According to the infographic, 90 percent of LinkedIn users believe that the professional network is useful, primarily because it helps them meet potential clients, network with other professionals and locate new hires they might not otherwise find.

How do small business executive utilize LinkedIn?

• Top-level executives primarily use it for industry networking and promoting their business
• Middle management executives use it to keep in touch with people and network within the industry
• Entry-level executives use it to job search and network with co-workers

(PR Daily, Jan. 13, 2012)

How are you utilizing the social network? We would love to hear your LinkedIn experience! Please share with us below.

Bolt PR | Public Relations | Social Media | Marketing | Crisis Communication

Raleigh, NC | Orange County, CA

Bolt clients span a wide variety of industries, including technology, education, non-profit, health and fitness, beauty, restaurant and hospitality. For more information, visit http://www.boltpr.com and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BoltPR.

Account Executive Requirements:

• Entry level to four years of agency and/or corporate communications experience
• A degree in communications, public relations or journalism preferred
• Established media contacts and a proven track record of generating quality press coverage
• Proficient and knowledgeable in the use of social media
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and work in a very fast-paced environment
• Excels in both individual and team environments

Responsibilities Include:

• Media relations
• Social media management
• Copywriting and collateral development
• Event planning and execution
• Strategy development

Compensation:

Bolt PR offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, as well as group health insurance, dental insurance, and access to a retirement plan.

To Apply:

To be considered for this position, please send your cover letter, resume and at least three samples of recent media placements to ncresume@boltpr.com. Applications that do not include all of the above will not be considered. No phone calls or faxes.

Bolt PR | Public Relations | Social Media | Marketing | Crisis Communication

Raleigh, NC | Orange County, CA

Pinterest has emerged recently as another innovative social media forum that is rapidly growing in popularity. Given this reality, Bolt PR poses the question: Is this new social network going to become another beneficial marketing medium, like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ outlets have, for businesses to consider when developing social media strategy and overall effective public relations and marketing campaigns?

HOW IT WORKS: Pinterest , an online vision board, allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections they find interesting or inspiring. As users upload or share photos, the images become known as “pins,” which the user can then place on customized, themed boards for other Pinterst users to view, follow and “repin” as they like.

Skyrocketing in reputation over the last year, currently with more than 3.2 million monthly unique visitors, fashionistas, foodies, and brides-to-be are just some of the many who have fully embraced the site to explore creative and visually appealing ideas for their next dinner, hone décor, date or outfit. As a result, leading lifestyle brands have recognized Pinterest as a key platform to leverage for brand engagement and awareness.

According to Experian Hitwise, Pinterest, an  invitation-only site, now has 40 times the number of total visits it had six months prior and is quickly finding its way into the top 10 websites for social networking. Clearly, the popularity of this emerging social network is not slowing anytime soon – consumer businesses will want to carefully watch this evolving community and brainstorm tactics to effectively tap into this sea of target consumers.

If you’re debating the leap into Pinterest, here are a few examples to keep in mind:

• Bakeries: Post pictures of delicious and decorative wedding cakes, birthday cupcakes and recipes for top-selling cookies
• Fitness and Health Providers: Share impactful exercises on your own fitness equipment, images of inspiring fitness role models and health tips and diet plans
• Travel Company: Showcase pictures of desirable destinations, including resorts, restaurant, golf clubs and more, tips on how to take a cost-cutting vacation, and fashionable luggage
• Designers/Stylists/Salons: Highlight images of favorite looks, top trending clothing and accessories, and how to dress to impress on a budget

Keep in mind though, there is one downside to this new-found gem: If you want to join, you’ll have to request an invite and endure the waiting list.

Are you pinning? We would love to hear your Pinterest experience! Please share with us below.

Bolt PR | Public Relations | Social Media | Marketing | Crisis Communication

Raleigh, NC | Orange County, CA

According to the report, text messaging rates in large texting markets, such as Finland and Hong Kong, are on the decline. Christmas Eve text messaging, one of the biggest days for sending messages on Finnish carrier Sonera, dropped from 10.9 million in 2010 to 8.5 million in 2011. A similar 14% decline was seen in Hong Kong on Christmas Day this year.

So, what gives? The Forbes report blames social networks, such as Twitter and Facebook, for this reduction in messages. This trend isn’t just occurring overseas. Text messages are also declining in the United States thanks to social networking and apps like the iMessage from Apple.

Still, people aren’t ready to forgo sending and receiving texts all together. According to a Pew Research Center Global Attitudes Project study published in December 2011, about 75 percent of cellphone users in 21 countries said they still send texts.

Do you think text messaging will be replaced by other platforms and services in the future? Weigh in and leave us a comment below.

Bolt PR | Public Relations | Social Media | Marketing | Crisis Communication

Raleigh, NC | Orange County, CA

Bolt PR will execute strategic communication plans designed to specifically meet the goals of each of the new clients, as follows:

• Christophe Salon Newport Beach is a cutting-edge, distinctive salon offering customers unparalleled five-star treatment. Under the new ownership of husband and wife team, Scott and Jennifer Fontana, Cristophe Salon Newport Beach is fast becoming known for its highly trained and skilled stylist and colorist teams, personalized service, one-on-one beauty consultations, and a superior salon experience. Bolt PR has been hired to drive awareness of the Cristophe Salon Newport Beach luxury salon experience, located in the heart of Fashion Island. For more information about Cristophe Salon Newport Beach, visit www.cristophenb.com.

• Grey Lee Designs is a unique collection of timeless, monogrammed heirloom jewelry for women and men. Each jewelry piece is customizable with 14K rose, white or yellow gold, and can be personalized with one or more initials. All personalization is done through metal molding, versus engraving, so pieces will never tarnish or fade. Bolt PR will work closely with founder and designer Regina Chapman to establish brand awareness and generate exposure of Grey Lee Designs through top-tier luxury, fashion, consumer lifestyle and bridal media with far-reaching readerships. For information about Grey Lee Designs and to shop the jewelry collection online, visit www.greyleedesigns.com.

Read full announcement

Bolt PR | Public Relations | Social Media | Marketing | Crisis Communication

Raleigh, NC | Orange County, CA

Raleigh, which was voted #1 Best City in America by BusinessWeek.com and #1 Best Place for Business and Careers by Forbes.com in 2011, was a strategic expansion location for Bolt PR. Bolt’s new office is located in Downtown Raleigh at 743 W Johnson St., Suite E. Call us any time at (919) 881-7922.

Check out the full announcement here.

Bolt PR | Public Relations | Social Media | Marketing | Crisis Communication

Raleigh, NC | Orange County, CA

Follow Carrie on Twitter @CarrieRiggin.

Bolt PR | Public Relations | Social Media | Marketing | Crisis Communication

Raleigh, NC | Orange County, CA

Sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+ have become a part of most American’s daily life, and nonprofit donors are starting to expect more social engagement from the organizations and causes to which they give.

Recently, PR Daily listed 10 reasons why nonprofits should be active on Twitter. We couldn’t agree more! Here are a few reasons that topped our list:

• You have something to say. You care about your company’s mission, have passion about the life-changing work you’re doing for the community, and others care about your causes. Now, spread the word about it.

• Your donors are on Twitter. If you start engaging on Twitter, chances are you will find donors. You’ll get to tell them about the great work their donations are helping to do for the cause– inspiring them to give more or spread the message to their own networks.

• You can build authority. By tweeting about your work and spreading awareness of your cause, you not only spark inspiration, but you also establish yourself as an authority on the work your company does.

Do you agree that nonprofits should be active on one of the world’s fastest-growing social media sites? Leave us a comment below.

Bolt PR | Public Relations | Social Media | Marketing | Crisis Communication

Raleigh, NC | Orange County, CA

Flying Elephant Pub & Grill is North County San Diego’s premier live music and entertainment venue. The Carlsbad pub offers an all-American cuisine, including burgers, pizzas, loaded tater tots, Elephant bites, vegan chili, and chicken and waffles, as well as a wide drink selection, including its infamous Bacon Bloody Mary. Flying Elephant Pub & Grill features two private rooms for holiday parties, corporate events and fundraisers, as well as two stages, video screens and a state-of-the-art sound system. Under the new ownership of Dave and Molly Anson, the Flying Elephant offers a safe, clean and fun environment. For more information, visit www.flyingelephantpub.com.

To help consumers get into the holiday spirit, Drop Down Deals will be hosting the Ultimate Holiday Giveaway on December 9, 2011. The giveaway is part of the site’s 5 Days of Deals campaign that has been going on all week. 5 Days of Deals offers Drop Down Deals users exclusive discount offers and hand-picked coupons from top retailers to help consumers with their Holiday shopping needs.

Everyone who downloads Drop Down Deals between 12:00am and 11:59pm on December 9 will be entered into a drawing where they can win a Rolex watch and other awesome prizes. To enter the giveaway and shop online with great deals visit the Top Deals page http://www.dropdowndeals.com/topdeals.