Social Media Listening Blog: American Red Cross

Conversations on Twitter about the American Red Cross are overall positive and supportive of the work that is being done by your organization. Out of a sample size of 50 tweets found under the keyword search #RedCross, there was not a single negative tweet found. Often times, conversations about organizations on Twitter generate some negative content, so this excess of positive content is a great accomplishment! The two most common topics on Twitter under this keyword search were blood and Haiyan Typhoon in the Philippines.

When most people think about your organization, the first thing they think about is blood. The idea of giving blood can be very intimidating to people that are afraid of needles or for people who have heard

horror stories of bad experiences. Regardless, your organization will always be in constant need of blood donations. A significant amount of the content you post on Twitter should be about giving blood and the lives that can be saved by these donations. By increasing the amount of blood services content you provide on Twitter, American Red Cross followers can retweet, respond, and favorite these tweets, allowing their followers to see this content as well. This surplus of blood services content that you are going to provide will generate more conversation about blood services by the people who follow your account. Another idea for gaining more trending topics on the American Red Cross is to add humor to giving blood. You have done this before with your "Starve a Vampire, Give Blood" campaign, but there is much more that could be done with this idea. Americans have become fascinated with vampires since movies and TV shows such as Twilight and Vampire Diaries were released. A vampire hashtag related to giving blood could be a comical way for the American Red Cross to promote blood donation and gain trending topics on twitter.

The second most common topic found within the sample of 50 tweets was Haiyan, the typoon that recently hit the Philippines. Since this typoon hit, more than 5,000 people have died. Your organization is currently doing everything it can to provide aid to this devastated country, but it is important that

people are aware of this. In the sample of 50 tweets, no negative content was posted about the American Red Cross’ relief efforts in the Philippines. Most of the content that was posted was encouraging people to donate to the Red Cross’ typhoon relief fund. Although people tweeting about donating to the American Red Cross relief fund is wonderful, it would be beneficial if your organization could encourage people to tweet links to the Red Cross website, or give directions on how to donate. There are many simple ways to donate including texting the word Typhoon to 90999 which will donate $10 the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines. This method is quick and easy, but many people are unaware that they can do this. By encouraging your followers to tweet directions on how to donate, more valuable conversations will begin to form around your organization. For example, if someone tweets "donate to the #RedCross" many people won't do this. In contrast, if someone tweets "donate to the #RedCross, text Typhoon to 90999 for a $10 donation!" this person's followers have the option to immediately donate. This is why it is important that your organization encourages followers to tweet more in-depth directions on how to donate because unfortunately, many of the tweets from the sample just said "donate to the #RedCross."

It is evident that people are aware that the American Red Cross provides blood and disaster services to those in need. From the sample of 50 tweets, there was nearly an equal amount of tweets for each of these two categories. Topics about the American Red Cross are currently trending more than ever because of the recent tragedy in the Philippines. Had this tragedy not occurred, the Red Cross most likely wouldn't be a top trending topic. Staying in the twitter spotlight is a goal that your organization

should always strive for. Trending topics mean people are creating conversation about your organization. Sometimes this conversation is good and sometimes it is bad but in your case, 100% of the content taken from the sample size was positive. After the Haiyan Typhoon content has slowed down on twitter, you should re-evaluate the content that is posted about the Red Cross. This new content can show you what people are saying about your organization when a crisis is not occurring. It is important that during this time, a significant amount of the conversations about the Red Cross focus on other disasters that occur more often, such as tornados and hurricanes. It is important that people still continue to tweet about donating to the Red Cross, whether it be by giving blood, money, or time to this organization. Overall, your organization has consistently gained positive recognition on all social media sites, especially twitter. Keep in mind that there is always more that can be done to improve your organization's online reputation and the conversations about your organization.

Why Public Relations Professionals Should be Interested in Pinterest

Introduction

Pinterest allows users to create their own virtual pinboard, where they can research, organize, and share information they find online. Although this social media site is dominated by women who make up

80% of users, men are just now catching on to the trend and finding out what Pinterest is all about. 

So what is so interesting about Pinterest? There are several different ways people are using Pinterest

including, to gain inspiration and ideas for their careers and hobbies, to save images of things they want to have, to keep their ideas organized, and to share content with others. All of these opportunities have created a significant interest in Pinterest since its development in 2009. Today, Pinterest has become the fastest growing website in history with over 70 million users. 

Pinterest's Relevance to PR

Public relations practitioners would be ignorant to ignore this free tool and miss out on the opportunity to promote their brand over this social media site. Pinterest allows pr professionals to tell a story with their images and indirectly promote their brand. According to PR Daily, one important thing to avoid when using Pinterest in PR is to refrain from using blatant promotion. This tactic helps practitioners gain credibility with consumers because the content they post does not make them look like they have an ulterior motive.

In the past, practitioners were convinced Facebook would make brand websites go extinct. Today, social media sites like Pinterest are making these websites more important than ever before. One of the advantages to having a Pinterest board for your brand is the ability to share content and have consumers be immediately directed to the main brand website. It is on this website where consumers have the ability to find more information, other products, and ultimately purchase items from the brand they found on Pinterest. This successful social media site has now become an easy way to drive consumer traffic to the brand's actual website.

Pinterest is also an easy way for practitioners to engage in two-way communication with consumers by commenting on pins and pinning certain items. The goal of public relations is to build relationships between consumers and a certain brand.

By creating a successful Pinterest account, brands have the ability to easily communicate with consumers. Pinterest users can pin certain items to their own board which spreads the potential reach of that specific post. One way to calculate the success of a brand's Pinterest account is to use Pinreach. By simply typing in the title of a Pinterest account, one can access how active and successful a brand is on Pinterest. Disney is a very successful brand that understands the relevance of this social media site and utilizes Pinterest to enhance its name.

How Successful is Disney Using Pinterest in PR?

Disney's Pinterest account

Disney is a very well established brand on Pinterest. According to Pinreach, Disney has a total of 63,038 followers and gains approximately 935 followers each week. In addition to this, Disney is pinning items about 4.07 times a day, and has 27 boards in 12 different categories. These statistics solidify Disney's exceptional reputation on Pinterest, but there are many other factors that can prove Disney has figured out how to use Pinterest to its advantage.

One advantage Disney has above other brands is the company does not have to target a specific age demographic. Disney has become a brand that caters to adults and children equally. By accessing Disney's Pinterest board, users can find pins relating to a variety of topics including movie quotes, Disney vacations, recipes, and even items for their children. Previously stated, Pinterest gives users the option to leave comments on pins which makes two-way communication fast and easy for brands. This easy two-way communication is one area that Disney needs to enhance. Comments that are left unanswered are one way relationships can be harmed between brands and consumers. There are always ways brands can improve their image on social media networks. Disney is one brand that understands consumers' interest in Pinterest, and uses this social media site to its advantage.

Largest Sky Zone Facility Emerges in Kennesaw, Ga

The 35^th and largest Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park officially opened in Kennesaw, Ga., and is equipped with the longest main court in the country, three dodge ball courts, a foam pit, and three basketball goals for dunking.

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park Opened Feb. 22

Sky Zone Started as New Sport, Evolves Into Franchise

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park Opened Feb. 22

Sky Zone Started as New Sport, Evolves Into Franchise
By: Lindsay Maynard 

Sky Zone trampoline parks have been popping up left and right since the first Sky Zone opened nine years ago. Currently, Sky Zone Kennesaw is the largest facility with 19,000 square feet of trampolines. These state-of-the-art trampolines are safe for all ages and have been proven to be a popular attraction.

Idea Started in 2012

Sky Zone Kennesaw is owned by four partners, Maria and David Van Vurst, Sue Spinos, and Ryan Lee. Maria and David Van Vurst first became interested in opening a Sky Zone franchise on New Year’s Eve of 2012.

“I lost my job in August and immediately began looking for new opportunities. My husband was tired of working in an office and was ready to try something new. He took my daughter to Sky Zone Atlanta, and that night began researching how to open a Sky Zone franchise,” Maria Van Vurst said.

The Van Vurst family knew they were interested in this franchise but had several concerns. First, they were initially concerned with how they could start a Sky Zone park and balance their business and family lives.

“Before we were considered for this location, we were encouraged to talk to other franchise owners, similar to us with families, to show us that it was possible to keep a strong family and franchise in order,” Maria Van Vurst said.

Once they were reassured that their family would not be compromised, the Van Vursts approached family friends Sue Spinos and Ryan Lee to see if they would be interested in becoming partners in this franchise. With the help of these partners, the $1.8 million facility evolved from a dream to a reality.

Picture taken from the Sky Zone Kennesaw website, showing the longest main
 court in the country, and one of the three dodgeball courts at this location.

Events and Programs Offered

Each Sky Zone franchise has the opportunity to provide various events and special offers for its guests. Sky Zone Kennesaw is fully equipped with party rooms for birthday parties and special group events, which bring about a significant amount of revenue for this facility. “Birthday parties are very popular at Sky Zone. Party packages range from $180 to $449 with each package consisting of different items. I have been working for Sky Zone Kennesaw since it opened in February and I have yet to host a party where the birthday boy or girl had a bad time,” Zack Wilcox said.

Sky Zone Event Host, Zack Wilcox working hard
prior to Sky Zone Kennesaw's opening in February.
This photo was taken by Lindsay Maynard.

In addition to birthday parties and special events, Sky Zone Kennesaw also offers Sky Robics, Sky Mania, Sky Jam, Toddler Time, and Dodge Ball Tournaments. Sky Robics is one of most popular programs offered by this facility where participants have the opportunity to burn more than 1,000 calories in one hour of jumping.

Sky Zone Kennesaw is equipped with the longest main court in the country, three dodge ball courts, a foam pit, and three basketball goals for dunking. It is the 35^th Sky Zone franchise nationwide and the largest in the series.

The Future of Sky Zone Kennesaw

Although Sky Zone Kennesaw is a new facility, Georgia residents have quickly caught on to this family friendly trampoline park located at 1650 Airport Road. Owners of this location have many plans for the future of Sky Zone Kennesaw including a large mezzanine that will overlook the trampolines and a possible new location in the near future.

“I am very pleased with where our location is at right now. Our staff has been excellent; specifically the Court Monitors who have done an exceptional job at making sure all guests follow safety rules to prevent injuries. Hopefully in the future we will open up another location in Utah,” Maria Van Vurst said.

Sky Zone Started as New Sport, Evolves Into Franchise

The Sky Zone Franchise began in 2004 when Rick Platt created the first Sky Zone location in Las Vegas. Platt’s initial intention was to create a new sport that combined the elements of football, basketball, hockey and volleyball while competing on trampolines that are linked together.

“Rick Platt thought it would be cool to own his own sport. Once the facility was created he realized that his sport wasn’t as popular as he thought it would be. He started charging local kids a couple of dollars to jump on the trampolines and from there, the Sky Zone franchise began,” Sky Zone Kennesaw owner, Maria Van Vurst said.

At first, banks were skeptical of the first Sky Zone project, so Rick Platt approached his son, Jeff Platt, to get his project off the ground. Once the banks caught on to this popular facility, the Platts began planning out how to franchise this attraction.

Today there are 35 Sky Zone facilities located across the country. Each location can cost anywhere from $750,00 to $2.8 million. The Sky Zone Franchise will continue to grow as eager entrepreneurs open up new locations.

“Sky Zone is a fun activity for all ages. This franchise will continue to grow in popularity over the next few years. At the time of the first Sky Zone opening in 2004, the Platt family had no idea what their project would create and did not expect their idea to explode like it has,” Maria Van Vurst said.

Rutgers coach fired after abusive video broadcast

By Michael Pearson and Brittany Brady, CNN

updated 10:22 AM EDT, Wed April 3, 2013

(CNN) -- Rutgers University fired head basketball coach Mike Rice on Wednesday after ESPN broadcast a video showing him physically and verbally abusing players.

"Based upon recently revealed information and a review of previously discovered issues, Rutgers has terminated the contract of Mike Rice," the school said in a tweet Wednesday.

"You f**king fairy... you're a f**king fa**got," Rice appears to say during one session depicted on the video.

The video, which ESPN said features excerpts of practice sessions shot between 2010 and 2012, earned Rice a three-game suspension and a $50,000 fine in November. Administrators at New Jersey's flagship university were under pressure from incensed state officials to dismiss the fiery coach, the network said.

The speaker of the state assembly, Rep. Sheila Oliver, D-Essex/Passaic, had called for Rutgers to fire Rice, ESPN reported.

Conduct like that captured on the video is "unacceptable not only at our state university, but in all circumstances. It is offensive and unbecoming of our state," the network quoted her as saying.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was "deeply disturbed" by the video, ESPN quoted spokesman Michael Drewniak as saying.

"It's not the type of leadership we should be showing our young people and clearly there are questions about this behavior that need to be answered by the leaders at Rutgers University," Drewniak said, according to ESPN.

A21 Campaign for National Human Trafficking Awareness Day



Just a few weeks into 2013, the dark industry of sex trafficking is being brought to light and people are committing to change. It’s been mainstream media and unlike many passing trends, this isn’t a social justice cause; it’s human rights.

In one of the most significant efforts towards awareness, January has been declared National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the United States. If you haven’t read President Obama’s proclamation, read it here. And tomorrow, Friday, is a day designated to spreading awareness.


Bulgarian President



Come alongside The A21 Campaign for National Human Trafficking Awareness Day:

Be a voice for the voiceless by sharing why abolition in the 21^st century is important to YOU! Go on Twitter or Instagram and use the #BeCause hashtag. It could be your personal declaration, photos of yourself in #BeCause gear, or you get really creative with text designs. Go to our Facebook page and write on our wall about why you are making a difference.

Are you involved #BeCause one moment of our time could mean a lifetime of freedom for someone?

Maybe #BeCause there are 27 million in slavery today, our generation MUST move to action.

Or maybe everything else just became a little less important #BeCause you found a way to make the world a better place.

We’ll share, retweet, repost, and highlight why YOU are involved from our own social media platforms. We’ll be doing this from Friday, January 11 – Wednesday, January 15.

This year we are going to make significant strides towards truly abolishing modern slavery. Kick it off by sharing why you’re taking a stand!

Click Here for A21 Website