Speaking of an education in wonderland…

While this blog’s intent is to be a lifestyle blog experiencing and learning about all the things that Toronto has to offer, I haven’t expressed much about the reason I was able to come to Toronto: Centennial College’s Corporate Communication and Public Relations program.

One of my favourite classes-that also actually inspired the re-launching of this blog- has been the Online Public Relations class. Before I came to this program I was using social media, but was wary of creating any real online presence. This program and particularly this class have made me realize the importance of establishing an online presence, and especially being aware of what it is. I was afraid to say yes, I have Twitter, or express myself via my blog (and actually want others to read it!), but having a class of people learn and experience these things together has helped me gain confidence in my social media self.

I love that this program has validated my belief that social media is important to public relations and that the program addresses it throughout the whole program, not just in this course. Not only does the course highlight the importance of online public relations, it also teaches about the importance of having a strategy behind social media, and examines how it’s used by businesses and individuals, both successfully and unsuccessfully. Having a course dedicated to honing our skills in the online world is important and I believe CC+PR does a great job of teaching us these tools and making us engage with them.

We’ve had an amazing array of guest speakers this year coming from every facet of communications and public relations. Many have shown us how important understanding and utilizing social media for business and your own brand can be. For example, Toronto blogger extraordinaire Casie Stewart talked to our class about how she built a career out of her blog; Andrew F. Stewart of Strategic Objectives spoke to us about the exciting things Strategic Objectives is doing with clients and blogging/social media, and the importance of your online brand; and a team from Praxis Public Relations presented us with the great things they did for the Quaker “Unlock Amazing” campaign, partnering with Olympic gold-medalist Alex Bilodeau.

My online pr course may have ended today, but what I have learned will most certainly not. My blog, Twitter, LinkedIn etc. aren’t going anywhere! I can’t wait to use what I have been learning as I move forward. Thanks, CC+PR.

Check out Centennial’s Corporate Communication and Public Relations program and its co-coordinator Barry Waite on Twitter!

Weekend Wrap-Up: #TwestivalTO

Another Toronto first for me Thursday night: I attended my first Twestival!

These Twitter festivals are held globally, supporting charities locally in each city the events are held.  This year’s event was held at The Fifth. TwestivalTO’s ticket sales went to support The Remix Project, a local charity that was created “in order to help level the playing field for young people from disadvantaged, marginalized and under served communities. Their programs and services serve youth who are trying to enter into the creative industries or further their formal education; The REMIX Project provides top-notch alternative, creative, educational programs, facilitators and facilities.” The events included music, an art zone, a scavenger hunt, karaoke and more.

I am definitely impressed by how strong and large the Twitter community is in Toronto. Social media discussions and events are active and alive in this city, like the recent PodCampTO, or Social Media Week.

Another reason I love learning and exploring Toronto-there is so much to do! It sounds simple and cliché, but I am never bored by the possibilities this city seems to offer. I moved here over six months ago and am in love with this wonderland of a city (even if my bank account is not). I can’t wait for spending the summer here-drinks on the patio anyone?

L.

Happy 5th Birthday Twitter!

5 years ago the first Tweet was sent. It’s hard to picture my daily computer/news gathering routine without Twitter, but the microblogging site is still just a toddler!  Twitter has grown and changed so much in the past five years, most importantly in ways that can inform, spread important news and create social change. It used to ask “What are you doing?” and now it asks, “What’s happening?”  I’ve seen many a skeptic cross over to the tweet side! Love it or hate, Twitter has added a new level to the way we get and spread information, as important or frivolous as that information may be. From revolutions and natural disasters to sarcastic observations and musing from your favourite celebrity, Twitter has become a top source for where those connected to it get their news.

I began tweeting in the summer of 2009, but, have only been most active in the past year, especially since last summer as I geared up for my post-grad PR life here in the big city. Centennial College’s corporate communications and public relations program has stressed the importance of Twitter in PR. It’s a great place to connect with those in your industry and stay connected to what’s happening in your own city or around the world. In fact, this Thursday is TwestivalTO, which will be benefiting The Remix Project. It promises “a phenomenon of Torontonians will connect through online social networks, then gather together on March 24 at The Fifth to strengthen relationships and celebrate all the good the local digital community has to offer. It adds up to professional networking, new friends, great times and target $25,000 for The Remix Project.”

Toronto has such an engaged and active Twitter scene. Are you tweeting? Mashable has a guide to Twitter to get you started. Follow me @lisap_88.

Happy Tweeting!

L.