Brian Solis Chats with SocialByte
From the Desk of Melissa Hourigan
So today I am posting a link to a video captured with the infamous Brian Solis. Brian is a PR executive that has literally helped to break down the walls between media and PR pros. He is also recognized for educating PR professionals and businesses alike on the convergence between traditional media and social media.
I got the opportunity to chat with Brian during his visit to Denver to promote a book that he co-wrote, “Putting the Public Back in Public Relations: How Social Media Is Reinventing the Aging Business of PR” with Deirdre Breakenridge. This is Solis’ second book and he has another in the works.
As a PR person myself, I know that the days are long, especially when you are running your own firm. One has to wonder how he manages to stay on top as the principal of FutureWorks in addition to all of the many things he does. If you haven’t read his lengthy and informative blogs at BrianSolis.com, set up the feed after you read this – you can thank me later. His insightful blogging recently won him the title of PR Blogger of the Year by the 2009 PR People Awards. Brian also contributes to number of media outlets such as TechCrunch, WebProNews and Brandweek. I am proud to also mention that he is one of my partners for Mediaontwitter (more things to come there as well). He is a frequent speaker and attendee at some of the tech industry’s hottest events and you can pretty much count on Brian uploading a series of beautiful photos within hours of the event to share with media and those interested in seeing who was there.
So back to the video. It was so nice to have Brian in Denver; unfortunately, I did not consider (once again) that lighting might be an issue. In this video, the information Brian shares is valuable so with the coaxing of the SocialByte crew, I decided to post it.
Brian shares his reason for co-writing the book, tips to get started with social media as well as how the social web relates to corporations and corporate brands. He also covers what is wrong with PR and the opportunity that exists for PR pros and businesses to connect with their community in a more meaningful way using social media.
Apologies, to Brian and our audience for the dark footage. Tryst was kind enough to bring up the lights but it still didn’t do much good.
Feel free to comment within the video if you would like.
Melissa,
Thanks for this entry into the importance of incorporating social media into everyone’s PR strategy. The most compelling takeaway from this interview with Brian for me is the fact that ‘the socialization of your brand happens with or without you.’ Simple, but true. I follow Brian on Twitter, now I’m off to find his books.
If you hear of him coming back to Denver, I’d love to hear him speak and or have the opportunity to pick his brain.
Hey Rajean, thanks for the note. He is a pretty inspiring person. His blog is one of my favorite reads. He is truly a contributor to the community and his book is a great read. He also has one that will be released this spring so perhaps he will hit Denver again on his next book tour. We’ll have to stay in touch and go together! Cheers Rajean!