RobertBurnsII.com – The official website of Robert A. Burns, II

The thought recently occurred to me — although many of you have been with me since last May when I began this blog, each day, new readers visit here. I’d like to make sure that my blog series has a proper introduction that fits my posts into a context relevant to not only PR professionals, but to anyone using social media. So if you’re here for the very first time, watch the following video, then read this post. Thanks again for visiting and make sure to subscribe!

Over the course of the past year, I’ve read dozens of good (and bad) blog posts and news articles on social media, the field of public relations, and how the two are converging more each day. As 2010 comes to a close, I share with you a list of some of the best posts on the two that I’ve come across, so that you can read through and glean some information to take with you into 2011.

I compiled this list from an assortment of social media sites and personal websites that I frequent in my spare time. After you give these a read, head to the comments section and post an article or two that you found particularly useful. (Or if you want, ten is fine too.)

So here are my 10 picks for 2010′s top articles on social media: (in no particular order)

• How Web 3.0 Will Impact Social Media and PR

- Provides an intriguing look at the future of the social Internet, and how it will directly impact the landscape of the PR world. The author even provides a handy-dandy video to illustrate what Web 3.0 might look like.

• Study: 84% Dont Measure Social Media ROI

- This article helps to put into perspective just how ignorant so many marketers are when it comes to properly using social media to reach their goals. Don’t know what “ROI” is? …Great reason to read the article.

• 52 Cool Facts About Social Media

- The presentation of this article is just flat-out cool. Lots of great, little-known information about SM here.

• 40 Useful Things You Can Share on Twitter Besides Blog Posts

- Just like the title says. Many of us get so caught up in shoving our latest blog posts down our Twitter followers’ throats, that we forget there are countless other gifts we can share with our readers. This article brainstorms several ways to change up the pace of your tweeting.

• 57 Social Media Policy Examples and Resources

- I like this article because it lists out various companies’ approaches to social media. This post would be especially helpful to someone recently put in charge of developing a social media policy for his or her company.

• Extensive List of Over 30 Enterprise 2.0 Case Studies and Reports

- Theories are one thing, but the proof is in the pudding. If you’re a “case studies” kind of person, this post gives you plenty — and then some!

• How do You Attract More Clients Using Social Media Marketing?

- A solid read, all-around. Primarily focused with social media marketing, in terms of attracting more clients and measuring effectiveness of your SM efforts.

• 8 Traits You Should Look for in a Community Manager

- Looking at things from the hiring manager’s point-of-view, this post details the essential traits that any social media director or community manager should have to supplement his or her skill set. Especially if you’re looking to get hired to do social in the near future, give this a read.

• Facebook, Twitter Access through Mobile Browser Sees Triple-Digit Growth

- Can’t make a list compiling the best articles in social media without mentioning mobile platforms. And yes, that title reads “triple-digit growth.” ‘Nuff said.

• 100+ Smart Ways to Use Linkedin

- I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: if you’re a professional working within the field of PR and you claim to “get” new media, you need to be on Linkedin. This article essentially serves as a jumping point for newbies, linking to dozens of other well-written articles that offer best-practice advice on fully utilizing all the site has to offer.

So, there you have it: my top ten choices for the best articles on social media of the year. Give them a read when you get a chance; I’m sure you’ll find something of value here.

And now, it’s your turn…

Share your thoughts: Are there any great articles that you didn’t see on my list? If so, share a link below.

Season’s greetings, to all of my readers and supporters! If you know me well at all, you know that the frenzy of the holidays gets me hyped (in a good way). I can’t stop singing Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole songs… In other words, I’m all about holiday cheer, and I wish you and your loved ones a very special holiday season. With that said, I have an article I’d like to share…

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post called “9 Nuggets of Advice for the Aspiring PR Pro,” and detailed a few lessons of wisdom that I’ve picked up in the industry. I also promised a follow-up article, and now I’m making good on that promise. Without further adieu…

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9 more nuggets of advice for young PR practitioners:

1 ) Be a consumer of news media. Just because you’re not a journalist doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be knowledgeable about what’s going on in the world, and know how reporters think. Pick up a paper every day, if you can. Bookmark the New York Times or Huffington Post as your Internet browser’s homepage. Make sure to read as much as you can, and have an educated opinion on the “latest” news.

2 ) Learn the art of small talk. If will come in handy more times than you know. Most of the times, you won’t walk into a meeting and get straight to business. That’s not how it works in the real world… Even the most “down-to-business” execs usually want to chitter-chatter for a few minutes. Sometimes a few friendly words exchanged early in the conversation can make the tough questions later on a bit more palatable. Remember, you are dealing with people.

3 ) There’s no “I” in team. Not much more to say here. If you think you can carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, even if you’re built like a professional bodybuilder, you’re severely mistaken. The field of public relations is a team sport.

4 ) Write to be read. It’s not enough to write for yourself; read aloud everything you put to paper (or on the web) before you hit “publish.” Make sure the words you’ve written effectively communicate the desired message. Think about if you’ve represented your client’s wishes. Have you addressed all of the key stakeholders? Is the writing clear and concise? Ask yourself these questions. If it makes sense in your head, but your audience can’t understand or relate to what you’ve written, then your writing is ineffective.

Don't be ashamed to go "back to the drawing board."

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4 ) Some clients will be rude. Just like in middle school, you’ll find that in this career field, you’re not going to be best friends with every client. Rest assured, there will be a small handful of clients that you may secretly wish bodily harm upon. Your task: to keep smiling, be polite, and make sure the work gets done anyway. Remember, you work in “public relations.” Your job is to relate to people; even if they seem to make getting along with you harder than Calculus II. In other words: “take the high road.”

5 ) Think like an editor. When dealing with information, both verbal and written, consider newsworthiness, angle, bias, etc. It will make your dealings with reporters that much easier, reviewing information from all angles before you meet with clients or your boss helps you anticipate all possible questions and/or sticking points before someone else brings them up. You always want to be as prepared as possible.

6) Organize your thoughts with a blog. Start and maintain a blog related to learnings in your field. It definitely helps to analyze your thoughts, and can even help with your career down the line. Just remain transparent in your writings, and keep in mind any confidentiality agreements you’ve signed with your company.

7 ) Things will change… often. How effectively you deal with change (i.e., keep a cool head in the middle of a tornado) directly affects whether you keep your job, get promoted, and succeed throughout your career.

8 ) Pay it Forward. If you keep up with your craft long enough, and follow these tips, eventually you’ll be in a position of power, where you have the ability to teach and mentor others. Remember the help that you received  on your climb to the top of the mountain, and be sure to lend a helping hand to the next person in your shoes.

9 ) Get a good stress ball. Sometimes, it will be your best friend. ‘Nuff said.

So there you have it: 9 more nuggets of wisdom that will serve you well in the public relations world. Hopefully you find these tips useful. And now I turn to you… What are your thoughts?

Agree? Disagree? What advice would you offer to young and aspiring PR pros? Weigh in and post a comment below.