GPRS - Geographic Public Relations Support

July 21, 2008 | Posted by: Jayson Schkloven

The launch of the new 3G iPhone has prompted a HUGE wave of discussion focused on enhancements made to the business-friendly functionality in this version of Apple’s mobile leviathan.  One interesting blog entry that I read on ZDNet discusses the proliferation of location-based social network applications on platforms like the iPhone. Who will own the majority share of users of these types of applications; major social network platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn or smaller niche application providers like loopt.

Currently, tools like loopt allow mobile users to transmit their location in real-time using GPS technology. Pretty cool huh? Now think about the implications this could have on the PR profession.

Imagine you just stepped off the plane, in town for the next CES or Interop conference You start up Loopt on your iPhone or BlackBerry only to discover that one of your main reporters is standing 30 feet behind you in the cab line. Send him/her a quick SMS message, bump them up in line 10-15 minutes, and spring for the cab ride to the hotel. You just earned yourself a nice feature in the show coverage for that year.

Here’s another one, on your next media tour (yes we still do these in-person) use a location-based tool on your mobile phone to keep track of your client, as well as your reporters, analysts and bloggers. You’ll never shed another drop of sweat wondering if your client is really "just FIVE minutes away" or if the reporter is going to show up at all.

Food for thought!