Back by popular demand, Ben Grossman, Communications Strategist at Oxford Communications, will return to PPRA to share his favorite social media tips and tricks! Ben joined us in February to provide insight into the complex world of social media, and PPRA members made it clear that they wanted to hear even more. Now’s your chance to ask him those pressing social media questions that have been on your mind and to hear his advice on the most effective ways to get the most out of your social media efforts. This informal setting will provide the perfect opportunity for plenty of Q&A time so you can “pick Ben’s brain” on the social media issues that matter most to you.
Date:
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Time:
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Registration & Cocktail Hour
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Program
Location:
Kokopelli Restaurant & Tequila Bar
1904 Chestnut Street
2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Registration Fees:
$45 for PPRA Members
$60 for Non-Members
$25 for Students
$5 additional fee for walk-ins
For a sneak peek of the kinds of tips and tricks that will be presented at the event, check out this Mashable interview with Ben Grossman regarding Facebook’s new “Questions” feature by clicking here.
Want to register? Click here and visit the PPRA event registration page.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Hispanic Public relations in a newly created U.S.A.
The year is 2011, the Census numbers have been releases and you’re still marketing towards the same audience. With the U.S. demographic quickly changing, a lot of businesses and organizations are questioning who exactly their target audience is. This is a bit confusing because there is a huge difference in Latinos in a digital age (first generation born) and their parents whom immigrated to the United States. However, there are tons of resources out there for you to start focusing on Hispanic public relations and marketing.
So where do you being? Do you pitch Spanish-language publications like El Diario/La Prensa, El Nuevo Herald, La Opinion or do you pitch English-lanugage publications with a Latino audience like Latina Magazine, Hispanic Executive Magazine or even the HispanicPR blog? Advertising Age said it best, “Dubbed the ‘bridge generation’ in a recent study by MRM Worldwide, these young, U.S.-born Latinos move comfortably between English and Spanish depending on the situation. They attend American schools and have American friends.” This of course makes them American, but nothing can change their cultural identity.
Like social media, this is something you have to do research on, find your audience, and pitch away. Use your resources. The Hispanic Public Relations Association’s (HPRA) mission is to help Hispanic professional communicators enter and advance within the public relations and marketing communications fields by creating an exchange of information and ideas that empower public relations practitioners to be experts in their fields among other things. HPRA are heavily involved with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and are co-sponsoring the 2nd Annual Hispanic PR & Social Media conference this April.
You can also follow the Hispanic PR blog which is managed by Multicultural PR veterans Manny Ruiz and Angela Sustaita-Ruiz. Throughout the posts you’ll find interesting trends, research, case studies and best practices on how to start your Hispanic marketing/PR campaign. It will also give you insights on how to use social media to reach the Latino consumer. One social media suggestion is to “talk” to your audience in the #Latism hashtag on Twitter. LATISM, the largest organization for Latino and Latina professionals engaged in social media, is a 501(c) 4 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing the social, civic and economic status of the Latino community.
The outlets are there. The trends are there. As public relations professionals you should be able to follow best practices and your outcome will be as successful as your mainstream campaigns. Hey, sometimes even gearing your big campaign to the Latino consumer will make sense. Starting something completely new may be challenging but it can also lead to success.
This blog post was written by Eric Cortes. Eric Cortes is a member of the media relations team at the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC). He joined GPTMC in 2008 and quickly became an integral member of the team, developing PR pitches, placing stories in top outlets and planning large-scale media events. He also manages the company’s outreach to the ever-growing Hispanic travel market through his use of traditional media relations and social media.
In 2010, Cortes was named one of the “Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos,” an event produced by the Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress and Impacto Latin Newspaper, and in 2011, he took home the Professional of the Year Award, one of three Excelencia Hispanic Business Awards distributed annually by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He serves as one of three directors for the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) and as the vice president of professional development for the Latino Leadership Alumni Association. He is also a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and Gamma Phi Sigma “Hermanos Unidos” Fraternity, Inc.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Did I Do That?: PPRA Panel Shares Crisis PR Expertise
From the BP oil spill to Gilbert Gottfried’s recent social media snafu, we’ve all seen the damaging headlines splashed across the media. At the PPRA Crisis PR and Reputation Management panel on Monday, March 21 at Le Méridien Philadelphia, our panelists shared first-hand stories of how crises were handled and what they would have done differently. A great deal of information was packed into just one short hour, so here are the topline points that you missed:
- Anne Klein of Anne Klein Communications Group
- PR people can never be brought into a crisis situation fast enough
- We may not be able to prevent the media getting a hold of a story, but we can prevent being caught unprepared
- Lack of communication is one of the main reasons that a situation escalates to crisis level
- Failing to respond to the media in a timely fashion can lead to a tarnished reputation for many years to come
- Karen Friedman, communications coach and author of “Shut Up and Say Something”
- Reporters will always ask “When did you know, and what did you do about it?”
- NEVER say “no comment.” It’s okay to admit when you don’t know or to explain why you can’t talk about an issue
- When crafting messages, don’t think about the reporter you are talking to, think about the audience you want to reach
- Don’t let any client go on air without media training
- Jeff Jubelirer of Jubelirer Strategies
- Internal stakeholders (employees, board members, etc) are a company’s most powerful advocates and best messengers
- When sending out letters to external stakeholders, personalize each one to show your investment in them
- The internet is everywhere – crises move faster, so always be prepared to monitor social media sources
- Consider preparing a dark site with all of the information you need for potential crises
- Joshua Peck of Duane Morris LLP
- The relationship between lawyers and the PR world is changing
- Lawyers are beginning to recognize that their clients need more than just legal counsel in some situations
- Consumers of media do not want to hear from the lawyer or the PR person – they want to hear from the client
- When crafting an apology, focus not only on relating empathy, but also relaying what your next steps will be
- Moderator: Richard Maloney of SEPTA (and former KYW Newsradio Reporter)
- The success of a message comes down to credibility
- You don’t have control over who your CEO is, but you have control over if he speaks to the media or not
- The old joke is, the wife is the last to know. The PR person is really the last to know
While every crisis situation is certainly unique, the public relations goal is always the same: maintain your client’s reputation. We hope you don’t have to deal with any crises soon, but now you can rest assured that you have some great principles to live by if you do.
Thank you again to our panel!
This blog post was written by Christine Guerrini. Christine Guerrini is a member of the public relations team at Tierney agency in Center City Philadelphia. A Villanova grad, Christine specializes in media relations, social media and research. She has worked with clients in non-profit, law, technology, hospitality, and B2B fields. Outside of work, Christine is an avid fan of the Arts, whether exploring museums or sitting down with a novel. Connect with Christine on Twitter (@CMGuerrini) or at http://www.linkedin.com/in/christineguerrini .
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Winging It: Live Tweeting Lessons Learned
You’ve visited the registration table and donned your name tag, networked with other attendees and selected your seat. As the event emcee crosses the stage and approaches the podium, you ready your smart phone, prepared to send your first tweet about the event starting. The emcee opens his mouth…and requests all attendees turn off their
cell phones.
Huh?
If you’re confused and put off by this turn of events, you’re not alone. When my colleague – who actually experienced this “anti-social” announcement firsthand – relayed this story to
me, I was quick to respond with my own frustrating experience.
In attendance at a communication association event, I immersed myself in translating the keynote address into tweet-friendly snippets. With soft, unobtrusive tap-tap-taps, I hashtagged my way to messages retweeted by the speaker’s organization, and other interested PR professionals. Halfway through the talk, however, one woman at my table– who had made her less-than-enthusiastic opinion of Twitter quite apparent before the program began – told me to turn around and hold my BlackBerry below the table “if I insisted on using it right now.”
Despite the increasing prevalence of social media, and number of individuals accessing these apps through their phones – 31% of all mobile consumers in the U.S. own smart phones, cell phones with app-based, web-enabled operating, according to a December 2010 Nielsen
study – these two occurrences clearly point to the fact that not everyone is ready to embrace this form of communication.
There are ways, however, to smooth any feathers ruffled by individuals prone to squawking at live tweeters. Please note several of the following suggestions are easiest to achieve if you can converse with the organizers prior to the day of the event.
Consider the (crowd’s) source
Know your attendees, and be prepared for professionals who have embraced social media as part of their 9-to-5 identities – such as communication professionals – to naturally feel inclined to tweet from the event.
Rephrase the reminder
Suggest the reminder to turn off cell phones be modified to kindly request attendees place their phones on silent.
“Pound” the pavement
Encourage the event organizers to select a hashtag to accompany all event-related tweets, and announce it at the start of the program.
Wear your handle on your sleeve
Recommend that name tags include Twitter handles on them, or ribbons identifying the individuals who will be live tweeting the event. Even better, propose providing a table or designated area (or tweet-up) for anyone who plans to tweet about the program.
Meet, greet and tweet
Introduce yourself to anyone you may not know at your table, or sitting in your immediate area. Take some time before the event starts to converse about social media. Find out if anyone else is active on Twitter, and if so, what their handles are. And mention you plan to tweet throughout the event, so no one misinterprets your phone-focused nonverbal behavior for emailing or other inattentive multitasking.
What tips for encouraging live tweeters to participate actively would you add? Have you ever been on the receiving end of negative opinions about posting social media updates in public? Do you encourage live tweeting at your association events?
This blog post was written by Margot Mackay and originally appeared on the Association Headquarter blog here. This blog post was written by Margot D. MacKay. Margot is a Public Relations Coordinator at Mt. Laurel NJ-based Association Headquarters, Inc. (AH). In this capacity, Margot services a variety of non-profit associations, providing strategic communications, social media expertise and media relations solutions. Margot graduated from Villanova University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, and earned a Master of Science in Public Relations from Boston University in2007. She enjoys connecting with PR professionals on LinkedIn, and tweets regularly from @msbruschetta, conversing with local, national and international practitioners, as well as lovers of fitness, food and Philly.
cell phones.
Huh?
If you’re confused and put off by this turn of events, you’re not alone. When my colleague – who actually experienced this “anti-social” announcement firsthand – relayed this story to
me, I was quick to respond with my own frustrating experience.
In attendance at a communication association event, I immersed myself in translating the keynote address into tweet-friendly snippets. With soft, unobtrusive tap-tap-taps, I hashtagged my way to messages retweeted by the speaker’s organization, and other interested PR professionals. Halfway through the talk, however, one woman at my table– who had made her less-than-enthusiastic opinion of Twitter quite apparent before the program began – told me to turn around and hold my BlackBerry below the table “if I insisted on using it right now.”
Despite the increasing prevalence of social media, and number of individuals accessing these apps through their phones – 31% of all mobile consumers in the U.S. own smart phones, cell phones with app-based, web-enabled operating, according to a December 2010 Nielsen
study – these two occurrences clearly point to the fact that not everyone is ready to embrace this form of communication.
There are ways, however, to smooth any feathers ruffled by individuals prone to squawking at live tweeters. Please note several of the following suggestions are easiest to achieve if you can converse with the organizers prior to the day of the event.
Consider the (crowd’s) source
Know your attendees, and be prepared for professionals who have embraced social media as part of their 9-to-5 identities – such as communication professionals – to naturally feel inclined to tweet from the event.
Rephrase the reminder
Suggest the reminder to turn off cell phones be modified to kindly request attendees place their phones on silent.
“Pound” the pavement
Encourage the event organizers to select a hashtag to accompany all event-related tweets, and announce it at the start of the program.
Wear your handle on your sleeve
Recommend that name tags include Twitter handles on them, or ribbons identifying the individuals who will be live tweeting the event. Even better, propose providing a table or designated area (or tweet-up) for anyone who plans to tweet about the program.
Meet, greet and tweet
Introduce yourself to anyone you may not know at your table, or sitting in your immediate area. Take some time before the event starts to converse about social media. Find out if anyone else is active on Twitter, and if so, what their handles are. And mention you plan to tweet throughout the event, so no one misinterprets your phone-focused nonverbal behavior for emailing or other inattentive multitasking.
What tips for encouraging live tweeters to participate actively would you add? Have you ever been on the receiving end of negative opinions about posting social media updates in public? Do you encourage live tweeting at your association events?
This blog post was written by Margot Mackay and originally appeared on the Association Headquarter blog here. This blog post was written by Margot D. MacKay. Margot is a Public Relations Coordinator at Mt. Laurel NJ-based Association Headquarters, Inc. (AH). In this capacity, Margot services a variety of non-profit associations, providing strategic communications, social media expertise and media relations solutions. Margot graduated from Villanova University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, and earned a Master of Science in Public Relations from Boston University in2007. She enjoys connecting with PR professionals on LinkedIn, and tweets regularly from @msbruschetta, conversing with local, national and international practitioners, as well as lovers of fitness, food and Philly.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Two PPRA Announcements: Spring Clean Up and Member Get A Member Program
Want to know the latest about PPRA and our upcoming events? Read on...
Introducing the Member Get A Member Program
Pass along the knowledge, networking and professional development opportunities found only through membership in the Philadelphia Public Relations Association - the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan public relations association with members representing a diverse cross section of business and non-profit organizations throughout the tri-state area.
Be a "Member to Get a Member" and Receive Great Prizes!
* Bring in two new members and receive a free meeting coupon for use at any luncheon program!
* The member that recruits the most individual or associate members each month (minimum of two) will win a special prize and recognition in PPRA's website and newsletter.
* Recruit the most new corporate memberships (at least three members from one company), and you could receive a special prize. And, be the most active recruiter and bring in the most new members for the grand prize and receive an overnight stay at one of Philadelphia's most exclusive hotels and recognition at PPRA's annual meeting in June.
Help us spread the word-PPRA is is the premiere association for public relations professionals in the Greater Philadelphia area! Please visit PPRA's website for more information and the membership application.
How to be a Member to Get a Member
1. Identify someone who should be a PPRA member.
2. Print your name on the "Referred by" space on the membership application.
3. Give the membership application to this person and ask them to join.
4. Follow-up with your colleague.
Prorated Memberships Available
* Members who join in January - April 2011 will have dues prorated by 50 percent.
* Members who join in May - August 2011 will have their membership extended through August 31, 2012.
Rules
* Member Get A Member runs now through May 31, 2011.
* The program is only open to members.
* This campaign is not open to former members who have not renewed in the past six months.
PPRA Volunteers Sought for 2011 Philly Spring Cleanup on Saturday, April 2
PPRA members are invited to take part in the Philly Spring Cleanup event on Saturday, April 2. Volunteers from PPRA will meet at the Callowhill/Reading Viaduct Neighborhood Improvement site at 11th and Callowhill Streets in Center City to work alongside other volunteers from the community. The event is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; however, if volunteers are able to join us for part of the day, that would be helpful as well. PPRA Board members will be on hand to meet volunteers so please let us know when you arrive!
If you would like to take part, please click here. From there, please select Center City from the "Neighborhood" drop down menu and register for the Callowhill site.
If you have any questions, please contact Jill Flanagan, Chair of the Community Service Committee at jill.flanagan@villanova.edu. We encourage interested volunteers to sign up for the event as soon as possible to ensure slots are still available. Hope to see you there!
Introducing the Member Get A Member Program
Pass along the knowledge, networking and professional development opportunities found only through membership in the Philadelphia Public Relations Association - the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan public relations association with members representing a diverse cross section of business and non-profit organizations throughout the tri-state area.
Be a "Member to Get a Member" and Receive Great Prizes!
* Bring in two new members and receive a free meeting coupon for use at any luncheon program!
* The member that recruits the most individual or associate members each month (minimum of two) will win a special prize and recognition in PPRA's website and newsletter.
* Recruit the most new corporate memberships (at least three members from one company), and you could receive a special prize. And, be the most active recruiter and bring in the most new members for the grand prize and receive an overnight stay at one of Philadelphia's most exclusive hotels and recognition at PPRA's annual meeting in June.
Help us spread the word-PPRA is is the premiere association for public relations professionals in the Greater Philadelphia area! Please visit PPRA's website for more information and the membership application.
How to be a Member to Get a Member
1. Identify someone who should be a PPRA member.
2. Print your name on the "Referred by" space on the membership application.
3. Give the membership application to this person and ask them to join.
4. Follow-up with your colleague.
Prorated Memberships Available
* Members who join in January - April 2011 will have dues prorated by 50 percent.
* Members who join in May - August 2011 will have their membership extended through August 31, 2012.
Rules
* Member Get A Member runs now through May 31, 2011.
* The program is only open to members.
* This campaign is not open to former members who have not renewed in the past six months.
PPRA Volunteers Sought for 2011 Philly Spring Cleanup on Saturday, April 2
PPRA members are invited to take part in the Philly Spring Cleanup event on Saturday, April 2. Volunteers from PPRA will meet at the Callowhill/Reading Viaduct Neighborhood Improvement site at 11th and Callowhill Streets in Center City to work alongside other volunteers from the community. The event is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; however, if volunteers are able to join us for part of the day, that would be helpful as well. PPRA Board members will be on hand to meet volunteers so please let us know when you arrive!
If you would like to take part, please click here. From there, please select Center City from the "Neighborhood" drop down menu and register for the Callowhill site.
If you have any questions, please contact Jill Flanagan, Chair of the Community Service Committee at jill.flanagan@villanova.edu. We encourage interested volunteers to sign up for the event as soon as possible to ensure slots are still available. Hope to see you there!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Mobile Technology: Changing the Way We Do Business
On March 3, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce hosted a Mobile Technology event held at the Hub Meeting & Event Center in Center City. Professionals from various industries gathered to learn more about emerging trends in the wireless technology sector.
The keynote speaker, Vivek Kundra, U.S. Chief Information Officer, spoke about closing the technology gap. He discussed the Obama administration’s priorities concerning mobile technology in the coming months. He cited statistics that indicated that there has been a rapid growth of mobile devices. This growth has created a global consumer that often uses their wireless device as a primary connection to the Internet.
One priority of the administration has been to promote entrepreneurism and innovation. Kundra talked about working with startup companies in Silicon Valley and their cutting-edge thinking in mobile application development. Their focus is working with American start-up companies to make sure we remain competitive in the global economy.
Kundra went on to identify more trends to follow such as consumers moving to one device for personal and professional use and the money saving strategy of moving files to cloud computing. He sited some interesting numbers: more than 350,000 apps for the iPhone and more than 150,000 for the Android platform are on the marketplace today. Even with all these application, new ones are being developed at an astounding speed.
He spoke about faster and more ubiquitous networks, cheaper and more powerful processors and in the future, billions of sensors becoming part of a hybrid Internet. I have to be honest, the future he talked about sounded so cool! In addition, some of the other Obama priorities include providing at least 98 percent of Americans with access to 4G high-speed wireless and pouring $3 billion into a wireless innovation fund.
Public relations professionals need to keep up with the emerging trends and ways to reach their target audiences. New gadgets are rolled out constantly, the mobile consumer will continue to access their information via a wireless device, are you reaching them?
This blog post was written by Amanda Walsh. Amanda Walsh has a passion for integrated communications, social media and emerging technologies. She joined the public relations and marketing agency, Furia Rubel, in 2008 as a dedicated blogger and social media strategist. In 2010 she was promoted to Account Coordinator. Whether she’s using social media outlets to spread the good news about clients, conducting media outreach to regional publications or bloggers, or expressing opinions concerning industry news on Furia Rubel’s ThePRLawyer blog, Amanda is energized by all aspects of integrated communications. She can be found on Twitter or LinkedIn.
The keynote speaker, Vivek Kundra, U.S. Chief Information Officer, spoke about closing the technology gap. He discussed the Obama administration’s priorities concerning mobile technology in the coming months. He cited statistics that indicated that there has been a rapid growth of mobile devices. This growth has created a global consumer that often uses their wireless device as a primary connection to the Internet.
One priority of the administration has been to promote entrepreneurism and innovation. Kundra talked about working with startup companies in Silicon Valley and their cutting-edge thinking in mobile application development. Their focus is working with American start-up companies to make sure we remain competitive in the global economy.
Kundra went on to identify more trends to follow such as consumers moving to one device for personal and professional use and the money saving strategy of moving files to cloud computing. He sited some interesting numbers: more than 350,000 apps for the iPhone and more than 150,000 for the Android platform are on the marketplace today. Even with all these application, new ones are being developed at an astounding speed.
He spoke about faster and more ubiquitous networks, cheaper and more powerful processors and in the future, billions of sensors becoming part of a hybrid Internet. I have to be honest, the future he talked about sounded so cool! In addition, some of the other Obama priorities include providing at least 98 percent of Americans with access to 4G high-speed wireless and pouring $3 billion into a wireless innovation fund.
Public relations professionals need to keep up with the emerging trends and ways to reach their target audiences. New gadgets are rolled out constantly, the mobile consumer will continue to access their information via a wireless device, are you reaching them?
This blog post was written by Amanda Walsh. Amanda Walsh has a passion for integrated communications, social media and emerging technologies. She joined the public relations and marketing agency, Furia Rubel, in 2008 as a dedicated blogger and social media strategist. In 2010 she was promoted to Account Coordinator. Whether she’s using social media outlets to spread the good news about clients, conducting media outreach to regional publications or bloggers, or expressing opinions concerning industry news on Furia Rubel’s ThePRLawyer blog, Amanda is energized by all aspects of integrated communications. She can be found on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Crisis PR & Reputation Management: What To Do When You Become The Headline
PA teacher suspended over online blasts at students.
BP oil spill could have been prevented.
Toyota's late recall raises questions about its credibility.
BP oil spill could have been prevented.
Toyota's late recall raises questions about its credibility.
These are not the headlines and front page stories we hope for in the PR industry. But if you find your company in the midst of public controversy, will you be prepared? Our panel of experts will simulate real life crisis scenarios, demonstrating how to think on your feet, handle tough questions, and deliver information quickly and accurately.
Panelists include:
* Karen Friedman, Karen Friedman Enterprises, Inc.
* Jeff Jubelirer, Jubelirer Strategies
* Anne Klein, Anne Klein Communications Group
* Joshua Peck, Duane Morris LLP
* Moderator: Richard Maloney, SEPTA (and former KYW Newsradio Reporter)
One registrant will be selected at random to receive a free copy of Karen Friedman's new book, Shut Up and Say Something: Business Communication Strategies to Overcome Challenges and Influence Listeners.
Location:
Le Méridien Philadelphia
Trumbauer Grand Ballroom
1421 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Date:
March 21
Time:
11:30 a.m. - Noon
Registration & Networking
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch & Program
Registration Fees:
$45 - PPRA Members
$60 - Non-Members
$25 - Students
Additional $5 fee for walk-ins
Want to register? Click here.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal: A Breakfast For Words
On February 25, Nicholas Torres and Tine Hansen-Turton shared with PPRA their collaborative, social creation, the Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal (PSIJ). The PSIJ is a progressive journal that highlights social innovations in the Greater Philadelphia area, by elaborating on the principles that create, uphold, and reform social transformations.
Soon to be a household name in Philadelphia, with nearly 5,000 views daily of the site; this online phenomenon was an idea created by the co-founders, after completion of their Eisenhower Fellowships.
While the journal is published online four times a year, the inspiration and collection process is a year round effort. Torres and Hansen-Turton credited the community members of the organization, whose significant contributions enabled much of their success. The majority of their 80 and growing volunteer base is comprised of young and entrepreneurial leaders given the opportunity to nominate, advocate, inspire, and even blog about the social changes in Philadelphia today. Anna Mira King, Sales and Marketing Executive of PSIJ, elaborated describing their volunteers as an expanded insight and wealth of knowledge to the rapidly evolving city.
The next issue of Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal will include sections on: Arts & Culture; Food Industry Production and Health; Energy; and Violence.
Volunteering with the PSIJ was highly encouraged. To learn more about the Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal, click here.
This blog post was written by Leslie Cottle. Leslie has been a PPRA member since 2010 and is a 2009 Corporate Communication graduate from The Pennsylvania State University. She is currently working as a Researcher Associate for Diversified Search, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You can find Leslie on Linkedin at http://www.linkedin.com/in/
Soon to be a household name in Philadelphia, with nearly 5,000 views daily of the site; this online phenomenon was an idea created by the co-founders, after completion of their Eisenhower Fellowships.
While the journal is published online four times a year, the inspiration and collection process is a year round effort. Torres and Hansen-Turton credited the community members of the organization, whose significant contributions enabled much of their success. The majority of their 80 and growing volunteer base is comprised of young and entrepreneurial leaders given the opportunity to nominate, advocate, inspire, and even blog about the social changes in Philadelphia today. Anna Mira King, Sales and Marketing Executive of PSIJ, elaborated describing their volunteers as an expanded insight and wealth of knowledge to the rapidly evolving city.
The next issue of Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal will include sections on: Arts & Culture; Food Industry Production and Health; Energy; and Violence.
Volunteering with the PSIJ was highly encouraged. To learn more about the Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal, click here.
This blog post was written by Leslie Cottle. Leslie has been a PPRA member since 2010 and is a 2009 Corporate Communication graduate from The Pennsylvania State University. She is currently working as a Researcher Associate for Diversified Search, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You can find Leslie on Linkedin at http://www.linkedin.com/in/
Monday, March 7, 2011
PPRA and PRSA Philly Presents Public Relations Careers 101
Open to students and young professionals in the Philadelphia region, this event is your chance to meet and hear from top PR minds from all areas of the profession, including agency, non-profit, corporate, and entertainment. The panelists will share insights into their careers and the realities of working in public relations, as well as tips on how to stand out in this difficult job market.
Also, after the panel you will have the chance to speak with local young professionals in the PR field for some firsthand insight on how to translate your college experience into a successful career in PR.
Be sure to place your resume in our "drop-box" for review by a PPRA or PRSA professional. All pre-registered participants will also be entered into our raffle for the chance to win a "shadowing day" with a PR pro, plus other great prizes (must be present to win)!
Confirmed Panelists:
* Moderator: Gregg Feistman - Assistant Professor -Public Relations
* Erin Allsman - Public Relations Director, Brownstein Group
* Meredith Avakian - Public Affairs Specialist, DuPont
* Marlo DelSordo - Director of Communications and Marketing, Philabundance
* Ike Richman - Vice President, Public Relations, Comcast-Spectacor
Location:
PECO
Energy Hall
2301 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Date:
Monday, April 4
Time:
5:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Registration
6:00 - 6:45 p.m.
Panel Discussion with PR Executives
6:45 - 7:30 p.m.
Round Table Discussion with Young Professionals
7:30 - 7:35 p.m.
Raffle Drawing
Registration Fees:
$10 per person
Want to register? Click here
Stay tuned for a future post directly from students and young pros who have benefited from attending Careers 101!
Also, after the panel you will have the chance to speak with local young professionals in the PR field for some firsthand insight on how to translate your college experience into a successful career in PR.
Be sure to place your resume in our "drop-box" for review by a PPRA or PRSA professional. All pre-registered participants will also be entered into our raffle for the chance to win a "shadowing day" with a PR pro, plus other great prizes (must be present to win)!
Confirmed Panelists:
* Moderator: Gregg Feistman - Assistant Professor -Public Relations
* Erin Allsman - Public Relations Director, Brownstein Group
* Meredith Avakian - Public Affairs Specialist, DuPont
* Marlo DelSordo - Director of Communications and Marketing, Philabundance
* Ike Richman - Vice President, Public Relations, Comcast-Spectacor
Location:
PECO
Energy Hall
2301 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Date:
Monday, April 4
Time:
5:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Registration
6:00 - 6:45 p.m.
Panel Discussion with PR Executives
6:45 - 7:30 p.m.
Round Table Discussion with Young Professionals
7:30 - 7:35 p.m.
Raffle Drawing
Registration Fees:
$10 per person
Want to register? Click here
Stay tuned for a future post directly from students and young pros who have benefited from attending Careers 101!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Facebook Revolution
Facebook has revolutionized the way people do a multitude of things. From scheduling events, to posting pictures, to a unique and cost-efficient way for companies to interact with their target markets, Facebook has become a resource that individuals use worldwide. As a 2010 graduate of Temple University, I know that the curriculum in my Public Relations classes changed as a result of the ever-increasing demand for social media knowledge. I learned how to use Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube strategically and professionally. Then I learned from PR pros that social media was what could set young professionals apart from others generations.
What I didn’t learn in college was that Facebook was actually going to help start a revolution in countries far from Philadelphia.
In an article titled, “Why not call it a Facebook revolution?” by Chris Taylor for CNN, I read about how instrumental Facebook was in helping Egyptians to come together and start a revolution, and how Tunisians used Twitter to get people out into the streets. Even though people in those countries were using social media to organize around important issues, experts aren’t convinced that those tools played too big of a part.
"People protested and brought down governments before Facebook was invented," the New Yorker's Malcolm Gladwell opined on February 2. A few weeks later, The Financial Times' Gideon Rachman reminded us that "the French managed to storm the Bastille without the help of Twitter -- and the Bolsheviks took the Winter Palace without pausing to post photos of each other on Facebook."
These conflicting ideas got me thinking about just how many ways Facebook can be utilized. PR pros use it as a way to get their clients out into the public. Others use it as a way to keep in touch. Revolutionaries use it to organize. Where will it go next?
I find it exciting to think about how Facebook and other social media tools will be used by people around the world in the coming years. What are you going to do with it next?
Want to read the article? Check it out here.
This blog post was written by Melissa Marsili. Melissa is a 2010 Temple University graduate now working in marketing at a non-profit organization in Center City, Philadelphia. As Newsletter Chair for PPRA, Melissa works to gather interesting and helpful information for the monthly newsletter. You can find Melissa on Twitter or on LinkedIn.
What I didn’t learn in college was that Facebook was actually going to help start a revolution in countries far from Philadelphia.
In an article titled, “Why not call it a Facebook revolution?” by Chris Taylor for CNN, I read about how instrumental Facebook was in helping Egyptians to come together and start a revolution, and how Tunisians used Twitter to get people out into the streets. Even though people in those countries were using social media to organize around important issues, experts aren’t convinced that those tools played too big of a part.
"People protested and brought down governments before Facebook was invented," the New Yorker's Malcolm Gladwell opined on February 2. A few weeks later, The Financial Times' Gideon Rachman reminded us that "the French managed to storm the Bastille without the help of Twitter -- and the Bolsheviks took the Winter Palace without pausing to post photos of each other on Facebook."
These conflicting ideas got me thinking about just how many ways Facebook can be utilized. PR pros use it as a way to get their clients out into the public. Others use it as a way to keep in touch. Revolutionaries use it to organize. Where will it go next?
I find it exciting to think about how Facebook and other social media tools will be used by people around the world in the coming years. What are you going to do with it next?
Want to read the article? Check it out here.
This blog post was written by Melissa Marsili. Melissa is a 2010 Temple University graduate now working in marketing at a non-profit organization in Center City, Philadelphia. As Newsletter Chair for PPRA, Melissa works to gather interesting and helpful information for the monthly newsletter. You can find Melissa on Twitter or on LinkedIn.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
PR Experts Assist New Non-Profit, Rock to the Future
Rock to the Future is one of the local non-profits selected to receive pro-bono public relations consulting from PPRA’s PRoactive committee. They are helping Rock to the Future develop a strong image in the community as well as in the media through writing and distributing press releases, promoting local concerts and re-designing their brochure.
Rock to the Future, founded just last year, is the only program of its kind in the city, which combines an afterschool music education and youth development program, at no cost to students. The participants of the program are Philadelphia students between the ages 9-14. Students learn to play an instrument – their choice of guitar, bass guitar, drums, vocals or keyboards – and also receive homework help. Students attend the program every day after school at the Atonement Lutheran Church in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia. During the course of the school year, the students will work together to write new, original music.
PRoactive is promoting a benefit concert on April 30th at Danger Danger Gallery where four local bands will play in to support Rock to the Future. Jessica McKay, Founding Director of Rock to the Future, performs in one of the local bands putting on the concert, Conversations with Enemies. Tickets are available at the door for $10. The benefit will take place in West Philadelphia at the Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, Pa., on April 30 at 8:00 p.m. Come out and support this important organization while enjoying a variety of music!
For more information about Rock to the Future visit www.phillyrock.org.
This blog post was written by Nina Scimenes. Nina Scimenes has been an active PPRA member since 2005. After graduating from Cabrini College with a Communications degree in 2006 she went on to do PR and fundraising at Laurel House, then most recently she was the marketing coordinator at Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Hotel, now she is a freelancer at Brides Philadelphia Magazine. This year Nina has also been a PR Consultant for Rock to the Future, a local non-profit that is benefiting from pro-bono PR from PPRA members. When she is not immersed in PR work she is most likely training for her next triathlon. Last year she completed her first triathlon in Philadelphia and is brave enough to go back from more including a swim in the Schuylkill River.
Rock to the Future, founded just last year, is the only program of its kind in the city, which combines an afterschool music education and youth development program, at no cost to students. The participants of the program are Philadelphia students between the ages 9-14. Students learn to play an instrument – their choice of guitar, bass guitar, drums, vocals or keyboards – and also receive homework help. Students attend the program every day after school at the Atonement Lutheran Church in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia. During the course of the school year, the students will work together to write new, original music.
PRoactive is promoting a benefit concert on April 30th at Danger Danger Gallery where four local bands will play in to support Rock to the Future. Jessica McKay, Founding Director of Rock to the Future, performs in one of the local bands putting on the concert, Conversations with Enemies. Tickets are available at the door for $10. The benefit will take place in West Philadelphia at the Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, Pa., on April 30 at 8:00 p.m. Come out and support this important organization while enjoying a variety of music!
For more information about Rock to the Future visit www.phillyrock.org.
This blog post was written by Nina Scimenes. Nina Scimenes has been an active PPRA member since 2005. After graduating from Cabrini College with a Communications degree in 2006 she went on to do PR and fundraising at Laurel House, then most recently she was the marketing coordinator at Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Hotel, now she is a freelancer at Brides Philadelphia Magazine. This year Nina has also been a PR Consultant for Rock to the Future, a local non-profit that is benefiting from pro-bono PR from PPRA members. When she is not immersed in PR work she is most likely training for her next triathlon. Last year she completed her first triathlon in Philadelphia and is brave enough to go back from more including a swim in the Schuylkill River.
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