Two weeks ago there was a big grass fire at a local park. Acres and acres black and barren.
Today, I was astounded to see brilliant green everywhere! Well, almost everywhere. The fields that had not burned were still a tangled mess of dead, rotting weeds.
Right now we're losing millions of pine trees in the Rocky Mountains from beetle infestation. Experts say one reason is that we've unnaturally prevented fires and "pruning" (aka: logging). Interestingly, some pine cones only release new seeds after a blaze.
These illustrations remind me that if we are rooted in God, we can adapt to difficulties and embrace a bright new season. Many ministries feel like they are going through the fire. Things to consider:
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It used to be easy to spot a trend. Do your research and discover which way the wind is blowing. But these days it seems the old weather vane is pointing in opposite directions at the same time. What do you do?
We live in an age of contradictions. Consider a few examples:
• We want bigger AND smaller. 60” plasma TV and 2.5” cell phone. Megachurch and house church. Hummers and Smart Cars. Whoppers and salads...
I have been tracking the story on the Vatican's reaction to the anti-semitic bishop because it has been in so many religion blogs across the country. It is a good case study on PR. So much so that the opinion writer for USA Today’s Religion Forum talked about it a few days ago. Every Monday there is an opinion page now on Religion…hint, hint! Many times we can learn from others and watch what they do or don’t do. And other times we need to jump in the discussion.
Being in the PR world that I live in, I frequent many blogs and news updates every morning. I do this to keep an active pulse on my industry and what is being said. And to find out where and how we can place our clients' stories.
As an author coach, one suggestion I have is for folks out there to follow their line of expertise online and join in different conversations. Don't sit on the sideline and just read. Participate! This is a very easy way for an author to gain exposure in high level blogospheres and get your name out in the mix. I decided to do just that!
I’m a sampler by nature. Which is exactly why I love eating at buffets. I’m bored after three forkfuls of rice pilaf. It’s true of my media consumption habits too. Earlier this week I drove to Michigan and back with a large stack of audio books. About every 20 minutes or so I’d swap disks and listen to a new story. Terrible way to absorb Moby Dick I know, but it’s a system that works for me. Rarely do I listen to an entire song on my iPod. And don’t ask my wife how dangerous I can be with a TV remote in my hand.
I’m not alone in my preference to consume media in short bites. According to the latest Nielson research, television viewing is actually up per person. But so is online video usage, social networking, and mobile media viewing. Faced with endless choices, people tend not to stick around on any one channel for long. And research from TubeMogul found that 10% of web video viewers click away after ten seconds and 53% leave after just one minute.
All of this raises the question on how media driven organizations should be adjusting to these scatterbrained audience consumption habits. But before you throw up your hands (and hop over to another blog), here are a three quick thoughts that can help you navigate the new landscape.
Many meetings and emails these days seem to highlight viral marketing strategies as the latest and greatest trend out there. In fact, some have gone so far as to proclaim the death of traditional media. Believe me, I’m one of the biggest advocates of viral marketing. However, during a recent meeting I found myself convincing the client on the value of traditional media. What it is and how it works in regards to public relations. More than ever, it is the synergy of ALL media strategies coming together that works best, and not just one approach.
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And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.
-Hebrews 10:24