Trends & the Tipping Point
When we were discussing last class about how a successful PR representative must be a generalist, it made me think: am I really up on all the trends and events that affect the decisions these people must make?
Taking the NYTimes quiz and brainstorming the various lists, I realized that I was. Wholeheartedly, I agree that watching the news or taking ten minutes to look at an online newspaper has increased my knowledge and awareness, but it is far from being deeply informed. However, not knowing a lot about a little is ok. In fact, it’s better that way.
Being able to have an understanding of many of the events and trends going on in the world has allowed me to make the connections of how they all influence each other. This has also allowed me to understand more fully the book, “The Tipping Point.” The main idea is that small events and ideas lead to the headlining trends, events and stories that are plastered on front page news. It makes the fact clear that knowing a little about a lot can indeed make you a “deadly weapon.”
So, when I am checking out the latest issue of Vogue or taking in the newest cooking show, I don’t feel so guilty. Because, as the book and talking in class has taught me, you never know when you might need that interesting piece of information or story to push you over the edge. Therefore, I will continue to indulge all the while making connections with the more pressing stories and trying to find that almost indefinitive tipping point.
Diane Thieke Said:
on February 13, 2008 at 9:45 pm
In our profession, it’s so important to be interested in many things. You really never know when you’ll need that tiny bit of information. In my job, it’s all about connections. The ability to connect seemingly disparate information is critical to my success. Not only does it helps me get things done, but it helps me get things done faster. So, for example, I’m working on an executive speech, and to make a point about a global trend, I need data about dispersed workforces. I also know that one of my colleagues is working on a project to create a virtual workforce and that she has reams of data. I get the data from her in less time than it would take me to research it.
Sometimes, it’s the fluffy stuff I know that pays off. Sometimes it pays off in creative ideas for new PR campaigns, but most of the time it helps in building relationships. So I encourage you to go on reading Vogue. The person you compliment on their new Prada shoes may be an important connector for a future PR success.