Direct or Step Down: How SM Differs from Traditional PR

I’m a pretty passionate person when it comes to my career in public relations and social media. Ask any one of my friends – they will tell you that I’m a direct individual in my personal life. In my career in traditional PR, I am able to step back, learn from other ideas and work together as a cohesive team. It’s a big part of my Public Relations mentality. Social media, on the other hand…..

Is there something as too passionate in this space? What happens if your ideas are completely different? You can work as a team to a point – but when do you step down and let stuff slide? Will it affect your personal and professional brand if you don’t stick up for it?

Is it easier to let things slide in other spaces than social media? In social media, I am never going to say something in a presentation that I don’t advocate for daily.

1. Social Media is too new of a space: It’s provided us with a new avenue that levels the playing field.We are learning and engaging from each other. Knowledge is based upon curiosity, engagement and how well you learn from others. Your creative side? Plays a big part. Social media can only be taught to a point – the rest is natural and based on YOU.

2. Social Media lets it be about you at times: No longer is it ‘only about the ‘professional brand.’ You are suddenly thrown into the mix. Everything you say reflects on what you state daily. Is it cohesive? Do you take what more seasoned folks say and just do it? Or do you insert your knowledge?

3. Some of the information is just wrong: How direct are you? Are you willing to tell a supervisor that it isn’t the best approach, and that their way doesn’t work? It can be intimidating. It can be scary. But are you truly being transparent and open, as so many yell in social media, if you do so?

Just some thoughts. What do you think?

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  • Laura Babbili
    "Are you willing to tell a supervisor that it isn’t the best approach, and that their way doesn’t work?"

    I've experienced instances like this on several occasions. I never say "your way doesn't work," per se, but what I do is suggest options or different ways to approach the situation or strategy. It's a tricky situation, but it's always turned out well in the end.

    Great post, LAF.
  • laurenfernandez
    It's important to be able to work as a team - client ALWAYS comes first. Not ego, not age - all ideas should be listened to. Then you can compromise and make the best decision.

    Thanks for the great comment!
  • amymengel
    The good thing about social media is that, for the most part, a lot of people recognize that it's new and changing. Many times people (superiors, clients, coworkers) are just looking/waiting for someone with more knowledge and expertise to guide them, so it's important to speak up and share your knowledge when it's appropriate. Things are changing so fast in this space that even seasoned pros recognize (or should) that expertise can come from a lot of different places.
  • laurenfernandez
    Agreed, Amy - social media is still too new, so its ok to speak up and share knowledge. I think you'll be respected more if you work as a team and make sure that the client's best interest is at heart - not someone's age.

    Thanks for commenting!
  • GoKTGo
    Next time I see you, I am going to HUG you for this statement:
    "In social media, I am never going to say something in a presentation that I don’t advocate for daily."

    I can't even tell you how many people I've heard speak on SM and different things like that who are just making it up off of other things they've read, but aren't things they do themselves. It breaks my heart!

    As a YP sometimes it's hard to stand up for yourself when you think that something is wrong, but I think there are polite and professional ways to do it - and in the end you'll be surprised how valuable people think your voice is.
  • laurenfernandez
    It's something that I've struggled with a bit professionally - I got where I am because I work hard, not because I stayed quiet. Many say that you should let things slide because people will help advance your career. You know me - I'm a big advocate of the fact that they can get me to the door, but I have to kick myself through it. Things can't be handed to you.

    If it's done respectfully and professionally - and you know when to compromise - I see no reason why you can't present your thoughts. This space is too new to have such defined ways of doing things.
  • Christina K
    Laura always enjoy your posts. And great comment KT.

    "In social media, I am never going to say something in a presentation that I don’t advocate for daily."

    I think that should be in everything that we do whether its traditional PR or SM. You can ask @tjdietderich I am a direct individual, but that's the case because I trust her, respect her and am comfortable enough to respectfully speak my mind and give my opinion. Same thing goes for our managers. I have been working for the same company for nine months and feel comfortable enough to respectfully disagree. Sometimes though I have to remember to pick and choose my battles. Perhaps I'll learn something new. But again like KT says, just be respectful. It can't hurt to speak up.
  • laurenfernandez
    C - I always tell you this, but I think we are alike in many ways. You are direct, but have built up enough respect that it's ok to say what you think. Again, there is a good way and a wrong way to go about all of that.

    Picking and choosing battles is something that is imperative in this space.
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