2009 November

Archive for November, 2009

If You Build it the Right Way, They Will Come – Guest Post from Justin Goldsborough

November 30th, 2009 | Author: Rachel Kay

Do me a favor. The next time you go to a PR networking event where you don’t know anybody, walk in and yell “I’m here!” Then immediately start telling everyone what you do for a living and what you can sell them while holding out business cards for everyone to come up and grab. If someone tries to talk to you, don’t engage in a conversation. Just tell him or her something else you bring to the table. And make sure to stay on message. Then when you leave, and this part is very important, go back to your office and say the following to your colleagues: “Why isn’t anybody from the event calling me so I can tell them more about myself and sell them something?”

Think I’m crazy yet? That whole situation sounds preposterous, right? I mean, no one would really do that. It would be reputation suicide, not to mention, embarrassing. Ok, maybe Michael Scott would do it. Actually, he definitely would. But no one in “real life” would…would they?

No, you probably can’t find anyone who would do me that favor in person. But people and organizations do this all the time when it comes to social media. I call it the “Field of Dreams mentality.” If you build it, they will come. In other words, if I build a Facebook fan page, the fans will come. If I build a Twitter account, people will be sitting at their computers just waiting to search for my new handle so they can follow me. Read the rest of this entry »

Mixin’ It Up

November 30th, 2009 | Author: Web Master

The work week can be exhausting, so mix it up with a few networking events. Networking allows you to make connections and develop rapport to grow your circle of influence, plus its fun! Check out this upcoming San Diego area event:

AIGA Spirits Happy Hour Series Holiday Bowl & Food/Toy Drive
Fri., Dec. 4, 2009
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Mira Mesa Bowl San Diego/Mira Mesa Lanes
More Information

Tips from a Superhero Who Makes a Measureable Impact

November 25th, 2009 | Author: Lauren Walsh

Eugene "Mitch" Michell

When I started out in public relations, a senior VP at the public affairs firm I was working for introduced me to Mitch Mitchell (then with the San Diego Chamber of Commerce) and said, “This is one man you HAVE to know in San Diego. He’s absolutely the best.”

From that day on, I was enamored with how often I would see, hear and learn of the great works and projects Mr. Eugene “Mitch” Mitchell was involved in across non-profit and business groups. It struck me that he would be the perfect interview to share how he makes each and every day worthwhile. Here are Mitch’s top tips derived from an interview held in November 2009: Read the rest of this entry »

10 Essentials for PR Strategy in 2010

November 24th, 2009 | Author: Jennifer Berson

I blinked and it’s already late-November! How is it almost 2010? (Is it just me, or does 2010 sound really “futuristic?”) Chances are that as we head into the Thanksgiving and Holiday Season, you have set up your strategy planning sessions with clients for 2010. Here are 10 essentials you should consider including in your PR blueprint for your clients:

1. Client Goals – Have a discussion with your client to make sure you are on the same page about what they hope & expect to get out of their PR campaign. Read the rest of this entry »

Cr(L)azy About Social Media – Guest Post from Greg Block

November 24th, 2009 | Author: Rachel Kay

Social media has made the world smaller, given us all a way to reconnect with long lost friends and stay in touch with professional contacts. It tells us when peoples’ birthdays are. It allows us to send holiday greetings, hugs and even drinks! We share photos, gossip, jokes and even let the world know what we’re thankful for – every day – as Turkey Day approaches. But in reality, social media is making us lazy.

bios_greg_photo

Well, our thumbs may be getting quite the workout. But when was the last time you picked up the phone and actually called a journalist, just to say hello? How long has it been since you’ve had lunch with someone, just for the sake of catching up? Can you remember a time when you went to a conference and actually listened to a speaker’s entire presentation, rather than Tweet about the parts you heard while you weren’t Tweeting (Presenting to the tops of peoples’ heads is an odd new phenomena)?

Read the rest of this entry »

Oprah Ends Her Show – Good News or Bad News for PR Pros?

November 24th, 2009 | Author: Denise Scatena

Last week when media maven Oprah Winfrey announced the end date of her popular daytime talk show, PR pros throughout the world either (1) breathed a sigh of relief or (2) began to panic. Why? Because how often have we been approached by a client (or prospective client) who ask to be on Oprah’s show? We can now quell the often unrealistic request or kick it up a notch to meet your client’s ambitious long-term goal before her show (as we know it) goes off the air.

Read the rest of this entry »

On the Hunt – 11/22

November 22nd, 2009 | Author: Arika Daniels

Times are tough, but we are hoping to make your search a bit easier. Here are some recent PR job postings in the Southern California region:

B2B/Consumer Branding Expertise | OC or LA (Agency VP/Director Level)

Need a top-notch agency experienced VP level PR pro with strong b2b and consumer branding expertise to run major brand business for outstanding national firm. Read the rest of this entry »