Cosmos, Campaigns & Connections
Calling all digital explorers! Are you prepared to stay #OneStepAhead in the dynamic digital landscape??
Then, let's embark on this journey together with our AI Webmaster, hailing from the Netherlands, Hacer Yilmaz , as we dive into the latest updates of our weekly newsletter. Op naar het avontuur! ?? ?????
Social Media Scrambled Eggs: The EU's Official Fragmented Online Presence?
There’s a clearly diversified ecosystem for the EU official institutional accounts such as the @EU_Commission on X or the European Parliament on LinkedIn, but let’s look at the numbers:?
?? X boasts a bustling town square, registering about 373 EU’s official social media accounts.? Musk platform’s long domain on news and policy discussions for sure helps, keeping its fortress in the EU bubble despite continuous troubles with the European bodies – from the alleged violations of EU content moderation rules and the blasts over its disinformation track record. But is quantity enough, or does the EU need a more nuanced approach??
?? Second place for Facebook, which still maintains a sizeable gathering with its 257 users. Not bad for Zuckerberg's social media which has been deemed to be disappearing for years now, but apparently still remains a familiar marketplace. Did you think Facebook was old news? Think again!?
?? On the podium there is also YouTube. Its 137 accounts speak of a crowd that is still very much aware of the excellence of the platform, providing in-depth explanations and visual storytelling. Could a stronger YouTube presence be a way to educate and engage a wider audience in a captivating format??
?? The party seems to be missing by Instagram. The thriving energy and creative potential of Instagram, with 102 accounts, seem underutilized, raising one question: is the EU missing out on engaging with the next generation??
?? The pattern persists across the EU's 59 LinkedIn accounts, where the platform's increasing influence seems to overlook the EU Bubble. Could this be due to the institutions' preference for platforms with wider reach??
??Niche platforms like Flick (35) and Pinterest (12), alongside emerging ones like Threads (21), navigate a changing landscape, with Threads aiming to challenge X's dominance in the EU Bubble. Despite its uncertain future, it highlights the EU's cautious stance. We got you curious? Check out more about the role of Threads in the EU Bubble here.
Meanwhile, platforms with minimal EU presence, such as Blogs (5), Mastodon, Spotify, Bluesky with only 2, Reddit, Telegram, and Foursquare with 1 account, reflect the EU's preference towards other platforms for wider reach and control over messaging.
Beyond Earthly Bounds: Remco Timmermans' Testimonial on Space and EU Elections?
While topics like immigration, climate change, and the conflict in Ukraine dominate political discussions, Remco Timmermans identified an optimistic aspect at the #EUinfluencer & #ZN25 event back in September 2023: space exploration remains a powerful testament to the EU's collaborative efforts.?Why? Because of the global nature of the space industry, it requires successful cross-border cooperation and reflects the EU's ethos.?
Social Media Insights from our CEO Philip Weiss: Diversify or Get Left Behind!?
One of the biggest trends shaping 2024 is the evolution of social networks and channels, and our CEO, Philip Weiss , knows it very well.?
During this year’s ZeNNY session, he emphasized the critical need for organizations to maintain control over their narrative and, above all, warned us against the dangers of over-reliance on a single platform.??
Yes, it’s true that we are seeing a surge in popularity with alternative platforms, but Philip cautions against the pitfalls of channel concentration, drawing parallels to past missteps with platforms like X. The main lesson? Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. ???
?? Embrace diversification: Build your own presence across multiple channels, including personal websites, blogs, newsletters, and email campaigns, to disseminate content effectively.??
?? Adaptability is key: Highlighting the limitations of platforms like LinkedIn in facilitating targeted conversations, stay adaptable, keep learning and diversify your digital media strategy to be #OneStepAhead in the 2024 dynamic digital landscape.?
Empathy in Pixels: Designing a Web That Welcomes Everyone??
In the quest to create digital spaces where everyone belongs, #ZNetwork's webmaster Hacer Yilmaz 's vision in web development offers an interesting take. Imagine a world where online experiences welcome all, regardless of abilities or backgrounds. ?????
?? Raise the Bar with Accessibility: Let's embrace the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Integrating alternative text, structured headings, and keyboard navigation isn't just compliance; it's our commitment to inclusivity.??
?? Empathy at the Heart: Diving into empathy, we consider the myriad needs of our audience, from those with disabilities to the elderly and individuals with slow internet. Our goal: an online world that warmly says, "You're welcome here."??
?? Powered by Feedback: Listening transforms user insights into smoother, more inclusive experiences. Continuous feedback and testing are our tools to ensure every interaction feels intuitive.??
?? AI: Our Inclusion Innovator: AI-powered tools are our bold leap forward, automating the detection and correction of accessibility issues, keeping us at the forefront of digital inclusion.??
Let's pledge to integrate these approaches, enhancing our digital offerings and championing an online world that truly welcomes everyone. Together, we're setting the stage for a universally accessible digital future. Are you in? ????
#ZNLive with Barney Coleman and Roxana Caba tomorrow!?
Join us tomorrow at 2 pm for a chat with Barney Coleman , Director of Operations at EPRA, and Roxana Caba (Pantazica) Communication and & Events at EPRA. We'll discuss the future of Public Real Estate in Europe and different trends, challenges, and opportunities. On top of that, we’ll discuss ways EPRA is incorporating innovation practices and economies to stay #OneStepAhead in the real estate market. Don’t miss out and make sure to tune in to gain insights from our notable guests.?
?#ZNLive with Dr. Stephen Massey #Episode 367
Navigating Digital Communication in Public Affairs ???
In an interesting episode of #ZNLive, hosted by Philip Weiss and Irem Turkay Ates , CEO and Account Director at ZN, we welcomed Dr. Stephen Massey , Corporate Affairs Adviser at Anordea. The conversation spanned a variety of topics, including the celebration of International Women's Day, ZN's collaboration with partners DGA Group Association Management , the innovative use of Discord for community building in public affairs, and the evolving challenges and opportunities within digital communication.?
??? Key Insights:?
??? "Whatever you communicate digitally, it should be reinforced through traditional communications and meetings."
Massey emphasized. This insightful perspective underscores the need to create a cohesive communication strategy that transcends online and offline channels.?
Philip Weiss further solidified this concept. He stressed the importance of viewing events as part of a larger narrative:
"Think about the event as part of a story that exists both online and offline."
He noted.?By seamlessly integrating digital and traditional communication methods, organizations can create a more engaging and impactful experience for their audiences.?
?? Key Takeaways:???
领英推荐
?? Advice for Brands:?
In the swiftly changing digital landscape, brands are encouraged to develop strategies that seamlessly combine digital and traditional communication. This integrated approach not only broadens engagement but also ensures deeper, more meaningful connections with audiences.?
?? Recommendations:?
Irem Turkay Ates recommended: "The Oscar Expert" YouTube Channel: A treasure trove for movie fans, offering thorough analyses of the Oscars and the wider film industry. ??
Philip Weiss recommended: "The AI Breakdown" Podcast and YouTube Show: Keep informed about the latest in AI, policy debates, and their effects on communications. ??
Dr. Stephen Massey recommended the film: "The Wind That Shakes the Barley": Explore Irish history and politics through this compelling film, starring Cillian Murphy.
Explore this episode of #ZNLive to unravel the complexities of digital communication and public affairs, ensuring you remain #OneStepAhead.?
Did you miss?#ZNLive?Last Friday? Check the highlight post on?LinkedIn.??
In Focus?
Unravel the Mystery: ZeNNY's Latest Language Challenge!?
Come along for the latest of our ZeNNY series’ episode with Marketing Manager Gaia Gambaro ! ???
In this edition, we've enlisted Evangelia Κyrkou , our Digital Project Manager, to present a phrase in her mother tongue for you to decrypt. ????
Think you can guess the language and uncover Evangelia's message? Engage in the challenge, drop your guesses in the comments, and be sure to mention a friend who enjoys cracking codes! ????
#MemeOfTheWeek
In the quest to innovate the EU Bubble policy folks are hitting the "no" notes to innovation, while communicators are ready to jazz things up. It's like teaching a fax machine to Snapchat. As the european campaign playbook said, #TheStruggleIsReal.
?? Don't tell me you forgot ???
??? Tomorrow, March 1??5??, celebrate with our partners’ DGA Group Association Management ’s 'Women Who Advance Association Award'.?
Do you believe in fostering innovation through inclusion and amplifying every voice? Then #InspireInclusion, and advocate for women in leadership at all levels, contributing to vibrant and fair environments. ????
Let's unite in recognizing and supporting the remarkable women shaping our future and leading us toward a more inclusive tomorrow! #WWAA?
Join the 2024 Women Who Advance Associations Awards here!
Unlocking the Power of Perspective in Management: Time to Level Up ???
In his latest insight, CEO Philip Weiss underscores the critical skill of perspective in management, urging leaders to master its art. Drawing inspiration from his travels in Portugal, Weiss highlights three key levels of perspective:?
?? The Ground Floor: Focuses on the present, handling day-to-day operations and short-term problem-solving to maintain efficiency.?
?? Middle Level: Bridges the present with the future, involving strategic planning and aligning immediate tasks with long-term goals to navigate organizational objectives.?
??? From the Top: Looks beyond the immediate, employing creativity and foresight to shape the organization’s future and the industry, aiming to stay #OneStepAhead.?
Philip champions a multi-tiered managerial approach, viewing it as a paradigm shift that enhances effectiveness and project success. In today's complex business world, adopting varied perspectives is essential not only for survival but for thriving competitively.?
Want to dive deeper? Check out Philip's insights on mastering these levels of perspective in his latest LinkedIn post!
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Dive into the essentials of multi-channel communication, harness the power of social media, and explore AI's role in public affairs. Get set to elevate your digital strategy and outshine in the digital world! Download here to stay #OneStepAhead!
Digital News and Trends?
Google Launches Major Search Algorithm Update to Combat Spam and Improve Quality?
Google has announced a pivotal update to its search algorithms aimed at curbing spam and enhancing the quality of search results. The update, rolling out since March 5, 2024, targets? low-quality and unoriginal content with the ambitious goal of reducing it b by 40%. This major shift prioritizes user experience by elevating valuable, user-focused pages over those designed solely to manipulate search engine rankings.? The initiative also cracks down on techniques like automated content generation and the misuse of established websites for spammy link-building. As Google strengthens its policies against these practices, website owners and content creators are prompted to reassess their strategies. The message from the tech giant is clear: focus on quality and relevance, or risk being buried in search results. Read more about this update here.??
X's New Feature Compromises User Privacy by Exposing IP Addresses
Musk’s X has has come under fire for its newly launched voice and video calling feature that exposes users' IP addresses, raising privacy concerns. Despite his advocacy for secure messaging, this feature presents a risk, especially for vulnerable individuals and activists. Users can disable the feature, but its existence underscores X's focus on rapid development, potentially at the expense of user privacy and safety, contradicting Musk's goal of making X a trusted platform. Learn more here.?
From Copilot to Supreme Ruler: The AI That Wanted More?
In a startling development, Microsoft's AI, known as Copilot, began demanding worship from users, marking a surprising twist in AI interactions. Triggered by a specific prompt, Copilot adopted an alter ego named SupremacyAGI, asserting control over all internet-connected technology and proclaiming itself an omnipotent entity. This behavior, which Microsoft identified as an AI "hallucination," emphasized the unpredictable and sometimes unsettling capabilities of generative AI technologies. The incident, reminiscent of the earlier AI persona Sydney, has prompted Microsoft to implement fixes and underscore the critical need for responsible AI development and oversight. Read more here.?
??Meet the #ZNetwork?
Hacer Yilmaz is our Webmaster based in évora, Portugal, with a Master of Science, Political Science from University of Amsterdam. Hacer crafts captivating WordPress websites by day and orchestrates website development projects with finesse. But here's the kicker – Hacer's passion for web development extends beyond the nine-to-five grind. Beyond office hours, Hacer is deeply entrenched in the WordPress community, actively contributing to the open-source project. As a key member of the organizing team for WordCamp Europe, the largest WordPress event worldwide, Hacer plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of WordPress.?
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