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 The Critics are Really a Fine Bunch If your newspaper and/or favorite entertainment online news portal all of a sudden starts to have gobs of information about the upcoming TV season, there’s a reason why. Over 200 television critics, reporters and journalists are transcending upon the Beverly Hilton for a couple of weeks to hear the latest news about broadcast and cable television from the horses mouth-the networks themselves. Yep, not every network participates, but most do…and if they are a part of the program, then they will be touting their new casts or story angles in front of the TV’s media in mass.
I love it when the TCA is in town. It just energizes me watching these scribes undercover unknown facts about never-before seen shows. They can make any celebrity or producer or studio head squirm in their seats when answers are not forthcoming during the interview process.
The TCA comes together twice a year…for the summer and winter — and last January’s tour was action-packed with the Jay Leno/Conan situation and Simon stepping down from “American Idol.”
What will this Summer’s Tour bring? I’m sure there will be plenty talk about what NBC’s plans are…how they are going to fill the 10PM hour. I bet there will be talk about online streaming and maybe 3-D TV viewing. The iPad may also enter into the conversation too.
We’ll know shortly as a good bunch of them start reporting today as they visit the sets of some well-known shows like “Desperate Housewives” and “Parenthood.”
May the Tour begin…and it’s none to soon.
This TV junkie is excited that the Tour is in town.
Off to the Beverly Hilton tonight to start welcoming the troops.
Best,
Cindy
 - How's Your Spiritual Growth?
Just read these words and boy, they are convicting. Here's the proof in the pudding that…one can lose their salvation. These are tough words, but oh so important.
"So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2 You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
4 For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come—6 and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame. – Heb. 6:1-7"
Boy, oh boy. These are good words for all believers. God is telling us that we must keep growing in his Word and teaching – move up levels- we must not stay in the same grade – if you will.
So this scripture leads me to ask you the questions I ask myself. Are you being stretched by extending your comfort zones? Are you thirsty for more teaching and to grow spiritually? If you feel stagnant – pray. Pray that you are maturing. Keep learning and repent if you need to.
Again…when in doubt go back to the basics – praise, pray and study the Word. If you keep on those three – you'll be maturing and graduating grades.
You can do it!
Because God is our perfect Teacher.
Amen.
Posted via email from cindyronzoni’s posterous
 - Drinks are never a good idea when being interviewed. The only one who gets interesting quotes is the reporter. Credit: Michael Yarish
Did you happen to watch the premiere of AMC's "Mad Men" this week? If you did, you might have noticed that the premiere episode was titled "Public Relations." And with that, executive producer Matt Weiner wrote an excellent episode that showed off the true power of Public Relations in the work environment. His writing prompted me to write this post to remind all business owners that when writing business plans – do not forget to add in public relations as a viable means to market yourself. Also, this post should remind established businesses to look at when their last interview was conducted. If it has been over two months…it's time to dust off that area and start the hunt again.
PR is still a necessary ingredient for every established company and extremely helpful for start-ups. I know I harp a ton about social media…but, basically, I morph social media into PR nowadays. A business plan needs to include PR&SM. Both are equally important.
As "Mad Men" depicted, the new agency Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce took advantage of public relations to help get the word out about its company free through the media. They chose wisely…they went after Ad Age, the perfect vehicle to promote the new shop. A Perfect PR hit – it was a bulls-eye.
However, Don Draper blew the opportunity and did not realize that by his reluctance to answering questions, that the reporter filled in the blanks with information that was inaccurate and void of anything of interest to gain leads. It was a missed opportunity and the perfect example for everyone interviewed for the need to be on their game.
A friend who is experienced in marketing was helping a client who was presented with a great PR opportunity. The client was being interviewed for a cover story in a local business magazine and so, my friend asked me advice. The advice I gave him is what I give to all. What message do you want to convey? Basically, when you are being interviewed, you can drive the interview and give the reporter the information that you want said about your company. If you don't have a plan, then the reporter has full rein. It's a missed opportunity. You can drive the interviews and you should see them as golden opportunities for free advertising. Think about the entire message and what would you want the headline to say. And when interviewed, present that information in your comments.
We all make mistakes at first and don't worry if you do for there are second chances. Don Draper seized upon his failure and hit another bulls-eye. He was able to secure another interview with the Wall St. Journal, and with that second chance, he drove the article and used the medium to convey his shop's attitude and culture. He hit a home run after not even getting on base at his first chance at bat.
PR is powerful and never should be overlooked. Thank you for reminding us of that fact "Mad Men."
What did you think of the episode? And PR a part of your business model?
Cindy
Posted via email from cindyronzoni’s posterous
Drinks are never a good idea when being interviewed. The only one who gets interesting quotes is the reporter. Credit: Michael Yarish Did you happen to watch the premiere of AMC’s “Mad Men” this week? If you did, you might have noticed that the premiere episode was titled “Public Relations.” And with that, executive producer Matt Weiner wrote an excellent episode that showed off the true power of Public Relations in the work environment. His writing prompted me to write this post to remind all business owners that when writing business plans – do not forget to add in public relations as a viable means to market yourself. Also, this post should remind established businesses to look at when their last interview was conducted. If it has been over two months…it’s time to dust off that area and start the hunt again.
PR is still a necessary ingredient for every established company and extremely helpful for start-ups. I know I harp a ton about social media…but, basically, I morph social media into PR nowadays. A business plan needs to include PR&SM. Both are equally important.
As “Mad Men” depicted, the new agency Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce took advantage of public relations to help get the word out about its company free through the media. They chose wisely…they went after Ad Age, the perfect vehicle to promote the new shop. A Perfect PR hit – it was a bulls-eye.
However, Don Draper blew the opportunity and did not realize that by his reluctance to answering questions, that the reporter filled in the blanks with information that was inaccurate and void of anything of interest to gain leads. It was a missed opportunity and the perfect example for everyone interviewed for the need to be on their game.
A friend who is experienced in marketing was helping a client who was presented with a great PR opportunity. The client was being interviewed for a cover story in a local business magazine and so, my friend asked me advice. The advice I gave him is what I give to all. What message do you want to convey? Basically, when you are being interviewed, you can drive the interview and give the reporter the information that you want said about your company. If you don’t have a plan, then the reporter has full rein. It’s a missed opportunity. You can drive the interviews and you should see them as golden opportunities for free advertising. Think about the entire message and what would you want the headline to say. And when interviewed, present that information in your comments.
We all make mistakes at first and don’t worry if you do for there are second chances. Don Draper seized upon his failure and hit another bulls-eye. He was able to secure another interview with the Wall St. Journal, and with that second chance, he drove the article and used the medium to convey his shop’s attitude and culture. He hit a home run after not even getting on base at his first chance at bat.
PR is powerful and never should be overlooked. Thank you for reminding us of that fact “Mad Men.”
What did you think of the episode? And PR a part of your business model?
Cindy
 Ad Man David Ogilvy had his business heart in the right place. The Wall St. Journal featured an article today about David Ogilvy (1911-1999), the advertising pioneer and first true “Mad Man” (meaning advertising executives working on Madison Avenue in New York). I didn’t know much about him, but after reading the article I became a fan of his sentiments, work ethic and beliefs. He was one true visionary who understood his responsibility toward his clients and the public.
Here’s a couple of his aphorisms, which I think are so right on the money.
Apparently, Ogilvy was known to dress in clothes that would capture one’s attention. For a while he wore a cape with red lining and even showed up at black-tie events wearing a kilt. His reasoning…“If you can’t advertise yourself, how can you hope to advertise for your client?” That is so true, don’t you agree?
He held on to the deep beliefs that one should be honest in advertising and always display respect for the consumer. Here’s what he said about those key issues…”The consumer is not a moron, she is your wife. You wouldn’t lie to your wife. Don’t lie to mine.” Good words Mr. Ogilvy.
Man, these were so good I went hunting to find more. These Ogilvy quotes are taken from Brainyquote.com.
- If each of us hires people who are smaller than we are, we shall become a company of dwarfs. But if each of us hires people who are bigger than we are, we shall become a company of giants.
- Political advertising ought to be stopped. It’s the only really dishonest kind of advertising that’s left. It’s totally dishonest.
- First, make yourself a reputation for being a creative genius. Second, surround yourself with partners who are better than you are. Third, leave them to go get on with it.
- Don’t bunt. Aim out of the ball park. Aim for the company of immortals.
I really loved his words, especially the last one. Are you bunting or you aiming for greatness.
Have a great weekend.
Cindy
Sorry that I was absent for a week…I took a little breather from blogging, but I’m back with a vengeance. While I was away did you get a chance to read Jeffrey Zaslow’s article in Wall St. Journal “Keeping Your Foot Away From Your Mouth.”
 Sometimes Sorry Doesn't Clear Your Name (credit: imey0106) This article reminded me of the importance of being prepared for when the time comes when your client (or executive) or even you may say something that the press may construe as being offensive. And then in a matter of moments you are on the defensive. These are the days that that you dread as a PR pro.
Every day we can find examples where people have publicly put their proverbial foot in their mouth. Look at these diddies from this week alone.
First case in point – former USC Mike Garrett - When he learned about the sanctions imposed on that institution by the NCAA for recruiting violations he told a gathering the following according to the Los Angeles Times. “As I read the decision by the NCAA, I read between the lines and there was nothing but a lot of envy. They wish they all were Trojans.” Later he added, “Today I got a purpose for really wanting to dominate for another 10 years.”
These comments did not help secure his longevity as you can imagine and last Monday he replaced by Pat Haden.
Foot in mouth syndrome 2 – The premature firing of Federal employee Shirley Sherrod of the USDA. For those of you following this case, some of her comments at a past speaking engagement were taken out of context and presented on the web. These comments were not positive and reflected upon her poorly. As a result, the Agriculture department did not check the facts and thus, hastily fired her, when she actually was innocent in the incident. Whoopsy! What was the result? The Obama administration had to issue a public apology which in turn caused them much embarrassment. By observing The President over the last two years, I’m sure he was not happy about this incident and how it tarnished his efforts. You can read more about the story here.
Celebrity Character killers – As a publicist there’s only so much we can do. Anyone who advises a client who has blatantly said or done something that cannot be excused by entering rehab or civic duty — is something that they have to live with. I am a firm believer in truth and not in cover up. And I have no problem in advising clients to be remorseful if that is how they feel if they acted poorly. And telling them that they are accountable for their actions.
Actions by celebrities are easily captured now through such outlets as TMZ, Perez Hilton, US, People, etc. These outlets are the prowl of the latest celebrity dish and it’s not that hard to find at times. All they need to do is watch a star’s twitter account these days. So when a talent twitters something that sullies their reputation-there’s not much a publicist can do. What defense do we have? Do we think this line works — excusing them for their actions because they were inebriated when they wrote it and it wasn’t their intention? The first time this excuse may work, but after that, their credibility get shot.
We all must be accountable for our actions. Tiger Woods is experiencing this and is careful about his reputation now. He knows he is being watched by the public. Kobe Bryant had to overcome a situation a few years ago and has kept out of the headlines with scandal. Laying low does help people forget past issues.
 Actions Speak Louder Than Words (credit: Getty images) But, for those like Mel Gibson and Lindsay Lohan it is a different story. For Mel, if those tapes are proven to be his voice, he needs to go get some help and then enter back into the limelight when he has changed his ways. And for Lindsay and the fact that she painted that profanity on her fingernail. She did that. No one else can take the blame. How can you defend that action as a publicist other than to say…that it was a cry for help?
With anyone now having the ability to broadcast and share their words through social media, we must be mindful of our words. We all are held responsible for our actions and accusations. We all must filter our thoughts, actions and deeds online for you are accountable. And at the end of the day, there’s only so much you can clean up. Yes, people can forgive others, but they also never forget.
Just today the facts came out about Facebook. Over 500 million humans have accounts across the globe. That breaks down to one-out-of-seven people who are using it. And that fact makes me shudder. It scares me to think about how many of those users are unaware of the power behind words and the damage that can result by misinformation. If you don’t think it can happen to you, just look at Ms. Sherrod. Her comments were edited unbeknownst to her. The same thing could happen to any of us. We need to be smart online.
In summary, be mindful of all that you say, do, write and text.
But, if you do find yourself in a spot of trouble…I’m just an email away.
Cindy
 What Shape is Your Resume In? How’s your resume? Is it in tip-top shape and includes your most recent position? Or is it something that needs life support-a document that just overwhelms you at the thought of updating it?
If you are like most, you dread having to work on your resume. But, today’s the day for those of you who need to give it some attention will do just that.
Yes, I know that I am supposed to be writing about PR and I really am for your resume is an important aspect. Your resume is a tool that will help keep you sharp, well-defined and on target. It’s your road map…it tells you where you’ve been and points others to your next direction. It is the single most important thing you can do for yourself.
So again, I ask you – how’s your resume?
If the thought of revising it brings a dark cloud of misery your way – ignore it. If confusion enters your mind because you think you should pay to have someone do it – don’t go that route until you’ve at least tried to update the one you already have. I just want you to start to write it. Why?
There’s something about thinking about all the past experiences you have had that is good for your soul. Remembering and recounting all the wonderful things you have done in college or on the job is a great morale booster and who doesn’t need that during these difficult times.
If you think you are alone, you are not. I’m in the same boat. I just re-tweaked my resume yesterday and will probably again later this week. For me, I’m not sure if I’m being clear enough describing what I bring to the table. It’s a work in progress, but I’m working on it. And so should you with yours.
As I’ve mentioned, 97 percent of all jobs are found as a result of someone helping you get that job. With that being the case, you never know when an opportunity may come around and you need a resume in less than an hour. That perfect job may be lost because you had to frantically whip together a resume that didn’t characterize your true strengths.
Like any good Boy Scout, please be prepared and have your resume ready at a moment’s notice. You’ll be glad you did the advance work, believe me.
There are some great resources on the web for resume writing. However, here are some key points that I would like to leave you with about resume construction.
1) OBJECTIVE STATEMENT – You do not need to include objective statements any longer so don’t fret about writing that section. However, I still like to use a summary statement to start each resume.
2) RESPONSIBILITIES – Drill down on each past position and write out the responsibilities you handled. Write out each task. I love this exercise because you often forget the little stuff which is actually the big stuff like the fact that you handled a 3 million budget or that your idea saved the company thousands of dollars.
3) SUCCESS STORIES – After you’ve written your job tasks, pick out the best three to five responsibilities. These responsibilities should be the ones that set you apart…they are your success stories…how you saved the company money…organized the entire office….etc., etc.
4) CONTACT INFO – Make sure your email address is your name. Please do not use any vanity email addresses like “fuzzycat1000″ or “lovetoboat”…If you impressed an HR rep and they wanted to find your thank you email…they will search for your name….so be sure to make a new email address for job search using your formal name.
5) PRESS THROUGH – Keep on keeping on. Don’t become discouraged about this process. Just start it and complete at least one version of your resume. You can subsequently keep enhancing it and changing it as you go a long.
And if that all fails, send me a note. I’ll send you some encouragement and am more than happy to take a look at your resume and offer a few suggestions. We’re all in this together…but now is the time for you to address your resume.
Happy writing,
Cindy
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If you had to downsize staff-would you let go Mary or Ted?
(Readers: This is a post I just wrote for www.JobWorkTeam.com and I thought it would be applicable to to the PR and freelancing world. I’d love your thoughts!)
We’ve discussed appearing desperate in interviews. We’ve addressed how one shouldn’t talk about grievances about past employers and employees during the job interview and today, I’m going to talk about fairness on the job or better yet the lack of it.
This is a difficult post to write for I would like to say that companies treat employees fairly. If I’m living in a glass is half full world, then I would say that I believe most companies try their best to be fair to their employees. But, at the end of the day, every employee knows that the HR department is there to protect the company and not the employee. There’s just no way around that fact. It’s written into the DNA of business.
If you have worked for any period of time, I’m sure you have witnessed some things that just made no sense and thus, you had to internally process it and move forward the best you could for there are some things that just aren’t fair like…
- When you hear that a job/promotion you were up for and should have gotten, ultimately went to a friend of the boss who had no prior experience.
- Or you’ve conducted several interviews for a position and then hear they’ve put the job on hold.
- Or you’ve worked your tail end off and you’ve been promised a promotion that ultimately goes to the worker that you’ve been cleaning up after.
- Or the company is downsizing by 3 percent, so they let you go and kept your boss who knows barely nothing.
- Or when they change your shift and suddenly, you the one with tenure, has to work nights again.
I was talking to a friend about this phenomenon today…the phenomenon of when good people are let go and weaker ones get to stay. And as such, he reminded me of the last episode of the 70′s hit TV show “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” where new management takes over the WJM-TV station. The new executives fire the entire staff, except the klutzy, tongue-tied, vain, buffoonish newscaster Ted Baxter. I thought how true that episode was. How many times have you seen great people be let go and the better “sweet talkers,” less experienced people get to stay. It’s just the way of life.
In another side note, I had a different discussion with a fellow freelancer and he made another astute point that I never really thought of before. He recently spoke to a class of freelancers and he gave some great sage advice. He told them the truth. He said that we all have competition in our fields and usually it isn’t the best one who gets hired…it’s the one that the boss (client) wants to hang out with. He emphasized the fact that if the client is comfortable with you, then they will keep hiring you. And you know what there is some truth to that.
So, when you’re on the job, expect that some unfairness will come your way and quickly learn how to brush that off. Remember who you are and what you bring to the table and forget about that issue as best you can. One tip that will help you stay at the job longer is my second point today – have a comfortable relationship with your boss. Be the go-to person when things are topsy turvy in his life. Help alleviate stress – be there for him/her as a support. It will go a long way and if she/he loses their job, then they will want to hire you at their next position. Why? Because that’s the fair thing to do.
 - Great advice for everyone
 Kin - a failure or ahead of its time? So by now, I think we have all heard that Microsoft’s latest device, Kin, which was billed as the first phone built for social networking has been taken off the market after only two months in consumers hands.
As a result, I thought it would be good timing to discuss how to handle PR when products shut down.
Ahhh, the Kin. I was a bit confused by the need for such a device when it was announced, how about you? I mean smart phones are exactly that now, smart and can handle social networking…so why would I need a special phone just for that? Its selling points didn’t grab me. Like Apple products that come onto the market, they are trailblazers and become mainstays in our life. Can you imagine not having an iPod, iTouch or iPad in your life now? But, a Kin. It wasn’t a necessity, but a gimmick that Microsoft thought would be the “in” thing for young consumers.
I mean it looked cool and I understand what it did. It shot great photos with its camera and you could easily share videos and text for social sites. But, with so many other devices capable of the doing the same thing…I guess in two short months consumers didn’t feel the need for it in their lives.
I have recently experienced this myself as I start my own social media agency. I am finding that if my potential client is not open to social media or an advocate of it – then it’s best for the both of us not to do business together-that is not until that client understands the power of new media. Therefore, the Kin is a product that probably was ahead of its time and the market was too small to understand its need.
I mean I recently attended a meeting where Sprint’s 4G network was discussed through the use of the HTC EVO android phone. That phone can do the same things and a few more than the new iPhone 4 can do and it sure can handle everything that the Kin does. So as Microsoft found out – there really wasn’t a need for Kin.
And as a PR pro, I applaud Microsoft for having the guts and um balls to pull the plug on the device and face defeat. I know corporately it was a hard decision to make for not only did Microsoft face personal embarrassment, but so did Verizon who was the sole carrier. Verizon supported this concept and thus went down with them.
But, I want to remind you – that there is no such thing as failure. Look at Thomas Edison, a premier inventor. He did over 10,000 tweaks to the incandescent light bulb before he perfected it and showed it off. To him, this is how he views failure.
Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. T. Edison.
So that’s my PR advice to you. When a product, a TV show or employee is not performing, don’t be afraid to advise your CEO that he/she can pull the plug. The company will be better off in the long run for it and embarrassment of its demise will be remembered for less than a week. Some other news story will take its place and you will be able to get on with your work as usual.
Look at Toyota…they are weathering the storm and are getting back to work. Cut bait and move on.
 Homer Always Shoots Straight From the Hip If you don’t – then your job as the head of the PR dept. will get quite messy. You will spend a good chuck of your time every day putting out fires from leaks that will arise as news of your product’s ineffectiveness starts to hit the media or is shared through social media.
People have a hard time keeping secrets. And when dealing with television shows, you can never hide the ratings. Consumers can see how last night’s episode performed or didn’t perform.
Be on top of your game and like Thomas Edison – keep perfecting your product. I’m sure elements of the Kin will remain in the next device that Microsoft launches for it did produce some novel touches.
Soldier on for it takes more courage to admit defeat than to live a lie.
Good job Microsoft. You did the right thing and deserve respect for trying. There’s no black eye in this situation.
 A Holiday For Your Smartphone So I hope you and your smartphone, computer, net book, iPad or kin are celebrating today for its SOCIAL MEDIA DAY. Yep, today you can be as geeky as you want – it’s allowed and demanded. So embrace your communities, friends, followers and twitter away to your heart’s desire. I love this.
How am I celebrating this day? I’m having a hi-tech talk lunch with one of my geeky Mac friends today and from there going over to my town’s celebration – all things social media. And if you’ve don’t have anything on your dance card yet, don’t fret…just check out what meetups are happening near you today by clicking here….Mashable Meetups.
Go have fun! And tweet about it. Here’s how Mashable’s Founder and CEO Pete Cashmore, the inventor of this day, recommends participation.
How To Participate in Social Media Day
- Meetup Everywhere Mashable: Sign up to attend an event on the Meetup Everywhere Mashable.
- Watch the live streams worldwide: We’ll be updating throughout the day.
- Tweet: Use the #smday hashtag on Twitter. With so many participating, we should be a trending topic on Twitter on June 30. Also, we’ll soon be announcing a prize for those that tweet or post to Facebook.
- Add the Social Media Day Twitter theme from TweetyGotBack to your account in support of the day.
- Follow @mashSMday: Follow @mashSMday on Twitter for updates and developments on the celebration.
- Comment via Facebook: Go to Smday.com and leave a comment either promoting your meetup or tell us what you’re doing for your event.
- Upload to Flickr: Upload photos to Flickr and tag them with #smday.
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I've spent my entire professional life as a television network publicity and corporate communications executive at such places as Fox, GSN and Lifetime TV. I get a rush dealing with live broadcasts, tight deadlines and press conferences. I think I enjoy my job so much because I love working with the press. In addition to all that, I enjoy being an industry blogger and a social media expert and leading my own consulting firm in Los Angeles. 
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