Recently, we challenged local journalists to describe how social media has changed their job description in 140 characters or less. The idea was inspired by this Los Angeles Times article. In this post, we wanted to share some answers from the perspective of some of Central Florida’s public relations and marketing professionals, including:

• Jennifer Wakefield, APR, Director of Public Relations at the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission
• Carlos Herrera, Manager of Communications at Enterprise Florida, Inc.
• Jennifer Bisbee, APR, President of Bisbee and Company
• Jamie Floer, APR, CPRC, Senior Account Executive at Wragg & Casas Public Relations, Inc.

Do you think being active on Twitter makes you a better PR/marketing professional? Why or why not?

• Jennifer Wakefield: Yes. Twitter is an excellent business intelligence tool.

• Carlos Herrera: Better – Yes. I think using/understanding SM tools like Twitter complements what we do. It’s all about communication.

• Jennifer Bisbee: Twitter sharpens my business acumen. It’s my best professional development tool.

• Jamie Floer: Twitter definitely strengthens my PR skills because it is an active communications tool that is dynamic, evolving.

How has social media made your job easier or harder?

• Jennifer Wakefield: It’s a toss-up. Easier in that there is more info. Harder in that there is more info.

• Carlos Herrera: Easier. It’s been great for getting/sharing info, networking & brainstorming. It’s also a good way to clear your mind on a short break.

• Jennifer Bisbee: Neither. As an insatiable curious student of communications, I welcome SM for all it offers.

• Jamie Floer: SM makes my job not easier or harder but different … PR has changed from static to more immediate, empowering.

Describe your Twitter personality in three words:

• Jennifer Wakefield: Short. Social. Informative.

• Carlos Herrera: Sarcastic, Entertaining, Interested.

• Jennifer Bisbee: Generous. Engaging. Appreciative.

• Jamie Floer: Professional, personal, prolific.

A special thanks to all the journalists and PR/marketing professionals who shared their thoughts in 140 characters.

In honor of Social Media Day, the Los Angeles Times put together a blog post titled “Times reporters in 140 characters.” Inspired by the idea, Costa DeVault challenged the following local journalists to describe how social media has changed their job description in 140 characters or less:

• Matt Coleman, formerly with the Jacksonville Business Journal
• Peter King, CBS Radio
• Mike Synan, WOFL Fox 35
• John Cutter, Orlando Sentinel

Do you think being active on Twitter makes you a better reporter? Why or why not?

• Matt: Better – maybe. More engaged – definitely. It simply gives you a push in the direction of a story, like a background interview.

• Peter: You know. I was pretty good before Twitter! What Twitter lets me do is pass on details I might not have room for in a radio story. And comments.

• Mike: Absolutely! I can now break news the instant it happens and expand beyond the Orlando market.

• John: IMHO Twitter makes reporters better IF they use it for conversation with readers/sources. It shouldn’t just be headline service.

How has social media made your job easier or harder?

• Matt: It’s easier because I can get news out there with just my iPhone. It’s harder, because so can everyone else. Got to make it interesting.

• Peter: It’s tough to serve two masters, and my radio responsibilities ultimately trump Twitter. That said, I totally enjoy Twitter.

• Mike: Easier. Facebook allows me to know my sources and coworkers better. Twitter breaks news.

• John: Social media has made it easier AND harder. Copout? Maybe. Easier because more ears in community. Harder because of competition.

Describe your Twitter personality in three words:

• Matt: Sarcastic yet authoritative.

• Peter: Interesting, fun, personal.

• Mike: Cynical, independent, fair.

• John: Steal from Robert Frost? It goes on. Pink Floyd? Short, sharp, shock. Me? Shameless family man and I’m shameless for my Sentinel and my real family …

Check out next week’s blog post where we ask the same questions to some of Central Florida’s public relations and marketing professionals.