http://www.prspeak.com/ en Copyright 2008 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:44:36 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Is the PR industry's reputation getting worse, or just suffering from a lack of understanding? A post put together for today's internal brown bag discussion... We're all working through that question, as more "bad pr" pitch / stunt / email / telephone call blogs become popular among reporters, bloggers and even the PR industry itself. "Outing" particularly grievous PR errors has become a sport, and dustups between annoyed pitchees and pitchers has overshadowed the value good pr brings to organizations. It's a frustrating cycle and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. Examples of "bad pr" sites include this recent addition, the original "bad pitch" blog , and there are many more. We need to revist this question more frequently now that there are so many new channels for communicating with each other. Just the other day I had a conversation with a PR Week editor working on a story about how social media tools are changing the way PR communicates with its audience of editors, reporters and bloggers. The conversation revolved around whether or not social tools were appropriate for pitching the media. (for the sake of this post, "media" will be an all-encompassing term). I couldn't think of an easy answer because I believe it's a matter of preference for each party. Some media are perfectly fine receiving pitches through Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and other social sites. Others are very definitely not fine with that approach. The key for anyone in PR is to do their homework, not be lazy and remember that social sites are first and foremost, social (although you can make an argument for LinkedIn as the most business-oriented). Even though these sites are always on I'd equate pitching someone through them to getting work calls long after hours. It'd be annoying to you, and its annoying to media (again, with the caveat that if you've been invited by a reporter to contact them that way, all the power). I'm of the mind that social media tools used in business are primarily for "gathering intelligence," rather than first contact. If you're fortunate enough to be brought into someone's social circle, don't immediately and foolishly take advantage of that access. Use the tools for what they're good for: learning more about the person sharing their lives through them. You'll be a much better PR person if you do more listening than talking, and benefit from creating pitches with real value to the particular target. ]]> http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/06/someones_not_getting_the_messa.php http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/06/someones_not_getting_the_messa.php bad_pitch_blog flacks pr press press_relations Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:44:36 -0500 presidential candidates. One of them is actually phenomenal at using these techniques effectively (in my humble opinion) and one – well, not so much. Next time you’re listing to an interview on a difficult topic, listen for the number of times a candidate says “the real issue is …” and totally shifts the subject! ]]> http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/06/post.php http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/06/post.php Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:00:28 -0500 Celtics/Lakers game on Father’s Day, but we all did regardless. The beginning of the game seemed like a replay of Game 4 and Boston fans hoped for another historic comeback, which simply didn’t happen. Boston is clearly the better team, they have team chemistry, they have veteran experience and they’re even tempered and mature. The Lakers, on the other hand, are inconsistent, they can’t seem to figure out who to match their guys up with, and there’s overall tension on the team (random thought: is anyone else disturbed by Lamar Odom’s tongue flapping sessions?). They were lucky to win Game 5 - their home court definitely gave them a slight advantage. I think Celtics fans are a tad bit happy that there’s going to be a Game 6 in Boston – we would’ve loved to have won a championship in LA on Sunday…but winning at home, in the Garden, well, there’s just nothing like it… Here’s to Game 6 – let’s hope it’s one sweet victory – something Boston fans haven’t tasted since 1986… ]]> http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/06/17_will_be_sweeter_than_16.php http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/06/17_will_be_sweeter_than_16.php Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:25:33 -0500 Publicity Club of New England hosted the event at the Westin Waterfront in Boston. PAN Communications walked away with Six Awards last night - clients that were recognized included KANA Software, PlayNetwork, Commonwealth Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation and Hydro International. A nice mix of representation from all three of our portfolios... And I can tell you that we're already eyeing many more next year based on the tremendous work being generated here..... Congrats to all the winners last night. ]]> http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/06/industry_recognition.php http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/06/industry_recognition.php The PR Business High Technology PR PR Professional Services PR Public relations awards consumer PR Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:53:16 -0500 Toyota Prius from Chicago to New York City on only one tank of gas. One tank of gas you question? Yes, as part of the CBS morning program, "The Early Show," Wayne Gerdes is trying to drive this car roughly 792 miles with only one fill up of a less than 12-gallon gas tank. It's a great segment and ultimately will have valuable information (when he gets to NYC this evening) when facing gas prices estimated to rise above $4 per gallon within the week. Wayne Gerdes operates the blog, cleammpg.com, that is designed to help balance the environment and raise mileage per gallon - the term is called hypermiling. Hypermiling is not new, Mr. Gerdes ran a very thorough post on his site nearly two years ago about hypermiling with a very detailed "how to" that explains the concept. As discussed during the program, hypermiling will definitely tick off other drivers, especially those in a rush, but it will save on fuel consumption considerably. When I purchased my Subaru several years ago, it cost $15 to fill the tank, today it's above $50 and rising. Crazy. So while I am interested in purchasing a larger SUV, the hypermiling makes me think twice about what vehicles I do want to drive and may even help me conserve should I get my larger vehicle. We look forward to hearing what you have to say on the topic of hypermiling ... can you do it? ]]> http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/05/hypermiling_can_you_do_it.php http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/05/hypermiling_can_you_do_it.php Mon, 19 May 2008 11:13:36 -0500 The media has made it clear that they detest being spammed with press releases and off-track pitches. In fact, many bloggers and editors alike have published lists of Naughty Spammers, calling out repeating offenders. Their requests for researched and customized pitches that offer unique and useful data, experts, and insight is of course legitimate. No one likes spam. So it has been noted - A pitfall PR professionals must work to overcome is how we utilize one of our most basic tools, the press release. So, how do we walk the fine line between newsworthy and spam? Brian Solis of FutureWorks contributed a noteworthy blog post to TechCrunch on this subject and outlined the different types of releases (Traditional, SEO, and Social Media). More importantly he discusses how the press release can still be relevant if developed correctly for today's more diverse media/new media landscape. "Let's help them, help us in the process," Solis states. By golly I think he may be onto something. Check out the post and feel free to share your thoughts on what you see in the future of the press release. It's not a static subject and deserves some discussion! ]]> http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/05/press_release_dont_have_to_be.php http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/05/press_release_dont_have_to_be.php The New Press Release New Media New Press Release TechCrunch pr Tue, 13 May 2008 10:54:37 -0500 worker productivity . Are the gas prices bringing you down? What are you doing to change your ways or save some dollars in your pocket?]]> http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/05/gas_prices_bringing_you_down.php http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/05/gas_prices_bringing_you_down.php Work Space commutes gas prices worker productivity Wed, 07 May 2008 17:01:22 -0500 World of Grains, new whole grain snacks. As I handed out samples and information to the families attending I was amazed at the detailed questions and comments I received. - How much sugar? - Does it have wheat? - Does it have quinoa? - I am on a gluten free diet. - I am on a vegan diet. It is apparent that Americans have read a lot about ingredients and nutrition and are hungry for more information. You cannot open a women's lifestyle magazine without a new health food or study featured. The media is in a constant search for the latest "good for you" food and the readers are consuming it. As a PR professional I really enjoy leveraging the experts I have on hand to deliver the facts to the media and in turn the consumer. Recently, with World of Grains we partnered with the experts at the Whole Grains Council to provide the media tips on how to spot healthy whole grains in the supermarket. The outreach benefits all parties -- gets the word out about the healthy product options, highlights the organizations' mission, sells the magazine, and most importantly gives the consumer the facts to live better. ]]> http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/05/hungry_for_nutrition.php http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/05/hungry_for_nutrition.php Blogging Tue, 06 May 2008 16:49:32 -0500 BusinessWeek where it discussed Apple's move into corporate American offices. It got me thinking, do we as employees have a choice in what technology we can or should be using? Should we have a choice or should employers standardize across the organization? We have a client, InterNoded,that says that in the coming years workers will bring their own mobile devices into the office and expect the company to support it. I can see it more with mobile devices, but what about desk/laptops? Should employers have reimbursement programs set up so that you and I can go buy our own system and synch it up at work? What do you think? (Dom, take note, Juniper is starting to roll out some Macs to its workforce...) ]]> http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/05/workers_choice.php http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/05/workers_choice.php The PR Business apple desktops mobile workforce Fri, 02 May 2008 13:56:38 -0500 NetworkWorld, CNET, The Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek, and many more than are listed here. Ultimately those changes are reflected within the responsibility of members of the media who formerly wrote only in print are now also active in a wide array of multi media pursuits. Wall Street Journal Reporter Wendy Bounds not only edits and writes a column/pieces about small business for the paper, she also writes a column on home improvement called "About The House," and pens a small business blog called "Independent Street" . Additionally, she is a regular contributor on the Good Morning America television program. Wendy is not alone, many reporters are so active across so many different mediums, that we can no longer rely on the traditoinal beats. In fact a resource at eWeek magazine recently shared with a colleague that he no longer has a specific beat, rather he is allowed to pursue any type of story that interests him. This individual also is active across many different media fronts including blogs, print and more. What this means for PR practitioners is that we have to be more on top of what our contacts in the industry are covering and how they are covering their stories. Many are expanding into new areas of coverage, have more deadlines, additional requirements upon them and additional scopes of responsibilities. And this isn't for only the print reporters, but also reporters in the blogosphere as their sites are becoming more comprehensive as well. Ultimately, for PR practitioners this means going back to the basics, and the most important PR basic is building solid relationships. Whatever business one is in, it has always been the relationships that help get the job done. Contacts are key, and developing relationships, building and maintaining relationships are the key to having the connections when your contacts become so busy that they don't have as much time to foster new relationships or have lengthy conversations. You need to trust your insticts that you have built solid enough relationships, so that your contacts trust that the information you can provide is of value to their readers. And no two relationships are alike, so it really comes down to how you can communicate best with another human being - be respectful and realistic of thier needs and calendars, stay on top of what each reporter/editor/blogger is covering, be open to cues that may be given to you and learn how to work with each person according to their needs. ]]> http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/04/in_the_world_of_evolving_media.php http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/04/in_the_world_of_evolving_media.php Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:56:06 -0500 ( image SKelley Cartoons) Let's start a healthy discussion, how much did a tank of gas cost you this week ? Here are some tips to help you preserve that investment. ]]> http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/04/4679.php http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/04/4679.php Random Interest Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:36:48 -0500 draft. Then followed by weeks of mini-camps, the typical two week break in late June and then right into training camp come July. Being someone that has an interest in the sport of football, each year I am amazed at how fast the NFL has grown to become America's true pastime. I was always one to believe that baseball was it - growing up in the Tri-State area, I was inundated with NY sports news - even had the the Mets on WWOR-9 with Ralph Kiner and Tim McCarver calling games and then the Yankees on WPIX-11 with Phil Rizzuto doing the call. That was it. And during the fall, you were lucky you got two NFL games during any given Sunday (and for me I was guaranteed a Giants or Jets game due to location...) But today, the NFL has its own network (that costs you money now - what a scam, but that's another topic), year-long weekly update shows on the sporting networks, combine coverage - and now even college football spring practices are being televised. So the sport of football has grown in interest - way past that of baseball or the other ones going on. But this weekend, the NFL Draft takes place. This is where the agents and publicists make their money and where GM's and scouts get fired. There will be more busts than prizes in the draft and organizations will make million dollar(s) investments in 21-22 year old players that have been on their absolute best behavior for the past four months - as to not jeopardize their draft status. It is a credit to the NFL and all the marketing folks and executives that they've been able to build up the interest in this annual event. They'll once again sell out Radio City Music Hall, Jets fans will boo whoever they pick and the suits will be outrageous - that's for sure. So here's to the football junky in all of you. Good luck following along this weekend. Oh - and for those of you interested, here is something that should stir up some level of emotion. A story about a West Point cadet who is considered an NFL prospect - but remember the five year commitment those at West Point must honor - or do they? ]]> http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/04/americas_favorite_pastime.php http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/04/americas_favorite_pastime.php Random Interest Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:41:37 -0500 Network World 'Whiteboard' - We're seeing more and more traditional magazines and dailies go the video route - even our backyard paper the Boston Globe is making a point to add more video coverage. Not that traditional media briefings and opportunities have gone away, it's just another way to get your clients message out there. Check it out: http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1243511167/bctid1517411419]]> http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/04/ever_changing_ways_to_secure_c.php http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/04/ever_changing_ways_to_secure_c.php The media PR media relations video coverage Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:49:52 -0500 Web 2.0 this week, Interop next week and Sapphire during the first week of May. With all of the hustle and bustle of tradeshows, product launches and media tours, I wanted to stop and call out a few key points and best practices to make that help to make our client’s tradeshow experience successful. First and foremost – start early – planning is key when you have multiple clients going to multiple events. For Interop next week, three of PAN’s clients BlueCat Networks, CiRBA and Patni are going to be onsite. We took this opportunity to work collaboratively rather than having three different PAN folks contacting the same pre-reg. list. By keeping each other in the loop when speaking with a reporter and by discussing the fact that all three clients were going to be onsite, we minimized outreach efforts and maximized reporter relationships. Additionally, Interop has done a stellar job in keeping PR and marketing efforts organized. The event planners held a conference call for those attending where we learned of specific deadlines, approval processes and where we can get pre-reg lists. Interop keeps all of this information on an exhibitor extranet. The process has been very organized and the planners have been a pleasure to work with. In addition to the media who have registered for the show, the three teams outreached to their beat reporters to see who would be attending, since many reporters decide last minute and never make it to the pre-reg. list. This process has been very helpful because we’ve uncovered some new targets. In addition it has given us good reason to check in with our beat reporters and has led to other discussions and in some cases editorial opportunities. Finally, a newer best practice that we have put into place is reviewing the exhibitor list for publishing companies. More and more, publishers are getting booth space to drive vendors to them, rather than the historical stance of walking the show floor. Of course, their purpose in having a booth presence is to drive ad dollars, but for PR, this is extremely helpful because we’ve let our clients know which publications will be onsite and recommended that they drop by the booth to strike up conversations. With all of the above in place, our clients have booked several meetings leading up to the show and several onsite appointments. We are primed and ready to take our events by storm. Good luck to all of you who are attending events in the coming weeks. ]]> http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/04/tradeshow_season_is_here_are_y.php http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/04/tradeshow_season_is_here_are_y.php The PR Business Bluecat Networks CiRBA Interop Patni Sapphire Web 2.0 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:19:52 -0500 Twitter. It’s all the rage in certain circles. In case you’re not yet in the know, Twitter lets you give text message-length updates via the Web or SMS to people you want to communicate with. Simple as that. Why use Twitter? Some people are still figuring that out. Is it just a waste of time? Granted it can be distracting. Do we really need to know what friends and coworkers are doing every minute of the day? In marketing and PR in particular, people are beginning to use it to get tips on stories from reporters, get quick feedback on ideas, and post links to a site or story they want to promote. Sound intriguing? Spend a few minutes watching this “Twitter 101" explanation. Decide for yourself. http://youtube.com/watch?v=OYHUOESHpVk ]]> http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/04/do_you_twitter.php http://www.prspeak.com/archives/2008/04/do_you_twitter.php Blogging social media Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:25:06 -0500