The Wired World In Which We Live

By Lindsay Laubach

We live in a technology-based world where face-to-face communication has taken a back seat. Text messages, Instant Messages and e-mail take the place of human interaction, and this trip down the technology superhighway has taken a toll on our communication skills.

As PR practitioners, one of our greatest attributes is the ability to hold an intelligent, fluent conversation, either one-on-one or in a public setting. We rely on our impeccable language skills to seal an interview, pitch a proposal to a client and communicate to the media.

With our fingers doing most of the talking these days, how can we keep our minds sharp, articulation and people skills precise and keep up our reputation as well-spoken professionals?

PRSSA Call to Action

By Courtney Sizemore

Standing for what you believe in, what you have faith in, and what you
devote your free time to isn't always the popular decision. Friends
outside of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) say I come off obsessed, but as I see it, I am dedicated. Some of us are just becoming involved in PRSSA, and some
of us are veterans, and we come together for a variety of causes every
week/day regardless for a common cause. Some want to improve their
resume, some want the experience, some are bored, and some just
want to feel a belonging to a single organization. No matter what the
reasoning, we come together to celebrate the practice of PR, and for
good reason.

We are the coming generations of PR practitioners. Forget what you've
heard about faulty practice, the liars, the deceivers, and the
cheaters. We are a fresh start at new ideas with hearty experience. We
get to decide what kind of legacy we are going to leave. This doesn't
mean go into any future employment with the notion that nothing will
ever affect you. Know the challenges ahead, and pursue them anyway.
Believe in being ethical, believe in being right and fair, and above
anything, believe in your cause.

If you are graduating, question your motives for job positions and if
you believe that this is the right choice for you. Does this interest
you? Does this motivate you? Does this make you happy? If you aren't
graduating, ask yourself the same things. What are your strongest
assets and how can you apply them to the greater good right now!
Everyone has something they're passionate about. Seeing applications
for PRaction accounts, the staff sees your talents on paper and wants
you to apply them everyday. But you have to want to act once you're in
the position to do so!

What do you enjoy doing? Find someone to talk to in publications,
philanthropy work, entertainment, etc. Whether it is in Rowan's PRSSA
(and of course other PRSSA organizations across the country) or a
professional practitioner, don't be afraid to ask questions! Four year
olds ask questions all day long about why the sky is blue and the
grass is green because it's how they learn. Do the same. Throw
yourself into PRSSA. Immerse yourself in all it has to offer. Dedicate
yourself to the field and it will reap its benefits to you as well.

What's the job market like for the brand new PR professional?

By Asia Thompson

Who's Hiring? That is the question I have been asking myself a lot lately. I am a senior public relations student, which means that in about 6 months I will be out there looking for a job. This is the time when having a strategy to find one is most important. Especially when jobs seem to be becoming more and more elusive.

We all know the economy is in bad shape, but how bad is it for communicators? And most importantly, how bad is it for brand new ones?

According to Michael Sebastian from MyRagan.com, the outlook this quarter is pretty grim, but that doesn't mean it will be that way in May. I tell myself not to give up hope, because that is a silver lining. And isn't that all we really need? If there is one thing I have learned this year it is that hope prevails. And According to Nicole Kieta, a recruiter from Melinda Holm & Associates the market will pick up again after the New Year. She says, "it always does."

Well, that's all well and good, but what's a brand new PR professional to do? In a tight economy, how many companies will be looking for fresh faces? My assumption is not many, but some will. So how do I find the companies that are willing to hire? And most importantly how do I stand out enough for them to notice me?

I turned to my mentor Lina Duverge, Corporate Communications Manager at Lifetime Television Network with this question. She says, "New grads should rely on their reputation. They should acquire recommendation letters from previous employers, join Linkedin and even cold call companies." She also advised to go on informative interviews, because it's a good way of letting companies of interest know you exist. Getting in touch with recruiters and headhunters isn't a bad idea either, because some companies only hire through them.

After much research and advice I've come to the conclusion that finding a job in my field after graduation won't be impossible, but it will be hard work; especially if this economy doesn't turn around.

The most important thing for me and other new graduates to do, no matter how bad the economy, is to persevere. We can't let this grim market get us down. In the words of my mentor, "The tide will turn, just like it has in the past." It will not be this way forever. Now, THAT'S a silver lining!

‘Perkanomics’

As the Christmas holidays near, Macy’s credit card holders and employees will enjoy early bird benefits. They will receive an additional 15 percent off their purchase even after using their friends and family coupon collection they received in the mail

Rowan University students recently received free coffee cards to use at the newly opened Progressive Coffee House off of High Street in Glassboro, N.J..

Incentive matters.

The Internet trend firm, trendwatching.com dubs “perkanomics” as the new business trend and currency used to satisfy customers. The firm defines “perkanomics” as a “new breed of perks and privileges that satisfies consumers' needs and desires.”

In an attempt to break through clutter, a business will offer a perk to distinguish itself from the other competition. Although this is true, we have seen with industries like air travel and banking, with so many different perks from different brands, brand individuality disappears and perks end up adding to the clutter.

Although the new currency, “perkanomics” should be used sparingly. A brand like iTunes offers occasional free songs or packaged deals, yet still flourishes off of daily sales.

Trend watching is key for any successful communicator to reach audiences at aperture moments while still introducing new and exciting ideas to your boss, your client, or your audience.

Observe your own trends and see what people are talking about and what they want.

Share your results here.

Original article here.

Eat, Drink and Be Smart: 9 Ways to Avoid Disaster at Your Office Holiday Party!

By Barbara Pachter

A sales woman brought her dog to her manager’s holiday party at his home. The dog proceeded to do his business on the dining room rug! At another party, a young man got drunk, cursed out his boss and was fired on the spot. And an administrative assistant wore a very tight, revealing, short dress to her office party.

Wheter you are a professional or an intern, your behavior at the holiday party matters. People do and say all sorts of inappropriate things at holiday parties. Your behavior always matters. Just because you are out of the office doesn’t mean that your behavior doesn’t count.

I recommend that you view the holiday party as you would any other business event. It is not the time to let it all hang out!

Here are 9 guidelines for holiday success:

1. MAKE SURE YOU ATTEND. Attendance at the company holiday party isn’t optional. Your absence will be noticed, and most likely, noted by your boss and other higher ups. At a seminar a young woman asked me if she should go to the CEO’s holiday party. She didn’t want to give up a Saturday night out with her friends. I had a simple answer: Go!

2. PREPARE CONVERSATION AHEAD OF TIME. Don’t just talk business. Be up-to-date on current events, happenings in your community. Read the newspaper, newsmagazines, company publications, and your professional journals.

3. STAY SOBER. Set a limit for yourself before you go to the party. It is much easier to limit your intake that way. Or, order a drink you don’t like and sip it slowly all night. A bank manager swears that he got promoted because his boss got drunk and she made such outrageous comments at the party that she was fired.

4. MINGLE. Talk to people you know and don’t know. This is an opportunity to meet new people. Don’t just stay with your group. Go up to people, say hello, introduce yourself, shake hands.

5. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY LANGUAGE. Even if the party is dull, it’s bad manners to let others see how bored you are. Don’t frown, slouch, cross arms or yawn.

6. DRESS APPROPRIATELY. It may be a party, but it’s still business. Nothing too short, too low, too tight or too anything.

7. PREPARE YOUR SPOUSE. If you’re attending the party with your spouse or significant other, prepare him or her in advance on appropriate dress and topics of conversation. Remember, his or her behavior will reflect on you. And if your spouse is supposed to attend, make sure he or she does. A CEO told his vice president that he was not advancing any further in the company unless his wife started attending company functions.

8. DON’T FORGET THAT YOUR BEHAVIOR ALWAYS MATTERS. Have a good time but…don’t make major personal revelations nor gossip. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because this is a party, you can address the company president by his or her first name.

9. SAY “THANK-YOU.” Be sure to send a thank-you note to the party’s organizer.



Barbara Pachter is a speaker, coach and author of numerous business books, including The Power of Positive Confrontation ($14.95, paperback, Marlowe & Co.) and When the Little Things Count ($13.95, paperback, Marlowe & Co.). She specializes in business etiquette and communication. Her client list features major organizations worldwide, including Microsoft, Cisco, Pfizer, Chrysler, and Genentech.

For a review copy of NewRules@Work: 79 Etiquette Tips, Tools, and Techniques to Get Ahead and Stay Ahead, contact: Catherine Milne, 212-366-2149, or Catherine.Milne@us.penguingroup.comFor a free copy of Pachter's communication e-newsletter, “Competitive Edge,” call (856) 751-6141 (NJ) or go to www.pachter.com.

Good Networking Gets "A Foot in the Door"

Developing good networking skills should be number one for anyone involved with public relations. It is about establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships within the workplace - it can also be utilized in everyday life.

Katharine Hansen, who wrote the book "A Foot in the Door," gives recommendations for students and graduates about reaching the hidden job market.

She lists a number of potential contacts including:

Classmates:
They are not your rivals or your competition (although it seems that way at first). Down the line you may receive a job opportunity through that friend you had in college years and years ago.

Alumni:
Hansen adds: “One of the best ways to find alumni is to check your college’s publications for updates about what alumni are doing…Bond with them by sharing updates about their favorite professors and classes.”

Guest Speakers:
Professionals that come to speak at classes, meetings, or campus events are valuable resources. Many are ingrained within the profession and can open countless doors.

"A Foot in the Door" is sold at most book stores and provides tips including networking, maintaining solid interpersonal relationships among many many others.


Are there any connections you can think of that helped you get to the next stage of your public relations career?

Survive a Job Interview

As we prepare our resumes, polish the cover letter, collect letters of recommendations, iron the “job interview outfit,” and patiently await for the phone call back from employers, let us not forget about the interview process.

Some may think it is impossible to prepare for the interview, hoping to get by on charm, good looks, and a smile. Think again. The interview allows prospective employees to project a positive, impressive impression to the employer.

1. Tell me about yourself.
The most frequently asked question in job interviews, be sure to have a short statement or blurb prepared. It should not sound rehearsed and should cover work related items. Look to relate your experiences to the job you are interviewing for.

2. What do co-workers say about you?
JobInterviewQuestions.com suggests preparing a quote or two from coworkers, either specific or a paraphrase.

3. What do you know about the organization?
Do your research! Know what the organization does, the major players, where they have been, some of their goals, and current issues.

4. Why do you want to work for this organizations?
Monster.com explains that employers would be naive to think that every candidate wants the job because of a passion for what the organization does. It urges candidates to emit passion and motivation to work for the company’s cause instead of a matched skill set.
Sincerity is necessary and sensed. Relate your long term goals to the company’s cause.

5. Are you a team player?
YES. And have examples ready. But make sure not to brag, instead say it in a “matter-of-fact tone.”

Pointers:
“Tell me about a time when...”
This is known as a behavioral interviewing technique. Monster.com explains that these types of questions use your past experiences as an indicator of your future success. Demonstrate through examples that you have accomplished something prior.

Ask questions of your own.
Research enables you to gather thoughts for further questions about the company and the job-sphere.
Example questions:
-Describe a typical day in the office.
-What are some goals of the department

Have any tough interview questions you faced while on a job interview? Share them here. How did you respond? What would you have done differently?

Guerrilla Marketing...Coffee Anyone?

According to Jay Conrad Levinson, guerrilla marketing is, "an unconventional system of promotions, running on a very low budget, by relying on time, energy and imagination instead of big marketing budgets." Levinson wrote the book Guerrilla Marketing in 1994. There is nothing like targeting a consumer when they are not expecting it. This can make the idea that's being marketed memorable, generate buzz, and even spread virally.

The Progressive Coffee House, which is holding its Grand Opening Saturday, November 15 on W. High Street in Glassboro, is working some guerrilla marketing magic. Students on the PRaction account will be handing out Progressive Coffee House cards which have a FREE small coffee on them all week. Just a little unexpected present while walking to your next class.

Levinson believes that when implementing guerrilla marketing tactics, small size is actually an advantage instead of a disadvantage. "Small businesses and entrepreneurs are able to obtain publicity more easily than large companies; they are closer to their customers and considerably more agile," Levinson stated.

So what I am trying to say is, "Progressive has a chance!" There is nothing like relaxing at a warm, comforting, coffee house, sipping on a FREE coffee! Just remember though, the Guerrilla Marketeer must "deliver the goods." In order to sell a product or a service, "A company must establish a relationship with the customer. It must build trust and support. It must understand the customer's needs, and it must provide a product that delivers the promised benefits," Levinson claimed.

I believe the owners at Progressive have all this and more! So keep your eyes open for a FREE Progressive Coffee House card and don't miss their Grand Opening Saturday November 15th.

Check them out on Facebook: Progressive Coffee House

Learn more from Jay Conrad Levinson on Guerrilla Marketing

Comment on the Coffee House.

Industry Trend--- Audiences Blur

An article out of PRWeek entitled, “Multicultural Marketing Comes of Age,” summarized the sudden shift in reach Barack Obama’s campaign produced during the election.

Esther Novak, author of the article and CEO of Vanguard Communication, described Obama’s strategy as “ending the image of America as a ‘ one culture’ nation.”

I argue that although he ended the image of America as a ‘one culture’ nation, he created a nation working towards a common good, that within itself is a culture— a newly formed, pride-bearing American culture.

Demographically speaking, Novak makes a valid point about Obama’s ability to blur the line between separate target audiences. No longer is it about reaching either Caucasians or ethnicities or white-collar or blue-collar workers. It is more so reaching a broader audience accepting of a lifestyle— progression.

An Integrated Marketing Strategy
To reach this progressive, mixed audience the Obama campaign used television ads, social networking sites, endorsements, and the use of his website. Most importantly he organized at the grass root level.

As practitioners, marketers, and advertisers is this the beginning of the change in how we send our messages? To whom we send them to? Will demographic audiences begin to blur?

Click here for the original article.

Rowan PRSSA Darfur Division Makes Great Strides in Helping Darfur

By Gregory Richter

Perhaps public relations can save the world. Today, Nov. 10, 2008, Rowan University hosts a discussion with Darfuri refugee Garelnabi Abusikin in the group’s first Darfur Day event. Of course, while Sudan’s violence won’t end tomorrow evening (or anytime soon), I am confident in the work of the PRSSA Darfur Division.

The group raised important funds for humanitarian aid since it began a year ago. More importantly, it made the University community more aware of the violence in the Darfur region through a Rowan Radio WGLS radio panel, dirty water bottle campaign (highlighting the lack of sanitary water in Darfur), letters to world leaders urging them to take action, and other tactics aimed at raising awareness of the atrocities occurring in Darfur.

Aside from significant ignorance of the continent of Africa held by many Americans, partly shaped by years of disconnect from reports of widespread poverty and violence in some countries on the continent, the common belief about Darfur’s genocide is that certain people are simply targeted because they are of a different ethnicity; (even this assumption is controversial and is not widely agreed upon worldwide). Instead, Darfur’s violence of over five years is influenced by oil revenues, lack of resources, greed and countless other forces. Today’s event aims to change this misconception with games, materials, speakers, and other important tactics behind a simple message: Darfur has a better tomorrow but it must begin today.

PR professionals...indispensable is the key word!

Calling all seniors. Are you getting worried you picked the wrong career? Yes, public relations is a captivating and distinctive industry. But as economic times are taking a turn for the worst, profits within certain organizations are declining and public relations is the first thing to go. But hope is in the air! The industry trends seems to be just the opposite. The value of public relations is escalating to a level that is indisputable. As PR professionals, we have a special gift for affecting an organization's ability to thrive and be successful. A reputation is something a company cannot afford to lose!

Now, as future professionals it's essential to help employers understand your worth. Though public relations may be safe, that doesn't mean you are. You need to stand out! The easiest way to do so is through your actions and endeavors. Nothing speaks louder than the work you do and its overall success. If you are not sure what you contribute to an agency or an organization, then you really don't know your own worth. The key to success is making yourself as useful as possible to others. (Remember don't overload yourself, its okay to say no). You should make yourself so useful that you are indispensable to them. Being useful means meeting people's needs and desires. It is solving people's problems. But this means, you need to find what people need and meet those needs. The more you can do it, the more you will become indispensable!

Keep in mind, being positive is very important in becoming successful. Anything is possible if you give it your all. After all, we are public relations professionals, nothing can get in our way.

Does anyone have any other useful tips?

Do you think PR is the right field to get into in the middle of a recession?

Here is a helpful site to check out:  http://www.lifeoptimizer.org/2007/09/10/15-tips-to-stay-positive-in-negative-situations/ 

Comments please!

Miscommunication: The Dreaded Static

PR practitioners are masters at communication and maintaining solid interpersonal relationships. All aspects of a practitioner’s lifestyle require attitudes and techniques that aid in communication with clients, colleagues and social situations.

As future public relations professionals, we must be aware of the potential interferences (static) that can change our entire message. Here are a few:

Language

The words we use are our livelihood. Make sure your message is clear, to the point and jargon-free. Each reader or listener will interpret your words differently.

Body language

This is a big one. It is as subtle as keeping your hands in your pockets and as obvious as a firm handshake or posture. If you maintain good and confident posture when speaking, your audience will take notice and respond positively. However, if you exude too much confidence, it may be misinterpreted as cockiness and will turn your listener off no matter what you say.

Assumptions

Never, never, never assume your audience is on the same page as you are. No two people think alike and there are no exceptions. Even though they are your audience, you must allow them to walk with you along your opinions, views and solutions. If you inform your audience then your message will be crystal.

There are many more communication tips and rules than the ones listed above. The Web site below gives incite on communicating effectively. It has tips on listening, giving and receiving feedback among others.

http://web.cba.neu.edu/~ewertheim/interper/commun.htm#active

What problems have you faced when trying to communicate? How did you solve them?

Presidential Campaign Decided

The results are in— Senator Obama is the president-elect and first African American president. Democrats also took control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. What does this mean for America? For you?

With the election over and our president- elect decided what do you expect to happen in the next year?

Your predictions, opinions, and expectations are welcomed!

Vote

Today's the day, get out there and vote.

Here's a reminder from rockthevote.com:

Tomorrow is the Big Day

The 2008 presidential election is one day away. Where do you get your information regarding the presidential candidates? Are your sources credible, fair and balanced? These are two sources I’ve used in the past:

http://www.publicagenda.com/citizen/electionguides

http://www.ontheissues.org/default.htm

Whether you’re Democrat or Republican, it’s your responsibility to know the facts. As public relations practitioners, we stay up-to-date on the news. We often read more than one newspaper, magazine and blog. We try our best to form unbiased opinions by cross-referencing the news.

With blogging and instant news at our finger-tips we’re able to stay connected. We understand the presidential candidate’s platforms on social issues. However with this informational overload sometimes we don’t analyze the news. We need to make sure all of our sources are credible. I came along this Web site http://www.politico.com/ after reading a September 2008 PRWeek article. (http://www.prweekus.com/The-medias-candidate/article/115945/) Politico is a compilation of journalists from different backgrounds across the United States reporting on national politics.

In conclusion as young professionals, we all must adhere to the public relations ethical standards. Please be an informed voter! Get out there and vote tomorrow – make your voice heard.

If you’re planning on not voting, what are your reasons? Do you feel the election coverage of both candidates has been fair and balanced? What are your thoughts?

My Unexpected College Career

by Zack Kinslow

As an advertising major working in public relations, I have found the best way to learn is by doing. Just like when I unexpectedly became a bartender on one frantic Thanksgiving Eve—the busiest bar night of the year—I jumped right into this one and hit the ground running. I can’t say I didn’t spill a few drinks, make people’s Long Island Iced Teas too strong, or even ring up the wrong prices on more than one occasion that night. But my mistakes helped me grow.

Let’s go back to the present. I currently make up half of the PR department at Philly’s largest advertising agency, Digitas Health. And I love it. I work directly with the head of Corporate Communications for both the Philadelphia and New York offices, which includes about 400 employees (and growing). Working on such a large scale in a top interactive agency, I’ve certainly gotten my feet wet.

From compiling media lists and writing pitch letters, to planning special events hosted at our office, Digitas Health allows me to get first-hand experience in media relations and external PR. I also handle internal relations, such as clipping articles about the company and sending them to all employees. One of my ongoing projects is to decide on the best promotional items to print our logo on for employee/client giveaways. When you are dealing with this many employees, even the seemingly mundane tasks become significant.

Public relations may not be the exact career I want to pursue after college, but coming from an advertising standpoint, I find my internship experience invaluable. As the industry evolves and the digital age takes over, the lines that used to divide PR and advertising are blurring. The result: marketing communication, which encompasses all that we learn in this field.

Zack Kinslow is president of the award-winning Rowan Ad Club at Rowan University.

Zack's internship has helped him see how public relations and advertising professionals work together, and sometimes even do the same tasks. How has your internship effected your outlook on work after college?