The future of PR: Should your CEO blog?
Several weeks ago I led a panel discussion at the The 2008 Milken Institute Global Conference. The Milken event "brought together some of the most extraordinary people in the world - from scientists, business executives and philanthropists to journalists, academics and Nobel laureates - for three days of discussions on how to solve some of our most pressing social, political and economic challenges."
My panel was called The Changing Rules of PR and Corporate Influence in the Digital Age and included the following panelists:
- Jason Calacanis, Founder and CEO, Mahalo.com
- Hope Boonshaft, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Hill & Knowlton
- Steven Rubenstein, President, Rubenstein Communications Inc.
Moderator: David Meerman Scott (that would be me)
It was an awesome panel with lots of spirited debate and controversy. You can listen to a recording via a link on the panel page or by going here to get a direct link.
In an article that appeared on CNET called The future of business is social: notes from the Milken Global Conference, Tim Leberecht said panelist Jason Calacanis, was "in-character as enfant terrible, thrived in the devilish charm of the futurist, joyfully exposed the insecurity of his audience."
Some things that were discussed:
- "Is PR dead?"
- "Should our CEO blog?"
- "How do I stay in control of my brand if our CEO gets critical comments to his blog posts?"
My only regret was my role as moderator. In order to let the panelists express their opinions, I focused on being a traffic cop (it was tough at some points with so many strong opinions!) so my own thoughts weren't aired.
If you've got a free hour, this is worth a listen.
Apart from HR reasons do you think Scott's Blog is impressive? Is this the new gen CEO blogging going to turn out as? According to your previous post...that blog should be unedited...this one is pretty raw and direct in your face...What do you think? www.scottragsdale.com
Posted by: Garry Emmons | May 27, 2008 at 01:32 AM
Agreed.. I like the way Scott's blog is laid out, the "why I am blogging" etc but for a CEO of a 300 person company, not very professional. The first thing you see when you load the page is a guy smoking saying that it is good to have a big ego.. and the just f***ing sell under the car on the right hand side. Most business owners would be more cautious about what they are saying, how they are portraying their image etc but this approach must just work with Scott. I like how David is pretty raw & direct with his postings, comments, etc but when you go to his site, blogs etc it provides a good overall image & keeps you coming back.
Posted by: Laura | May 31, 2008 at 06:48 AM
It all depends on Scott's goal for his blog.. Whatever works good for him personally & for his company that is what he should continue to do.
Posted by: Laura Again | May 31, 2008 at 08:03 AM