Tuesday, 20 July 2010 14:23

The Twitterhood

I admit it. I am a Twitter newbie and still navigating my way around this particular social media platform - only yesterday my very online savvy husband explained with a good deal of patience what a hash tag is. In case you're also not sure, hash tags are inserted in front of words in Twitter conversations to make them searchable - rather clever and a quick way to access and listen to live conversations about products, brands, events or anything that interests you.

I really became hooked during the SWC - I found it more interesting to follow soccer commentary from fellow Tweeters than the commentators themselves, and it also proved to be extremely useful if I wasn't near a television or radio at the time! The fact that we can choose to listen to each other rather than outside mediums is a sign that the social media phenomenon has tipped the scales in a huge way towards citizen journalism. Traditional media influence as we know it has shifted and as PR's it's imperative that we're aware of the influence of social media and embrace it, or risk being left behind.

Back to Twitter, as a recently joined member of the Twitterhood I found this post by Philip van Zyl interesting as well as entertaining - a few ground rules to bear in mind perhaps?

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“It is such a pleasure to work with Lesley and Chantelle from Refresh PR. They are always so quick to respond to our urgent briefs and queries, and ensure we receive all our product requests ahead of deadline. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and they go out of their way to provide the best possible service, always delivered with a big smile!”

Lauren Watters, Junior Beauty Editor, The Pretty Network

"Her numerous years in the PR industry has helped Lesley Gikas develop a keen understanding of how the magazine industry works and how best to assist journalists in offering readers information tailored for their needs."

Nicole Sparrow, Assistant Editor & Beauty Editor, Longevity Magazine

"I am delighted to be able to share my thoughts on Lesley Gikas and Refresh PR. Lesley is an incredibly efficient person – in fact, she is always one of the first to respond to my beauty briefs. She is a breath of fresh air as she is always upbeat and enthusiastic – no request in too big. All those attributes have been entrenched in Refresh PR’s philosophy and approach to business and it’s great to see the company grow from strength to strength because of these traits."
Caro Verster, previous contributing beauty editor for Women’s Health South Africa, now living in Canada

"I have worked with Lesley over the past couple of years and she has always made sure that all our arrangements for the Nederburg Auction shoot went smoothly. Not only is she highly professional; with her warm and easy going personality, she is also a pleasure to work with.”
Marius van de Wall - Producer of Fiesta

"Lesley has handled the media publicity for the Nederburg Auction for three years now and grown exponentially in experience, understanding of media demands, the personalities that make up that component and general professional service over that time. Her efficiency and willingness to assist has significantly simplified the reporting process, as well as the host of logistics that correspond to getting the media to Paarl for the two-day event."
Nicola Jenvey - freelance business and wine writer

"Lesley has been the media ‘go-to’ person for the Nederburg Auction for the past three years and in my experience during that time she has been unfailingly professional, efficient and effective. Her promptness and willingness to help when responding to requests for information and images really does facilitate the media’s job of reporting on the event."
Diana Procter: Wine Journalist for Ideas/Idees magazine and The Witness

“We enjoy working with Refresh PR. They always answer our briefs on time and respond with products to suit the theme”

Rooi Rose Editorial Beauty Team

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