“Companies are only now beginning to realize that they need to devote considerable attention to internal communication, i.e., with their employees, making use of various social networking tools.” – Dr. Ernest Greene, Professor of Psychology and Program Director, Master’s in Human Behavior, who will co-host the April 7 Social Media Advanced Skills Huddle (“SMASH” conference) and the IABC-LA meeting immediately afterward.
Can’t attend the all-day SMASH conference? Join us for the IABC meeting directly afterward to hear a brief recap from SMASH speakers Sally Falkow and Michael Terpin. It’s April 7 from 5-7 p.m. at USC and everyone is welcome. Here’s more from Ernest:
Q: Can you identify a common obstacle communications strategists typically encounter when deploying social media, maybe one you hope to address at SMASH?
A: I think that the amount of time it takes to properly interface with audience feedback comes as a great surprise. Also, the potential target audience actually consists of numerous target audiences, and the message should be tailored for each. This takes considerable forethought as well as the ability to make adjustments on the fly. Far more work than is generally assumed.
Q: As social media evolves, do you anticipate any trends developing specifically in the application of corporate communications?
A: Companies are only now beginning to realize that they need to devote considerable attention to internal communication, i.e., with their employees, making use of various social networking tools. So corporate communications must now realize that they not only need to have effective messaging to external target audiences, but also to one or more internal target audiences.
Q: What can students expect to learn at the SMASH conference?
A: Principles and “best practices” that are at the cutting edge of advertising, public relations, marketing, and corporate communications.
Q: What networking opportunities will the SMASH conference make available to students?
A: Meeting potential internship sponsors and future employers.