Seth Odell

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post for Inigral.com about why higher ed can forget about location-based services. Since then, I’ve discovered the service Double Dutch and have to say they’ve changed my mind. Watch the video below to hear my public apology, and why I think Double Dutch is the future of location-based marketing.

In this video I discuss how public relations and communications professionals can use Google Voice to better their relationships with the media. Not only is it a powerful tool, but it’s absolutely FREE.

Update
CNET is reporting compatibility problems with Google Voice and the new iPhone 4

I was recently pegged by my friends at Inigral to write a guest blog post sharing my thoughts on the role of location-based services in higher ed marketing. The post, “5 Reasons Higher Ed Can Forget About Location-Based Services,” went up last night and lays out my argument for why you shouldn’t buy the hype around location-based apps, at least not yet.

I seem to be going against the grain with this post, so don’t be afraid to leave a comment and call me out if you think I missed the boat.

Read the full post here

My good friend Tim, who currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand, took some time out of his day to chat with me via Skype about how he used Twitter to stay informed during the recent political protests that gripped the Thai capital. As the protests turned violent and fires began to spring up in neighborhoods near to his apartment, Tim relied on Twitter as his main source of information on the crisis.

His use of Twitter to stay informed and safe is another great example of how the role of social media in world conflict is continuing to evolve.

Related Links
Twitter’s role in Bangkok conflict unprecedented

I’ve recently discovered and fallen in love with a long-running web-based show from Woodshop Films called Breakfast at Sulimay’s. The show, which has been online since 2007, follows three lovable elderly Philadelphia residents as they review the latest in pop music from the back booth of Sulimay’s, a quaint restaurant in the heart of Philadelphia’s Fishtown. If this sounds like an odd pairing for a show – it is, but that’s what makes it work. And as I watched Joe, a jazz-loving WWII vet, try and wrap his head around the satanic thrash that is Slayer, I realized that this show wasn’t just good for a few laughs, but could also provide some great lessons for those of us working in public relations.

Below is a list of four lessons I’m taking away, but first let’s check out Joe in action.

1. Offer a Unique Perspective
The only way to make your pitch stand out is to make sure it’s something the media has never heard before. Remember, it’s not about reinventing the wheel, but reinventing the story of the invention of the wheel. Despite the fact that music critics are a dime a dozen, the folks at Woodshop Films have managed to do just that by creating a completely original concept for chronicling music reviews.

2. Don’t be Afraid to Go Against the Grain
Casting conformity to the wind and disagreeing with popular opinion can be a great way to grab some attention. It might bring out some haters, but so long as it’s how you truly feel it’s worth the risk. Joe isn’t afraid to hate the latest Animal Collective record and you shouldn’t be either.

3. Be Authentic
No one sniffs out BS better than a reporter and whether we’re talking about you, or your client, it’s best to always be yourself. Sulimay’s simply wouldn’t work if Joe acted like he knew about pop music – he doesn’t, but thanks to his sincerity he doesn’t have to.

4. If You Want to be Brilliant Don’t Be Afraid to be Stupid
On paper this show has to be the stupidest idea ever – but it works. Likewise, when the folks at KFC pitched that they wanted to make a sandwich made up of only meat, cheese and sauce (The Doulble Down) I have to think the PR department cringed at the reaction they’d get – but that worked too. So long as they’re calculated, these kinds of risks are absolutely worth taking and can often come with great dividends.

Watch more Breakfast at Sulimay’s

Vokle is an exciting new live video broadcasting platform that launched in December, 2009. Unlike UStream, Justin and Livestream, Vokle is breaking ground by taking a multidimensional approach to live streaming. Users can share the spotlight with co-hosts from around the globe and directly interact with their audience via an interactive Q&A feature that includes Twitter, text and video call-in questions.

If you’re into streaming at all it’s best to pay attention as Vokle is a glimpse into the future of live video broadcasting.

But as LeVar Burton used to say, you don’t have to take my word for it. Check out the below interview I did with Vokle’s Edward Dekeratry and let him tell you about it himself.

Former NY Governor Eliot Spitzer has made an impressive comeback over the past two years. From the disgrace of his 2008 resignation, following an investigation that disclosed his participation in a prostitution ring, he has managed to reemerge on the political scene and successfully begin a road to redemption. Whether penning an exciting Slate column, making the rounds of the late night talk show circuit or guest anchoring for MSNBC, Spitzer has reestablished himself as a powerhouse political brand.

A comeback of this magnitude is ripe with lessons for those working in the fields of public relations and crisis communications. In the below video I take a look at what we can learn from all Spitzer has accomplished.

Related Links
Eliot Spitzer’s Long Road to Redemption
Spitzer has a Chance of a Political Comeback
New Details on how Spitzer Bank Transaction led to Downfall

This week I’m sharing tips on how public relations folks can better handle TV news live shots.

Today marks the one year anniversary of the launch of YouTube EDU, the video sharing site’s hub for educational content uploaded by colleges and universities. Designed as a vehicle to democratize learning, YouTube EDU has seen substantial success over the past year. Over 300 colleges and universities have joined the YouTube Partner Program and seven higher ed videos have seen more than one million views a piece.

Whether it’s full courses, guest lectures or faculty commentary, YouTube EDU is doing its part to keep quality educational content free and accessible. In a world of budget cuts and fee hikes that really is commendable.

To celebrate, I thought I would share a couple of my favorite videos from the past year.

How Many Light Bulbs? – From Cambridge Ideas

Prom Dress Rugby (Disclaimer: Shot/edited by me)

Got a favorite of your own? Leave a link in the comments below.

The past decade has seen a dramatic change in the look of college and university homepages. I thought it would be fun to take a quick look back at exactly how far things have come.