Friday, April 15, 2011

Liam O’Mahony, MBA, APR

By Amy Fleishans

Liam O’Mahony, MBA, APR, information specialist for the City of Chandler, spoke to PRSSA members Tuesday evening. With a diverse background in sports PR, Liam gave unique insight into this niche area of PR.

Working in the media relations departments of the Chicago Bulls and later for the Seattle SuperSonics & Storm (WNBA), Liam traveled with the teams during each basketball season, doing PR on the road as well as in the marketing front office, practice facility and home games.

Sports PR is different than agency or government PR because the media coverage is reactive from a communications standpoint, Liam said. He explained how coverage comes naturally and his job sometimes entailed  “turning away the press” (when the volume was too much for certain star players), rather than “hustling for coverage” on behalf of a client as in an agency setting.

When asked who the “client” is in a sports PR setting, Liam explained that the players, coaches and general managers are the clients as well as media outlets. In addition to media training the players, Liam was responsible mediating interviews between reporters and players, drafting collateral (fan yearbooks, team media guides and playoff game guides) and coordinating community appearances.
Liam said working for a team is exciting, especially for someone who loves the game. But, he warned that the hours can be long during the season when there are often 60-hour work weeks, and the job takes up a lot of nights and weekends when traveling with the team.

Tips for students wanting to jump into sports PR include interning—Liam started as an unpaid summer intern for the Chicago Bulls before working another full season in a full-time capacity. He offered other career advice such as  negotiating a budget for association memberships, pursuing graduate school before age 30 and always keeping a jump drive with an electronic copy of your resume and portfolio materials on your keychain. He also suggested volunteering at PR events such as races, fundraisers and galas—that’s where the movers and shakers are, he said.

Thanks to Liam for spending Tuesday evening with ASU PRSSA!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Julie Kurth, APR

By Amy Fleishans

Tuesday’s meeting featured Julie Kurth, APR, public relations manager for ASU’s Biodesign Institute. With 21 years of experience in the PR industry, Kurth brought plenty of career advice to PRSSA members.
  
You do marry the management

Each business Julie worked for had a distinct culture, set by executives. “When you’re working, you are expected to fit into the culture that the leadership of the company sets,” Kurth explained. “You have to represent that culture when you’re at work.” She advised students to consider a company’s culture before accepting any job. “I know the most important question is how much a job pays—but you have to make sure it’s going to be a good fit, too.”

Immerse yourself in the industry

To make yourself invaluable to a company, be sure to know as much as you can about its industry, Kurth suggested. “I never thought I’d know so much about cells as I do after working at Biodesign.” When you know more than just PR strategy information and can intelligently discuss business operations of your company, you become an invaluable employee.
 
Get your APR
 

In 2005 Kurth choose to earn her APR. She said that it had always been in the back of her mind since a professor told her PRSSA chapter about it when she was in college. She feels that the APR creates an industry standard, legitimizes the profession and builds accountability. Kurth also feels candidates with their APR appeal more to hiring managers that may not know much about the industry. In her experience, she has noticed that people looking for PR executives will gravitate toward those with certifications.

Work for a company that values PR

Kurth also pointed out that potential new hires can see how much a company values PR by who the department reports to. “If the PR executive reports to the HR team or marketing, that company probably doesn’t place a high priority on PR. Try to find a job where the PR executive reports to the CEO; it shows that the company values PR.”

Thanks to Julie Kurth for spending Tuesday evening with ASU PRSSA!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Cronkite Launching PR Lab

By Amy Fleishans

Dean Callahan and PR professor Dr. Fran Matera stopped by Tuesday night’s meeting to share exciting news with ASU PRSSA. The Cronkite PR Lab will open Fall Semester. The program is the PR equivalent to Cronkite NewsWatch and News Service, capstone experiences for broadcast and print majors.

The lab will service actual clients in an agency setting, providing students with experience similar to what they will find in entry-level PR jobs. In addition to creating campaign proposals, the lab will also implement the campaigns which students design. “This lab is like an accelerated campaigns course [JMC 417],” Callahan said.

To join the lab, students must have the same pre-requisites as required for JMC 417. Students may opt out of the current campaigns course, instead choosing lab credit. To earn three credits in the PR Lab students must work two full days per week. A full day will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Six and nine credit options are also available.

“This is going to be more work and time than JMC 417, but the benefits will be greater, too,” Dean Callahan said.

Applications are available at the second floor Academic Advising desk and should be submitted to Dr. Matera, Room 475, matera@asu.edu.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

PR/Social Media Internship Opening at Local Agency


Zion & Zion is currently accepting applications for a PR and social media intern that would work a minimum of 15 hours per week. There is one immediate opening and multiple openings for the summer.
The ideal candidate is someone who is hungry to learn about the industry and can provide innovative, strategic and creative ideas. Strong writing skills are also required.
Duties:
-Tracking media hits
-Drafting releases
-Producing and issuing media alerts
-Creating social media campaigns
-Creating media kits
-Producing client meeting summaries
Send your resume to ashley@zionandzion.com and tell her ASU PRSSA sent you!
Zion & Zion currently holds Number One PR Firm in the Phoenix Business Journal Book of Lists, Number Three Ad Agency in RankingArizona and Number One Social Media Firm in Arizona Foothills Magazine.

Agency internship opportunity

Looking for an internship? Martz Agency, located in Scottsdale, is looking to hire a PR intern to start immediately.

Duties and Responsibilities:

-Assist in the development of appropriate strategies to meet client needs
-Attend client meetings
-Attend media related events and programs
-Assist in drafting collateral and media materials (news releases, media
advisories, photo captions, announcements, etc.)
-Develop and maintain media contact list
-Create daily media clip reports for assigned clients
-Assist in coordination of special events, possibly requiring weekend/night hours

Preferred skills and qualifications
include previous internship experience and the following:

-Understanding of proactive media relations tactics and strategies
-Ability to draft concise, newsworthy press releases
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, etc
- Excellent organization skills and attention to detail
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Ability to work both independently and on a team
- Confidence working with the public and the media

The internship is 10-15 hours per week, starting immediately and working through the end of July. Successful intern candidates will have an opportunity to apply/be considered for paid Account Coordinator position, when available.

Send your resume and availability to hschader@martzagency.com and tell them ASU-PRSSA sent you!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Recap: presentation from Mindspace PR Director Jason Meyers

By Samantha Hauser

 

Tuesday’s PRSSA meeting featured Jason Meyers of Mindspace, who gave a presentation on crisis communication and offered some great advice for those pursuing a career in public relations:

The Basics of Crisis Communication

-  Asses your weaknesses and vulnerabilities:  Brainstorm all the of the potential crisis situations your organization could potentially face, from legal issues to recalls to natural disasters.   Keep in mind that the internet and increasing social media usage connects consumers with the media more than ever before, so be prepared for a customer complaint to become a crisis situation: as an example, see this CBS 5 investigation — and how Meyers handled the response.

 Even press releases put out by your organization could develop into a crisis.  Meyers’ advice is to always read over releases before you put them out and think “How could this blow up?” 

-  Always have a plan: Have a crisis team.  Establish who is allowed to talk the media.  Know who the experts are in your organization and media train them.   In other words, make sure they understand how to drive the content of an interview and stick to your organization’s messaging, even when fielding tough questions from reporters.

- Hold to your word: It’s important to maintain your credibility during a crisis, so don’t back yourself into a wall by making commitments you can’t follow through with.

 

General Advice

-       Technology is your friend: the most successful PR practitioners make the best use of technology and social media.  So stay up-to-date. 

-       Set yourself apart: Meyers recommends getting video, editing, and even on-camera experience to help you stand out against other applicants. Meyers regularly hosts fundraising segments on KAET/Channel 8.

-       Remember that there is no set path in or out of the PR field.  Realize that you may leave PR for a while and then come back… Or not.  Just keep an open mind and don’t dismiss opportunities just because they don’t sound like something that’s made for your degree.

 

About Jason:

Meyers has national-level crisis communications experience relating to hot-button immigration issues, and he currently works on major market clients from coast-to-coast in the U.S. Prior to Mindspace, he was Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Desert Schools Federal Credit Union, a $3 billion financial institution. He has also worked as Director of Marketing Communications at the Heard Museum and Senior Editor Creative Services at The Arizona Republic, azcentral.com & 12News.

Before transitioning to public relations, Meyers spent a decade in the radio and records industry as an advertising production director and on-air personality in major markets. Follow him on Twitter @Meyers_PR

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Paid internship opportunity

EmpowHER, a health media company for women, is looking to hire a public relations intern immediately. EmpowHER.com offers one of the largest women’s health and wellness content libraries on the Web in addition to one of the most active online community for women discussing health and wellness issues.

Intern Responsibilities:
•    Drafting media meterials (press releases, media alerts, etc.)
•    Develop and manage media lists
•    Conduct research for media opportunities
•    Assist coordinator in press-related efforts

For more information, or to apply, contact Joanna LeBlang (jleblang@empowHER.com), and mention PRSSA told you about the internship.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Kari Mather: Full circle PR, part two

 By Amy Fleishans

Kari Mather presented on Tuesday’s meeting, packing so much information into
the presentation that we’re breaking it up into two blog posts. This is part two, which compares the differences of working for a corporation, agency and the government as a PR practitioner. For her tips on getting a job, check out part one.
As mentioned in part one of the blog, Kari has had the unique opportunity to work in three areas of PR—for an agency, the federal government and a corporation. These are her takes on the good, bad and ugly of each PR field.

PR Agency

Good:

•    Freedom to be creative.
Kari said agencies offer the biggest creative outlet for employees. “You can be your own person—the culture of an agency is unique by offering creative outlets that corporate and government jobs don’t.”

•    Organization focused on PR
“It’s awesome to work in a company that lives and breathes public relations, all day, every day,” she said. When surrounded by colleges that get PR, it’s thrilling to have a team you can bounce ideas off of and get support from.

Bad:

•    Money
Agencies are the lowest paying PR jobs. Kari shared her first agency job’s starting salary—it wasn’t much.

•    Time
“Like a law firm, your hours at an agency are billable,” Kari explained. “You’re constantly on a tight timeline and have to keep track of projects every 15 minutes.”

Ugly:

•    Sketchy healthcare
Since most agencies are small businesses, they can’t afford great health care plans for their employees. Often times the premiums are high or the coverage is low.

•    Instability
Clients are constantly changing and practitioners must quickly adapt and learn new industries. Additionally, Kari explained that each time the economy suffers, so do agencies because clients decide they can no longer afford public relations.

Federal Government

Good:

•    Benefits
“The federal government offers amazing benefit packages,” Kari said. Healthcare, sick days and other benefits are the best available.

•    Low pressure
Unlike an agency job, working for the federal government is a low stress job. “Punch in at 9 am, take 30 minutes for lunch, clock out at 5pm and go home—it’s nothing like the go-go-go life of working at an agency,” Kari said. After coming from five years at an agency, she found herself bored working for the federal government.

Bad:

•    Limited resources
Budgets allocated to projects are limited—in addition to a limited PR team implementing the campaign. Additionally, Kari felt like she never was given a chance to “push the envelope” since the federal government has to be cautious about the legality of each aspect of a campaign.

Ugly:

•    Monotony
After coming from the fast-paced workload of an agency, Kari got bored working on the same campaign day after day. “It just wasn’t for me, it may be great for someone else, though.”

•    Bureaucratic
“At the end of the day, you’re working for the man,” Kari laughed. “Everything has to go through the legal department—it takes forever to get anything approved.”

Corporate

Good:

•    Money
Salary at a corporate PR job is higher than that paid at an agency or by the federal government. Kari said she received a large increase in pay when she started working at a corporation.

•    Branding
“When you’re with a huge corporation, it’s awesome to see the branding on every street corner, in every city—think of Starbucks,” she said. “There’s just so much resource and time allocation available for you to utilize.”

Bad:

•    6 bosses is normal
The hierarchy at a corporation is never-ending. “Seriously—six bosses is completely normal,” Kari warned. The worst part of having so many bosses: It takes forever to get anything approved.

•    Accountability
At corporations, individuals must hold themselves accountable for keeping work on track. “There isn’t anyone holding your hand or pushing you to meet a deadline—it’s all your responsibility to ensure your work is done on time.”

Ugly:

•    Posturing
Large corporations are traditional and formal—Kari explained that “covering your bases” is a common formality that drags campaign projects out.


Thanks again, Kari, for presenting to ASU PRSSA this month!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Kari Mather: How to Get a Job

By Amy Fleishans

Kari Mather presented on Tuesday’s meeting, packing so much information into
the presentation that we’re breaking it up into two blog posts. Part one focuses
on her tips on how to get a job; part two will compare the differences of working for
a corporation, agency and the government as a PR practitioner.

In 2010, Kari switched jobs three times. She started in an agency job she’d had for
five years, moved to a federal government position and then hopped into corporate
PR. “I was lucky, at each switch I had multiple job offers,” she said. In a time when
the economy is still weak she easily found job opportunities—here’s here secrets.

1. Know the Web

Social media is a huge part of our industry—make sure you are comfortable
with the different platforms and use them yourself. “Start a blog, it’s fun,” she
suggested. She also issued warning about what students post online. During
the intern hiring process at her agency the top candidate on their list ended
up nixed after her Facebook account was found. “Her questionable profile
picture that had her and a girlfriend in lingerie was a deal breaker,” Kari
warned. “Future employers really do check that stuff.”

She also encouraged students to know the difference between search
engines. “Although Google has most of the web traffic, it’s still important to
have a working knowledge of what makes each search engine unique.”

2. Network

Kari encouraged PRSSA members to get involved with professional
organizations in the Valley. In addition to the Phoenix PRSA chapter, she
suggested looking into IABC, AMA and the Social Media Club for industry-specific networking.

3. Informational Interviews

“If there’s a company you really want to work for, ask for an informational
interview—even if there isn’t an opening at the time,” Kari encouraged.
Showing an employer that you’re seriously interested in the company,
even before there’s a position, makes a lasting impression. You’ll be the
first person he/she thinks of when an opening does open. Be sure you’ve
provided a current copy of your resume at the information interview.

4. Always Follow-Up

“Anytime I’ve had a meeting with someone and I don’t get anything from

them acknowledging our conversation it’s disappointing,” she said. Send a
quick thank you via social media, email or even a hand-written letter.

5. Use LinkedIn Effectively

Kari gave members a tour of LinkedIn, stressing the importance it plays in
the job search. Her two biggest tips: Make sure you’re profile is filled out 100
percent and get as many recommendations as possible. She also suggested
users create a custom URL address for a LinkedIn profile to ensure it shows
up when a potential employer googles your name.

Stay tuned for part two of Kari’s presentation.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Independent PR Practitioner Panel

By Amy Fleishans

The spring semester kicked off its first ASU PRSSA meeting featuring three independent PR practitioners from the Valley. Beth Cochran, Andrea Aker and Charlotte Shaff explained what independent practitioners do and how it’s different than an agency, while offering general PR advice and tips.

Aker explained how independent PR practitioners are different than freelancers: “We work for ourselves and run a business, freelancing means you work for someone else.” Shaff added, “On the surface it’s run like an agency, but with just one employee—me.”

Independent practitioners don’t always work alone. For bigger projects or during a busy month they create “teams” or outsource some work to other practitioners or freelancers. “Sometimes it’s like a virtual, temporary agency,” Cochran explained.

All three practitioners worked in agencies before starting their own companies. Cochran emphasized that agency experience is a vital prerequisite for becoming an independent practitioner. She explained how the daily exposure to running an agency prepared her to manage her own company. Aker urged students not to become an independent practitioner straight out of college, saying agency experience was vital for her success as an independent practitioner.

For all three women, the biggest benefits of being an independent PR practitioner are being their own bosses and the flexibility it provides. “It’s totally a lifestyle,” Aker bragged. “I can take my walks at one o’clock and work at 9pm.”

General tips offered for PRSSA students included:
• Don’t form friendships with clients—it always burns you. –Shaff
• Phoenix is the biggest small town, everyone knows each other—don’t burn bridges. –Cochran
• Always keep networking, you don’t know where your next job will come from. –Aker
• It’s okay to have a secondary, side job during the first few years in the industry to supplement your income. I was a bartender. –Shaff

Links to their company websites:

Aker Ink
Wired PR
The Media Push

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Mindspace internship opening

MINDSPACE
Advertising * PR * New Media

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: JR/SR. ONLY WITH SOME PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
HOURS: MINIMUM 15 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: UNPAID

Most PR students can cobble together a decent press release, but the heavy lifting comes in finding the story that matters. That's why in addition to interactive types, we look for interns who understand where the best stories come from ---we look for the trendspotters--- students who have a sense for what’s next. We’re looking for integrated communicators who want to help redefine the future of public relations and social media.

Tasks include: daily monitoring and internal reporting on latest trends in social media, PR, design, marketing and other client-related industries; planning, editing and contributing to the Mindspace Blog; pitching story ideas to local and national media; actively contributing to client brainstorming sessions and media planning; copywriting and editing across various channels; advising and assisting clients with social media campaigns; compiling client clips and assisting creative, new media and account teams as needed.

Must be at least a junior in college, studying PR, communications or other related field; positive attitude, initiative and passion for PR and social media. Thrives in a deadline-driven, entrepreneurial environment; demonstrates professionalism at all times. Location: 2402 S. Rural Road in Tempe, two miles south of ASU. Join us.

CONTACT: Jason Meyers
E-mail: Jason [—at—] mindspace [—dot—] net
@Meyers_PR
@MindspaceAgency
480-941-8497

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Spring 2011 Internships

Are you still looking for a spring internship? These agencies are hiring interns for the spring semester:


Kahala Corporation Public Relations (Spring internship)

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: JR/SR. ONLY WITH PREV. INTERNSHIP EXP.
HOURS: MINIMUM 16 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: PAID ($10/HR)

Responsibilities

* Manage media monitoring services
* Create monthly report highlighting publicity, events and major achievements of department to be presented to the leadership teams
* Edit and proof according to AP style
* Serve as co-spokesperson at local events and media opportunities (e.g. product drop to TV or radio station)
* Maintain company archives
* Conduct research for various initiatives
* Update sites for all brands
* Archive and display media clips (e.g. HQ displays, In the News sections of Web sites, etc)
* Assist with Franchisee Requests
* Assist in coordinating and executing events

Portfolio Builders

* Write press releases, media alerts and pitch letters
* Write byline articles for Pipeline magazine in print or online (company’s internal communication)
* Assist with the development a creative brief along with the resulting creative piece (e.g. advertisement or collateral)


CONTACT: Veronica Graves
vgraves@kahalamgmt.com
480.362.4800
LOCATION: 9311 E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale

----------------------------------

Allied Integrated Marketing

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: ANY
HOURS: MINIMUM 16 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: PAID/UNPAID

Intern will create movie promotions for various studios; organize and supervise advance screenings/special events; assist with press and publicity matters and office administrative duties. Student is required to use his/her own digital camera to take photos of events and promotions.

Student needs to be a motivated, creative self-starter with good phone skills, knowledge of college organizations and events and reliable transportation. Also needs to meet or come in ahead of all deadlines.

Intern required to work at least 16 hours per week with availability for some evening work. Throughout the year, we offer several opportunities to receive monetary compensation for overseeing movie screenings and special events, such as flyer-ing concerts, for example, along with other film-related duties. These are not required, but gives our interns the option of making more money, if they desire.



CONTACT: Patrick Brogan
pbrogan@alliedim.com
602-544-5713
Location: 7320 E. Butherus Suite 101
(just east of Scottsdale and Greenway) Scottsdale www.alliedim.com

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DVS Analytics
Marketing Communications Intern
dvsAnalytics is a software development company located in North Scottsdale, Arizona. We provide organizations with workforce optimization technologies, like call recording, screen recording, quality management, and reporting and analytics, to improve employee performance and enhance the customer experience. We have recently gotten into social media, and are seeking a Marketing Communications Intern to assist with social media efforts and other related activities, including:
* Creating email marketing campaigns
* Creating ads for online advertising campaigns
* Writing press releases
* Writing content for the Company blog
* Posting updates on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube accounts
* Shooting, writing, producing, and editing short video clips about the company, its employees, and its customers
o These videos will be included on the company website and within the blog
* Researching industry and technology trends
* Editing company webinars
* Maintaining database of media and customer contacts
Qualifications:
* Candidates must be pursuing their undergraduate degree in marketing, communications, or a related field
* Prior experience with video recording and editing
* Ability to navigate websites and online reporting tools
* Strong writing skills are a must
* Excellent communication skills and attention to detail
* Capable of multi-tasking, prioritizing, and managing time efficiently
* Must live in a commutable distance to North Scottsdale, Arizona

Reporting Relationships
This position reports directly to the marketing manager.
Compensation
* This is a part tim
* e (10-12 hrs/week), unpaid internship
Contact:
Rachel Sauerbrey
Rachel.Sauerbrey@asu.edu <Rachel.Sauerbrey@asu.edu>
-------------------------------------------------------------


BANNER DESERT AND CARDON CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTERS

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: JR/SR. ONLY
HOURS: MINIMUM 16 HRS/WEEK (Two 8 hr days)
TYPE: UNPAID

Skills & Abilities

* Good writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to work independently and the willingness to function as part of a team.
* Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and complete assignments with tight deadlines.
* Ability to meet tight deadlines and rush projects.

Interns will be assigned a variety of duties and responsibilities similar to those given to entry-level employees:

* writing/editing newsletter articles for print and electronic news
* photography for events, profiles
* clips and media tracking
* communication with internal/external sources

Experience

* AP style knowledge
* Internet/web writing experience
* History/interest in multimedia, production, script writing
* Proficient with Microsoft Office applications
* Knowledge in QuarkXPress, InDesign and Photoshop a plus

Please include three writing samples with application. Send cover letter, writing samples to Hollie Costello, Sr. PR Specialist, Banner Desert Medical Center, 1400 S. Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ 85203 or to hollie.costello@bannerhealth.com.

Banner Desert Medical Center is a 549-bed, nonprofit facility, providing a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services. Areas of excellence include high risk pregnancy and neonatal care, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, oncology and emergency medicine. Adult and pediatric acute care, pulmonary medicine, renal disease, robotic and minimally-invasive surgery, rehabilitation and many more services are available. Cardon Children's Medical Center is a 248 bed facility that specializes in care for children and young adults. It includes an expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, dedicated pediatric operating rooms, in- and out-patient rehabilitation and dedicated pediatric emergency room.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AZ TEEN MAGAZINE EVENT PLANNING

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: AT LEAST A CURRENT SOPHOMORE
HOURS: MINIMUM 12 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: UNPAID

The interns at azTeen have a blast while gaining experience in event planning and establishing relationships within the community. Our spring interns help put together our big spring event, the azValenTeens Bash, maintain contact with companies whose products we feature, assist with photo shoots and their planning, help run model calls, relay information to and from our contacts at high schools around the state and end up with incredible knowledge about the intricacies of public relations within a media setting. We are looking for energetic, reliable candidates who work well with others and can follow through on tasks without constant supervision. We select our interns as much on the feeling we get from them during the interview as on past experience because our positive office dynamic is the key to our success. Ours is not a button-down corporate culture, and our most successful interns are those who have a lot of personality and know how to have fun but also are solid in their work ethic. If you do not have Fridays free, a laptop and a car, or are easily offended or only thrive with strict structure, this is not the spot for you. But if you are a genuinely cool, upbeat and relaxed person who does what you say you’re going to do, we’d love to meet you.

CONTACT: Michelle Burgess
mburgess@azteenmagazine.com
480-570-1066
Location: 3219 E. Camelback Rd. St. 363, PHX.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GITENSTEIN & ASSADI PUBLIC RELATIONS (Spring internship)

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: SOPHOMORE AND ABOVE
HOURS: MINIMUM 10 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: UNPAID

PR Intern works as an assistant to the VP and senior account executive. The work will include research, media relations planning and benchmarking. Clients are mainly on the east coast and include independent financial research, retail analyst, and others. Intern is exposed to working with the top financial media.
This internship will be unpaid.

CONTACT: Angela Jamieson 480-860-8792 angela@assadi.com

Location: 9188 E. San Salvador, Scottsdale
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BARCLAY COMMUNICATIONS- CONSUMER INTERN

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: JR/SR. ONLY
HOURS: MINIMUM 16 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: UNPAID

Barclay Communications is seeking two interns for their Consumer Division for the Spring. With offices located 15 minutes from ASU’s downtown campus, this is a fantastic opportunity for a self-starter ready to learn about public relations.

The Consumer Division
The Consumer Division provides local, regional and national full-service public relations; advertising and marketing services to our diverse consumer business related client portfolio. Each of the division’s account executives handles several accounts, such as Cirque du Soleil, Paradise Bakery and Arizona Highways Magazine. These services include media relations, grand openings and special events.

To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to Page Englert PageE@barclaycomm.com

Job Description
The Consumer Intern is responsible for assisting the team with day-to-day public relations activities including, but not limited to:

* Opportunity to attend and assist at client events
* Writing media alerts and news releases
* Assisting with social media monitoring, Twitter account and Facebook fan page management
* Media follow-ups
* Research assistance
* Attend all Consumer Team meetings- report on tasks and progress

* Assist as tactical support for new business (prospect backgrounders, etc.)

* Scanning the major daily newspapers and online for client pickups
* Servicing clips when necessary
* Updating/maintaining media lists
* Updating/maintaining the media library
* Creating clip reports
* Updating advertising rates and editorial calendars
* Distributing media information
* Assist with greeting people who enter the office, sign for packages and answer unrouted phone calls

To learn more about Barclay Communications, visit: www.barclaycommunications.com <http://www.barclaycommunications.com>
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Brodeur Public Relations

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: SOPHOMORE AND ABOVE
HOURS: MINIMUM 15 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: UNPAID

Brodeur Partner's is looking for an intern in our Phoenix office for the 2011 spring and summer semesters. Our competitive internship program draws some of the top talent from universities and colleges, and many go on to become full-time employees.

Our internship offers the opportunity to learn public relations first-hand. The successful candidate will work with our highly-skilled account teams and learn from the best in the business. You'll help with press releases, media and analyst lists, conduct client and competitor research, coordinate press kits, blogs, create editorial calendars, compile news coverage reports, other PR materials, as well as help organize trade shows & special events. We are looking for detail-oriented candidates with strong writing and research skills.

Qualifications include a sophomore and above level student with competitive GPA in PR, marketing communications, journalism or related. We request a commitment of approximately 15-20 hours per week.

This is an unpaid internship program, which may qualify for course credit.

Please email resume & cover letter to:
hresources@brodeur.com


Headquartered in Boston and owned by Omnicom Group, Inc., Brodeur Partners is a strategic communications group specializing in public relations, branding and communications. Founded in 1985, the company has 80 offices in 50 countries. It is differentiated by its ability to bring a discipline-agnostic approach to its consumer and business-to-business clients, including world-class minds within social media, public affairs, crisis, employee communications, ethnographic research, corporate social responsibility, multi-cultural marketing, higher education, clean technology, financial communications and healthcare. For more information please go tohttp://www.brodeur.com/

CONTACT: Marcia Chapman
mchapman@brodeur.com

--------------------------------------------------------------
DAVID & SAM PR

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: OPEN
HOURS: MINIMUM 15 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: UNPAID

David and Sam PR proudly offers the most exclusive public relations and marketing training program in the Southwest. Our trainees gain hands-on experience in media relations, community relations, branding, marketing, social media and field tactics. We guarantee the work you do and the relationships you make will propel our Studio, beef up your resume, and further your career.

The ideal trainee is a college student, recent grad or career transitioner who is looking for a unique experience in the agency world. He or she has exceptional writing, communication, and organizational skills. They meet deadlines with little supervision, are passionate to learn, want to be challenged, and have boundless energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Works well with aquatic animals a plus.


We like to have fun together while working hard. Our culture is supportive, collaborative, creative and as trite as it sounds, much like a family (the functional kind). Our desire to exceed our clients’ expectations is sincere. The only way to get an entry level job at David and Sam PR is to start in the training program because we need to know for sure you belong on our crew and just as importantly, so do you. All of our current and past associates started as trainees. If there isn’t a position available here but you have impressed David and Sam, they will go out of their way to help find you a job here or in another city. We have alumni in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas. Does Scottsdale count as another city?

Our training program is unpaid. We are looking for a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week and fully appreciate you may have another job, classes, a family etc. Some people are with us for just a semester. The trainees who have gotten the most out of the program, have stayed 6-12 months. Some even come back for 2nd and 3rd helpings. Above all, David and Sam PR’s training program provides an unparalleled opportunity for ambitious young professionals to gain real world, hands-on experience in public relations and its related disciplines.

Too good to be true? That’s up to you. Are you ready to disprove all the negative stereotypes that exist about Millennials? That you aren’t willing to work hard without immediate reward? That being asked to “pay your dues” is something you think you can just breeze past after a few weeks and then someone else will answer the phones and make early morning product drops to the journalists? Only the best in the DSPR training program earn the right to have their original marketing ideas used by clients, copy write newsletters that are mailed to 10,000 of our client’s guests, or pitch stories to all the TV stations and papers. That’s the difference being an intern somewhere else and a trainee here.

CONTACT: David Eichler
David@davidandsampr.com David@davidandsampr.com>
602-621-4010
Location: 2410 E. Osborn. #2, Phoenix

-----------------------------------------

DUET (Non-profit)

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: PREFER JR/SR. OR SOPH. WITH SOME EXPERIENCE
HOURS: MINIMUM 12 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: UNPAID

Who is Duet?
Duet is a non-profit, interfaith organization that promotes health and well-being through a broad range of services to homebound adults, caregivers, nurses in faith communities and grandparents raising grandchildren.

Our Services:
Homebound adults: We offer volunteer support services to homebound elders and adults with disabilities to help them live independently in their own homes.

Family caregivers: Duet teaches caregivers - those who provide unpaid care for a loved one - how to take better care of their loved ones by taking better care of themselves.

Nurses in faith communities: Duet is a resource for faith communities and nurses who want to create and sustain health programs that help the “whole person”- in mind, body and spirit. We train nurses how to combine their professional skills with their faith - in order to promote health, healing and disease prevention in a congregational setting.

Grandparents raising grandchildren: In Arizona, tens of thousands of children are raised by grandparents or other relatives. Many parents are unable to take care of their children due to substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, child abuse or death. Duet helps keep children out of foster care by providing support to the relatives who are raising them.

Communications Internship Job Description
The Communications Intern position at Duet provides students with an opportunity to gain real-life communications experience. The intern must be a self-starter, motivated, a clear communicator, confident, and able to meet deadlines. This person must have strong writing skills, learn quickly, and be comfortable talking to people from all backgrounds. While this position does offer flexibility, the intern must be ready for weekly time in the office. This internship is for a student who is looking for a wide variety of communications experiences. Responsibilities include:

1) The intern will work at least 12 hours per week, unpaid, mileage and other expenses will be reimbursed.
2) The intern will report to the Communications Director, who will supervise and train the intern for his/her job responsibilities.
3) The intern will research, develop, write, and edit one to two stories per month. The stories will highlight individuals or families who have been helped by Duet’s volunteers and services. These articles may appear in the Duet newsletter, fliers, on the web site, in public media, or in other communications venues.
4) The intern will take good-quality digital photographs to submit with each article. It would be helpful if the intern had access to a digital camera, but it is not required.
5) The intern may write news releases and/or media advisories as requested by the Communications Director. The intern will be responsible for distribution to the local media by appropriate deadlines. The intern will make appropriate follow-up phone calls to respective members of the media.
6) Depending on the time of year, the intern may help execute communications duties for various fundraisers – Jazz Cabaret, Tour de Paradise and Poinsettia Tea. This could include news releases, media advisories, working as an assistant to a photographer, taking photographs at the event, submitting photographs to society pages/papers/magazines, writing and/or submitting post-event releases, putting together communications packets, etc.
7) The intern may be asked to work on updating the Tour de Paradise website, both in writing copy, gathering information, taking/posting photographs, working on route maps for website, etc.
8) The intern may help place event information on community calendars and websites and may also work on building a database of these sites.
9) The intern may be asked to appear alongside the Communications Director at various community events, meetings, radio/TV appearances
10)The intern may be responsible for maintaining social media information for Duet on Facebook, as well as Twitter.
11)Good computer skills are a must. Knowledge of HTML and In Design a plus.
12)The Communications Director may ask the intern to handle other duties not listed here.

CONTACT: Sandy Leander
skleander@cox.net
602-274-5022
Location: 555 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix

--------------------------------------------------------------------

EB LANE PUBLIC RELATIONS
REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: JR/SR. ONLY WITH SOME PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
HOURS: MINIMUM 15 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: UNPAID

Tasks and duties intern will perform: writing press releases and media advisories, building and maintaining media lists, pitching client news to local and national media, participating in team brainstorming sessions, assisting with planning and execution of events, helping execute social media campaigns, compiling client clips, participating in internal meetings, monitoring social media sites, and monitoring current events and news - both for the public relations industry and for clients’ respective industries.


Qualification and characteristics of ideal candidate: Must be at least a junior in college, studying public relations, mass communications, journalism or other related field; must have prior public relations experience, either upper-division classes or previous internships; have a positive and enthusiastic attitude; demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; possess a knowledge of AP-style; be able to handle multiple projects at one time and work well in a fast-paced environment; demonstrate professionalism in interacting with clients; show a willingness to learn; and be able to work an average of 15 hours per week. Location: 733 W. McDowell, Phoenix

CONTACT: Jessica Gonzalez
jgonzalez@eblane.com
602-567-1831

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Phoenix Convention Center PR Internship

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: JR/SR. PREFERRED
HOURS: MINIMUM 15 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: UNPAID

The Phoenix Convention Center, the Southwest’s newest convention and meeting facility is seeking two PR interns for Spring 2011.

Interns will work in the Sales & Marketing Division with the Communications Director on various campaigns to promote our award-winning facility.

College Juniors, Seniors or Grad students with creative ideas, experience with social media, strong writing skills and knowledge of AP Style are encouraged to apply. Interns should be capable of meeting flexible deadlines and able to work well independently. Previous PR internship experience and an interest in the hospitality industry is a plus.

Duties include writing news releases, proofreading/editing, writing Web copy and organizing news clips & PR files into pre-expansion and post-expansion categories.

Interns should be available to work at least two days a week for a minimum of five hours per shift during the spring semester with the option to extend the internship throughout the summer. This is an unpaid internship. Our PR Interns obtain real world work experience. Upon successful completion of the internship, students will have an enhanced resume, receive a letter of recommendation and references.

Interested students should forward their resume and a writing sample to Cynthia Weaver at cynthia.weaver@phoenix.gov

602-534-7633

Location: 100 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RA SUSHI (Spring internships)

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: ANY
HOURS: MINIMUM 12 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: UNPAID

Position Summary:
The RA PR & Marketing Intern will provide support to the Marketing department by assisting with a variety of public relations and marketing duties encompassing: creative writing, on-site event support, donations, clerical duties, research, and some pitching/media relations.

Essential Functions:

1. Manage website, MySpace, Facebook and Twitter content to ensure information is up to date and consistent with brand standards
2. Prepare PR clip reports and tear sheets
3. Update various media lists
4. Draft/edit news releases
5. Donation request fulfillment and follow up
6. Update marketing events calendar
7. Handle special projects
8. Write monthly e-newsletters
9. Data entry
10. Follow project timelines and due dates

Skills and Abilities


* Outgoing person acting as an ambassador of company values, mission, image to the public at all times
* Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks on deadline and with a sense of urgency
* Organized and self drive
* Excellent verbal and writing skills
* Career minded with a drive to succeed
* Ability to represent and uphold the company brand
* Knowledge of AP Style preferred

Education/Qualifications
Writing samples required
Prior experience in the restaurant industry preferred
Pursuing a bachelor degree in marketing, communications, journalism or a related field
Computer skills in basic Microsoft applications and an above average knowledge of the internet

CONTACT: Stacia Schacherer
stacia@RAsushi.com
480-222-0191

Location: 6263 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 285
Scottsdale
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: Prefer JR/SR, but will consider SOPH. too
HOURS: MINIMUM 20 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: UNPAID

The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau markets Scottsdale as a premier travel and meetings destination to leisure visitors, meeting and incentive planners, and travel professionals. The organization is seeking an intern for the communications department. Successful candidates will have a journalism/public relations background and possess basic office and computer skills in addition to an enthusiasm for the tourism and public relations profession. This position will offer great exposure to Scottsdale's diverse tourism industry and the role of public relations within the hospitality community.

Responsibilities may include writing press releases, media advisories and advertorials; enhancing the bureau’s social media efforts; conducting online and Cision MediaSource research; compiling media lists; database management; coordinating press mailings and trips; entry and organization of media placements; and more.

The internship requires a minimum of 20 hours per week with a maximum of 25 hours per week. The position is non-paid but students are encouraged to work out an agreement with their professor to use this experience toward academic credit or their leadership and volunteer hours.

Intern Responsibilities

Writing

Press releases
Media advisories
Pitch letters
SCVB advertorials and newsletters
SCVB blog

Research
Internet
CisionPoint
Social media opportunities

Database Work
Media and contact database entry
Database management
Enter clips

Administrative
File Clips
Assist with clip mailings
Assemble press kits
Pick-Up/Drop off materials
Draft letters & office paperwork

Location: 4343 N. Scottsdale Road, #170, Scottsdale, AZ 85251


CONTACT: Tatum Luoma
tluoma@scottsdalecvb.com
480-889-2719
-------------------------------------------

TEMPE SCHOOL DISTRICT (

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: Prefer JR/SR, but will consider SOPH. too w previous
Internship exp.

HOURS: 16 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: UNPAID

Public Relations – Conduct daily communication audits, assist editing weekly district-wide newspaper article, and provide marketing support through departmental projects as needed

Internal Communications – Write articles and take photos for bi-weekly publication; Write articles for employee intranet

Website – Write and publish articles about our schools for our website; Take photos, write photo captions, and publish photos to our website; Pitch story ideas, conduct research and interviews, and review/edit stories

Media Relations – Assist TV, newspaper, and website journalists during media visits to our schools as needed; Write articles and take photos for local publications

Community Relations/Public Information – Assist Public Information Coordinator with requests for public information from community, as needed

CONTACT: Monica Allread
mallread@tempeschools.org
480-730-7304

Location: 3205 S. Rural, Tempe

------------------------------------


PHOENIX THEATER
Marketing and Public Relations Intern

Time Commitment
Part-time minimum, approximately 15 hours per week

Education
Progress towards degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications or Journalism
Maintained a 2.5 or above GPA

Skills & Abilities
Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently
Ability to meet tight deadlines and rush projects
AP style knowledge
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications
Knowledge in Photoshop is a plus

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
* Assists the Marketing Manager and Public Relations Manager on creating and implementing marketing campaigns
* Assists in the creation of press releases
* Maintains the marketing collateral, photo and clipping archives

* Help manage Phoenix Theatre social media accounts
* Manages playbill information for Mainstage and Cookie Company
* Perform research
* Other duties as assigned

Send cover letter and resume to Theresa Dickerson, Public Relations Manager, at t.dickerson@phoenixtheatre.com<t.dickerson@phoenixtheatre.com> t.dickerson@phoenixtheatre.com t.dickerson@phoenixtheatre.com> > .

This position unpaid but mileage will be reimbursed.

Phoenix Theatre is a not-for-profit corporation that offers a full range of theatrical programming currently in its 90th consecutive, producing year.

Phoenix Theatre is located at 100 East McDowell Road, just east of the Phoenix Art Museum at Central and McDowell.

CONTACT:
Theresa Dickerson│ Public Relations Manager│ PHOENIX THEATRE
100 E. McDowell Rd│ Phoenix, AZ 85004
p: 602.889.6318│f: 602.889.6325
e: t.dickerson@phoenixtheatre.com│w <t.dickerson@phoenixtheatre.com%E2%94%82w> : phoenixtheatre.com

---------------------------------------------------
ZION & ZION

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: OPEN
HOURS: MINIMUM 15 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: UNPAID


Phoenix’s leading full service marketing, advertising and public relations firm.

We take pride on the highly creative and innovative aspects of our capabilities, all the while incorporating the analytics and business strategy to ensure our clients’ success. Our agency provides marketing strategy, advertising, public relations, graphic design and web development. Located on Tempe Town Lake and are within walking distance from ASU.

Zion & Zion is currently accepting resumes for the position of Public Relations Intern. If hired, this position would require at least 15 hours a week and your enrollment in a University with a degree being pursued in Journalism & Mass Communications focused on public relations.

Duties would include tracking media hits, drafting releases, producing and issuing media alerts, creating fact sheets and media kits, producing client meeting summaries, attending client meetings, compiling media research and targeted media lists for clients and miscellaneous other public relations tasks.

We are looking to hire someone who is hungry to learn about this industry, who can provide innovative, strategic and creative ideas and can work independently. You should also be current with events and news and have strong writing skills.

CONTACT:
Ashley Oakes
Ashley@zionandzion.com
480-295-2527

LOCATION:
464 S. Farmer #105
Tempe, AZ 85281

----------------------------------------------

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (spring internship that turns into summer employment)

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: JR/SR. ONLY
HOURS: MINIMUM 15 HRS/WEEK (During Off Season)
MINIMUM 20 HRS (During season)

TYPE: PAID DURING SEASON

GAME OPERATIONS INTERN

JOB DESCRIPTION

THE GAME OPERATIONS INTERN WILL ASSIST IN THE PREPRATION OF ALL IN-GAME ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDING: GAME DAY PROMOTIONS, CROWD INTERACTION ELEMENTS, AND ENHANCING THE OVERALL FAN EXPERIENCE; ASSIST WITH THE BOOKING OF ALL NATIONAL ANTHEMS, CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCHES AND COLOR GUARDS ALONG WITH OTHER PROMOTIONAL OBLIGATIONS; OVERSEE ALL ACTIVITY OUT ON THE PLAZA, ROTUNDA, AND CONCOURSES; MAINTAIN INVENTORY OF ALL GIVEAWAYS AND KEEP STORAGE AREAS ORGANIZED; ASSIST WITH ORGANZING APPEARANCES AT COMMUNITY AND CORPORATE FUNCTIONS INCLUDING SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, NEWS / RADIO BROADCASTS, AND VIEWING PARTIES.


QUALIFICATIONS


* ABLE TO WORK A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE, INCLUDING LATE NIGHTS, WEEKENDS, AND HOLIDAYS
* ABILITY TO WORK IN A FAST-PACE ENVIRONMENT AND ABLE TO MAKE QUICK DECISIONS
* ENERGETIC, PERSONABLE INDIVIDUAL WHO REPRESENTS THE IDEALS OF THE ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS ORGANIZATION
* MUST BE A JUNIOR OR SENIOR IN COLLEGE, AND RESIDE IN PHOENIX
* BASEBALL KNOWLEDGE AND HAVING WORKED IN SPORTS IS PREFERRED

CONTACT:
Will Posthumus
wposthumus@dbacks.com

3rd Street & Jefferson, Phoenix


---------------------------------------------------

Serendipit Consulting (Spring internship)

REQUIREMENTS
CLASS STANDING: JR/SR
HOURS: MINIMUM 20 HRS/WEEK
TYPE: UNPAID

Serendipit Consulting needs a ROCKSTAR marketing intern to assist with a variety of clients. Most of the projects we need help with include:

* Online marketing (Craigslist, Facebook, Twitter, Wordpress, Foursquare and many other sites)
* Writing (we need someone who can be creative with basic writing skills)
* Coordinating events
* Assisting with Public Relations efforts including media pitches and appearances as well as story development and product distribution
* If you have any graphic design experience, that is a PLUS (but not required)
* And lots of other random stuff

You cant find a more flexible and low-key work environment.You can wear jeans, and you can choose your own schedule. Our office is currently located just off Mill Avenue, but we have plans to move to the Arcadia area by the end of the year. Your own reliable transportation is required.

We just need someone who is dedicated to learning the business and can get results for our clients. Potential opportunity for a paid position upon completion of internship. This is a great experience and we'd love to have you if you fit the bill!

To apply, please submit a brief cover letter to samantha@serendipitconsulting.com outlining why you feel you would be our perfect intern and what you hope to get from your internship experience. Additionally, we would like to see relevant writing samples. Keep them to a page or so, no term papers please and make them relevant to the job, ie press releases, blog posts, media alerts, etc.

CONTACT: Samantha McIntosh
samantha@serendipitconsulting.com
480-227-1956
Location: 230 W. Fifth Street, Tempe, AZ 85281
We are located just off Mill Ave on 5th street but will be moving to the Arcadia area at the end of the year.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Allison & Partners panel discussion

Post by Amy Fleishans


Three PR professionals from national agency Allison & Partners presented at Tuesday’s meeting about the PR industry and life after graduation. In an informal Q&A session, Amy O’Hara, Chantell Nighswonger and Annie Drury answered a variety of questions about agency life, building relationships and cover letters.

As the only national PR agency in the Valley, Allison & Partners offers a unique agency experience in Phoenix. “It sounds big, but it really has a boutique feel,” said Drury, who works in the San Diego office. “At our individual offices, we’re a tight-knit family with the resources and support of a large, national agency.” Their biggest advice for working at an agency: time management. Taking 10 minutes at the beginning of each day to identify the hottest projects is key.

A student asked for tips about pitching to reporters—O’Hara said it’s all in building relationships. Her biggest tips: utilize Twitter, be personable, and ask if you can help them with a story they’re working on. She mentioned that she’s connected with an AP reporter in Las Vegas who has featured a client in two stories. “I’ve never met him in person, but I’d love to meet him for coffee sometime, just because we’ve spoken so much over the phone and e-mail,” she said. Nighswonger also chimed in suggesting to offer to help a reporter with a story he/she is working on. “You don’t always have to be pitching a reporter, see if you can help them out—that will help them remember your name.”

When asked for cover letter and resume tips, all three ladies had a lot of tips. Here’s a list of the best tips they listed:
·      Don’t include a photo of yourself
·      Keep irrelevant jobs off your resume
·      Custom write each cover letter for every job application
·      Don’t include your GPA if it’s under a 3.5
·      Mention your involvement with PRSSA

The panelists also encouraged students to find a passion. “When I interview interns, I always ask them what they’re passionate about—someone who’s found their passion just has so much more motivation,” Drury said. Nighswonger added that agency life is a great way for young professionals to find their passion. “Our founder always says he hops that an employee never leaves Allison & Partners for another agency, but can understand if someone leaves for in-house PR, because that means he/she has found their niche.”

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Increase of Social Media Campaigns Arrives With the Holidays


With Thanksgiving just hours away and the infamous Black Friday following short after, the holiday jingles have taken over the airwaves and Christmas trees are found in all department stores. With the change of spirit, weather and shopping habits, are PR campaigns changing for the season as well? PR Fuel had an interesting top five PR trends in campaigns that consumers most likely will be seeing during this holiday season. The list of five included: 1. moving online 2. free shipping offers 3. gift cards 4. toys 5. social media.

Naturally the one that stood out to me was #5- Social Media. With holiday shopping on the minds of everyone these days, businesses have began a heavy push on informing shoppers of incredible deals and free shipping via social media. With stores like Staples, who announced their deals early on Twitter, and Lowe's, who announced their deals early on Facebook, many followers on various will be reaping the benefits of social media.

According to a study done by marketing research company comScore after the 2009 holiday shopping season, 28 percent of consumers of surveyed said that social media impacted their holiday shopping. According to the same survey the largest web influences included reading expert and other consumers' product reviews, following a product's Facebook fan page or Twitter page, and seeing a friend's tweet or Facebook status about a company or product.

Social media is the quickest way to reach out to shoppers, not to mention, it's also the cheapest way as well.

Are any of your clients changing the way they use social media during the rest of November and December? Is there a larger push to reach out to consumers and followers?
How do you feel as a consumer using social media? Does it influence your spending?

Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping from ASU PRSSA!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

New Communications with Abbie Fink

Abbie Fink, vice president and general manager of HMA Public Relations, and the current president of the Phoenix Chapter of PRSA, presented at Monday’s meeting on digital communications.

It seems like that is all we hear these days, that traditional media is out and new media is the key to success. However, that is not how Abbie sees it. 

She believes PR success involves an all together approach incorporating both traditional and digital media. While the new media has broadened our reach as public relations practitioners, we still have the same practices when communicating online. Primary practices include having strategy and content, be authentic, separating opinions from facts and being responsible for what we write.

Another good point that Abbie made was that we should be calling this new type of communications as integrated or digital, not under the label of social media. It provides us with expanding tools to have control of consumers, more consolidation of key players and the ability to foster relationships and discussions.

A student asked if everyone should be on sites like Facebook and Twitter. Abbie said that sometimes social media isn’t the best source for clients to communicate to consumers. But given the participatory culture that we currently live in, everyone should be aware of the digital landscape and the potential it has to either improve or destroy reputation.

One piece of advice that Abbie concluded with is the grandma rule. “If you don’t want grandma to see it, don’t post it.” Branding is essential when it comes to maintaining both a professional and personal career. As PR practitioners we have to build credibility and trust and that obviously takes time, especially as students. 

Abbie recommended the book “Trust Agents” by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith as a great resource in learning how to use the web to build influence, improve your reputation and earn trust; the three essential components when engaging in new communications.

Follow Abbie on Twitter @abbief or read more about her and the HMA staff on their blog, HMA Time.

Monday, November 8, 2010

New Valley PR Agencies

Post by Robyn Moore

Within the past year, a number of new public relations agencies have been making their way into the mix of firms around the Valley. The UP Agency and Evolve Public Relations and Marketing in particular are the newest of those additions.

The UP Agency is based in Phoenix and offers a one-stop shop for clients looking for something more than just your average public relations and marketing firm. Ty Largo, an online marketer began working with award-winning journalist Nikki Buchanan and veteran PR professional Stacy Pearson earlier this year to create the UP Agency. UP offers a complete package of marketing, advertising, media relations, social media, design and web development.

Evolve Public Relations and Marketing launched in September and is owned by a familiar face in the Valley. Jennifer Kaplan, owner of Evolve PR, is former co-owner of PRIME 3, which recently merged with Rose & Allyn Public Relations. Evolve is based in Scottsdale and specializes in gaining public awareness of products and services, while adapting to today’s workplace and media environment. Their client list ranges from restaurants, retail, entertainment, home design, medical and more.

New agencies such as the UP Agency and Evolve Public Relations and Marketing can create greater opportunities for students and graduates through hands-on internships and entry-level careers. For more information about these agencies or other PR business, check out the Valley PR Blog -- a group blog by local PR professionals that covers the Four Corners of public relations, marketing, social media and current events.
*Writer Robyn Moore recently accepted an account coordinator position with Evolve PR and Marketing.

Employer Panel with ASU Career Services

Post by Amy Fleishans

Did you know ASU offers campus-wide career services? Located on each campus, this office hosts employer panels, on-campus recruiting, workshops, career counseling and more for any ASU student, for free. It’s a great resource that’s under-used.

This past week Career Services at the Downtown Phoenix campus hosted an employer panel that featured six professionals from nonprofit, foundation and government industries. They shared personal advice for getting internships, jobs and climbing the career ladder.

One panelist, Erica Schwartzmann, neighborhood program coordinator for Camp Fire Greater Arizona Council, a non-profit, rattled off tips to make oneself a stronger job applicant. “Always ask for feedback from everyone,” she said. “You’ll learn so much, so quickly, if you ask everyone you work with for feedback. Be warned, it may sometimes be negative feedback and that’s okay, it’ll make you develop those weaknesses into strengths.”

Graduate work tips, from Pedro Cons, who has two masters degrees and is vice president of recovery and resiliency at Chicanos Por La Causa Inc., gave his insight into when to go back to school. “Don’t rush into your masters work,” Cons said. He suggested working in the field for a few years before heading back to a classroom. “Diversify your knowledge base, know how your industry works outside of school before adding onto your education—you’ll get so much more out of a graduate program this way.”

Several of the panelists including Bethany Taylor, chief development officer for Make-A-Wish Foundation, urged students to volunteer during their college career, it being a great way to network while adding to your resume. “You never know when that volunteer opportunity will lead you to a job,” she said. Schwartzmann, a recent ASU graduate, enlisted in AmericaCorps a year since the job market was tough. (In AmericaCorps, enlisted volunteers get paid living expenses and sometimes are provided with free housing.)

The best advice from the employer panel was from Cons: “Take risks and always take on more than you can handle or you’ll never realize your potential.”

Friday, November 5, 2010

Virtual engagement proves to raise follower loyalty



With the ever-shifting world of social media spinning below the feet of public relations students, it may be intimidating to delve into social media. Because of how new the use of Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare (and the list of sites goes on and on), the application of social media to garner clients page views and customers is on a trial and error basis. However,
a few companies have risen above the competition when it comes to engaging customers and followers.

With companies such as Wal-Mart, Goodwill, TripAdvisor and Bank of America topping the list, a few commonalities stood out among the social media strategies stood out.

One point of success for all the companies and organizations mentioned was the use of virtual means to engage consumers across the nation. Goodwill held a virtual fashion show and online auction in September. With promotion done by a trusted blogger (The DC Goodwill Fashionista), both the Goodwill blog and Ebay store took off. After six weeks the blog averaged over 600 readers a week and retained more than 25 percent of its readers.


Another virtual engagement was done by Lion Brand Yarn, who used virtual knitting classes to build a community of knitter from across the world. The YarnCraft podcast was not only just posted to the blog, but also was available on iTunes and given out as a CD in stores for consumers not on the Internet. As a result, a passionate community of knitters was formed, the podcast has seen over 15,000 downloads in a month, the blog has tens of thousands of readers each month, and the customers have proved loyal. In a survey given to 30,000 consumers, those who interacted with the yarn brand through social media were 83 percent more likely to identify as "very brand loyal" than those who didn't interact via social media.

Jeep used video as well to reach out to consumers... through consumers. According to Organic Inc., 87 percent of consumers trust the opinion of friends over the opinion of critics. Jeep harnessed this idea and found 160,000 Flickr photos and 31,000 Youtube videos that were tagged as Jeep and created a community on the Jeep website. Consumers created the content. Results showed that potential buyers who browse the Jeep community have been proven twice as likely to compare specifications, 22 percent more likely to search inventory, twice as likely to schedule a test drive, and 31 percent more likely to request a quote, according to Organic Inc.'s portfolio.

Consumers want to feel like they are a part of the brand that they use everyday. What better way than to include a consumer in these virtual days, than through virtual media?

To read more social media case studies, check out this collection of studies and research papers.