A Skipped Generation (Oldham Post)

Over the past few days, I have been researching a company and beginning to do PR work for them. I have met with employees, the owner, and customers. I have outlined an agenda, and researched their competition. I found that their biggest flaw was the way they were presenting themselves, and making the public aware of them. They were not advertising in any way, shape, or form, and had just started a website 6 months prior.

I notified the boss on my findings, and told him that incorporating social media into the business would be a perfect way to appeal to a broader audience. To say the least, he was not sold on the idea. He did not understand how a simple "status update" could promote an entire business. He did not get why a "tweet" could make a college student choose their company versus another. He did not see the importance of all these "dating networks" (as he referred to them).

After hearing his opinion, we sat down and had quite the conversation. I explained to him that the younger generation thrives off of these sites. I gave him examples of college students and their blackberry phones and mac books, and how phone books are a thing of the past. The younger generation uses google to find out contact information for every business, person, and event. People like these networking sites because they are fast, simple, and convenient.

Fortunately, the boss quickly began to understand the importance of social media, and had a desire to appeal to the younger generation. i am pleased to say, the company has increased their marketing and PR skills, and in return, has increased their sales.

Positioning Yourself (Oldham Post)

Recently, I have been learning about what it exactly means to "position yourself." I have learned that one of the best things to do, is to figure out who you are. You must figure out what you like to do, what you dislike, what you do well, what you don't do well, etc. Positioning one's self is essential to being successful in your chosen career, in relationships, and to be an overall happy person.

I never quite understood the importance of this concept until recently. I always wondered why some people could seem to sell themselves to absolutely anyone in an interview, while other's stood there frozen like a deer in headlights. After an experience with a former professor, I realized how blinded I had been in my thinking. People who succeed in interviews, and give off a good, positive image, are people that have "positioned themselves." Even if they are not comfortable with a certain thing, they are so comfortable within their own skin, that they can "fake" it, and no one will know. At first this seems really simple, but several times it can take a lot of thought and time to perfect it. In fact, I think we are always "positioning" ourselves. As we grow and learn, we change. Therefore, we must constantly be answering back to the question of who we are.

Final: Press Release 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 18, 2009

Utah State University Activities Committee

Josh Nagao, Director

USU Taggart Student Center, 326

801-660-0048

USU Hosts the Largest Halloween Party in Utah for the 31st Year

Local Businesses Work with Students to Bring National Entertainment to USU

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State University will host the 31st annual Halloween party, known as ‘The Howl,’ in the Taggart Student Center on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m. With the help of local sponsors, and student volunteers, the party is expected to have entertainment to please all 6500 expected guests.

Nationally recognized dance group, Massive Monkees from season four of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, will be performing alongside of USU’s dance crews Vilociti and Full Circle. Entertainment will also include Mentalist Craig Karges, an oxygen bar, King Niko Band, a DJ, movies being played throughout the night, as well as several games and competitions.

“On behalf of USU and local sponsors we are fortunate to be able to bring exceptional entertainment this year. We (USU Activities Committee) have worked hard to make sure there is plenty of variety and something for everyone,” said USU Activities Director Josh Nagao.

Local businesses that helped sponsor ‘The Howl’ include USU Charter Credit Union, and Vooray. This is the first year that local businesses have donated money to support ‘The Howl.’ According to Nagao, the sponsors enable Utah State to go beyond their set budget and bring a broader option of entertainment this year.

The theme for ‘The Howl,’ this year is ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ with the slogan being “Unhinged Reality.” Guests should expect a chilling version of the Disney movie, with “mad hatters,” “rabbit holes,” and dark “caterpillar forests.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Student Association (LDSSA) is working with the USU Activities Committee, for the second year in a row, and helping plan several games and competitions that will take place on the bottom floor of the TSC.

“The institute has been a great help this year. I appreciate their support, and their willingness to help,” said Nagao.

Tickets can be purchased at the USU ticket office located in the USU Spectrum. The rate for USU students is $15 or $10 with a discount card that will be available in the Statesman. Non-USU student’s rates include $20 in advance, and $25 the day of the event. All guests must present a valid state or USU ID at the door.

No props, masks, or weapons. Generally offensive dress will not be admitted.

For more information:

Lacey Saxton Nagao

PR Specialist

208-380-5778

The Utah State Activities Committee (STAB) is responsible for planning all major activities throughout the year. The committee meets every Tuesday at 8 p.m. on the third floor of the TSC. Any students wanting to help plan events are encouraged to come.

-END-

Final:CVAIA Media Pitch

Email Subject Line: Local Club Teaches the Keys to Financial Independence.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 13, 2009

Emilie Wheeler, Editor

The Herald Journal

75 West 300 North

Logan, UT, 84321

TEACHING KEYS TO FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

Cache Valley Area Investors Association Allows for Financial Independence

Dear Emilie,

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is committed to teaching members how to increase their passive income, and become financially independent for life.

Several people may not understand the concept of passive income. According to Preston Parker, president of CVAIA, passive income is money you get in return from investments. While you must actually work for earned income and think about it, passive income does not require any thought. Passive income is determined by how long you will last financially, if you stop working. When you are able to live off of your passive income, you are financially independent.

Parker started the organization 2 years ago, with a hope to better individual’s lives. “I want people to be happy, people are complaining about their jobs, but they don’t need to. This is America, the land of abundance. We should all be able to have jobs that we love. Passive income makes this possible,” said Parker.

The CVAIA meets every other Thursday in the Cache County Chamber of Commerce at 160 N. Main St. in Logan. The next meeting will be held on Oct. 1, at 7 p.m. I feel like Herald Journal readers would be highly interested because it is a local club free of cost, and available to everyone.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the CVAIA. Press kits and interviews are available upon request.

Lacey Saxton Nagao

Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA)

PR Specialist

208-380-5778

-END-

One of My Favorite Quotes

"Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't." -Eleanor Roosevelt.

You cannot always please everyone. I believe this is what Eleanor Roosevelt was trying to say. In a world that thrives off success, popularity, and always "being on top," it is important to do what you feel is right.

Draft: Email Media Pitch

Email Subject Line: Local club teaches the keys to financial independence.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 13, 2009

The Utah Statesman

http://www.aggietownsquare.com

TEACHING KEYS TO FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

Cache Valley Area Investors Association Allows for Financial Independence

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is committed to teaching members how to increase their passive income, and become financially independent for life.

President of CVAIA, Preston Parker, said, “The biggest problem with financial independence is people don’t understand what passive income is and how to get it.”

Several people may not understand the concept of passive income. According to Parker, passive income is money you get in return from investments. While you must actually work for earned income and think about it, passive income does not require any thought. Passive income is made possible through investments. It is determined by how long you will last financially, if you stop working. When you are able to live off of your passive income, you are financially independent.

Financial independence is achieved when you have a higher passive income then expenses. It is quite simple; you must either increase your passive income, or decrease expenses. Passive income does not mean financial freedom. There are many people that have a high-earned income, but are not financially independent.

Once you learn to become financially independent you no longer have to worry about money. You can have a job that you love.

Parker started the organization 2 years ago, with a hope to better individual’s lives. “I want people to be happy, people are complaining about their jobs, but they don’t need to. This is America, the land of abundance. We should all be able to have jobs that we love. Passive income makes this possible,” said Parker.

The CVAIA meets every other Thursday in the Cache County Chamber of Commerce at 160 N. Main St. in Logan. The next meeting will be held on Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.

Professionals that are financially independent will be speaking at the meetings, and a question and answer period will follow. Parker encourages everyone to come to the meetings. No fee or experience is required.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the CVAIA. Press kits and interviews are available upon request.

Lacey Saxton Nagao

Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA)

PR Specialist

208-380-5778

-END-

My New Obsession

I am becoming a slight bit obsessed with Eleanor Roosevelt quotes. I think they have substance that we can apply to life today. It makes you think of the simple things in life. She says things that are so simple, but with a twist. They make you think. The quote for today:

"No one can make you feel inferior, without your consent." -Eleanor Roosevelt

The Death of Print (Oldham Post)

"It’s such a phony war, print versus the Internet. So much of print has one foot in on the Web these days--New Yorker writers blog, Times reporters shoot digital video. And the so-called old lions are turning out wonderful journalism--see our Cheat Sheet, which is agnostic about print or online journalism, on a daily, hourly basis.”
--Tina Brown, former magazine editor and now the roar behind The Daily Beast.


I have mixed feelings on this quote. The Internet is consuming all printed newspapers. Internet is so convenient, and very appealing, especially among the younger generation. With the growing technology, you can now read the news virtually anywhere- even on your cell phone. You can also find news for free on the Web, versus paying for a daily newspaper. It is no question that the Internet is giving print "a run for it's money."

When it comes to better quality, Internet versus print, I am not sure if you can say one is better than the other. Yes, anyone can upload something to the Internet. But, as a reader you choose where you go to read your source of news. For example, The New York Times, is available online, and I am sure that the writing quality online is just as good as the hard copy.

This is an interesting topic, and one that I am anxious to follow. I do not believe that print journalism will completely die, but I do believe that it will greatly decrease as it already has.

News as a Continuous Circle (Oldham Post)

"The bloggers are talkers, commentators, not reporters. The talk-show hosts are reactors, commentators, not reporters. The search engines can search but do not report. All of them, every single one of them, have to have the news in order to exist and thrive."
--Jim Lehrer, journalist and host of PBS's "NewsHour," 2007
(Speech at UT-Austin, 11/6/07, American-Statesman)

I came across this quote today and found it to be quite true. However, at the same time, I had my own thoughts on the matter. Several times I have thought that everyone can be a reporter. All people who blog are writing stories, and updating on their own personal lives. I guess the question comes down to - is that really considered news? As people, we make the news. The events that we consider to be of high value and interest is what makes it into the news. News is like a continuous circle; people make the news by becoming curious, journalists report the news, and in return people write stories and talk of the current news.

I agree with the quote in the sense that bloggers often times receive their information from reporters. If there were no reporters, I am sure that google would not be the phenomenon that it has become today. There would be far less gossip in beauty shops, and coffee shops would not appeal to the same old men reading the daily newspapers. Reporters should be given credit for their work; their the ones who bring it to us, and give us something to talk about. Likewise, the public should be given credit to their work; their interest is what keeps reporters in business.

Draft Press Release 4- Cause Promotion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2009

Utah State University Activities Committee
Josh Nagao, Director
801-660-0048

USU Hosts the Largest Halloween Party in Utah for the 31st Year
Local Businesses Work with Students to Bring National Entertainment to USU

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State University will host the 31st annual Halloween party, known as ‘The Howl,’ in the Taggart Student Center on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m. With the help of local sponsors, and student volunteers, the party is expected to have entertainment to please all 6500 expected guests.

Nationally recognized dance group, Massive Monkees from season four of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, will be performing alongside of USU’s dance crews Vilociti and Full Circle. Entertainment will also include Mentalist Craig Karges, an oxygen bar, King Niko Band, a DJ, movies being played throughout the night, and several games and competitions.

“On behalf of USU and local sponsors we are fortunate to be able to bring exceptional entertainment this year. We (USU Activities Committee) have worked hard to make sure there is plenty of variety and something for everyone,” said USU Activities Director Josh Nagao.

Local businesses that helped sponsor ‘The Howl’ include USU Charter Credit Union, and Vooray. This is the first year that local businesses have donated money to support ‘The Howl.’ According to Nagao, the sponsors enable Utah State to go beyond their set budget and bring a broader option of entertainment this year.

The theme for ‘The Howl,’ this year is ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ with the slogan being “Unhinged Reality.” Guests should expect a chilling version of the Disney movie, with “mad hatters,” “rabbit holes,” and dark “caterpillar forests.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Student Association (LDSSA) is working with the USU Activities Committee, for the second year in a row, and helping plan several games and competitions that will take place on the bottom floor of the TSC.

Tickets can be purchased at the USU ticket office located in the Spectrum. The rate for USU students is $15 or $10 with a discount card. Non-USU student’s rates include $20 in advance, and $25 the day of the event. All guests must present a valid state or USU ID at the door.

No props, masks, or weapons. Generally offensive dress will not be admitted.

For more information:
Lacey Saxton Nagao
PR Specialist
208-380-5778

The Utah State Activities Committee (STAB) is responsible for planning all major activities throughout the year. The committee meets every Tuesday at 8 p.m. on the third floor of the TSC. Any students wanting to help plan events are encouraged to come.

-END-

Jon Schmidt at USU (Oldham Post)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 4, 2009

Utah State University

Jon Schmidt

www.jonschmidt.com

Jon Schmidt at Utah State
World Known Pianist Will Perform in Logan

LOGAN, Utah- American pianist, Jon Schmidt, will be performing on Sat. Oct. 10, at the Kent Concert Hall at Utah State.

Schmidt is known for his entertaining performances, as well as his inspiration to beginning and advanced pianists alike. He does more than just "play the piano," he truly puts on a real "show." He has gained a vast amount of support throughout his career, touching the lives of many.

"I just went to my FIRST Jon Schmidt Christmas concert with my 16 year old son today and LOVED IT. Thanks for inspiring my son to challenge himself. He is playing waterfall and I saw three ships at his recital this weekend. Your show was amazing. Thank you for sharing your talent. You have blessed us all," said Sandy H, a resident of Utah.

Schmidt will begin his concert at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased before at the Utah State ticket office, or at the door.

For more information:

Lacey Saxton Nagao

PR Specialist

208-380-5778

-END-

Attorney General Makes an Unknown Visit to USU (Oldham Post)

I was unaware that the Attorney General of Utah visited Utah State on Tuesday, until Preston Parker notified me on Thursday. As several others, I am still questioning how I never knew he was at Utah State? If I did not know any better I would have thought this was a secret visit that absolutely no one was supposed to know about. I am a media guru, who stays up to date on current events, reads newspapers, and is involved with social media. Even if all of the previous options failed at letting me know, certainly I would have found out by word of mouth, right?

It amazes me that a state run organization could fail so miserably at letting the public know that the Attorney General was coming to our hometown. After reading the press releases sent from the PR specialist of the A.G., I cannot blame the local newspapers for not writing a story on his arrival. To be honest, I probably would not have wrote a story either- simply because I would have followed the actions of local editors and not have opened the terribly titled email (that was supposed to be considered a "press release").

Is it not sad that the A.G. is running for U.S. Senator, yet his P.R. specialist cannot even let a small town know he is coming to speak? To me, this is a prime example of bad PR. Often times the power of public relations can get underestimated. However, if PR people fail to do their jobs correctly, newspapers never get the information or write a story, the public is never made aware, and the certain person or event that the PR was supposed to represent can quickly become a failure.

However, after negotiating, it appears that the A.G. will be making a return visit to Utah State. I am positive that this time all students will be made aware, as well as the entire population of Logan and surrounding areas. The date has not yet been confirmed, but is speculated to be in the next couple weeks.

For more information:

Lacey Saxton Nagao

PR Specialist

208-380-5778

lacey.saxton@aggiemail.usu.edu

-END-

Final Press Release 3- Cause Promotion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2009

Cache Valley Area Investors Association

Preston Parker, President

www.cvaia.com

Achieving Financial Independence

New Club Offers the Keys to Financial Independence

LOGAN, Utah- Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is committed to teaching members how to increase their passive income, and become financially independent for life.

President of CVAIA, Preston Parker, said, “The biggest problem with financial independence is people don’t understand what passive income is and how to get it.”

Several people may not understand the concept of passive income. According to Parker, passive income is money you get in return from investments. While you must actually work for earned income and think about it, passive income does not require any thought. Passive income is made possible through investments. It is determined by how long you will last financially, if you stop working. When you are able to live off of your passive income, you are financially independent.

Financial independence is achieved when you have a higher passive income than expenses. It is quite simple; you must either increase your passive income, or decrease expenses. Passive income does not mean financial freedom. There are many people that have a high-earned income, but are not financially independent.

Once you learn to become financially independent you no longer have to worry about money. You can have a job that you love.

Parker started the organization 2 years ago, with a hope to better individual’s lives. “I want people to be happy, people are complaining about their jobs, but they don’t need to. This is America, the land of abundance. We should all be able to have jobs that we love. Passive income makes this possible,” said Parker.

The CVAIA meets every other Thursday in the Cache County Chamber of Commerce at 160 N. Main St. in Logan. The next meeting will be held on Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.

Professionals that are financially independent will be speaking at the meetings, and a question and answer period will follow. Parker encourages everyone to come to the meetings. No fee or experience is required.

For further information:

Lacey Saxton Nagao

PR Specialist

208-380-5778

-END-