PR-Bridge

“Thought leader” is such an interesting term, particularly in the midst of the information age. Yet, even now — when anyone with Web access can “publish” — compelling voices rise above the din and establish themselves as true thought leaders. My Kent State colleague Bill Sledzik is such an example.

Consistently over years of professional experience and in the classroom, Bill stands as an innovator. He realized the power of Web-based communications early. Subsequently building ToughSledding into a “go-to” site for compelling information about topics central to the profession. As a result, Bill is the dean of PR educators on the Web. No one consistently or as powerfully delivers great content that mixes real-world insight with the perspective gained from teaching generations of young professionals, whether it is commenting on Millennial struggles with criticism or the “challenges” of mixing PR and marketing.

The wise editors at Bulldog Reporter recently interviewed Bill on the current and future state of public relations and the challenges the industry faces. I found the analysis of students’ current interests (TMZ v. WSJ) particularly interesting. We see this all the time as faculty members, but I think it might wake up Bulldog’s readers in the professional world. More people need to be talking about his problem, since students cannot understand issues that are newsworthy or what might make a story worthy to an editor if the only “news” they have ever read is from celebrity gossip sites.

Read the interview with Bill for more insight and observations. These issues matter!

On Friday, April 16, the Third annual YouToo Social Media Conference takes place. The all-day conference, co-sponsored by the Akron Area Public Relations Society of America Chapter and the PRSSA Kent State Chapter, will include hands-on sessions with expert presenters in such branding tools as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. There will also be a dessert reception for professionals and students to network.

My presentation in the Student Track examines a subject near-and-dear to my heart — the education and acquisition of knowledge by future communicators and the consequences it has for them and on the profession — “Becoming the Smartest Person in the Room: Intellectual Curiosity, Critical Thinking and Your Communications Career.”

Here’s the overview:

Young professionals face relentless demands as they enter the work world. This session focuses on how and why   communicators must be the smartest people in every room they enter and examines the fundamental skills essential for success in today’s chaotic environment — intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. Learn how to put these ideas to use (today!) for a more rewarding career (and well-rounded, well-lived life).

In addition, the conference features well-regarded social media experts, such as Phil Gomes, senior vice president of Edelman Digital in Chicago and Kyle Lacy, founder and CEO of Brandswag.

For more information, check out the conference Web site.