Public Relations 2.0: My #1 elections tool.

When was the last time your local politician asked 'what issues are most important to you?'

Social Media has changed business, as we know it. It has specifically changed how we as communicators and leaders, reach our target audience. In the past, one-way communication was king. I would tell you what political issues are important to me, what policies I want to change, and most importantly how I planned to run the country. I would use print media, journalists, radio, and other one-way communication tools to deliver my message.

It’s time that you deliver YOUR message to me. I want to know what’s important to you! What political issues keep you up at night? I welcome all commentary and feedback. Tell me what issues are most important to you, and I will address them.

Until next time Canada….

Sincerely,

Sarah State

Online Campaigning Only: Don’t be so surprised.

When I decided to run for Prime Minister, I knew that I would use online tools only, as my main campaign strategy. Some speculated that this tactic was risky. However, I believe that using social media tools, as the primary means to reach my audience, will give me an edge on the competition. Here is why:

1) Social media outlets will give me the ability to reach more people. There are so many platforms to utilize that I will be able to reach a greater audience, in a short period of time. Power in numbers, right?
2) Social media will give the Canadian people an outlet to communicate more openly. If I provide multiple outlets for them to discuss the most pertinent issues according to them, then I will better understand the needs of my audience.
3) By taking my campaign online, I will shrink the gap between the audience and myself. The people will now have direct access to me. Meaning, I will eliminate all major communications barriers.
4) This is an election and I need to get my content out to my audience in a quick and efficient manner. Social Media tools give me many easy avenues for web publishing.

Please leave your comments, questions, or concerns below. I will make sure to answer everyone.

Sincerely,

Sarah State

Barack 2.0: Can it work for me?

Barack Obama raised more than $500 million in on-line donations. He has over seven million Facebook fans, three million Twitter followers and two million MySpace friends.

What made this campaign a success?

1) The Obama personal brand.
2) Campaign accessibility and transparency.
3) People. Obama leveraged social media platforms to reach and engage people.

“Obama is delivering a message that is designed to be taken up and spread by others, with the tools and techniques learned during his campaign. Instead of relying on the traditional one-way, top–down approach to communications, the [Obama] administration is harnessing the power of public engagement to influence the conversation across various spheres of cross–influence.” Mark Derksen.

Obama now has a database of millions of supporters that he can access and engage instantly. He has changed election campaigning, as we know it.