PRSA Articles Part X

Work smarter not harder. This of course is in reference to work ethic being more tactical and strategic and less laborious. Not that labor should be frowned upon. It's sweat and blood that built this country, both literally and figuratively. But times have changed. And so too has the ability to accomplish more with less time and resources. The article below entertains the idea that new age marketing/advertising is much more lazy because of the major incorporation of technology to help assist in the work. I do agree that the opportunities to take short cuts and and be a little complacent loom a little stronger with the use of more technology. What it boils down to is that every PR professional, no matter what era, is accountable for his or her work and the EFFORT they put in to that work. The article provides a litt more insight of course.

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=149364

PRSA Articles Part IX

I found a particular article relevant today as it addresses PR in startup companies. Over the last 8 months I have worked for a company that has started from the ground up just days before my employment commenced. As a major part of  that company I was involved in our early stages of outreach and the development of relationships with our clientele. I have had to make a lot of phone calls, attend meetings, send emails, and go door to door to help with our establishment in the bay area. This article goes more on depth on the use of PR in the entrepreneurial world. Equally important to well known companies improving their stock, up and coming business ideas are only as good as those who fund them.
                                                                       Check it...

                                                                          http://media.prsa.org/article_display.cfm?article_id=2063

PRSA Part VIII

As far back as I can remember cereal, lunchables and treats have always been accompanied by some type of game or prize, thus enticing my young mind to want a product for multiple reasons. Notice that none of the afore mentioned foods were even relatively healthy. It's not like fruits and vegetables include a race car with their purchase. Although now that I'm older and purchase produce a prize would be nice! Only kidding. But this article below points out an interesting trend of internet interaction with kids and these unhealthy foods. Kids can go online to enter promotion codes for prizes, play games and all the while get major exposure to these brand names. The most intriguing part of the article is the correspondence through the web involving America's youth. If one child one something awesome in a cinnamon toast crunch box of course he will tell all of his friends. Inadvertently, but effectively, marketing these products to their small but powerful social networks.

http://www.prsa.org/SearchResults/view/9143/105/Food_marketers_using_online_games_to_pitch_childre

PRSA Part VII (Earth Day Edition)

GO GREEN! That seems to be more of a "trend" than a serious effort to change our poor environmental habits. Not only is this initiative helpful for an ecosystem near you but there is also money to be made and jobs to be created. Many local utilities are eager to fund energy efficiency programs, as well city officials have budgets for cleaning up and improving areas that could use some attention. So how does all this betterment for the Earth come to be? Marketing and advertising this any change of lifestyle, going green in this instance, has to include benefits and motivation for people to participate. Similar to restaurants including calories for positive or negative consequential means. This article is very insightful about "mainstreaming green behaviors".

http://www.prsa.org/SearchResults/view/9144/105/Study_Mainstreaming_green_behaviors_demands_massiv

PRSA Articles Part you guessed it.... VI

As the Spanish population grows in America, so too does the rise of PR and marketing to that respective demographic. It seems to me that while growing up I didn't pay attention to the occasional Spanish television program or radio station. But now each of the previously mentioned can be found every few turns of the dial. A huge market is available for PR firms who are willing to diversify themselves by going bilingual and making an effort to incorporate Hispanic clientele in their game plan. And the market is only going to get bigger as the demographic grows. In this article a woman at a "Hispanicize" convention gives some input concerning some of the same topics but mainly just about the growth that has already taken place from one part of the world to another.

http://www.prweekus.com/census-data-top-of-mind-at-hispanicize/article/200272/

PRSA Articles Part V

A secret part of me wants to start my own business i.e. a PR firm, but I have never really given much thought to the reality of start up costs, the risks involved, and the technicalities of delegating important paperwork responsibilities. I have however, dwelt on the reward that comes from taking a risk. This article was really inspiring for not only those seeking to make it on own their own in the PR industry, but for anyone with hopes and aspirations of owning their own business someday. Some key points that I drew from the article were as follows. Hire good people. Don't have more than two owners or at least try to maintain 50% equity in the business. Have confidence, things will fall into place from unexpected sources. Those sources include friends and close networks that will be more supportive than perhaps realized. It is important to maintain friendships within these networks not only for business growth but for expanded publicity. Many other essential and helpful tips are included in the article.
http://prsay.prsa.org/index.php/2011/04/14/starting-your-own-pr-firm/

PRSA Articles Part IV

In a recent study conducted by global researchers, it has been linked that PR professionals are not only efficient in advertising and publicity, but have adequate marketing and managing skills reported a Harvard Professor. When I first read this I thought, well duh! Of course PR people should be fully capable of being capable of all of the a fore mentioned qualities. But that is not always the case. The study showed that PR students and professional "generally" acquired the skill set to both publicize and manage in their fields. Some individuals who are more introverted have a hard time dealing with the face to face interaction that can be included in public relations. Technology suits the comfort of these people who would rather deal with social networking and online advertisement as opposed to daily confrontations. SO even though not all public relations specialists pursue active management and marketing, I do agree that a good percentage of them are certainly capable of doing such. The skills learned and practiced in college and in the work field put any hardworking PR person in a very qualified position.
http://media.prsa.org/article_display.cfm?article_id=1653

PRSA Articles Part III

With the recent disasters in Japan social media provides lots of ways to contribute. So not only do these networks provide candid images of people and places in the disaster area, but more importantly they help promote awareness and raise funds to help out. Whether it's an ad to text a certain number to donate $10 to disaster victims or groups formulating relief efforts, a significant effort to help out begins in the networking. I think this is a great way to keep a young and normally uninterested generation alert and aware of how to help these poor people.

http://www.prsa.org/SearchResults/view/9119/105/Crisis_in_Japan_showcases_vital_role_of_social_med

PRSA Articles Part II

In a PRSA Blog titled Diversity Today, a particle post concerning stereotypes found its way onto my screen and into my mind. The author describes their experience in the PR industry and their ethnic background. Upon reviewing their circumstances as an Asian-American it became more and more clear to me that Public Relations and representation in itself not only works with diverse people, but it thrives on it. Some ideas can best be focused from someone who can relate to that particular crowd/market/audience. The point being that not every older white male knows what appeals to young Oriental females. And not every young Hispanic man has the tools to target middle aged African Americans. You get my drift. So diversity, when possible, is the key to a broader range of success in reaching more demographics. As far as stereotypes are concerned, I"m not really sure what is thought to be what in this industry. Related to age, race, and ethnicity that is. Stereotypes that do concern me about PR, are the ones claiming that the industry is full of misrepresentation and spin. I plan on participating in neither of those things and I  am sure that there is a proper manner in which I can be successful by so doing. Here's the link to the blog:
http://diversity.prsa.org/index.php/2010/07/another-point-of-view/

PRSA Articles Part I

http://www.prsa.org/SearchResults/view/9106/105/Hawaii_struggling_with_tsunami_damage_loss_of_Japa
I found this article to be not only interesting but somewhat relevant to my own travel experiences. Due to the aftermath of the tsunami in Japan, Hawaii has taken a significant hit in its tourism revenue. Because Hawaii historically has relied on Japanese tourists and vacationers to contribute a good chunk of change, there is some concern for the future of its tourism.
As a high school senior i visited Honolulu for a week and had a great time. I think had I known there would be damage from tsunamis and the possibility of drifted radiation, I would certainly have been more hesitant to book my travel. I do think this is a good opportunity for Hawaii to market cheaper travel plans to visitors from all over the world. Japanese tourists will be back when things calm down, but a new market of guests could be targeted during this time.

PR Hall of Fame

I stumbled upon an interesting website recently which revealed its own version of a public relations hall of fame. The list includes the likes of such companies as: Taco Bell, The Goodyear Blimp, The Oscar Meyer Weenie Truck and a few more recognizable names. This got me to thinking, what makes these companies so effective with their marketing and advertising ploys? Is it catchy jingles or memorable mascots? Or is there something a little more lasting?
            A key characteristic that is consistent in each of these listed businesses stood out me. The appeal to emotion is not only lasting but super impressionable. "Diamonds are Forever" This saying addresses long lasting love and relationships people share yet people can correlate the phrase with local diamond and jewelry stores across the world. Lasting PR campaigns sometimes happen by chance, other times they are born by that direct appeal to real life needs and desires.

http://www.publicityinsider.com/HallOfFame.asp