Taking Advantage of Interns

During a time when the integrity and ethics of PR professionals are under the most scrutiny and is most important, why do some feel that those same values don’t apply within our field? Taking on an intern is a commitment not only to that individual, but to the world of PR. As an employer, you are committing yourself to guiding your intern and teaching them the difference between good PR and bad PR; so when they accept a position, they will continue to contribute positively to the PR world.

Recently, I’ve come across a few interns (some friends) that had accepted internships at firms where their employers seemed less interested in mentoring them, than taking advantage of the free work they offered.

Image by Wonderlane

In a few of those instances, the interns accepted a position at a firm where there were more interns than paid employees. Whether it is true or not, I can’t help but think that these employers are solely bringing on interns in order to cut costs while still maintaining their work load. Think about it – interns are free (or $12/hr tops) and employers don’t have to worry about benefits, salary, vacation time, sick leave, and are not committed to a long-term contract. When the internship is over, a position is not offered, the intern is replaced and the free work continues. Yes, these interns are getting SOME experience, they certainly aren’t being properly mentored or given the one-on-one attention they need to succeed.

Employers also seem to think that interns can be used as their personal email-bots, using the interns to do all their “dirty” work and spend their hours pitching media. While it is important to learn how to PROPERLY pitch media, it isn’t fair to restrict your intern’s time solely to pitching. At the same time, don’t let your intern do follow-up calls for something they didn’t pitch. They are out of the loop at this point and are highly unprepared for questions they may receive from editors, which can reflect poorly on your agency. Guide them through the process, the entire process and be sure they understand and are confident before you stop monitoring them.

Lastly, provide feedback. Throughout my internship, I was given valuable feedback that I feel helped me kick off my career. Even now, I enjoy feedback from my colleagues and take the criticism and move forward with it.

It wasn’t long ago that I was a PR student and I knew the importance of experience. I somewhat understand why students (or recent graduates) feel that it is not only necessary to take on these bogus internships, they feel “lucky” for the opportunity. It is a shame that an employer would take advantage of these eager students and not help mold them into ideal PR professionals. Remember HAPPO!

Google is the New Wal-Mart

Recently released by the powerhouse, Google, Google Buzz is yet another social media networking tool set out to dangle over and daunt all of us social media fanatics. Another place to connect, update and upload videos and pictures – accessed via email.

Honestly, I’ve always been a fan of Google and a Gmail user since the beginning of time and quite frankly, if I wasn’t already updating Twitter, Facebook, my blog, LinkedIn, etc., etc., than I would be ecstatic about Google premiering it’s own social networking tool. Needless to say, I am signed up with Google Buzz, but there’s not much buzzing there! (Yet).

I’m assuming the Google offices were beginning to get restless and bored with rolling around in their cash piles from Google Search because now Google is working on becoming the new Wal-Mart. Did anyone else notice the random and useless, yet cute, Google Search ad during Super Bowl?! Yep, that’s a result of an extra 2.6 million dollars just lying around (the approximate cost of a 30 second Super Bowl ad). I guess you could say they were feeling threatened by Bing – guess not.

With Google Buzz added to the list, Google-Mart now offers one stop shopping for all of your Internet needs. Need email? You’ve got Gmail! Prefer real-time collaboration and communication? You’ve got Google Wave. Need to search the Internet? Google Search – of course. Huge social media fanatic? Move over Twitter, Google Buzz is here! Let’s not forget Google news, Google videos, the Google blog, Google maps, Google apps – just Google, Google.

So what is Google’s newest buzz? Think Twitter or a more primitive Facebook that is accessed through your email – basically, there’s no escaping it. The best way to understand Google Buzz is to check out their lame, thrown together video (below). Google Buzz is still in the beginning stages, but I’m sure, like Twitter, it will blossom into something fabulously addictive.

Google-Mart now has almost everything – although, I think there is a Google Magazine in the works! What do you think?

Anyone down for a game of monopoly?

Public Relations is a Lifestyle

As we all know, our job isn’t a “normal” job. We don’t work 9-5’s like most of the world and we don’t leave our work in the office. We travel, we write, we communicate, we plan and we build. We do it all. Public Relations is a lot of things, but a job is not one of them. Public Relations is a lifestyle.

credit: khushi

A day in the life…

Of a PR professional can not be mapped out. We can try to organize our schedule and plan a to-do list, but before noon our list has doubled and our coffee cups need to be refilled, for a fourth time. We are researching and pitching relevant stories to relevant editors, we are checking editorial calendars and media monitoring. We draft press releases and blog posts, and every other press material you can imagine, not to mention editing them and re-editing them. We are doing follow-up calls and emails; we are scarfing down lunch and chasing it with water. Breathe.

Did I mention we are responding to emails, making deadlines, and taking calls and participating in conferences? Let’s not forget trade shows, or proposals and answering all of those flagged emails in Outlook.

But at the end of the day…

We look forward to the next. We never have to worry about being bored or wasting time. We build great relationships and even make friends, and we learn to appreciate our time with loved ones. And let’s be honest – we love our coffee.

We get to travel and connect with influential people; we bond with our colleagues and can depend on them for guidance. We are well rounded, well spoken and can hold a conversation with just about anyone. We are creative and fun, determined and motivated…we fit our lifestyle perfectly.

credit:dragonflyretreats

Pitching to HARO

Although I am rarely on the receiving end of a pitch I was recently able to experience “the other side.” I had submitted a HARO inquiry for some content and a few days later my query went live and the emails began to pour in. Aside from the shock of receiving so many submissions, I started to understand the frustrations many writers and reporters face. These emails were horribly written, some were only one sentence long and some were addressed to, well not me. I let slide the personal submissions that were poorly written and simply a sincere, “Please check out my product,” email (more than likely from the owners who do their own marketing), but I became mortified when I started noticing that some signatures included a PR firms name. I thought, “There is NO way, these pitches are coming from PR professionals,” but sadly they were.

To most of you, these tips will probably contain the obvious, but I am hoping that someone can learn from this because I now, more than ever, understand the importance of a pitch.

1.) Make sure you read the query and only submit your pitch if it is a match. Nothing is more annoying than wasting time reading through a couple sentences about what a wonderful match your product is, and then come to find out it has NOTHING to do with the query. This goes for any query – it is frustrating to waste time reading through emails that have absolutely nothing to do with what was asked for.

2.) Don’t just send pictures or a link to your online store or product. Some of us are no longer in college and do not want to research your product to find out what it is (most people won’t). Include a brief introductory paragraph about what the product is and a link, and then if more information is needed, research or contacting you will gladly be done. I personally enjoyed the photos, but I myself do not always include them when sending a pitch. Most people can look at an item and know whether or not it is a good match to what they are looking for, so pictures can be helpful.

3.) One follow-up is ok, but two or three and a phone call?! Come on! Especially for HARO queries that more than likely received over a hundred pitches, I wouldn’t exactly suggest calling because it is doubtful that the reporter will remember your pitch specifically, unless they have previously showed interest in it – which if they have, by all mean’s give them a follow-up call.

4.) Personal pitches are much more appreciated. If the inquirer’s name is given in the query, use it. For me, it was pretty obvious that the pitch sent to me addressing “Mike” was previously sent to someone else. I secretly wanted to respond and say, “Thanks for the submission Big Bird” – of course I didn’t. If a media outlet and/or topic is included, spend the extra five minutes and tell them how your submission fits into their story. It may not be apparent to them at first glance, so explain it and maybe they’ll like the idea and WA-LA, you’re in.

It is not necessarily your products “fabulousness” that gets it included in a HARO query, but the way you pitch it. You can be the determining factor in getting picked and if your going to spend the time pitching something, why not do it right?

HARO is a wonderful and innovative tool and I think by “abusing” it, we’re pushing away some of the good quality media outlets that use it. Although we received a wonderful response from our query, I understand the frustrations that come along with using it – the frustrations that can be avoided. All pitches should be personalized and target the specific outlet, but when you have a query explaining exactly what is sought out – there are no excuses.

(image credit: Teamstickergiant)

FREE Santa Hats – Don’t Be a Grouch

Can you believe it is already December? Can you believe Christmas is right around the corner? I am absolutely loving the festivities and the beautiful Christmas lights all over San Diego – even WordPress looks festive! Have you noticed the snow falling on your homepage?

Anyways, back to the point of this post (sorry I’ve been MIA). Many of you have possibly seen the cute Santa hat’s that are similar to the one’s in the above picture that are all over Twitter, or maybe the snow falling on Tweeters avatars? Maybe you are like me and are in the Christmas spirit and want a hat or snow in your Twitter picture! Well, Walter Higgins – software developer, has created these fun and festive hats just for us! Check it out: http://walterhiggins.net/projects/twixenate.html. Hope you enjoy!

P.S. Feel free to save your image and upload it on Facebook too!

Media Madness: The Epidemic

I recently asked a question on Twitter, “Do you think there is such thing as over exposure?” and in reply an old college professor of mine, Randy Livingston, simply replied, “no”.

Yet, I must disagree. As seen here in this clip, Ella, who plays a publicist on Melrose Place, makes a very valid point:

I previously worked at Nashville-based publicity firm before moving to the west coast and I found that there is a fine line between getting your client exposure and exposing your client. I do, however, take the blame out of most publicists’ hands and believe that particular celebrities choose to generate their own exposure, leaving their publicist to clean up their mess (Kanye West).

Even if you choose to disagree with me, you must admit that the recent craving for media attention is out of control.

I always hear that Americans are driven by the media, but how true is that? Do we really believe everything we hear or watch on television? It’s not like if CNN told us there was a boy flying hundreds of feet off the ground in a HELIUM UFO-shaped balloon, we would believe them!

Well yea, of course we would, because we did. (cringe)

I too, am guilty of watching my screen in awe as a shiny balloon contraption danced and twirled across my screen for hours, only to find out the whole thing was a hoax. A devious plan conjured up by the Heene family in hopes of magically elevating them to fame.

How pathetic could these parents really be to throw their children under the bus in a desperate attempt to achieve fame? Very desperate.

Although I do believe there can be a healthy drive for fame, which can be seen from the hard work put in by some A-list celebrities, I dislike this current trend of involving those around you in your attempt to achieve it. There is no need to “fake” an incident or publicly duel out your marital issues, Kate & Jon. And even if a select few of us thrive off celebrity gossip, it turns sour when you cause taxpayers thousands of dollars to retrieve your son from a balloon that you KNOW he isn’t in.

Just be careful what you wish for. Who knows what’s at the end of your red carpet.

Photo credits: Eneas, Antti Lehtinen, dscmith2762002

5 Reasons NOT to Date a PR Professional

After hearing the constant and repetitive complaints from my boyfriend, I have decided that my faults are to be blamed on my profession. PR professionals may not be the most ideal dating partner, and here’s why:

Image by: NaOh

1. Do you find yourself checking Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs, news, websites, etc.,etc.,etc. and then tuning back into your significant other’s in-depth and seemingly important conversation ending? I usually find myself laughing or responding with a “yea” in hopes that it will fit in context with his story. It usually doesn’t.
2. When your alarm goes off, do you automatically check all social media channels and Google alerts before you get out of bed? I have decided I get more use knowing what the world is up to at 7 a.m., than I do from cooking a good, hearty breakfast. I only wish I wasn’t the only one in my relationship who feels that way.
3. Are you a spoiler alert? You know what I mean! Do you tell your significant other all the great and juicy news before they even get the chance to get the morning paper? We feel we are their own personal movie critic. Here’s an example: My boyfriend was extremely excited to watch “Jennifer’s Body”, (of course he was!) and the second I saw reviews on Twitter about how horrible it was, I proceeded to tell him. Needless to say, we haven’t seen the movie and he’s waiting for the DVD release. (Of course he is!)
4. We believe in networking. Networking=talking=lack of attention for our spouse! We have no rules or boundaries when it comes to networking. Let’s be honest, if we recognize a potential interviewee; we don’t care if it’s on our honeymoon, we’re going to make it happen! Hello, carpe diem, right?!
5. Do you refuse to cut yourself off from civilization? Well that may be overkill, but we do refuse to turn off our phones, EVER! We know how that works. The moment we turn off our phone, we will miss something! Movies, weddings, church, it doesn’t matter, vibrate it is! Of course we realize there could be a malfunction and our phone may blare across a silently crowded room, but hey, it’s a risk we are more than willing to take!

So please don’t blame us for our imperfections, it run’s in our blood! We love what we do! We eat, dream, and sweat PR! Speaking off which, my iphone is lacking attention, gotta run!

“Google Me”

I never realized the extent to which the coined phrase, “Google Me” meant . I recently read Rachel Kay’s blog (communiKatrix.com) in which she discussed how “extremely unforgiving the Internet really is.” After anchor, Ernie Anasto’s blooper on New York’s Fox 5 evening news, his Internet search reputation went down the deep end. “Google Me” the movie had created such a craze that it was dubbed the official selection for The Newport Beach Film Festival in 2008. There is even a song titled “Google Me” by Teyana Taylor.

Now even with the popularity of the phrase, it never hit home quite like it did recently.

Right after college, my friend moved to another state with who she thought to be the “perfect man”. How could he not be? He was smart, kind, and was in love with her. Needless to say, they were soon engaged. All was going well until Google came into the picture.

I know, I know exactly what you are thinking, “They are about to get married, what could Google tell her that she should not already know?” Well, a quick search of his name covered her computer screen in countless accounts of arrests and charges. His picture was plastered all over the Internet with harrassment charges, fraud, assault, and more. Did I mention, he was previously married?!? Yep, come to find out he was previously and recently married for one month! His ex-wife filed for divorce after one month, leaving him with yet another harrassment charge and a restraining order.

So ladies and gentlemen, please do a little Google search because as you can see, it will go a long way. On the opposite side of the spectrum, keep in mind that everything and anything you do can easily be pulled up with the touch of a button. (gotta love technology)



I’m sure you can assume, but there will be no wedding bells in the future with this man. My friend has taken every precaution to fully protect herself, thanks to Google.

image by:Kaleidosoap

Dear Mr. IPhone, It’s About Time!

Well folks, after a looooong awaited period for the almost perfect iphone to become perfect, has arrived. Ok, well all of us who have an iphone know that perfect is quite the exaggeration, but we can finally send and receive pictures! YAY! Here is the key to updating your phone. ***REBOOT*** A lot of us feel like this step can always be left out, but not in this case. First, you want to connect your iphone to itunes and “check for update.” Once you have downloaded the update, reboot, and TAAADAAAA! It is quite sad that my new technologically savvy iphone is just now able to do what my Nokia phone could do my freshman year of high school!

(After you reboot your iphone you should be able to go to “settings” then “messages.” You will see “MMS Messaging” and it should already be active. If not, simply slide the tab to on.)

I hope this helps and if I am missing anything please feel free to comment.

Cheers!

PLP

What I’m About

Welcome!

by: White Shadow Photog

Well being that this is my first post, I thought I would just touch base on what you can expect from this blog. This blog is where you will find my thoughts, responses, and questions about EVERYTHING. Yep, that’s right, everything! I believe all Public Relations Professionals are born with a curious mind. We love to hear about things, learn more about it, dissect it, and put it back together. We love to make the bad, good. Peace, Love, & PR.

I would love anyones and everyones input, whether it be good or bad. (I can take it!) Also, A-D-V-I-C-E. I believe the day we stop learning something new, is the last day of our lives. SERIOUSLY! I refuse to put my mind to rest, refuse! So, let us begin….