Reflections of My Past Semester

I also must of forgot to make my second blog post, so I decided to reflect on what I have learned this semester in class and at my job.

Taking public relations writing has only furthered my understanding of the public relation field. With so much practice, I have become a better writer and am more confident in my public relations writing. Press releases, media advisories, pitch letters etc. can be difficult, however I feel like I am now more consistent. I also learned about things that I didn't know about before including how to write a fund raising letter, feature story, and social media releases. This class will help me prepare for next semester's PR campaigns course.

I also benefited from the abundance of guest speakers Gee had for us in class. Everything from Mr. Branigan's crisis management lecture to the search engine optimization speaker was very helpful and informative. I'm glad I had the opportunity to listen to such successful communication professionals.

As a public relations assistant for Marquette University Student Government(MUSG), I have had more real life experience than ever in public relations. It is one thing to do writing exercises in class, but I really felt like I got useful experience writing press releases, e-lists, newsbriefs, etc working for MUSG. I also enjoyed writing for our monthly publication, The Voice. It was nice to be able to put what I learned in class into action at my job. You can find my work at the MUSG website, http://www.marquette.edu/musg/communications.php.

Last Blog

After completing my PR project, I feel as though I better understand what public relations actually is. It is so much more than JUST writing. There are so many steps and other aspects that one must evaluate before completing any work. I found that a public relations writer must concentrate hard what the message of whatever one is writing to be constant throughout the entirety of the work.

Being a public relations writer also means that you must follow the AP style format with a close eye. It is important to be clear and precise in whatever you are writing. I will be exercising these tactics all winter break during my internship at Centegra Health System.

Better Late than Never!

Well, as our class comes to a close and we're getting our final projects in and blog posts, I realized that I never wrote my second blog! I was almost certain that I did, and searched all files on my computer for it, as well as the PR Writing Blog because it was not on my own. I guess it was never written and got forgotten around midterms. Since that seems to be the case, I'm adding my second blog now so hopefully all you PR bloggers will get to read it!

Since Christmas is right around the corner, I thought it would be interesting to look at x-mas advertising. I've seen the same 2 Target Christmas commercials just about every day multiple times a day and it's really starting to annoy me. But this got me thinking, are their ads even working? A recent article on Ad Age says they're not. According to the article, a survey found that half of consumers say they're not inspired to shop at the retailer who's holiday TV commercial or online promotion they liked best. That's bad news for these huge retailers like Walmart and Target who are spending millions on their holiday advertising.

The article goes on to say that because of this, retailers should spend more money and time focusing their advertising efforts to consumers who are their target markets rather than the general public. They should also spend more money on in-store promotions through direct mail.

I find this interesting. It seems like a huge waste of money for no benefit at all. These big companies should take a hint from smaller ones. Maybe they should spend more time on Google AdWords, figuring out what consumers are really looking for. They should think before they spend.

Google Enhances Its Social Media Ties

Google will now have, what it calls, a real time search page. Google's new real-time display will be more interactive than the usual static search engine results page we have seen previously. The display will feature a scroll along bar with a pause button that will allow people to stop and start results pages and the paid advertising on the side. With this new infrastructure, google will be partnering with Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace to get help with their real-time results. This will also give the most up-to-date trends for people to be able research.

My first reaction when reading this news story was, what difference will this really make with search results and why did Google think it necessary to take this step? I soon found out! Google's partnering with Twitter comes from the ever-growing competition and pressure Bing is putting on Google's search engine. Google hopes that this new partnership and real time search display for the most updated trends and search results will help leave Bing in the dust. Is this effort by Google enough to keep Bing away? Only time will tell.

Social Media a CRAZE

have learned more about social media in this semester than I have in my whole college career. And I thought I was so ahead of the social media movement. I mean I had my first blog in middle school on http://livejournal.com. My friends and I updated each other daily about our lives. From there I moved onto http://myspace.com in 8th grade where I learned all about networking with "new" people. Then I got nervous when I found out it had over 64,000 registered sex offenders, so I moved on to http://facebook.com once I registered for college. I figured if only college students could go on it, then it must be safe. Now Facebook is open to anyone with an email address. Everyone, and I mean everyone is on it. Businesses and even my dad and aunt are on it now. What is going on? So now not only do we have to worry about our parents seeing what we post, but also potential employers seeking out our profile to see "what we're really like." Then http://twitter.com came about. Now, I'm all about jumping on the social media bandwagon, as you can see, but I was not too keen on it. After hearing about it for a while I finally decided to sign up. I signed up and did not understand a thing. I never went back...until Gee forced a Twitter assignment on us! haha. From there I learned the basics, but still I could not even figure out how to put my picture up. So I had my friend do it. I'm not sure if i'm much of a Twitter-kinda gal but it was good to learn and have the account for any future possible endeavors. I'm not sure where my heads at when it comes to social media, but sometimes that constant communication can be a bit draining and I want to return to the landline and answering machine with dial up internet. Just kidding! But seriously, I'm not sure how much more I can take of constant social media additions and inventions.

Having A Greener Christmas

Going green,and living environmentaly friendly has become a catchy trend. Everything from hybrids,organic cotton clothes, and reuseable shopping bags. But whoever thought that cutting down a tree would be the green thing to do. According to an article on msnbc, scientists say that cutting down a tree is actaully more environmentaly friendly that buying and using a fake on.

In terms of fake trees petorleom is used to make the plastic in them, and a lot of carbon dioxide is used transporting though. Because most real christmas tree and grown on a tree farm, just so they can be cut down, there is no effect on deforestation.

National Geographic also has a lists of ways to have an eco-friendly Christmas.

I know my family always gets a real tree. Something about having a fake one with a pin glade plug-in isn't the same. Also for the past two year my family has been using newspapers and magazines to wrap our presents. We use new ribbon and everything, but wrapping paper always seemeed like such a waste. Plus the presents always look really neat under the tree with all the black and white.

Any one else's family have special holiday traditions that have to do with being green. Whether it be re-using gift bags or stringing up less Christmas lights?

Too Much Media?

For my last elective, I took a journalism seminar class that focused solely on the 2008 Presidential Campaign. I figured this class would just be another look at the election and the candidates involved. The class, instead, focused on the media's coverage during the campaign. We looked at what they covered and why. One of the main things we discovered was that the candidates personal life was at the forefront and their stance on issues was just an additive, if involved at all. My question is when did the media become a tabloid for celebrity gossip. These candidates have become "celebrified" and are nothing more than that. The media pounces on topics like Tiger Wood's latest affair or what the Jon and Kate are fighting about today. Does anybody really care about that stuff? I admit I'm a tmz.com addict, but is this a direct result of overexposure to mindless details such as "Did Tiger leave these flowers for his wife or are they for him?" Back when JFK was president, his affairs were never publicized to the world or made a big deal, but I remember back to 6th grade when Bill was drowning in the Monica scandal and that was all anybody could talk about. As time goes on the media gets more personal, so where does it stop?

PR Blog Number 3

After working on my Company Portfolio Project, I have come to the realization of how important it is to be clear with your words. As I have been writing my press releases, news releases, etc, it is important to make sure that every single piece of information is included so that the receiver of the message is able to get everything they need.

I also think that this project is very helpful so that we can get used to the many different aspects of media writing. Not many classes and/or internships give you the opportunity to exercise the skills you will need in the field of PR.

Something a little different

Something a little different

So while doing my daily check of news events on CNN I found this great piece in the Tech section.
Something a little different in the social media world: Reality Tweeting. Mark Horvath, was once a high paid executive in California. However, he quickly turned homeless drug addict. After finally getting clean, he realized he needed to do something with his life so he roamed homeless tent cities all over and documented his experience via the web on his twitter stream @HardlyNormal.
His Bio section reads "Just a hardly normal guy trying to navigate through an abnormal world by helping others." All by spreading the word through social media. His Twitter brings awareness to issues about poverty and homelessness. It also tells of homeless people he has met. Sad truths in the world today. Twitter informs us of daily events, new products, people's mundane life updates, I'm happy to see it can also keep people updated on the not so great parts of the world and hopefully inspire people to do something about it.
Mark also takes his advocacy a step further. He tapes homeless people's stories and puts them on this website. To put a face to a story has so much more impact. These people are part of our community. Most have just hit a rough patch and are in need of a little help. Mark Horvath is trying to get people to notice that through this new thing hip thing called social media.

World Cup 2010

I am so exciting! Next summer 32 of the best football team will meet again, 4 years after the France- Italy final. Oh, I didn't tell you , I am a HUGE soccer fan ( France is my favorite, of course!!)

The biggest sporting event on the planet, the soccer World Cup, will be held in South Africa next June. Today, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the international governing body of football, held its draw to decide the makeup of the eight groups.

Charlize Theron announced next year's World Cup brackets in her native South Africa.

The group are the following:

Group A: South Africa, Uruguay, Mexico, France
France should easily qualify herself.

Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
It is a pretty easy group for Argentina.

Group C: England, U.S.A, Algeria, Slovenia
The U.S.A should not bother unpacking.

Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
Group D is the group of hospice.

Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
We ll have to see, but I am pretty sure Japan is not a tough candidate.

Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Italy never gets into difficult group.

Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
Spain and Chile should rule the group with relative ease.

Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal
The most challenging group, no question. Three of these teams are potential semifinalists.

In conclusion I will just add : "Lets just hope for a non France vs Algeria draw in order to avoid blood on the streets..." So people won't think that French are savages!! We are NOT, we are very well educated people, I think...

Social Media Press Releases

I give it two years until I leave Facebook. Not because I don't like its features - in fact, I love being able to store my photos online, creep on my friends, and see what my Aunt is up to. No, I plan on leaving Facebook because of a trend that is already starting to happen.

Last week I got a Facebook invitation from my friend Ryan to purchase tickets for the first Milwaukee Wave game of the 2009-2010 school year, a place where he currently interns at. I don't know about you, but I love when I get unsolicited offers to purchase things or give my demographic information. What should otherwise be considered unethical from a marketing standpoint now seems to be okay because of "Facebook friend" status. All I know is that once my friends all get entry level positions and need to start building data-bases, what is now a once a month occurrence is going to be all the time. There is already a sort of pseudo-pressure to reply to friend's requests online, especially if they are good friends. I just hope that this trend doesn't escalate to the point where Facebook creates awkward online social interaction.

In a Failing Job Market, some CEOs offer Hope.

For many the hope of a plush corner office and their dream job seems unattainable in a market such as the one we seniors are about to delve into. I look outside each day and wish I were beginning my years at Marquette all over again. How great it would be to enjoy four more years of friends and fun before entering such a competetive market.

Though most see no light at the end of a long, long tunnel, these CEOs offer hope. In an article by Minyanville, 9 CEOs from different cultures and situations tell their stories with the hope to inspire todays youth.

For example, in July of this year Ursula Burns (Xerox) became the first black woman to be named CEO of a fortune 500 company. Burns grew up in the project of the Lower East Side of Manhatten. She was raised by her single mother, who ironed clothes to pay the bills. She worked hard at her studies and was committed to making a better life for herself and her family, which is exactly what she has done.

Her advice to students is to continue working hard and never to beleive a job is too small.

Each of these CEOs has their own "Rag to Riches" story. After reading that they sold Christmas Cards door to door and sodas at Yankee Stadium to pay the bills, we should all believe that there is a way to build our own empire.

Social Media Gaining Ground with Major Companies

It's amazing to me that, even during a recession, social media use with major corporations is still going strong and even gaining ground. I guess I'd just assume they have bigger fish to fry. Not so, according to this MarketWire article. Apparently 50% of all companies are increasing their investment level in social media monitoring. There is a wealth of free-flowing, unmonitored information on these sites where people feel free to vent, rave, or offer suggestions about businesses and products. In a true testament to how important social media has become, companies are now hiring people with social media monitoring as part of their job description. I think such improvements in this type of monitoring is exciting because it truly does give more power to the people. We consumers have something to say, and social media is quickly becoming one of the best and easiest ways to get our voices heard.

How to Lose a Customer in Ten Minutes

I like looking good. In a professional environment, that mean wearing a tie. Some men hate em', I love wearing ties. I have a pretty good collection and am always looking for new additions.

So when I saw a Facebook ad that read "Four quality ties for a buck! No hidden fees" I clicked.
Ten minutes from that click, they would lose me as a customer forever.
The next page is laid out well. There is a photo at the top, a selection of 18 ties that you can choose from, instructions for ordering on the bottom left and testimonials from past customers on the bottom right of the screen. The bottom of the page even has a guarantee and trust-type seals.

Nowhere on the page is there anything about shipping charges, or any other obligations. At first glance it appears that the site is merely a way for potential customers to sample a company's product at a low price, with hopes of making future customers.

I should have known better.
As I was about to make my four selections, I realized that I had to check a box that stated that I had read the terms and conditions...uh oh.

I don't see any terms and conditions. So I wonder if this company would sink so low as to not include the terms and conditions until after you check the box. Turns out they were. As I checked that I had read them, a new box appears on the page that explains all the terms and conditions.

I finally got it. This wasn't a company looking to supply customers with new ties. It was another scam that insulted my intelligence by actually thinking that I would fall for it.First off, they want $14.95 for shipping and handling. I actually might be able to accept this, even though real shipping is only a fraction of that, because I'm only paying a buck for the ties. Its still less than in a store.

But then I get into the fine print. By buying I'm automatically enrolling in a Wholesale Discount Club for "just $7.49 per month, billed annually." So if I don't tell them within 14 days from my signup date (note, if shipping takes a week, it's only 7 days from receipt,) they're hitting my card for $89.88. For that I get nothing other than the right to buy more ties for $19.99 each (probably plus $14.95 s&h, so they're probably $35 ties.)

Interesting deal - I've gone from an expectation of spending a buck plus some probably outrageous shipping costs to forking over $90 to have the privilege of overpaying for ties for a year. (I'm assuming these ties are of the quality that you would pick up at a Wal*Mart, not a fine men's store - admittedly, I could be wrong.)

But more importantly, they promised me "No hidden fees!" and a relationship I could trust. What I got was clearly not what I had expected.

I'm sure their refund and chargeback rate is astronomical.Lessons to be learned:

1. Don't lie. Lying is bad.

2. If you want to build an offer for something that will be in addition to your advertised offer, don't slide it in on the sly, tell your customers about it, and sell them on the benefits of your offer. Be explicit, and sell it, don't do the bare minimum to pass a legal challenge.

3. Recognize that in today's world the consumer has a voice and that voice can be VERY effective in driving people away from you. Do you want people talking about how horrible you are to deal with, and how you ripped them off, or singing your praises. It's up to you!Needless to say, I didn't buy any ties from this company. I wouldn't recommend that you do so either.

The Changing Media Landscape

There’s no doubt the onset of the digital age and America’s soft economy have changed the role of media.  News consumers are relying largely on newspaper Web sites, Twitter feeds and blogs to deliver news on everything from politics to pantyhose.  This change effects journalists in an obvious way – with abundant layoffs and closures of iconic print outlets, many have lost their jobs or been forced to adapt to the digital realm.

Yet the changing media landscape affects PR practitioners in an equally significant way.  Media relations and pitching strategies can fall out of date daily as reporters relocate, magazines consolidate and newspapers decline.  Such rapid changes can be difficult to explain to clients with little knowledge of the industry.  To help PR practitioners maintain their intelligent reputation during these changing times, many local PR agencies are compiling ongoing records of modifications in print, broadcast and online outlets.  I’ve been keeping a list myself, and would like to share some recent highlights.  For those feeling their way through internships or entry-level employment, it may be helpful to observe these changes and share with senior staff:

Metropolitan Home magazine becomes latest recession victim

1,400 laid off at Gannett

Next season will be Oprah’s last

Comcast pounces for control of NBC Universal

Twitter and LinkedIn announce partnership

Conde Nast to close Gourmet, Cookie and Modern Bride

NBC's Plan to Repurpose Local News

Why so quiet Tiger?

Tiger Woods has been all over the news after last week's mysterious single-car accident outside of his house in California. Since the accident, he has remained very quiet about the whole matter and has made little efforts at commenting. I believe Tiger has failed to efficiently deal with this issue that has caused extensive media coverage.

Many are criticizing Tiger and "his people's" issue management. In the articles, "Woods may be failing 'PR 101', could learn from Kobe, Dave" and "Tiger Woods engulfed in PR storm" the authors explain why Tiger should come clean already.

Tiger needs to make a better statement than he has thus far. He has canceled all police interviews and has made only one statement through his website. If it was just an accident, why the cover-up? Not commenting only makes you look guilty. The media and tabloids will only seek continue to seek answers, which will only generate more unwanted publicity.

I understand privacy, however I think the best solution would be to deal with the issue and tell what really happened so speculation will stop. Put an end to all the rumors of affairs, arguments with his wife, etc.

Tiger Woods is a public figure and role model. Many people look up to him and admire his talent. If something did happen, own up. The public will forgive him and soon forget. If it truly was an accident, make a statement and be done with this whole ordeal.

With all this aside, I still love you Tiger.

http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/sports/19176-woods-may-be-failing-pr-101-could-learn-from-kobe-dave.html

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/12/01/tiger.woods.public.relations/

Black Friday '09

I have worked in retail for three years now, but the holiday season never ceases to amaze me. I was at driving to work at 4:45 am this Black Friday, and although it was pitch black outside, with the amount of traffic around the mall you would have thought it was 4pm on a Saturday evening.

I work at Gap, and this Black Friday our deal was buy one get one free sweater. Pretty good deal I suppose, however... not that good to get me out of bed at 3am. There were people waiting outside our store when I got there! I will never understand.

All day there was a constant flow of people in and out of our store; some were mother daughter couples doing the bonding thing, or wives dragging there husbands from one store to the next. My favorite category however is always (as I like to call them) "the James Bonds" of Black Friday. 3am on Friday is "go time" for them; with purses strung to their backs, mocha frappuchinos and shopping lists strapped to their waists, these women are ready for mission impossible...holiday shopping on a budget.

I have to give them credit for their focus and determination. But it always freaks me out a bit when I hear those horror stories of people getting trampled at Best Buy and Walmart. However good the deals...I mean really, you would think it was Pamplona Spain and the Running of the Bulls when looking at the speed of these people.

This Black Friday, after the couple incidents that happened last year, retail stores have stepped up their game and increased their security and crowd control. Some stores like Best Buy even had practice run throughs with their employees to prepare them for the insanity which would ensue on Black Friday.

I suppose I understand the mother/daughter bonding, or the need to stay on a budget, but waking up at 3am after consuming copious amounts of turkey and potatoes? I'm not sure what kind of deal it would take to get me out of bed (except to go to work to see everyone else that found reasons).

Social MEdia Equals Social Life

Social media is my official way stay in touch, stay informed, and stay educated. Social media is the newest way to keep up with what is going on in the world and what your friends and family members are up to. It is a way to meet new people with whom you can network, and form relationships. It is a way to get information on prospective job opportunities. In our fast pace world, social media has become a very useful tool for companies to use and benefit from.

I personally use Facebook and Twitter. I use Facebook to stay in touch with friends and family members, and to see what is going on with certain organizations and companies that I am interested in. I use Twitter to get up-to-the-minute information on news, job opportunities, and, of course, celebrities.

These are just two forms of social media that I use daily. With so much going on in my life, I use both cites frequently. Both forms of social media are available to anyone, and are free— why wouldn’t someone want to utilize these tools? They are easy, and have so much to offer. My advice: if you aren’t using them, it’s time to start!

Netiquette

Unforunately our Marquette PRSSA group was unable to make it to this year's national conference in San Diego this month, so I did a little research to see what the conference entailed. I wanted to see what other students thought about the presentations they were invited to. I came across this blog posting by a senior student at Ohio Northern University:

10 Tips for Networking Etiquette

It describes some very detailed tips for networking, some that I hadn't even heard of before. In fact, they make a lot of sense. I found a couple especially interesting:
4. Ladies should extend their hand to gentlemen first, allowing them to control whether they are comfortable with the exchange.
This is a neat point because, as a lady, I never thought that men might be uncomfortable with shaking a woman's hand...or vice versa in a networking environment.
8. If the first to arrive at a table for dinner, wait behind your chair or mingle until everyone is present before sitting down.
This is a great observation, because you never want to appear as though you are unsocial (even if you are a bit uncomfortable with meeting new people). Networking events give you an easy way in to breaking your shell and getting your name out there, because everyone is expecting to talk with and meet many people. There's no pressure!

A Rise in E-Commerce, an End to Personal Communication?

As the economy fluctuates and people’s hopes of it going on the rise follow a rollercoaster ride of constant humps, it has been recognized that e-commerce seems to be the way to go. According to an article by Newsweek Magazine Online, there has been an average of an 11 percent increase in e-commerce sales for U.S. retailers in the first quarter of 2009.

The increase of e-commerce sales speaks to the constantly changing nature of the consumer market today. As so many aspects of our lives can now be handled online, the internet’s appeal swallows many people’s hesitations to put personal information out on the web. Consider the following facts:
• In France, there has been a 26 percent increase in e-commerce sales in the first quarter of 2009.
• 35 percent of consumers who belong to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development nations buy goods and services on the Internet, up from 27 percent five years ago.
• European consumers save an average 17 percent if they buy electronic retail goods online rather than in stores.

If this trend continues, will in-store purchasing slowly diminish? Personally, it scares me to think of the great amount of capability the Internet already has. Personal and communal interaction in the marketplace is vital to how our society operates. Although an online nature makes everything seemingly easy and convenient, how will this affect the basic roles of buying and selling in the marketplace?

Online commerce will also affect competition. E-marketing strategies will have to continue to improve, as retailers will need to extend exposure online to reach the consumers who spend a lot of time on the web. Concurrently, e-commerce could conserve great deals of energy and time for both consumers and retailers; if most things could be bought with a click of a button, people wouldn’t have to leave their homes to make purchases, although they will have to wait for items to be shipped. I have recognized only a few of the effects that may result from the steady increase in e-commerce. What do you think? Do the negatives outweigh the positives?

Holidays, a time for family, food, and learning how to spend wisely

The holidays are approaching which means family time, lots of food and presents!!! But the economy is still struggling and this got me thinking, how are people going to balance needs and wants, and will there actually be any presents under the tree? A recent article in Advertising Age comments on this, and the chaos of Black Friday, which is just around the corner.

According to the article, consumers are starting their shopping early. Google research has shown that Black Friday searches have started two weeks earlier than last year, and terms such as "early Black Friday sales" are popular. This suggests that consumers are shopping around for the best deals before making big purchase decisions.

According to the article, research released last week shows that 39% of consumers are planning on spending less during the holidays than last year. Retail stores need to get creative in finding ways for consumers to spend spend spend! Their response: layaway. Check out the Sears website and you’ll see and option for layway. Best Buy and Kmart are doing it too. According to the article, Walmart’s missing out because it got rid of layaway two years ago. I think these large corporations are smart in providing this option. It can be hard to make a decision knowing that a big chunk of money will be gone and will take a lot of working hours to get back.

Overall, consumers are being smarter this year. They’re using lists, which means no more impulse buying. By researching ahead of time, they are finding the best deals. They’re paying with cash and using layaway. They’re being cautious in their spending habits. It may not be the best thing for the economy right now, but I think it’s safe to say that these are some life skills that some consumers never had before, but benefit from now. So maybe an economic crisis isn’t too bad after all if some of us really learned the value of a dollar.

Grand Slam PR Initiatives

In a recent article of The Public Relations Strategist, CEO of Denny's, Nelson Marchioli, talks about how public relations has made one of the nation's largest full-service restaurant chains so successful. Currently, Denny's has more than 1,500 locations across the United States and in six other countries. Earlier this year, the restaurant offered a free grand slam breakfast on February 3rd. Ads were run during the Superbowl, but Marchioli credited the use of strategic public relations to bring the event to the next level. "And on that day, thanks to the PR coverage that we got, we changed the image of the brand, particularly with the media and the journalists here in America. I would have never thought one event could have done that — but it did," he said.

Marchioli also went on to talk about the importance of public relations, specifically when it came to social media. One specific initiative Marchioli used social media for was Denny's new menu and menu changes called, "Better for You". With the growing rates of obesity in the United States, Denny's wanted to publicize menu changes they had made that were more nutritional. One specific target market that the Twitter and Facebook ads were aimed at were mother's who were looking out for their children's health and nutritional needs. Marchioli thinks that although today's consumers may be more engaged, they are also more selective. He argued that it is extremely important to keep up with the groups you are targeting through social media tactics. "PR folks seem to be more attuned to all the opportunities with the Internet at this particular time — far ahead of the marketing folks. And that’s interesting, but anyone who doesn’t become more aware of it and become more focused on who they want to speak to through these various sources is going to be left behind," he said.

Read more here...http://bit.ly/8UQy2B

What Social Media CAN'T Do.

Since social media is so new, everyone is trying to find out the best ways of using it as well as how to avoid misusing it. Some companies are avoiding it entirely. Others are simply trying to understand what it means and what it can do. But, are there incorrect ways of utilizing social media?

Here are Ten Things Social Media Can't Do.

I think this article from Ad Age is a really good discussion of what people are doing with social media these days. Because some organizations (and individuals for that matter) don't understand how to use social media quite yet, this article explains that even though it is fairly easy to use, social media can be abused. I also think that some people don't know what to think of social media because there aren't set guidelines or instructions on how to use it. Certain people are trying to establish themselves as "social media experts," but social media isn't like history where scholars can become experts quite yet. It's still a developing phenomenon.

Mary Pintozzi Post 2

Thinking back to my summer internship, I realized how much goes into the PR work field. I worked in the Marketing and Public Relations department of Centegra Health System. There is so much that goes into the public relations field that I had no idea about. The head of the Public Relations department had so much to do! She had to make sure the the two hospitals were being shown in a "good light" throughout the community. Centegra Health System has such a big presence throughout the northern Illinois area. Kim, the head of PR, made sure that she sent out many Press Releases to the newspapers about new technology, new doctors, and anything that would help out Centegra. There were also events that needed to be told about. Kim is someone who I would love to be just like when I grow up.

Internships: The Starting Point

Internships: we all here about the importance of having an internship when we are in college. In some cases, internships are a graduation requirement, like in the Marquette Diederich College of Communications, in other cases internships are just strongly suggested in order to get an upper hand in the job search upon graduation. Regardless of the reason why you apply for an internship position, the bottom line is that internships are the starting point in your professional career, and the lessons that you learn and the experiences that you encounter will be the basis for your future career.I am currently hunting for an internship in the Public Relations field. When I first began to look, I really had no idea where to begin. At first I was overwhelmed by the idea of finding an internship on my own; however, after talking with a few people who were also looking to apply for an internship, I discovered that the Marquette University website acts as a guide to a number of companies looking for someone to fulfill a spot. The requirements to fulfill the position are listed on the page, as well as a link to read about the company—the origin of your future is literally a click (and an application) away.

PR Writing class at Marquette University: November 9, 1989...

PR Writing class at Marquette University: November 9, 1989...

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/11/09/world/europe/20091109-berlinwallthennow.html

Social networking has allowed manufacturers to improve on customer service by providing a sense of intimacy with their consumers. Traditional forms of customer service like an answering service or email service have been helpful in tracking issues that consumers are experiencing, however a more efficient way to solve these issues is to see live conversations and deal with issues by posting a resolution for all consumers to see. Social networking has allowed for a new type of intimacy to develop. . Manufacturers now have the ability to see what their customers think about their products or services. In past decades it has taken the manufacturer weeks, if not months to gather data regarding their customer’s feelings. Social Networking and the advances in technology have now made it possible for manufacturers to better understand their customer’s wants and needs.

Microsoft is an example of how social networks have helped improve customer intimacy. Microsoft’s involvement began when the company wanted to get their customer’s input on Windows Vista. Microsoft looked to the conversations their consumers were engaging in on social networking sites. They were able to see the frustration and issues their product was creating for users. Microsoft gathered that information and sent the data to their programming department. The programmers were able to pinpoint the major issues and improve their next version, Windows 7.

Social networks now play a key role in developing and strengthening customer intimacy between companies and their consumers. It is important for manufacturers to embrace social networks, and make it a priority to be involved in the conversation.

My Use of Twitter this Weekend and Other Things

This weekend, the organization I am working for our PR Writing Project held is largest event of the year, its fashion show. This year I wanted to implement something new, something that would allow for a greater audience and something that would allow a lot of interactivity, and my answer was Twitter. So for the show, I used our Twitter account to give updates of the happenings of the show, and used Twitter to provide links to photos that I posted online so that I someone who was not at the show and wanted to be there, could at least see what was happening. I thought my Twitter experiment was successful but could use some work. For the success part, I did get tweets throughout the show, ranging from asking questions to compliments of the production. As in Twitter fashion I would respond promptly to them. In addition, our charity, The Wisconsin Humane Society was a follower of my Twitter account and re-tweeted everything that I posted. In terms of what I would change is that I would have liked a lot more follower. I was not given control of the account till about two weeks before the show, and they had their Twitter account sent to private and that they had to accept you as follower. When I was given control there were about 20 people who were waiting to be accepted as a follower.

On another note, there was a death in the Marquette Community this weekend. Since last week, we talked a lot about crisis communication, I think this would be an example of such. How do you think Marquette has been handling the event?

Using Social Networking in the Job Search

As nearly all of us are probably overwhelmed with the future, in terms of where we are going to find jobs, while satisfying our likes, and also being happy with what we are doing with our lives, this random article on CNN Money, seemed to suggest yet another avenue for completing these difficult tasks. The author offers social networking tools, including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, as possible sources to extend our personal marketability to employers. Even though I tend to be a bit cynical toward social networking, which many already know, I found this article to be helpful because I am currently finding that even searching for internships can be a long and daunting task. I can’t imagine what it will be like when I actually have to start looking for a full-time job in less than a year.
The article lists a few ways to assist job-seekers en route to landing a steady job. They go as follows:
1. Follow businesses that you may be interested to work for on Facebook, by searching out business groups and keeping up to date on the group discussion boards that several businesses have now adopted. These boards give relevant information on the status of the company, list the recent conferences and meetings occurring in the company and network you with the professionals inside the company.
2. Instead of using Twitter as another tool like Facebook statuses, use your 140 characters to express a job interest, without sounding desperate. Brad and Debra Schepp, the couple who authored the book "How to Find a Job on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Other Social Networks," suggested that your relevant followers on Twitter will then be aware of what you’re looking for and may be able to connect with you an opening that they know of. Brad Schepp also recommended that like Facebook, you should try to follow the companies you are interested in so that you can keep up with their activities and job openings, if any.
3. Lastly, LinkedIn, possibly the most underscored social networking tool between the three, can also give you a step forward with the job search. Schepp said that you should try to complete your profile with three recommendations from past or current employers, express your goals with pizzazz and personality and don’t try to amass as many contacts as you can; rather, network with people who you foresee having an impact on your future. Schepp also recommends that you treat LinkedIn, much like a business lunch, where you don’t loudly express your need for a job, but instead you say what you can politely and unobtrusively.
Many of us may already be utilizing these tools to make finding a job a simpler task. As much as I do not like to admit it, it is important to represent yourself well on social networking sites because employers are starting to use these more expansively when searching for competent and fitting employees.
If you visit this website, you can also check out what CNN labels the jobs that are the most stressful and pay the least. It also names the top-paying jobs as well as the markets that are growing the fastest- all good to know as we continue to get closer to college graduation. Are you ready?

The Ethics of Twitter

Twitter is seen by many as the next big advance in public relations and marketing - it allows you to direct a message at specific individuals, carry out conversations from miles away, provide links designed to sell products or offer information, and retweet interesting websites or thoughts those you are following post.

Yet with the recent advent of social media as a whole, and specifically Twitter in 2006, the jury is still out on the ethics of such social networking and sharing sites.

For instance, was the tweeting by Hartford Courant football writer Desmond Conner (@desmondconner) at the funeral services of slain player Jasper Howard in October ethical? And on a smaller scale, what about the tweeting via text message by Marquette student and Tribune editor Sarah Milnar (@smilnar) during a memorial service for freshman Andrew Siebenaler, who died Saturday night in McCormick Hall?

These journalists were attempting to share updates not all would be aware of, but could be entitled to. And if if were not these seasoned writers posting, couldn't another person just as easily disseminate the updates via their own Twitter accounts. Personally, I would rather learn that Howard's mother was being strong and comforting his former teammates from a trusted journalist than from Joe Schmo's Twitter post - it adds a sense of legitimacy to the update.

In my opinion, Twitter is a great way of dispersing the news to a very specific group of followers, who follow the account by choice. While I believe neither Conner or Milnar were unethical in their Twitter activity during these services, it is important discover and maintain where a line might lie. Arguably, the funeral of Howard was viewable on streaming video online, and the memorial service was open to all in the Marquette community.

If using social media to share updates at these events is acceptable, when would it not be? The online journalism community needs to establish an updated code of ethics, much like those created and held by PRSA and SPJ, to take into account the advanced in technology and sites like Twitter.

The Future of PR

I received an email from PRSA listing the week's featured articles and thought this one would be interesting, http://bit.ly/46Pz9R. The article was based on a survey of over 2,000 Public Relations industry members. Participants were questioned about several aspects of PR including biggest trends of the future, biggest challenges, top opportunities for growth and success in the future, and the conditions surrounding future changes in the industry.

One interesting finding was that most respondents identified the use of social media as a future trend. Approximately 95 percent said they were planning on using social media for their client in the near future. About half reported that multimedia opportunities on sites like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter would be "extremely significant". The top three challenges reported were managing expanding channels of communication, budgeting resources and demonstrating ROI (return on investment) for clients. One interesting part of the ROI issue was that PR professionals are receiving a lot of feedback on their social media initiatives but CEO's who are 60 and older have more problems understanding the importance of social media.

Other points of interest were the increased levels of two-way communication between a PR firm and its publics. This is when social media initiatives, such as Twitter, allow consumers to report back to companies. Lastly, PR professionals see the future as full of advances in communications technology resulting in more knowledgeable and influential consumers.

Social Media and the Domino's Scandal

All this talk about crisis communication in class made me want to delve into a little more.

Wanna a great way to ruin your company's reputation? Just take a look at the Domino's scandal. Why anybody would do this, I don't know. Its a one way ticket to a pink slip.

Well, a pair of genius Domino’s Pizza employees either didn't think about this or didn't care. They thought it prudent to tape themselves ruining takeaway food and doing horrific things in the kitchen of a Domino's franchise.

This video was uploaded to YouTube and hit nearly a million views before it was taken down. The two employees were identified, tracked down, and promptly arrested.

This clearly shows you how any moron with a camera can destroy the reputation of a well established brand. While socail media is a blessing for PR practicioners, it can also be a curse.So what did we learn? First of all, keep a close eye on all social media. Facebook, twitter, blogger, youtube, the works. Know what is being discussed, what people are saying about you, whether you are in the spotlight or not, good/bad reviews, etc.

News can spread like wildfire especially through Twitter. Domino’s however, was swift in responding to this crisis. They immediately countered with the creation of their own Twitter account (dpzinfo). They promoted positive coverage, tweeted with customers, and most importantly, thanked customers for their support.

Dominos also created its own YouTube video featuring the CEO in an attempt to fix the damage and relay a message of apology and reassurance in an attempt to keep the loyalty of its customers.

Finally, a little more communication between the employees and management probably couldn't hurt. I have to imagine that anyone disgruntled enough to basically sign themselves up to get canned had to hate working at Domino's. Screening for that kind of thing and listening to the feedback is vital.

One last note, I wasn't able to find anything about what Professor Branigan said about Domino's "adding more cameras." So I didn't include that in the blog.

tumblr, tumbling, tumbl

So I started a tumblr. Mainly because my sister's tumblr is so cool. It's basically Twitter and a blog in one. Short posts, interesting, links to other websites, pictures. You get the idea. It's awesome.

I feel like it hasn't gained as much popularity as Twitter or regular blogging mainly because people simply haven't discovered it much. But to me, it seems more substantial than a Twitter and not as time consuming as a regular blog. I'm going to try to keep up with it.

Check it out here.

Does anyone else have a tumblr?a

The Impact of Social Media on Sports

Sporting events are not just games anymore, they are businesses. Professional athletes are not just players, they are brands.  One of the major contributors to this shift has been the use of social media in sports. Fans can now instantly connect with players and teams through Twitter and Facebook, creating a more personal relationship and an insider perspective for the fans.  Shaquille O'Neal is on Twitter with over 21,000 followers; followers who day in and day out can know what he is doing at any given moment. Not only is this beneficial for the fans, but it is also a way for players to build and promote themselves as a brand. Tweeting about their new shoe lines or making an update on their Facebook pages about where they'll be the next day to sign autographs, has allowed more room for the promotion of teams and players alike without the cost of expensive media campaigns. Social Media has made a major impact on how sports teams and players market themselves, their events, and their brands. Social Media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Blog sites have forever changed the way communication streams between fans and the players they love. It is now easier than ever to promote a team, a game, or a player. Our favorite pastimes have turned into a ring of global communication that no one predicted.

Check out this social media video slideshow for interesting information on Social Media in Sports

Facebook's Facelift

CNN's recent article about Facebook's new facelift is yet another social media slap in the face. These sites are everywhere. Facebook's updated look toggles between a main view, which features stories from friends based on the user's habits, and a live feed that features real-time updates from the whole network.

What started as a single-campus site has ballooned into one of the most popular sites on the web. It's a full-blown business. The change in the homepage was made to allow Facebook fanatics to easily find what they missed while they were away- at class, at soccer practice, asleep... "You see the best of the previous day," said product manager Peter deng.

God forbid someone logs off the computer to attend class or sleep. Facebook is the newest craze- a major part of people's day- and the new main page sounds more like a sports highlight reel than a website. What's next?

And the winner is..........

SUETheTRex . Sue has the best Twitter I have ever seen. Sue is the largest, most complete T-Rex skeleton ever discovered. She lives at the Chicago Field Museum and I really can't get enough of her Twittering. The main reasons I love her Tweets?

1. Sue gives me updates about her life, like what she did that day or who came to see her. And a T-Rex's daily life is never boring.

2. Sue is funny. Whether is be her joking about her short arms or loving meat. Her Tweets always make me laugh.

3. The links she post are actually interesting. Like this one. And this one.

4. Sue makes me want to go see her at the Museum. I have actually seen before I started following her. She was cool then but now, even cooler. I can't wait to go back.

5. I imagine some 20 something PR girl writing these every day. She must have so much fun thinking like a T-Rex. It makes me want a job where I can Tweet all day. I never thought I would say that.

So when it comes to Tweeting, it doesn't all have to be informative, or selling a product, building your network, or showing off your stuff. Sometimes it can just be fun and entertaining, nothing more than that. This is the type of Twitter I like.

Does anyone else have fun Twitterers you follow?

jenny

Milwaukee Is Taking Care of Business

I usually explore OnMilwaukee.com for the latest in Milwaukee dining, art, entertainment, music and festivals and it usually seems to always supply some good alternatives to the usual brisk Midwest evenings. However, OnMilwaukee.com isn't only for finding leisure activities around the city but it also provides great outlets for students, employees and business owners to expand their knowledge in fields like Marketing, Public Relations and Social Media! There are great sessions pertaining to these fields that incorporate networking, training, informational sessions, lectures, guest speakers, etc. The website provides an event calendar of all the events happening in the greater Milwaukee area and can even be refined by topic. Once you scroll down the expansive list of what Milwaukee has to offer in the Business realm, the page provides a brief, but detailed, description of the event, price, location, speakers,etc. What makes it even better; the events are not exclusive and anyone can attend the sessions!

Here are some great upcoming events:
Business Marketing Association, BMA, is hosting a dinner presentation on Wed. November 11th at 4:30pm at the Italian Community Center featuring General Electric's Director of Strategic Marketing Jason Cordova. Cordova will speak about his techniques on acquiring more reliable customer knowledge. A Success Seminar will be held prior to Cordova's presentation highlighting how a strong personal brand is important in today's economy. Check it out! http://www.onmilwaukee.com/events/event-98917.html

The Black Public Relations Society, BPRS, will host a diversity discussion forum and networking event featuring guest speaker vice president of corporate affairs at Aurora Health Care Debra Miller on Thurs. November 12th at 5:30pm at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society. Check it out! http://www.onmilwaukee.com/events/event-99265.html

Social Media Training and Three Box Theory Seminar will be held at BizRemedies on Fri. December 18th at 10:30 am. Learn BIZ tips, blogs and forums to create business connections. Speaker Deeatra Kajfosz will present on the "Three Box Theory" which teaches innovative marketing concepts and so much more. Check it out! http://www.onmilwaukee.com/events/event-99122.html

Social Media: Is it legitimate?

With the technology advances today, there are millions of people online who have the freedom to write and post about anything. The problem here is that internet has does not have filters to block information that is garbage or untrue. It allows people to write about anything. There are so many websites that allow interactive blogging that it can be overwhelming. Information may be faulty that others are seeing but government has no laws regulating the flow of information on the internet like it does in other mediums.

There are SO many blogs out there that people post. If you think about it, it is unrealistic that even half of them get viewed let alone read. Bryan Eisenberg talks the top 3 problems of social media, mentioning that a lot of people use blogging as a way to do diary type writing. He questions this theory saying that that is what journals and pens are for. Who really is interested in reading about your personal daily life?

An online article mentioned that social media can be damaging for companies as well. Not only can it publish possible confidential information of companies and their employers but it can also publish information that can harm a companies' reputation. Check out the article by clicking HERE.

No doubt there have been many advantages to social media like communicating more quickly and efficiently, networking and even marketing. The question remains though: Is social media an overall benefit for society or is it creating the ability for companies and individuals to be irresponsible in marketing efforts or disseminating information? I have yet to figure that out. We as individuals have to sort through what information to believe and not believe. It just seems like so much work and too many messages that can be distorted in the process.

November 9, 1989...

The fall of the Berlin Wall and the upheaval that engendered in 1989 constitute a historico-political event of international importance. The opening of the Wall on November 9, 1989 transformed not only Germany, but also the private, professional and social lives of East and West Germans.

On November 9, 2009, Berlin will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with a "Festival of Freedom", during which over 1,000 foam domino tiles over 8 feet tall will be stacked along the former route of the wall in the city center and toppled.

An international project called "Mauerreise" – Journey of the Wall takes place in various countries. Twenty symbolic wall bricks are being sent from Berlin starting in May 2009. Their destination: Korea, Cyprus, Yemen and other places where everyday life is characterised by division and border experience. In these places the bricks will become a blank canvas for artists, intellectuals and young people to tackle the “wall” phenomenon.

Face-to-Face Communication

It’s no secret that Generation Y is the most tech-savvy to date, but in light of all the technological ways in with we communicate nowadays, I cannot help but wonder…

When was the last time I actually went to office hours instead of relying on email? Would I prefer a text message from a friend or actually hearing their voice tone via phone call? How often do I use face-to-face communication compared to Facebook posts and Tweets? When was the last time I received a hand written note? Do we even know how to read body language anymore?!

Obviously, the digital age had done incredible things for our society and I certainly cannot complain. But has the value of face-to-face communication been overlooked?

In this video, a Communication Studies professor says that when the stakes are higher or the topic is clearly important, people will rely on true face-to-face communication rather than email or other digital options.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZaevv1Frv4

Face-to-face communication adds quality, a personal touch. Making the effort to see the person we are speaking to implies that we care enough about them to make an effort and allows us to communicate more effectively. As communication becomes more and more instantaneous, the quick-fix, most convenient ways of communicating are certainly beneficial, but maybe a little more time, effort, and personalization will truly breed the most effective, meaningful messages.

Kohl's First Social Media Video

The reach of social media is growing longer by the second. Yet as more and more brands jump on the digital bandwagon, I can't help but wonder ... Does the social media sphere have a place for every brand?

Taking a huge step forward into the 21st Century, Kohl’s Department Stores has begun execution of a social media distribution strategy.  Most people don't view the Fortune 500 retailer as a tech-savvy company, but the first of a three-video series has already been posted to YouTube. This first video is from a back-to-school event that Kohl’s did with the Dream Center in Los Angeles, where more than 1,500 underprivileged inner-city kids were given backpacks, school supplies and haircuts to get them ready for school.



I like how the video aims to raise awareness of Kohl's goodwill and social responsibility as opposed to its clothing.  It's a side of the corporation many shoppers would not see otherwise.  However, as I look at the mere 372 views, I have to wonder if enough impressions will be made to justify the cost.


Take a look at the first video.  Do you think Kohl's will succeed in captivating the YouTube audience?  (Keep in mind, their target audience is females ages 24 - 54.)

‘Gossip Girl’ Gives Us Something To Talk About

Check out this link and tell me what do you think about it.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/11/04/entertainment-us-tv-gossip-girl-complaint_7087736.html

Where did the integrity in television go, or was I blind to think it ever existed?

TV shows’ directors are aiming their adult themed shows at an impressionable young audience. Shows like Gossip Girl that focus on “teen drama”, tend to have episodes with what most adults will recognize as adult situations. When you think about it the situation, it becomes hard not to see the Parents Television Council side of the argument. When the show Gossip Girl premiered the characters were in the 11^th grade. Ideally, the high school scene would generally appeal to those in high school or younger.

Maybe I am wrong, so lets take a poll. What adults care to watch teen dramas?

If I am correct then there are not many. Meaning, the majority of the show's viewers are teenagers, mainly girls in the age range of 13-21 as opposed to 18-34 as stated by the directors.

Sure the characters are older now because the show is in its third season. However, in relation to the demographic of its teen viewers, the viewer who was 13 three seasons ago is now merely 16 years old. The characters of the show are progressing into adulthood while many of their viewers are still teenagers.

I will not suggest that Gossip Girl ads/episode be pulled from the air because I do not agree with censorship. However, I do think that the show's directors should consider maintaining a level of appropriateness for their impressionable young viewers.

What do you think?

Is Gossip Girl a show truly aimed at adults?

Or did the show directors bait and hook their teen viewers with enticing adolescent experiences?

Academic vs. Creative Ability

I stumbled upon an article on CNN the other day titled, "How Schools Stifle Creativity" - it grabbed my attention because one normally wouldn't think his/her education diminished his/her creativity. I decided to read the article and watch the video commentary and was enlightened by what had been said.

The speaker in the video, Sir Ken Robinson, talked about the difference between one's academic ability and his/her creative ability. He pointed out how our education system (worldwide) has a hierachy of subjects, beginning with mathematics and literature then to humanities then the arts and drama. If you remember, just a few years ago many public schools suffered huge budget cuts and the very FIRST programs to go were music and art. For someone like me, to not have choir or a moment in my day to express myself in the way I most enjoy would have been devasting. Who says that these programs are any less important than anything else we're taught?

Sir Robinson briefly mentioned the overdiagnosis of children with ADHD. The story he shares in the video of a friend of his was very enlightening. Just because a child may not learn the same way as everyone else, talks too much, moves around a lot, finds excitement in drawing on their notebook more than doing math problems doesn't mean s/he needs to be medicated, that is how s/he chooses to express himself. Creativity is the driving force behind one's imagination, a world without imagination seems unbearable to me. School is not for everyone, especially the highest education, so who says it needs to be a requirement to have a BA, MA, or even PhD to be considered "smart"?

Watch the video and form your own opinion: http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/11/03/robinson.schools.stifle.creativity/index.html

Did You Know..?

Hey everyone,

I was busy reading up on my "feature news story" candidate's wiki page and came across a very interesting set of YouTube videos titled, "Did You Know..?". Each of the videos in the series focus on a specific topic. The information presented is mind-boggling. (Yes, I said it, Mind...BOGGLING). Here is one that I found on Social Media.

For example, here is a fact found in the video... "More video was uploaded to YouTube in the last two months than if ABC, NBC, and CBS had been airing new content 24/7/365 since 1948. (Which was when ABC started broadcasting)."

That is amazing. The degree to which social media has influenced and really, shaped, our lives is phenominal. Really, unpresedented by any other means of communication to any other age demographic throughout history.

Another intersting one, "10 Million, the number of unique visitors ABC, NBC, and CBS get every month, collectively. These businesses have been around for a combined 200 years. 250 Million, the number of unique visitors myspace.com, YouTube, and facebook get every month, collectively. None of these sites existed 6 years ago."

This just shows how socially aware and responsive our generation has become. Myself, being one who is semi-torn between keeping up with the times and holding some sort of self preservation, cannot decide whether this is a shift for the better or worse. Check out the video and see for yourself.

Here is another one that is pretty interesting as well. Did You Know 3.0.

Enjoy!

Robin

Lambda Pi Eta up-coming events!

Hi everyone,

There are a few upcoming events that Lambda Pi Eta (Communication National Honor Society) is sponsoring this month that I thought you might all be interested in. I hope this finds you in time to attend the lecture today!

October 28th, 2009 - Dr. Larry Frey will visit the College as a guest lecturer from the University of Colorado-Boulder. Dr. Frey's interests include group interaction, communication activism, communication and social justice. He will be doing "Soup for Substance" at 12:30 in the AMU room 157. He also will be giving a lecture, "Weaving Social Justice Teaching into the Disciplines," at 3 p.m. in the 707 building, room 303A. To reserve a seat please RSVP by email.

October 29th, 2009 - Lambda Pi Eta will be holding a Halloween Bake Sale to raise money for the Giving Tree from 9am-3pm in the lobby of Straz. There will be lots of goodies to grab for a small donation. This is a great cause, so please come support LPH. For more information please visit the LPH website!

November 5th, 2009 - LPH will be holding the annual Internship Seminar from 6-7:30 p.m. in JH 303. There will be speakers from several different businesses, covering all of the majors in the college as well as corporate, small business, and non-profit. This is open to the whole college and I encourage you all to attend and possibly get an internship out of it!

Again, I encourage you each to attend some or all of these events! Hope you all have a great Wednesday...it's almost HALLOWEEN!! :)

-Robin Hanke

Matching Social Media with Real Life

I was reading this blog by Chris Brogan that I found while on alltop.com looking up PR news. I think he makes a good point when he asks, "Does your social media experience extend to your other points of human contact?"

I'll get back to that point in a second, but first: I was giving a tour for Marquette's Office of Undergraduate Admissions today to a guy from the northern suburbs of Chicago (go figure). He said that one of the reasons that he wanted to check out Marquette University and why he's never even thought to go visit Loyola Chicago is because "Marquette is everywhere. I mean, you guys advertise on Facebook and you're on Twitter and stuff."

The Chris Brogan blog really reminds me about this. Why does Marquette use social media? My answer- because Marquette knows how to use social media and their message on social media matches their in person message. MU's social media is very mission driven and provides news and advertising that relates well to what is happening on campus, as well as advertising to students who very much appreciate hearing about the school through these non-traditional routes.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions prides itself on personal tours and great service. One of the things that we have been doing for three years now is creating Facebook groups for prospective MU students where tour guides answer their questions. I think this is a great way to connect what the office does in real life to what they do on social media.

Advice for Finding a Job in a Recession

In times like these, everyone's been nervous about finding jobs...but students more than ever. It used to be that simply having a college education was a foot in the door. However, these days, that isn't necessarily the case. The market is getting more and more competitive, and with so many people losing jobs lately, it's only getting worse.

BUT, there is hope. We all just have to be even more persistent and keep sticking our necks out. We also may have to "settle" for opportunities that may not be our first choice. However, I believe that it's a good thing to try to diversify ourselves anyway. Check out this link to some advice for finding great opportunities in a recession.

http://www.mnheadhunter.com/mh/2009/10/finding-great-job-opportunities-in-recession-take-two.html

Mad Men & Sesame Street-Interesting!

NLR-

This is a very interesting concept. I have only seen little bits of Mad Men here and there, but I do think it's great that the key concepts of the show are being utilized in other places. Sesame Street is and always has played a key role in childhood learning and development. The show has always been highly rated. I think it was a great idea to incorporate concepts from Mad Men in the show. I think that also shows why Mad Men is so highly acclaimed as well...it focuses on always relevant underlying concepts.

What a unique connection...