#FilmFriday: Let’s Talk About Ashton Kutcher’s Genuine PR Move
We’re taking a break from your original Film Friday programming to discuss the success of Ashton Kutcher’s recent genuine PR move.
We’re sure you’ve had a chance to watch Ashton (aka Chris) Kutcher’s speech at the Teen Choice Awards earlier this week. Beyond it being a fantastic speech, it really demonstrated the power of positive and genuine PR. Ashton hit the event stage with purpose, and spoke of topics that truly resonated with his audience. His candid delivery, combined with a slight plug for his new film, Jobs, made promotion that much more palatable: because it had purpose and positivity. A PR win for both Ashton and his new film (which we WILL be seeing this weekend, perhaps thanks to this thoughtful appearance).
#WeeklyDisruptor: Talented Writer and Columnist, Paul Aguirre-Livingston
Each week at Embrace Disruption we introduce you to an influential person in the digital, blogger, arts, culture, film, or media world! Every Thursday, you can check back at EDPR to find out who we think is particularly amazing at ‘embracing disruption’ within their respective industries.
This week, we’d like to introduce you to the talented Paul Aguirre-Livingston, freelance writer and one of our favourite arts and culture columnists at The Grid.
Photo: Jessica Blaine Smith
1. What’s your official job title, and where did you go to school?
I am, once again, a freelance writer, etc. after recently ending a marvelous two-year stint as an arts and culture columnist at The Grid magazine. I studied at York University, where I majored in journalism and French.
2. Elevator pitch. Describe yourself in a nutshell (or sea shell, or any shell for that matter).
I’d say I’m a nut without a shell. Former – and recovering – magazine editor. Digital native. Lover, not fighter. Fearless, finally. Limitless, thankfully. Conscious, reluctantly. Last month, I packed a suitcase and moved to Berlin, Germany.
3. Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?
I was talking about some horrendous date when an editor at the York student paper got wind and asked me to write about it. Then I switched majors, and never looked back. But, really, it wasn’t until I stopped caring about trivialities like money and understood that beyond my basic needs – wine, bicycle, smoked salmon, books, Nutella, cheap afternoon movies – I didn’t need much to pretend to feel “happy.”
4. What is the best part of your day-to-day?
That I don’t have to explain “day-to-day” since, for me, there really ins’t one.
5. What’s the most challenging?
“Why hasn’t this cheque come yet?”… or fielding ridiculously PR requests. (No, I have no immediate plans to become a mommy blogger for hip, urban gays.)
6. If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for yourself?
A screening of Frances Ha – finally! – that I’m headed to after I finish these nifty questions. Otherwise: writing, reading, loving, losing, maybe a book, maybe a movie. To use another cliché: “Blank canvas.”
7. How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life?
I endure. Or I karaoke. I don’t usually feel all that “disrupted” within my work context, except maybe at this particular transition, but my personal life is totally used to it.
8. What is the most memorable moment in your career?
I was recently asked to contribute an essay to an anthology of stories about the ‘modern family.’ My contribution (about fictive kin – Google it) is by far the most therapeutic thing I have ever written. The book will be published in spring 2014.
9. Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old.
Still writing. Tweeting haphazardly like Cher. Not on Facebook. Not teaching. Finally getting those abs I always wanted but never cared to work for. (I’m counting on you, bio-engineering!)
10. Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what would it be?
My favourite new discovery – and interim best friend – is probably Duolingo, a language tutor app that has been helping me with my German until I start formal classes (sigh) next month. The exercises are great, and it’s pretty comprehensive with oral and written components. Ah, technology!
Follow Paul on Twitter @pliving.
Also, please check out his website to see some of his fantastic (and cheeky) work: http://pliving.me.
Client News: Stacey McKenzie Covers City Life Magazine
We’re pleased to share the cover of the August/September issue of City Life Magazine featuring our client, Stacey McKenzie! A special thank you to the whole team at City Life for this fantastic shoot and article – pick up your copy now!
12 Traffic Boosting Tips For Your Newest Blog Posts
Managing a blog involves more than just writing – just ask any successful blogger. There’s a heavy element of promotion and strategy involved in making sure your blog gets noticed. The people at DivvyHQ have put together a very comprehensive (and printable) INFOGRAPHIC that outlines 12 steps you should take in order to get the most out of your posts. Read on to find out how you can get more eyeballs on your content:
#FilmFriday: Let’s Talk About Twitter Chats & Parties
Today for Film Friday, Embrace Disruption PR founder Cory Stewart discusses the benefit of twitter chats and twitter parties. Find out why they are an excellent way to build your business/brand, and establish yourself as a thought leader!
For more information on twitter chats/parties, click here.
#WeeklyDisruptor: Our Very Own Rising Star & Budding PR Pro, Danica Forshner
Each week at Embrace Disruption we introduce you to an influential person in the digital, blogger, arts, culture, film, or media world! Every Thursday, you can check back at EDPR to find out who we think is particularly amazing at ‘embracing disruption’ within their respective industries.
This week, we’d like to introduce you to our very own EDPR team member, Danica Forshner! Danica has been with us for the last few months, assisting with pitches, releases, blog posts, social media and more. As with all good things in life, Danica’s time with EDPR will soon come to an end as she moves on to the next chapter of what’s sure to be a very successful career. A valuable asset to any company, Danica is an extremely savvy and proactive individual – read on to learn more about this budding PR pro.
1. What’s your official job title, and where did you go to school?
I am an intern at Embrace Disruption PR! I went to Mount Allison University for a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and I recently graduated from Centennial College’s Corporate Communications and Public Relations postgraduate certificate program.
2. Elevator pitch. Describe yourself in a nutshell (or sea shell, or any shell for that matter).
I’m an adventure seeker who is passionate about life! You will not find me hiding in the back, I enjoy making others laugh and have a good time. I am super organized when it comes to my day-to-day life, but when it comes to traveling the less plans the better!
3. Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?
I moved to South Korea after I graduated university because I wasn’t quite sure what to do and just wanted to travel. While I was away, like many expats, I was always trying to keep in touch with those back home. It was amazing that we had so many social media platforms at our disposable, like Facebook, Skype, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, etc., that made keeping in touch so easy! But what really caught my interest were how many different forms of social media and communication platforms that other expats and locals were using. In South Korea, there were so many different social media tools that Koreans weren’t really using North American/ Western World platforms. This is where my inspiration for pursuing communications surfaced. I realized the power of global communication and the accessibility of social media across cultures.
4. What is the best part of your day-to-day?
As an intern, your responsibilities are so varied. I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity to work with a boutique agency because I was given work that many interns would not have the chance to do. I would have to say that when I have the opportunity to write about social media, what’s new, what’s changing or how people are misusing it is the best part of my day!
5. What’s the most challenging?
Hmmm, building media lists! Since I am still new to the game, sometimes it’s hard to decide which outlets to keep on the list that will most likely run your story. Also, getting Cory’s coffee order right, he is very particular! (JK J)
6. If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for yourself?
Happiness. I want to be happy and intellectually fulfilled in my career and life.
7. How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life?
I thrive on chaos. I produce some of my greatest work when under pressure. Life is unpredictable and if you are always scheduling sometimes you miss out on the spontaneous moments that make great memories.
8. What is the most memorable moment in your career?
So far, it would have to be the first event I worked on with EDPR. It was the Starlight Gala and I had never managed media or a red carpet before. The whole experience was so exciting because I was able to look around and feel that I was where I was supposed to be. Considering I am just beginning, I hope there are many more to come!
9. Do you support any initiatives or charities?
As a team project last semester, we organized a fundraiser for Inside the Dream, which provides underprivileged youth in the GTA with formal wear for their prom and graduations.
10. Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old.
Hopefully retired and travelling the world!
11. Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what would it be?
Instagram!
Best of wishes for you Danica, and know that you’re welcome back anytime to the family at EDPR!
Connected Cuisine: 10 Ways Restaurants Are Using Social Media
Recently we stumbled upon this INFOGRAPHIC from DigitalDining.com that outlines some of the many ways restaurants are using social media. Some of the tactics they’re using include:
- Gaining feedback on service, events and menu items.
- Promoting and showing off menu items.
- Sharing specials.
- Recruiting.
- Monitoring reputation.
To find out how PR agencies (like us) can help with your restaurant’s social media strategy and execution, please send us an email, we’d love to hear from you!
Check out the full list below, along with a handy guide on which social networks to use for each tactic
Earlier in the year, we wrote a blog post outlining how to better your restaurant’s publicity: you can find that piece by clicking here.
#FilmFriday: Let’s Talk About Twitter Hacks & Fake Tweets
Enjoy this video from Embrace Disruption PR founder, Cory Stewart!
#WeeklyDisruptor: Co-Founder of DevTO Inc., Joallore Alon aka. @clickflickca
Each week at Embrace Disruption we introduce you to an influential person in the digital, blogger, arts, culture, film, or media world! Every Thursday, you can check back at EDPR to find out who we think is particularly amazing at ‘embracing disruption’ within their respective industries.
This week, we’d like to introduce you to digital content/imaging specialist and co-founder of DevTO Inc., Joallore Alon (or as you may know him, @clickflickca)!
1. What’s your official job title, and where did you go to school?
My official job title is Digital Content and Imaging Specialist. Co-founder of DevTO Inc. and dabble in Social Media consulting. I went to George Brown College for Advertising and Graphic Design.
2. Elevator pitch. Describe yourself in a nutshell (or sea shell, or
any shell for that matter).
I’m a social instigator that will spur conversation at any moment.
3. Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?
I like to think outside of the box. Creatively be different.
4. What is the best part of your day-to-day?
Everyday is a great day! The opportunity to engage with people daily!
5. What’s the most challenging?
Being able to coordinate a busy schedule. I have myself in multiple disciplines and balancing life would be the most challenging.
6. If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for
yourself?
A life of continuous learning. It’s always important to continue to learn and evolve.
7. How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life?
Disruption is key to making a brand/personality standout from the crowd. Being able to deviate from the normal contributes to the creative and artistic curiosity.
8. What is the most memorable moment in your career?
Receiving and award for “HomeTown Hero” from Red Cross for use of Social Media and more importantly sharing the importance of learning CPR.
9. Do you support any initiatives or charities?
I definitely support the Red Cross, The Heart & Stroke Foundation and The Daily Food Bank and local charities in Toronto.
10. Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old.
Tweeting and Eating!
11. Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what
would it be?
Twitter!
Lady Gaga’s ARTPOP: How Mother Monster Continues To Innovate
ARTPOP, Lady Gaga’s third studio album is set to be released on November 11, 2013. Are you as excited as we are?? Since her Born This Way album two years ago, she has been keeping a low profile. Not a lot has been said about her upcoming release, but there’s enough to get us Little Monsters on our toes anyway.
Perhaps the most anticipated part of the release is the mobile app that will accompany the album. Described as a ‘musical and visual engineering system that combines art, fashion and technology’, it will be an iPad, iPhone, and computer compatible application that includes exclusive updates, extra content, chats, games etc.
From a PR standpoint, an album app is a genius marketing strategy that is sure to reach the appropriate audience and generate buzz. It takes advantage of our generation’s addiction to social media and connectivity. The ARTPOP app promises greater interactivity between fans and Lady Gaga herself and people are drawn to that. We crave connection to our favourite artists and the sense of intimacy that comes with it.
The idea of an album app is nothing new. Icelandic songwriter-artist, Björk, was first to release her latest album, Biophilia, through a series of Apple apps. It was a collection of applications on the iPad that represented different songs on her album. More recently, Jay Z partnered with Samsung this summer for an early digital release of his Magna Carta… Holy Grail album. Fans were able to download the album before the official release date through the app but because of a server breakdown due to an overload of hits, the app never took off.
Though not entirely unique, ARTPOP will be the first of its kind to create such an immersive experience for fans. We are excited to see where this will lead to and how it will change the music scene in the near future. We can’t wait!
