#FilmFriday: Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” Gets An LGBTQIA Parody For Sochi
We’re taking a break from our regular Film Friday programming to bring you a video parody, created by Tony Mono, that sheds light on Russia’s severe anti-gay laws.
Today marks the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics at Sochi, and we certainly can’t think of a more positive way to show support for the LGBTQIA community in Russia and around the world.
”When people are forbidden from expressing their love, something is definitely going wrong. Let your voices be heard against hate and let love be free. Love for whoever you want. Fighting for this unalienable right is not just an issue for gay people but for us all. Please give a thumbs up and share this video if you agree. Spread the message!”
- Tony Mono
Top 10 #PRPro Tips Of The Week: Feb 5, 2014
Here are our Top 10 PR Pro Tips for this week, selected from Twitter. Remember to submit your own PR pro tip using the hashtag #PRTip or #PRTips. Your tweet could be featured here next week!
#prtips: keep yourself in your client's shoes, your consumer's shoes & your editor's shoes all at once.
— Charissa Lauren (@CharissaLauren) January 30, 2014
The most important brand you can build is your own #prtips pic.twitter.com/JyO3Sq5ah7
— NYC PR Girl (@_fashionPRgirl) January 29, 2014
#QOTD #MondayMotivation by a fave: @OscarPRGirl #PRTips #Business #WomenInBusiness #PrettyLiving pic.twitter.com/3nCCeHLZaR
— Pretty Living PR (@PrettyLivingPR) November 25, 2013
Media relations is key! Teaching one of my interns on building genuine relationships with local media.,#BeReal #PRTip
— Tia Greene (@TiaGreene) February 4, 2014
Here's a great #PRtip for everybody, whatever your business – pick up the phone! Sometimes email just doesn't get the message across.
— Spreckley Partners (@SpreckleyPR) February 3, 2014
#PRtip If working on a sensitive issue or case a Q&A doc must be prepared to plan for all scenarios and #media angles #ReputationManagement
— Byfield (@Byfield_PR) January 31, 2014
#PRTip: Stay on top of the news: Make time to stay on top of current events. Set up news alerts for your company and/or your clients.
— The Brain Bureau (@TheBrainBureau) January 31, 2014
#PRtip: Make sure your messaging is uniform on your website and all social media platforms. #publicrelations #PRhelp
— Crockett PR Group (@_CrockettPR) January 31, 2014
90% of consumers find custom content useful. Are you providing #content? #PRTIP
— Christina Daves (@PRforAnyone) January 30, 2014
PR tip: make sure you understand grammar and punctuation before you send out a release. #PRTip
— Leigh 
Stark (@Leighlo) January 29, 2014
Creating Your Own “Oreo Moment”
Social media has finally evolved to the point where live-tweeting or tweeting in real-time is a staple for all major events. But, what happens when you are presented with a unique opportunity as a real-time tweeter? You can either “embrace the disruption” or miss the chance to make social media history. Today we consider the branding benefits of seizing a moment versus creating your own by looking at two beloved North American brands: Oreo and JC Penny.
During last year’s Super Bowl, fans and social media enthusiasts alike experienced two major unexpected events. The first was an epic power outage during one of the most watched sporting events in the world and the second (happening only 10 minutes after the first) was a revolutionary tweet from Oreo.
Power out? No problem. pic.twitter.com/dnQ7pOgC
— Oreo Cookie (@Oreo) February 4, 2013
This became the most retweeted tweet in Oreo’s history and the envy of every other companies on social media. Live-tweeting would never be the same again.
This past Sunday during Super Bowl XLVIII, millions of viewers were glued to their televisions and social media accounts. Companies world-wide were waiting, praying, hoping that they would be granted the opportunity to experience an “Oreo Moment”. Instead of waiting on the sidelines, JC Penny took matters into their own hands. It started with a series of misspelled tweets around the time of kick-off. Immediate speculation of a account hacking began to circulate until the U.S. company tweeted the reasoning behind the erratic tweets: mittens.
Oops…Sorry for the typos. We were #TweetingWithMittens. Wasn’t it supposed to be colder? Enjoy the game! #GoTeamUSA pic.twitter.com/e8GvnTiEGl
— JCPenney (@jcpenney) February 3, 2014
This opened the door for other companies to jump on the opportunity to comment on JC Penny’s twitter choices. Coors Light tweeted a jab at the brand, insinuating they were tweeting under the influence.
.@JCPenney We know football goes great with Coors Light, but please tweet responsibly.
— Coors Light (@CoorsLight) February 3, 2014
JC Penny has recieved mixed reviews from this social media stunt. Yes, the brand’s name is out in the news and all over social media but is it true that any publicity is good publicity? With the influx of tweeting during major sporting events and the increased importance of tweeting in real-time, we have to wonder if the risk always outweighs the benefit. We think that Oreo nailed it with their originality during this once in a life-time event last year, however we don’t know if attempting to create your own moment has the same impact. We would like to hear from our readers: Do you think live-tweeting and taking the risk that JC Penny did worked? Here at EDPR the debate is still up in the air but they definitely got us talking. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
How Social Media Influences Purchase Decisions [INFOGRAPHIC]
Social media shapes our every day life, including how we purchase products. Take a look at the stats in this infographic compiled by Invesp.net. Compulsive shoppers beware!
Supermodel Stacey McKenzie Returns to First Canadian School with CBC
This past month, supermodel and motivational speaker Stacey McKenzie had the opportunity to return to the first school she attended upon arriving to Canada: Lawrence Heights Middle School. As a young girl, Stacey and her family emigrated from Jamaica to Toronto’s Lawrence Heights neighbourhood. Stacey was invited by the school to speak with students as part of her Walk This Way Workshops and to film a very special program airing on CBC this February called ‘Being Black in Canada’ (details below). Stacey’s Walk This Way Workshops focuses on building self-confidence and developing life-skills for inner city youth across the world.
When she first arrived at the school, Stacey was greeted with a warm welcome from students, teachers and Principal David deBelle. Overwhelmed with memories (and ecstatic over the homestyle Jamaican cooking in the cafeteria), Stacey soaked in every moment of the experience.
Special thanks to the students, staff and particularly Principal David deBelle for making this day happen. To see the excitement for yourself, be sure to watch the special airing this February!
“CBC News Network presents ‘Being Black in Canada’. We mark black history month with stories of the challenges that black Canadians face and what they’re doing to overcome the obstacles.
Top 10 #PRPro Tips Of The Week: Jan 29, 2014
Here are our Top 10 PR Pro Tips for this week, selected from Twitter. Remember to submit your own PR pro tip using the hashtag #PRTip or #PRTips. Your tweet could be featured here next week!
if your exposure is not reaching potential clients, then you’re not investing wisely in your public relations campaign. #prtips #prcampaign
— Crockett PR Group (@_CrockettPR) January 28, 2014
No matter how busy your schedule, make time to read the industry trade press and keep your PR IQ high. #PRTIPS
— Aneela Rose PR (@AneelaRosePR) January 28, 2014
Write brand message in long paragraph. Refine to one-sentence tag line. Prepare to deliver in under 10 seconds. #PRTips
— Pure PR OKC (@PurePROKC) January 28, 2014
During a media interview in a crisis: don’t get defensive, don’t argue, don’t repeat negative questions, don’t blame others. #PRTips
— Cyndy Hoenig (@CyndyHoenig) January 28, 2014
#PRtips: People do business with people. Not companies. I told a prospect: There are many good PR teams. Pick one best for your personality.
— Mary Beth Sáles (@MaryBethSales) January 27, 2014
Avoid calling journalists with pitches if they’re on deadline, instead, keep a record with your key media for future reference #PRtips
— Spreckley Partners (@SpreckleyPR) January 27, 2014
According to Ekaterina Walter, branding “is not a one-time marketing exercise, it’s a mentality” and we totally agree! #PRTips
— PR Tidbits (@Sesema_PR) January 27, 2014
Never be unprepared for questions when doing a story sell in to a journalist #prtips — Mexia Communications (@MexiaComms) January 24, 2014
Never underestimate the value of a great headshot #PRTIP
— Christina Daves (@PRforAnyone) January 28, 2014
#PRTip: Exposure is important but nothing is more important than a string of satisfied customers. http://t.co/pPBOopXXRt
— Lacresha Hayes (@lacreshahayes) January 28, 2014
2014 Image Rehab: The Shia LaBeouf Edition
For the past month, we’ve given you our thoughts on how to improve the image of some of the world’s most tarnished celebs. Now, for our final Image Rehab post, we are calling on you to give us some of your ideas (in the comments below) on how to fix the image of the always controversial Shia LaBeouf. Below is some background info for you, as his story seems to evolve daily.
Since 2005, controversy has been part of LaBeouf’s image. Various charges and past allegations include: assault, trespassing and a DUI. Through the majority of these events, he continued to work on several successful films and appeared as though he was experiencing some of the usual coming-of-age troubles we’ve seen countless celebrities go through.
Recently, the star was accused and found guilty of plagiarizing cartoonist Dan Clowes’ work in his short film titled ‘Howard Cantour.com’. LaBeouf admitted to the act and attempted to apologize in a string of unusual Tweets.
(Source)
The apologies spiraled into uncontrolled ranting, retweeting and the admission of drug use.
(Source)
This explosion was followed by a proposal the star has made to several art galleries surrounding his repentance for plagiarizing. His ideal self-inflicted punishment includes the actor in an enclosed room for a week, with a paper bag on his head. The bag will read “I’M NOT FAMOUS ANYMORE” (Shia’s new tag line). Visitors will be able to pick from a variety of props upon entering the exhibit; including a whip, whiskey and a pair of pliers. Guests will then enter the exhibit and be able interact with the star as they would like. The big catch (as if there’s only one): it’s unclear if the person with the bag on their head will indeed be LaBeouf.
(Source)
Now, we’re turning it over to you. Based on our past posts featuring Paula Deen, Lance Armstrong, and Justin Bieber, let us know how you would go about restoring the image of Shia LaBeouf. It’s never too late to bring a star back, but this one is going to take some work.
Thank you for following the Image Rehab series of our blog and we look forward to reading your thoughts and advice in the comments below!
A Collection Of Our Favourite Marketing, PR and Business Infographics (+ a few others)
It’s no secret that we’re big fans of INFOGRAPHICS here at EDPR, so we thought it might be nice to take a moment to review some of the many we’ve posted over the years. Check out the collection below and let us know your favourites in the comments!
#FilmFriday: How Do I Start A Blog?
There’s always so many questions that come to mind when you’re about to start a blog. Our founder, Cory Stewart, took some time out to give you a few pointers to consider when starting up. Have a watch below and be sure to add your own tips in the comments below!
Say Hello To Dee Bronte, The Next Big Thing In Canadian Music
EDPR would like to introduce singer/songwriter Dee Bronte. Dee’s promotional pop single and video “Same Mistake” was released on VEVO this past week. This release marks the start of a new chapter for Bronte and presents a brilliant collaboration with fellow musician VITAL. The musical chemistry between the two artists is undeniable, creating an authentic track of heartbreak and struggle. With acoustic guitar in hand Bronte strives to produce song and lyric from an honest, creative place:
“I’m always exploring my relationship with various types of music. The acoustic guitar is the vessel I use the most, and I find my most honest lyrics and melodies come from it. I want to write memorable tracks. For me, writing music is about sharing creative expression. It has no bounds! It’s meant to be shared, enjoyed, and evoke something in us. My debut track is a collaboration featuring VITAL, an incredibly talented artist and over-all lovely person. He puts up with me and my constant marriage proposals. We had a blast doing the track and video. My album is slated to debut in April, with new singles coming soon which I’m pumped about.”
Getting to know the Dee Bronte behind the music is just as thrilling as listening to her work. The Canadian musician, who doesn’t like taking life too seriously, generated her roots in musical theatre. After a great beginning, she stepped out on her own playing at local coffee houses, mastering the guitar and developing her writing skills. Following a stint in the Broadway rock band ‘Stagehands,’ Bronte decided that a solo career was the ideal fit for her and we couldn’t be more thrilled that she made this choice.
Dee Bronte is planning to release her first full-length album April 2014. We’ve had a little preview, and are thrilled with the upcoming material — can’t wait for you to see what she’s got in store!
Check out her single “Same Mistake” here, follow the singer on twitter and take time to visit her fan page.
