“Ping In The New Year!,” the first article for my new social media column has published in the January print and online editions of PRSA Tactics. First off, many thanks to John Elsasser, Amy Jacques, Randi Mason, and the team at the Public Relations Society of America for this opportunity to contribute. I’m looking forward to writing about many aspects of social media for consideration and application by PR practitioners.

***Name the column: While discussing names for the social media column with John, he came up with the idea of asking readers to submit their ideas. Great, as this encourages people to participate and ideally return from time to time to engage in conversations via comments about the articles. If you have an idea we can consider, please submit it to John at @JohnElsasser on Twitter or e-mail john dot elsasser at prsa dot org.

The PRSA Tactics staff and I will select a winner. And John informs me that a $25 Amazon gift certificate and the prestige of knowing you named the column goes to the person who’s idea we select.

This month’s article takes a look at the mountain of management time social media activites can require, once you dive into them. Tools including Ping.fm, and ideas for keeping on top of everything are covered. Brandon Zeuner (bzkicks on Twitter) also lends insight this month, gleaned from his many consulting ventures. Thanks again Brandon!