Top 10 #PRPro Tips Of The Week: Jan 22, 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!
After a pitch, make sure you give several contact #s to a reporter. The press waits for no one. #PRTips
— Cyndy Hoenig (@CyndyHoenig) January 21, 2014
Make it your goal to build relationships with the group of journalists that cover your industry. #PRTips — WildFlower PR&Coy (@WildFlowerPR) January 21, 2014
Know the reporter before picking up the phone. Find out what they’ve recently written to understand their areas of interest #PRTips — Cerub PR (@CerubPR) January 21, 2014
“If you don’t tell your story someone else will!” #PR101 #PRGirls #PRTips #PrettyLiving http://t.co/lhqRFxwJ4s — Pretty Living PR (@PrettyLivingPR) October 30, 2013
You don’t only want to be apologetic but you want to offer a solution #PRTips #wisdom #crisispr #wiprsummit3 — Women In PR™ (@WomenInPR1) September 28, 2013
World’s worst subject line: “For Immediate Release” (ties with “Media Release”) #prtips — Rohan Pearce (@rohan_p) June 17, 2013
#PRTIP It’s a press release, not a graduate thesis
— Midori Star Media (@MidoriStarMedia) January 21, 2014
#PRTip- When you met someone leave a lasting impression. You never know who is WHO.
— Samantha Jordan サマンサ (@_SJordan) January 21, 2014
#PRTIP: Always be in the know of what is going on within your own community~ #BuildRelationships
— Tia Greene (@TiaGreene) January 18, 2014
if you think 8:00 is too early or late to be at work, don’t work in PR #prtips
— NYC PR Girl (@_fashionPRgirl) January 21, 2014
2014 Image Rehab: The Justin Bieber Edition
Canadian pop-star Justin Bieber has been making headlines recently due to his alarming life choices. The squeaky-clean Bieber image has been tarnished by a slew of drug and vandalism allegations. Last week we saw his house raided by the police who were searching for evidence linking Bieber to an ‘egging’ of a neighbour’s home. At the age of 19, Bieber has been in the public eye for most of his adolescence, so we certainly expected some sort of rebellion.
As PR professionals, hearing about a media crisis generates great deal of conversation in the office; heated debates of how we would help a client bounce back. Below you will find our solutions for the Biebs!
1. Apologize and seek self-help
Bieber has obviously upset a lot of people as a result of his behavior. It is time to apologize and work on being a better role model. We think a short direct statement, no longer than five sentences, should be released indicating that he is sorry for his recent actions and he plans on seeking help. This would show a level of maturity and poise from the superstar that would help to quiet the critics.
2. Get out of the pubic eye
The public has seen a lot of Justin Bieber lately and very few of the reasons for this have been positive. We would advise the Biebs to try his best to disengage with the media for a while. Get off social media (it seems to only make matters worse), diminish public appearances and lay low for a while. Make the public aware of the time you are taking to better yourself.
3. Get the Help
Bieber’s career can be far from over, but in order to sustain himself he needs to get things together. Whether there are behavioral issues, drug issues or something else going on with the young pop star, his talent and showmanship is undeniable. It is one thing to say you are working to better yourself and it’s another to put the time and effort in. If Bieber does the work, great results can be achieved.
Known for his work with charities, going the extra mile for fans and winning the hearts of boys and girls worldwide, the majority of Justin Bieber’s career has been positive. We know Bieber can bounce back from his indiscretions if he plays his cards right. Bieber should seek whatever help and guidance needed to make good, positive decisions in his personal and professional life. 2014 has not seen the end of Biebs, we just hope he can turn it around soon!
The Habits of the World’s Wealthiest People [INFOGRAPHIC]
Turn off that reality TV, stop with the junk food and get yourself into a routine. Why, you ask? Well, turns out the world’s wealthiest people keep some pretty impressive habits. Check out today’s INFOGRAPHIC from Business-Management-Degree.net.
#FilmFriday: Are These Viral Videos Really Working?
Over the past few years, many brands have created funny (if not hilarious) videos in an attempt to produce a viral hit that will be shared with millions across the Internet. From Kmart to Old Spice, the content keeps coming, but we have to pose the question: Do any of these videos really make an impact beyond entertainment?
Sure, the brands that do engage in this type of stunt do get a considerable amount of online impressions, but are they memorable enough to boost sales? Chances are, video concepts are remembered, but if not tied tightly to the brand messaging, the producer of the content is quickly forgotten.
Check out Kmart’s “Ship My Pants” video below.
Does this make you want to buy from Kmart? Will you remember that it was Kmart who made this video months from now, or could it easily be mistaken for Target, Walmart, or some other big box retailer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Top 10 #PRPro Tips Of The Week: Jan 15, 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!
Step 1 of changing the perceptions of any business is finding out exactly what those perceptions are. #PRtip #Communications
— hopwood pr (@hopwoodpr) January 14, 2014
#PRTip: Silence may be golden & speech may be silver, but importance is recognizing when to be silent & when to speak.
— MJ Pedone (@MJPedone) January 14, 2014
We’re living in the NOW generation: Consumers expect #Twitter responses from brands within an hour! http://t.co/ncmb5ZTVg8 #PRTip #PR
— Forte Creative Media (@FCM_PR) January 13, 2014
#PRTIP Effective agency-client relationship is a product of partnership. As an extension of your team, collaborate to achieve best results.
— Aneela Rose PR (@AneelaRosePR) January 13, 2014
Be proactive. Network weekly. Plan to meet at least one new person a week. You'll see results. #prtips
— Cyndy Hoenig (@CyndyHoenig) January 14, 2014
#PRTip: When pitching TV, be specific in the subject line – and make it enticing!
— See.Spark.Go (@seesparkgo) January 8, 2014
#PRTip – Your databases are everything. Work to build quality databases & continually add sources that value UR content
— DianaEnnen (@DianaEnnen) January 8, 2014
60% of consumers feel more positive about a company after reading custom content on its site #PRTIP
— Christina Daves (@PRforAnyone) January 8, 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 14, 2014
Stay flexible and adapt your marketing plan to meet the needs of your target audience #PRtips
— Carrice Wong (@carrice_wong) January 14, 2014
2014 Image Rehab: The Lance Armstrong Edition
In recent years, we have seen a multitude of high profile, professional athletes make a mess of their professional and personal lives. Today, we’re examining Lance Armstrong and his recent fall from the public’s grace.
After years of doping allegations, Lance Armstrong finally made a public drug-use admission in 2012 and was stripped of his seven Tour de France victories. In January of 2013, Armstrong sat down with Oprah to admit to habitual drug use during his cycling career and accepted his unfortunate fate. Armstrong’s career hit an all-time low; he was no longer allowed to compete, he resigned from his leadership role at LIVESTRONG Foundation and was cast with a less than desirable public image. We put our heads together to brainstorm some solutions for Armstrong to revive his image — check them out below!
(Source: Lance Armstrong Facebook)
1. Patience is a Virtue
Armstrong has been more ‘infamous’ than ‘famous’ in recent years. He was an iconic sports hero that fooled the world, and in return, the world retaliated with anger. We think it’s too soon for Armstrong to attempt any new endeavors. Now is the time to be crafting a perfect plan to redeem yourself and lay low in the public arena. This means avoiding flashy events and parties — now is not the time to be photographed.
2. Pay it Forward
From our research, there is no predominate resource for athletes (professional and non) to reach out and seek non-judgmental help when dealing with the pressures of doping. This is a wonderful opportunity for Armstrong to try and right his wrongs by helping active athletes. Aside from Armstrong being pinned as an untruthful competitor (however he’s certainly not the first), his story acknowledges the pressures that athletes face in their careers. The use of illegal substances is not something that should be taken lightly by sports officials or the public, but it IS an unfortunate part of sports. Armstrong would be a great resource in helping athletes deal with the pressures of performance in all aspects of the field.
3. Speaking Up
We think small speaking engagements would be a great way for Armstrong to slowly (and positively) begin his journey back into the public eye. High schools, colleges and universities would be the ideal platform for Armstrong to get his anti-drug message across. Speaking to students about his mistakes and how succumbing to the pressures of drug and alcohol use can ruin your professional and personal life.
Armstrong has a lot of work to do in order to win back the support of the public, but we think redemption is an achievable goal. His plan must be well crafted (and his intentions sincere) in order to achieve any future success. We’ll be keeping an eye out for Armstrong in 2014 – he’s bound to have an interesting year!
Why Hire A Copywriter? [INFOGRAPHIC]
This week’s INFOGRAPHIC comes from BrandNewCopy.com and outlines why a copywriter can improve your website. Check it out below:
Top 10 #PRPro Tips Of The Week: Jan 8, 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!
Why PR coverage should be quality over quantity – but often isn't #PRtips http://t.co/9LNrbgzMdr
— Remarkable Group (@RemarkableGroup) January 7, 2014
50 Proven #PR Tactics to Generate #Media Coverage for Your Business http://t.co/gOS8W3fOTR #publicrelations #prtips
— Richard Glynn (@RichardGlynn) January 7, 2014
Respect others' time. And they will respect you and yours. #PRTips #PRRockStar http://t.co/p7xPLBgL8E
— Cyndy Hoenig (@CyndyHoenig) January 4, 2014
RT @CyndyHoenig: When at a networking event, talk to strangers. Take every opportunity to meet someone new. #PRTips
— PR Diva (@PRDivaBlog) January 5, 2014
4 Ways to find the best person to pitch & promote your campaign! http://t.co/Q9JvWpm9oI #PR #PRTips
— RAW Marketing (@rawmrktg) January 4, 2014
#PRTips 5 tips for building a great client/agency partnership http://t.co/kROdbFryxQ #PublicRelations #PR #AgencyLife
— C Moore Media (@CMooreMedia) January 7, 2014
Pitching For New PR Pros: The Magic Is In Understanding Who, Not Just How http://t.co/1qpxknW0UJ #PRTips
— Magnet Creative Mgmt (@MagnetCreative) January 7, 2014
Why it pays to hire a copywriter http://t.co/Mx39r9jXdf #PRtips
— GuestPublicRelations (@GuestPublic) January 6, 2014
#PRTip: Scrutinize. Strategize. Think on your toes. There’s always more to the story!
— See.Spark.Go (@seesparkgo) January 7, 2014
PR Tip #99: Some PR consultants got into communication because they're bad at math. REAL PR pros add, subtract, divide AND analyze! #PRTip
— Delta Media Inc. (@DeltaMediaPR) January 7, 2014
2014 Image Rehab: The Paula Deen Edition
A New Year can bring a chance for new beginnings. With 2013 now in the rearview mirror, brands and personalities that have done wrong have the chance to embrace their past and begin to rebuild. Throughout the month of January, EDPR will be examining some notable public figures and brands that have crumbled in 2013, and offering up our two cents on how they can rehabilitate their images. First up, Paula Deen.
Paula Deen had a quick fall from grace in 2013. The once lovable, southern-cooking mom admitted to using inexcusable racist language while on the stand during a court appearance. The fall out began almost immediately. She was dropped from her long-standing gig on the Food Channel and lost countless sponsorships. We’re not even going to touch the horrifying public apologies. Needless to say, our job as PR professionals is to find opportunities to assist with image rehabilitation.
Here are 5 action items we think Paula Deen and her team need to embrace in 2014:
1. Start from the Beginning
Remember what made Paula Deen famous in the first place? In light of all of the recent controversy you might have forgotten. As a reminder, it was her over the top personality and home style recipes. Society needs to be reminded why we fell in love with this Southern belle when her face first graced the television screen. Ms. Deen has her hands in so many projects from cookware to restaurants to live events; maybe it is time to narrow the focus and regroup.
2. Focus on Giving Back
Associate with a charity that has some personal meaning. Paula’s charity, The Bag Lady Foundation is mentioned briefly on her website, but we’d advise her to find a charity that is external from her brand. Focusing on lending her name and time to an organization like the Heart & Stroke or the Diabetes Association (and not just announcing a monetary pledge as she did in 2012) would be a great starting point.
3. YouTube is your New Best Friend
We know Paula Deen isn’t going to be picked up by a network anytime soon, but luckily for her (with today’s technology), she can be a publisher of her own content. The YouTube Channel now functioning for Ms. Deen could use some brushing up. We would recommend a publishing schedule of 3 themed videos weekly, consisting of 5 minute recipes and tips — with Paula in the picture talking direct to camera. The tone should resemble that of the show America came to love back in Paula’s beginning days. Comments need to be monitored and attention to detail on this platform is crucial.
4. Contribute an External Weekly Online Column
Now, we are not talking an opinion-based column, but one focused on the core of Paula Deen: recipes. This column will allow the public to get used to seeing her name again in a non-invasive way. Her YouTube episodes should be embedded into the column, helping to generate reciprocal traffic and acquire subscribers to her channel.
5. Acknowledge Mistakes and Move On
The past is the past, and everyone does make mistakes. The severity of using such offensive language isn’t something the public should ignore, but everyone should be given the chance to correct their wrong doings. If the controversial topic is revisited during any of Paula’s upcoming media engagements (which it will be), she needs to clearly state that she is sorry for her mistakes and move on. No dancing around, no pointing the blame — just a clean-cut sincere apology, and on to the next topic.
The underlining factor here is deciphering whether or not the public is ready to embrace the thought of allowing Paula Deen back into the public eye. Only time will tell what fate lies ahead for Ms. Deen, but one thing is for sure: if she wants to come back, she’ll have to do the work — and rightfully so.
Stay tuned for next week’s Lance Armstrong tips!
The Top 10 Embrace Disruption PR Posts of 2013
From Beyonce to Vine, we certainly had a lot to say in 2013. As an ode to the year gone by, we wanted to share some of our top articles. Check out the top 10 below:
1. Just Ask Beyonce: Why Traditional Publicity Is On The Way Out
2. How Mayor Rob Ford Could Have Saved Face During “Crack-Gate”
3. Our Top 10 Halloween Costume Predictions For 2013
4. 10 Steps To Eliminating That Pesky Writer’s Block
5. A Vine Love Story: Curtis Lepore and Jessi Smiles
6. How To Pick The Best PR Agency For Your Business
7. Making An Impact: How A Charity Or Non-Profit Can Benefit From Public Relations
8. The Benefits Of Hiring A Boutique PR Firm Or Agency
9. How Diverse Is Your PR Language? Check Out The Most Overused Words
