May 2011
Facebook, Twitter and the Kitchen Sink!
Submitted by Valerie Donati on Wed, 05/18/2011 - 00:00
When my company started doing social media for our clients – whether as a PR “add on” or a standalone social campaign, it was time I joined the fray. So I signed up on Facebook and then started Twitter. I made a vow that all my friends on FB would only be “real” friends. Twitter, follow away, but I did block things like NYC Towing. We just don’t have that much in common.
My early tweets were nothing to write home about, usually a little cryptic and often written after a glass of wine. Sometimes they had a musical score to accompany them, written after dinner, often after I’d turned up my music and traipsed out on the balcony to watch the city lights. “Sooner or later this happens to everyone” was an oft-repeated tweet. Cheesy. I know. Then, my tweets started reflecting my day-to-day life, which I try to separate from my business world. Eventually, some of my business acquaintances became “friends” on FB. Things were getting complicated. Add a second stream of tweets for Brand Building and one’s head begins to spin.
What’s the moral of this little tale? Keeping your various “streams” organized can be daunting, but it’s worth trying because as my managing director likes to say, “That’s social media lady, deal with it…”
iPhone vs Blackberry
Submitted by Valerie Donati on Tue, 05/10/2011 - 00:00
I’ve been a Blackberry user since time began, or at least since 2000. The Blackberry was, after all, the first of its kind – there was the Palm, but somehow that didn’t make the grade.
I was in LA during the Academy Awards and my boss lent me her BB. There I was, with this strange device in hand (remember how big the interface was then, and that scrolling mechanism?) and I was suddenly set free from my computer. The last time I’d had that sensation was when I converted from sending faxes to clicking out emails, what a relief! So, tripping around at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills during one of the most stressful weeks of the year – because if no one wore our diamonds on the red carpet all @!&%$ was going to break loose – I suddenly had something that could keep me totally connected. It was a revelation.
Fast forward 10 years and I am still using the BB but seriously considering making the move to the iPhone. I continue to love the interface on the BB (though much smaller I can type as fast as ever) but let’s face it, the iPhone appears to have better Internet connections and better everything else. So, this BB girl is about to make the move unless someone can convince her otherwise… Somebody?
ALLIANCES: Good For Business
Submitted by Valerie Donati on Wed, 05/25/2011 - 00:00 
In our business creating brand alliances for our clients is an excellent skill set. It's even better if we get a bonus or a percentage of any funding that is changing hands. In some cases, creating strategic brand alliances can not only help two brands promote themselves through a mutually beneficial arrangement, it can virtually keep them "alive" financially. How do you make the right connection? In our world of consumer goods we look for two brands in non competitive categories that could enhance each other. For instance, a brand with a sexy, luxury halo brings cache to a more stalwart mass brand, while the heavy earner brings the cash. In this case, strategic messaging is critical to creating the "right" story so both get what they want: money AND position. In our world we try to keep as flexible and forward thinking as possible. The best way to make an alliance is to allow yourself to be creative. You'd be surprised what brands can make great partners.