PR Job Coach

JANUARY 30, 2012

'So you finally passed muster in the 15 interviews you endured at ABC Company over two weeks. You are exhausted. You lost about eight pounds, sweated bullets and are in the final throes of that seemingly elusive job offer. Now comes the hard part. Who and what references can you provide that will help seal the deal and pave the way towards the job offer that has had you in the waiting room for what appears to be a lifetime.

Insurance 141

Insurance Insurance Enterprise Ethics 141

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 11, 2012

Many of you are familiar with the Blue Key campaign that I’ve been working on since last year for my client, USA for UNHCR. There are so many things I’ve learned during the course of this campaign – about blogger outreach, about measurement and analytics, about Facebook Groups, about community building – there are probably a ton of posts waiting to be written.

Twitter 107

Twitter Analytics Community Facebook 107

Bad Pitch Blog

JANUARY 16, 2012

'We''ve seen some interesting examples of how journalists are sourcing stories via social media. Here are three national journalists using three different social media platforms to get things done. And in this MLK edition, we''ve also got some tips for being a better source via social media. The New York Times: social media editor Liz Heron on Facebook Liz sourced several quotes via Facebook and even followed up with her sources after the fact.

Social Media 64

Social Media Media Instagram Fashion 64

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 13, 2012

A few months ago, I came across Nancy Davis ‘ Letter to my Younger Self. It was very touching, and I promised her I would write such a post myself. Seeing as how my birthday is approaching (Sunday!), this is it. Dear 18-year-old Shonali, Right now, you’re wondering if your life is over, now that you’re almost out of your teens. As your 40-something self, I can tell you that it’s not… in fact, in terms of experience, you haven’t even been born yet.

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Meeting Writing Twitter How To 99

Two years after its initial release, Peter H. Paulsen’s book, From Brick and Mortar to Prosperity, continues to inspire readers around the globe.

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 24, 2012

While perusing my Facebook stream the other day, I came across this article on Business Insider. Its title alone (What PR People Really Think Of Journalists) told me the article was link bait. What it didn’t tell me was that in attempting to “end” a decades, if not centuries, old rivalry, is that it would make every public relations pro look like an immature jerk.

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Journalism Newspapers Pitching Groups 93

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 25, 2012

I saw a post from Chris Brogan a while back, talking about how it’s ok to not be an expert and, in fact, we shouldn’t wait until we’re experts at something to do it. Sounds about right to me. After all, I never trained in public relations (fuhgeddabout social media), and my background is in Economics (probably why I like numbers so much) and drama, but I think I’m doing ok.

Video 76

Video Mobile Wireless Training 76

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 30, 2012

I t’s not a good idea to search for a doctor online. I told my mother that when she asked me to. She agreed. And I began my search. After three days, I handed over a grand total of two name-and-number pairs. “They had good ratings,” I said, somewhat helplessly. My mother nodded at the strange syllables and locations. And she still hasn’t called them.

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Policies Web Customer Service Industry 74

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 5, 2012

Last week, or perhaps it was the week before, one of my friends asked (on Path, which I’m new to but find very enjoyable) what one’s three words for 2012 were. At the time, I responded, “Citius, Altius, Fortius.” I’ve always loved the Olympic motto, and “faster, higher, stronger” could be applicable to anyone, not just athletes.

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Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 12, 2012

Guest post by Kirk Hazlett, APR, Fellow PRSA. I stumbled into the field of public relations some 40-plus years ago so … The obvious … and first … response is “a lot.” After all, when I was a public affairs intern working for the US Army a million years ago, a remarkable piece of technology appeared that made it possible to transmit the written word via a telephone line to remote and exotic locales.

Publicity 72

Publicity Public Affairs Nonprofit Banking 72

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Communications

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 3, 2012

Dumbphone users used to be cool (yes, they did!). Working at home used to be an oxymoron. Facebook used to be the only company making money off Facebook (go ahead and laugh). What happened? The novelty of the iPhone has worn off (although it has kept its edge). Working from home is no longer unusual. Now just about everyone on social media wants to make money.

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Fashion Storytelling Web Facebook 70

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 27, 2012

Erin Feldman is the marketing communications manager at TouchSystems , a touch screen company based in Hutto, Texas. Her background is in marketing and creative writing, and she riffs about writing right at her blog, Write Right (so write right, don’t make her use her red pen). She spends the rest of her time writing poetry, drawing, reading, and running.

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Twitter Writing Creativity Blogging 70

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 4, 2012

I posted this before Christmas 2011, but it is an important cause that needs your support, so I’m re-posting it today. Please do take a moment to read, click, and share, in case you were out during the holidays. In the midst of your New Year cheer – which is well-deserved and much needed – would you take a moment to give a really great gift to nonprofits worldwide?

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Nonprofit Community Internal International 69

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 23, 2012

I was catching up on emails recently when a message caught my eye from one of my favorite brands: Rapha. As a bike geek and cycling lover, I love Rapha’s comfortable and beautifully designed cycling wear, and admire its use of content (particularly video ) to tell its story. Over the holiday season, Rapha challenged its community to complete the Festive 500 – burning off those Christmas calories by getting outside and cycling 500km across one week.

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Storytelling Community Video Interviews 68

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As the Internet continues to grow and change, the role of Online Crisis Management firms is evolving. This article explores how these firms are adapting to the new topography of Online Crisis Management. Through interviews with industry experts and case studies, we uncover the key strategies and tactics that are driving success in this dynamic field.

Crisis Management

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 6, 2012

Seeing as how it’s Friday, I figured I’d help you goof off a little today. And you don’t have to thank me. Just thank Facebook, because I found all these on that 600-lb gorilla social network. I don’t know if that says something about Facebook, me, or the people I hang out with over there. Probably all three. 1. English pronunciation from The Poke , via Jason Konopinski.

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Facebook Video Study Writing 66

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 19, 2012

If you’re a regular WUL reader, you may have noticed that this blog went dark yesterday. I used the SOPA Strike plugin to do so (after testing it as well as a couple of others). So if you were here yesterday, you’ll remember the splash page that told you why we were dark and which asked you to join the protest. Now, I’m not your typical “striker” (though you’ve probably figured that out by now).

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Wikipedia Reddit Pinterest Web 66

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 16, 2012

This past Thursday, I happened to be driving in the afternoon. As I typically do when I’m driving, I tuned into NPR. “Tell Me More” was on, and I caught part of the conversation on President Obama’s proposal to regulate home health care workers. This is not a political post, nor is it one on home health care. One of the guests was a lady by the name of Nicole Lee , who hired a home care worker for her father after he was diagnosed with lung cancer.

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Community Meeting Technology Publicity 63

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 2, 2012

It’s the second day of 2012. Did you have fun seeing the New Year in? Or did you mark it like any other day? Did you make any resolutions… or have they already starting paving the way to the nether world ? Whichever your approach, I hope 2012 brings good things to you and yours, and the strength to withstand the bad (because you know there are bound to be at least a few sucky moments down the road).

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Facebook Creativity Social Media Community 63

Speaker: Shawna Bruce, Director of M.D. Bruce & Associates Ltd.

Are you ready to face the unexpected? When the stakes are high and the pressure is on, there's no time to waste - you must be prepared to communicate clearly and confidently. In today's unpredictable world, mastering the art of crisis communication is a must-have skill for any public relations professional. Whether you're facing a weather disaster, a cyber attack, or a PR nightmare, knowing how to craft a clear and compelling message can mean the difference between chaos and calm, confusion and

Crisis

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 20, 2012

Last week we held the first #measurePR chat of 2012. Having taken a nice break over the holidays, it was great to be back with some familiar faces, er, Twitter handles, and some new ones too… we love new people! Seeing as how some of us (cough, me, cough) were still easing into the new year, we didn’t have a special guest. So the chat was a community chat or, as I like to call them, a fireside chat.

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Analytics Google Measurement Web 56

Bad Pitch Blog

JANUARY 16, 2012

'We''ve worked with Gawker in the past to help further our cause. Trying to change the industry from the inside out has been an ongoing task (psst, our sixth birthday is this Friday!). And, while we''re proud of the progress we''ve helped create, we''ve learned over the years that we need all the help we can get. Our friend Hamilton Nolan knows of our valiant quest and he''s "reaching across the aisle" on behalf of the fourth estate to help us out with his new blog item: PR Dummies.

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Pitching Blogging Industry 47

Bad Pitch Blog

JANUARY 3, 2012

'Help The Bad Pitch Blog suck less in 2012. If you want more trending, less trailing and no tired* content in 2012, we need your help. Leave us a comment on this post, drop us an email or send us a tweet if there''s a specific topic you''d like to see us discuss in the future. Richard and I try and give you what you want to read vs. what we think you want.or what we want to write about.

Trends 41

Trends Pitching Blogging Writing 41

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 9, 2012

The other day, my brother sent me a message asking me what apps I was currently using on my iPhone. As I went down the list of my FUAs (Frequently Used Apps), I realized there are a lot that I simply assume everyone else is using… but maybe they’re not. So I put together a list of my 15 top iPhone apps for you, in case you have been evaluating your own use of apps.

Skype 88

Skype Wireless Facebook Video 88

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Communications

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 26, 2012

Before I go any further, today is India’s Republic Day. To all our Indian/of Indian origin friends and readers, happy Republic Day! As you think about blogging, whether for personal or business reasons, how much do you mix up your content? Seriously, please tell me in the comments section, I really want to know. I’m guilty of thinking about it a lot, but not doing it enough.

Creativity 74

Creativity Exercises Infographics Small Business 74

Bad Pitch Blog

JANUARY 2, 2012

'What''s in a Word? A lot. A chain of links this morning reminds us of the importance of word choice. A Tale of Two Cliches You''re thinking, "But we also say, ''don''t sweat the small stuff.''" There''s some substance in this trite phrase as well. Word choice shouldn''t paralyze us or slow us down. But there''s a happy medium between clear, concise Hemingway-style writing and writing that helps differentiate us that also makes sense.

Big Data 53

Big Data Newspapers Writing LinkedIn 53

Waxing UnLyrical

JANUARY 17, 2012

This isn’t going to be another deconstruction of the awful PR and social media job done by Boners BBQ in Atlanta recently. There are hundreds of those out there ( though Unmarketing’s take is among the best ). This is going to be a “How to ensure your business never gets off the ground” kind of post. The first step? Have a terrible looking website that advertises a secondary slogan so juvenile and childish that it is difficult to find it offensive.

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Study How To Sports Social Media 68