Honestly…|an honest take on the world of PR and other things by Cindy Ronzoni

Don’t get me wrong, I do love the micro-blogging site Twitter, it’s just that with so many people using this tool now, who the heck is listening.  I mean there are so many followers and users on Twitter now that as the number grows – I mean will anyone be heard?

If I look into Twitter’s future there will always be some users that are heard/read above others, however, I’m afraid that there will be so many people on Twitter soon that it will become a new kind of noise.  I mean if someone would cut through all the clutter I bet 3/4ths of the messages “tweeted” are absolutely uninteresting and I dare say worthless.

I do believe that Twitter is revolutionary and remarkable and yes that the inventor probably should be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize with how valuable the tool was last week regarding the protests in Iran.  Twitter, along with YouTube, were our ears and eyes into this country torn apart sans journalists.  This was citizen journalism at its best. 

I do love Twitter for breaking news and for my work.  But other than that, I could care less if someone is at the car wash or what they are eating at the moment.  I censor what comes through to me pretty well and block out those foolish posts whenever possible.

But, with Twitter now a part of our everyday language, the number of people “tweeting” will grow astronomically.  With so many conversations going out how in the world will we learn anything.   The real news will just be drown out.

For the life of me I can’t understand how so many people think that their routine  happenings are interesting and worthwhile of a “tweet.”  Don’t get me wrong I love to converse, but there’s just some conversations I would never want to enter in.  And it’s like that with Twitter.  I do believe everyone needs an account, but not everyone needs to “tweet.”

I know it’s like a new flashy toy when you first get it and I realize that it wears off after a while, but something has to done at some point in time.  I mean can you imagine if everyone in the world was twittering?  If there was a conversation going on with the entire world at the same time.

My head hurts now and that would drive me off the edge, for sure.  I love news, information and facts but, do I have to hear about your lunch plans, what you just bought or a photo you took?  I just don’t care.  Send me useful information and I’ll RT it for you.

Facebook Logo

In case you missed this little item today, I’m bringing it to your attention because its revolutionary.  Did you see that Facebook is going to stream its first live concert on Saturday? It’s true. 

PepsiCo Beverages Canada is using Facebook, as the central platform for its current marketing campaign for the energy drink AMP Energy. The campaign includes the live streaming of a rock band contest from Toronto. Leave it to those Canadians to present the world with a brilliant idea.  I read about this industry changing event and marketing stunt in MediaPost .

Yes I think this is a great marketing/promotional idea, but that’s not what I want to convey through this post.  What I want to chat about is the fact that I am in awe of the fact that Facebook, of all things, is now becoming a content distributor in a broadcast-network sort of way.

Can you imagine sitting home one night and reading TV Guide and saying to your hubby – “Honey, can you switch over to Facebook now to watch the live performance of blah blah!”

As I see it, TV networks are going to become obsolete.  And it’s happening sooner than I thought.  Streaming on Facebook is a game changer.  Can you begin to imagine the impact?

The impact is enormous on so many counts-the biggest winners are content creators/producers.  They now have a new platform to reach millions of people worldwide.

Since I am also interested in viewing new innovations I wanted to see how I could watch this on Facebook. When I went over to the AMP Facebook Group page I couldn’t find out any information on how to watch the live show on Saturday.  Maybe I’m geo-blocked or something, but I thought that was a missed opportunity for such a historic occasion.

I just love social media, don’t you.

Take care,

Cindy

Ugh.

Yeah, it’s wonderful that our local NBA team won the National Championship, but what disappoints me is why my city can become united over a basketball team and not do the same over the state of our State and/or our Country.

These flags were $9 bucks...$9 bucks that could have helped our State!

For over a month, you couldn’t drive in these parts without seeing those Lakers flags waving from car windows. All ages had them. The topper was yesterday when I was driving to church. An elderly couple had them blazing as they tooled down the highway. And this made me so sad. For it said to me that we can become one under certain cirmcumstances, but not others.

Did you catch this right now from CNNNews: NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Stocks slumped Monday as weaker oil prices and more geopolitical unrest raised worries that the recession may not be waning as soon as some had hoped.

And better yet… the state of California is out of money. What are we going to do about that? Maybe the Lakers can bail us out? Not in my lifetime.

Yes, when times are dire, it’s great to be able to cheer about something. But, heck, what if every Californian bought a car flag of our State flag. On Amazon, the Lakers flags go for $8.99.

So what if we say for an even $10, you can buy a California State flag and that money will go toward our State’s non-existent budget. Forget the Lakers flags! Those guys and their owners – the Buss’ have enough money – so does the NBA! Our State doesn’t.

And better yet, any car that doesn’t have one, you can get on them for not supporting their own. Now that a cause to rally about.

What are your thoughts and would you buy a state car flag to help save our state? Or better yet. A hat or T-shirt.  Help!

Sort of sporty don't you think? How's $20 bucks sound to you?

Stunningly Beautiful Inside and Out - Rest in Peace Auntie Dorothy

On Tuesday, June 2, at approximately 4:00 PM, I got the call.  My Aunt, Dorothy Moehlenbrock, at 94 years of age, passed away quietly in her sleep while in a hospital in her hometown of Virginia, Minnesota.

And when such things happen to you,  your heart and soul get immediately heavy and you quickly switch into the planning mode.  And that’s just what I did as I made all the necessary arrangements to take my Mom back to her native land and say goodbye to her last remaining sibling.  As I played over past memories of my Aunt in my head, I realized for the first time how she influenced me and how indebted I am to her.

At her funeral on Friday, I was able to say a few words that I would like to share with you today.

My Last Letter To My Auntie Dorothy,

The number of times I physically was in my Aunt’s presence I can count on both hands.  Despite the fact that we lived so far away from each other, I knew my Aunt and she knew me.  We shared a wonderful, rich relationship, because she chose to write to this girl twice a week, starting at the age of six years old.  We related like this for over three decades.

Through her generosity with time, my Aunt gave me the gifts I needed for a thriving career.  I love to write to this day and frankly, it’s been the cornerstone to my career.

Because long-distance phone calls were so expensive when I was growing up , my letters between my Aunt and me kept our family tight knit.  I told her everything that was going on in California and the she would tell me about the rest of our family.  We found out about marriages, births, new homes, problems and issues this way about our entire clan.   By writing to us all, she kept us connected as a family. That was my Aunt and that’s something I love to do as well – I enjoy communicating and connecting.

Our Family's Top Model

But, more importantly, as I reflected on what I was going to say today, I realized what a gift my Aunt was – I mean after working hard all day, she would stop whatever she was doing to write to me.  And we never missed a beat – our letters had a four-day turnaround.  I wrote; then she responded.  If I ever missed a letter cycle, then I’d get a phone call from her asking me if my arm was broken! She was the first to teach me the importance of deadlines.

So even if we didn’t see each other, I knew my Aunt loved me.  She showed me in so many ways.  She  gladly took my calls, supported me and always cheered me on.  I loved my Auntie Dorothy and will miss not sending her notes anymore.  She was an amazing influence in my life and because of that she will always be a part of me – as I continue to write, meet deadlines, communicate messages and connect with others.  My success is largely do to her willingness to always welcome a silly letter from a young girl – it gave me enough confidence to pursue this field in college and beyond.

I will see her again someday and I know she’s watching from above.  How blessed was I that she was my Aunt.  And my questions for you are – who are you inspiring? Is there someone that you can share your life with that at an early age that can help influence their lives?  Are you being generous with your time.  Take it from me firsthand – it’s well worth your time.

I love you Auntie Dorothy! XXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO (We always closed each letter with kisses and hugs)

So I had a hard week last week.  A fast trip to Minnesota and back, but it was an amazing time to be with loved ones and our immediate family.  Loss is hard. Change is hard. But it sure is easier having others around you.  We gathered each night around the fireplace in the lobby of our 2 star motel.  We all came from different parts of the world, but that lobby area sure felt like home.  We talked about our parents and their parents.  Of growing up in  a small mining town.  We talked about past family events and how we all don’t see each other enough – we bonded, we cried, we healed, we loved.  And when it was time we paid respect to the ones in the family who immigrated to Minnesota from foreign lands.   We all went to the local cemetery and cleared off our family headstones.  It was a remarkable time and each one of knew its importance.

Paying Respects

It was at this particular time that the family gathered as one to show respect, love and admiration to the many we had never met before.  But, just as I knew Dorothy through letters, we knew our great grandparents and aunts and uncles from the stories passed on through the generations.

So these just weren’t any headstones we were cleaning, but of my Grandfather Harry who came to America in the fourth grade and from nothing raised a family of six. Or Grandma Beatrice who played the piano for the silent movies in town. Or Aunt Sig who loved to shop and now my Dear Auntie Dorothy who wrote letters that inspired us all.

Rest in peace.

Love,

Cindy

Graduations Have Enough Hot Air in Them; No Need For Long Speeches

 With college graduations in full swing, speeches are coming to the forefront – or – at least catching more of our eyes and ears.  Whether you are attending a commencement ceremony this year or watching the news coverage of them when politicians and celebrities deliver addresses – you are being subjected to messages.  And may I add long-winded messages that really don’t matter in the long or short run.

I mean I don’t remember what was said by anyone at either of my graduations other than my name being said over the loud speaker before accepting my diplomas – but as someone who is well aware of speeches and speech writing-they are a ton of work to write.

It’s so ironic that someone (a speech writer) has spent hours upon hours writing, editing and tweaking another’s words to get them just right and in the end, no one really will remember them.  Frankly, on a whole, I think speeches are typically too long. 

Speakers would make a larger impression if they hit five key points and then call it a day.   As graduation ceremonies last for hours, any time shaved off of a long winded diatribe would be appreciated.  I bet you that no one is listening intently anyway.  Parents can’t divert their eyes from their kids; students are chatting with their friends and laughing together as a group one last time and others well are trying to stay awake in the hot sun.

Commencement speeches are a waste.  In fact, most speeches are a waste and a headache to write.  I guess what spurred this post on was that RNC Chairman Michael Steele gave a speech yesterday and some commentators said that his comments were empty.  They said he left his constituency with nothing meaningful, enlightening or memorable.  And he read it all – he looked at his notes the entire time.  Which leads me to my other issue. 

If you find yourself counseling a client about a speech, please try to convince them to use a teleprompter if they can’t just refer to notes. 

There’s nothing worse that that the lethal combination of a long, long, long speech and having it read word for word by the speaker. Ugh.

In summary, keep your speeches short and sweet.  And look at your audience.  I guarantee you if you do that – your words will be memorable and you won’t be remembered as a drone as you “drone” on.

As for me, I better take my own advice and say ‘over and out’ myself.

Less is best!

Cindy

Students Fighting For A Chance

As I drove in to work today I noticed an unusual site in front of a prominent Los Angeles public high school.  Instead of students cutting in front of my car running to school, they were organized and orderly and marching with protest signs.  I wanted to circle back and take a photo and get a better look at it – but the gist of it was that they were fighting for their school.

Our State in a terrible budget state and in order to rectify and balance the remaining monies, cut-backs are hitting everyone, especially the public school system.  These students were supporting their teacher’s union as many of the instructors called in sick today to protest how the budget cuts are cutting into their jobs.  It’s really sad what’s happening. School libraries are being forced to close as well as numerous staff lay-offs.  It’s not a pretty sight and sadly, the losses are far greater than the wins.  But that’s not what I’m writing about today.  I’m writing about how wonderful it was to see teens caring enough about a cause to miss school and support their educators.  That was a courageous, bold step for them to take and it was very important.  For if they don’t voice their opinion- then who would for them?  I loved it.

Which all leads me to this question.  What fight do you have in you? I hope you still have some fire in your belly about a few injustices, but I also know as we get older and more scheduled that we often just want to get through the day with the least amount of resistance.  And this lethargy can be dangerous and contagious.

You may have also heard about Alan Keyes and others were arrested for protesting at Notre Dame University today. They are against President Obama delivering this year’s commencement speech.  Now that took some energy.

Graduates Loved Hosting Obama; Others Not So Much

So what do you care about?   Are you fighting for your marriage? Are you fighting to keep your kids from hanging with the wrong peers? Are you fighting for better medical coverage?  Are you fighting to keep your job? Are your fighting for yourself?

If you come up empty handed, get that fire and spirit back.  There’s nothing like having passion in your soul when things feel out of your control. 

I know there’s an issue you care about.  There’s just too many non-profits and causes out there with hundreds of people involved in fights.  So fight on my dear solider.  Don’t let your flame burn out.   Stand firm in the good fight – not only will you inspire others – but you’ll feel better too.

Go get your Fight On!

Clint Black picked the correct staff member to fire - the editor on "Celebrity Apprentice."

I observed something very interesting the other night watching the season finale of “Celebrity Apprentice” and I wonder if you caught it as well.  Clint Black, the country crooner/musician, was part of Joan Rivers’ team and before Donald Trump made his final decision whether the winner was Rivers or Poker Champ Annie Duke, he asked Clint who he thought he should fire.  Clint astutely gave the correct answer. It was neither Joan or Annie.  He stated that the editor needed firing.  And he was so right.

Being in the entertainment industry I am aware of how easily unscripted shows can be manipulated in the editing room.  To this day, I will never understand why a person would want to go on one of these shows.  I do know that you have a chance to win a million dollars on some, but on the other hand, is a shot at a million worth the risk of damaging your character for life?

I wasn’t there, so I don’t know if this is exactly what happened, but for Clint to make that remark he was displeased that the show he just watched depicted him as lazy, self-absorbed and useless to the team.  Again, I wasn’t present to watch him in action, but the editors sure pictured him that way.  Granted, if they had shown all the good things he did, then it probably would have made for less exciting TV.  But, the point I want to make is this – Why Can’t The Truth Be Told.  What’s so wrong with truth in our lives?

That’s my million dollar question.  I wish I could meet the one programming executive who changed this forever. The one who said that real-life is boring so let’s cut it this way and that way, adding some excitement.  The only problem with this folks is that its not true.

Editors sometimes don’t have to do anything and people just act like themselves and are dramas in their own right.  Janice Dickenson comes to mind and Mike Tyson.  But, then there are those who sign up for these things and they have so much junk in their own trunks that come out – and I scratch my head wondering why they would want cameras covering their lies.  A recent example is the “Jon & Kate Plus 8″ show.  I have no idea if anything was done wrong…but if Jon has a emotional friendship with another woman…why did he sign up for the show? 

 Ted Haggard is another one that baffles me.  He was head of the National Association of Evangelicals and he agreed to be followed by an HBO documentary crew.  The crew didn’t find him doing anything improper toward his position, but it all broke shortly thereafter.  He was involved in a homosexual lifestyle.  Why do people subject themselves to scrutiny when there’s trouble in their life.   Look at John Edwards.   He told his wife about the affair and was still running for office.  Please know that I’m not writing these things in judgment…I have plenty of things I am not proud of…but I’m choosing not to allow camera crews in my life! Which all leads to….

Why are so many people uncomfortable with the truth? That’s the bigger question.  If people were more truthful, then there would be less money spent on cover-ups.  There would be more moments filled with integrity than spinning lies to protect the guilty.  Look at the Manny Ramirez incident with the Dodgers.  They’re going out of their way with statements just not to say the truth!

I’m telling you the truth here.  There’s just so little truth left in the world.  Wouldn’t life be a lot easier if we all fessed up.  If TV presented us with the facts so we would have to make up our minds.  If we could trust politicians and lobbyists.  Couldn’t we just call a spade a spade?

Is there anyone we can trust?  Heck, you can’t even trust your friends anymore.  They are tagging you in photos and capturing video of you without your permission.  The world is teaching them these things. 

The Truth is out there.  Sadly, it’s just been cut and is on the editing room floor.  Or these days digitized and deleted.

Have a good day.

Is TV dead? The business is changing and so must we.

I have been a bit dejected lately and hence, the reason for so few posts in the last month or so. I love to provide encouragement whenever possible and well, I have been at a loss of words when it concerns my field of publicity and the state of journalism.

I have built my worth and value based on the relationships I have had with members of the press and this year alone, several of my key contacts at trade publications have lost their jobs and/or their entire publications.  And with each one I grieve a bit deeper for I see the handwriting on the wall. The business models are no longer working for the print field and new jobs are not opening online. My job and job duties as a publicist are radically changing and I had better change with them as a result.

You know that saying – it all comes full circle. Well that’s what has exactly happened to me.

I was extremely fortunate to be one of the first persons to be employed by Fox Broadcasting Company in 1986. As such, I was there when they were branding the “new” fourth network. The promo that they ran to introduce the network featured quick cuts of the evolution of the TV set and the final TV set was a modern one with the Fox logo featured prominently on the screen. I will never forget that video and I will never forget the song that accompanied it – it was David Bowie’s “Changes” and not only was it applicable then, but it is even more so now. Just take a look below as some of the words (the italicized statements reflect my personal comments.)

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
Turn and face the strain (Oh, yeah there’s a strain.)

Ch-ch-Changes
Don’t want to be a richer man (we just want jobs!)

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
Turn and face the strain (yeah we got it! Thanks.)

Ch-ch-Changes
Just gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I can’t trace time

I love the last stanza…how profound.  If you are in the entertainment field you have to look at everything differently, entrepreneur like – we have to be a different man/woman.   Time does change us (we get older and more valuable, but less hire-able.) And I can’t trace time. I still feel like I’m 20! Ugh.

So when you find yourself overwhelmed by all the transitions…start humming this tune.  People were afraid of Fox 23 years ago.  Now, it’s a permanent fixture in entertainment.  Our distribution platforms may be blowing up – but something will rise like a phoenix to take its place. I don’t know when. I don’t know what it is. But I do know you will be employed again.  There is hope.  There is life.  There is change. And there will be change again. 

Keep you eye out for something unconventional -  not something you normally would expect.  It’s there…it will come full circle.  Change is in the air.

It feels good to be back.

Cindy

photo courtesy of Flickr: photographer schmilblick

A Staple of Life

For those of you who are old enough to remember a time when online word processing programs did not include spell check, you had to use a dictionary. Now, with the advent of text messaging and twitter and to some extent Facebook status updates, we are sending messages in such rapid fire succession that spelling and grammar are going out the window.

I mean it’s tough enough texting while driving – there’s no time for proofing in moments like those. These short messaging devices are ruining the fabric of proper communication – let alone spelling and correct sentence structure.

I once worked with an executive (who incidentally was older than I was) who wrote their business emails in text speak. I kid you not. I had the hardest time deciphering what he/she was trying to convey. I think that they thought it was hip or cool or better yet made them feel young. This wasn’t smart as it sent a dangerous message to the younger employees that it was acceptable to write like you have no brains. If u knw wht I mean.

People, this form of communication is not a replacement for proper writing, grammar and talking!

It’s nothing to laugh at, no lol. I keep hearing that the new generation entering the work force are coming in with some entitlement issues. Well, if they do get the job, another concern I have is in their business etiquette. Dressing for work has already diminished. I mean business casual is a wearing a nice pair of designer jeans and flip flops. But if they start to speak this shortened language. Oy vey.

Kids and all others who text constantly, please remember your writing and spelling skills. Don’t transfer your fast writing into the work force. Spend time on your emails at work and make sure they are grammatically correct. Your emails reflect you – they show your character and whether or not you can be trusted. Slow down and do your best job and when texting try your best to keep spelling correctly. That way, you won’t get caught with your designer pants down when it matters the most at work.

Fast Fingers Lead To Mistakes

There are two worlds you live in and one does not tolerate the other. As a lark, I looked up some abbreviations that people have come up with to shorten communications. Look at some of these doozies.”

@TEOTD = at the end of the day

MLM=meaning give the middle finger

.02=My (or your) two cents worth

<3=meaning sideways heart (love)

AATK=always at the keyboard

And if you are reading this at work….then

NFW=not for work

And BTW (back to work)

How Come it's so Easy for Others?

Today’s post is a Part 2 if you will about perception and a bit of a homage to President’s Day.

Perception is key these days my friend, I think more so than ever-especially in employment or unemployment.  As the heat gets turned up on all of us, will those who hold the keys see us sweat?   You’re probably thinking what in the world am I talking about.

I’m talking about holding your cool, when times get tough.

Soldiers who have had great squad leaders know what I’m talking about. They would rush into battle confidently when they had a self-assured leader who told them what to do. But, if they knew their leader was wishy-washy, scared, unsure of his next steps, they would have entered the field with the same feelings. Some may even had retreated or taken command themselves.

A great example of leader who is facing tough times is our new President, President Obama.  Even though we know the problems his administration are facing are enormous, he’s facing his troops (us) with great confidence. He is letting us know, almost daily through press conferences, that he’s in charge and he’s aware of what’s happening and its urgency.  But…even though he is saying all this stuff…he knows as we know…Seeing is believing. That’s just the way of life. There’s no cookie cutter formula out there that can foretell the future. Heck, weathercasters can’t even get forecasts right in Southern California. There’s really so little that any of us have control over and we’re all equal in that.

So you maybe wondering if the Stimulus package will turn our nation around? Who knows. But at least it’s a start. You may be anxious about the stock market still and wonder if you might loose more? You know you just might. Will the economy turn around as predicted in fall 2011? Only God knows.

But, there’s one answer we do know the answer to–Will you be able to weather this tough time – YES. Remember that. Even though you really need some money coming in and you’re desperate for a job, remain confident as you plow ahead and face interviews. As long as you can put your head on the pillow at night and know you did your best, that’s all you can do.

If you are reading my blog I know that you are resourceful and that you enjoy learning. These skills will propel you to dream and think and create. You can’t help but to be creative during this time. Thinking out of the box is what’s needed.

And watch our leader. Watch him as he is careful about his presence and his choice of words. He picks his words wisely because for some, they are putting all their faith in him. And he wants you to have faith in yourself. You can do it. Look at obstacles you have overcome before and remember them.

Things will get better. America wants that to happen, it’s now just a time to update some old out-of-date business models, that’s all. History is being re-written and you are a living part of it.

So go ahead and sweat in the gym as you don’t let anxiety and depression in.  Find a friend and loved one to express your concerns to – sweat with them. They’ll help encourage you. But, don’t sweat when you’re on the line and leading the charge. This goes for all managers too. There are no ordinary moments or circumstances. These are defining and refining times and you are not alone. Go into every interview with gusto. And if you didn’t get that particular job, then there’s another one that’s better suited.

We are going to make it! It is not easy, but Hold tight. Hold your breath. Hold a hand. Pray unceasingly for yourself, your country, your brethren, and your President.

Mountaineers always say that the the few steps before you reach the mountain top are the hardest. Remember you are only a few steps away from a breathtaking view.

Beauty and Rest are Up Ahead

(Photo credits: dannyrocks12 (frogs) and sparlin (mountain top) at Flickr)