The first post in this series generated great conversation on an important topic: that is, whether Neville Hobson's good looks and accent should earn him the title of "king" of new media. That's an interesting job title, but we'll stay true to the non-monarchical spirit of this discussion by offering up five -- count 'em -- more PR jobs that non-royals can aspire to in the near future. In the first post, we credited three personality-profile models: Myers-Briggs, StrengthsFinder, and The Ten Faces of Innovation. For this post, we'll need to credit two more: the very popular-and-excellent The Tipping Point, and the not-so-popular-but-excellent Linked.
Some of you were probably wondering whether we forgot Jen McClure. You'll find her here --but like most of the others, she could have been named in several categories.
The Connector -- Anyone who has read Malcolm Gladwell -- or who is familiar with network theory -- will recognize the role of the "connector." The PR profession has always been able to attract people who are exceptionally gifted at creating and maintaining vast networks of contacts. In the new world, this skill is in larger demand because we now have the tools to make networks more efficient, intelligent, dynamic. Historical role model: Dwight D. Eisenhower, who rose to the presidency by maintaining one of the biggest and busiest Rolodexes in history. New-media role model: Renee Blodget (Renee: I hope you are OK that I am pairing you up with a Republican).
The Professor -- Hey, we are talking about a major transformation -- if not a revolution -- and no transformation is real without the help of people from academia. A number of college professors are literally breaking ranks from the "old school" and making great contributions to the knowledge base. But note: you don't have to be a teacher to be a teacher. We can all use a professor -- and MaryAnn -- in our lives. Historical role model: Horace Mann. New media: Robert French, David Phillips, and Philip Young.
The Social Reformer -- One of the most interesting things about social media is that they are, er, "social." And over the last year, we've noticed that some of the more ambitious social-media projects trend toward the promotion of social values. A few PR folks are taking this one step further and applying new media to promote social causes. This will benefit our world -- and the world -- in numerous ways. Historical role model: Eleanor Roosevelt. New media: Dan Forbush (for his work in education and Katrina), Brian Oberkirch (Katrina), and the gang at Eastwick for their work in 2004 on voting reform (they'll be doing more in the next few years).
The Critic -- Again, this is an industry transformation, and transformations always require people who are brave enough to do the job of destroying the old to make way for the new (reminds me of a friend of mine in college who studied architecture; he vowed to go into a related profession called "demolition"). This is a tough role, and you won't get much love. But the role is critical, especially in the context of general reform. Historical/spiritual role model: Shiva, the Destroyer. New media: Shel Israel and B.L. Ochman.
The Hub -- And after we destroy what shouldn't survive, we must get into the business of repairing and building the industry. To describe what's involved here, we need to invoke another network metaphor, because the most important builders are "queen bees" in their networks (alas, we may in fact have a monarch). They are among the few people in our world who have met most of the researchers, anthropologists, gardeners, architects, impresarios, connectors, professors, idealists, and critics. In fact, two of our new-media hubs recently brought our world together, and for a brief moment we were all in one place. Let's see what the future will bring. Historical role model: Abraham Lincoln. New media: Jen McClure and Elizabeth Albrycht (Jen and Elizabeth: I hope you are OK that I am pairing you up with a Republican).
Thank you, Giovanni. I commented on your personal blog, too.
Honored and flattered to be included with such good people. A little embarrassed, too. The students are what makes it work. Their willingness to dive in and embrace these new channels and mediums is the best part. Looking back at the past two years reveals many opportunities opened up to them through their participation.
As more educators embrace new media / social media, an explosion of savvy new media graduates will be emerging into the PR ranks very soon. Actually, they already are.
Thanks again for the recognition.
All the best.
Posted by: Robert French | March 20, 2006 at 08:17 AM
Wow - I don't know what to say. Humbled doesn't quite cover it - I am definitely OK with being compared to THAT Republican, but I'm not sure I deserve it!
Thanks for including me with such an impressive group of leaders and thinkers (past and present - and for putting together such an interesting post!)
Can't help but notice how many SNCR members are included. We are blessed to have so many bright and exceptional people involved in this new organization.
Posted by: Jen McClure | March 20, 2006 at 05:17 PM
Hey Robert and Jen,
No need for embarrassment -- you are both playing important roles in the transformation of our industry. Exciting times ....
Posted by: Giovanni Rodriguez | March 20, 2006 at 08:08 PM
G...I know you are way too humble to have included yourself among the list of folks helping to transform our industry. Having said that and having the honor of working by your side on a daily basis I can't let this post go by without tipping my hat to you for being so insightful almost two yers ago now and opening all of our eyes to the changes taking place. Indeed exciting times...and thanks for your own role in transforming our industry.
Posted by: Barbara Bates | March 21, 2006 at 08:21 AM
Barb -- If I weren't older than you, I'd swear you were my Mom ("off of my blog, Ma!"). I am not being humble -- just being fair. :)
Posted by: Giovanni Rodriguez | March 21, 2006 at 10:35 AM
Flattery gets you every where. For my part, the best I offer is struggle. The more I find out the less I know I know.
New Media is taking us into new social environs. On the one hand it offers access and on the other disdain for other cultures. It offers access to real wealth and 'have-not' poverty. Are we human enough to live with this or will we need parallel Internets and open mouthed wonder or wars that will go with these alternatives.
We don't have a heap of time to find out and, at the same time, have to drag quite bright people into a form of understanding that this is a revolution .... as well as 'is Neville Hobson is really on his way to mega stardom in a virtual mega block buster'.
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