Archive for January, 2009

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21
Jan
09

From the president

By Tracy Weise Leave a Comment
Categories: Celebrities, Journalism and PR

Tracy Weise, President of Weise Communications, sent me this message after today’s blog:

“Are you serious? Everything going on in the world and GMA caters to this? Any reputable reporter would have done more research on Pivens’ claims and determined the basis of them before putting him on camera. And if at that time GMA still found this to be a credible story, they should have had a physician on to discuss mercury poison, including the risks and concerns associated with it so that the audience could have received credible information from a credible source.

I understand and appreciate that actors can lend their “star power” to get increased awareness for diseases and issues that affect them personally but, when that happens, qualified individuals need to provide information on the issue (doctors, lawyers, scientists). For GMA to air mercury safety issues (potentially false ones at that) based on the information from an actor who may or may not be trying to use this to win a law suit, is terrible reporting.”

Well said.

21
Jan
09

Good Morning America, How Dare You!

By Tracy Weise 2 Comments
Categories: Celebrities, Journalism and PR

Dear GMA,

Really? I can’t believe you would pander to Jeremy Piven and this ridiculous PR cover up on your January 15 show. Thanks to you and your wingman—Diane Sawyer—you may have very well usurped the War on Terror with the War on Fish. You know there are at least a million viewers who saw your broadcast and have rejected fish from their lives forever. What did fish ever do to you, GMA, other than give you protein and heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids?

Thankfully, the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) knows the truth, and they have given it to us via the next great viral video. Eat your hearts out GMA. Because the truth is, it doesn’t take a PR expert to see what a disaster this is. Not only do I now have no respect for Jeremy Piven, but you have lost credibility, GMA.

I expect to see a pro-fish story in the next week. And this time, see if you can get someone who is an actual doctor, or at least who plays one on TV (see vid).

Check out the full story at the LA Times.

20
Jan
09

New White House Press Secretary

By Beth Hardy Leave a Comment
Categories: Communications, inauguration, Obama and Press Secretary

We inaugurate a new president today, and with him comes a whole new administration. As an American, I’m anxious to see what changes this administration brings our country and how these changes will affect me. But as a PR practitioner, I’m paying close attention to President Barack Obama’s communications team, particularly White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

Courtesy of Associated Press

Courtesy of Associated Press

As The New York Times states:

Gibbs, “has worked for [President Obama] since 2004 and played a central role in guiding him through his first two years in the Senate and his ascension to the national scene. He has advised [President] Obama on politics, strategy and messaging, and is often the last person to speak to him before he takes the stage. For the last four years, during [President] Obama’s time in the Senate and throughout his race for the presidency, no adviser has spent more time at [President] Obama’s side than Mr. Gibbs.”

As the face of the administration, the job of White House press secretary is HUGE. I’ve been awestruck by it for years and unfortunately not too impressed with some of the folks who have held this position in the past. Gibbs sounds like a bit of a fireball (remember the tong lashing he gave Sean Hannity after Hannity basically accused him of being an anti-Semite?), but he also seems extremely knowledgeable and a master of his craft. I’m sure the White House press corps won’t have to worry about him being dull.

As for the rest of President Obama’s communications team, there is:

•    Ellen Moran, 42, Communications Director
•    Daniel Pfeiffer, 33, Deputy Communications Director
•    Jon Favreau, 27, Speechwriting Director

Think I feel inadequate knowing that Jon Favreau is younger than me? Um. Yeah. Just a little!

I encourage you to check out The New York Times Magazine’s amazing photo gallery “Obama’s People”.

Happy inauguration day!

19
Jan
09

IKEA fans and the Oval Office

By Tracy Weise Leave a Comment
Categories: Advertising, Blogs and commercials

I’m continuing today’s IKEA-fest with the IKEA Fans Web site, a totally social experience with forums, blogs and the ability to interact with the IKEAn powers that be. My personal favorite feature…banned IKEA commercials.

Also, just last week, Adrants posted IKEA’s take on the Oval Office and the upcoming inauguration.
ikea-white-house1

19
Jan
09

The IKEA experience, and why it matters

By Tracy Weise 3 Comments
Categories: Advertising, In-store, Marketing and Word of Mouth

Before moving to Denver in 2007, I rented a studio apartment in Uptown. It was only 300-sqft and I had no idea how to furnish such a small living space. You see, in my hometown in Alabama, all we have is space—you can still get a posh 2BR, 1,000-sqft apartment for as little as  $750/month. I know. It’s awesome.

So what do I do with only 300-sqft?

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This is when I first heard about IKEA’s in-store displays. IKEA tackles living spaces under 300-sqft and then goes up from there. While many furniture stores try to instill a sense of living space with their showrooms, IKEA creates actual living spaces, covering everything from the couch to the medicine cabinet.

There is no better model for a retail store than to create an interactive environment where customers can experience the product in ways never considered. While this is more feasible for a goliath like IKEA and its thousands upon thousands of square feet and products, every retailer should endeavor to initiate this practice.

Consumer perception is driven by consumer experience, so every opportunity should be taken to maximize the experience. Surely that can only result in maximizing your ROI.

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16
Jan
09

PR Stunts – Funny and Thrilling

By Beth Hardy 1 Comment
Categories: Baseball, Cheerleading, Funny, PR, PR Stunts, Restaurant and Thrilling

Big bellies and big pom-poms

CBS

Courtesy of CBS

Apparently pretty girls in skin-tight spandex waving pom-poms is not enough eye candy at the Florida Marlins’ games. They’re recruiting a different kind of cheerleading squad – an all male, big-bellied one named the Marlins Manatees. I just have one thought on that, but I’m keeping it to myself! However, I have to give those guys credit. They have a lot of team pride and lots of guts (no pun intended) to get out on the field and dance for the fans. I sure couldn’t do it!

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The sky is not the limit

Don’t be late for this dinner reservation or you’ll get left on the ground. Brussels-based communications agency Hakuna Matata and its partner, Benji Fun, helped Dolce La Hulpe Brussels Hotel, Resort & Conference Destination host a “Dinner in the Sky”. Guests dined 164 feet in the air! Now this is a pretty cool stunt. Can you imagine the safety codes needed to pull it off, though?

table-view-1people-and-pianotable-view-skylinefull-view-of-tableunderside-table-and-pianoevening-shot-2

Whether I liked these or not, they must have worked because they made the news and got me talking. What do you think? Any fun PR stunts to share?

15
Jan
09

Journalists Joining the “Dark Side”

By Beth Hardy Leave a Comment
Categories: Economy, Jobs, Journalism, Journalist, New Media, Newspaper, PR, Radio, Social Media and TV

More and more journalists have been leaving newspapers, TV and radio over the last several years and heading to the “dark side” (a.k.a. public relations). And with the economy tanking and media outlets laying off, cutting back and even folding, journalists are seeking jobs as PR practitioners now more than ever.

These career moves haven’t only been seen on a local level. Even former MSNBC general manager, Dan Abrams, has gotten in on the action. Late last year he started Abrams Research, “a media strategy firm that connects business leaders with a global community of media professionals.”

So what does this influx of media folks mean for PR? The way I see it, a few different things:

•    Our industry is growing (see yesterday’s post) and the media industry is shrinking. Before too long we won’t have many traditional journalists to pitch stories to – the herd is thinning.
•    The use of social media as a promotional tool will rapidly and steadily continue to climb.
•    The PR job market will become more competitive.

Over the years journalist friends and colleagues of mine, who are looking to make the leap and want some advice, have contacted me. And recently – within the past three months – this correspondence has picked up considerably.

I’ve always welcomed former journalists into this industry, but I also wonder exactly what they’re thinking and experiencing when they make the change.

Are they reluctant?

Do their fellow journalists ostracize them?

And once they’re in PR, what do they experience?

Do they have a newfound respect for our work and for us?

Is it an easy transition for them?

Have you made a move like this? What were your experiences? We’d love to know.

Check here tomorrow for funny and thrilling PR stunts!

14
Jan
09

PR Jobs Up, Advertising Jobs Down

By Beth Hardy 1 Comment
Categories: Advertising, Economy, Jobs, Marketing and PR

Considering I work for an integrated marketing, advertising and PR firm, you’re probably wondering why I’m reporting bad news about advertising jobs. Well, because this is “PR Week”, and I’d like to brag about our field for a little bit!

2009annual180

According to Advertising Age’s “Annual 2009” issue, the PR industry gained 2,100 jobs (an increase of 4.2 percent) from December 2007 – October 2008. And the advertising industry lost 4,000 jobs (a decrease of 2.1 percent) in that same time period.

I know times are tough for the communications industry as a whole and I don’t wish ill will on advertising, but it warms my heart to know that PR is doing well considering the economy. My speculation on these results is that clients are both utilizing more social media and realizing that they can get more bang for their buck with PR campaigns.

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book2I can’t help but be reminded of the book “The Fall of Advertising and the Rise of PR” by Al Rise and Laura Rise. This was a fairly controversial book when it came out in 2002, but it doesn’t discount advertising altogether. It explains that PR and advertising should work together – PR to launch the brand, and advertising to maintain it. I think if more agencies and organizations operated this way, jobs in both fields would be up.

Share your thoughts with us on why you think PR jobs are up and advertising jobs are down. And check back tomorrow for “Journalists Moving to the ‘Dark Side’”.

13
Jan
09

Andrew Hudson’s Newspaper Tax Idea

By Beth Hardy 3 Comments
Categories: Economy, Newspaper, PR and Tax

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For those of you in the PR industry here in Denver, you’ve probably read “Andrew’s Newspaper Tax Idea” published a couple weeks ago. And if you haven’t yet, shame on you! Firstly, Andrew’s site is a great resource, both for jobs and commentary on PR. And secondly, the survival of newspapers is vital to the survival of our industry. Any and all ideas regarding saving newspapers should be a top priority. If you’re not in the Denver area, the idea should resonate with you nonetheless – whether or not you agree with it.

Ok, I’m off my soapbox now and on to Andrew’s idea. I chose to write about it because saving newspapers is imperative. The more we discuss it and welcome ideas like Andrew’s, the closer we will be to finding a solution.

In short, Andrew proposes the following:
•    Identify a percentage sales tax formula that would help subsidize the operations of both statewide and local papers.
•    Develop a three-tiered system that would define the percentage of taxpayers funding that would be available to different papers.
•    Require the papers to reach certain revenue goals in order to qualify for the subsidy.
•    Appoint a board of commissioners to oversee the distribution of funds. The board would not be involved in the editorial process of the papers.

Andrew includes much more detail in his idea, but this certainly gives you something to think about. My initial thought was that a federally backed media, even in the form of a state tax, is treading on thin ice. I can easily see the American taxpayer wanting to have some say in newspaper content – despite the checks and balances measure.

I ran this idea by a journalist friend of mine as his career largely depends on the survival of newspapers. His response was, “A free press can be the only press, even if that business model collapses under its own crushing weight.” That’s quite a rigid way of looking at it, but many true-blue journalists would agree with him.

At least Andrew is getting the idea on the market. What are your thoughts? Click here to read the responses Andrew has received thus far.

12
Jan
09

2009 PR Predictions – The Two Most Important

By Beth Hardy Leave a Comment
Categories: Economy, Marketing, New Media, PR, PR Predictions and Social Media

I know. I know. You’re thinking, “No more 2009 PR predictions. Please!” I, too, have been inundated with these industry forecasts and found many of them to be uninspiring and some just downright scary. But I don’t believe that the industry is in a downward spiral, which is why I’ve been weeding through these predictions and picking the two most important. They are about job security, which is something on everyone’s mind right now. Here are my favorites:

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Tech-savvy staff will take your job

GG Johnston, president and COO of JohnstonWells, says that because younger staffers at firms are more tech-savvy than their more established coworkers, agencies will utilize them more to help lead. I may be partial to this idea as I am part of that twenty-something group of professionals of which she speaks. However, I’ve already experienced this trend firsthand (I am a contributor to The Side Note after all!) and know that as we move forward into the constantly evolving world of new media, more and more opportunities for colleagues at my level to guide their agency will emerge. Read full prediction here.

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Your clients will tank

Tadd Schwartz of Schwartz Media Strategies speaks of businesses cutting back on PR and marketing due to the economy and how this is both “counter-intuitive” and “self-defeating”. I couldn’t agree more. Mr. Schwartz also encourages firms to help their clients be the ones to “fuel up the gas tank while others lag behind”. Tadd is spot-on, because when the economy begins its upswing, this aggressive strategy will ultimately help your clients emerge ahead of the pack. Read full prediction here.

Tracy Weise of Weise Communications agrees with this marketing strategy. Click here to listen to her podcast “Spend More in a Down Economy”.

These are just a very small sampling of what came across my desk/inbox and caught my attention. If you have or have found any 2009 PR predictions that you’d like to share, feel free to post a comment.

Tomorrow on The Side Note: Andrew Hudson’s Newspaper Tax Idea

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