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.

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/

Launch of New Public Relations Agency, VoxPop Public Relations, LLC; Shannon Troughton Named 40 Under 40 by PR Week

A public relations firm has just opened its doors. Shannon Troughton, the former Vice President of Corporate Communications for WellPoint, has just started VoxPop Public Relations, LLC. VoxPop Public Relations is a strategic public relations agency that helps companies and organizations accelerate their growth, profitability, reputation and market presence through media relations, product launches, new media, events and promotions, messaging and media training, trade show support, and issues management.

Shannon Troughton was also named one of the 40 Under 40 by PR Week. Troughton has worked in PR for almost 20 years and has seen a need for more "boutique" PR agencies. She has a diverse background in the PR field and her new agency has topped her list of successes.

I think it is important to reconize people that have taken risks and seen them pay off. By starting her own PR agency in today's market, Troughton has demonstrated her ability to be successful in a tough market.