President Obama doesn’t just live on Pennsylvania Avenue. He’s also been known to call Twitter and YouTube home. Obama made his permanent stamp on the Internet and social media in the 2008 election – the most social US election to date. During his time in the White House, he’s continued his leadership of the online world with regular appearances on YouTube, a vibrant Facebook page and today, a Google+ hangout.

In a follow-up to his State of the Union address earlier this month, today President Obama “hung out” with fellow Americans via Google+ while millions more tuned in and submitted their burning questions. My burning question remains: how do you get picked to hang out with the President of the United States?

Politics aside, if you weren’t one of the lucky folks hand-picked for face time Mr. Obama, what can you learn about PR and social media from today’s event?

1. Promotion: Don’t underestimate the role of traditional media in promoting online events. I read about today’s event on the All Things D website – not on Twitter or Facebook. Blogs and print media are potential drivers to your online event. Know what your audience is reading (beyond your Twitter feed) and find them there.
2. Media training: Politicians are perfect examples for executive media training and Obama is no exception. When asked about a recent report in the New York Times, Obama bridged into his answer by saying, “I think that story was overwritten.” He then went on to answer the question and insert his key messages, as any good politician (or executive) should!
3. Technology: By all accounts, the Google+ Hangout went off without a hitch. The White House tech staff along with YouTube and Google, were polished, prepared and had obviously practiced. Nothing annoys the online audience more than technological issues during a live webcast. Let this be a lesson to prepare for millions of viewers, even if you’re not the President.
4. Authenticity: We talk a lot in social media about creating an authentic voice for your brand. During the Hangout, Obama offered to forward the resumé of an unemployed engineer to a company looking to hire high tech employees. While he may not forward the resumé himself (that would be quite the endorsement!), it’s that kind of personal interaction with your audience that encourages loyalty. Go above and beyond the call of duty for your fans.
5. Know your audience: Addressing YouTube viewers isn’t exactly a Congressional hearing. While the topics addressed in the Hangout ranged from economic policy to education – and a variety of other serious topics – we were grateful for a little comedic relief at the end of our hour with the President. Our favorite Saturday Night Live Obama impersonator made a cameo to ask about the role of comedy in presidential politics, to which Obama (the real one) replied “It reminds me that I’m working for you guys.”

What else did you learn from today’s Google+ Hangout with the President? Get ready for more lessons from campaign central as the race to the White House heats up in 2012.

In case you missed the event, the video should be available for replay shortly.

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