I can’t remember exactly how I met Amanda Roe, but I’ll tell you something; once you’ve had a chat with her, you’ll never forget her. She’s not just super-sharp and discerning, she is also extremely generous with her time and insights.
Ladies & Gents, I give you the latest entrant into the Social PR Spotlight: Amanda Roe, Global Public Relations and Research Manager for Biamp Systems! Take it away, Amanda.
Introduce yourself – who are you and what do you do?
Hi! I’m Amanda Roe, and I’m the Global Public Relations and Research Manager for Biamp Systems. We’re a small (<500 employees) global company that designs, develops, and manufactures (yes – manufacturers IN the US of A) professional audio and video solutions.
What exactly does that mean, you might ask? You know those sound systems you hear at the airport, train station, hospital, business or college campuses? The really clear, great-sounding ones are ours. ;-)
We create audiovisual systems (equipment and software) that enable people to move from point A to point B efficiently and safely, and people across the country and around the world to collaborate and have a conversation and feel like they’re in the same room.
Why do you care about Social PR?
Social PR is the next evolution of how people connect. It’s how businesses can connect with their audiences on a more personal, one-to-one level. It enables us to humanize what we do.
I love it because it allows me to put a face to our brand, and actually build relationships that are deeper than just a tagline.
And you get instant feedback, which appeals to the data-cruncher in me.
What’s your secret Social PR Superhero power?
I follow my intuition – it has never let me down. My mom told me on the first day of high school, “If in doubt, don’t.”
I have held onto this litmus test throughout my life and it has never failed to come through.
This, combined with my positive “can-do/there’s-more-than-one-way-to-skin-a-cat” attitude, and there’s not much I let stand in my way once I’ve made up my mind. I am “Wonder Woman” to the core!
How are you using the Social PR Virtuoso Master Course to grow your Social PR superpowers?
It’s a regular source and reference to me. There’s so much to keep up on and top of mind in today’s PR world that I find it’s great to be able to peruse through it and refresh before I begin working on a strategy plan, go into a brainstorming session, or do a review of my teams.
I’ve also found that it helps me when speaking to analysts, whether for research or relationship building.
What is one Social PR campaign you’re in love with? Why?
The Poopourri campaign. It deals with a normal bodily function that can be delicate and, let’s face it, rather gross. And as a mother of three, I’ve seen it all.
Their approach was so similar to the one I take in life – humor – how could I not love this campaign? The fact that it broke all the British stereotypes made it even more humorous and memorable (plus gave me fodder to use with my British friends!).
What tip(s) would you give those starting on the road to Superhero-level Social PR?
Attack every week as an opportunity to learn something new. I say week, because saying “learn something new everyday” puts way too much pressure on you in an already fast-paced, often crazy area.
I believe in setting the bar high enough to push you outside your comfort zone, but make it reasonable so that you can use those new things you’re learning.
Who inspires you? Why?
Three people inspire me: my kids!
In all honesty I find them incredibly fascinating individuals (yes, they’re all teenagers too!). I am always amazed at the new perspectives they bring to my world. They have helped me see situations outside of my normal understanding.
This is really important because I’ve found that my ability to listen to these three crazy-smart, funny, very different people has translated into me being able to listen to and learn from people who are different from me. Who’d a’thunk it?
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Mexican food (that’s just one thing, right?)! My husband teases me that I was from a small town in Mexico in a former life (simple food, simple ingredients!). I love everything about Mexican food and could eat it easily 4 times a week.
Sounds like you’re a big fan of Taco Tuesday! You can learn more about and talk to Amanda via the Biamp Systems blog, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
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