Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021!

2020 has been quite the year! Over the past few months, we’ve been forced to slow down and take a look at what we’re grateful for. As we transition into 2021, the Eleven Eleven team reflects on what we’ve learned, and what we’re looking forward to in the coming year.

Over the course of the year, I think our entrepreneurial DNA kicked into high gear. We got creative, we got scrappy, and we developed a level of resilience that will continue to serve our team and our clients well past the pandemic. The thing I’m most looking forward to in 2021 is meeting and getting to know my second son who is due in mid-January.  - Ammar Shallal, Director of Operations

2020 was a year full of learning. My biggest takeaway is change is inevitable, embrace it with a positive attitude. I’m most excited for new challenges and adventures in 2021! - Fiona Parcharidis, Senior Account Manager

This year I learned that the greatest weapon in dealing with uncertainties (like, say, a global pandemic) is staying positive and not harping on the little things. Recently, I’ve been making a conscious effort to focus on good moments during the day instead of frustrating ones, and it’s been super helpful in actually staying sane during all the craziness! In 2021 I’m excited to hopefully spend more quality time with my family and with friends that I haven’t been able to see because of the pandemic. While it’s still a long road to returning to normal, I’m feeling hopeful that with new leadership and treatments for the virus that we’ll finally be able to see cases start to decline.  - Vicki Holcomb, Account Executive 

I have learned to be grateful for the little things in life this year, like family dinners, friends who text or call to just check in, and really being able to take time for yourself.  2020 taught me to take a step back, slow down, and appreciate the little moments in life we would typically overlook. I am looking forward to what 2021 will bring (who knows what that might be!) and hopefully being able to gather with friends, travel the world, and share incredible experiences with others. - Tara Shepherd, Account Executive

Ayala: This past year has been an absolute whirlwind. I never knew I could learn so much from the walls of my 800 square foot apartment! The greatest thing I learned, however, was how to truly appreciate the people around me. Whether it was a simple check in over the phone, or a socially distanced meet up, I learned that the people you surround yourself with is what keeps you going when times are tough. I’m excited to graduate college in 2021 and hopefully be able to celebrate with my friends and family. - Ayala Ossowski, Account Assistant

Why Social Media is a PR Tool and Not Just a Place To Look at Cats

It’s no secret that the public relations industry has been irreversibly changed since social media became an integral part of everyday life. It has become impossible to ignore social media’s impact and role in the industry, from media relations to campaign strategy. And while social media might just be a fun way to find cute cat videos for some, it is also essential  for public relations professionals to understand its greater potential. Luckily, we’re here to share our expertise with four ways that social media can most effectively be used as a PR tool! 

1. Hashtags

Incorporating a relevant hashtag into a public relations campaign is arguably the best way to create brand awareness, promote campaigns, and quantify user-generated content. The increased use of hashtags has allowed PR professionals to produce quantifiable results from campaigns and easily analyze content. Hashtags should be short, consist of 2-4 words, and connect back to the campaign in some way. Not just bound to Twitter, hashtags can be used across multiple platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and even LinkedIn. The only limit with hashtags is your own imagination! 

2. Developing Relationships

Creating and maintaining relationships with journalists, influencers, and media outlets is a great way to reach out beyond a press release or pitch. Social media is the perfect way for professional relationships to develop by sharing relevant articles, replying to posts, and providing value. On some social platforms like LinkedIn, PR professionals can expand their network through professional groups dedicated to connecting them with journalists and media outlets. In a completely digital age, it’s important to venture out and make relationships on multiple social platforms. In fact, at Eleven Eleven, we’ve formed valuable relationships with reporters and editors through Instagram and Twitter! As they say, it’s not what you know but rather who you know.

3. Crisis Management in Real Time

Hopefully, a client will never need to utilize this social media tool. But, if the last seven months of this pandemic have taught us anything it’s that communicating quickly and effectively is key.  If a public relations crisis occurs, social media platforms allow brands to immediately reach their customers in real time about a developing situation. While this is generally considered a benefit of the digital age, the instant nature of social media means that PR professionals must always be ready to tackle a problem. Make sure to double check for misspelled words!

4. Consistency Within Content Creation

The best way to provide content to a target audience with a public relations campaign is through sharing on social media. By releasing content from a brand’s Twitter or Instagram account, PR professionals can have complete control and consistency over the messaging. The sharing culture on social media platforms increases the chance that a campaign will reach the maximum number of feeds. Plus, content creation and sharing can also establish a brand as a thought leader within their community. Long gone are the days of billboard advertisements and full page ads in the newspaper!