My parents once told me to choose my words wisely. It was an important piece of advice 20 years ago and it is even more relevant today. In this digital age, it is imperative that you think before you speak.

Today’s Friday Favorites is again slightly different than the norm. It’s not about a business or product…it’s about people. Sometimes it takes a crisis to see the good in the world.

Today we’re talking about how social media and PR work together. Before twitter, facebook and snapchat, the only way to let people know that you and your company were going on to be on the 10 pm news is an email blast or a phone call.

It’s the best feeling for a publicist to be told by the media, “Yes…we’ll cover that story.” Our heart beats with excitement and we can’t wait to tell our clients. But…the good news needs to come with a disclaimer.

When I was 9 years old I decided that I was going to be a television reporter. Thanks to the guidance of Brenda Garton, I did just that. I was always fascinated by not only telling a story, but showing it. It wasn’t about me being on camera, it was all about the video, the images…what the viewers saw. Video combined with great sound bites takes the news or a specific message to a whole new level.

I recently got together with some of my television news friends from the good ole’ days. Over the last 10 years, we’ve all gone our separate ways. Some stayed in the television industry, while others went into public relations and marketing. Either way, we all still have a strong connection.