As I have been studying public relations, I have been increasingly more interested in event planning. I love seeing the outcome of several months of planning become reality in one night and turn into a success. Recently I talked to an event planner in Los Angeles, and he told me he loved event planning because, “I feel like I am a kid everyday at work. I throw huge parties for people, and make them happy…I think I have the best job in the world.”
Recently I have been deciding what type of event planner I would like to be, and am very interested in wedding planning. I love the pressure of planning such a special event, and am passionate about pleasing my client’s wants and needs.
I am applying to a destination wedding company in Phoenix, Arizona, and am excited to hear back from them. PR has so many paths, and event planning is just one of the several.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Community Relations - OLDHAM POST
I have recently been interested in learning more about community relations with companies. Community relations benefit both the company and the community. It goes beyond just service (even though that is a great way to gain respect in a community), to customer and employee relations, recruitment, and advertising.
Companies need to analyze both their community’s needs, as well as their employees. It is essential to make employees happy because they ultimately can be the best source to promote your company. For example, if an employee is telling their neighbor about how great it is to work at your company, then their neighbor will be more apt to become a customer there. It is important for companies to know their community- know the demographic, and know your target audience.
Nonprofit events are good, but they only work if the nonprofit organization and the public does not just see it as being used to promote a company or agency.
Companies need to analyze both their community’s needs, as well as their employees. It is essential to make employees happy because they ultimately can be the best source to promote your company. For example, if an employee is telling their neighbor about how great it is to work at your company, then their neighbor will be more apt to become a customer there. It is important for companies to know their community- know the demographic, and know your target audience.
Nonprofit events are good, but they only work if the nonprofit organization and the public does not just see it as being used to promote a company or agency.
Journalism and Democracy -OLDHAM POST
"With a library you are free, not confined by temporary political climates. It is the most democratic of institutions because no one--but no one at all--can tell you what to read and when and how."
--Doris Lessing, writer and winner, 2007 Nobel Prize for Literature
When I received this quote via email, I was in the library and thus found it extremely appropriate. It also made me realize how journalists and PR specialists are significant to democracy. Journalists can influence people to think- not necessarily agree with them, but just simply to think.
Many times when I am reading an article I may not agree completely with what is being written, but it certainly sparks my interest enough to think about what I just read, and think of why the journalist may have written the story. With a free press, it enables people to be exposed to a variety of opinions. People can make their own opinions, and develop them further through literature. We find out information through news outlets, and it is almost chilling to think about what would happen if we did not live in a society with free press. We are so dependent on free speech, that several times we may take it for granted.
--Doris Lessing, writer and winner, 2007 Nobel Prize for Literature
When I received this quote via email, I was in the library and thus found it extremely appropriate. It also made me realize how journalists and PR specialists are significant to democracy. Journalists can influence people to think- not necessarily agree with them, but just simply to think.
Many times when I am reading an article I may not agree completely with what is being written, but it certainly sparks my interest enough to think about what I just read, and think of why the journalist may have written the story. With a free press, it enables people to be exposed to a variety of opinions. People can make their own opinions, and develop them further through literature. We find out information through news outlets, and it is almost chilling to think about what would happen if we did not live in a society with free press. We are so dependent on free speech, that several times we may take it for granted.
The Clock Never Stops- OLDHAM POST
Through my internship I have learned that PR professionals definitely have no set work schedule. We do not have hours Monday thru Friday that are set 8-6. In fact, I have realized that most of the emails I get from my employer, who is the Athletic Media Relations Director at USU, come about 1 a.m.! He is constantly working- whether at home or in the office. Some days I joke with him about even sleeping!
Several people would hate the demand to be flexible at insane hours of the night for work, but I believe that is what makes a PR specialist different from many people. It takes a certain type of person to exceed in PR. They must be charismatic, dedicated, flexible, social, witty, creative, and very open minded. We cannot control when a crisis might occur, and when a client might need us. PR specialists must be able to work whenever they are in demand. The clock does not stop for us to sleep, if there is a crisis, we must handle it.
I am a very spontaneous and impulsive person, and it is because of the previously stated situations, that I am so passionate about public relations. I love waking up and not knowing what the day will bring. It is like every day is an adventure, and I love that!
Several people would hate the demand to be flexible at insane hours of the night for work, but I believe that is what makes a PR specialist different from many people. It takes a certain type of person to exceed in PR. They must be charismatic, dedicated, flexible, social, witty, creative, and very open minded. We cannot control when a crisis might occur, and when a client might need us. PR specialists must be able to work whenever they are in demand. The clock does not stop for us to sleep, if there is a crisis, we must handle it.
I am a very spontaneous and impulsive person, and it is because of the previously stated situations, that I am so passionate about public relations. I love waking up and not knowing what the day will bring. It is like every day is an adventure, and I love that!
A President's Promise - OLDHAM POST
This last year was a memorable year for politics. With the election of Barack Obama as President, many people were looking forward to a brighter future. President Obama made several promises during his election that ultimately led him to win the election.
President Obama definitely outdid his opponent when it came to connecting with the younger generation. His speeches were posted on YouTube, he had a Twitter, and a Facebook page. One of his main voting demographics was college age citizens.
However, I am beginning to wonder if all of these people that have voted for Obama, have been let down by his administration. For example, during his campaign, President Obama promised that he would run his administration different from Bush, especially on the issue of transparency in government. I have become interested on how well he is doing on this and have been researching it. As of now, I have found that the first day of his presidency he addressed this issue. However, as far as exact changes that have resulted from this, I am still not sure. I will continue to research, and post it to my blog as I find more information. Feel free to contact me with your opinions!
President Obama definitely outdid his opponent when it came to connecting with the younger generation. His speeches were posted on YouTube, he had a Twitter, and a Facebook page. One of his main voting demographics was college age citizens.
However, I am beginning to wonder if all of these people that have voted for Obama, have been let down by his administration. For example, during his campaign, President Obama promised that he would run his administration different from Bush, especially on the issue of transparency in government. I have become interested on how well he is doing on this and have been researching it. As of now, I have found that the first day of his presidency he addressed this issue. However, as far as exact changes that have resulted from this, I am still not sure. I will continue to research, and post it to my blog as I find more information. Feel free to contact me with your opinions!
Media Law- OLDHAM POST
Before my media law class I hate to admit it, but I was oblivious to laws pertaining to journalists. I was unaware of the Freedom of Information Act, or Shield Laws, and virtually only knew the precedent that stood in the 1st Amendment and a few major supreme court cases such as NY Times v. Sullivan. However, I was not aware of the difference between actual malice and negligence, or the importance of a public figure versus a private figure.
I think all journalists should take time and learn about their rights and privileges, as well as precedent that makes certain practices unconstitutional. Utah has a state shield law known as GRAMA, which is actually one of the strongest shield laws in the nation. I never was aware of this until taking my media law class.
I feel like several people are unaware of our legal system, and think this is something that needs to change in future generations.
I think all journalists should take time and learn about their rights and privileges, as well as precedent that makes certain practices unconstitutional. Utah has a state shield law known as GRAMA, which is actually one of the strongest shield laws in the nation. I never was aware of this until taking my media law class.
I feel like several people are unaware of our legal system, and think this is something that needs to change in future generations.
Passion -OLDHAM POST
"Incredible journalism is like incredible baby-making--it starts with passion. The guy combing through the city budgets because it's his job isn't the same as the guy combing through them because it keeps him up at night, because he thinks about it when he shouldn't be. Institutions support that passion--but they don't create it. When my old Howard buddy was killed by the cops, it was all I could think about, and it was all I wanted to write about. And I did it almost for free, because it helped me sleep at night. I was burning to get it down. I deeply suspect that the bloggers you love, and the reporters you love, are similarly on fire inside."
--Ta-Nehisi Coates, blogger, The Atlantic, 2009
I absolutely love this! I got it today in my email from a journalist, and wanted to share it on my blog. I think passion plays into all things in life. If we love what we do, we do it to the best of our ability. Good writers love to write. They love to share a story, and they understand the importance of their job. In such a busy world, it was nice to get a quote like this and remember to cherish and have passion for the things we love in life.
--Ta-Nehisi Coates, blogger, The Atlantic, 2009
I absolutely love this! I got it today in my email from a journalist, and wanted to share it on my blog. I think passion plays into all things in life. If we love what we do, we do it to the best of our ability. Good writers love to write. They love to share a story, and they understand the importance of their job. In such a busy world, it was nice to get a quote like this and remember to cherish and have passion for the things we love in life.
Portfolio's- OLDHAM POST
As graduation gets closer I have been applying for a couple jobs, and in the process I have been gathering information to use in my portfolio. I have found all the work I have done for my portfolio has truly paid off! At the time, it seemed like another press release was pointless, but after creating my portfolio and seeing my compiled work it really does bring me confidence that I will get a good job.
I have learned that for PR, potential employees must show employers what they are capable of, rather than just tell them. Employers like to see what you have done, and what you can bring to their company. I really learned the importance of this at the PRSSA conference, when I heard several CEO’s talk about hiring people because of their great portfolios.
I learned that like several projects in PR, you should use the inverted pyramid when you create your portfolio. This means the most important or work you are most proud of should go first, and proceed with value towards the end of the portfolio. Press releases should be in their own section, and they should also be what you consider your best work.
I have learned that for PR, potential employees must show employers what they are capable of, rather than just tell them. Employers like to see what you have done, and what you can bring to their company. I really learned the importance of this at the PRSSA conference, when I heard several CEO’s talk about hiring people because of their great portfolios.
I learned that like several projects in PR, you should use the inverted pyramid when you create your portfolio. This means the most important or work you are most proud of should go first, and proceed with value towards the end of the portfolio. Press releases should be in their own section, and they should also be what you consider your best work.
HARO - OLDHAM POST
I have recently been introduced to the website known as HARO (Help a Reporter Out), and love it! I never knew that such a network existed on the web. This website allows for reporters to post things that they may need such as interviews, references, story ideas, etc., and people can reply to their posts. It is an excellent way for PR specialists to connect to journalists and promote a company.
There are all different categories posted on HARO. In fact, a person may find anything from a journalist looking for wedding gifts for bridesmaids, to good centerpieces to use at Thanksgiving, to women who are sick of their husband’s being addicted to fantasy football. It is an amazing website, and everyone should check it out!
There are all different categories posted on HARO. In fact, a person may find anything from a journalist looking for wedding gifts for bridesmaids, to good centerpieces to use at Thanksgiving, to women who are sick of their husband’s being addicted to fantasy football. It is an amazing website, and everyone should check it out!
Facbook is a "Skill" - OLDHAM POST
Certain skills are essential to PR specialists; I believe several of these include being aware of social media as well as new software such as the ADOBE series. Recently, a friend of mine got hired because of her knowledge about social media. For college students Facebook and Twitter are daily life, it is how we communicate with one another. However, for older generations, who often tend to be the CEO’s of large companies, are not aware of how to use social media.
College students often overlook the skills and experience they have that could be essential to certain companies. My friend getting hired for her social media skills is an example of how our everyday blogging, tweets, and status updates, can actually get us future jobs. In an economy that is suffering right now, this makes me very hopeful for the future. Our internships really are experience, and we do have skills that are needed in the job market.
College students often overlook the skills and experience they have that could be essential to certain companies. My friend getting hired for her social media skills is an example of how our everyday blogging, tweets, and status updates, can actually get us future jobs. In an economy that is suffering right now, this makes me very hopeful for the future. Our internships really are experience, and we do have skills that are needed in the job market.
Logan Glass Campaign - OLDHAM POST
I recently did a PR campaign for Logan Glass with a group of PR specialists. We held an event that allowed the public to get free rain x and glass chip repair for one day. We also had free propaganda and refreshments. It was meant to be a “Kick off to Winter,” campaign and to bring Logan Glass back into the public’s eye.
The event was a great success. Not only did the public become aware of the quality of Logan Glass, but Logan Glass also became aware of how beneficial small events like this can be to their company. We also taught them the importance of social media, and set up an internet site and Facebook group for them.
Logan Glass is now also trying to appeal to the younger generation by giving USU students 15% off with their student I.D. card.
This project was great to see public relations in action.
The event was a great success. Not only did the public become aware of the quality of Logan Glass, but Logan Glass also became aware of how beneficial small events like this can be to their company. We also taught them the importance of social media, and set up an internet site and Facebook group for them.
Logan Glass is now also trying to appeal to the younger generation by giving USU students 15% off with their student I.D. card.
This project was great to see public relations in action.
The Art of Bad Billboards- OLDHAM POST
Today as I was driving back from Las Vegas I could not help but critique every billboard I saw. With public relations and marketing both intertwining at times, I feel like it is now in my blood to find the positives and negatives of every commercial, magazine ad, and billboard.
I was amazed with how many billboards I saw that did nothing for me. It made me realize the importance of first impressions, and what is appealing to the human eye. From analyzing the billboards I concluded that color and layout are essential. I like to say, “If it doesn’t look pretty on the page, then it sure won’t look pretty on a billboard.”
However, I did find that the successful companies such as McDonald’s or Disney, all had billboards that drew me in. I wanted to read what it said, I wanted to look at it. They appealed to me, and sometimes even my emotions. Their tag lines got stuck in my head, and I remembered them long after we drove past it. I believe this proves that good PR and marketing is essential to becoming a good company.
I was amazed with how many billboards I saw that did nothing for me. It made me realize the importance of first impressions, and what is appealing to the human eye. From analyzing the billboards I concluded that color and layout are essential. I like to say, “If it doesn’t look pretty on the page, then it sure won’t look pretty on a billboard.”
However, I did find that the successful companies such as McDonald’s or Disney, all had billboards that drew me in. I wanted to read what it said, I wanted to look at it. They appealed to me, and sometimes even my emotions. Their tag lines got stuck in my head, and I remembered them long after we drove past it. I believe this proves that good PR and marketing is essential to becoming a good company.
The Importance of Staying Calm- OLDHAM POST
With PR I know that crisis management is essential, however, I never understood the importance of it until this past weekend. Currently I am an intern for Athletic Media Relations. On Friday night there was a women’s basketball game, where the game was supposed to be on TV. The company that was broadcasting the game was new and unfamiliar with Utah State. In fact, virtually everything they set up was not correct, and with 3 minutes until game time, everyone that worked for the broadcasting team was in a bit of a panic.
The broadcasting company was in total chaos. I actually had a headset and could hear everything the producer was saying- I must be honest; it was almost humorous to see the way they were handling the situation. Instead of staying calm and fixing the problems, everyone was blaming someone else and nothing was getting accomplished.
Finally, at the end of the first quarter they had solved the problems, and the game was being videotaped. I learned how important staying calm and thinking clearly is in a stressful situation. While the broadcast team eventually figured everything out, it could have been solved much easier if everyone would have worked together and stayed calm and collected.
The broadcasting company was in total chaos. I actually had a headset and could hear everything the producer was saying- I must be honest; it was almost humorous to see the way they were handling the situation. Instead of staying calm and fixing the problems, everyone was blaming someone else and nothing was getting accomplished.
Finally, at the end of the first quarter they had solved the problems, and the game was being videotaped. I learned how important staying calm and thinking clearly is in a stressful situation. While the broadcast team eventually figured everything out, it could have been solved much easier if everyone would have worked together and stayed calm and collected.
PRSSA National Conference- OLDHAM POST
Last week I had the opportunity to go to the National PRSSA Conference. It was such a wonderful experience! I realized how many different roads you can take to get a great job in PR. There are so many different fields of study, that there is sure to be something that interests everyone.
Before the conference I had a few ideas of where I wanted to work, but nothing was absolute. I really became interested in entertainment and event planning after the PR conference. I love how each day would be something new, and you never would know what to expect. There is no way to define a “typical day.”
I had the chance to listen to several professional in the PR field, such as Arianna Huffington, the woman who started the Huffington Post. I also was able to listen to the director of Disney, where I learned the history behind this multi-billion dollar company, and their plans for the future.
It was good to see that all these professionals were once in the same position that I am today. PR is a competitive and challenging field, but also a very growing and exciting field. I am looking forward to graduation and my future in public relations.
Before the conference I had a few ideas of where I wanted to work, but nothing was absolute. I really became interested in entertainment and event planning after the PR conference. I love how each day would be something new, and you never would know what to expect. There is no way to define a “typical day.”
I had the chance to listen to several professional in the PR field, such as Arianna Huffington, the woman who started the Huffington Post. I also was able to listen to the director of Disney, where I learned the history behind this multi-billion dollar company, and their plans for the future.
It was good to see that all these professionals were once in the same position that I am today. PR is a competitive and challenging field, but also a very growing and exciting field. I am looking forward to graduation and my future in public relations.
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