Indian PR firms yet to jump on the social media bandwagon

Let me start with New Marketing Labs President Mr. Chris Brogan’s quote “The difference between PR and social media is that PR is about positioning, and social media is about becoming, being and improving.” Yes that is what we are going to witness soon in India. Social media is not a media. It is a platform to listen, engage, and build relationships. And I doubt how many of us really make use of this new generation networking platform.
Ivy Ledbetter Lee, one of the founders of public relations had very good reasons to establish that PR can influence the world. It took time for many of the kosher lobbyists and PR brains in India to realize the possibility of PR in all aspects of life. Indian PR firms have been following the conventional mode to get the maximum visibility for their clients though the methods are obsolete. Now it is the time for adopting different tactics; and undoubtedly Social Media is the new platform for effectual Public Relations, which is yet to be explored. The India PR enterprises should try the Soicial Media tool which is absolutely cost efficient than any other PR practices. Let’s have a discussion about this next generation PR dynamism.

Press Releases and Social Media
Wiki says one anecdote on an origin of modern press releases is about an incident in 1906 involving Ivy Lee. Lee's public relation agency was working with the Pennsylvania Railroad, which had just fallen victim to a tragic accident in which 53 people died. Ivy Lee convinced the company to issue the first press release to journalists, before other versions of the story, or suppositions, could be spread among them and reported. He used a press release, in addition to inviting journalists and photographers to the scene and providing their transportation there, as a means of fostering open communication with the media.
Presently press releases are running the shows. PR professionals have been pushing their level best to get an utmost visibility for their press releases, however all these practices are utterly conventional methods of pitching. Social media can give a better acceleration for your stories (provided the release should be newsworthy). However data is pertinent for each press release and while using social media the PR practitioners should be aware of what to give and what omit.
Social media can really rejuvenate the press releases. It is an effective distribution channel and the reach will be umpteenth times better. Twitter, Facebook, Linked in and blog all can fortify your efforts. Before trying these practices you should have brevity. Suppose some journalists can not join the press conference the Youtube link of the client’s spoke person byte can actually facilitate the journalists. Lets have a look how Social Media Pres Release Works.
It is really hard to get social media community interested in traditional releases. Always consider the end user to ensure singular focus in a social media release. You need to have a blog platform which publishes only valid as well as relevant news. It is necessary to creat a story angle first and then publish your post. . Remember not to waste reader’s time, therefore each sentence should be informative and short. Headlines needs to be catchy. If you follow these steps, you will gain traffic to your blogs. Pitching Journalist using Social Media Pitching stories to a journalist through social media is an effective method with better response. Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, blogs let you know large number of journalists whom you can really be in touch. Pitching a journalist will not be happen instantly, you have to comprehend the journalist before you contact. The most pertinent factor is creating a fostering relationship with the journalists. Social media can undoubtedly fortify the rapport. New generation PR experts say that “Journalists like being helped rather than they like being pitched.” After all effective communication is necessary and social media can enhance the communication between Journalist and PR through blogs, online forums and discussions.
The journalist fraternity is very much active in blogging; your comments and retweet to the journo’s content is always good, adding their stories to your FB, Linkedin, and Twitter pages will be a good idea.
Edify your clients about social media
I believe the Indian PR practitioners should enlighten the clients about the gamut of social media. Perhaps we are lacking an effective communication between the PR professionals and corporate folks. Creating discussion group and survey in Linked In or in facebook, RSS feeds can actually facilitate your clients to get a maximum visibility. Regular client updates through social media will certainly give a good impetus among the multitude abruptly. Incredibly it will not charge you to an extent. Check how much time you can spend daily for social media. Above all if you can make your clients a little proactive in social media as a tool of dominant marketing strategy obviously that makes you the real generation-next Public Relation professional.
Connecting the PR world
People say that when you network you are your client. If you are in the PR world at least you should communicate efficiently. Social media is the only contrivance that enhances live interaction anytime across the globe. It is all about how you can market yourself or your firm. Networking is an inevitable part in public Relations; also keep the rapport with other PR professionals. Linkedin and Facebook is a real time avenue for social networking. Learning from others will always benefit, for that you need to actively participate in the online discussions and forums. Before I conclude let me say, the new generation PR pros have been realised that social media is a platform for non-stop networking and innumerable opportunities. Now get your works done swiftly using this breakthrough innovation. Let’s start clicking the opportunities.

Technocity: All set for the next IT revolution

Kerala IT is on fast phase augmentation and the launch of Technocity has sparked another global IT revolution. Today’s Technocity on completion will be the largest technology park and Special Economic Zone in Kerala. It is one of the biggest projects of Technopark that will be developed in 450 acres of land in Pallippuram, 5Kms north from the main campus on the NH 47 to Kollam, as an integrated township, encompassing IT/ITES infrastructure, residential apartments, shopping malls, hospitals, hotels, educational institutions, and other support facilities.

The project, first of its kind, in the State would be a trail-blazer and will provide 100,000 IT/ITES jobs directly and 400,000 indirect jobs and will place Kerala resolutely in the global IT map as an IT powerhouse.

Technocity is designed to address the socio-economic commitment like rural development, employment creation, earning of foreign exchange, increasing tax collection etc. with an assured financial feasibility. An investment of over Rs 6000 crores is expected in this mega-project which will be developed on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis. Considering the vast area, the project will be developed in a phased manner over a period of seven years of which the first major phase will be completed in a period of two years, to enable the parks to commence functioning by July 2012. The land acquisition for the same was completed earlier this year at a cost of Rs.340 crores funded by a consortium of banks headed by Central Bank.

Main highlights of Technocity

Technocity is well connected through road, as the campus is adjacent to the National Highway. The IT city is just 30 minutes drive from Trivandrum International Airport. Government of India through IT department and in coordination with Indian Railways is now working on a plan to develop the Kazhakuttom railway station (the closest railway station to Technopark campus and Technocity) with good infrastructure. So precisely the Technopark and its subsidiary parks are well connected, starting from Trivandrum up to Kollam.

Asian School of Business (ASB) is developing their state-of-the-art campus in the Technocity area. This will be one of the most modern campuses in the country when fully completed. Also The Trivandrum International School is very close to the Technoctiy. With the establishment of Technocity, the whole belt will qualify for consideration under the Government of India scheme of Information Technology Investment Regions (ITIR).

Kovalam, one of the most sought after tourist destination in Kerala is about 30Kms from Technocity. The tourism attraction adds value to the strategic location of Technocity.

Kerala has 60 per cent cheaper rents, 50 per cent lower operational costs, and the lowest power and water tariffs. A low cost of living means, lower cost to company per employee. Kerala is now already a recognizable place for the leading global IT players and many of them have expressed their business interests because of Kerala’s inimitability and our cultural diversity. Kerala is one of the best-networked States in the country in terms of telecom and datacom. The state’s tele-density is double the national average and all the telephone exchanges are digital. VSNL’s International Communication Gateway, with 2 high speed submarine cable landings (SEA-ME-WE-3 and SAFE) offering 15 Gbps bandwidth, is in Kochi. This gateway currently handles more than two thirds of the country’s data traffic. Optical Fiber connectivity up to the grass-root level makes high quality, reliable bandwidth available in any part of the State. In Human Development Index, Kerala heads the States in India and its achievements are comparable to those of the developed nations. Kerala has also achieved universal literacy. Also Kerala is one of the most vibrant and globalized societies in India, with a strong and mature service sector and one of the highest consumer spending profiles in the country. For Technocity all these factors will definitely allure global investments and make Technocity a global IT city.

Technocity is being developed as a satellite city that will not depend on the resources of Trivandrum city and the State government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the same. Kerala Water Authority is preparing a Detailed Project Report for an exclusive water supply system for Technocity. The officials have already taken up with PWD for improvement and maintenance of approach road to Technocity. Technocity project would also aim for investments in biotechnology, nanotechnology, high-end manufacturing and R&D. The project will be developed through multiple special purpose vehicles (SPVs) in association with private participants as well. Once completed, Technocity will become the largest IT city in India.

It already applied for funding to Japan International Cooperation Agency through Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India (GoI) for Rs.170 crores towards the infrastructure development of Technocity. Kerala State IT Infrastructure Ltd (KSITIL) is the developer of the project. The master plan for the project has been completed envisaging the most suitable way to develop the IT city at the maximum possible speed to break down the entire area into smaller land parcels and develop through Public Private Participation model.

Flickering liquor

Do you know when was first liquor produced? But I know that you don’t know the answer; because it is still unknown. For any piece of information we should start scavenging from Neolithic period. But that is history, today the situation is different, like an old saying “When the liquor was gone the fun was gone.” But it doesn’t mean that you get drunk and become wild and vile. You should hold your drinks.

Now I will tell you good news, it’s not because alcohol beverages is my domain. India is the largest alcohol consuming country in the world. Don’t be shocked!!! Chill … whether the market is bullish or sluggish, alcohol industry is booming. At this moment I just want to remember few words of W.C. Fields, “There are only two real ways to get ahead today – sell liquor or drink it.” Quite interesting right? I think he said this about his fellow performers.

I first tasted liquor when I was studying third standard. My first sip… nobody has given me that, it happened like that. My loving grandpa was about to have his royal drink and he told me that “Richy this is a medicine for me, you don’t drink this coz you will get disease.” Poor my grandpa he doesn’t know that actually I don’t want to go to school the very next day, I was thinking some other plans; now grandpa only gave me a new idea. When he went outside I had a sip of that “medicine” still I don’t know what was my feeling. Next day I went to school also, nothing happened to me. After that I don’t know when I started tasting variety brands, tequila, martini, cognac, champagne. Even if I know, do you think that I will say; this post will be clearly scrutinized by my loving sister and brother other than my friends; I want to be alive for few more years.

The alcoholic beverages industry is very strong. We are going to witness some crucial changes like, entry of global player into the country, availability of superior brands and others. I will write about various types of liquors in the world, not this time. I would like to say one thing, drink responsibly.

Friends can be our partners?

“The glory of friendship is not in the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is in the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him”-Ralph Waldo Emerson U.S. poet, essayist and lecturer. I believe in this.

Let me ask something, is that fine if I propose my good friend? Any way I did, but later I decide it will create a big mess, coz she is from a Muslim family. I don’t have any problem in inter-cast marriage but my family has, so I sacrificed that. But I am happy. She is one of my good friends we had a reunion recently we all recollected our beautiful memories. Hmmm… I don’t want to reveal her name but she is very nice, doing her MBBS, cribbing about her studies and stuff like that. Happy Chick!!! It’s true that I had a crush on this doctor. Anyway, I won’t have any problem if my kids want to marry from other cast. 
Recently some of my friends also proposed their female friends and they asked my advice before the scene. To me there is nothing wrong in that; my buddies have taken my advice and some of them already started their love life and some others were devastated, coz their chicks are already engaged. I like to marry a girl whom I know very well and also she should know me thoroughly. Any way we should think about this topic. If you get a partner who trusts you, believes you, who loves you, who can understand you and your feelings and be your soul & shadow forever, then you are the luckiest person in the world. Relationship is not for fun, it is precious; everybody can get into a relationship but few will make it true. Do you have the spunk for get into a relationship?

A sister should be like this.

Some of my friends asked me, “Richy, why are you writing only about your family and friends these days?” They know that these two are my weaknesses. My sister constantly tells me, "Grow up Richy, grow up!" You know why? Because, to her, I am still a kid, her youngest brother. She teases me like anything, and I just love that. She is a lecturer. Her 2-years-young kid Johan is ditto like her. Very naughty and smart. My sister suffered a lot for me and I troubled her for a long time:-( And my dad used to kick me whenever I hit her. To my family, my sister is first. I call her 'chechi'. I am blessed to have a sister like her. She is as loving-n-caring as my mom. All over my biceps, there are pinch marks, presented by my sister when I was a naughty, lazy bum.

My dear loving sister, u are also lucky to have a younger brother like me:-) And I am sure that even if I get married, you will continue to tease and pinch me. That is you, 'my chechi'!

The person I admire extreme in my life

Why should we admire person? My answer is very simple. If I admire a person it means that personality influenced me very much. I admire my chachen. Oh... Sorry you don’t know who is chachen, that’s my bro. Roshen D Alexander. He is a lawyer. We have 7 years difference. He is my best friend. Only to him I share about my crushes and break-ups, and my ex-girlfriends. I am lucky that I have a brother like him. It’s not a general statement; he used to kick me till my 12 standard. And I am sure if I do anything wrong in future he will bang me, even if get marry J

Chacha you rock. If you wouldn’t beat me when I was young, I don’t know where I would be. So keep on hitting me. Then only I will learn. I owe him my life.

My life in Mumbai.

Hmmm … after a long time, I am writing something about my thoughts. Basically,I didn’t have the time to sit and write. I am not acting busy. After my IIJNM life, I directly entered the corporate world. A business journalist, that is my tagline. I got what I dreamt. But, still, there is a looooooooooong way to go. May 15, 2008, I reached Mumbai, India’s trade centre, the most hectic metro in the country. I had little arrogance in my talk with my friends, who are located in different parts of the country, that I am working in Mumbai. Luckily, I got a superb place to stay, YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association). It is in South Mumbai. (The most happening place). Here, I have a lot of friends including mallus. It’s a calm and quiet place. This place gives me a sense of tranquility. Here, we have a health club and a swing pool, which I simply can’t miss a single day! Honestly, I don’t know swimming. But I enjoy watching the city's HOT chicks swimming. My greatest hangouts are Café Coffee Day, Kalpana Bar, Marine Lines, Pizzaria, and Totos. And I go to church along with my friends. Kalpana bar and CCD are our regular places. That is only because these places are a bit affordable than others. I don't spend too much. Still, I don’t have much bank balance. I usually go with my good buddies in the hostel: Ajith, working with a good construction firm; Arjun, my room mate, working as Assistant manager with ‘Knight Frank,’ that is very famous in the hostel because of him; Rosh, an investment banker, working as the Assistant Vice President with a private firm . I have a plan to write a special blog on my hostel life, and I'll post it soon…

My office is hardly 10 minutes away from my hostel, by fast train. Train journey is really adventurous, public don’t care about your designation. We all are സെയിം in the train. I think I improved my Hindi, little bit. My work is good, meeting big guys, writing features. I don’t have any complaints about my work. I got a very good team. I already started tasting world’s most expensive drinks. But I can justify myself, that is part of my job, I cover alcoholic beverages.

These all are fine. But one fine day I was totally fucked up. That is November 26, 2008. Mumbai terror attack. I literally missed being a victim of the attack as it started hardly 15 minutes after I left the place. But I am not going to write a description of the blast and attack coz I've already written a blog on that. The irony is that even after the attack, the security check is very bleak. Cops are busy chatting with female cops or dozing. Actually, I want to abuse them on their face. They are proud of themselves, speak only marati, and don’t pay to the shoe polishing guys. Just ചെവ് pan and spit on the wall. Yuk… wearied bastards. At this point of time, I remember a famous quote by Paul Wilkinson “Fighting terrorism is like being a goalkeeper. You can make a hundred brilliant saves but the only shot that people remember is the one that gets past you.” Any way, that is not applicable to us.

People are actively participating in demonstrations, holding pluck cards. That all is going to be only for few days. We should start taking initiatives. I am sick and tired of Mumbai. To whom do we say, 'wake up India'? Everybody should say to it to oneself. I know that I don’t have any guarantee for my life. But as a citizen of India, I have the right to say that, I don’t want these bloody politicians, these F*&@ %#s just spoiling India. Next time when we go for voting, remember that our votes are precious and don’t waste them. Politics is an art, it’s a service! But today, it’s a burden to the country. I am stopping here.

“Morality is always the product of terror; its chains and strait-waistcoats are fashioned by those who dare not trust others, because they dare not trust themselves, to walk in liberty.” ...by Aldous Huxley