program is geared towards the betterment of your employees, your business will see huge results as well.



Source:http://www.ronntorossianupdate.com/using-a-corporate-wellness-program-to-boost-morale

Public Relations Job Opportunities

At 5WPR, we are always hiring talented professionals – but if its not an agency job you are seeking, here are some other jobs worth considering:

Web and Social Media Writer, Wildlife Conservation Society: In this position on the digital team of Public Affairs, the staff member will produce content for WCS websites, e-newsletters, and social media platforms with the goal of engaging online audiences. [https://sh.webhire.com/jobcart/view_job.cart?JOB_ID=2688123&ACCT_NAME=WCS&SITE=I&CCC_DEST=CS]

Senior Manager, Editorial Publicity, Forbes Media: Forbes Media Corporate Communications seeks a dynamic and experienced Senior Manager of Editorial Publicity, reporting to the SVP of Corporate Communications. [http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings/jobview.asp?joid=149732&c=jejppr]


Internal Communications Professional, Morgan Stanley: The Internal Communications Manager is part of the Finance Communications group who are responsible for driving and implementing corporate communications strategy, channels and content for Morgan Stanley's Finance division which is led by the Firm's Chief Financial Officer and is comprised of around 2,600 employees in offices around the world. [http://www.fins.com/Finance/Jobs/342818/Internal-Communications-Professional?utm_source=SimplyHired&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=SimplyHired]

Manager of Digital Communications, GE: Reporting to the Director of Digital Communications, this role will act as a digital strategist for corporate communications. An innovative thinker and pioneer in this space, the Manager of Digital Communications will work closely with GE businesses, global communicators and digital marketing team GE to develop and implement a strategic, proactive and holistic external digital communication strategy. [http://careers.naspa.com/jobseeker/job/13333816/Manager,%20Digital%20Communications%20(Job%20#%201726891)/GE/?vnet=0&str=8801&max=100]

And if its an agency job you want, we are always accepting resumes at careers@5wpr.com


Source:http://www.ronntorossianupdate.com/5wpr-public-relations/public-relations-job-opportunities

5WPR CEO Ronn Torossian With 5 Social Media Myths

Myth 1: Social Media is not for serious people. If you think that social media is just for kids and for entertainment purposes only, think again. It’s a source of information. It’s a place where you can put yourself out there and brand yourself, tell your story. It’s a way to engage the public and extend your circles of influence. Nonprofits and businesses figured that out long ago. That’s why you have Facebook pages like the Charleston Animal Society, Unicef, and Kars For Kids. There is no reason at all to miss out on social media just because 1) Kids have discovered it and 2) It’s fun. It’s a valuable venue for professionals. ‘Nuff said


Myth 2: I set up my LinkedIn profile so I can cross it off my to-do list. Sorry, but that’s just not the way it works. Think of your LinkedIn profile as a living thing that must be fed from time to time to remain viable and you’re at least three-quarters of the way to understanding this social media networking thing. Use your LinkedIn profile to keep people apprised of your professional accomplishments. You don’t want to look like you’re in a steady holding pattern. You want to look alive and happening. Post updates and refresh your profile from time to time. Remember—there’s no such thing as job security. You want to be ready for whatever is coming down the pike. Keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date is professionally prudent


Myth 3: Twitter isn’t for “real people.” You don’t have to be a Kardashian or Anthony Wiener to use Twitter. It’s a great, not to mention free resource for sharing information in real time in really short soundbytes. Not sure what you’re doing there? Not to worry. Just hang out and watch how others do it first. Then you can make a few tentative tweets. Soon you’ll have your own distinctive voice (should that be “bird song?”)

Myth 4: No one at work is looking at those photos I posted from that wild weekend party. Guess what? Once someone sees something, you can’t undo it. So if it’s something you don’t want your boss or your coworkers to see, don’t post it. Rule of thumb? If you wouldn’t want your MOM to see, don’t post it. If you just can’t resist, fix your privacy settings for goodness’ sake. And if you’re in the market for a new job, go through your Facebook albums and delete whatever gives an impression you don’t want to give a potential employer.

Myth 5: The way I vote, what I buy, and the books I read are my own business. Sorry, but it just doesn’t wash. Your public persona is your public persona—unless you have a split personality. A potential employer is going to research you on the web with whatever means are available. Facebook? Sure. He’ll go there to see if you are as you represent yourself. He wants to get an idea of who you really are. Ditto for Twitter, Google+, Tumblr, and so on and so forth. If it’s something you don’t want him to know, don’t put it out there.

Source:http://ronntorossian.blogspot.com/2013/06/5wpr-ceo-ronn-torossian-with-5-social.html

Entrepreneurs Are Inspiring

One of my favorite things about 5WPR is the amazing entrepreneurs we get to meet and work with. Regardless of the industry, entrepreneurs have such great energy and desire to win.

Some great entrepreneur quotes:

“Winners never quit and quitters never win.” Vince Lombardi

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Agatha Christie

“One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.” Andre Gide

“Vision without action is daydreaming and action without vision is a nightmare.” Anon

“The road to success is always under construction.” Arnold Palmer

“There is only one success – to be able to spend your life in your own way.” Christopher Morley

“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” Chinese Proverb

“Be a King. Dare to be Different, dare to manifest your greatness.” Jaachynma N.E. Agu

“Entrepreneurs dream big and do big.” Mark Birnbaum

“As long as you’re going to be thinking anyway, think big.” Donald Trump

“Whenever an individual or a business decides that success has been attained, progress stops.” Thomas J. Watson

“If you ain’t making waves, you ain’t kickin’ hard enough.” Unknown

“Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have.” Zig Ziglar

Source:http://ronntorossian.com/entrepreneurs-are-inspiring/

Rutgers University Crisis Ain’t Going Away

Expect a continued firestorm of negative media for Rutgers University due to mismanagement of their ongoing crisis public relations issues. The new Rutgers athletic director Julie Hermann has been slammed in the media over the last few days for a variety of reasons – and the school has already been embattled due to previous scandals. They are making many mistakes in how they are handling the media – and one can expect to see more and more and more media on it because of it.

There’s a rule book to properly managing PR when under-fire – and in my humble opinion, Rutgers isn’t handling the process in the right way:
Not making Julie Herman available for interviews. By not giving the media access to her only makes them whet their appetite more. She has to do interviews, like it or not. Shunning the media will not make this issue go away. Hiding is not an option. There are many rumors and innuendo about her and they have to be addressed.

Whether via a one-on-one interview, or releasing a taped video statement, issuing a press release saying basically she is busy and doesn’t have time makes fools of the media. It’s a poor strategy.

The President of the school isn’t joining her for the press conference – why? This is a major league crisis and the boss has to show up and take responsibility and answer the call.

Ignoring this issue won’t make it go away – Let’s look back at one of the most high-profile sports crisis situations of the last few years: Tiger Woods. What should have been a three- or four-day story grew because Woods waited too long to address the questions and the controversy. (and the mystery continued unanswered.) Had he given a statement immediately rather than many weeks later this story wouldn’t have gone as far.

Julie Hermann is going to face a gauntlet of media and is now in the big-leagues of major college sports. This issue won’t go away and needs to be handled immediately.

Source:http://ronntorossian.com/rutgers-university-crisis-aint-going-away/

Digital Survey Results With Ronn Torossian of 5WPR

Interesting survey conducted in Europe recently which has findings that are very relevant for all of us in the marketing world. More than two thousand students were surveyed – and they found that more than 70% of those surveyed believe the “marketing landscape will be 'dominated' by Content Marketing and 'PR Thinking'.”


Great news for all of us in the PR agency world – and it is quite true as we are now able to cut through the filter to reach consumers, brand targets and more. But it is heavy lifting – and not nearly as easy as it was before.

All that said, the students overwhelmingly also found that “85% either agreed or strongly agreed that by 2023 social media and digital agencies would not be stand alone specialists and that by then they will be integrated with other marcoms agencies or be full service themselves”- which indeed could also be true as agencies need to consider all forms of communicating to brands and consumers. One track thinking doesn’t work today – as we all have known it is indeed increasingly about integrated marketing as we have pontificated for quite some time.
Ronn Torossian said “These are results which are very interesting – but not very surprising. Pr Agencies have always been about managing conversations – and today’s conversations naturally involve digital thinking. We know that the Public Relations will keep growing – and weren’t surprised at this survey.”

Press Release on the survey may be read at:
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/social-media-and-digital-agencies-will-vanish-within-ten-years-208264661.html


Source:http://ronntorossian.blogspot.com/2013/05/digital-survey-results-with-ronn.html