Job Opportunity: Public Relations Intern (Toronto)
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Embrace Disruption PR is seeking a disruptive and passionate intern to assist with a variety of clients in the lifestyle, non-profit, technology and talent sectors.
POSITION TYPE:
Unpaid Internship (April 2014 – July 2014)
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Contribute to and maintain company blog.
- Maintain and engage on company’s social networks.
- Assist with writing press releases, media advisories and pitches.
- Copywriting and proof reading materials.
- Screening phone calls and all other communications.
- Assist with mail outs, printing and assorted other client requirements.
- Creating and updating media contact lists.
- Daily monitoring, reporting and analysis for internal and external purposes.
- Assist with collecting and scanning client media pieces.
- Identifying unique marketing and communications opportunities for clients and firm.
- Schedule and maintain client publicity calendars where needed.
- Ongoing research activities for clients and firm.
- Coordination of speaking engagements, photo shoots, and appearances.
- Assisting firm with various duties as needed.
DESIRED SKILLS:
- Strong writing skills are an absolute MUST.
- Knowledge of social platforms like Hootsuite and Tweet Deck.
- Passion for reading and consuming content daily.
- Comfortable communicating in public, over phone, and through email.
- Able to talk to complete strangers comfortably (even though your parents told you not to).
- Able to work proactively, and speak up when you have new or creative ideas.
- Comfortable working within WordPress, or a very fast learner.
- Basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop.
- It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: you must be efficient in the full Microsoft Office suite of programs.
- Knowledge of Final Cut and Keynote a bonus!
- Previous experience using monitoring and reporting tools like MRP and Cision is an asset, but not required.
- Non-conventional thinker, with a passion for trying new things.
- Dog friendly (don’t worry, he’s tiny and hypoallergenic)
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
- We’re in a central location (Yonge & Bloor – right off the subway)
- You’ll develop stronger research and writing skills.
- You’ll be challenged to think creatively.
- We’ll coach you through social media – and help you develop an enviable skill set.
- You’ll assist with pretty amazing events and work with a fantastic list of clients and talent.
- You’ll gain a better understanding of the many facets of public relations.
- You’ll walk out knowing how to piece together a variety of materials for use within the industry!
ADDITIONAL INFO:
- Candidate should be available 3-4 days per week, totaling 20-25 hours a week.
HOW TO APPLY:
Send a sample of your writing and a resume to info@embracedisruption.com. We’re not fans of traditional cover letter format, so write us like a normal human being and tell us why you’re the right fit for Embrace Disruption PR. Please no phone calls – rest assured, we will read your online application.
INFOGRAPHIC: The Dangers Of Being Sleep Deprived
Sleep deprivation. It’s more common than ever before. We’re all guilty of taking our phones, tablets and even laptops to bed with us – making it that much harder for our body to get the rest it needs. Sure, it’s easy to rationalize taking technology to bed: you’re being productive – but at what cost? The clever people at Health Science Degree took time out to examine the issue, and put together some interesting stats that outline the dangers sleep deprivation can bring. So read on all workaholics, entrepreneurs, tech-addicts, PR peeps and hard working individuals – this post is for you!
Did you know:
- Reducing sleep by 90 minutes in one night can reduce alertness by 32%.
- Sleep disorders can result in high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke and obesity.
- Drowsy driving accounts for 100,000 automobile crashes each year in the States.
- Being awake for 24 hours is like having 0.10% blood alcohol level.
- Adults need a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep per day.
All these facts and more in the INFOGRAPHIC below:
Image source: www.health-science-degree.com
Making An Impact: How A Charity or Non-Profit Can Benefit From Public Relations
Photo credit to Pimentel Photography (top, left and right) & Holly Thomas (bottom middle)
When it comes to brand awareness and fundraising, charities and non-profits are faced with a daunting task these days. We’re seeing a shift in the demographic of donors, making it extremely important to target new audiences in order to expose them to organizations they may not be aware of.
In today’s congested world of advertising, it’s hard to make noise among a sea of ads and direct mail campaigns: geared to draw interest and new supporters. Younger generations aren’t taking the time to read through the extensive materials an organization puts together, and they’re certainly not consuming content in traditional ways. It’s important to embrace the disruption happening within this market, and one way to do so is with effective public relations.
PR is often considered an add-on to non-profit campaigns, as many organizations have not had a chance to see its true effectiveness. Having worked recently with organizations like The Starlight Children’s Foundation and Pants Off For Prostate Cancer (click to see image galleries of events EDPR assisted with), we at Embrace Disruption PR have a firm grasp on how to execute a strong non-profit PR campaign.
Here are a few of the PR tactics we use to build awareness for non-profits in order attract a new wave of donors and supporters:
Publicity
Perhaps the most traditional of tactics, publicity can help get your organization in top tier news outlets. Whether it’s to publicize an upcoming event, or shed light on a touching story – PR firms and agencies can assist in getting you on your market’s top television shows, newspapers and magazines. It’s important to note: publicity doesn’t end with securing stories in traditional outlets, it should be inclusive of blogs and other content sources. In today’s landscape, fewer and fewer people are consuming content in it’s physical format – they’re looking online. Think about your research habits – you’re more likely to examine topics that matter to you through online tactics like search engines, blogs/websites and social media, right? That brings us to our next approach.
Social Media
Building meaningful relationships with like-minded influencers and supporters online can prove to be invaluable. It’s probable that many of your supporters are already actively online, talking about your brand or cause. You should be part of the conversation too – always go where your audience is. PR firms can use their established relationships with influential people online, and also build new relevant relationships to help promote and publicize your organization in one of the world’s most digestible content formats. Remembering that the exposure rate for social networking can be endless, having a strong social strategy and presence can be detrimental to building your organization’s awareness.
Blog
If your organization (or PR firm) isn’t blogging regularly, they should be. What better way to control your messaging and communicate to audiences beyond your traditional reach. Showing up in search engines more prominently with quality content can make the difference between a new donation, ticket purchase or even volunteer (elements non-profits can’t ever have enough of).
Sponsorship & Partners
Oftentimes, PR agencies and firms represent or know a variety of businesses that are actively looking for ways to align themselves with charities or non-profits that are meaningful to their organization. Finding opportunities to create special benefits, in-kind donations, sponsorships, conferences, races, galas, and contesting are definitely within the realm of a PR firm’s abilities.
Ambassador Campaigns
Another fantastic addition to your public relations efforts includes securing notable individuals and celebrities to act as spokespeople for your non-profit organization. Most PR firms have strong relationships with talent and talent management, which allows them to identify perfect matches for your publicity engagements or public service announcements. PR pros will often find opportunities to place these spokespeople within media (both traditional and non), as well as in speaking engagements and at events.
With millions of impressions garnered through traditional and non-traditional PR tactics, we’ve managed to build out incredible campaigns for our non-profit clients. If you’d like to chat more about what we can do for your organization, please don’t hesitate to send us an email or call us at (416) 963.9857 – we are based out of Toronto and our reach is nationwide.
#WeeklyDisruptor: Viral, Social and Un-Marketing Expert, Scott Stratten
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 Viral, Social, and Authentic Marketing (which he calls Un-Marketing) expert, Scott Stratten!
1. What’s your official job title, and where did you go to school?
Professional Ranter. Sheridan College in Oakville, ON Canada
2. Elevator pitch. Describe yourself in a nutshell (or sea shell, or
any shell for that matter).
Author, Speaker and kind of a big deal on fairly irrelevant social media
sites which inflates my self-importance.
3. Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?
Trying to stop people from being “sold” ways to market their business wrong.
Ever since I saw a friend do a cold-call immediately after he told off
someone for cold-calling him.
4. What is the best part of your day-to-day?
That I have no idea what day it is. Not looking forward to the weekend,
because every day is awesome and has it’s benefits.
5. What’s the most challenging?
That I have no idea what day it is.
6. If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for
yourself?
Less hair, more books, three more ulcers.
7. How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life?
Disruption is my middle name. Well, it’s William, but it’s Latin for
“disruption”. My entire being is meant to disrupt the ways people do
business.
8. What is the most memorable moment in your career?
Seeing my first book on a store bookshelf was amazing.
9. Do you support any initiatives or charities?
No Kid Hungry (http://www.nokidhungry.org). We have too much to not give children
even a little.
10. Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old.
Resenting the fact that I didn’t start a family band.
11. Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what
would it be?
PokerStars. I have a problem.
JUD997DZKPD5
6 Of The Best PR Podcasts You Might Be Missing
We are addicted to podcasts. They make the perfect companion for the dreaded morning commute or for those quick lunches on-the-go. To those who are not listening to them already, try them out! While you’re at it, why not expand your PR expertise with podcasts that focus on providing the insider must-knows of the PR world? Here are 6 excellent podcasts to check out at your listening pleasure!
Inside PR is hosted by three veterans from the PR world. Every week, they gather to discuss current issues in the field, address listener comments/questions and sometimes, interview other notable PR professionals.
Co-hosts, Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson go on air every week for The Hobson & Holtz Report. They provide professional reviews on all current news in online communications and public relations. Their line up also includes interviews with newsmakers and influencers of the field, along with book reviews and guest speakers.
Hosted by Donna Papacosta, you will hear everything you need to know on how to communicate better with your fellow coworkers and clients with the Trafcom News Podcast. The show provides in-depth discussions and interviews with important professionals in the field of business communications.
Listen to the Six Pixels of Separation podcast for all things marketing and social media. Presented from a digital marketing perspective, it will give you the basics of the all you need to know. Check out their ‘The Twist Image Blog‘ as well for more marketing and communications insights!
Recorded in a local coffee shop every week, Marketing Over Coffee is a 2o minute conversation between co-hosts John Wall and Christopher Penn. They cover topics in both classic and new marketing, as well as all kinds of tips and tricks for working in the field!
Young PR Pros is the go-to podcast for all aspiring interns and young professionals. This is a great radio show to get advice on how to improve and advance your budding career!
What Is Your Social Media Personality?
Much like interacting IRL, each person has their own unique way of exchanging on social media.
first direct (a UK-based financial institution) recently released a study that identified some of the social personalities that are prevalent in today’s online world. You have “The Ultras”, those who check social streams dozens of times per day; “The Deniers”, who insist that social doesn’t rule their lives – but would lose their cool without it; “The Dippers”, who go in and out of their social profiles irregularly; “The Lurkers”, pretty self explanatory; among many others.
Check out this entertaining and perhaps revealing look at what’s becoming a bit of a dirty little habit for some in our connected society.
Our Top App Picks For The PR Pro
In the PR industry, it’s essential to be organized and on the ball. Our clients expect us to be up-to-date and relevant in a variety of industries; so there are a few apps that we have come to rely on here at the office that help us to bring our ‘A’ game every time.
1. HootSuite has many functions. It allows you to monitor multiple Twitter feeds for your different clients and you can schedule tweets ahead of time. You can also monitor mentions and you can select certain news feeds to follow (like a competitor) to stay up-to-date with the conversations surrounding your industry.
2. Zite is a useful tool for compiling top news stories in one app. You can choose the industries you would like to hear about, like social media, politics, current events, PR news, etc., so you can stay up-to-date with what’s going on in the world.
3. Google Drive allows you to store all your documents in one place. On the go a lot? This app is definitely a life saver when you need access to a document but are away on business. It’s also incredibly easy to file share with this handy app.
4. Flipboard is useful for putting all of your interests into one place. Similar to Zite, Flipboard chooses the top news stories based on your selected interests. It also displays your Twitter news feed and you can make your own magazines by saving stories and sharing them with selected friends. It’s great for sharing event ideas!
5. Trello a fancy to-do list and notepad for recording ideas. This app is useful for tracking what you need to do during the day, items that need to be picked up and projects completed. A great app for staying organized while on the go!
6. Facebook Pages is useful if you manage multiple pages on Facebook. Here, you can monitor conversation about your client/business and respond to fans. You can upload and edit photos, send private messages and create posts all from your phone!
#Film Friday: Embarrassing Moments Relived Through Video
Ever have one of those painfully embarrassing moments and wished that everyone would forget about it as quickly as it happened? Well for celebrities, the odds of that happening seems next to zero. The popularity of video sharing, videos from YouTube, Vine, InstaVideo and Gifs now forever immortalizes an embarrassing moment.
Last week, Carly Rae Jepsen threw the opening pitch for Tampa Bay Rays / Houston Astros and embarrassed herself by earning the title of the worst opening pitch. Hundreds of thousands of people have seen the video and thousands more most likely have seen the Gifs created in her honour.
Unfortunately, in PR we cannot control everything that makes it to the media, but we can control how we react to the situation. Whether it’s your client, or you, embracing the embarrassing moment and having a laugh with everyone else is a great way to overcome it and show the public that you human like everyone else.
Take a look at the video below!
#WeeklyDisruptor: Founder of The PR Closet, Alexis Rodriguez
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 Alexis Rodriguez, founder of the famous PR pro blog, The PR Closet!
What’s your official job title, and where did you go to school?
Beauty publicist & Founder of ThePRCloset.com. I attended college at Pace University in Pleasantville, NY, and majored in Literature and Communications with a minor in Art History and Marketing.
Elevator pitch. Describe yourself in a nutshell (or sea shell, or any shell for that matter).
I am a New Yorker. I’m married and live in Manhattan with my husband, James, and our dog, Hendrix, the cutest black Cavapoo. I am a beauty publicist by day and blogger by night. I love writing, teaching, and baking (random, I know.) I love to travel, but hate to fly. I eat healthy, but have a raging sweet tooth and hate working out. I’d rather read a real book than a Kindle. My idea of a good time is a great dinner with friends or going out dancing. I volunteer my time with The Somaly Mam Foundation. I’m tenacious, passionate, honest to a fault, a true go-getter, and a believer in karma. I believe in quality over quantity, and I try to give more than I get.
Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?
I didn’t decide on a career in Public Relations actually. I just kind of found it organically. I started as an international business major in school and switched to Literature/Communications my sophomore year. Then I started taking internships, and the only ones I could ever find were in PR. I didn’t even know what PR was at the time. I landed one working with beauty brands and loved it, so I kept that internship for a while and eventually it turned into a full-time job. I mean, what girl wouldn’t love being surrounded by beauty products all day long? The rest was history…
What is the best part of your day‐to‐day?
Meeting new people. I love networking and learning about other people in my industry, but also welcome any time I get to expand my network beyond beauty and fashion. Meeting new people keeps me on my toes.
What’s the most challenging?
That you are only as good as your last placement. The client moves on very quickly and always wants to know what’s next, and sometimes it is hard to outdo yourself.
If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for yourself?
I am not sure I would look. I would like for it to remain a mystery. If I had to guess, it would be something related to teaching. I just have a feeling that is what my next phase in life will be.
How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life?
I just keep calm and carry on. The nature of a publicist’s life is being disrupted. You have to just accept it and roll with it or find another job.
What is the most memorable moment in your career?
When Diane von Furstenberg personally called me on my cell phone at 8AM in August of 2003 to tell me she wanted to hire me. Definitely a career high.
Do you support any initiatives or charities?
I do work with the Somaly Mam Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to ending human trafficking and to rescuing and empowering those who have been trafficked. Somaly Mam herself was a victim of sex trafficking, sold by her father into sex slavery at a young age. I met her years ago and she touched my heart in such a profound way. I now help raise money for and awareness of her foundation. www.somaly.org
Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old.
I really don’t ever think that far ahead. I can barely keep up weekend to weekend! All I want at 65 is to look back at my life and have no regrets.
Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what would it be?
The Weather Channel!
Calling All Foodies: Our Visit To Wish Restaurant In Toronto
Calling all foodies! … Or anyone who is in the mood to indulge in good food during the perfect summer weather. We have our very first restaurant review for you! Wish was featured in our ‘Embrace Disruption PR’s Best Toronto Patio Guide‘ and as promised, here is a mini-review of our lunch experience.
Located a short walk south of the busy Bloor-Yonge intersection, Wish offered us a quiet getaway with a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The rustic white decor was refreshing to walk into from the constant buzz on the street. We were quickly greeted by friendly stuff and since the sun was out, we opted for a table on the patio. Here is a picture of where we were sitting:
Needless to say, Wish does really well on the atmosphere and decor front.
Wish is currently participating in Toronto’s annual Summerlicious and so their lunch menu consisted of three courses for $15 plus taxes and gratuity. You can view their full Summerlicious menu here. Customers can also choose to order from their normal menu if they wish.
Appetizer
We loved this. The arancini was stuffed with cheese inside and the breadcrumbs on the outside added the perfect crunchy texture. The mushroom and side greens worked really well together as well. The portion was perfect as an appetizer.
Main Course
This pasta dish was really good as well. The sauce was a little on the sour side but only due to personal preference. The turkey was delicious and the ricotta was a good addition to the dish!
Dessert
The dessert looked so good when the waiter brought it over to our table, we forgot to take a picture before digging in! We ordered the Rockie Road Blondie, a chocolate brownie with nuts and creamy caramel drizzled on top. It was moist, chewy and heavenly. The generous portion was nothing to complain about either!
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience at Wish. It is run by friendly and attentive staff, it offers a nice rustic atmosphere and most importantly, it has good food. Try it for yourself! They are located at 3 Charles St. E. in Toronto.
Oh! We must also recommend their Blue Crab Cake with Tomatillo Salsa and Aioli. Get it – seriously.
We hope you enjoyed this mini-review. We will keep you posted on our next food adventures! Happy eating.
