Integrating print and online plus social media
I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a 2-day workshop with Steve Crescenzo through Chicago-based, Ragan Communications, called "Integrating Print and Online." I'm rethinking my strategy as a web designer after having been exposed to so many great scenarios in the workplace. People are using social media as a business tool, changing corporate communications in exciting and empowering ways.
The workshop also pointed out how we should all be using email more efficiently; less often, more targeted audiences with really, tight and concise messages. Then add in blogs, podcasts, wikis or other interactive/social media options to make everything interactive and allow people to add value to written pieces and exhange ideas. And when you're done with that, if you have a print publication, use it for complex stories or messages, things that aren't "news" and always remember to reinforce and remind people about the website and other social media channels that you have. The printed piece can serve as a reminder to those that aren't online all of the time.
I'm fortunate to work at a place that values employee communications. It's rare, and I recongnize that. I get exposed to the most cutting edge technologies out there, seeing results up front. It's amazing to hear what people are doing and I plan to change the way I operate now because of what I've learned. By being a student at Alverno College, an employee of a Fortune 100 company, a member of IABC, AWC and a subscriber to Ragan and Melcrum Communications, I am continually emmersed in communications from a variety of fresh sources. It's truly an awesome time to be in communications. I can't wait for a client who is ready to explore some of these great options. It's going to be a wonderfully creative yet challenging and fulfilling experience!
~Bren