Should Flexjet use mobile media in their new campaign?

I recently read an article titled “Flexjet Gets Personal With New Brand Campaign,” which identifies how Flexjet, a leader in business aviation is launching a new type of campaign on May 1^st.

            

Photo credit:Aviation News EU

Because Flexjet is an aviation company, previous campaigns featured ads and pictures of only aviation. However, in today’s competitive society, especially for aviation, Flexjet has changed its approach. Now utilizing personalized ads featuring people and children, Flexjet is using print and online media to reach its customers.

In the article previously mentioned, the President of Flexjet stated, “[customers] realize bigger isn’t better, better is better.” But for a company that just received the prestigious FAA Diamond Award for its “flawless” customer service for 13 YEARS IN A ROW, should Flexjet be using mobile media as well?



Photo credit: Google Images 

 Yes, Flexjet has just started to change the way the company approaches and advertises with the new campaign featuring people to demonstrate their commitment to their customers, but so many other aviation companies are utilizing mobile media to optimize their campaigns. As noted in previous blogs mobile media is being utilized by companies to expand their outreach, and to offer more convenience and excitement to their customers.
       
Do we think Flexjet should compete and also indulge in mobile media as a way to expand its campaign, or do we think since they are so established, and so well-honored, that Flexjet is just fine using print and online media for its campaign?

All thoughts are welcomed!! 

Why mobile-only strategies work in today's world

Photo credit: Instagram

            Last week, Meghan Peters of Mashable asked a compelling question, can Instagram’s mobile-only strategy work for other apps? Through her article, Peters stated how within a year-and-a-half since its launch, Instagram has attracted nearly 30 million users. Also intriguing is how Instagram does not have its own website.

            While Instagram pictures can be linked to user’s Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr accounts, Instagram does not have an online hub dedicated solely to Instagram. In order to get a better grasp on her question, Meghan asked several mobile experts for their advice. The consensus was clear, there is no definitive answer. Therefore, since I can’t be completely shot down, I want to offer my own opinion.

            Mobile is taking over the world. My previous blog posts demonstrate how and why I believe this statement, but I will say it again, mobile is taking over the world. With today’s evolving technology there is nothing a mobile application or mobile server cannot do that a website can. While yes, a website is the central hub of information, I think people that have a Smartphone will say that information is just as easily attainable through a mobile device.

Photo credit: Instagram.com 

            I also think it is important to take into consideration the convenience of carrying and using a cell phone. I personally do not believe there is a significant difference in having a website versus having only a mobile application. Yes, there is the obvious answer that not everyone has an iPhone, or smartphone. However, if you make an application so intriguing, so innovative, and so captivating, such as Instagram, people will do whatever it takes to access it. Instagram is the living (technological) proof, that applications CAN thrive in a mobile-only atmosphere, but only if the app is THAT good. 

Welcome to the world of mobile media!

            In the beginning of this semester I was asked what I would like to write my thesis on. Due to time constraints and indecisiveness I thought I wanted to write my thesis on how social media is used globally for crisis communication. However, a few weeks ago, my PR and New Media class had a Skype class with a former student who now works at a company that develops and creates mobile applications. Ever since that day, my thesis topic changed. I have not stopped thinking about this new phenomenon that everybody loves and is beginning to talk more and more about.

            I have an iPhone, and I would be willing to bet that the majority of people reading this also have an iPhone, an Android, or maybe even an iPad. So you may be thinking, cool, what does that have to do with anything? It has everything to do with everything! The age of the Internet, social media, and technology is changing. According to the article “Web 2.0 Is Over, All Hail the Age of Mobile,” global mobile 3G subscribers are growing at over 35% per year, and with global markets just hitting the trend, there is tremendous room for growth. Already there are 5.6 billion mobile subscribers on our planet. This means that age of mobile media is changing the way people interact with each other, with brands, and with technology as a whole.

Photo credit: http://www.epsilon.com/mobile-media

            While most of the studies on mobile media and the benefits of it are related to business, or sales, I think it is INCREDIBLY important for PR practitioners. The age of mobile media has opened up an entirely new door for PR practitioners to reach its target audience, engage with key publics and build long-lasting relationships with the people who matter the most. So I have a question, how do you think mobile media is going to change the role of PR? And do we like these changes?

All thoughts are welcomed, and encouraged!! 

Finding your passion

Two weeks ago I attended the QU Media Mashup, where soon-to-be graduates (like myself) had the chance to network and listen to some of the greatest professionals in the field. While I was nervous and excited at the same time, I was astonished by how welcoming the various professionals were.

The event was designed to be two days, where Friday was the career fair and Saturday the students had the chance to sit in on panels, where professionals offered their advice and tips on how to succeed and land a job in the PR industry.



Photo credit: http://draco1976.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/passion.jpg



The advice gained from the panel was more than any book could possibly teach me. Yes, education is key. Yes, reading and keeping updated on the industry is key. And yes, networking is beyond key. I also think listening and digesting the advice offered was the most important key for the entire weekend. The event was two weeks ago, and I have not stopped thinking about what the professionals told me.

The fact that these professionals took the time out of their busy lives to help us is something I will never forget. While I networked with various professionals, it was the effort of one particular professional that has changed me forever. He taught me that while hard work is needed to succeed, passion is what will separate me from the rest.



My fellow teammates and I winning awards at the annual soccer banquet Friday.



 For me, finding my passion wasn’t hard. I have always had a passion for sports and being active (I played five years of Division I soccer, and have been playing since I have been three years old), but this professional taught me that no matter the passion, I need to embrace it, and intertwine that with my work. My passion for soccer has led me to succeed both on and off the field. Being a part of a team has taught me so many valuable lessons that I can bring into any work environment. I am excited to find a job, and I am excited to show my passion for PR, and my passion to succeed.

So thank you to all those professionals who came out that weekend to help us find our passion. I appreciate it more than any blog post could express! Has anyone else had a life changing moment like I experienced? I’d love to hear!

The future of mobile media

After originally watching this video in one of my classes, I decided to re-watch it after my interest on the new age of mobile media really expanded. I wanted to share this video because it really predicts the future of mobile media.

What do you think is the most interesting part of this video? I think the year 2017 where mobile phones will have instant translation will completely open up doors and new modes of business. But then again, if this happens, do we lose face-to-face interaction all together?

Yet this video suggests in 2018 government will be able to tract the 8 billion Internet users and 5 billion mobile phone users.  This will undoubtedly call into question the serious issue of cyber privacy.

So overall, how do we think mobile media will change the way we practice PR, and the way we live our everyday lives?

What is your favorite part? 

The Value of a Masters Degree

        As this semester is coming to an end and I find myself trying to complete 14 assignments all at once, I start to reflect on this past year as a public relations graduate student. This past weekend I helped work the Quinnipiac Communications Career Fair. I set up a booth with one of my fellow classmates to speak with undergraduate students about the public relations graduate program. We spoke to a few eager undergrads looking to further their education, but the majority of students skimmed right over our booth. When I finally asked one student why they were not considering a graduate degree she replied "I need experience, not education." This made me think long and hard about the value of a masters degree.
        Yes, while undoubtedly most employers value real-life experience, I must say, the benefits of a masters degree goes beyond the degree itself. While I received my BA in English and not in PR, I think it is important to differentiate between my thought process as an undergrad and as a graduate student. In undergrad classes I learned what to do, in graduate classes I learned WHY we do what we do, and HOW to do it best. In undergrad I believed that simply working hard would suffice. However, this past year has taught me that while working hard and dedication is essential for success, it is also just as important to be educated to the best of my ability.
         I have never thought more strategically and critically than I have this year. I have never wanted to spend my entire night figuring out the best possible plan for a company and the best modes to complete the goals and objectives. I have never had so much work in my entire life, but I have also never been this excited to learn. Being in graduate school has taught me that deadlines need to be met and quality cannot be sacrificed along the way.
         Reflecting on who I am as a student, and as a person, I would say that I am miles away from who I was as an undergraduate and who I am now. So while yes, experience is always a plus, I also think students need to consider that graduate school combines experience AND knowledge. This past year has been demanding, and while it is not over yet, I am 100% confident in my decision to further my education.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the value of a masters degree. ALL thoughts are welcome!!

Bests,
Kyla

How to trust a mobile message

            According to the article, "Mobile Mistrust: Are Texters Cheaters?" a recent study found that college students trust text messages less than all other forms of communication, such as phone calls, video chats, and face-to-face conversations. The study also identified that 35% of teens admit to using their mobile phones to cheat on a test, while one in five students admitted to taking pictures of questions with their phone to cheat on a test. 

100% Photo credit to OnlineEducation.net

              These cheating techniques may be factors that leads to not trusting text messages. While this is significant for education, I also think this is important for public relations. Although cheating on a cell phone has serious repercussions for education, the study previously noted demonstrates how college students do not trust text messages when compared to other forms of communication. This is an important factor when identifying a target audience for a company or campaign. If the main target audience is college students, companies may want to take into consideration this new study. Maybe using text messaging isn't the greatest tactic to display the key messages in a campaign.
             This brings me to one of my other favorite topics, mobile media. Because college students value accessibility and convenience, companies can use mobile media rather than text messages to reach their key audiences. Mobile media through applications is a phenomenal way to build relationships and establish trust with most users, especially college aged students. I cannot speak for every college aged student but I do know that sometimes receiving text messages from a campaign or company can feel more like propaganda rather than a conversation. By offering an accessible mobile application, students can explore and engage with the campaign on their own terms. Do you agree?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!