Using Social Media tools to work with the media

Last night, I had the great fortune to speak at The Ottawa Network, held at Gowlings Law Firm in downtown Ottawa.  Joined by my colleagues and friends, Shelley Mullins (Twitter: @srmullins) and Paul Brent, of CTV News Ottawa, the event was entitled ”New Media Rising, Traditional Media Falling: How do you get your story told”, and here are the basic points we discussed:

• How the media has changed and will continue to
• Why you still need a good story (for both Traditional and New Media)
• How to access Traditional and New Media
• Why online community building is important (and how it can include Media)
• The importance of taking a ‘balance’ approach to communications strategies

It was an absolutely fun and interesting evening – with an eclectic audience of entrepreneurs, service providers,  marketing folk, and other media.   I was also thrilled that we were able to give away 5 copies of The Media Savvy Leader, by David Henderson, Emmy Award-winning former CBS News Correspondent.  Thank you to David and his Publisher, Robert D. Reed for sending the books in such a short time frame!

One of many of the many Social Media discussions focused around the use of Social Media tools in dealing with the Media.  Some wanted to know if it really works. Shelley talked about how she used Twitter to communicate live with Media at Demo ‘09,  who were commenting on various exhibitors, including Shelley’s client. Because she was Twittering live during the show, she managed to convince several high profile Media and Bloggers to go to her client’s booth.  The result: A LOT of significant Media and Blogger coverage.   Bravo my friend! 

Use Twitter,  it works

I too have an example of Social Media Tools in action.  Last week, I saw a Tweet that Freelance Journalist, Grant Buckler was working on a story for the Globe and Mail.  Angle: How small businesses have incorporated Social Media successfully.  I’ve corresponded with Grant over the years, so I simply sent him a quick email to get more details.  One of my clients, SCI Ltd. fit the bill.  The Result:  This story, which ran yesterday.    

Use Twitter, it works