Image Gal's Guide to PR

From 'Failure' to 'Fabulous'

2011-01-20T14:41:00.005-05:00

Great pride comes with this particular post as it proves how valuable both public opinion AND public relations can be when crisis reaches corporate walls.

Etsy.com, a recognized visionary superstore for artisans and their customers, was recently taken to task for allowing the sale of some distasteful (albeit completely inappropriate) greeting cards. The offending seller's merchandise not only mocked individuals with intellectual disabilities, but also condoned (and seemingly celebrated) rape, violence against women, and much more.

http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/Slowmoving_PR_disaster_tarnishes_Etsy_brand__42626.aspx

As word of this reached the eyes and ears of major support organizations, families and consumers in general, Etsy.com began to take some heat and major criticism for allowing this type of seller to use the site as a vehicle for merchandising his wares. Although several lawyers reached out to Etsy.com in an effort to have the seller removed, they were all initially rebuffed by Etsy.com which suggested that they were providing 'free speech' to their vendors.

This is a point that is very much appreciated--especially since staffers of Image Professors also moonlight as reporters and bloggers. However, what Etsy.com wasn't realizing was that courtesy of social media (a very important vehicle these days), the company would soon receive more than a barrage of emails and calls requesting, in fact, demanding that Etsy.com pull the seller immediately.

The pressure was on and as sales started to drop and views diminish, those responsible for the site immediately decided to review their legal policies. During this process, it was decided to modify them insure compliance and safety for ALL of its sellers and artisans--and in doing so--was forced to remove the offending seller from their website.

Important to note from a public relations standpoint:

(1) Etsy.com responded to all incoming feedback. They did not hide behind invisible Internet walls. They instead, responded to constituents immediately. Very good idea!

(2) As it became evident that their policies may not be in full compliance given constituent feedback, the company took a very important step. They reviewed their policies and in seeing discrepancies, remedied those discrepancies--again, immediately. Well done Etsy.com!

(3) Upon modifying those policies, they communicated those changes and reasons for those changes with their sellers/artisans--as well as the general public. An excellent public relations maneuver.

http://www.etsy.com/storque/etsy-news/policy-change-prohibiting-items-and-listings-that-disparage--11599/

(4) They leveraged the Internet and social media forums to aggregate feedback/data and to also update external audiences at rapid fire pace. They didn't dilly-dally around, wait too long, or ignore the situation. They instead, organized their thoughts based upon feedback and took necessary steps to 'calm' their constituents while positively managing their brand.

All in all, an excellent case study for businesses in crisis.

Holiday Hubbub....

2010-10-28T13:40:00.004-04:00

It may seem as if the Fall leaves have just begun to amass on the ground below, yet the countdown to the holiday season has already begun--as evidenced by the multiple aisles of decorations adorning the shelves at my local Home Depot.

Those decorations are my annual alert to begin pitching client inclusion in holiday gift guides. For longer lead publications (magazines with 6-month lead times), clients may already be too late, but for short leads (today-60 day lead times such as newspapers, radio, TV, online ezines, blogs, etc.), the timing is perfect for holiday-centric pitches.

A useful method for reaching even the most 'unreachable' media outlets such as the TODAY Show or Regis & Kathy Lee, is simply to put into the mail a sample of your client's gift idea with corresponding pitch. I've seen colleagues secure national broadcast attention for their clients simply by doing just this--including an edible resume! (http://www.cakes4occasions.com/).

From now through mid-late November, focus on national, short lead media outlets. The entire month of November should be used to reach out to local newspapers and morning shows in an effort to highlight useful, locally-made gift items perfect for someone on their gift list. Locally-made stories are a favorite for provincial media. Don't forget to also have on hand high-quality images/photographs! Photo PR can be one of the greatest sales advantages to product-oriented clients during the holiday buying season. As the cliche' states, "a picture is worth a thousand words,' or hopefully, a thousand dollars.

Social Media...social what???

2010-10-26T14:56:00.004-04:00

Having worked in the public relations (PR) industry for more than 15 years, I can honestly say that I today still love what I do. It's exciting, challenging, strategic, tactical and creative all at the same time. However, the last few years have really put a damper on my collegiate PR instruction. Traditional PR, while still a foundation, is undergoing a metamorphosis towards social media.

What IS social media? The simplest way to define it is so say that social media (sites, ezines, blogs, digital applications) use highly accessible and scalable publishing techniques to turn communication into 'interactive dialogue.' And this is the crux of the discussion---'interaction.'

Now, put aside the fact that I dislike this word. To this day, I consult my trusty Webster's Dictionary to make certain that I spell it correctly as it was THE word that lost me the regional spelling bee when I was a teenager. Alas, interaction is what makes new communications mediums so much more exciting. They stimulate not just one-to-one communication, but one to limitless numbers of communication and broadcasting capability.

As a PR consultant, I know well the advantages of social news and social media. You can instantly gain interest in a product, company, or campaign with the push of a button--which is invaluable to a company's bottom line. The key is to locate, dissect and initiate social media campaigns that have the greatest reach for a targeted demographic. For example, is the blogosphere more useful to your client than a traditional impression in the New York Times? Maybe. Would an appearance on MSNBC be more beneficial than an exclusive on VentureBeat.com? It all depends on your client and their ultimate goals.

A highly regarded media company (Burrelles Luce) released, earlier this year, their list of the 2010 Top Media Outlets (the ones that influence the most readers/viewers). Maybe you too will find these lists interesting....

Top 5 English Language Blogs

1. The Huffington Post

2. Gidmodo

3. TechCrunch

4. Mashable

5. BoingBoing

Top 5 Newspapers
1. The Wall Street Journal
2. USA Today
3. The New York Times

4. The Los Angeles Times

5. The Washington Post

(Sidenote: As a New Englander, I was personally surprised to both the Boston Globe (#18) and the Boston Herald(#64), on this list)

Top 5 Magazines

1. AARP The Magazine (really?)

2. AARP Bulletin (are you kidding--the Top 2 spots!)

-- This information is useful as it proves out the demographic that is still reading magazines....

3. Reader's Digest

4. Better Homes and Gardens

5. National Geographic

Top Social Networks
1. Facebook

2. MySpace

3. YouTube
4. Tagged
5. Yahoo! Answers
(Note: Twitter came in at #6)

Out of the Darkness....

2010-09-28T11:28:00.006-04:00

It has been far too long since our last post, but the main reason for that has been a refocus of our business. This Fall has already set the tone for Image Professors in that we are again working with entrepreneurial ventures, but continue to support both mom-backed businesses and of course, the area we're most fond of, non-profits.

Much is scheduled this coming week--including Autism Resources International's http://www.autismresourcesintl.org/ "It's Okay to Play" Event on September 29th in California.

In addition, as October is marked as not only Down Syndrome Awareness Month, but National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the Image Professors team is also actively involved both in its home state of Massachusetts as well as in the midwest.

For the fifth year in a row, Image Professors is actively supporting the PR/communications efforts of the Massachsuetts Down Syndrome Congress' (http://www.mdsc.org) 14th Annual Buddy Walk--taking place on October 10th in Wakefield, MA. The event celebrates individuals with Down syndrome as well as their achievements and raises much needed funds for MDSC programs including the integral Parent's First Call and Educator's Forum.

Finally, Image Professors has recently secured an exciting opportunity to assist another wonderful startup as it emerges from 'stealth' mode in support of Cyber Security Awareness Month. The Chicago-based company has quickly caught the eye of many with its plans to bridge parents and children across social networks and a variety of other online environments. They are sure to make some noise (as will WE about them) --so parents especially will want to stay tuned. Happy Fall!

Social Media redefining PR strategy....

2010-04-12T12:28:00.004-04:00

For those who haven't yet caught the social media bug, let us let you in on something...social media is a MUST if you are to dent the mindsets of today's savvy consumer. To prove this point, check out your local community later this week on Friday, April 16th--officially deemed "Foursquare Day."

The social media application (easily downloaded and connected to other social media outlets like Facebook), helps businesses and consumers connect while mobile! Friends can find friends and locations around town, meet up on the fly, and leave tips and reviews of businesses/services/products for other consumers that may be en route to visit.

On Foursquare Day, many businesses across the country (and not just in the big cities, mind you...) are linking up with other businesses in an effort to encourage community support. Through couponing, freebies and 'best of' promotional offers delivered exclusively through social media channels, these businesses seek to increase visits to their locations which can be found via Foursquare.

For any business (small or large) that hasn't yet rallied its PR, marketing and communications troops around social media as a business-boosting avenue, let this post be a useful reminder that yes, social media is in fact an evolving trend and one that savvy businesses are today leveraging to get their message out and products and services sold.

http://4sqday.com/

Moonlighting....

2010-03-11T16:07:00.005-05:00

As an entrepreneur, our founder, Wendy Agudelo, has started several businesses in her life--including her PR consultancy, Image Professors. But, after having three children and being initiated into the world of mommyhood, Wendy has taken on yet another project, Period Packs, Inc.

Just this week, our team at Image Professors began efforts to market and build awareness of not only Period Packs, but the company's core goal, to turn the awkward and confusing elements surrounding menstruation into more positive, celebratory and educated ones.

This is a major grassroots undertaking. We're starting at ground zero--to educate the masses about new ways to approach and celebrate a young girls transition towards womanhood, and leveraging this particular time in her life to build important ties that will certainly assist when future embarassing discussions (i.e. sex, birth control, etc.) become more relevant.

Stay tuned as we begin to stir the seas and shift societal mindsets and preconceptions using several forms of communication--PR, social media/networking, direct mail and POS. More to come...!

www.periodpacks.com

Calling for a cause....

2009-10-08T22:57:00.005-04:00

With the shaky economy causing many businesses to shrink their marketing staffs and pull back on all 'unnecessary' expenditures, one of the areas that we believe should never be short changed is community service and philanthropy.

The team at Image Professors has long-lived a vision of giving back--working with viable non-profits and local organizations seeking to gain a stronger foothold in the media. We have been fortunate enough for the last four years, to be the communications agency of record for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. (http://www.mdsc.org/). October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and in Boston, some amazing and inspirational things are taking place that we just couldn't resist sharing. The most prominent is a competitive swim by 31-year-old Karen Gaffney, an accomplished swimmer and athlete, with Down syndrome. All major media outlets waited on shore nearly an hour for this young woman to complete her swim, culminating in some amazing media coverage for Karen and the Down syndrome cause. We couldn't be more proud to highlight this pinnacle moment in our philanthropic service to a very valuable cause. A sampling from the Boston Globe is below with a link to photos and video.

PR Professionals take note: Pro bono PR results in amazing rewards that are worth more than their weight in gold (or cash!). Don't forget to incorporate a few pro bono clients into your roster for balance and perspective.

A long, cold swim for a cause

October 8, 2009 06:47 PM
By Martin Finucane, Globe Staff

Karen Gaffney, a tiny woman -- 4 feet 9 inches, 95 pounds – who limps and can't use her left leg at all when she swims, nevertheless churned five miles through the frigid, choppy waters of Boston Harbor today.

It was no picnic. But Gaffney did it to prove a point – that people with Down Syndrome have "tremendous capabilities."
"I did this swim to show people what people like me can do," Gaffney, 31, of Portland, Ore., said as she warmed up after the swim at a celebration attended by friends, supporters and advocates at the L Street Bathhouse.
Gaffney began swimming from the lighthouse at Little Brewster Island to the beach at the bathhouse, accompanied by two pace swimmers, a kayak, four other boats, and, at one point, the Coast Guard. The conditions were choppy, with the wind coming out of the west at 15 to 25 knots, said her father, Jim Gaffney, making for a tough swim.
After about 1 1/2 miles, the swimmers were pulled out, partly because the Coast Guard had safety concerns, said Kayley Randall, executive director of the Karen Gaffney Foundation. The swimmers got back in the water at Prospect Cove and swam another 3 1/2 miles to the beach at the bathhouse.
Jim Gaffney said his daughter has had problems with her left hip since she first began to walk as toddler. And she has never been able to run. But that hasn't stopped her from developing the upper body strength of a long-distance swimmer.
"The conditions were really difficult," said Elaine Kornbau Howley, one of the open-water swimmers who paced Karen Gaffney. "She's just a really inspiring person."
The swim was a fundraiser for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, whose executive director Maureen Gallagher, said, "We want our young people with Down Syndrome to have every opportunity for a full and productive life. And we know they can."
"It was really cold," Gaffney said. "The first maybe half an hour to 45 minutes it started getting really rough and then we kind of switched gears and shortened the route a little bit and made it a little easier."
How did she feel after her feat? "A little stiff, but I'm alive," Gaffney said.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/10/a_long_cold_swi.html

Image Professors Founder Receives Media Honors....

2009-04-17T15:33:00.005-04:00

While our business is predominantly focused on our clients, occasionally, the good work done by our firm is recognized by peer groups--which certainly is a nice bonus. Recently, our firm president and founder, Wendy Bulawa Agudelo, was awarded the 2009 MDSC Media Award for her work as the special needs liaison, columnist and freelance features writer for parenting publication, P&K. The newspaper was kind enough to feature an article on our founder on their home page, so we thought it worth linking to our blog as well, since it is pretty fabulous news.

Kudos to Wendy, our fearless and now, award-winning, leader!!

http://www.wickedlocalparents.com/content/pkspecialneedsliasonwendybulawaagudeloreceivesmediahonors

P&K Special Needs Liaison Wendy Bulawa Agudelo Receives Media Honors

Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Recognizes Local Columnist For Efforts to Supplant Misperceptions Surrounding Special Needs

At the recently held 25th Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) Annual Conference, Wendy Bulawa Agudelo, who operates public relations consulting firm Image Professors, Inc., and serves as special needs liaison and columnist for Parents & Kids (P&K) Magazine, was awarded the prestigious 2009 MDSC Media Award.

The MDSC Media Award was established eight years ago to recognize with honor a person or company who exemplifies the MDSC mission to disseminate up-to-date information about Down syndrome. Past MDSC Media Award recipients include Irv Shappell, founder of Woodbine House Publishers, Cynthia Kidder of Band of Angels Press, K.C. Myers of the Cape Cod Times, Gene Lavanchy of FOX-25 Morning News, Amy Marcus of the Wall Street Journal, and Beverly Beckham, columnist for the Boston Globe.

Agudelo is mother to Abigail, a three-year-old girl with Down syndrome, and twin one-year-old boys. Since the arrival of Abigail, Agudelo has made concerted efforts in her print and online writing to educate readers about special needs—including Down syndrome. Through several of her columns and articles, she has helped to dispel myths about Down syndrome, while providing factual information to keep the Down syndrome movement progressing forward. Her canvas is P&K Magazine, a highly-progressive regional parenting publication that has confidently taken the lead at shining, without fear, a consistent spotlight on special needs and related elements.

As special needs liaison and columnist for P&K, Agudelo received top honors for her ongoing series of articles boldly focusing on controversy over the word ‘retarded,’ to a February 2009 cover story on Integrated Sports Programs for children with disabilities. She introduced ‘Dual Diagnosis: Autism and Down syndrome,’ while highlighting a local parent support group, Morning Travelers 2, founded by a local mother of a child diagnosed with the unique combination of autism and Down syndrome, and raised awareness of ‘Prenatal Diagnosis’ and preliminary steps including genetic testing which reproductive couples can take in planning and preparing for their future family.

“Wendy has proven tremendous dedication to the Down syndrome cause and special needs in general by going to great lengths to research and uncover unique topics to introduce to her readers,” said Maureen Gallagher, executive director of the MDSC. “Her articles provide a factual and thoughtful perspective of a special needs world that not everyone understands, yet one of which we should be thoughtful and aware. We are very proud to honor Wendy with the 2009 Media Award.”

Down syndrome, which affects more than 5,000 individuals in the state of Massachusetts, is a genetic condition that knows no boundaries and appears within all nationalities, socio-economic classes, ethnic groups and races. Most people with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome present in all or some of their cells. This additional genetic material alters the course of development for more than six thousand babies born each year in the United States.

“P&K has given the special needs community a consistent voice, and through the magazine, it has been my goal to share personal stories as well as useful information to raise awareness and help modify stereotypical mindsets about special needs,” said Agudelo. “The MDSC has been a home to my entire family and its wonderful group of member families, have provided inspiration and ideas to help supplant historic stereotypes and provide a more realistic, comforting and successful view of life with special needs. It’s my job and honor to turn those ideas into stories everyone can appreciate.”

About MDSC
Established in 1983, the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to education about and awareness of Down syndrome. MDSC was founded to provide information, resources and support for families, while advocating for the inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome into all aspects of the community. Additionally, the organization gathers and disseminates the most accurate and timely news relating to Down syndrome to educate the public, while actively and aggressively addressing social policy and legislatively-driven issues alongside state and local human service agencies. The MDSC Parent’s First Call program delivers much needed answers for couples who have received either a high risk result or confirmed Down syndrome diagnosis, and connects educated parents of children with Down syndrome, their knowledge and experiences, with those couples. More information about MDSC can be found at http://www.mdsc.org/, or by calling 1-800-664-MDSC.

State of Public Relations in Boston

2009-02-03T11:21:00.002-05:00

According to reports from the well-respected and still-in-business Boston Business Journal, the Bay State is experiencing a serious downsizing of its public relations forces.

As a PR person myself, I too have experienced a decline in overall revenues, and new business pitches have slowed a bit, yet I'm happy to report that business continues. The link to the story is below, but I'd ask my fellow PR folk whether or not this is a sign of the times, or finally, a burst of the technology bubble? I entered the PR industry not only in Silicon Valley, but when the technology revolution (read Steve Jobs/Apple and Steve Wozniak-Bill Gates/Microsoft) were just in their garage-based infancy. Since then, the tech industry has seen amazing strides tied closely with the proliferation of media and the unique exchange of information method people now leverage--i.e. podcasts, social media, and blogging to name a few.

With significant print publication declines in readership, subscriptions, and advertising dollars, it was almost inevitable that the marketing function too would feel a cutback. And, it has. Sadly, it is the marketing function that generates momentum for the sales process and simply put, brand establishment and management.

I therefore submit advice to all businesses--big and small--make room in your budget for marketing/PR. Without it, you may build it, but who will come if no one is aware that what you built is available for trial or purchase?

http://www.necn.com/Boston/Business/2009/02/03/BBJ-PR-firms-and-economy-/1233665911.html

Sign of the times....

2008-11-20T10:31:00.004-05:00

The Boston Globe ran a report this morning about one of the technology industries major publishing houses ceasing the printing of the print version of PC Magazine. We've all heard and read about declining subscriptions, circulations and advertising dollars, but this news really hit home.

When I began my career in technology PR, PC Magazine was considered a top-tier industry trade publication. To get an interview or meeting for your client, you literally had to pray, beg, borrow or steal since every company dreamed of having their product or service written up in the pages of the PC Magazine bible. While the content and incredibly savvy writing will simply move from print to online, this news really does speak to shift in multiple industries--including PR.

PR pros, now more than ever, need to familiarize themselves with online editorial (and the lack of journalistic 'rules', social media, citizen journalism and the blogosphere. Getting your client on the front page of the Wall Street Journal is lovely--but only if someone reads it. Nowadays, getting your client launched via Mashable.com, CNET.com or the like, is a valuable accomplishment.

Delivery of news has also changed how we absorb information. Alerts to your phone, Blackberry or Treo or your RSS feeds seem more the norm than a read-through of the daily paper. Local newspapers have returned to their roots--focusing on just that--local news. A major shift is now afoot in media publishing, new media, and the value of a print-based outlet. Keep your eyes open since there is definitely more 'shake out' to come.

(From the Boston Globe; http://www.boston.com/)

PC Magazine will switch to online-only operation
Ad revenue is falling fast, publisher says

By Stephanie Clifford
New York Times News Service / November 20, 2008

Ziff Davis Media said yesterday that it was ending print publication of its 27-year-old flagship PC Magazine and would make the title online-only. It is the latest of several magazine publishers to drop a print edition as advertising revenue plummets and the cost of printing a paper version rises.

"The viability for us to continue to publish in print just isn't there anymore," Jason Young, chief executive of Ziff Davis, said.

However, while most magazines make most of their money from print advertising, PC Magazine derives most of its profits from its website. More than 80 percent of the profit and about 70 percent of the revenue come from the digital business, Young said, and all of the writers and editors have been counted as part of the digital budget for two years.

The change will not require much of an adjustment, because the focus has been on getting stories to the Web first, said Lance Ulanoff, editor of the PCMag Digital Network, which is what PCMag.com and its accompanying websites were renamed yesterday. "All content goes online first, and print has been cherry-picking for some time what it wants for the print edition," he said.

Circulation at PC Magazine had been declining since the late 1990s, when it hit a peak of 1.2 million. This year, the magazine's rate base was 600,000.Young said that while the print magazine would be profitable in 2008, he had forecast that it would lose money in 2009. The final print edition will be the January issue.

Seven production, circulation, and advertising employees will be cut as a result of the move, out of a total of about 140 who work on PC Magazine and PCMag.com. Young said the company was considering making its other print magazine, the video-game publication Electronic Gaming Monthly, into an online-only format, but would not decide before the end of the year.
Other publishers have also moved publications online-only.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists recently announced it would go online-only beginning in January. "We're trying to deal with the cost pressures," said Jonas Siegel, the Bulletin's editor.
The Boston-based Christian Science Monitor said in October that it would cease printing its paper weekday edition and appear online only; also in October, Hearst Corp. closed CosmoGirl but kept its website.

Signing Time--They do PR well!

2008-10-03T11:53:00.004-04:00

It seemed appropriate for me to take a moment to highlight the good work of a company based in Salt Lake City, UT called Signing Time (www.signingtime.com). The predominantly family owned and run operation was founded to create stimulating, unique and fun items to teach sign language to infants, toddlers and school-aged children. In the last year, the company has truly embraced the various forms of PR/Marketing available to engage multiple audiences--including YouTube video, blogging and social media networking. In preparation for the company's launch of its new Baby Signing Time series 3&4, the company even organized a contest among its constituency of bloggers--an impressive idea for a small business. As such, it made sense to give kudos to Communications Manager Lindsey Blau, who runs herself ragged alongside company founders, to insure that messages are in sync, opportunities are not missed, and all levels of media, engaged. Congratulations to the crew at Signing Time on the release of your next Baby Signing Time iterations. I've also linked Lindsey's personal blog in my "Cool Links of Note." Nicely done Lindsey!

2008-09-16T12:45:00.003-04:00

Yippeee....one of my startup clients makes their public debut!

Phonesheet.com Introduces Phone Message Manager
WEB 2.0 MESSAGE ORGANIZER FREES DESKTOPS OF MESSAGE PADS and STICKY NOTES
TRACKS 'PHONE WORK' FOR ANYONE THAT RELIES ON TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- DROP THAT STICKY NOTE! In an
effort to free desktops and workspaces of stacks of phone message slips,
random pieces of scrap paper, and layers of sticky notes stuck to one's
computer monitor, Phonesheet.com today introduces the phone message
manager.

Unlike an online contact manager geared towards sales professionals,
Phonesheet.com is the only secure, Web 2.0 portal designed to aid in the
organization of phone calls and messages for anyone that relies on
telephone communication.

Making and receiving telephone calls are a necessary part of a work
day. Amazingly, calls and messages are still managed using phone message
pads, spiral notebooks and sticky notes, upon which call information or
important details extracted from a voicemail message are handwritten by
administrative or personal assistants, business colleagues, or us. Phone
message slips can quickly pile up and efforts to make four phone calls can
easily result in four voicemails (voicemail tag). Mental checks of calls
made, messages left, and calls that still need to be returned swim in our
heads alongside ever- expanding professional and personal to-do lists--
making the management of daily 'phone work' a tedious, inefficient and
disorganized process. In a day of technological innovation, a paradigm
shift away from the handwritten phone message is afoot with the
introduction of the online phone message pad.

With no complicated set up, no large manual to review, and no software
to install, Phonesheet.com is a tool designed to alleviate multiple
telephone challenges by providing amateur and savvy computer users alike a
web-based method of managing, sorting and storing phone messages. Once
entered into the spreadsheet-style application, calls and messages are
displayed as a color- coded overview -- allowing immediate identification
and sorting of calls that need to be made, calls that have already been
made, and new messages received. Anyone that relies on telephone
communication can leverage Phonesheet.com's 'virtual phone message pad'
which securely stores contact information and archives phone
messages-resulting in a personal, online phonebook for each user that is
accessible anytime and anywhere in the world where Internet access is
available

"Phonesheet.com solved the problem of always trying to find my phone
call note sheet and allowed me to keep track of my calls anywhere I might
be working," said Jim Gabriel, director of Michigan-based St. Hugo of the
Hills. "I've been recommending it to everyone."

Why Voicemail Isn't a Failsafe Solution
When known or expected callers leave a message in our voicemail box,
response is easy as many of us submit phone numbers to memory or program
them directly into our landline or wireless phone. Yet, should a message be
left by an unknown or unexpected caller, we're left reaching for a pen and
piece of paper to draft a handwritten and ultimately disposable message.
From a point of innovation using voicemail, we return to an antiquated
method of managing our messages. To maintain progress towards innovation,
Phonesheet.com augments voicemail by digitizing phone messages,
streamlining message management, and eliminating wasted paper-a nod to the
environmentally-conscious.

Phone Message Manager Can Become an Assistant's Most Used Application

Many businesses today employ administrative professionals or personal
assistants charged with scripting and maintaining a daily inventory of
phone messages for one or multiple team members. Phonesheet.com insures
that messages taken are in one location rather than scattered across
cluttered desktops or pasted amid swarms of sticky notes atop hidden
computer monitors. The US Department of Labor and the International
Association of Administrative Professionals report that in 2006, 4.2
million administrative assistants and secretaries were employed. This
figure is expected to grow an additional 362,000 by 2016. Administrative
professionals are not being replaced by technology or voicemail. Rather,
technology which aids these professionals and those they support becomes
more relevant.

"After struggling to keep track of more than 80 calls a day, I went in
search of an application to help me organize calls and messages," said Jan
Zands, founder of Phonesheet.com. "Sadly, no available software or phone
message service fit my needs. There seemed to be a hole, and Phonesheet.com
now fills it."

Professionals in finance, broadcast media, real estate and business
consulting, through synagogues and small business owners, use
Phonesheet.com. "The business of being a broker in a top Dallas commercial
real estate firm requires an extraordinary amount of focus and
communication with a large clientele," said Collin Curtis of Harvard
Companies, Inc. "When making hundreds of calls a week, Phonesheet.com
becomes an invaluable tool."

The Phonesheet.com service is immediately available for US $15/month or
$160/year. A free 30-day trial and online tutorial are available at
http://www.phonesheet.com/.

About Phonesheet.com
Phonesheet.com is the premier online phone message manager. Through its
secure Web 2.0-based portal, users can track phone calls, messages and call
history in real-time when at their desktop or when working remotely.
Phonesheet.com simplifies the management of phone calls and messages and
helps to eliminate stacks of phone message slips and sticky notes stuck to
one's computer monitor. The company, based in Los Angeles, was founded by
an entertainment industry veteran seeking an easier way to manage a high
volume of phone work. More information and a free trial of the service can
be found at http://www.phonesheet.com/.

Strategic political PR or just dumb luck?

2008-09-02T09:36:00.007-04:00

(Photo by Getty Images/BBC)

Was the appointment of vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin (AK) a smart move on the part of Republican presidential hopeful John McCain, or just a fantastic publicity stunt?

Interestingly, since the news made public McCain's selection of Palin, the most talked-about fodder of the Governor of Alaska hasn't been her track record, or even much about her political bent. In fact, the main focus has been on her as a working mother--to five children--the youngest of which has Down syndrome.

For members of the special needs community (of which I am a proud one), this is a coup! Individuals with special needs of all types comprise a sizable portion of our population and while strides have been made to reverse social stigmas and stereotypes, many still exist.

Palin is also a wife and working mother. Is she a perfect surrogate to Hillary's past profile, or not quite woman enough to fill those shoes?

Regardless of your politics, McCain and his team did something right. They selected a female politician, mother, and parent to a child with special needs. All of those tied together create an incredibly powerful media package for any journalist worth their salt. The potential articles that could be drafted from those components alone seem limitless. Add on her actual stance on abortion and the gun law (she's pro-life and a member of the NRA) and wow, it's fireworks set to explode!

While Obama's text messaging campaign was wrought with foibles and earned his office little more than negative publicity, McCain has started to fire with guns a blazing. From the PR perspective, Palin's appointment will assure the McCain camp a nearly endless opportunity to pitch the Republican party and its campaign for the White House.

It'll be interesting to see if McCain's appointment was strategic or simply lucky, and whether or not it will work for or against him. I remain in waiting on the sidelines like all other Americans to see what will happen next.

Favre's back??!!

2008-08-04T11:21:00.002-04:00

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/04/AR2008080400223.html

Although I'm not a Packers fan, I just couldn't resist reading the headlines today discussing Brett Favre's planned return from his recent retirement from football. WHAT???

Once a press conference is held and a public decree of retirement is made, how can any player with respect for his teammates, the sport, his fans, the media or himself possibly come out of retirement? Any sports figure (past and present) regardless of their level of greatness that comes out of retirement displays a huge amount of disrespect. I feel absolutely sorry for the Packers club now--especially since they offered Favre a multi-million dollar marketing deal with the team and he declined it. Again, I repeat, what?

I'm not sure how his agent 'Bus' is forging ahead alongside his client, but this situation has nightmare written all over it. For the sake of the fans, the media, the current, non-retired players, coaches and executives, it is a no-brainer for Favre to stay retired and to find a new direction for his incredible, field-level knowledge of football. Instead of trying to reinstate himself into the NFL, maybe he could use his knowledge to develop a new type of pigskin that allows QBs to grip the ball better in cold weather, or write a book on 'The most persuasive plays of all time?' This type of situation oozes a loss of credibility. I feel sorry for the media forced, by their job position and title, to cover Favre again after he seemingly (and so gracefully) made an appropriate exit. Are there so few good QB's in the NFL that he felt he needed to return to the sport?

My guess is that the PR pros within the Packers club are right now meeting with executives to figure out how to spin the situation. They are prepping to quickly type up a press statement, organizing yet another press conference and hoping that a deal can be arranged. Or, is this just a ruse to create some pre-season press not focused on the New England Patriots QB, Tom Brady?

HARO Power....

2008-07-23T12:57:00.003-04:00

An amazing service, developed by uber-PR-guy, author, entrepreneur, skydiver, runner and George Michael-fan Peter Shankman, HARO (Help-A-Reporter-Out) has recently achieved more than 15,000 users (fans) this past month. For a combination PR professional/journalist, which I am, this service couldn't be more beneficial. It helps journalists locate sources (even when on deadline) and PR folk (professionals or just small business owners) can leverage HARO to gain buzz-building power for themselves or their clients. The catch? There isn't one! The service is free and somehow, amid a flurry of grueling marathons, skydives, interviews, cat-parenting and of course, work, Shankman is able to email queries three times a day. Check it out--or better yet--'Help A Reporter Out!' http://www.helpareporter.com/

A standard rant...

2008-07-14T09:39:00.003-04:00

As a journalist AND PR person, it can be challenging to determine on which side of the fence to sit when it is obvious that subscriptions and ratings are what drives news, rather than when news drives news. Case in point--this past week. I was privy to the fact that a major, national conference was being held in Boston. Yet, the top news of the day (literally, the lead stories)--instead of even a one minute or less snippet about the conference--was about an individual who scooped the 'face of Jesus' out of a bucket of ice cream and a dog that rides on the back of a motorcycle! Now, I'm just as engaged by celebrity news and gossip as the next person, so the current Madonna-Alex 'A-Rod' Rodrigues tidbits and Brangelina twinderful reports keep me riveted as it does most others. Yet, when a worthy, local, newsworthy event gets absolutely no play from the media and lame, tabloid and absolutely worthless pieces gain lead story status...it definitely makes me wonder. Can public relations be effective in an era where goofball tips to a TV station rank higher than relevant local news? The PR person in me thinks the media is getting less professional every second, but the journalist in me realizes that without subscriptions sold or ratings secured, our jobs would be all but eliminated. The quandry......

Organic children's clothes....

2008-06-24T15:45:00.003-04:00

Environmentally-responsible or 'green' companies have been emerging more aggressively in the last few years. While shopping for a handful of items at Costco this afternoon, I stumbled across the most adorable childrens clothing like called Agabang--made completely of 100% organic cotton. The outfits were adorable, so I snatched up several for my sons and daughter and can't wait to put them on them. Interestingly, their website is a bit outdated--like almost a year. For a clothing manufacturer, that is forever, so I'm wondering what happened to this brand, and why the fall-off on a consumer web site?

As a PR person, my suggestion to Agabang in today's highly, socially-networked environment is:

* Keep your web site fresh and ever-changing. This encourages regular visits from your loyal and faithful legions of followers who always want the newest, hippest items and updates.

* Let the drumbeats roll--meaning keep the news cycle filled with interesting updates about new products/collections/lines and interesting philanthropies the company may be involved with--because everyone wants to know!

* Never ever let your website become too outdated--especially if you have a consumer brand. Hire a web guru to do minor updates at least once a month--it doesn't cost too much.

* Consider contributing to a blog or better yet, start one all on your own!

So alas, I'm off to wash and fold my new kids' attire, but will definitely drop the company a note to thank them for some really snazzy outfits for my kids, first.

Welcome back....

2008-06-23T13:41:00.002-04:00

For those that drop by this site, you should know that I've been on maternity leave after giving birth to twin boys. That adventure in itself was a wild ride, and opened the door to a new community I'd never even known about--the world of multiples!

As I headed back to my office after eight months of "nothing-but-baby," I found myself wondering if I had the wherewithal to return to the world of PR with the same level of zest I had prior to my birthing departure. My answer came quickly as I dropped onto LinkedIn to check in with my connections and investigate emerging groups of interest. Of course I'm excited to be back in the world of PR! I remain a newshound and cannot get enough local and national news--always finding the 'spun' story amid the straight WYSIWYG pieces.

When studying journalism and PR back in college, I learned, 'if it bleeds, it leads.' A sad state of affairs for news media, but nonethess, an adage that remains true. Front page stories, lead radio and TV pieces all have an element of glitz and tragedy tied together. As a journalist and a PR person, I find the balance fairly unique -- and often practice pitching stories that have said marriage in the hope that it'll get a solid placement!

But, with each keystroke or word uttered, I return to the image of my kids and hope for their sake, that my job will become more than just story placement. I hope one day have a list of clients that aren't just 'cool,' but ones with a mission to improve our world through things like sustainability, green, organic and anything that will reduce the price of gas!!! I may not obtain that client list overnight, but will make it a mission to do so.

I'm inspired by mompreneurs in a way I never imagined I would be. I look at non-profits as a vehicle for continued pro bono work since all of them are worthy of volunteer support. Simply stated, I hope to use the skills I learned in school to accomplish a mission of somehow leveraging my client list to make the world a better place. Each day I go into my office will prove if I have what it takes to keep doing this job, or if it is time to bow out gracefully and head home to play with my three little ones.