Tag Archives: PR

Sony Movie Channel Recognized for its Website Digital Enhancements

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Super proud of one of my client’s getting recognized by Cynopsis: Digital as being the website of the day! Go Sony Movie Channel!

Screen Shot 2013-01-30 at 10.15.46 AM

Here was the press release to go along with it.

SONY MOVIE CHANNEL CELEBRATES THE EARLY FILMS OF JACK NICHOLSON FRIDAY NIGHTS IN FEBRUARY WITH AN INTERACTIVE PHOTO BOOK AND A ‘SCRIPT TO SCREEN EXPERIENCE’ FACEBOOK APP

App and Tablet-Friendly Digital Book Launch January 30

NicholsonBookScreenshot

CULVER CITY, Calif., January 29, 2013 – Throughout the month of February, Sony Movie Channel (SMC) is featuring the early films of the Oscar® Award-winning actor Jack Nicholson, as part of its Friday Features franchise. Friday Features showcases blockbuster favorites, uncut and uncensored, starting at 10:00 PM E | 7:00 PM P every Friday night. The Nicholson salute features eight of his films from 1969 to 1975, including CHINATOWN and A SAFE PLACE, which hasn’t been broadcast in over a decade.

SMC is enhancing the experience of these priceless Nicholson gems by providing an interactive digital photo book of production stills and trivia from some of his early films, including CHINATOWN, DRIVE, HE SAID, EASY RIDER, THE FORTUNE, THE KING OF MARVIN GARDENS, THE LAST DETAIL, THE PASSENGER, THE TWO JAKES, FIVE EASY PIECES and A SAFE PLACE. The tablet-friendly photo album will be available on Sony Movie Channel’s website from Jan. 30 to Feb. 28 at sonymoviechannel.com/jack.

The Channel is also providing another bonus — a “Script to Screen Experience” Facebook application. The app is launching in conjunction with EASY RIDER and FIVE EASY PIECES, which kick off the Nicholson tribute on February 1. Users can visit Sony Movie Channel’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/SonyMovieChannel) starting Jan. 30 and “Like” it to view scenes pulled from the actual script alongside the corresponding clip from the movie. This interactive comparison includes two scenes from each movie, and will be available through the end of February. 

The complete Friday Features schedule for February includes: (All Times are Eastern)

  • ·       February 1 –

EASY RIDER (1969, dir. by Dennis Hopper – 10:00 PM & 1:25 AM) – EASY RIDER chronicles the search for freedom by two motorcycle-riding drifters who meet up with an alcoholic lawyer in a southern jail. Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson star.

FIVE EASY PIECES (1970, dir. by Bob Rafelson – 11:40 PM & 3:05 AM) – This film is about a restless musician who learns you can never go home again when he visits his family for the first time in three years. Jack Nicholson, Karen Black and Susan Anspach star.

  • ·       February 8 –

DRIVE HE SAID (1971, dir. by Jack Nicholson – 8:30 PM & 1:30 AM) – Nicholson’s directorial debut is about basketball, draft dodging and sleeping with professors’ wives. The longhaired star of an Ohio College Team, can’t decide if he wants to turn pro or join his radical roommate, in bringing about a revolution. In the meantime, he’s content to carry on an affair with a faculty wife. Karen Black, William Tepper, Bruce Dern, Henry Jaglom and Cindy Williams star.

THE KING OF MARVIN GARDENS (1972, dir. by Bob Rafelson- 10:00 PM & 3:10 AM) - Jason Staebler is a dreamer who asks his brother, a radio personality from Philadelphia to help him build a paradise on a Pacific Island – yet another of his get-rich-quick schemes. But luck is against them both and the game ends badly – real life reduced to radio drama. Jack Nicholson, Bruce Dern, Ellen Burstyn and Scatman Crothers star.

A SAFE PLACE (1971, dir. by Henry Jaglom – 11:50 PM & 5:00 AM) - When a woman finds the loneliness and isolation of the present too difficult, she slips into the comfort of her memories. Gwen Welles, Dov Lawrence, Orson Welles, Tuesday Weld, Jack Nicholson and Philip Proctor star.

 ·       February 15 –

CHINATOWN (1974, dir. by Roman Polanski – 7:45 PM & 12:00 AM) - In 1937, a Los Angeles private detective takes on a simple case and burrows into it until it leads to murder and public scandal. Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Jack Nicholson and Perry Lopez star.

THE LAST DETAIL (1973, dir. by Hal Ashby – 10:00 PM & 2:20 AM) – Jack Nicholson stars as a Navy Chaser who decides to show his callow young prisoner (Randy Quaid) one last good time before delivering him to the brig. Screenplay by Robert Towne (Chinatown). Nicholson, Otis Young, Quaid, Clifton James and Carol Kane star.

  • ·       February 22 –

THE PASSENGER (1975, dir. by Michelangelo Antonioni – 7:45 PM & 11:30 PM) – A burned-out journalist assumes the identity of a dead man and embarks on a dangerous charade, including meetings with gun runners and an affair with a mysterious young woman. Jack Nicholson, Maria Schneider, Jenny Runacre, Ian Hendry and Steven Berkoff star.

THE FORTUNE (1975, dir. by Mike Nichols – 10:00 PM & 1:45 AM) – This hilarious comedy is about a pair of con artists who try to swindle a woman out of her family fortune. The two scoundrels mount several inept attempts to murder her but ultimately discover that the real treasure is not the money but the girl. Warren Beatty, Scatman Crothers, Stockard Channing and Jack Nicholson star.

In honor of the Academy Awards®, SMC is devoting its entire programming schedule on Sunday, February 24 to the male actor with the most Oscar® acting nominations ever – Jack Nicholson. The network plans to repeat the entire schedule of movies above and add in THE TWO JAKES for this marathon treat. For specific times, please visit SMC’s website at sonymoviechannel.com/schedule.

In addition to Friday Features, SMC is profiling Academy Award®-recognized films throughout the month as well as movies that celebrate Black History Month. This and more is available from SMC in February, including giving football-averse viewers plenty of other options on February 3.

 About Sony Movie Channel

Sony Movie Channel is the first U.S. multi-platform television network from Sony Pictures Television created specifically for the Hollywood movie fan. Offering uncut and theatrical releases in stunning high definition, Sony Movie Channel showcases titles from Sony Pictures’ vast library including award-winning features, cult favorites, family comedies and gripping dramas. Programming is selected from more than 3,500 Sony Pictures films, which collectively have received 184 Academy Awards® including 12 for Best Picture. Sony Movie Channel is available on DISH Network, DIRECTV and AT&T U-Verse TV on linear as well as on authenticated VOD and online platforms. For more information, visit SonyMovieChannel.com, Facebook and/or Twitter @SonyMovieCh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lance Armstrong Needs to Understand that Honesty is Always the Best PR Policy

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Lance Armstrong Will Confess only to Get Something That Benefits Him

Lance Armstrong Will Confess only to Get Something That Benefits Him

As a public relations executive I keep an eye on current events for several reasons, but mostly, to learn from others on how to best communicate during times of crisis. Banned cyclist Lance Armstrong is one of those people who is often embroiled in some sort of controversy (self-created) and as such, he often proves to be a great case PR study, mostly in not what to do when a crisis hits.

I don’t think that there’s anyone who believes that he adhered to the strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, and apparently, now he even is backing down from upholding his innocence. He apparently is planning on confessing to using banned substances to gain back his eligibility in some fashion to compete again.

HONESTY IS THE BEST TACTIC

I am writing this post is to prove that “honesty is the best PR policy.” Once a lie is spoken – it becomes a slippery slope to keep defending it. In fact, the truth will always come to the surface and will eventually bite you in the behind.

The advice I always give when I’m involved in situations when someone is faced with a negative event like a DUI arrest, nasty divorce or some type of allegation is to be as honest as you possibly can from the start. I am a firm believer in being proactive in dealing with situations. This is the best way to to disarm the media. Instead of allowing them to ask the questions you don’t want asked…answer them. It leaves them speechless.

Armstrong, on the other hand, left me speechless for other reasons, mostly for how he tried to bamboozle us that he was as white as snow in everything that he was ever accused of by former teammates. He’s flat out lied to reporters, sponsors, colleagues and his fans — he held fast to the fact that he said he never did anything wrong to enhance performances. But, it was proved that he did and since then all his accolades have been wiped clean.

Proactivity is the best PR Practice.

Proactivity is the best PR Practice.

What causes me such disdain is is how he has used every circumstance in life not to give, but to get. And he’s doing it again. He’s not coming forward with the truth because it is something he should do – because it shows character – but to hopefully gain admittance back in to the competitive world. He’s a taker. Opportunist. Liar.

I, for one, think it is an astrocity how little respect he has for others and the world’s  systems. I, for one, hope that his “gaming” of the system ends and that he is held accountable for his actions. The lies must stop and I hope one day he realizes that honesty is the best policy. This man was once highly-respected and now…its hard to find something positive to say. What a sad sad story.

 

Timing is Crucial in PR Pitching

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Don't pitch general stories when the news cycle is about a national incident like Sandy. I can’t agree more with this statement, “Timing is Everything.” And I found out how true that quote is first hand when I was recently faced with pitching the U.S. media before, during and after Hurricane Sandy.

The only other time that I have ever had to put my “job” on hold before was for 9/11. I mean that catastrophe affected the entire country and world. Everyone was in shock and the world stood still for those not involved in the rescue efforts.

BE MINDFUL OF THE PR NEWS CYCLE

As a publicist, I found myself in those same 9/11 shoes with Sandy. As warnings were sent to residents on the east to be prepared for the storm of the century the night of October 29 and the following day – all eyes were peeled on TV news channels and second screen devices to see how our fellow Americans were faring. Although, I had information to pitch during that time, I refrained from doing my job knowing it would be irresponsible for me to contact a reporter in any city on those particular days while they are reporting on the general news coverage of the natural disaster.

The point I am trying to make with this post is that there are just some days that you can’t do your job, and that’s okay. Would it have hurt if I sent out a general media pitch? Probably not. Would my pitch have been read during that time? Probably not. Was the news I had to communicate a top priority in the events of the world? No.

So to all those publicists in training reading this post, please be mindful of the news cycle. Refrain from general product pitches during such times as a national disaster, a Presidential election and mass shootings. By not bothering the media during these times, you’ll gain respect as opposed to the real possibility of losing face with them.

Even though the storm is over, I’m still extremely mindful when pitching some of my New York/New Jersey media colleagues. To this day, I start out each pitch wishing them the best for many of them are still not back in their offices and still trying to get their heat and power back on at home. So if pitching media in this area, be real and ask them how they are and mean it before you start selling them your wares. I promise you your goodwill will be noticed and you will stand out.

All My Best,

Cindy

 

 

The Answer to Social Media, Business and Life is Asking Why

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Answers to life come through a simple question

The most overlooked word in both life and business is a simple three-letter word, it’s Why.

It’s so simple that we often forget to seek the answer to it and because we do, we are often set adrift and miss our desired goals and targets.

I stumbled upon this little gem when listening to social media guru Brian Solis who waxed eloquently in a recent presentation about how we forget to ask the question why when we build social media platforms. Solis stressed the importance of answering that question when we create our Facebook business pages, our Tumblrs, our Twitter accounts and even Pinterest Boards. It was a valid observation because if we don’t know why we are on these platforms then we won’t be able to achieve our desired results.  For example, if one starts a new Facebook business page is the reason to get more leads for clients, generate email addresses, showcase original content or sell a product? The answer is key in branding and marketing.

Answering Why Isn't Simple

THE WHY OF LIFE

Not only does this question prove beneficial regarding business and social media practice but, it is equally valuable in everyday applications too. Take a look at these Why of Life questions.

  • Why are you in that profession?
  • Why do I feel this way?
  • Why do you want to go to college?
  • Why do you want to marry so and so?
  • Why do you want children?
  • Why do you endorse that particular charity?
  • Why am I reading that article or blog post?

So do yourself a favor, and I’m writing this for myself too – let’s start asking and answering the why’s of life and business so we can achieve the best results in everything we do.

Off answering this question,

Cindy

 

 

It’s No Longer About Facebook Likes

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Happy Days are Here Again for Marketers who give a darn about quality before quantity, thanks to FACEBOOK’s recent innovations with its Timeline Page features. Once upon a time, advertisers and some business owners believed that large fan bases (“Likes”) meant success.  Thanks goodness, that is no longer true with Facebook’s new focus of switching from “Likes” to engaging content as a true measure of striking it rich in the social media world.

Huh?

For those of you who have changed your business pages over to the new Timeline design, you’ll notice that the “Likes” number is now one of the apps (formerly called tabs) on your page.  These apps can move locations from being seen as one of the first four positions to say the eighth app on the second row. When logging on to the Page, only four are shown. You have to hit the arrow button to see the second and third row of apps. As a result, the number of Likes (meaning new “fans”) is not as prominent as before. Sure it’s still on the front page under the Timeline cover, but it’s not as bold as the older version on the left hand side. See Red Bull Facebook example below.

Energy Drink Red Bull is a good example of downplaying the Like app.

Facebook is emphasizing that the number of “Fan Likes” is not as important in generating reach, but rather its the number of people who are engaging with your posts either through liking, commenting or sharing that builds awareness. Facebook feels success lies in the number of people who “share” posts with their community. To them and well me, success lies in viral reach.

Take a look at this Red Bull post which is pinned. (“Pinning” is a new term to business pages – a pinned post stays in the top position on your Facebook wall for seven days.) But, look at the engagement numbers at the bottom.

Facebook Success is Viral Reach

Those numbers are sick for a post. Who wouldn’t want that!

It’s Marketing 101 really. If you were my client, here’s how I would advise you. Let’s say you represent a new software program for tax prep for example. You feel that you need at least 10,000 people to “Like” your page to be successful. So you go out and hire someone on Fiverr.com to give you 600+ Facebook fan likes on your page for $5. Sounds great right? Here’s where it is wrong. Who are you getting as fans? I can guarantee you that the people who like your page, if they really are humans which is doubtful, will never come back to your Page again. They are empty calories. I’d rather you organically grow your numbers with “true” fans of tax preparation materials. Those fans will share your content with their fans for you all share the same passion.  Otherwise, by buying or using Facebook fan adder tools, there are loads out there, you are getting people who aren’t listening to your message and simply walking by your wall never to be seen or heard from again.

I always advise to go organic whenever possible – not only in what you eat, but in social media too.

Cindy's New Facebook Page

I’m in the midst building my own personal Fan page, you can watch my evolution from the start now. Be sure to check it out and I promise I’ll do the same for your’s as well. I’m using it to test out some of the other innovations I’ve seen reported and as soon as I’m ready I’ll be sure to blog about it and share those ideas with you too.

REMEMBER IT IS QUALITY OVER QUANTITY THAT WINS OUT!

 

A Direct PR Tip

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The idea for this blog came to while watching the Academy Award nominated Sony film “Moneyball” starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. “Moneyball” is the real-life story of Billy Beane, general manager of the Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics. I highly recommend this movie if you haven’t seen it for there’s one scene in the movie that strongly resonated with me for its PR application.

Pitt and Hill are both students of each other's games in MONEYBALL.

There’s one particular section toward the middle of the movie where GM Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) teaches *Asst. GM Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) a lesson on how to fire or trade players. Beane tells Brand that the best way is the quickest way – to come right out and say it with no sugar coating. And after a few beats, I thought that this was great advice for us all.

LESS IS ALWAYS BEST!

I’ve always taught executives and students to say the least amount whenever questioned about a particular subject that is “sticky” like a contract dispute, layoffs, work stoppage or a late delivery and especially if what they say could be used in a court of law.

I also believe it’s best to get right to the elephant in the room and not beat around the bush. If a client was arrested, verify it. If damage was caused by one of your workers say so. Diffuse the situation at hand right away. Hemming and hawing in PR always backfires.

Here’s an example that might help you see exactly what I mean.

Scenario – A reporter called you about something you didn’t want known and now you have a “gotcha” moment. He/she found out something that you didn’t want the press to know. Let’s say that you are firing your CEO and it has leaked. 

Taking a page out of Beane’s book the best response would be…”Yes, Mr. Reporter, it’s true John Doe is leaving our company as CEO and will be pursuing other endeavors.  The separation details are still being worked out and there are no announcements as to a successor.” The Reporter will try to ask you a few more details, but you hold firm and reinterate what you’ve communicated. But, by coming clean and not going further into detail, you’ve diluted the story and taken the wind out of its sails. Therefore, the best approach is a direct reproach. In Beane’s world – a direct approach is just like a fastball pitch. It’s fast, on target and hard to hit.

So practice throwing fastballs and less PR curve balls.

What do you think? I’d love to know.

*The character of Peter Brand is fictional. The real-life Brand is Paul DePodesta who chose not to have his name used in the movie. DePodesta left Beane 18 months after the 2002 season in which the movie is based. DePodesta is a Vice President of player development at the Mets. 

About The Author

When not observing PR trends, Cindy actively seeks out the day’s headlines to communicate and learn from real-life applications and that sometimes does take her to the ballpark.  Bring on Spring Training. Practice pitching.

 

 

Social Media Home Runs for Press Conferences

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Press Tip of the Day - Use Flickr as your Consumer Photo Press Room

The Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour is in session and as such, major media corporations are presenting their new mid-season programming and providing re-caps of their performances by their top executives.

As of this writing, two corporations have been in house – PBS and NBC.  And with those two, I have found a couple of highlights regarding great press conference tools that I thought were brilliantly used.

FLICKR – PBS utilized Flickr as its Official Photo Press Room. They posted photos immediately after each session and because it was on the Flickr platform, bloggers could easily share these photos on their Facebook walls and twitter feeds. I LOVED THIS FEATURE and highly recommend other agencies consider using it when organizing press conferences. AWESOMENESS. Kudos to great PR work PBS.

Tag logos with Facebook calls to action and Twitter Account Names

LOGOS/GRAPHICS - I absolutely love how NBC is tagging each on-screen graphic of its shows with the respective twitter handle as well as  a call to action to “Like” the show on Facebook. Great social branding! Hat’s off to NBC for remembering these touches which aren’t small and have a large impact.

 

How To Plan A Successful TCA Session – Press Conference Tips

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AMERICAN MASTERS “Johnny Carson: King of Late Night”

PBS Opens the Winter TCA in Fine PR Fashion

The Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour, a bi-annual gathering of U.S. and Canadian professional TV journalists, is in full session in Pasadena–no rest for these journalists, they’re diving right into the New Year. Right now TV networks and cable channels are readying their talent, planning parties and furiously editing sizzle tapes. Also, PR practitioners are busy writing speeches for executives and briefing participating talent on what not to say.

With that, I thought it would be appropriate to provide tips to respective PR executives who will be presenting their shows and actors before this very prestigious crowd. I’ve organized over 40 of these press conferences myself and have sat in that many sessions as the publicist of the Association. So I’ve seen and experienced just about it all. I’ve made mistakes and had some failures and also have won awards for my conferences too. Therefore, for those who are new to the TCA, I’d thought you might like picking up a few pointers based on my observations and experiences.

RECOMMENDED PR TIPS

(1.) COMEDIC SETS – If you think the critics will love having one of your big name comedians open up your session with clever schtick, please don’t. I have never seen this go over well in the room. Mostly, you’ll receive deep moans from the crowd because the critics are there to cover TV and not be entertained. Entertainment like that is suited for an evening event or party. But during the day, it’s about the business at hand. Bring out your talent and executives and let the critics ask them questions. And if jokes come up during the sessions, then you’ll definitely get yucks from the crowd guaranteed.

(2.) MODERATORS - Moderators need to introduce themselves and the panelists (so many forget this point even though it seems basic) and more importantly, moderators should not ask the panelists questions – that’s the job of the critics.

(3.) TELEPROMPTERS ARE NOT NEEDED – Please, please try to convince your President or CEO that a teleprompter is not necessary for this conference. Persuade them to comment from their notes – this way their comments will feel more “real” and “honest” and less rehearsed. Transparency goes a long way with the critics.

(4.) REHEARSALS/BRIEFINGS – Although pre-conference briefings are necessary for many reasons, please try not over-rehearse or over message your talent. Believe me the critics will be able to tell in a heartbeat what’s promotional and sniff out the corporate speak. Keep your talent relaxed and confident that they can talk freely about their roles.

The Cat in the Hat Snack Break

Theming Food Breaks to Content is an Excellent way to Further a Point

(5). EXECUTIVE CHEERLEADERS – Please instruct all employees attending the press conference not to cheer when others executives are introduced on stage or when accolades are announced like record-breaking ratings.  Corporate network staff can laugh when the conversation lends itself, but need to remain ‘flies on the wall’ for the rest of the conference.

(6). ENDING – Watch the tempo of the press conference and try to end it on high note even if you have a few minutes remaining. It’s better to end the presser after a strong question, then let it drag if questions are few and far between.

(7.) FOOD – I’ve got several tips regarding press sessions surrounding food and eating.

  • When matching the menu and food items to a theme, please make sure the food is edible. Just because it would be cute to complement the food to the theme, do make sure its delicious too.
  • Be sure to not announce anything while the critics are eating because they will not be able to type notes or twitter out your content. Wait to present your content once they finish their dessert.

These are just few top line points to follow. If others appear during this year’s Tour, I’ll let you know. But, mostly, the professionals who organize these events are extremely talented at their jobs and produce informative and creative sessions that are spot on perfect!

Cindy

 

 

 

Can Charlie Get Back His Sheen?

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Charlie is Still Driving His Messaging, But Now in a Good Way Credit: Ian White

Can you “win” too much?

In the case of Charlie Sheen, he’s gulping a tall glass of mea culpa and eating humble pie right now for he’s done just that – except his winning wasn’t that, it was the opposite…losing. And now after not being able to handle being fired from a $1.2 million dollar a week paycheck on CBS’ “Two and a Half Men,” he is trying to mop up after himself and doing a PR about-face.

Do you think Charlie will be able to rebound after his unstable recent past?

I know I don’t need to explain Charlie Sheen’s predicament and what led him to start his own crisis management. You all are too well aware of his podcasts, tweets, live shows and contentious battles with his former employers, Warner Bros. TV.

However, all of a sudden Sheen has apparently seen the light. I don’t know where and when the light bulb went off and he started realizing that he was a tornado that was destroying everything and everyone in his path. But, I’m glad he did and I’m happy that he’s trying to make amends wherever and whenever possible.

As a PR practitioner, Charlie Sheen has been an amazing case study to follow. From being a train wreck taking his own PR into his own hands last March, to now, publicly pleading for forgiveness, we all can learn from his mistakes. Sheen is on the Good Ship Lollipop PR train doing whatever he can to be self-deprecating about his past and trying to move forward so he can be perceived as a stable employee, father, son and well, human being. But is that enough?

From firing his longtime publicist early last year, he’s now employed one once again.  And although, he was allowed to be a presenter at the Emmys for ratings, you have admit that it was smart strategy to use that platform to publicly apologize and try to save your face. Can you think of another venue that would allow you to be in front of over 12 million viewers in one swoop?

PR WHIRLWIND

The PR profession is alive and well and in full operation with the triad surrounding Sheen. Not only is Sheen trying to stay in the message, publicists for “Two and a Half Men” are trying to keep their message in the trend whirlwind as well. For no matter how you slice it, when Sheen speaks, the media and public listen. When someone from “Two and A Half Men” speaks…they have to speak loader to get noticed if Sheen is not recognized. He is a news magnet.

With that, have you noticed Ashton Kutcher making the rounds to talk shows? Did you see Jon Cryer get a star on the Walk of Fame? CBS’ PR team is on high alert to succeed this year without Sheen.

Who will get the last laugh? Well, if you tuned into Comedy Central’s Roast of Charlie Sheen Monday night  (another perfectly timed appearance), Charlie would tell you he’s already won.

And who could argue that! He’s now allegedly getting a $25 million settlement and doesn’t have a financial worry in the world. However, with this new Charlie we are seeing, he has a conscious and an awareness that his behavior was in poor judgement. I just hope he starts the healing process toward finding that peace that passes all understanding.

Time does heal all wounds…and the viewing public will come around once he consistently proves that he on the stable train to wellness. That’s the best PR he can buy.

Don’t take my word for it. Here’s Charlie’s view from his recent roast.

Roast of Charlie Sheen Mon, Sept 19 10/9c
Charlie Sheen – Charlie on Mars
www.comedycentral.com
Comedy Central Funny TV Shows Roast of Charlie Sheen

 

 

Simplifying Public Relations

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The Salvation Army Knows How to Relate On All Fronts - That's Good PR. Flickr credit: Tojosan

Yesterday I was interviewed by at third-year college student for an assignment in one of her public relations classes.  I do about a dozen of these a year for various students and I love how each one is always different. This particular student wanted me to define what public relations is…and so I threw it back in her court to answer first. She gave a very intelligent long answer about like its caring for a brand and communicating messages effectively through the use of journalists. But I told her my answer was in the title. Public Relations is just that. Public – Relations.

KEEP PR SIMPLE

It’s all about how you relate to the public, the media, colleagues, companies…public relations is about relating in any form or fashion.  It’s really that simple.

Public relations professionals are only as good as their contacts and as good as their strategies for spreading a message.  And that’s why social media is the perfect complement to public relations. Success on that platform deals with how well a person can provide engaging content.

Sometimes when looking for an answer, its right in front of your face. PR people often forget that at the end of day that it is how well we are able to communicate to others how they should write about whatever we are representing.  Therefore, for anyone starting out in the PR field or for those who are responsible for that area in their job, they should heed these simple suggestions.

TIPS FOR PR SUCCESS

(1). Don’t ever assume people will write about your product. Great content will get covered if its story is told interestingly for coverage.

(2.) A press release on its own is never a good strategy for pick up. Distributing press releases over a wire will not garner top-notch results, because you need to send it to a targeted list of people whom you know that cover that sort of product. It’s a left-right punch.

(3.) Relationships are the key to any business. Therefore, build up your followers and fans so that when you need some help in starting a movement, you have a terrific base to start from and grow upon. Keep meeting people online and in person – every connection made does present some opportunity.

Yep, it’s that simple. If you know how to relate to others, then you are on your way being a success in public relations. That’s my PR tip for the day.

Cindy Keeps It Simple

Cindy Ronzoni is a public relations veteran who has been building media relationships her entire career. She often speaks to college students and provides seminars to train small business professionals. In all her efforts, she exhorts simplicity in all that she does.

 

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