Personal Branding: One Twitter Account is Enough
One of the more popular questions I get during my CEO of You personal branding talks is: “Should I have separate Twitter accounts for personal and professional?” It’s a great question because there are so many opinions on this. There’s the camp that states it is absolutely necessary to have both because you do not want to confuse followers about your brand. A recent article on “The Savvy Intern” blog stressed the necessity to have a recreational account for topics that aren’t “on brand.” Tip of the blog cap to Reganie Smith (@ReganiePR) for sharing the post on Twitter.
I fall into the other camp: I don’t think it is necessary to have two Twitter accounts. On full disclosure, I do have two accounts. One is for my business, JRM Comm; the other is me, @JasMollica. The difference, though, is that I don’t feel it’s essential for staying “on brand” to have a second account for myself. My JRM Comm account is strictly business; my @JasMollica account is a mix of professional and personal. Here are my reasons why you should focus on just one Twitter account.
- Time- Regardless of whether you know how to use Tweetdeck, HootSuite, or Twitter’s app, it’s not easy to juggle multiple accounts. Focus your time on making your personal account great and show people you are worth the follow.
- Confusion- One of the more important aspects of personal branding is giving people a good idea of who you are and what you do. If you have two accounts, who should I follow? The real person or the other account that just tweets business/career information? Don’t fall into the trap of being confusing. That only makes your brand clouded.
- Transparency- I’ve stressed in many of my talks to students and professionals that the need for openness and transparency are essential. To me, multiple Twitter accounts do not help. I want to know who you really are… and so do other pros and potential employers. And, frankly, if you put the more personal tweets on another account, people will still find it.
- Noise- We’ve all heard folks complain about too many tweets. Two accounts from one person adds to the Twitter noise. We see people tweet the same information, at the same time, from multiple accounts. That adds to the noise. Tweeting information that is valuable to your followers from one account cuts down on noise and confusion, too.
- Personality- I’m in the camp that wants to see your personal side and that’s not to sound stalkerish. Before I hit follow, I look at what you’ve tweeted about. It gives me -and others- a better idea of who you are and what you do. If you posted something about last night’s hockey game, that’s great. We don’t, however, need to see the posts about beer pong or being hung over.
- Smarts- Twitter and many other social networks may be free to sign up for, but they all require responsibility. You can make your one Twitter account great by just displaying some smarts. Don’t be so quick to hit that tweet button. Take a moment to consider your audience and your brand. Displaying smarts on your one account will go farther in strengthening your personal brand.
Focusing on your personal brand can be very difficult. The more honest you are with yourself and your audience, is not only great for your brand, it will be great for your career as well.
What are your thoughts on multiple Twitter accounts? Let me know in the comments!
The JourneyCast Podcast with guest Matt LaCasse
Matt LaCasse and I are another example of developing a relationship from social media. I’ve (unfortunately) never met him in person, but have talked with him in every other way possible (except carrier pigeon and the string cup phone).
I’ve never been disappointed with something I retweet or share from Matt because I know he recognizes the importance of what he puts out on social networks. His only failing? Being a Chicago Cubs fan. Why do I pick on him about that? Because I’m a New York Mets fan.
In all seriousness, I’m really excited for everyone to listen to this episode with Matt because he shares some really great insight into how he started out in public relations, why he feels microvideo will dominate in 2014, and adjusting to being a parent and balancing work along with it.
The JourneyCast Podcast, Ep. 5 with Matt LaCasse
Let me know your thoughts on this episode, by leaving a comment below!
JourneyCast Podcast with Jason Sprenger
Episode Four of The JourneyCast Podcast features Game Changer Communications president Jason Sprenger. I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with Jason in 140 characters over the last few years. His focused insight with clients and the respect he has within the public relations industry is one we can all learn from.
Talking with Jason, I found a person who truly cares about his business and clients, but most importantly, not flying off the handle with opinions. He takes the time to really look into a topic, like his recent blog on social media managers. Without spoiling the post, it’s not what you normally expect. It’s one I really enjoyed and I think you will as well.
The JourneyCast Podcast, Ep. 4- Jason Sprenger
What did you think of this episode? Let me know in the comments below!
JourneyCast Podcast w/ Ben Butler
Late last spring, I had the chance to first chat with Ben Butler over Twitter. As we got to talking, I realized how incredibly prepared and focused he was. Ben interviewed me for his blog and we finally got to meet in person in October at the PRSSA National Conference.
In this edition of the JourneyCast, I chatted with Ben about his start in PR, why he decided on a solo PR career, and what drives him every day.
The JourneyCast with Top Hat IMC’s Ben Butler
On your phone or tablet? Download the podcast on iTunes!
Ben Butler
Guest Post: A Mentor That’s a “Grand Slam”
[Jas' note: I first met Corinthea Harris via Twitter and noticed she was at Rowan University. We then chatted at last October's PRSSA National Conference in Philadelphia, Pa. It turned out we had something in common (aside from being from South Jersey): A great mentor.]
After a whirlwind year – having three internships, trying my hand at being an RA, resigning from the RA position to take a career opportunity, realizing I graduate in May and so much more – and when I say what I’ve accomplished out loud, I sometimes ask myself how someone so tiny could handle such a large work load? How did I possibly handle everything on my plate at one time?
The answer: my grand-slam mentor.
Enter Larry Litwin, APR, Fellow PRSA. Litwin acted as a teacher and mentor, won various public relations (PR) counselor and broadcast journalist awards, owned and operated Hello, Sports Fans!, umpired numerous baseball games and – most importantly – acted as a life coach to me and many other students and professionals.
I say grand-slam mentor and life coach because Litwin constantly went above and beyond. To prove it, I developed the following list of ways he helped me and others:
1. Available 24-7, like a true PR pro. No matter the task, Litwin had an ever-revolving door and inbox. He made time for his students in his office and answered emails even when he really didn’t have two seconds to spare.
2. Listened. Until Litwin, I hadn’t met a person who actually actively listened. He didn’t drop the conversation after you said what you had to say. Instead, he asked questions to figure out the next appropriate step. (And he had this ability to make you feel as though you were a top priority.)
3. Researched. Once he figured out what you wanted or needed, he would take you through a force-field analysis to ensure you made the best possible decision.
5. Stayed on top, if not ahead, of the industry. Speaking of research, Litwin kept up with the latest trends and best practices in the ever-changing strategic communication industry.
6. Taught real-world lessons. Litwin’s career accomplishments helped him teach real-world lessons in the class room and in advisement sessions. And he shared any new industry information he learned instantly. (Also, he wrote a book that acts as a go-to resource for many strategic communication professionals.)
7. Advanced students’ careers. Litwin cared more about others than he did about himself. He constantly put others first and did whatever he had to do. With this mentality, you could put money on the fact that he had plenty of connections to various public relations professionals – which he selflessly shared with students to advance their careers.
Seven may not seem like enough reasons to proclaim someone’s record-breaking personality, but I can’t simply put into words the countless things Litwin did for me and other students – leaving a lasting impression.
And since Litwin advocated for baseball and sports, I figured my “grand-slam mentor” metaphor remained appropriate.
He definitely helped me navigate the bases of my college career, pre-professional career and sometimes my personal life. He truly umpired my life and helped me build my personal brand, so that I would have the confidence in myself to one day hit a home run on my own.
I will never have enough at-bat opportunities (words) to possibly hit enough home runs (thank yous) to repay him for everything he taught me. I can only hope other people have a chance to score a mentor like Litwin.
Corinthea Harris is senior at Rowan University. She will graduate in May with bachelor’s degrees in public relations and advertising. Currently, she is the Global Communications Intern at Campbell Soup Company.
Improving Yourself as a PR/Social Media Pro
When it comes down to it, we don’t know everything (Captain Obvious statement). From time to time, we are challenged with strategies, tactics, and platforms that are new to us. So what do you do? While this may sound like an easy enough answer, finding trusted pros and avenues to get educated (or re-educated), can be tough.
When I first started out in public relations, most of what I learned had to be self-taught. Even as I ventured into social media, much of the knowledge came from a little trial-and-error. As PR, marketing, and social media continue to evolve, we must do the same. I always quote friend and colleague Stephanie Florence and her “Student Always” mantra. We can never stop learning; it is the only way to improve. I compare it to a baseball player taking extra batting practice or looking at game film.
Here are a few ways to continue to grow, whether you are a new or experienced pro.
- Find pros that are learners, not Jedis- I’ve always appreciated pros that share what they’ve learned. They don’t tell you what you should know, they tell you what they continue to learn. People like Amber Naslund, Deirdre Breakenridge, Kirk Hazlett, and Chuck Hemann. They are always sharing what they’ve learned over the years, but they also soak up new ideas every day. It’s something to emulate.
- Personal audit/SWOT analysis- This is something I started to do with students earlier this month. A personal audit can be valuable in getting yourself to take a critical look at your career. I do them every quarter to see if I’ve slipped, gotten better, or plateaued. The SWOT analysis is something I love to do. It forces you to pick out your weaknesses. But, it also shows where you may be missing the boat on something. Try it!
- Twitter Chats- If you are on Twitter, it’s a good bet you’ve taken part in one or more since you’ve first signed on. What you may not realize is that these aren’t just chats, but virtual classrooms of learning. Whether it’s #PRStudChat, #CMGRChat, #NPPRSA, or #BrandChat, these gatherings of students and pros can be an invaluable tool to you. I’ve participated in all of these chats above and each time I do, I come away with something I can apply to my business and/or clients.
- Lean on organizations like PRSA/PRSSA- Both have incredibly valuable opportunities to grow as a professional. If you can’t make it to a national conference, make sure to go through the websites and see what is being offered. PRSA national has a solid slate of webinars/events and PRSSA’s Progressions blog is a perfect mix of student and professional advice. Your local PRSA chapter is also a great tool. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Social Media Club. They have many outstanding roundtable events that help to push the learning envelope.
If you don’t learn something new from the above, let me know where you are learning and how you are becoming a better pro.
The JourneyCast Podcast
In our careers, it is integral that we try new things to stay fresh. Last year, I did an episode of what I called, “The JourneyCast.” I was thrilled Matthew Cerrone from Metsblog.com was kind enough to chat. Unfortunately, due to client work, scheduling, and life, the podcast didn’t take off like I wanted. Today, I’ve stepping back into the batter’s box and officially launching (or re-launching), “The JourneyCast Podcast.”
You can expect to hear folks in public relations, social media, marketing, blogging, and much more on my podcast. I don’t want this to be the typical question/answer interview. I love to just chat with people about why they love to do what they do, what they think about their industry, etc.
I’m glad my friend and colleague, Deirdre Breakenridge, agreed to be interviewed. She’s an inspiring person and someone many in our industry are well-aware of. However, Deirdre also continues to be a person we can depend on to hear what is really happening in the world of PR 2.0. Click the link below to listen.
The JourneyCast with Jason Mollica
You can also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment on Twitter, Facebook, or below. And thanks for listening!
Let me be your CEO of You coach!
I want to make your personal brand great!
Over the last four months, the CEO of You series has taken off even more than I expected. The apex was appearing at the PRSSA National Conference in Philadelphia last October. The response from the students in attendance and on social media was frankly overwhelming and flattering.
In the weeks following, I had time to think about how CEO of You would move forward. I’ve talked with a number of students since October, whether it be over social networks, Skype, or email. The one thing that kept echoing in my mind was: “I need to do more.” But what would that “more” be? I have the answer.
Starting today, I’m happy to announce that I am offering one-hour personal branding sessions for students and new professionals, on an individual basis, for FREE. During these sessions , I will do everything I discuss in my talks: Do a personal SWOT analysis and personal audit on you and your brand, as it appears right now. We’ll then discuss your understanding what your brand is. And, yes, when I say this is free, I mean it is FREE.
So why am I doing this? It’s simple… I love what I do as a professional and I’m passionate about personal branding. And I want to help you have a passionate, energetic, and professional brand.
Let’s work together and make you the CEO of YOU! Reach out to me at Jason.R.Mollica-at-gmail-dot-com.
What My Media Career Taught Me
Long before the thought of being a public relations pro entered my mind, I had one dream: To work in television and radio. When I started as a member of the media, the landscape was very different. The internet was fairly new. Smartphones? Not very smart. You were lucky enough to not have a call drop. Pagers were still the rage and you could get news and sports updates on them, just not very quickly.
What hasn’t changed, though, are the traits that (still) make a good reporter, producer, and anchor. Trust, reliability, tenacity, and focus. These same traits can be seen in the best PR and marketing pros and social media community managers.
The great thing about having started my career in radio and television is that it set me up for success in PR. I truly believe I would not be where I am today without those experiences. There were three stories that really helped shape my then-future PR career.
“How about we start over?”- I was lucky enough to do field producing during my time in Philadelphia, especially when it came to hockey. I love the sport, so walking into the Philadelphia Flyers locker room was always a thrill and honor. Eric Lindros was one of the top players in the NHL and I interviewed him many times. One afternoon after practice, I was asking him some questions and we both stumbled through a few questions and answers. He politely stopped me, laughed, and said, “How about we start over from the beginning. We both aren’t having a good day!” The overarching thing this taught me was that we aren’t always on our game… and that’s ok. Show people that you are putting forth a 
honest effort and they’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.
Breaking News- When you work in the media, you need to be prepared for everything. During my time at Fox News Channel and Fox News Radio, it was integral to be ready at a moments notice. When the first missile was fired into Iraq in March of 2003, we had to switch our focus from the regular news of the day, within seconds. You always need to be ready for anything. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. This is true in today’s PR and social media world. Don’t have a plan for your social media launch? Odds are it won’t be successful.
First and wrong, last and right- I’ve lived by these words for a long time. Princess Diana died a few hours after I left my shift in Philadelphia with “MSNBC on the Internet.” However, the news was still trickling out that she was only badly injured in a car accident. Since we were a newer operation, I decided to go back into the office and update our web story. I was there for a few hours and there were unconfirmed reports that Diana had died. We could have run with that, but I didn’t want to see our new operation be caught in a credibility trap. Finally (and regretfully), NBC News confirmed that Princess Diana had died. I had gathered all the details from what we knew and confirmed, then published our story to the Philadelphia page. At the end of the day, if Diana had lived and we posted she was dead, it would have looked bad for us and our station. There is nothing more important that being accurate, especially in PR.
When I finally made the transition from television and radio into public relations, I felt that I was well-prepared for anything. Planning, focus, accuracy, and calm; these are all things that PR pros must have to be great at what we do. And if it wasn’t for working in the media, I know that I wouldn’t have the perspective that I do today.
