There are tons of different types of social networks, and at times, it can be pretty difficult to keep up with them all. In The New Media University, chapter nine discusses these various types of networks.
The first kind discussed in this chapter is geo location/mobile networks. Twitter is an example, as its real-time human-powered positioning system helped to establish awareness. FourSquare united location-based networking with micronetworking by adding the gaming element through collecting badges. The mobile versions of these networks are meant to extend functionality of existing networks, not replace them.
Widgets and applications are also being used more, as businesses are creating branded ones to travel from site to site. These apps have utilized specific social networks to engage users, with creative themes that enforce brand personality.
Video broadcasting networks have used the socialization of content to broaden visibility and incite reactions. This network has become very popular, as seen with the use of YouTube, which allowed users to embed code to any or all of their favorite websites.
These various networks have helped brands to build relationships across multiple mediums, reinforcing relationships with their consumers in many ways!
12.11.2011
The Beginning of the End
As finals week of fall semester approaches, it's beginning to hit me that I'm graduating in five months. Come May, I'll leave little ol' Ada and hopefully find my place in Cleveland, Chicago or D.C. Sometimes I look back and wonder how I survived life in a small town for so long. Then it hits me; it's because of the people.
I have made amazing connections here at ONU. My friends and sorority sisters are an extraordinary group of people, who have honestly become a second family. My peers in PR are some of the brightest and encouraging classmates I could ever hope for. The professors and other Northern faculty I have gotten the opportunity to know are so generous and eager to help me succeed. I cannot imagine life without these relationships, or who I might have become without them.
I knew college would only be four years, but I did not realize how fast those four years would go by. Growing up and joining the real world is scary, but I know I took every possible opportunity and made the most of it. I would not have been able to do that without ONU and I know because of my education and experiences here, I will be successful!
So here's to studying hard for this coming week, looking forward to next semester and what lies beyond.
I have made amazing connections here at ONU. My friends and sorority sisters are an extraordinary group of people, who have honestly become a second family. My peers in PR are some of the brightest and encouraging classmates I could ever hope for. The professors and other Northern faculty I have gotten the opportunity to know are so generous and eager to help me succeed. I cannot imagine life without these relationships, or who I might have become without them.
I knew college would only be four years, but I did not realize how fast those four years would go by. Growing up and joining the real world is scary, but I know I took every possible opportunity and made the most of it. I would not have been able to do that without ONU and I know because of my education and experiences here, I will be successful!
So here's to studying hard for this coming week, looking forward to next semester and what lies beyond.
12.08.2011
Still Job Hunting...
Last Thursday I got my graduation approval letter in the mail. You know what that means? Time to kick my job search into gear!
After a recent speaker at PRSSA and an assignment from a class, I've learned that having your own website is not only a way to show off what you've done, but it's a unique way to stand out among other job candidates. I took a course in web design and development, but there are so many great and easy to use sites to make your own if you don't have these skills.
I choose to make one using Weebly. This site has a ton of great templates and is pretty easy to move things around in order to achieve the look you desire. After adding information about what I've done in the past and what I hope to achieve in the future, I added my contact information. I also added a feature to download my resume if interested and a video I made and uploaded to YouTube.
I'll be sure to add this site to my resume, my social networking sites and send to professionals so they can learn more about me!
After a recent speaker at PRSSA and an assignment from a class, I've learned that having your own website is not only a way to show off what you've done, but it's a unique way to stand out among other job candidates. I took a course in web design and development, but there are so many great and easy to use sites to make your own if you don't have these skills.
I choose to make one using Weebly. This site has a ton of great templates and is pretty easy to move things around in order to achieve the look you desire. After adding information about what I've done in the past and what I hope to achieve in the future, I added my contact information. I also added a feature to download my resume if interested and a video I made and uploaded to YouTube.
I'll be sure to add this site to my resume, my social networking sites and send to professionals so they can learn more about me!
12.05.2011
Social Media 302
While reading chapter eight, Social Media 302 in The New Media University, I found I really liked the 21 Tips for Twitter and Social Media for Socially Savvy Businesses. Social media is inexpensive and easy to use, if you know how to use it. Because of this, it's a great tool to use in small businesses, to help their businesses grow. These were my top three from the list to focus on:
- Customer service: Not only responding to questions and concerns, but actively seeking out negative comments proves that your business cares about its customers. Customer service is important, and making sure all customers have a great experience with your brand is key in growing your small business.
- Dedicated and branded channels: Chances are as a small business, your area of expertise could be very new and unique. Utilizing the dedicated or branded channels can help establish your specific brand and stand out among all the noise.
- Ideation: Small businesses hope to grow and what better way to grow than by embracing the thoughts and implementing ideas of your loyal customers. They understand your brand and want it to continue to grow. Starting conversations with them will help generate fresh ideas.
If small businesses utilize these three tips, and hopefully all 21, their business will be sure to take off!
Proper Online Etiquette
In 1922, Emily Post wrote a book on proper etiquette and in 1942, she established The Emily Post Institute. Her book and institute established standards of etiquette, and recently the Institute released her book in its 18th edition, covering etiquette in the social media world.
According to the institution's site, the topics covered in this book range from friends on Facebook, to tweeting at events and emails and interviews. This book sounds like a great tool for all, but specifically our generation. Many of us were not raised with such proper standards, not saying we do not have manners but times have changed since the 1920s. Refreshing ourselves on proper behaviors, and how to apply those to our social media outlets sounds like a good idea. We want to establish our own voices and brands and doing so in a proper way could make your brand more credible and allow your voice stand out more.
The EPI is not only educating those about social media etiquette, but is utilizing social media as a tool to educate. They have a Facebook, Twitter and blog. You can ask questions directly on these pages or through their blog. EPI is most definitely practicing what you preach! Maybe I'll grab this book to read over the holiday break!
According to the institution's site, the topics covered in this book range from friends on Facebook, to tweeting at events and emails and interviews. This book sounds like a great tool for all, but specifically our generation. Many of us were not raised with such proper standards, not saying we do not have manners but times have changed since the 1920s. Refreshing ourselves on proper behaviors, and how to apply those to our social media outlets sounds like a good idea. We want to establish our own voices and brands and doing so in a proper way could make your brand more credible and allow your voice stand out more.
The EPI is not only educating those about social media etiquette, but is utilizing social media as a tool to educate. They have a Facebook, Twitter and blog. You can ask questions directly on these pages or through their blog. EPI is most definitely practicing what you preach! Maybe I'll grab this book to read over the holiday break!
12.03.2011
Public Relationships
"A friend is one the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be." -Douglas Pagels
Last night I got to thinking about friendships. It's rare to find those who have been friends since they were very young for many, many years. To me, it's natural that not all relationships or friendships last forever. Because of this, I strive to have quality relationships over quantity. I have a few of these in my family and sorority sisters, but lately I've found a few somewhere I didn't realize I would have found it.
The friends I've made in my PR major are unlike any other. And there are two main reasons for this: communication and understanding.
As communication majors, we are very good at communicating. We know how to express our feelings and beliefs, and do not judge or criticize others' expressions of their feelings or beliefs. We know what is important to communicate and what can be let go if not significant. And most importantly, we know how to resolve conflict. This is one of the main reasons why relationships do not have staying power, because they do not know how to survive a conflict. Issues, although rare, are solved very quickly among myself and my PR pals.
Understanding is key to building strong relationships. Public relations is a huge part of who we are as PR people. It drives what we do daily and inspires us to better ourselves for our profession. We are not simply "busy" as outside majors may perceive, but we are driven and enjoy projects that make us work hard. PR is a part of us that not everyone can understand.
I love my PR friends. They will not only be a part of my network or future colleagues, but friends for the rest of my life.
11.28.2011
Ways to Measure Nonprofit
"One of the greatest mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results." -Milton Friedman
In Katie Paine's Measure What Matters, she discusses measuring for nonprofits. I believe measuring in this area of PR is one of the most important because resources are so limited and competition is high. Nonprofits don't necessarily have the reputation to be competitive, but especially in this economy today, donations are harder to find; we compete for dollars, time and volunteers. Nonprofits do not want to waste their time and money on unsuccessful programs and they want to use what works best to help them raise funds and gain memberships, making measurement crucial.
This past summer at my internship at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cleveland, I worked primarily in development with memberships. Because of this, I particularly liked Paine sharing how to measure membership with the data that is already available. She says to look at:
These are all things I personally saw MOCA track this past summer, and even I had a hand in measuring, such as attendance at events. These are all things that can be easily acquired and analyzed providing great information, a great place to start a measurement program for any nonprofit!
In Katie Paine's Measure What Matters, she discusses measuring for nonprofits. I believe measuring in this area of PR is one of the most important because resources are so limited and competition is high. Nonprofits don't necessarily have the reputation to be competitive, but especially in this economy today, donations are harder to find; we compete for dollars, time and volunteers. Nonprofits do not want to waste their time and money on unsuccessful programs and they want to use what works best to help them raise funds and gain memberships, making measurement crucial.
This past summer at my internship at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cleveland, I worked primarily in development with memberships. Because of this, I particularly liked Paine sharing how to measure membership with the data that is already available. She says to look at:
- Attendance figures
- Old awareness or attitude studies
- Number of new members or donors acquired
- Numbers of volunteers added
- Return from direct-mail campaigns, door-to-door solicitations, and fundraising events
- What a donor is worth over a lifetime
These are all things I personally saw MOCA track this past summer, and even I had a hand in measuring, such as attendance at events. These are all things that can be easily acquired and analyzed providing great information, a great place to start a measurement program for any nonprofit!
11.27.2011
Semester Break Woes
For the past five days, I've been enjoying ONU's Thanksgiving break. I know everyone is excited because being on semesters means more breaks, but I'm a little sad semesters made this break shorter than it normally would be as we are used to a week-long break at this time. But a break from classes was enjoyable nonetheless.
This break was not as restful as previous ones because on quarters, we would not have work because the quarter would have ended and we would just have finished finals. I had to worry about writing papers and completing assignments as opposed to spending relaxing days with the family.
And then to top it off, I had to head back to Ada for what will be the most intense three weeks of class yet. On quarters, these three weeks were the beginning of a new quarter, with introductions to classes, a little material to cover and a quiz before break. I think it will be tough to get into the holiday spirit with finals! Hopefully these next busy weeks won't make me a Grinch!
This break was not as restful as previous ones because on quarters, we would not have work because the quarter would have ended and we would just have finished finals. I had to worry about writing papers and completing assignments as opposed to spending relaxing days with the family.
And then to top it off, I had to head back to Ada for what will be the most intense three weeks of class yet. On quarters, these three weeks were the beginning of a new quarter, with introductions to classes, a little material to cover and a quiz before break. I think it will be tough to get into the holiday spirit with finals! Hopefully these next busy weeks won't make me a Grinch!
11.26.2011
Friday, Friday!
Yesterday marked my first official Black Friday. Never in the past have I gone shopping at extremely early hours, but this year I worked for my summer job as a Brand Rep at Justice, the girl's clothing store. I know it's an important day for the economy and this year marked new records in sales with about $11.4 billion in sales according to PR Newswire. Black Friday really got me thinking, how much does public relations factor into a company's success on infamous this day?
As a consumer, what I do on Black Friday depends upon my relationship with the company and how they advertise this day. Let's take two of my favorite stores as examples, Target and Kohl's.
To me, Target's commercials for Black Friday are hilarious. I love the blonde woman training for the day in her crazy red jumpsuit. I love how Target recognizes the hype this day brings and almost makes fun of it in a way. I appreciate the humor and the recognition of the intensity consumers bring to this day.
Kohl's this year took Rebecca Black's Friday and turned it into "Black Friday". I found this humorous for about two seconds and then found it super annoying. If you are going to take something pop culture related and turn it into an ad, it has to have wit and be completed very thoughtfully. This could have been a great idea, but I think it faltered in execution, especially because I think middle aged women are a public for Kohl's and they might not recognize this reference. I know my mother didn't and she loves Kohl's.
Companies must recognize their audience and tailor their ads and campaigns to them. Black Friday is no exception to this rule!
As a consumer, what I do on Black Friday depends upon my relationship with the company and how they advertise this day. Let's take two of my favorite stores as examples, Target and Kohl's.
To me, Target's commercials for Black Friday are hilarious. I love the blonde woman training for the day in her crazy red jumpsuit. I love how Target recognizes the hype this day brings and almost makes fun of it in a way. I appreciate the humor and the recognition of the intensity consumers bring to this day.
Kohl's this year took Rebecca Black's Friday and turned it into "Black Friday". I found this humorous for about two seconds and then found it super annoying. If you are going to take something pop culture related and turn it into an ad, it has to have wit and be completed very thoughtfully. This could have been a great idea, but I think it faltered in execution, especially because I think middle aged women are a public for Kohl's and they might not recognize this reference. I know my mother didn't and she loves Kohl's.
Companies must recognize their audience and tailor their ads and campaigns to them. Black Friday is no exception to this rule!
11.21.2011
The Reason for the Season
While researching for a project in my social media class, I found an article from January about companies giving their time and efforts to help those in need. These PR agencies or advertising companies came up with some innovate ways to raise money and awareness for nonprofits. With the season of giving right around the corner, I thought revisiting this article would be a great way to lift our holiday spirits! Here's my favorite project:
Cohn & Wolfe helped Project Kaisei (a nonprofit working to rid the ocean of plastic in the North Pacific Grye) raise money by creating a card inspired by an eco sculpture made from over 500 plastic bottles and tweet-activated lights. When someone would tweet a trigger word--like recycle, plastic, ocean, etc.-a light would be activated. Cohn & Wolfe pledged to donate $1 to Kaisei each time a trigger word was retweeted, up to $5,000 in donations.
This "Holiday Twitterball" generated more than one million tweets of the trigger words and 337 retweets, donating all $5,000 to Project Kaisei. I can't wait to see what firms decide to give to others this year!
Cohn & Wolfe helped Project Kaisei (a nonprofit working to rid the ocean of plastic in the North Pacific Grye) raise money by creating a card inspired by an eco sculpture made from over 500 plastic bottles and tweet-activated lights. When someone would tweet a trigger word--like recycle, plastic, ocean, etc.-a light would be activated. Cohn & Wolfe pledged to donate $1 to Kaisei each time a trigger word was retweeted, up to $5,000 in donations.
This "Holiday Twitterball" generated more than one million tweets of the trigger words and 337 retweets, donating all $5,000 to Project Kaisei. I can't wait to see what firms decide to give to others this year!
11.17.2011
Love thy neighbor!
In chapter nine of Measure What Matters, Katie Paine shares a chart of community influencers and how positive relationships with these will impact or benefit your organization. Target audiences are crucial to campaigns, and having positive relationships with these audiences in your community is incredibly valuable. Here's who you should get to know:
- Elected officials. These guys have the power to help you gain permission to expand or grow. A negative relationship here could withhold that permission.
- Official wannabes and candidates. Can take your issue and make a campaign with it.
- Customers. They provide revenue!
- Noncustomers. They can be potential customers or employees.
- NGOs. These influence the elected officials and local media.
- Town staff. These people will be able to help with paperwork and approvals through the city.
- Local radio and TV reporters. Primary news source--so your message can become news.
- Local print reporters. This is read by influentials and getting your message into this medium can help influence opinions.
- Senior citizens. These citizens can provide votes or volunteers for your cause.
- Students. These citizens are also votes and volunteers, but can be future employees and customers as well.
- Academics. Professors will be opinion leaders and a source of students for interns. Academia can also provide research.
- Merchants. Could also be potential customers!
- Opinion leaders. These leaders provide influential opinions and votes.
- Other influentials. These are recommenders for your organization to your publics.
11.16.2011
The Fan Section
My roommate Jill has been dating a soccer player, Greg, for over two years now. This year, she's convinced me to tag along to his soccer games. I never really liked soccer before. This is probably because I've never played and I just didn't understand the game. I enjoy watching the world cup on television and I've been to a Columbus Crew game, which I also enjoyed. But now that I've gone to several games, ONU soccer has become something I look forward to.
Jill and I have gone to most of the home games this year and games that were in the Cleveland area (I'm from there so we visited home too). This past weekend, Jill, two of our roommates and myself ventured back to Cleveland for a round of the NCAA tournament at Case Western Reserve University. I was extremely excited to go home because I was missing it a little bit, but I was also getting excited to cheer on our polar bears. And what a great fan section we were!
On Saturday, the bears beat Rose, a school from Indiana, 2-0. The next night, the bears won again 2-0 against Case, making it into the "sweet 16". This Friday, we're off to Ohio Wesleyan for the next round of the tournament, where they will take on Ohio Wesleyan. We can't wait!
11.14.2011
Measuring Events
When Katie Paine discusses measuring sponsorships and events in chapter seven of Measure What Matters, I found this information to be very interesting and helpful. Planning events is something I've had experience with on campus and at my internship this past summer. Knowing seven steps to measure events helps determine the impact of events. Here are her seven steps:
Step 1. Define your objectives. You objective could be to sell products, launch new products, drive affinity between customers and the brand or to reach new markets and customers. No matter what your objective is, you need to define it in order to properly measure your event or sponsorship.
Step 2. Determine your measurable criteria of success. After the objective is selected, defining specific criteria of success is important. This will differ depending on the type of event you are evaluating, but the metrics you use will change based on your criteria.
Step 3. Decide upon your benchmarks. You need to be able to compare your event to another. This is your benchmark. Choosing your benchmark will be what you compare your event to and help you measure your event.
Step 4. Select a measurement tool. Surveys are a great measurement tool, especially if you can do one before and after the event. This will provide great measurable information.
Step 5. Define your specific metrics. The specific metrics you choose will be based upon your goals. It depends upon if you want to change people's opinions about you or if you want to sell something.
Step 6. Choose a measurement tool. There are multiple types of tools including counting, survey, sales tracking, web analytic and content tools. Based on your objectives and what you want to measure will determine which ones of these you will use.
Step 7. Analyze you results and use them to make your events more effective. After analyzing and learning from your results, you can implement changes and keep your strengths going strong. You also need to step back and look at the big picture of the event, not just comparing and analyzing each part.
11.13.2011
Student Day!
This Friday I had the pleasure of attending my first event hosted by Cleveland PRSA, Student Day 2011. Being at Ohio Northern and affiliated with Central Ohio PRSA, I've always attended their events. But because I'm originally from Cleveland, this year I decided to become more involved with Cleveland PRSA.
The day began bright and early at 8 a.m. with breakfast. We then jumped right into 45 minute sessions of panels and speakers. Topics revolved around landing internships, networking, how to use social media to advance your professional life and much more.
My favorite session was Interviewing, Networking and More with Laurie Mitchell. She's been in the recruiting business for years, and really knows how to stand out to be the best candidate for a job. Being a senior and on the job hunt this year, I really appreciated her straight-forward and blunt tips. Don't worry, I took great notes!
After four sessions, a break and snack, I got to have my resume reviewed. I had my resume reviewed by a professional at PRSSA National Conference. After making changes based off her suggestions, I couldn't wait to see how my updated resume would be reviewed. And to my pleasure, this professional thought it was great! I was very pleased.
The day ended at 1 p.m. and I left feeling very confident and excited about my field. I can't wait to join it (and Cleveland PRSA) in May!
The day began bright and early at 8 a.m. with breakfast. We then jumped right into 45 minute sessions of panels and speakers. Topics revolved around landing internships, networking, how to use social media to advance your professional life and much more.
My favorite session was Interviewing, Networking and More with Laurie Mitchell. She's been in the recruiting business for years, and really knows how to stand out to be the best candidate for a job. Being a senior and on the job hunt this year, I really appreciated her straight-forward and blunt tips. Don't worry, I took great notes!
After four sessions, a break and snack, I got to have my resume reviewed. I had my resume reviewed by a professional at PRSSA National Conference. After making changes based off her suggestions, I couldn't wait to see how my updated resume would be reviewed. And to my pleasure, this professional thought it was great! I was very pleased.
The day ended at 1 p.m. and I left feeling very confident and excited about my field. I can't wait to join it (and Cleveland PRSA) in May!
11.12.2011
There's no place like home
I love being a student at Ohio Northern. When I was a freshman, I never wanted to go home on the weekends. Breaks were nice because I had a rest from school work and could recharge my batteries, but I rarely went home more than that. Now that I'm a senior, I've come to appreciate my visits home.
This fall, I've returned to Cleveland multiple times. I've been home for my sister's wedding, fall break and I've come home a couple of times with my roommates for ONU soccer games against local teams. I come home to a warm, welcoming house, delicious home cooked meals and the best company I could ask for.
Now that my sister is married and moved out, I come home to a little less full of a house than I'm used to. Don't be fooled, it's still quite full. My parents, grandmother and older brother are all here to keep me company, along with the love of my life and 16 year-old puppy, Jazzmin. I love to see them all and spend time with each but I also love to go out as a family. I now know how much home means to me and appreciate it more each time I return.
This fall, I've returned to Cleveland multiple times. I've been home for my sister's wedding, fall break and I've come home a couple of times with my roommates for ONU soccer games against local teams. I come home to a warm, welcoming house, delicious home cooked meals and the best company I could ask for.
Now that my sister is married and moved out, I come home to a little less full of a house than I'm used to. Don't be fooled, it's still quite full. My parents, grandmother and older brother are all here to keep me company, along with the love of my life and 16 year-old puppy, Jazzmin. I love to see them all and spend time with each but I also love to go out as a family. I now know how much home means to me and appreciate it more each time I return.
11.07.2011
The Job Hunt
For the longest time I didn't want to be called a "senior". I used to even be afraid to say the dreaded s-word, but now as I'm the majority through my second last semester, I'm finally accepting that the end is near. My biggest concern about being a senior was the job hunt. I know the economy isn't the best currently and I witnessed some of my really successful friends having a tough time getting a job. I knew this would be a process and as I've started this hunt, I've learned a few great things already:
1. Update that resume. Being involved in so many things has given me a lot of great things for my resume, but what I've learned is to record everything and make it as measurable as possible. I've planned and hosted events, but putting numbers to these activities is much better. I wish I had started this earlier but I am definitely trying my best and updating it all as I go.
2. Follow organizations. Like organizations on Facebook, keep up with their sites and follow them on Twitter. This helps you get to know the organization and find what organization could be a right fit for you. The organization could share job opportunities, and some even have a sign-up for job notification emails. Plus, if you keep following the organization, you'll look very knowledgable during the interview!
3. Network. Professionals and students in your network are great resources in finding jobs and job opportunities. I've met a lot of great alumni who tell me to forward my resume to them and they will send it out. Other students send me opportunities they find as well. Networking could also help push your resume to the top in certain cases. Sometimes it is all about who you know!
Hopefully I'll learn more as I get closer to finding a job. Maybe it isn't so scary!
1. Update that resume. Being involved in so many things has given me a lot of great things for my resume, but what I've learned is to record everything and make it as measurable as possible. I've planned and hosted events, but putting numbers to these activities is much better. I wish I had started this earlier but I am definitely trying my best and updating it all as I go.
2. Follow organizations. Like organizations on Facebook, keep up with their sites and follow them on Twitter. This helps you get to know the organization and find what organization could be a right fit for you. The organization could share job opportunities, and some even have a sign-up for job notification emails. Plus, if you keep following the organization, you'll look very knowledgable during the interview!
3. Network. Professionals and students in your network are great resources in finding jobs and job opportunities. I've met a lot of great alumni who tell me to forward my resume to them and they will send it out. Other students send me opportunities they find as well. Networking could also help push your resume to the top in certain cases. Sometimes it is all about who you know!
Hopefully I'll learn more as I get closer to finding a job. Maybe it isn't so scary!
11.06.2011
Perfecting the Measurement Program
In Katie Paine's Measure What Matters, she discusses the seven steps to take to perfect the measurement program. Measurement can be scary to some companies because it is consuming in money and time, and some companies just don't know how to do it. Here's seven steps to make that process a little easier:
Step 1: Define your goals and objectives. A company must have a desired outcome, with a deadline, budget and target audience. Having these goals and objectives in sales, message or position, or public safety or education should be related back to strategic corporate goals. Once you figure out what you actually want to measure, it makes the process much easier!
Step 2: Define your environment, your audiences, and your role in influencing them. After examining each audience, you can determine how a good relationship will benefit the organization and how a bad relationship will threaten it. Defining these three things will reinforce your goals and objectives.
Step 3: Define your investment. Finding how much you have to invest in measurement, with cost and staff, will help define your program. Knowing what the opportunity cost is and how effective your measurement is will help you allocate resources to the best places.
Step 4: Determine your benchmarks. Measurement is comparative. It's important to determine benchmarks and compare your company to a few close competitors, as well as comparing it to itself with past performance.
Step 5: Define your key performance indicators. Each objective may need a different way to be measured. It's important to know if you want to measure visibility or awareness.
Step 6: Select the right measurement tool and vendors and collect data. Data can be measured through content analysis, primary research or web analytics. Finding the right tool is important to collect the right data.
Step 7: Turn data into action. Measurement is a continuous process and should help you improve as you go. Setting up a reporting schedule will help you constantly track what you are doing.
Step 1: Define your goals and objectives. A company must have a desired outcome, with a deadline, budget and target audience. Having these goals and objectives in sales, message or position, or public safety or education should be related back to strategic corporate goals. Once you figure out what you actually want to measure, it makes the process much easier!
Step 2: Define your environment, your audiences, and your role in influencing them. After examining each audience, you can determine how a good relationship will benefit the organization and how a bad relationship will threaten it. Defining these three things will reinforce your goals and objectives.
Step 3: Define your investment. Finding how much you have to invest in measurement, with cost and staff, will help define your program. Knowing what the opportunity cost is and how effective your measurement is will help you allocate resources to the best places.
Step 4: Determine your benchmarks. Measurement is comparative. It's important to determine benchmarks and compare your company to a few close competitors, as well as comparing it to itself with past performance.
Step 5: Define your key performance indicators. Each objective may need a different way to be measured. It's important to know if you want to measure visibility or awareness.
Step 6: Select the right measurement tool and vendors and collect data. Data can be measured through content analysis, primary research or web analytics. Finding the right tool is important to collect the right data.
Step 7: Turn data into action. Measurement is a continuous process and should help you improve as you go. Setting up a reporting schedule will help you constantly track what you are doing.
11.05.2011
With love that is ever steadfast
My favorite tradition as a Delta Zeta at Ohio Northern is Big-Little. As a new member, you compile a list of 15 girls that you would like to be your big. This list is given to the New Member Educator, and she pairs up new members with sisters. Sometimes decisions come easy when selecting a big and sometimes it doesn't, but it always seems that big-little pairs are perfect no matter what.
The bigs, trying to be as secret as possible, send notes, gifts and crafts to their littles. This drives the littles crazy, but it all seems worth it after a couple of weeks when they finally find out who is theirs. When the ceremony is complete, littles are showered with even more gifts and the picture taking commences. This can be a long process because some DZ families are very large! Mine has 13 active sisters currently and we're not even the biggest!
This tradition has been memory filled each year. Becoming a little and finally being able to call my big mine was amazing. Getting a little my sophomore was such a delight, and becoming a grand-big the next year made it all feel complete. This year, I was blessed to have another addition to our family, my great grand-little.
This truly is a great tradition and the bonds created between bigs and littles is unlike any other. To me, my big was, and still is, the best role model I could ask for. She constantly encouraged me to succeed in school, other organizations and virtually everything else! She helped me grow into who I am today. My little possess all the qualities of a great Delta Zeta. She is my confidant and my pal, always being there when I wanted to watch a Disney-Pixar movie or take some time to relax. She also provides a tremendous amount of support. These two are some of the closest sisters I have and I know they will be a part of my life forever.
The bigs, trying to be as secret as possible, send notes, gifts and crafts to their littles. This drives the littles crazy, but it all seems worth it after a couple of weeks when they finally find out who is theirs. When the ceremony is complete, littles are showered with even more gifts and the picture taking commences. This can be a long process because some DZ families are very large! Mine has 13 active sisters currently and we're not even the biggest!
This tradition has been memory filled each year. Becoming a little and finally being able to call my big mine was amazing. Getting a little my sophomore was such a delight, and becoming a grand-big the next year made it all feel complete. This year, I was blessed to have another addition to our family, my great grand-little.
This truly is a great tradition and the bonds created between bigs and littles is unlike any other. To me, my big was, and still is, the best role model I could ask for. She constantly encouraged me to succeed in school, other organizations and virtually everything else! She helped me grow into who I am today. My little possess all the qualities of a great Delta Zeta. She is my confidant and my pal, always being there when I wanted to watch a Disney-Pixar movie or take some time to relax. She also provides a tremendous amount of support. These two are some of the closest sisters I have and I know they will be a part of my life forever.
10.31.2011
The world at your fingertips!
This last Thursday in PRSSA Shane Haggerty shared information about public relations and going mobile. He gave us so many interesting facts about the number of users, how often we use these and what we use it for. This really got me thinking about this new up-and-coming area of PR.
Check out this link for great statistics on smart phones. Over a billion are in use today and that number keeps growing. This could be a huge resource for PR practitioners and understanding how target audiences are using their phones could change the way we do campaigns and promotions.
Most of what these phones are used for is social networking, which is a great way to build relationships. Content should be closely monitored in these social media sites. Websites must also be easily transferable to smart phones as well. This design and content must be done well or credibility will be lost. Having special mobile applications for your company is also a great way to utilize this new area!
I am so excited to see where this field goes, what more I can learn about it and how I'll be able to use it myself!
Check out this link for great statistics on smart phones. Over a billion are in use today and that number keeps growing. This could be a huge resource for PR practitioners and understanding how target audiences are using their phones could change the way we do campaigns and promotions.
Most of what these phones are used for is social networking, which is a great way to build relationships. Content should be closely monitored in these social media sites. Websites must also be easily transferable to smart phones as well. This design and content must be done well or credibility will be lost. Having special mobile applications for your company is also a great way to utilize this new area!
I am so excited to see where this field goes, what more I can learn about it and how I'll be able to use it myself!
10.30.2011
Why measure?
This week in social media class we began reading Katie Paine's Measure What Matters. I'm very excited to learn about measurements in social media because this is an area of social media that I do not know very much about. In Paine's first chapter, she explains why we should measure at all. Here's what she says:
1. Data-driven decision making saves time and money. Results will save time and money along with boosting credibility. If you have concrete data to support decisions, your business will support your decisions.
2. It helps allocate budget and staff. Measuring each part of social media shows which parts worked well, which did not, which need more effort and which efforts were most successful and should be continued. With this, you can decide how much of a budget and how much staff each section needs.
3. Gain a better understanding of the competition. Businesses always compete and knowing how a business compares to its peers and rivals will help determine strengths and weaknesses.
4. Strategic planning. Data provided through measurement helps guide decisions and improve business.
5. Measurement gets everyone to agree on a desired outcome. Without an agreed upon goal, measurement has no direction. Deciding what your organization wants to achieve lets you know what you want measured and if your social media strategies are successful.
6. Measurement reveals strengths and weaknesses. Measurements lets your company know what works and what does not work. Knowing strengths and weaknesses helps with planning, and will prevent unnecessary resources from being used.
7. Measurement gives you reasons to say "no". Results provide data that supports decisions and can help operations. When something is not providing the desired results, businesses will have reasons to say no to that function or find ways to improve it.
1. Data-driven decision making saves time and money. Results will save time and money along with boosting credibility. If you have concrete data to support decisions, your business will support your decisions.
2. It helps allocate budget and staff. Measuring each part of social media shows which parts worked well, which did not, which need more effort and which efforts were most successful and should be continued. With this, you can decide how much of a budget and how much staff each section needs.
3. Gain a better understanding of the competition. Businesses always compete and knowing how a business compares to its peers and rivals will help determine strengths and weaknesses.
4. Strategic planning. Data provided through measurement helps guide decisions and improve business.
5. Measurement gets everyone to agree on a desired outcome. Without an agreed upon goal, measurement has no direction. Deciding what your organization wants to achieve lets you know what you want measured and if your social media strategies are successful.
6. Measurement reveals strengths and weaknesses. Measurements lets your company know what works and what does not work. Knowing strengths and weaknesses helps with planning, and will prevent unnecessary resources from being used.
7. Measurement gives you reasons to say "no". Results provide data that supports decisions and can help operations. When something is not providing the desired results, businesses will have reasons to say no to that function or find ways to improve it.
10.29.2011
Boo to you!
One holiday I have grown to love even more while at ONU is Halloween. I can't decide if it's the black and orange of ONU, the fact that I can pick multiple costumes because of several events on campus, or the fact that I can eat incredible amounts of candy without judgement. Either way, I love Halloween and it doesn't just seem to be October 31. It seems to be a month-long celebration. Decorations, candy, festivities and everything else are around all 31 days!
I went to a Halloween/house warming party while at home and I was hippie. I was proud to sport my ripped jeans, converse, black glasses and flannel shirt to be Garth from Wayne's World one night. My other half Kelsey was my Wayne. I'm sporting converse, suspenders and those glasses plus a little white tape to be a nerd another night. That's the great thing about Halloween lasting long--I can dress up in as many things as I want!
Aside from dressing up, I got to do another one of my favorite fall and Halloween prep activities: visiting Patterson's Fruit Farm. This a farm is near my hometown and has amazing apples, pumpkins, kettle corn, pastries and cider! I tried a maple and bacon donut and I must say, it was quite delicious! I bought a small pumpkin and gourds for a centerpiece for my table along with a gallon of cider. Not only does this place have great fall grub, it has amazing scenery with gorgeous color-changing trees. I love fall!
I went to a Halloween/house warming party while at home and I was hippie. I was proud to sport my ripped jeans, converse, black glasses and flannel shirt to be Garth from Wayne's World one night. My other half Kelsey was my Wayne. I'm sporting converse, suspenders and those glasses plus a little white tape to be a nerd another night. That's the great thing about Halloween lasting long--I can dress up in as many things as I want!
Aside from dressing up, I got to do another one of my favorite fall and Halloween prep activities: visiting Patterson's Fruit Farm. This a farm is near my hometown and has amazing apples, pumpkins, kettle corn, pastries and cider! I tried a maple and bacon donut and I must say, it was quite delicious! I bought a small pumpkin and gourds for a centerpiece for my table along with a gallon of cider. Not only does this place have great fall grub, it has amazing scenery with gorgeous color-changing trees. I love fall!
10.24.2011
The Future of Media
Last Thursday in Social Media, our class watched a webinar titled The Future of Media: Radical Integration. Fifteen questions were asked to thirty professionals in one hour. The topics covered were social media, paid, earned and owned media, content, engaging customers and creating conversations.
My favorite part of this webinar were there questions about PR people, marketers and journalists and what each knew that the other didn't. I found this very interesting because these are three sets of people who interact constantly and to know what the other thinks you should know can help this relationship grow stronger.
Here's what I learned:
1. What do PR people know that other marketers don't?
The professionals said that PR people use stories to support business objectives and our campaigns are in it for the long haul. We have long-term goals. We also use dialogue and two-way communication instead of monologues used by marketers. This conversation helps tell real stories.
2. What do marketers know that PR people don't?
Marketers use the landscape approach. To them, relationships should be profitable and are not always two-way in nature. The biggest part of this relationship is making the customer complete a call to action. Marketers don't always have big picture thoughts.
3. What do journalists understand that PR people and marketers don't?
Journalists are great storytellers. They have the tools to emphasize what they want to share in a particular story. The are also very aware of recent changes in their field and know how to adapt content to stay relevant.
Sharing this information in the webinar will be helpful for all PR practitioners, marketers and journalists. They can now understand what the other wish they knew and hopefully learn new skills to help them better relate to the other!
My favorite part of this webinar were there questions about PR people, marketers and journalists and what each knew that the other didn't. I found this very interesting because these are three sets of people who interact constantly and to know what the other thinks you should know can help this relationship grow stronger.
Here's what I learned:
1. What do PR people know that other marketers don't?
The professionals said that PR people use stories to support business objectives and our campaigns are in it for the long haul. We have long-term goals. We also use dialogue and two-way communication instead of monologues used by marketers. This conversation helps tell real stories.
2. What do marketers know that PR people don't?
Marketers use the landscape approach. To them, relationships should be profitable and are not always two-way in nature. The biggest part of this relationship is making the customer complete a call to action. Marketers don't always have big picture thoughts.
3. What do journalists understand that PR people and marketers don't?
Journalists are great storytellers. They have the tools to emphasize what they want to share in a particular story. The are also very aware of recent changes in their field and know how to adapt content to stay relevant.
Sharing this information in the webinar will be helpful for all PR practitioners, marketers and journalists. They can now understand what the other wish they knew and hopefully learn new skills to help them better relate to the other!
10.23.2011
The Golden Rules
While at PRSSA National Conference, I attended a break out session called "Building Trust and Inspiring Passion: Keys to Success in Both the For-Profit and Non-Profit World" with Joe Hice and Les Landes. This was my favorite session and I particularly liked Joe Hice's Golden Rules of Communication. These were not only great for public relations practitioners, but for anyone who communicates, which is everyone! Here they are:
1. Always approach people as the source of the solution--not the cause of the problem.
This is a great rule for anyone in any conflict resolution situation. Humans are quick to put the blame on someone else, but this offers a refreshing perspective on this situation. Approaching others to help solve problems will make conflict resolution much easier and will help keep negative feelings out of the mix.
2. The only terminal communication breakdown is disengagement--so keep the dialogue going.
Keeping your public involved and engaged is the best way to build relationships and start conversations. This is something we speak of often in our Social Media class, and something I've come to appreciate as a PR major. PR is about two-way communication, and if it doesn't involve both sides, it's not communication!
3. Communication is too important to be left in the hands of professional communicators, so share the know-how and build connections and relationships.
A brand will only be as strong as it's weakest representative. That said, we must share knowledge to allow everyone to communicate that brand in the best way. If connections are built by everyone in the company and all supporting that brand, relationships will be much stronger.
4. Be a champion of trust!
Joe described PR professionals as "Champions of Trust" instead of PR people. I loved this! I strongly believe if you don't have trust in a relationship, you have nothing. As communicators, we need to make sure we are building that trust between our target audiences in a credible, continuous and transparent way.
I will keep these four rules close as I start my career as a champion of trust!
1. Always approach people as the source of the solution--not the cause of the problem.
This is a great rule for anyone in any conflict resolution situation. Humans are quick to put the blame on someone else, but this offers a refreshing perspective on this situation. Approaching others to help solve problems will make conflict resolution much easier and will help keep negative feelings out of the mix.
2. The only terminal communication breakdown is disengagement--so keep the dialogue going.
Keeping your public involved and engaged is the best way to build relationships and start conversations. This is something we speak of often in our Social Media class, and something I've come to appreciate as a PR major. PR is about two-way communication, and if it doesn't involve both sides, it's not communication!
3. Communication is too important to be left in the hands of professional communicators, so share the know-how and build connections and relationships.
A brand will only be as strong as it's weakest representative. That said, we must share knowledge to allow everyone to communicate that brand in the best way. If connections are built by everyone in the company and all supporting that brand, relationships will be much stronger.
4. Be a champion of trust!
Joe described PR professionals as "Champions of Trust" instead of PR people. I loved this! I strongly believe if you don't have trust in a relationship, you have nothing. As communicators, we need to make sure we are building that trust between our target audiences in a credible, continuous and transparent way.
I will keep these four rules close as I start my career as a champion of trust!
10.22.2011
ONU PRSSA meets Disney World
Going to Disney World, even for just a day, this past week was one of the highlights of my fall. I love hanging out with my ONU PRSSA friends and adding Disney to the mix just makes everything a little sweeter.
We arrived in Disney World Wednesday night. Thanks to my parents' Disney Vacation Club, we stayed in Disney's Old Key West villa. This villa was two stories and slept 12! The first floor had a full kitchen, living room, balcony, two bathrooms and a room with a king-sized bed. The second floor had two rooms with two queen beds and bathrooms. It was amazing! After walking around our place in awe, we finally got some rest for the next day of park hopping.
Thursday was the big day. Over half of group our of 10 had never been to Disney World. Being a frequent vacationer to this spot, it was my duty to make this the best day possible. We started in Magic Kingdom. We walked around all the themed lands there, starting with Tomorrowland. We hit all the necessary rides, including Space Mountain. We finished the park in Adventureland, with Pirates of the Caribbean.
Next, we headed to Animal Kingdom. Expedition Everest, the best roller coaster in Disney World, was sadly not running. We went to Dinosaur, a ride that scared even our 21-year-old selves, and finished with the 3D show, It's Tough to be a Bug. This was the first of many 3D shows that day.
We finished with Hollywood Studios, previously known as MGM. We walked all around the park, seeing all the sights and riding all the rides we wanted to, and of course watching several 3D movies. My highlight of the day was meeting Mater and Lightning McQueen!! I love Lightning! We also found some grub, and finished the day by riding Tower of Terror and Rock-n-Roller Coaster three times each.
After a long day of magic and memory-making, we took our tired feet home. I know my group had a blast, even if Epcot didn't make the cut on our day trip. I can't wait to go back!
We arrived in Disney World Wednesday night. Thanks to my parents' Disney Vacation Club, we stayed in Disney's Old Key West villa. This villa was two stories and slept 12! The first floor had a full kitchen, living room, balcony, two bathrooms and a room with a king-sized bed. The second floor had two rooms with two queen beds and bathrooms. It was amazing! After walking around our place in awe, we finally got some rest for the next day of park hopping.
Thursday was the big day. Over half of group our of 10 had never been to Disney World. Being a frequent vacationer to this spot, it was my duty to make this the best day possible. We started in Magic Kingdom. We walked around all the themed lands there, starting with Tomorrowland. We hit all the necessary rides, including Space Mountain. We finished the park in Adventureland, with Pirates of the Caribbean.
Next, we headed to Animal Kingdom. Expedition Everest, the best roller coaster in Disney World, was sadly not running. We went to Dinosaur, a ride that scared even our 21-year-old selves, and finished with the 3D show, It's Tough to be a Bug. This was the first of many 3D shows that day.
We finished with Hollywood Studios, previously known as MGM. We walked all around the park, seeing all the sights and riding all the rides we wanted to, and of course watching several 3D movies. My highlight of the day was meeting Mater and Lightning McQueen!! I love Lightning! We also found some grub, and finished the day by riding Tower of Terror and Rock-n-Roller Coaster three times each.
After a long day of magic and memory-making, we took our tired feet home. I know my group had a blast, even if Epcot didn't make the cut on our day trip. I can't wait to go back!
10.20.2011
Stuck in a Crisis
I am a firm believer in the power of hands-on learning. Reading and studying various topics can help you form an understanding of that topic, but you really won't know until you experience or witness it personally.
While ONU PRSSA was at Disney World for the day before our conference began, three of our members witnessed a crisis while at Disney's Hollywood Studios. I was lucky enough to be one of them, and surely I took notes to learn from this experience.
While riding Toy Story Mania, the ride broke down and we were stuck in the middle of this 3D arcade game attraction. I thought that the workers handled this crisis well and there were three things in particular I noticed they paid attention to while handling this. I'll call them the "Three S's".
1. Safety. With any situation or crisis, safety should be the number one concern. As soon as the ride broke down, an announcement was made to sit and wait patiently in the cars. Of course, this is to ensure no one leaves their car and could get hurt walking around unassisted. The workers came to each car, unlocked the doors and helped us out. They also lined us up against the wall to keep us in order and away from the tracks, where someone could potentially trip and fall.
2. Speed. We did have to wait for all riders to get unlocked and out of their cars, as we formed one large line, but I didn't think this took very long. I would say we were inside during the crisis for about 15-20 minutes. I think the speed and responsiveness of the workers was efficient, not to mention they all remained calm as they unlocked the ride as quickly as possible.
3. Sign. It's important to offer a gesture by which you express apologies to those involved in the crisis. Disney did this by offering a Fast Pass to any ride in the park. This is a pass that allows you to jump the line and avoid waiting. Our pass didn't expire that day either, which I thought was great because it didn't limit how we could use this. This was a small gesture, but it was still something that helped ease our negative experience with the ride.
Next time you're in a crisis or dealing with one, remember the "Three S's" and see if these tips help make the experience better!
While ONU PRSSA was at Disney World for the day before our conference began, three of our members witnessed a crisis while at Disney's Hollywood Studios. I was lucky enough to be one of them, and surely I took notes to learn from this experience.
While riding Toy Story Mania, the ride broke down and we were stuck in the middle of this 3D arcade game attraction. I thought that the workers handled this crisis well and there were three things in particular I noticed they paid attention to while handling this. I'll call them the "Three S's".
1. Safety. With any situation or crisis, safety should be the number one concern. As soon as the ride broke down, an announcement was made to sit and wait patiently in the cars. Of course, this is to ensure no one leaves their car and could get hurt walking around unassisted. The workers came to each car, unlocked the doors and helped us out. They also lined us up against the wall to keep us in order and away from the tracks, where someone could potentially trip and fall.
2. Speed. We did have to wait for all riders to get unlocked and out of their cars, as we formed one large line, but I didn't think this took very long. I would say we were inside during the crisis for about 15-20 minutes. I think the speed and responsiveness of the workers was efficient, not to mention they all remained calm as they unlocked the ride as quickly as possible.
3. Sign. It's important to offer a gesture by which you express apologies to those involved in the crisis. Disney did this by offering a Fast Pass to any ride in the park. This is a pass that allows you to jump the line and avoid waiting. Our pass didn't expire that day either, which I thought was great because it didn't limit how we could use this. This was a small gesture, but it was still something that helped ease our negative experience with the ride.
Next time you're in a crisis or dealing with one, remember the "Three S's" and see if these tips help make the experience better!
Chicago!
One reason I absolutely adore being an ONU student is all the places I get to travel to. Through a few organizations I'm involved in or with the contacts I've made by being here, I've ventured to so many cities and states just in the past year. Places I've never been and places I never thought I'd go to. And with the semester transition giving me a fall break, what did I choose to do with this time off? Travel some more.
Kelsey (my roommate, friend and DZ sister) and I left the cornfields of Ada and spent three days and two nights in Chicago with our sorority sister, Janet. She graduated from ONU last spring and was an amazing host. We toured her neighborhood, spend a day in the city seeing all the sights (being as touristy as possible) and went to the Sara Bareilles concert at the Riviera Theatre. What a great way to spend fall break!
This wasn't my first trip to Chicago. I went for the first time in April with PRSSA for firm tours. This second trip just affirmed that I love this city. I'm so lucky to know so many great people there. And who knows, maybe some day I'll join them as a resident of the city myself!
Kelsey (my roommate, friend and DZ sister) and I left the cornfields of Ada and spent three days and two nights in Chicago with our sorority sister, Janet. She graduated from ONU last spring and was an amazing host. We toured her neighborhood, spend a day in the city seeing all the sights (being as touristy as possible) and went to the Sara Bareilles concert at the Riviera Theatre. What a great way to spend fall break!
This wasn't my first trip to Chicago. I went for the first time in April with PRSSA for firm tours. This second trip just affirmed that I love this city. I'm so lucky to know so many great people there. And who knows, maybe some day I'll join them as a resident of the city myself!
10.09.2011
Real-Time Technology
While flipping through David Meerman Scott's Real-Time Marketing & PR, I found a graphic I really enjoyed about real-time technology on page 189. From a business side, we pay attention to real-time news and commentary, real-time social web, and real-time web site traffic. These are all things we need to be sure to manage.
To do this, we tap into our three databases: customer, journalist and prospect. A customer database includes all existing customers and their purchasing history, plus records of who has contacted them, when and about what. Journalist database is a database of known journalists and analysts, including bloggers and other citizen journalists. A prospect database is potential customers with information on how they found your company, which salesperson is in charge of the relationship and status of discussions.
We also watch customer relationship management, web site analytics, social site analytics and marketing automation. These databases and tools to manage help us create real-time playbooks, which are best practices we develop in our organization to engage buyers for maximum growth.
Managing all of these things help with real-time dashboard and mobile applications. This also influences marketers, salespeople, customer service, public relations and management. All of these inputs and outputs help support real-time business and are a part of the technology infrastructure.
To do this, we tap into our three databases: customer, journalist and prospect. A customer database includes all existing customers and their purchasing history, plus records of who has contacted them, when and about what. Journalist database is a database of known journalists and analysts, including bloggers and other citizen journalists. A prospect database is potential customers with information on how they found your company, which salesperson is in charge of the relationship and status of discussions.
We also watch customer relationship management, web site analytics, social site analytics and marketing automation. These databases and tools to manage help us create real-time playbooks, which are best practices we develop in our organization to engage buyers for maximum growth.
Managing all of these things help with real-time dashboard and mobile applications. This also influences marketers, salespeople, customer service, public relations and management. All of these inputs and outputs help support real-time business and are a part of the technology infrastructure.
10.07.2011
Lessons in Event Planning #2
So here's yet another blog about event planning. This is a skill that I'm working on honing here in my last year in college. Being involved in multiple organizations across campus helps because most of these organizations host events. But these lessons I learned in event planning came from my very own sister's wedding this past weekend.
1. Expect the worst. Ohio weather can be quite awful at times. It rained Thursday for the rehearsal dinner and Friday for the actual rehearsal. The reports also called for rain Saturday. Because of this, I drove around to four different stores to find five purple umbrellas. Purple was important because that was one of the colors in the wedding and we wanted them to match if we had to take a few pictures outside. An umbrella picture could have been cute anyway! Thankfully the ceremony and reception was indoors so we didn't need a plan B for that. This just taught me to have a backup plan when hosting events, especially when being outside is involved.
2. Hope for the best. We kept saying if we bought the umbrellas it wouldn't rain, and it didn't! It was cloudy and a little chilly, but we stuck it out and the pictures were gorgeous. It's important to have multiple plans if something goes wrong, but it's also important to be optimistic. If you're the one running the event, your workers or volunteers are relying on you to guide them through their tasks. You need to have answers if questions arise, but you also need to have a positive attitude.
3. Just go with it. Things will go wrong. The ceremony required multiple songs for the entrance and exit of the wedding party. The night before we cut the tracks together into one song to play. We timed each entrance at the rehearsal the day before and we were fairly confident that it would run smoothly. Of course, two groomsmen had trouble rolling out the isle runner, and the music had to be paused. The bridal party walked down too fast for their section, but the song was beautiful and the suspense was built up for the entrance of the bride. Then at the exit, the wrong song was played. It wasn't a bad song, and was actually fit well, but the party just went with it. And does anyone remember these hiccups? Probably not. It's best to just go with the flow and everything will work itself out.
1. Expect the worst. Ohio weather can be quite awful at times. It rained Thursday for the rehearsal dinner and Friday for the actual rehearsal. The reports also called for rain Saturday. Because of this, I drove around to four different stores to find five purple umbrellas. Purple was important because that was one of the colors in the wedding and we wanted them to match if we had to take a few pictures outside. An umbrella picture could have been cute anyway! Thankfully the ceremony and reception was indoors so we didn't need a plan B for that. This just taught me to have a backup plan when hosting events, especially when being outside is involved.
2. Hope for the best. We kept saying if we bought the umbrellas it wouldn't rain, and it didn't! It was cloudy and a little chilly, but we stuck it out and the pictures were gorgeous. It's important to have multiple plans if something goes wrong, but it's also important to be optimistic. If you're the one running the event, your workers or volunteers are relying on you to guide them through their tasks. You need to have answers if questions arise, but you also need to have a positive attitude.
3. Just go with it. Things will go wrong. The ceremony required multiple songs for the entrance and exit of the wedding party. The night before we cut the tracks together into one song to play. We timed each entrance at the rehearsal the day before and we were fairly confident that it would run smoothly. Of course, two groomsmen had trouble rolling out the isle runner, and the music had to be paused. The bridal party walked down too fast for their section, but the song was beautiful and the suspense was built up for the entrance of the bride. Then at the exit, the wrong song was played. It wasn't a bad song, and was actually fit well, but the party just went with it. And does anyone remember these hiccups? Probably not. It's best to just go with the flow and everything will work itself out.
This just goes to show that you can learn from any experience in life!
The Sad-mester Change
Well, I've given it seven weeks and I've officially decided that I do not like semesters. And here's my top three reasons why:
1. Ugly schedule. I am a public relations major in the Arts and Sciences college with a business administration minor in the Business college. My major courses are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and my minor courses are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This means I have class every day. I don't really mind this, but many people love that they do not have class but two or three days a week. I would love to have this schedule so I could take on an internship or volunteer, but my schedule is just not flexible. It is making me miss out on opportunities. I also disliked the fact that my last summer break was cut short because of the semester transition.
2. More projects. Being a senior, I have larger projects and tasks in my courses. This is something I am fully capable of handling, and depending on the course, are even projects I enjoy completing. But on semesters, I feel like all the professors are handing out more large assignments, projects or papers. Do they think because we have 17 weeks that we can take on so many more? I had three due yesterday and I did complete them all, but I'm afraid that with this tremendous workload that I won't be able to give 100% to each project. This is the first semester in the transition for ONU, so hopefully professors will tweak what they assign next time.
3. Less classes. What I mean by less classes is that I am taking a third less classes than I normally would. I only have two sets of classes in a year instead of three. I love being able to take courses outside my major because I strongly believe this makes me a well-rounded student. I love the scheduling process and being able to have more options. Taking a religion or philosophy course helps feed my mind and I love that taking these types of classes gives me a break from the business or communication courses I take all the time. I love trying something new and taking these outside courses can help me discover new interests and lead me down new paths.
Is it too late to switch back to quarters?!
1. Ugly schedule. I am a public relations major in the Arts and Sciences college with a business administration minor in the Business college. My major courses are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and my minor courses are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This means I have class every day. I don't really mind this, but many people love that they do not have class but two or three days a week. I would love to have this schedule so I could take on an internship or volunteer, but my schedule is just not flexible. It is making me miss out on opportunities. I also disliked the fact that my last summer break was cut short because of the semester transition.
2. More projects. Being a senior, I have larger projects and tasks in my courses. This is something I am fully capable of handling, and depending on the course, are even projects I enjoy completing. But on semesters, I feel like all the professors are handing out more large assignments, projects or papers. Do they think because we have 17 weeks that we can take on so many more? I had three due yesterday and I did complete them all, but I'm afraid that with this tremendous workload that I won't be able to give 100% to each project. This is the first semester in the transition for ONU, so hopefully professors will tweak what they assign next time.
3. Less classes. What I mean by less classes is that I am taking a third less classes than I normally would. I only have two sets of classes in a year instead of three. I love being able to take courses outside my major because I strongly believe this makes me a well-rounded student. I love the scheduling process and being able to have more options. Taking a religion or philosophy course helps feed my mind and I love that taking these types of classes gives me a break from the business or communication courses I take all the time. I love trying something new and taking these outside courses can help me discover new interests and lead me down new paths.
Is it too late to switch back to quarters?!
10.03.2011
Don't underestimate the power of social media!
Our social media class finished Real-Time Marketing & PR by David Meerman Scott this past week. I particularly like how the last chapter highlights how communication has changed over the past several years and that we need to relearn how to communicate with our target audiences. Communication is no longer one-sided. Consumers have a voice, that we must listen and respond to. Listening is key and it's important for your consumers to know that you are listening to them.
I particularly like the part in this last chapter about being "prepared to step forward and say, 'Just a moment, here's proof that we mean what we say.'" It's important to back up what you say with action because it brings more meaning to your words.
All of the information from this book has helped me with my personal social media sites and I'm sure one day when I work for an organization, it will benefit them too!
I particularly like the part in this last chapter about being "prepared to step forward and say, 'Just a moment, here's proof that we mean what we say.'" It's important to back up what you say with action because it brings more meaning to your words.
All of the information from this book has helped me with my personal social media sites and I'm sure one day when I work for an organization, it will benefit them too!
9.28.2011
The Loft
I have had the best luck with roommates and I can't think of many people who can say the same. My freshman year roommate was Alisha, whom I affectionately called "Dinks". We got along very well but she did transfer at the end of the year. To this day, we are still very close.
The next two years, I roomed with Jillian. She is the best friend and roommate I could ever imagine. We both have equally demanding majors, are extremely involved across campus and basically see eye to eye on everything.
This year, I live off campus. I have to cook and clean everything myself and I even have to pay bills! But I love living off campus and enjoy doing all of these things for myself. And to most people's surprise, I am living with five other girls! We all have our own bedroom and share two bathrooms so space is not scarce.
All of my roommates are unique: in major, hometown, style and almost anything else you can imagine. This is what I love most. We are all so different, but we get along. I consider these girls my best friends. I love that I can walk down the hallway to ask a question, get distracted and end up chatting about something for hours. We cook dinners together, but mostly just sit around and enjoy each other's company. I never want to live anywhere else!
The next two years, I roomed with Jillian. She is the best friend and roommate I could ever imagine. We both have equally demanding majors, are extremely involved across campus and basically see eye to eye on everything.
This year, I live off campus. I have to cook and clean everything myself and I even have to pay bills! But I love living off campus and enjoy doing all of these things for myself. And to most people's surprise, I am living with five other girls! We all have our own bedroom and share two bathrooms so space is not scarce.
All of my roommates are unique: in major, hometown, style and almost anything else you can imagine. This is what I love most. We are all so different, but we get along. I consider these girls my best friends. I love that I can walk down the hallway to ask a question, get distracted and end up chatting about something for hours. We cook dinners together, but mostly just sit around and enjoy each other's company. I never want to live anywhere else!
9.27.2011
I love PRSSA!
Being a part of my Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter at ONU has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences I have ever had. I have learned so much in my public relations classes, but to be able to put my knowledge into action through my PRSSA activities has helped me expand what I've learned more than I could have imagined. I've grown as a leader and a professional. I've had opportunities to go places I would not have been able to go. Everything our Chapter accomplishes makes me so proud and gets me more excited about my field. Here's why:
Because of my amazing experience with PRSSA, I cannot wait to join the PR workforce and become a part of PRSA. I know my drive to become involved will make me an active member in this society and cannot wait for this opportunity to continue work with a fantastic organization!
9.26.2011
Ada or Seattle?
I really don't know what I expected out of the weather here in Ada this year. I should know better than to expect nice weather after three years of not the greatest weather. But since we've started the school year earlier in the summer because of the semester transition, I really expected more sunshine.
The past two weeks have been cold, fall-like weather. I love fall for two main reasons: sweaters and apple cider. But I don't want to wear those and drink that until at least a week into fall! And the past few days it has been rainy. Now, I've been to Seattle and I love it. But when I see this rain in Ada outside my window in the morning, I'm not too pleased.
Mother Nature, I reduce my consumption, recycle and reuse. Basically, I consider myself a tree-hugger. Can you please send some sunshine my way? Until then, I'll rely on these tips for my vitamin D.
The past two weeks have been cold, fall-like weather. I love fall for two main reasons: sweaters and apple cider. But I don't want to wear those and drink that until at least a week into fall! And the past few days it has been rainy. Now, I've been to Seattle and I love it. But when I see this rain in Ada outside my window in the morning, I'm not too pleased.
Mother Nature, I reduce my consumption, recycle and reuse. Basically, I consider myself a tree-hugger. Can you please send some sunshine my way? Until then, I'll rely on these tips for my vitamin D.
9.21.2011
Are you tweeting news?
Last night I checked my Twitter feed before going to bed and one headline really stood out to me. It was @cnnbrk's "35 bodies found in Mexican roadway in Veracruz during rush hour". This morning while eating breakfast, I found this story again on my USA Today iPhone app and read it.
Here's the story. It explains that masked gunmen dropped off 35 bodies along the side of a busy avenue during rush hour. Besides the horrific picture painted in my mind, what stood out the most from this piece of news is that it mentions motorists were tweeting warnings about the incident as it happened, essentially sharing the news. With social media today, are everyday people becoming journalists and breaking news on their own?
We have the power to share so much more information so much faster than ever before. With this power comes great responsibility. We must be sure to check our facts and provide accurate information. And as public relations practitioners, we must be very aware of what the public is saying about us. It may be a small world after all, but we still have to be aware of what we are communicating!
Here's the story. It explains that masked gunmen dropped off 35 bodies along the side of a busy avenue during rush hour. Besides the horrific picture painted in my mind, what stood out the most from this piece of news is that it mentions motorists were tweeting warnings about the incident as it happened, essentially sharing the news. With social media today, are everyday people becoming journalists and breaking news on their own?
We have the power to share so much more information so much faster than ever before. With this power comes great responsibility. We must be sure to check our facts and provide accurate information. And as public relations practitioners, we must be very aware of what the public is saying about us. It may be a small world after all, but we still have to be aware of what we are communicating!
9.20.2011
What are people saying about you?
After presenting chapter eight from David Meerman Scott's Real-Time Marketing & PR today, there are several valuable things I've learned. Information and news sent into the blogosphere or tweeted follows a bell-shaped curve of interest. The real dynamic conversation happens in the first few hours or days of the news, so if you are first to join this, you will be influential and credible.
It's important to track what others are saying about you, so you can monitor this interest curve and respond to the news accordingly. This can be hard to do since millions of discussions happen all the time. Scott suggests four ways to do this:
1. Create a comprehensive list of search terms relative to your activities.
2. Use search engines!
3. Modify your search terms over time.
4. Monitor your search terms on Twitter!
Of course, you can't respond to everything that is out there. But it is important to respond to the influential leaders who create discussions and don't just have a lot of followers. Responding to negative comments can turn critics around too, so be sure to respond quickly to these comments and if you don't have an answer, admit that you don't. Saying this is better than silence!
It's important to track what others are saying about you, so you can monitor this interest curve and respond to the news accordingly. This can be hard to do since millions of discussions happen all the time. Scott suggests four ways to do this:
1. Create a comprehensive list of search terms relative to your activities.
2. Use search engines!
3. Modify your search terms over time.
4. Monitor your search terms on Twitter!
Of course, you can't respond to everything that is out there. But it is important to respond to the influential leaders who create discussions and don't just have a lot of followers. Responding to negative comments can turn critics around too, so be sure to respond quickly to these comments and if you don't have an answer, admit that you don't. Saying this is better than silence!
9.19.2011
Real-Time Law
Reading David Meerman Scott's Real-Time Marketing and PR, I found I really enjoyed the "Laying Down Some Real-Time Law" chapter. He's right in saying that the Internet has changed the pace of business and that there are multiple dimensions to the speed of communications. The "ideal tempo" is the pace of people having a conversation, so as professionals we need to be a part of that conversation, hopefully first.
The law of normal distribution, according to Scott, goes through phases of breaking news, triggers, excitement, peak, old news and history. This is a good process to understand because this explains how we personally interpret news, but also helps up know how the public interprets news. With an understanding of these steps, we can generate interest for the news we want to share.
The law of normal distribution, according to Scott, goes through phases of breaking news, triggers, excitement, peak, old news and history. This is a good process to understand because this explains how we personally interpret news, but also helps up know how the public interprets news. With an understanding of these steps, we can generate interest for the news we want to share.
9.18.2011
Lessons in Event Planning
I believe event planning to be an extremely valuable skill. I don't know the best way to learn this skill, but some seem to have a natural talent for it. Event planning is not the specialty I wish to pursue, but as I am involved in multiple organizations across campus, it is definitely a skill I hope to hone before I enter the workforce.
I am Delta Zeta's philanthropy chair. Through this position, I plan and host large campus events to raise funds or awareness for Delta Zeta's philanthropies. Today, I planned my second successful Turtle Tug. Turtle Tug is a mud tug-of-war competition benefiting The Painted Turtle Camp. We had 16 teams of five participate, over 150 people attend and raised approximately $190 dollars.
Here are three things I learned about event planning from Turtle Tug:
1. Plan. Planning is key. Without a solid foundation, an event will fall apart. I can't tell you how many lists I made to cover all my bases today. It's especially important to be prepared for an outside event, like Turtle Tug. I started with a list of things to do to arrange the event and completed these tasks in weeks prior to the event. I compiled lists of my workers for each area of the event. I created a list for team registration. I contacted ONU's Physical Plant to set up the layout of the event. I got there early to meet with a p-plant worker to plan how the tables would be set up. I had to check the music and microphone use and set up the water table. I made sure all my volunteers understood the ins and outs of their jobs. It's a lot of little tasks, but planning ahead makes everything (hopefully) run smooth.
2. Delegate. One person can't do it alone. Delegating is the best way to make sure a lot of things can get done in a short period of time. I luckily had a sorority full of girls volunteering to help do anything I needed. I had girls hand out water, create the brackets, ref the competition, announce winners and facts about The Painted Turtle, sign in and register teams and so much more. I had to delegate because I could not do all these jobs alone. Having eager and able volunteers is one of the best assets an organization can have.
3. Enjoy. It's important to sit back and enjoy the event! All the hard work you put into weeks before planning and hours before setting up are worth so much more if you take a second to reflect on what you did. I did this while sitting at the bracket table today. I took a second to take in the view of all I accomplished today. I didn't do it alone, but I did do it!
I am Delta Zeta's philanthropy chair. Through this position, I plan and host large campus events to raise funds or awareness for Delta Zeta's philanthropies. Today, I planned my second successful Turtle Tug. Turtle Tug is a mud tug-of-war competition benefiting The Painted Turtle Camp. We had 16 teams of five participate, over 150 people attend and raised approximately $190 dollars.
Here are three things I learned about event planning from Turtle Tug:
1. Plan. Planning is key. Without a solid foundation, an event will fall apart. I can't tell you how many lists I made to cover all my bases today. It's especially important to be prepared for an outside event, like Turtle Tug. I started with a list of things to do to arrange the event and completed these tasks in weeks prior to the event. I compiled lists of my workers for each area of the event. I created a list for team registration. I contacted ONU's Physical Plant to set up the layout of the event. I got there early to meet with a p-plant worker to plan how the tables would be set up. I had to check the music and microphone use and set up the water table. I made sure all my volunteers understood the ins and outs of their jobs. It's a lot of little tasks, but planning ahead makes everything (hopefully) run smooth.
2. Delegate. One person can't do it alone. Delegating is the best way to make sure a lot of things can get done in a short period of time. I luckily had a sorority full of girls volunteering to help do anything I needed. I had girls hand out water, create the brackets, ref the competition, announce winners and facts about The Painted Turtle, sign in and register teams and so much more. I had to delegate because I could not do all these jobs alone. Having eager and able volunteers is one of the best assets an organization can have.
3. Enjoy. It's important to sit back and enjoy the event! All the hard work you put into weeks before planning and hours before setting up are worth so much more if you take a second to reflect on what you did. I did this while sitting at the bracket table today. I took a second to take in the view of all I accomplished today. I didn't do it alone, but I did do it!
9.15.2011
Cleveland Rocks!
This Tuesday, nine ONU PRSSA members ventured with our two advisers to the city of Cleveland for tours at three firms and the Cleveland Indians. I had toyed with the idea for this trip all summer, and with the help of a few great people in the area, we made it happen. To say the least, I was more than excited for this trip.
We arrived in Beachwood at 9:15 a.m. for our first stop at BrandMuscle. This was a very unique marketing solutions firm. They create templates for advertising for their clients. Most are large corporations, so their lower level or local companies can use these templates to specialize their advertising. This could be through a multitude of mediums. It was very interesting!
Our next stop was Landau PR in downtown Cleveland. This was a small firm that could do it all, but focused on B2B, corporate and nonprofit. I really enjoyed the nonprofit case studies they shared with us and how involved their employees were with PRSA. I can't imagine life without PRSSA--I will be sure to join PRSA when I graduate! Landau shared other opportunities as well, such as their internship program and Cleveland PRSA Student Day. Many thanks!
Our next stop was at the Winking Lizard, my absolute favorite restaurant in Cleveland! I had onion rings and chicken wings. Yum.
We then hurried over to Fahlgren Mortine Cleveland, where they gave us a background on Fahlgren, followed by media relations, social media and young professionals panels. There wasn't a question they couldn't answer! And they represent Scentsy?! Awesome!
We ended the day at one of my personal favorite spots in Cleveland, the Jake. Okay, "Progressive Field". But to us Clevelanders, it will always be the Jake. We toured all around the stadium, saw a ton of renovated suites and learned all about their communications department. I had taken multiple tours of this field before, but had never learned so much about their internships and departments before. What a great end to the day!
After this trip, one thing is for sure: CLEVELAND ROCKS!
We arrived in Beachwood at 9:15 a.m. for our first stop at BrandMuscle. This was a very unique marketing solutions firm. They create templates for advertising for their clients. Most are large corporations, so their lower level or local companies can use these templates to specialize their advertising. This could be through a multitude of mediums. It was very interesting!
Our next stop was Landau PR in downtown Cleveland. This was a small firm that could do it all, but focused on B2B, corporate and nonprofit. I really enjoyed the nonprofit case studies they shared with us and how involved their employees were with PRSA. I can't imagine life without PRSSA--I will be sure to join PRSA when I graduate! Landau shared other opportunities as well, such as their internship program and Cleveland PRSA Student Day. Many thanks!
Our next stop was at the Winking Lizard, my absolute favorite restaurant in Cleveland! I had onion rings and chicken wings. Yum.
We then hurried over to Fahlgren Mortine Cleveland, where they gave us a background on Fahlgren, followed by media relations, social media and young professionals panels. There wasn't a question they couldn't answer! And they represent Scentsy?! Awesome!
We ended the day at one of my personal favorite spots in Cleveland, the Jake. Okay, "Progressive Field". But to us Clevelanders, it will always be the Jake. We toured all around the stadium, saw a ton of renovated suites and learned all about their communications department. I had taken multiple tours of this field before, but had never learned so much about their internships and departments before. What a great end to the day!
After this trip, one thing is for sure: CLEVELAND ROCKS!
9.12.2011
Facebook in the classroom?
Today in my Microeconomics course, our professor asked the best way to use technology to contact us. He sends us weekly emails with reminders but he also heavily uses Web-ct, an online program used in lots of classroom situations. We can take exams, send messages, retrieve homework and just about any other function he needs through this program. The problem is we don't always check our email and Web-ct.
He asked for suggestions, and I've used Facebook already with two other courses, so I offered this solution. He immediately disregarded this idea. Students our age are always on Facebook. Some of us check it just as much, if not more than our email. Should Facebook be used in the classroom?
Facebook is being used in my communication courses, one of them being Social Media. I think this is quite fitting, but I think any type of class can utilize Facebook. We hold discussions, post assignments and ask our professor questions through a Facebook group created exclusively for this class. The same things we are doing with Web-ct in Microeconomics! The class is a private group and I check it right along with my other Facebook applications and posts. To me, I feel more informed about this class using this site than I do with Web-ct.
The way we communicate is changing rapidly. Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook are growing constantly. I don't see why these tools shouldn't be used only for communication. Education can benefit from these too!
To learn more about using Facebook in the classroom, here are 100 ideas to use it in class.
He asked for suggestions, and I've used Facebook already with two other courses, so I offered this solution. He immediately disregarded this idea. Students our age are always on Facebook. Some of us check it just as much, if not more than our email. Should Facebook be used in the classroom?
Facebook is being used in my communication courses, one of them being Social Media. I think this is quite fitting, but I think any type of class can utilize Facebook. We hold discussions, post assignments and ask our professor questions through a Facebook group created exclusively for this class. The same things we are doing with Web-ct in Microeconomics! The class is a private group and I check it right along with my other Facebook applications and posts. To me, I feel more informed about this class using this site than I do with Web-ct.
The way we communicate is changing rapidly. Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook are growing constantly. I don't see why these tools shouldn't be used only for communication. Education can benefit from these too!
To learn more about using Facebook in the classroom, here are 100 ideas to use it in class.
9.11.2011
Talking and Energizing!
Now that I've read Listening to the Groundswell, it's time to learn about talking and energizing with the groundswell.
Talking with the Groundswell emphasizes having conversations, or two-way communication, rather than "shouting" messages at the public. The marketing funnel is a great figure in this chapter that shows how all consumers are narrowed down through various communication into buyers. Awareness, consideration, preference, action and loyalty are all a part of the process in decision making. These need to be taken into consideration while talking with the groundswell.
There are multiple ways to hold a conversation with the public:
1. Post a viral video
2. Engage in social networks and user-generated content sites
3. Join the blogosphere
4. Create a community
Energizing the groundswell is important because it's believable, self-reinforcing and self-spreading. Energizing can be done by tracking ratings and reviews, and utilizing their reactions to actions of the company. It can also be done by tapping into that community created by talking with the groundswell, and participating with online brand enthusiasts with social networks.
Talking and energizing go hand in hand. If the conversation goes well, the community will be energized!
Talking with the Groundswell emphasizes having conversations, or two-way communication, rather than "shouting" messages at the public. The marketing funnel is a great figure in this chapter that shows how all consumers are narrowed down through various communication into buyers. Awareness, consideration, preference, action and loyalty are all a part of the process in decision making. These need to be taken into consideration while talking with the groundswell.
There are multiple ways to hold a conversation with the public:
1. Post a viral video
2. Engage in social networks and user-generated content sites
3. Join the blogosphere
4. Create a community
Energizing the groundswell is important because it's believable, self-reinforcing and self-spreading. Energizing can be done by tracking ratings and reviews, and utilizing their reactions to actions of the company. It can also be done by tapping into that community created by talking with the groundswell, and participating with online brand enthusiasts with social networks.
Talking and energizing go hand in hand. If the conversation goes well, the community will be energized!
9.09.2011
"If I paid for my friends, I surely did not pay enough."
This morning as I was drying my hair, I took a nice long look at a picture hanging on my wall. It's a picture from freshman year of three girls from my hall and me. We're standing in the middle of Clark holding our Delta Zeta bid cards. This picture is from 2008, which makes me feel real old because it feels so long ago and we all look so young, but this is not what I reflect on. I reflect on how happy I was and still am to be a Delta Zeta.
There are so many reasons why I love Delta Zeta, but I will sum them up into three main ones.
1. Delta Zeta is nurturing. My sisters are some of the most supportive people I can imagine having in my life. I'm am extremely involved across campus (and even won Most Involved last year at DZ formals!) so staying active in things as well as Delta Zeta is important. I cannot tell you how many times I've come to my sisterhood with an idea for our chapter or an event I was hosting in another organization on campus and how my sisters would take my idea and run with it or come to my event just for me. Sisters genuinely care about your success and will help you reach your potential.
2. Delta Zeta is different. Different is not always bad. What I mean here is that Delta Zetas are all different young women, with very unique personalities, backgrounds and life goals. But we are all so similar as well. I can pick any of my 70-some sisters to hang out with or talk to and never have a dull time. How a group of this many girls gets along blows my mind.
3. Delta Zeta is home. Side note: I have a biological sister who is one of the most amazing people I know and will forever be my best friend. I also am very close with my family and could not imagine growing up anywhere besides Cleveland. This is my home. But when I came to Ohio Northern University and arrived at the Delta Zeta house I was home again. Living in the chapter house for two years and spending most of my time just being with sisters is the most comforting thing I've found at ONU. Even as a senior living off campus, I still chose to live with five amazing Delta Zetas. It's hard to put into words how this sisterhood makes me feel, but they make me feel safe, warm and loved just as a real sister does. It's remarkable.
I'm so excited for this weekend because recruitment will be ending and twenty-some girls will be able to join us and experience Delta Zeta just as I have!
For all my Delta Zetas reading this, I love you all.
There are so many reasons why I love Delta Zeta, but I will sum them up into three main ones.
1. Delta Zeta is nurturing. My sisters are some of the most supportive people I can imagine having in my life. I'm am extremely involved across campus (and even won Most Involved last year at DZ formals!) so staying active in things as well as Delta Zeta is important. I cannot tell you how many times I've come to my sisterhood with an idea for our chapter or an event I was hosting in another organization on campus and how my sisters would take my idea and run with it or come to my event just for me. Sisters genuinely care about your success and will help you reach your potential.
2. Delta Zeta is different. Different is not always bad. What I mean here is that Delta Zetas are all different young women, with very unique personalities, backgrounds and life goals. But we are all so similar as well. I can pick any of my 70-some sisters to hang out with or talk to and never have a dull time. How a group of this many girls gets along blows my mind.
3. Delta Zeta is home. Side note: I have a biological sister who is one of the most amazing people I know and will forever be my best friend. I also am very close with my family and could not imagine growing up anywhere besides Cleveland. This is my home. But when I came to Ohio Northern University and arrived at the Delta Zeta house I was home again. Living in the chapter house for two years and spending most of my time just being with sisters is the most comforting thing I've found at ONU. Even as a senior living off campus, I still chose to live with five amazing Delta Zetas. It's hard to put into words how this sisterhood makes me feel, but they make me feel safe, warm and loved just as a real sister does. It's remarkable.
I'm so excited for this weekend because recruitment will be ending and twenty-some girls will be able to join us and experience Delta Zeta just as I have!
For all my Delta Zetas reading this, I love you all.
9.05.2011
I will make a difference!
A new non-profit campaign I am geeking out over (yes, that's a technical term) is the 9/11 Tribute Movement. You might know this from all of the "I will" videos on their site or YouTube. Our speaker at PRSSA last Thursday showed us this video promoting the campaign because her work (Hands On Network) is a partner of the movement, along with MyGoodDeed.org.
This campaign is promoting a day of service in honor of the victims, survivors and those that provided service during that time. This 9/11 Day Observance was actually created in 2002, but since the tenth anniversary of 9/11 is coming up, this campaign has become more widespread.
The site and it's cosponsors encourage people to volunteer and provides places to find these opportunities in your area. After you complete your service, they encourage you to post a tribute with your name, what cause you supported and even a video with your testimonial!
I cannot imagine a better way to spend this day, showing respect and remembrance. I will be making brownies and cookies with a roommate of mine and giving them to police and firemen in the area. Please go here and share what you will do to provide tribute.
The site and it's cosponsors encourage people to volunteer and provides places to find these opportunities in your area. After you complete your service, they encourage you to post a tribute with your name, what cause you supported and even a video with your testimonial!
I cannot imagine a better way to spend this day, showing respect and remembrance. I will be making brownies and cookies with a roommate of mine and giving them to police and firemen in the area. Please go here and share what you will do to provide tribute.
9.04.2011
Listen, Listen, Listen!
Listening to consumers is one of the most important things emphasized in Listening to the Groundswell. Customers have the power to control your brand and how it is viewed by others, especially in this age where anyone can express their views easily and frequently.
Companies pay millions of dollars for market research annually. This can provide answers to questions, but does not provide a lot of new insight. This kind of insight can be found by analyzing discussion forums, ratings, blogs and other pieces of information about your company that is posted on a daily or hourly basis. This analysis can be done in two ways: by setting up a private community and brand monitoring.
There are six main reasons to start listening.
1. Find out what your brand stands for.
2. Understand how buzz is shifting.
3. Save research money; increase research responsiveness.
4. Find the sources of influence in your market.
5. Manage PR crises.
6. Generate new product and marketing ideas.
Although listening answers questions and provides insight, companies need a plan to act on what they learn, as mentioned in number three above. Research responsiveness needs to be a priority. This helps put what one learns in this brand monitoring to good use. Joining in on the conversation will be discussed next!
Companies pay millions of dollars for market research annually. This can provide answers to questions, but does not provide a lot of new insight. This kind of insight can be found by analyzing discussion forums, ratings, blogs and other pieces of information about your company that is posted on a daily or hourly basis. This analysis can be done in two ways: by setting up a private community and brand monitoring.
There are six main reasons to start listening.
1. Find out what your brand stands for.
2. Understand how buzz is shifting.
3. Save research money; increase research responsiveness.
4. Find the sources of influence in your market.
5. Manage PR crises.
6. Generate new product and marketing ideas.
Although listening answers questions and provides insight, companies need a plan to act on what they learn, as mentioned in number three above. Research responsiveness needs to be a priority. This helps put what one learns in this brand monitoring to good use. Joining in on the conversation will be discussed next!
9.01.2011
"You can't have community without unity."
When I was in PSR (like Sunday school but happened on Monday nights), my instructor emphasized to me the importance of unity in a community. This idea is now completely clear to me because of Ohio Northern University.
ONU is truly one of a kind. Of course my opinion is biased after living here for three years and loving every minute of it, but this unique trait was once again emphasized to me with a fundraiser that the Public Relations Student Society of America chapter hosted this past Monday.
Pizza for PRSSA is a great example of how the unity of ONU and Ada can create something great. Utilizing our Ada resources, PRSSA brought pizza from all three pizzerias to the middle of campus. And if you bring pizza and price it low, they will come.
Almost 100 students ventured to the tundra to try the three different slices. After eating and voting, students crowned East of Chicago the best pizza in Ada. And I must say, their pineapple pizza was delicious!
Yes, ONU students and Ada pizza establishments made this event possible, but there are so many more people in this community that contributed to its success. PRSSA members spent the summer planning details. Vision Communications (PRSSA's firm) provided publicity and manpower. Physical plant helped us set up and tear down tables and chairs for the event, along with providing a sound system. And even more students, not affiliated with PRSSA, volunteered to help run the voting and drinks table.
Pizza for PRSSA is only a small example of events like this on campus. I can't imagine a better place to take an idea and turn it into a reality.
ONU is truly one of a kind. Of course my opinion is biased after living here for three years and loving every minute of it, but this unique trait was once again emphasized to me with a fundraiser that the Public Relations Student Society of America chapter hosted this past Monday.
Pizza for PRSSA is a great example of how the unity of ONU and Ada can create something great. Utilizing our Ada resources, PRSSA brought pizza from all three pizzerias to the middle of campus. And if you bring pizza and price it low, they will come.
Almost 100 students ventured to the tundra to try the three different slices. After eating and voting, students crowned East of Chicago the best pizza in Ada. And I must say, their pineapple pizza was delicious!
Yes, ONU students and Ada pizza establishments made this event possible, but there are so many more people in this community that contributed to its success. PRSSA members spent the summer planning details. Vision Communications (PRSSA's firm) provided publicity and manpower. Physical plant helped us set up and tear down tables and chairs for the event, along with providing a sound system. And even more students, not affiliated with PRSSA, volunteered to help run the voting and drinks table.
Pizza for PRSSA is only a small example of events like this on campus. I can't imagine a better place to take an idea and turn it into a reality.
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