Learning the Ropes of PR

Going Abroad…

Lauren Patterson — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:45:01 +0000

Second semester has ended…exam week is quickly passing by, and soon, I will be going abroad. I have been looking forward to starting a new adventure and experiencing new things. However, since the time has finally come, I feel that I am not exactly ready to leave! I still have to say bye to a lot of people and prepare for certain things, such as getting a Web cam for my computer. Although, I am very excited, I know that time will not stop when I leave.

I am curious about what the culture will be like there. I’ve been warned of pickpocketing and that the style of clothes is different…but will I feel completely out of place?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m very excited. The transition is just bittersweet! So, I guess I will have to be prepared, whether I’m ready or not! Barcelona…here I come!

ps- I can still twitter

PRSSA meeting with Brett Turner

Lauren Patterson — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:24:33 +0000

Brett Turner, PR Director for Jackson-Dawson Marketing Solutions, was the guest speaker for the Clemson PRSSA meeting on PR Portfolios. Brett discussed how to prepare a resume and portfolio for internship and job interviews. He discussed that writing is of #1 importance in public relations. Yes, being a “people person” is equally important, but what job doesn’t need people with good communication skills?

Most important things to note when putting together your resume/portfolio: have a cover letter, write well (no misspellings), understand the audience you’re talking to, do your research, be assertive, have references readily available, don’t fluff up your resume!)

When going for an interview, it is important to dress appropriately and understand what the company stand for. Doing research beforehand and appearing very interested is key! And, don’t forget to write a handwritten thank-you note following up the interview, and of course, call back! Be assertive, but not annoying!

PR Example #4

Lauren Patterson — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:12:32 +0000

This week on campus, November 17-21, Alpha Phi Omega, the National Service Fraternity, is hosting the 24th annual Clemson vs. USC Blood Drive. USC and Clemson have a yearly competition before the Thanksgiving football game to save lives by donating blood. There are multiple places around campus where you can give blood, and they offer numerous expenses, such as competing against USC, getting a free t-shirt, snacks, and door prizes.

I think this is an example of good PR for the service fraternity and Clemson University. They are raising awareness on campus to donate blood through fliers, the Internet, etc.

PR Example #3

Lauren Patterson — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:54:15 +0000

In my public relations class, I gave a public relations example promoting both the motion picture and the saga, “Twilight.” The first book of the saga, “Twilight,” was published in 2005. Since the beginning of “Twilight,” Stephenie Meyer has had so much popularity from her fans. Also, the motion picture comes out Friday, November 21 at midnight, which has also promoted a lot of publicity.

Besides fans who promote the saga, the media are also playing an active role. Entertainment Weekly featuerd Robert Pattinson, who plays Edward Cullen, as a top breakout star in 2008. This article is good PR for “Twilight” because it features a main character in a positive light.

beingcheryl.com

Lauren Patterson — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:21:46 +0000

Recently my public relations professor, Dr. V, introduced us to a new blog by Cheryl Harrison. When I first visited her blog, I immediately noticed the unique setup she had with bright colors and pop-out fonts. Also, I liked her title, BeingCheryl: I am a good idea. How clever to note yourself as being a good idea?! I liked how she uses her blog for both professional and personal means. Professionally, she adds insightful posts about twittering and social media, and she added a page with her resume information. However, she also leaves a personal touch by making her blog look unique and by adding pictures and other informations, such as how you can reach her on other social media tools such as facebook or myspace.

One post I found interesting was how she rejects any type of rules for twitter. However, she does make a few of her own rules (or, more like suggestions) that she follows. I have become a recent member of twitter, and I found some of these tips quite useful!

Check it out!

PR Example #2

Lauren Patterson — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:23:20 +0000

Clemson University’s Panhellenic has created an extension program to bring a new sorority to campus. The extension program is composed of the Panhellenic advisers, Panhellenic executive board, and a member from each current sorority. Throughout this process, three sororities will be considered. In order to decide which one will begin a new chapter at Clemson, each sorority will put on a presentation open to the public for all to view. Last night, November 5th, Sigma Kappa gave their presentation. Sigma Kappa brought Sigma Kappa nationals staff, alumnae, and current chapter members from the University of Georgia. They gave a presentation discussing Sigma Kappa’s goals and values. It was good PR because it showed Sigma Kappa in a positive light, despite if they are picked for Clemson’s campus or not. Also, Sigma Kappa did their research, because they showed why they would benefit not only their sorority, in a national aspect, but also, they discussed why they would benefit Clemson’s campus. They did their research!

How to get an A+ in blogging…

Lauren Patterson — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:43:06 +0000

After looking at numerous blogs and exploring the world of blogging, I learned some tips…
-Comment on others’ blogs and get a feel for the blogging world before starting your own blog
-Personalize your page: make the graphics stand out, leave your contact information, take time to make your about me page interesting
-Be unique…add humor, stand out!
-Be insightful, have good, authentic posts and responses
-Respect others who are blogging
-When leaving posts, be to the point, but also, be eye-catching
-Know your target audience
-Try to keep your blog updated and respond frequently
-Engage your community
-Promote your blog professionally and efficiently

PR Example #1

Lauren Patterson — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 19:27:55 +0000

ProActive commercial with Jessica Simpson–good PR or bad PR?

Jessica Simpson is a great choice for a company to use as an endorser. She is beautiful, girls aspire to be like her, and she is well known. However, on the other hand, ProActive did not do enough research and did not apply the RPIE method when they chose her as a spokesperson for their company. Jessica Simpson has previously admitted to using a different acne treatment other than ProActive. Therefore, this is bad PR, because Jessica Simpson clearly admits to using a different acne treatment than the one she was supposed to be endorsing.

Social Media Tools

Lauren Patterson — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:04:53 +0000

After looking at Chris Brogan’s post about social media tools, I realized that there are numerous ways to stay connected on the Web. From blogging to social bookmarking, there are endless opportunities. I am beginning to be active on twitter and blogging; I think at first it is hard to get a grasp of (and semi-intimidating because of all of the PR professionals on the Web).

Skype(ing) with @pistachio

Lauren Patterson — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:52:09 +0000

In class on Thursday, October 2, we talked with PR professional @pistachio. She gave us useful tips for learning how to be successful in the PR world and how to be an active and engaged member in social media.

-Be authentic, be human, know right ways to publicize (rather than nag, nag, nag…give them an offer they can’t refuse!)
-Sell in a way that’s useful to your customers, engage in a way that’s useful to your customer
-Don’t tell people…ask!
-Don’t do the work for the client, but educate them and give them the tools to use
-Instead of just entering a link…strike up a conversation than enter the link
-listening is the most important tool!
-NOT about the number of followers on twitter