PRAL- Baton Rouge Social Media "Links Mentioned"

Greetings from Baton Rouge!

The list featured below is a compilation of links mentioned in my November 20, 2010 presentation to the Public Relations Association of Louisiana- Baton Rouge Chapter entitled "Social Media and You!"

www.Facebook.com

www.Twitter.com

www.Gowalla.com

www.Foursquare.com

www.Blogger.com

www.YouTube.com

www.Posterous.com

www.Tumblr.com

www.Vimeo.com

http://dlvr.it

www.Ning.com

www.Technorati.com

www.Linkedin.com

www.Yelp.com

www.Reddit.com

www.Delicious.com

Have questions? Let's chat on Facebook (facebook.com/whitneybreaux) , on Twitter (twitter.com/wbreaux) , or LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/whitneybreaux). 

Three Social Media Trends to Watch

One of the biggest questions facing social media strategists all the time is "What's next?"

As Facebook is set to unveil its latest attempt to take over the world via email, we're watching closely to see what new trends may pop up.

There are three trends that I am tracking very closely:

1. Location-based social media platforms. Gowalla , Foursquare , Facebook Places , Whrrl, etc. are all an interesting concept to watch unfold. Right now, all are still in the innovator and early adopter phases. It remains to be seen if they will achieve mainstream status. One thing is certain, location based social media platforms offer businesses the best chance at measuring their precious ROI in a dollar amount. 
2. Content clutter. In today's online world "everyone can be a publisher of content!" The interesting trend to watch however will be, "whether or not the number of people publishing content will decrease to a small confined group?" With so much information all over the internet it can be difficult for an unknowing consumer to judge the quality of content posted on a website, blog, etc. Will the top media dogs such as CNN, MSNBC, and Fox find a way to rule in the online market? We'll see.
3. Social Media Optimization. Since the dawn of search engines SEO has reigned supreme. But now with strong partnerships between Bing and Facebook and the growing use of social media influences in search, social media optimization will slowly take over. 

These are trends that I'm watching, would love to hear what your watching for in the world of social media?

Follow Whitney Breaux on Twitter @wbreaux or on Facebook . Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn. 

Top 40 Under 40 and Industry Newcomer of the Year!

I'm honored to be a member of the 2010 Baton Rouge Business Report's 40 Under 40 list of rising young professionals and Baton Rouge Women in Media's Industry Newcomer of the Year!

Upcoming Events and Speaking Engagements

2010 has truly been a great year! With the start of Baton Rouge Social Media Association (formerly Baton Rouge Social Media Club), the success of Coastal Social  and my new move to Wright Feigley Communications 2010 will live in infamy.

With less than 60 days til the end of the year, the schedule continues to fill up.

Here are a few events and speaking engagements lined up to round out 2010:

• Social Media Club New Orleans, November 9th. 6pm at Three Sisters. Speaker is Lauren Thom aka @FleurtyGirl. WhoDat. 
• Women in Media, Awards of Excellence Luncheon, November 10th. 11am at Hilton Capitol Center Hotel. Apparently, I'm a nominee! Save your seat today. 
• BRSocMe's November TweetUp, November 11th. 7pm & 8:30pm. Join us at the RedStick Animation Festival followed by more fun at Boudreaux and Thibodueax's. Join us !
• "Opps... I Tweeted Again," November 14th. 6pm at Holliday Forum in Manship School at LSU. I'll help students manage their online reputation.
• "Social Media Strategy and You," November 30th. 12pm at Juban's. Learn more about social media platforms aside from Facebook and Twitter. Learn more. 
• "The Doctor Is In: Social Media Provides Diagnoses for Healthcare," December 1st. 12pm at Louisiana Hospital Association Conference Center. Jeff Wright and I will assist hospital marketers in building social media strategies. Need help? 
• SoCruise's "Bon Voyage Party," December 1st. 9pm at Tipitina's in New Orleans. I'll miss the cruise, but not the party! TechKaroke. 
• 40 Under 40 Reception, December 2nd. 6:30pm at Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge. It's also my 23rd birthday! Success.   

Keep up with all things social media, politics and public relations by following me on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn.

Why Republicans Taking the House is Obama's Best Chance at Reelection

As a student of the political process, we are taught to never drink too much of the party kool aid. Instead, take a step back and really evaluate the pros and cons of each political parties decisions.

In a land side, Republicans swept up over 60 seats to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Many political analysts cited the anti-Pelosi; repeal Health Care Reform rhetoric hit home in almost every congressional district in the country. One highlight and pick up for Democrats, would be right here in Louisiana as State Representative Cedric Richmond reclaimed the age-old democratic congressional from Republican Joseph Cao. 

But what's the difference between an angry voter lashing out at Obama and the democrats versus a student of politics? We knew a new change would come soon. Over the course of history, no political party has truly held onto power for any significant length of time. That is because voters never like too much of something when they have it. They are always looking for something else. This is especially heightened when you consider the economic climate in America right now. Voters are looking for someone to blame. And with Republicans help with a great messaging campaign, they helped voters place blame on Obama and the democrats.

So why is it that Republicans taking the house will likely provide President Obama with his best shot at reelection? 

Two things are important to point out. By having a Republican controlled House, Obama will finally have to learn to govern from the center. This means working with Republicans to solve Americas problems as oppose to telling them to ride "in the back of the bus." But the hit-or-miss mark for Obama and his communications staff will come from whether or not they can spin his work with Republicans into messaging that proclaims Obama as a populist and bipartisan President. For example, see President Clinton post 1994 mid-term elections. 

Finally, while it is not likely that Republicans can demand and pass their agenda through the Senate and over the President's pen, they too must watch out for the "Tides of Consent." Just has the country (or at least most of it) rallied behind Obama's rally cry in 2008, Republicans too could fall prey to voters looking for a change away from their agenda in 2012.

Continue the conversation about the mid-term elections with me on Twitter , Facebook or LinkedIn ! 

Thought of the Day "Leave Your Foot in the Door"

About a month ago, I listened to a great keynote address by political analyst Donna Brazile at the 2010 Louisiana Women's Conference. I served as a presenter at the conference on "Social Media in Business."

Over the last few days one of Donna's quotes in particular has stuck with me:

"When you fight your way into the board room, leave your foot in the door for someone else to come behind you."

On its surface you could stop and think, "why would I want to make the road easier for someone else to come behind me?" When you sit and think on the quote it hits you. We have all achieved life successes because someone else has paved a road for us to follow. Someone was thoughtful enough to leave their foot in the door to help pull us up into the ranks of our profession. 

As you go about your day think to yourself, "have I left my foot in the door for someone to come behind me?" Otherwise, have you really left a legacy for others to follow.

Follow me on Twitter @wbreaux or on Facebook http://facebook.com/whitneybreaux.

Why Mass Comm Students Must Learn Social Media Now!

Two weeks ago, I returned to my alma mater to speak to undergraduate Mass Comm students about the evolution of our industry. At the Louisiana State University (@lsu ), the Journalism college offers a wide range of concentrations including Political Communication (my degree program), Print Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations. The student I addressed are at the beginning of their long journey through the Manship School of Mass Communication . However, their enlightened professor Roxanne Dill recognized that social media will play a direct role in the future careers of her young students. I could not agree more.

The fact is every facet of the communications world now requires (or at least highly recommends) a social media component. I told the students "why we communicate as not changed!" Instead, "how we communicate has changed!" By the time the graduating class of 2013/2014 enters into the communications job market, social media will be in full onslaught swing.

Most, if not all, journalist will tease their next day print story with tweets about their investigations. In turn, after the story hits news stands they will use Facebook and blogs to tell the rest of the story that didn't get past the copy editors desk. Print journalist may use a small video camera to capture clips of their story research and build video clips that can be published online.

During one of my talks with students, I held up the LSU Daily Reveille, a student publication. On the front page was a story about the resurgence of New Orleans street bands and music. I explained...

"Now hear is a great story for print. It talks about something that is very important to the people of Louisiana and New Orleans, music. Now imagine if the same camera that took this great photo, also recorded video clips of the same band playing on the street corner. Let's say in the story conclusion, the reporter directs the reader to the LSUReveille.com website and there the reader can download iTunes clips from the artists and view a video of them performing. Now instead of just being a print journalist, I've added value to the newspaper website and increased interest in my story."

Of course, college is the perfect time to experiment with what's right and what's wrong, but that's just the first step. I encouraged the students to think beyond the boundaries of their particular field. Facts suggest, almost 200,000 students graduate each year with a degree in communications. My wish for LSU graduates is that they know how to "add value" to their particular field by being innovative and versatile!

Here is a recap from the Manship School of Mass Communication website, Dill and Whitney Breaux Team Up for Social Media.

I might be speaking to more students about social media in the near future, what would you recommend I advise them to do?

"The Social Network" Changes Lives

I just committed the ultimate Louisiana sin. I intentionally missed New Orleans Saints game and escorted myself to the local movie theatre to see the latest movie craze "The Social Network!"

"The Social Network" traces the history of everyone's favorite website Facebook.com. It details the turbulent start up of the now emphasis website that has changed the way we communicate forever. One could spend an entire post outlining what happened in the movie, more importantly is the reaction I had to the number 1 movie of the weekend.

In one word, INSPIRED. Not inspired that I may beat Mark Zucherburg to being the youngest billionare ever (I have two years left), but convinced that great are started around the world everyday. We are all one day away from the biggest idea, moment and action of our lives. Hardwork, late nights and determination will get you across the finish line.

In another sense the movie reaffirmed my belief that Facebook.com is here to stay. Just as the telephone helped change the use of letter-writing, 500 million users from around the country now use Facebook.com more and longer than any other site on the internet. Every business has a place on Facebook. 8 out of 10 a member of your target audience is on Facebook. Now how you find them, talk with them and build a relationship is the another piece of the pie.

Have you seen "The Social Network?" What are your thoughts on the movie?

Coastal Social Wrap Up

Coastal Social 2010 has come and gone, but the memories of Baton Rouge's first social media conference will last a lifetime. What started as a wild idea from @Cajun_Mama , turned into a one-day social media blitz that attracted over 300 people from around the country.

Big shout outs to our distinguished line up of speakers including @TomMartin , @JasonFalls , @Julien , @JayBaer , @RickBurnes (they made the speaker post trip). Social media in Baton Rouge is moving forward and our community is energized because of you! Thanks.

We will start looking towards 2011 in the near future and determine where Coastal Social goes from here. In the meantime, we would love to hear your thoughts and comments from the conference. Since it was our first event, we are looking to you to help make it better the next time around. Be on the lookout for a full conference survey coming soon.

I am not the perpetual blogger that I should be, but stick around the most fun is the journey getting there.

Here are a few news clips from the 2010 Coastal Social Conference:

http://businessreport.com/archives/daily-report/latest/

http://www.wafb.com/global/Category.asp?C=195952&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5154858&flvUri=&partnerclipid=

Here is a full transcript of tweets from the conference:

http://filesocial.com/ghxl5e8

Julien Smith, Galatorie's Executive Chef and Me!

Who would you like to see speak at Coastal Social 2011?

Facebook vs. Twitter in 500 Words or Less!

My dear friend @lizanndunn recently asked me, “What’s the difference between Twitter posts and Facebook posts?” The first key difference is I could not respond to that question in 140 characters or less, thus a blog post was necessary.


Note: this post is based on my experiences both professionally and personally with Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook

Facebook is the most inclusive social media platform I have experienced. From video and photo sharing capabilities to direct communication with consumers, Facebook does it all (except, location… yet!) A Facebook post serves as a means to communicate new information and generate customer conversation. Most people check their Facebook news feed. Posts that catch their eye or spark an interest usually can draw attention and interaction. I use the rule of limiting Facebook posts to important information, specials, current events and others that I deem appropriate. Facebook posts should be limited to 2-5 posts per day depending on the interest level in your topic, fan page, group, etc. Too many posts on Facebook from one account is like cluttering someone inbox. And let’s be honest Facebook is probably the next task on the to-do list after checking email. (you know it’s true even if you don’t want to admit it!) However, with Facebook you can jazz up your posts by instantly adding links, video, pictures. While you can do these on Twitter as well, on Facebook the presentation and appeal is much cleaner and attractive!

Twitter

If your home page to your website is the front of your business/personal office, then Twitter is bar across the street that you hang out at after work. Welcome to the world of non-stop communication and conversation in a comfortable atmosphere. In Twitter, like Facebook, you have the power to listen to who you like and shut off whoever talks too much. Unlike Facebook, however, talking too much usually does not hurt you or grant you the dreaded “unfollow!” With Twitter you have 140 characters to effectively communicate information to your list of followers. This helps you get your message across quickly. The goal of a Twitter post is to provide relevant and interesting information to those who follow you. If you are a Chef, talk about a new ingredient or dish you are preparing. Usually, your followers will be culinary enthusiasts wanting to learn more from you. That’s just one example though. Everyone has their niche. Find you audience and speak to them. Just remember in Twitter it is an ongoing news source of information you’ve asked for by following certain people. With the news you receive, you should share with others and make comments. With the news you provide, you should respond to comments and encourage others to share.

What would you add to Facebook vs. Twitter?

An Open Letter to CEOs and Management from a Millennial!

Dear Business CEO, VP, HR, (whoever else deems themselves mid and upper level management!),


Hello from the Millennial generation. Hope this letter finds you doing well. For some of us we are very excited to be entering the workplace and look forward to learning a lot from you.

With that out of the way her are a few things some of us 20-somethings have been talking about lately.

About three weeks ago I met Maggie Richardson at a Baton Rouge Social Media Club meeting. She politely came up to me and introduced herself saying "I'm here to meet you." We briefly discussed her upcoming article about examining the the generational gaps in the workplace. I was very excited to see Baton Rouge Business Report take on such a timely topic.

In the article, out on newsstands today, I mentioned “Our generation is the one where no one really gave us the box to fit in; they just said build the box in a different way." Think about. Millennials were not given a typewriter and told "learn to type 60 words a minute!" Instead, we were given a computer and told to develop creative presentations and flashy images. The one factor I find that separates Millennials from any other is the influence and stressed importance of the arts and creativity in our education. From music to art and a world wide web, we learned that fitting into a box would not meet our serious attention deficit needs. Thinking back on it, I begin to feel claustrophobic at the mere thought of my self expression, creativity and wit being constrained by an authoritative figure.

I shared with Ms. Richardson a situation that many newcomers to the workplace experience early on. "This is the way we've always done it, so we'll keep doing it this way." This attitude that is carried in many workplaces, in my opinion, is a sign that change and the thought of a better and newer way of accomplishing a goal is scary. I've found that this attitude can prevent an organization from staying relevant in today's society and stifles their own growth.

With every generation comes its high points and low points. My uneducated sociology opinion would suggest that every generation, even you, once held a sense of optimism and youthfulness. We were all young once! The difference, at least at this point, is Millennials have not conceded to the box that some have put before us. Instead we attempt to find new ways to shape the box or work around it. No only means "find another way."

While I truly believe other generations have built their philosophies based on their experiences, I contend that their experiences do not have to shape the future and philosophies of the Millennial generation. I believe Millennial have the passion, drive and motivation to press forward and reshape the workplace as we know it today.

Tomorrow's consumer is today's Millennial. The fact that we grew up with a computer in our bedroom and Google giving us instant results should serve as a hint into how we will work, live and play. To some it up, we multi task without great ease.

My biggest advice to any CEO or mid-level manager working with Millennials in the workplace today, "take us seriously. We have the knowledge that your organization needs to succeed. We are not here to replace you. Most of us honestly have great ideas and opinions that may not have thought of and will take you very far. Just because it has not been done before does not mean it can not be done."

Sincerely,

A Millennial.

Learn more about the generation gap in the workplace in Richardson's cover story in the June 29th issue of Baton Rouge Business Report "Here Come Millennials!"

@wbreaux
@brsocme
Friend me on Facebook
Check out my website

What are some of your experiences working with Millennials? Or as a Millennial, how do you feel about the workplace today?

Why #BRSocMe? Why Now?

If there's one thing I've learned in life, it's that LOYALTY is priceless and withstanding!

My Past?
The last 22 years (yes, that's how old I am, I think) of my life have been spent living, breathing and believing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I attended East Baton Rouge Parish Schools for elementary, middle and high school. I then went on to bleed purple and gold at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

Throughout this time when others were negative and slammed the BR (a/k/a Big Raggedy... and more) I attempted to uplift a city with soo much potential. Think about! Baton Rouge gave us Raising Canes (ohhh, i love the sauce), we're the International home of tailgating (thanks to SU and LSU) and when tragedy strikes this city comes together.

Now more than ever is the perfect opportunity for Baton Rouge residents to stand up and GO BR or be #BatonRougeProud! I look around me and remember a city that didn't have a downtown anything. In my hayday Citiplace and College Drive were consider downtown. I see the diversity, development and determination in the eyes of our leadership and say "WOW, we are headed in the right direction." I am so proud to be a resident (and now taxpayer) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

@VisitBatonRouge

When I interviewed at VisitBatonRouge.com, I told my soon-to-be boss "Baton Rouge has given me alot. A free education, a safe place to grow up and the confidence that I can do anything. So working here @VisitBatonRouge would be easy. Instead of selling the city, I'm able to share my personal story and success in Baton Rouge!" I've carried that attitude to work with me everyday. My friends and family are probably sick of hearing me say "I'm able to make a difference and impact people's perception of Baton Rouge, and I didn't have to get elected to public office to do it!"

#BRSocMe evolved from a meeting I hosted at VisitBatonRouge with the goal of bringing bloggers from around the Baton Rouge area to meet and network with each other. The goal was to increase the discussion of the city I love in the "blogosphere" and in #SocialMedia!

Why Me?

Instead of waiting for someone else to take the time to build the organization, I did it at my desk one morning and ran with it. It was important to me that social media users and professionals in Baton Rouge have the opportunity to meet, network and continue their development and education into the ever-changing world of social media. I wouldn't accept no for an answer. I may not have the most Twitter followers and my blog may be a newborn (*note: I've been on Facebook since 2005!), but I have the passion and heart (and time) to make #BRSocMe happen.

Where #BRSocMe is Headed?

Today, #BRSocMe is comprised of 140 members and growing. I am honored to serve this organization with five Board Members who share my enthusiasm and passion for BatonRouge Stephanie Sander (@stephsandy), Jay Ducote (@biteandbooze), James Fox-Smith (@countryroadsmag), Shannon Lane (@Cajun_Mama) and Lisa Stansberry (@louisianafoodie). We are determined to see Baton Rouge truly establish itself as the "Creative Capital of the South."

Our first full club meeting is April 29, 2010 at the Louisiana State Museum. Lunch is being provided FREE of charge by JimmyJohn's. Not only will we bring Baton Rouge social media users together, but we will have the opportunity to tour one of the unique treasurers in downtown Baton Rouge.

On September 29, 2010 Social Media Users from around the Gulf South will descend upon Baton Rouge for shared learning, networking and excitement as we host "#CoastalSocial 2010!" For more information visit http://www.coastalsocial.com/. We are updating the website daily with new speakers and conference information.

So... now if you wanted to know why... you know! Will you join us?