Google Glass….Cool or Creepy?

By: Susan Finco, President, Leonard & Finco Public Relations

I haven’t seen anyone wearing Google Glass yet but, since it’s in beta testing in what they call the “real world” (i.e. the West Coast), I’m sure it won’t be long before someone in the Midwest shows up with a pair. In case you’re not familiar with Google Glass, it’s eyewear, but not just any ol’ pair of branded eyewear.  This comes with an operating system and a miniature screen. You can take a photo or video via voice activation. You can see incoming email and notifications, etc.; just like your computer…only wrapped around your head. At the mind-numbing price of $1,500.

If it sounds like I’m anti-Google Glass, I’m not. But I’m not sure I’m a fan either. There is definitely the cool factor. Big geek on the block cool factor. Space-age cool. If it means I can quit toting around a laptop or IPad, that could be an advantage. On the flip side, all of us already spend way too much time tethered to our “devices;” constantly checking social media accounts, texting, etc. and failing to look people right in the eye and have a conversation. Of course, with Google Glass, now you can appear to look someone in the eye while actually reading your email. Maybe it does solve a problem….or creates a new one as multi-tasking reaches a whole new level of competition.

So, what’s your take? Cool or creepy? My verdict is still out…..but I have to admit, I wouldn’t mind testing a pair a long as I didn’t have to pony up $1,500 to do it.

Can we really expect privacy anymore? How far is going too far?

By: Cole Buergi, VP of Business Development, Leonard & Finco Public Relations

There is photographic art exhibit on display at the Julie Saul Gallery in Chelsea, New York drawing significant criticism and generating renewed interest in the question of when is our privacy just that, private.

Arne Svenson: Neighbors #5

The display highlights people in everyday life going about their business. Where the exhibit becomes controversial is that the photographer, Arne Svenson, took the photos from his own apartment using a telephoto lens to capture images of others through the windows of their apartments without their knowledge.

According to the artist, the images didn’t show anyone’s face so it is not an invasion of privacy. 

I’ve decided to write on this topic because I’m wondering how others feel – is this an invasion of privacy?

I ask the question because technology, in particular, social media, seems to be chipping away at our “traditional” boundaries of privacy.

Nowadays, it seems that anything that can be captured via video or camera is fair game on the Internet.

Not only are others able to encroach on our privacy, but many of us, myself included, frequently open the door to this invasion without thinking twice about it. We do so by freely sharing much of our private lives with others using Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and an array of other social media platforms. It may not seem like it because we are in control of it but, when you think about it, you’re showing a private side of yourself to people that would otherwise never get to see it. Some may argue this sharing is removing a layer of privacy you once had.

Do you agree or disagree? What are your thoughts on the artist with an eye for his neighbors?

Stay current in your field

By: Angela Raleigh, Account Executive, Leonard & Finco Public Relations, Inc.

In the day to day hustle and bustle it can be difficult to find the time to stay up-to-date in the PR field. Things are constantly changing! Although keeping up with the industry may seem to be just another thing to add to your to-do list, there are several benefits to staying current.

First, by being informed, you can make better decisions and identify opportunities and challenges earlier in the process. Secondly, staying current will help you build expertise in the industry. This is an invaluable asset that will help you earn trust and respect from people around you. Lastly, knowing what’s going on in your industry will allow you to recognize a change, allowing you to determine how you can best use it to your advantage.

It’s not possible to know everything, but it is possible to develop an expertise. That’s what we as PR pros must do – develop a focus area and consistently learn more about it.

So what are some traditional and social sources you can utilize?

Traditional:

• Mentors are a great resource. Not only can they help you develop in your career, but they open the door to a wealth of knowledge and insight in the industry.
• Join an industry organization. Being a member of an organization provides an opportunity to network with people in your field.
• Take the opportunity to network. Talking face-to-face with people in your industry is a great way to stay on top of industry news and discuss trends.

Social:

• Utilize Twitter to find and connect with people in your industry who are in the know. By following industry leaders and organizations, you can stay on top of relevant news and trends.
• LinkedIn is another way to connect with colleagues, trade organizations and industry leaders. Consider joining a group and participate in discussions.
• Blogs are a great source for honest opinions and if you take the time to research your industry blogs, you may come across some that provide valuable information that is timely and relevant to your job.
• Set up Google Alerts as an easy way to have industry news delivered directly to your inbox.

Once you know the sources you want to utilize, schedule time in your day or your week to devote to staying current in your industry. Making it part of your routine will help you manage the constant changes that bring about new trends and tools to help us do even more for our clients.

How do you stay informed and learn new things in your field?

Mistakes were made, but we won’t change our ways

By: Scott Stein, VP of Client Services, Leonard & Finco Public Relations

About a quarter of Americans received information about the Boston Marathon bombings from social media in the minutes and hours following the explosion. That according to the Pew Research Center which says the percentage jumps to about 56 percent in the younger age demographic of 18-to-29.

That’s not a real surprise. Michael Dimock, director of Pew’s public opinion and polling project told USA Today, “those sites offer a convenient way to get news, especially since many users are constantly on them.”

Count me, and several of my co-workers, among those who were monitoring social media sites, looking for the latest updates on the explosions in Boston while keeping an eye on TV and cable sources as well.

What was troubling, however, was the amount of inaccurate information. There were reports of suspects in custody, one outlet had the death count at a dozen and a missing college student was wrongly reported to be one of the bombing suspects.

There’s no doubt that social media have had a dramatic impact on the way news is now disseminated. The rush to be the first to report an arrest or other updated information is greater than ever. The problem is that leads to more mistakes and more of us wondering whether what we see is accurate.

While the inaccurate information that streamed out of Boston on Patriots Day is troubling, many are also talking about the positives of social media during that tragedy. Social media played a role in helping to reunite loved ones separated as a result of the bombings. It also allowed race participants and spectators to communicate with family and friends to let them know they were safe. Social media were also used during the investigation phase. Finally, it was also a way for millions to express their sorrow to the people of Boston and those participating in this iconic event.

Maybe the inaccurate information that was spread through the social media, and traditional media, will lead to some serious discussion about changes that need to be made. I’m not real confident that will happen. One thing is sure, the next time there’s another tragedy like this there’s no doubt that social media will play a significant role in how people learn about it.

How do you feel about the role of social media in the Boston Marathon bombings? Were you looking for updates on Twitter or Facebook? 

Oh, Ryan Lochte, what were you thinking?

By: Kristen Paquet, Account Executive, Leonard & Finco Public Relations

That is what I would ask the Olympic swimming star if I met him. I have no idea who thought that giving Lochte his own reality show (What Would Ryan Lochte Do? which airs on E!) was a good idea, but it has to be one of the worst decisions…ever.

The show got plenty of attention ahead of its debut. Lochte made several public appearances and did a lot of interviews, but on premier night, the show tanked in the ratings. This makes me think that no one was ever really interested in the show. They were more interested in watching the train wreck that happened each time Lochte did an interview to promote the show. Here is one that went viral to give you some perspective:

http://youtu.be/HuV1JYgyBxY

So what does this mean from a public relations perspective? Some experts have said that Lochte’s exposure to the public – positive or negative – has been good for the sport of swimming. Others have said that it just makes him look like an idiot and that more people now associate Lochte with his foolish and awkward interviews rather than being a gold medal Olympic swimmer. From my perspective one thing is true: he is just a mess.

But, the truth is that he is getting buzz. Good or bad, it's buzz. The Lochte name is alive and well, and the next Olymics is still three years away. But the question remains if we will see any back peddling or a more interview savvy Lochte in the future. If his show had been an immediate success, this probably wouldn’t be an issue. But now that the show doesn’t seem to be as successful as originally hoped, I’m wondering if the not-so-favorable media attention will have Lochte wishing he would have approached things differently.

Let me ask you this: Is there still hope for Lochte after all of this? Do you think he can reinvent himself to save face? Should he?

Ten Lessons of Leadership

By: Susan Finco, President, Leonard & Finco Public Relations

I’m fortunate to be asked to do a fair amount of public speaking. It’s something that’s really enjoyable and rewarding; especially when you can get a group of people engaged and talking about the topic at hand. Recently, I was asked to speak about the lessons of leadership. As you know, the topic can fill a book; more like thousands of books because everyone views leadership a little differently. So what lessons did I share? 

Have a vision. The old saying, “if you don’t’ know where you’re going, you’ll never get there” is true. But your vision shouldn’t be so narrow that you miss what’s going on around you.  

Be excited. Be passionate. Have you ever seen an unexciting leader? The answer is most likely ‘no.’ People will follow those who believe in what they’re doing and have a positive, upbeat attitude. Attitudes are contagious.

Share what you know & share the spotlight. It’s not just about you. Help others learn and achieve and share the spotlight. All of us know people in leadership roles who never give credit to those who did the work or came up with the idea.  Those leaders generally don’t last long or, when they have a problem or challenge, no one steps up to help.

Deal with problems and challenges head on.  This one can be tough. You will have challenges, problems and things that don’t go right. As much as you may hope the problem will go away or fix itself; it rarely does.  It only gets worse if you ignore it.

Understand the realities of a situation. This is the companion statement for the previous item. I’m not saying let the naysayers get to you, or let others rain on your leadership parade, but you do need a firm grasp of reality and how it might impact your business or your life. 

Constantly learn.  If you’re not learning, you’re being left behind.  Change is constant and you need to embrace it.  Don’t chase every bright shiny object or trend du jour; but be aware of what’s new and what you need to learn.  Then do it!

Know who you are. As a leader, self-awareness is key. Be honest with yourself about your strengths, weaknesses and your core values. Listen to your gut instinct about things. Get help or assistance in areas where you don’t feel you have the right skills or abilities.

Understand that not everyone is just like you.  There can be a tendency for leaders to think everyone thinks like them. To be an effective leader, you need to understand and embrace the differences among your team members. 

There is such a thing as Karma.  Just because you’re leading a project, a company or even your own household, don’t be too full of yourself or run over others to achieve your goals. Karma has a way of coming around and biting you.    

Work-life balance is a myth – and that’s OK

Sometimes your personal life demands most of your time and sometimes it’s work that takes up your time. Just don’t do one or the other exclusively or excessively for too long.

So there are my 10 lessons of leadership.  Do you agree or disagree? What would you add to the list?