New Google Blogger Features?

So I haven't done maintenance on my blog in a WHILE. It needs a good makeover. Not a total revamp though. Does anyone like any Google Blogger features in particular? I'd love to hear your feedback.

Also, any feedback about my blog? I know I need to post more. Other than that, whatcha got?

What did the ocean say to the sand?

Nothing. It just waved.
(wokka wokka wokka)

My fantastic brother-in-law gave me my much coveted invite to Google Wave. I started "waving" at work, but my Firefox hasn't been updated yet so I could only write in hyperlinks (note: not effective). Now that I'm visiting home and on my mother's computer with the enormous space monitor (it's amazing) I checked out Google Wave. I'm not gonna lie: it's pretty cool looking.

Problem: I don't have anyone to "wave" with. And I haven't learned how to send invites yet. But when I get to send invites, put your address and I'll invite you and we can wave.

Good part: Easy to figure out and they have great training videos.

Problem: I'm worried that none of my very important Gmail conversations and contacts won't transfer over. Also, in the future will I only be able to "wave" to other people with wave. This isn't going to REALLY take off for years, and I need to be able to contact others on the Internet not on Wave.

Good part: It makes me feel like I'm from the future.

Working When You’re Not at Work

This is re-posted from its original entry on the New Media Strategies Blog.

Working When You’re Not at Work
An NMSer talks about being a Millennial in DC and getting involved in PR organizations
By: Meghan Sager

Just about a year ago I moved to the Washington D.C. area to work at a boutique PR firm. Obviously, a great network of communications professionals exists in the city and I decided to join Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) so I could meet more people. I was hell bent on finding my way in this industry and in this city, and I knew I had to branch out beyond my 9-6 job to do so.

As a Millennial (or Gen Y’er), people assume that I’ll only work hard if I’m being sufficiently rewarded. However I’ve found a balance between working hard, having a life and networking outside of my j-o-b. Most of the time, professional organizations have meetings during lunch or happy hour so you don’t even have to request time off to attend. However, sometimes I force myself to connect with senior communicators even when it’s not convenient with my social life, because I know I’ll enjoy it and I’ll learn something in the end. I think a lot of people starting off in their career forget that being successful doesn’t always mean working 9-6 then clocking out. You have to put in the effort to get your career on the track right.

After a few months of volunteering with WWPR I became a Board Member and now serve as the Marketing and Communications co-chair. In this capacity, I was given the freedom to explore social media options for WWPR and add the knowledge and experience I gained to my resume. I truly believe that this volunteer position was what gave me the relevant experience to become NMS’ next Online Analyst.

In addition to the great career advances you can make when you branch out and network, you also meet some amazing people and come across opportunities you just can’t turn down. WWPR member Mary Fletcher Jones and I started tweeting and commenting on each other’s blogs before she approached me to be a guest on her podcast titled “Conversations in Public Relations”. She wanted to share with her audience of over 2,000 subscribers the experiences I’ve had while working in a communications agency. The interview turned into three separate podcasts, you can check the podcasts below (and in previous blog posts on Thoughts from Meggie Poo).

Not every opportunity like this is right, but you’ll never stumble across these hidden gems and great mentors if you don’t branch out of your comfort zone. It will help your career, help your resume and more than likely help your company.

A Cab Ride Story

Random e-mails from friends like this area amazing. Here's an excerpt of an e-mail I received this morning, outlining a late night cab ride in D.C.

This type of scenario is why my friends should be followed around with cameras...


"I don't know who said it first nor how long it took for this interaction to begin, but the cab we jumped into was one of the best smelling cabs I have ever been in and we couldn't help but say something to the driver. He was gracious for the compliment and proud of this achievement, but the excitement seemed to carry over more into myself and C. We couldn't stop talking about the wonderful smell. We told him that he should bottle the creation and sell it to other cab drivers, that his cab was the best smelling cab in all of D.C. We even sang songs about the smell to the tune of Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done for Me Lately" singing, "What Have You Fre-Breezed for Me Lately" We were having such a great time, singing and laughing, all in our short 6 minute cab ride across town. He loved it and he loved us. In true form, C even made up a song on the spot about his cab. It was great."

**Names have been changed to protect the awesome.

Working at/ breaking into the PR and Communications Agency Field

Mary Fletcher Jones has posted the last segment from my interview with her for Conversations in Public Relations. Check it out below. Again, I'll say the disclaimer that my thoughts may not be perfect or complete, so if you have anything to add leave it in the comments!

And just in case you were wondering: yes, that is me in HD.

@meggiepoo's Twitter Success Tips

I don't really consider myself a huge Twitter success yet- I have a decent following and a tweet a lot though. I don't have an enormous following, a great niche or a business to promote. I just have fun. But I know a thing or two about how to help businesses and brands on Twitter, and I talked to Mary Fletcher Jones with Conversations in Public Relations about how individuals can test the waters with this platform and gain more followers.

My tips and strategies won't work for everyone, and if you have any to add please comment! I'd love to hear what you think and how you use Twitter!

Why I Joined Washington Women in Public Relations

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mary Fletcher Jones and talking to her about my involvement with Washington Women in Public Relations for her show: Conversations in PR.

I had never done anything like this before but she was super helpful- telling me which angle was best and letting me practice/ do-over when I needed.

Check it out below, and also check out WWPR and our 20th Annual PR Woman of the Year luncheon coming up!

Remember when times were simpler... on Facebook?

I love the Way Back Machine. It will take you to any Web site archived on the Web somewhere.
I tried to login to the old Facebook, the way it was when it wasn't open to the public and only a few colleges had access.

Remember this?











It wouldn't log me in to see how things were back then, and I can't even remember. Gone are the days without newsfeeds, wall to wall messages and Fan pages. I like the new way of Facebook, it's fun, but wouldn't it be easier to teach our parents how to use Facebook by using the older model?