@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone following, and welcome to the Twitterview of local Twin Cities PR-guy @cbetancourtPR. Lets get our Tweet on!
Q – #1 So @cbetancourtPR, where did you grow up, and what kind of schooling/training did you receive to do the work that you do now?
A: I grew up near downtown in NE Mpls and attended the University of Minnesota, where I studied PR (@umn_sjmc) and policial science.
Interestingly, I started as a poly sci major and fell into PR while working on a US Senate campaign.
While working on the campaign, I produced a love for PR and declared PR as my second major. I had an amazing experience at @umn_sjmc!
Q – #2 @cbetancourtPR So what kind of PR work do you do now, and is blogging involved?
A: Currently, I my job is charged with creating online content (blogs) for our legal clients, who are mostly law firms.
On any given week, I write 30+ blog posts on topics ranging from DUI to car accidents and drug trafficking to medical malpractice.
Additionally, my group is also exploring new ways to support law firms in other social media capacities. Never a dull moment :)
What’s great about my position is that I get to research and develop stories on various topics, like a journalist would.
Q – #3 I see. Now when you blog, are Key Words or SEO important in the making of your posts?
A: Absolutely, when blogging, this is a key consideration. Clients want interesting, original content that drives traffic to their site.
SEO is critical to my position. Being about to write creatively while mixing in SEO keywords and making them flow is key.
Im thankful for the SEO training I obtained in college, other positions and at my current job. Its an invaluable skill to have in PR.
As PR continues to be charged with online content creation and SM, SEO skills will continue to be important to the profession!
Q – #4 @cbetancourtPR Now what kind of work did you do in the past with @lulugrimm & @kmskala regarding PR locally?
A: I currently work with @lulugrimm & @kmskala on the Comm Committee for @MinnesotaPRSA.
Currently, I serve as the social media lead for @MinnesotaPRSA and I manage all the social sites for the org.
@Lulugrimm and @kmskala lead our awesome committee of bright minds and we continue to push the envelope when it comes to Social
@MinnesotaPRSA has been a great playground for us to experiment with social media.
Q – #5 Good to hear from @lulugrimm & @kmskala on your work @cbetancourtPR! What are some other groups/orgs that you are a part of?
A: In addition to @minnesotaPRSA, I serve on the marketing board for a nonprofit, ARC Greater Twin Cities.
Currently, I’m assisting ARC to create an online presence and assist in other mktg activities. They own Value Village, so its fun too
For the most part, @MinnesotaPRSA keeps me busy the most, which I love.
Q – #6 Let move you your FAVORITES: Restaurant, store, sport(s), Mpls Neighborhood & gadget.
A: Fave Restaurants: Chino Latino, Stella’s, Fogo de Chao, Cafeteria, anything Mexican :), True Thai, Pizza Luce. I know Im missing some
Fave Stores: Macys, @mallofamerica, Best Buy, Apple and any other store where I can fiddle with things :)
I live in NE Mpls and I love the stores/pubs around my neighborhood: Surdyks, Bulldog, Whiteys, Gastofs, etc.
Fav Gadgets: my blackberry, blu-ray player, Wii. Others I wish I owned: ipad, Macbook Air, Flip Cam.
Q – #7 For high school/college students interested in PR, what would you encourage them to do to learn/experience?
A: HS: I encourage them to shadow PR pros and really learn what we do. Its not for everyone and not everyone can do it.
College: I encourage them to be involved in #PRSSA and do as many internships you can. Invaluable experience.
Also, take some business classes. Company’s want PR pros that speak the language of business. Probably my most important advice!
@JoelECarlson – Thank you @cbetancourtPR for your time and your in depth comments today. Have a great weekend & enjoy the winter!
@cbetancourtPR – Thx!