2010 appears to be the year where mobile applications and technologies really picked up steam, and became a powerful force for business and public relations professionals. Many corporations like the Red Cross (First Aid application used in the Haiti Earthquake), Starbucks (revolutionizing mobile consumer engagement relations), Audi (creating a augmented reality experience), and many others are building the way for other brands and corporations to become part of the mobile community. More brands are going mobile, especially those with the capabilities in doing so like Fortune 50 companies. Burson-Marsteller found in their mobile study some interesting findings about how these particular companies are using mobile technology, and provided some points that public relations professionals need to be aware of.
Mobile technology and other key components associated with mobile devices are going to build momentum for the upcoming year in 2011. Tablets like the iPad to smartphones like the Droid and iPhone (which was my Christmas present this year and is absolutely fabulous!) are definitely a part of this. By allowing people to use applications to get access and filter out information from the news that is personalized to them while also taking this information on the go are some of the current trends going on right now.
However, for 2011, what is going to be interesting to see is the growing impact of social news and search – meaning, people are going to be using their mobile devices and searching for information not on the web, but on these social media sites through these specific applications on their mobile devices – tablets or smartphones. Plus, this enables anyone to become a news source – which is important to consider for not only public relations practices, but especially in crisis situations. The power of the organization’s voice – whether a business or news source – has been impacted to the point where in order to be part of the community, they have to share the spotlight of information.
In summary, public relations professionals need to be aware of these emerging trends and technologies for not only their businesses and professional lives, but they also have to grow and learn about these themselves for their personal lives as well. Exploring and learning does not end in the classroom – it has just begun and you have to be a lifelong student when it comes to technology.
Hope you all are having a wonderful day and happy holidays! Merry Christmas! 🙂
Best Wishes,
Karen
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