Summer Reading List: Social Media and Public Relations by Deirdre Breakenridge
As I sit here writing this, there are many things I can say about Deirdre Breakenridge (@dbreakenridge). So much so, that it’s actually difficult to start this post. She’s smart, humble, and a beautiful person. She’s someone whose work and passion to her industry is nothing less than inspiring. She’s also someone I’m proud to have written a book with way back when…Putting the Public Back in Public Relations. In fact, that book is still widely read in universities and agencies around the world (HIGH FIVE DEIRDRE!). Deirdre’s prolific having written numerous books over the years. Above all, she’s a lifetime friend and I’ll always be here for her.
Her latest book, Social Media and Public Relations, offers eight new practices for PR professionals and includes a foreword by David Armano (@Armano) and a wonderful quote of support from Altimeter Group’s Charlene Li. I’m also honored to be included as part of a Q&A on pages 142-144 (Thanks Deirdre!)
The book is elegantly written and is a fast, but important read at 160 pages. The book centers on a rotating Social Media Strategy Wheel which has been refined since its introduction in 2009. It’s a helpful model that is approachable and effective in learning what it takes to be success in a new era of communications.
Here’s the official description:
In Social Media and Public Relations: Eight New Practices for the PR Professional, social marketing pioneer Deirdre Breakenridge teaches and demonstrates the eight new skills and mindsets PR/marketing pros need to build brands and engage customers in a social world.
This concise, action-oriented book shows practitioners how to systematically expand their roles, improve their processes, and sharpen their strategies to engage with today’s more sophisticated and socialized customers. Drawing on her extensive client experience, Breakenridge helps you…
- respond to consumers who demand control over their own brand relationships…
- marry communications with technology more effectively, and become your organization’s go-to resource on social technology decisions…
- reflect social media realities throughout your policies and governance…
- generate greater internal collaboration, eliminating silos once and for all…
- listen to consumers’ conversations, and apply what you’re learning…
- build communications crisis plans you can implement at a moment’s notice…
- develop profound new insights into how consumers construct and perceive their brand relationships.,. practice “reputation management on steroids”…
take the lead on identifying and applying metrics… and much more.
For all PR, marketing, and communications executives and professionals; and for students intending to enter these fields.
