As 2013 comes to an end and we transition into 2014, I’ve taken stock this year. It have been an amazing year:
• I published my first book, Social Media Crisis Communications: Preparing for, Preventing, and Surviving a Public Relations #Fail (Que, 2013). The title says it all. I wrote it to help professionals understand the new dynamics of social media and crisis communications. Social media has been around for more than five years now, yet organizations are still making what I call ‘rookie’ mistakes.
• My newspaper column I’ve proudly written for the Lexington (KY) Herald-Leader for the past three-and-half years recently went national on McCatchy-Tribute Information Service and is available to over 400 newspapers. For three years in a row, my column was recognized by peers with first places in the Delaware Press Association Communications Contest. Writing the column keeps me focused on cutting-edge topics businesses need to know about.
• This very blog, Ann-Sense, won a Second Place in the Delaware Press Association Communications Contest. Speaking of Ann-Sense, the addition of Monday Ann-Sense feature has been well received and has become one of more popular posts on the blog. Ann-Sense continues to evolve.
• Mind The Gap Public Relations refocused our core offerings to focus more on online reputation/crisis management and digital management.  While we still provide a host of “traditional” public relations services such as media relations and branding, we are emphasizing our fifteen year depth of knowledge in digital around online reputation and crisis management. More later on that in 2014.
All that said, what were the top five posts in Ann-Sense this year? I know that’s what you are waiting for… These post are diverse and hit a cord with readers. Here are are:
Monday Ann-Sense: Spirit of Social Media & #LostBear
Paula Deen: What not to tweet when your brand is in crisis
Social Media Campaign Risk: #VineInLine on Black Friday
Take the Social Media Blinkers Off
Syndication Network or Reciprocal Social Sharing: Platforms not to blame

Thank you for being part of Ann-Sense by reading, sharing, and commenting! Here’s to a great 2014!