Following the trend and increase in social responsibility McDonald's has released their Corporate Social Responsibility report through a website, according to an article by PR Week.
The release of the report looks to be a great example of Internal PR. The use of screen savers, e-mail messages to employees from CEO's, and info packets at headquarters all are great examples. The executive blogs are a good resource as well.
The quote in the article shows that the internal PR has done a good job of getting company leaders ready to discuss with the press.
“We really tried to make [the report] very interesting, to bring out the video and to use the blog more and have layers and layers…in the way that it appeals to everyone,” Langert said. “Social responsibility is a part of everyone's job at McDonald's, and everyone should care, so the language is straightforward.”
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
JCOM 2300 PR News #13
An article on PR Week discussed how Starbucks has joined with (RED), a group that focuses on eliminating AIDS in Africa. According to Stacey Krum, a Starbuck's spokesperson, the PR plan in regards to the partnership will include traditional media relations, online outreach, and in-store marketing and events.
Customers will be able to take pictures of themselves between the red parentahses that have come to be a symbol for (RED) and upload them onto the Starbuck's website. Starbuck's will allow customers to donate to the (RED) fund through purchasing certain holiday drinks at the stores.
This sounds like a wonderful campaign. With the popularity and trend of socially responsible shoppers and the use of the holiday season it seems like a great match for everyone involved. Connecting consumers to a product with a cause helps your cause as a PR company.
Customers will be able to take pictures of themselves between the red parentahses that have come to be a symbol for (RED) and upload them onto the Starbuck's website. Starbuck's will allow customers to donate to the (RED) fund through purchasing certain holiday drinks at the stores.
This sounds like a wonderful campaign. With the popularity and trend of socially responsible shoppers and the use of the holiday season it seems like a great match for everyone involved. Connecting consumers to a product with a cause helps your cause as a PR company.
Monday, November 3, 2008
JCOM 2300 PR News #12
An article in PR Week explained how Omnicom is starting a new agency that is based on mobile communications. The new firm, Mobile Behavior, "will focus on incorporating mobile communications into marketing plans and media strategy."
I'm a little confused as to why a new agency needs to be created in order to do this. I feel all marketing/PR professionals should be moving in this direction. Mobile communications should be a focus of all of those in the communication profession.
Maybe having an agency focus on it directly will help put them further.
I'm a little confused as to why a new agency needs to be created in order to do this. I feel all marketing/PR professionals should be moving in this direction. Mobile communications should be a focus of all of those in the communication profession.
Maybe having an agency focus on it directly will help put them further.
JCOM 2300 PR News #11
The biotechnology trade association known as BIO has come up with an innovative way to attach itself with a television show according to a PR Week article. An interactive website located at eleventhhourfacts.com is an attempt to help inform public about the biotechnology industry. It is a great idea for the website to base its content on the recent shows. The more industry related website geared more towards professionals is also a great idea.
“We're not here to comment on the program we're using it as an opportunity to make sure that consumers have the right message about biotech,” said Jerry Johnson, EVP of strategic planning for Brodeur Partners Washington office.
I find it interesting that they are riding the coat tails of the tv program but the program is not doing the opposite. It would have been amazing to establish a relationship with CBS to promote the site as well.
“We're not here to comment on the program we're using it as an opportunity to make sure that consumers have the right message about biotech,” said Jerry Johnson, EVP of strategic planning for Brodeur Partners Washington office.
I find it interesting that they are riding the coat tails of the tv program but the program is not doing the opposite. It would have been amazing to establish a relationship with CBS to promote the site as well.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
JCOM 2300 PR News #10
This article reminded me about the class discussion we had today about the new Visual Identity Program at USU. I loved the idea that in order to promote and brand more effectively and look "more together" the departments will go through the PR/Marketing of USU.
I think the idea of moving all of the different DOD communication entities to one location--a PR Pentagon-- is a terrific concept. The initial cost of the new building and bringing things together is obviously a large one, but I do see how it could eliminate inefficiencies and improve and innovate how the DOD communicates internally and to the public.
Even though they are in the same building will they have a greater grasp on what each other is doing... if not they can walk down the hall or jump on the elevator.
I think the idea of moving all of the different DOD communication entities to one location--a PR Pentagon-- is a terrific concept. The initial cost of the new building and bringing things together is obviously a large one, but I do see how it could eliminate inefficiencies and improve and innovate how the DOD communicates internally and to the public.
Even though they are in the same building will they have a greater grasp on what each other is doing... if not they can walk down the hall or jump on the elevator.
JCOM 2300 PR News #9
An article described how the Johnson School at Cornell has hired an agency to help with media outreach. What I found interesting is that the internal PR of the school will still have many responsibilities.
The most eye-catching of the article was the explanation of the current opportunity the school's faculty and staff find themselves in:
"The ongoing financial turmoil has provided the school's faculty and experts a unique opportunity for appearances in the financial media, Lamb added. 'The Johnson School has been a very valuable resource for the media to comment on what is going on, the packages that Congress is acting on, and those sorts of things,' he said, adding that the university's internal PR staff is handling media training for Cornell officials."
This is great positioning but I am surprised that the internal staff is focusing on the training. The school, according to the article, use to use a LA based firm. I agree with the school's rep that switching to a firm closer to the school itself is an excellent idea.
I'm still curious about the process of choosing an agency, as I have discussed before.
The most eye-catching of the article was the explanation of the current opportunity the school's faculty and staff find themselves in:
"The ongoing financial turmoil has provided the school's faculty and experts a unique opportunity for appearances in the financial media, Lamb added. 'The Johnson School has been a very valuable resource for the media to comment on what is going on, the packages that Congress is acting on, and those sorts of things,' he said, adding that the university's internal PR staff is handling media training for Cornell officials."
This is great positioning but I am surprised that the internal staff is focusing on the training. The school, according to the article, use to use a LA based firm. I agree with the school's rep that switching to a firm closer to the school itself is an excellent idea.
I'm still curious about the process of choosing an agency, as I have discussed before.
JCOM 2300 PR News #8
What does a organization consider when they are trying to select an agency?
An article in PR Week said that the American Cancer Society went through a three-round competitive process that narrowed 36 agencies down to four finalists and finally selected one.
This made me wonder why some did or did not make the cut. Did they receive proposals from all 36? Did they just go to the lowest bidder? I wish the article was a little more specific as to why the ARC selected Brodeur Partner.
It can be assumed that the reasons are the obvious ones but I was very interested as to why others may have been eliminated.
An article in PR Week said that the American Cancer Society went through a three-round competitive process that narrowed 36 agencies down to four finalists and finally selected one.
This made me wonder why some did or did not make the cut. Did they receive proposals from all 36? Did they just go to the lowest bidder? I wish the article was a little more specific as to why the ARC selected Brodeur Partner.
It can be assumed that the reasons are the obvious ones but I was very interested as to why others may have been eliminated.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
JCOM 2300 PR News #7
UNICEF's updated campaign is likely to be followed by other organizations. Using the Internet and sites like Facebook now seems as normal as Press Releases and print ads in any PR/marketing campaign. This article in PR Week is a good vision of that.
Some things that stuck out to me from the article:
"even debuted a “Text-or-Treat” program, where people can donate via their mobile phones."
"is hoping to engage kids ages 5 to 18"
"Sixteen-year-old Disney star Selena Gomez also signed on to be the spokeswoman for Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF this year."
It seems like UNICEF is nailing the target audience and it is a terrific time of year to get younger people involved, and this will find success with the new generation of kids who are educated on "socially responsible shopping." (buying items because they donate to charities, Green products that help protect environment).
Some things that stuck out to me from the article:
"even debuted a “Text-or-Treat” program, where people can donate via their mobile phones."
"is hoping to engage kids ages 5 to 18"
"Sixteen-year-old Disney star Selena Gomez also signed on to be the spokeswoman for Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF this year."
It seems like UNICEF is nailing the target audience and it is a terrific time of year to get younger people involved, and this will find success with the new generation of kids who are educated on "socially responsible shopping." (buying items because they donate to charities, Green products that help protect environment).
Saturday, October 11, 2008
JCOM 2300 PR News #6
The Coca-Cola Company has relaunched it's orange flavored Full Throttle Fury energy drink, and according to an article in PR Week, has targeted African-American males.
The choice of spokesman for the campaign follows with the target audience. The packaging change, although simple, may be an even better move. Putting an orange flavored drink in an orange colored can seems logical, but considering the target audience makes it even more logical. Color selection of clothing apparel by many African-American males tends to be bright more warm colors, so the can could fit in as an accessory.
More serious however is the selection of targeting the hip-hop audience with an enregy drink. Most jump to conclusion that an enrgy drink would be linked to athletes, but the design of the can suggests a more general target.
As the article said the Coke company is only using in-house currently which is interesting considering the use of a spokesman such as Big Boi.
The choice of spokesman for the campaign follows with the target audience. The packaging change, although simple, may be an even better move. Putting an orange flavored drink in an orange colored can seems logical, but considering the target audience makes it even more logical. Color selection of clothing apparel by many African-American males tends to be bright more warm colors, so the can could fit in as an accessory.
More serious however is the selection of targeting the hip-hop audience with an enregy drink. Most jump to conclusion that an enrgy drink would be linked to athletes, but the design of the can suggests a more general target.
As the article said the Coke company is only using in-house currently which is interesting considering the use of a spokesman such as Big Boi.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
JCOM 2300 PR News #5
I am not very familiar with the industry of clothing products or fashion, but I found the overall campaign by Proctor and Gamble (P&G) to align its products with fashion is very interesting and creative.
The campaign is talked about in an article by PR Week. Working with Ann Taylor Loft and celebrities of the industry like Jorge Ramon is a great approach to put a face with the campaign. I find it interesting that such a campaign, as far as I know, has never been so focused. It seems reasonable that clothing products such as Tide and Downy should be aligned with the fashion industry, but I don't think of fabric softener and detergent when I see super models on the runway.
I think this is a very interesting move and they seem very dedicated to it with the amount of money and man power they have no doubt invested. It will be interesting to see how the relationship between the company's products and the industry will work out. Even super model runway clothes need to be cleaned! Usually I would think Tide and Downy would have a middle class image while anything on a runway is usually reserved for the elite. I think they made a good match with the Ann Taylor Loft, however. If it was Gucci, Prada, or Versace, I don't think it would work as well.
A very creatively simple campaign.
The campaign is talked about in an article by PR Week. Working with Ann Taylor Loft and celebrities of the industry like Jorge Ramon is a great approach to put a face with the campaign. I find it interesting that such a campaign, as far as I know, has never been so focused. It seems reasonable that clothing products such as Tide and Downy should be aligned with the fashion industry, but I don't think of fabric softener and detergent when I see super models on the runway.
I think this is a very interesting move and they seem very dedicated to it with the amount of money and man power they have no doubt invested. It will be interesting to see how the relationship between the company's products and the industry will work out. Even super model runway clothes need to be cleaned! Usually I would think Tide and Downy would have a middle class image while anything on a runway is usually reserved for the elite. I think they made a good match with the Ann Taylor Loft, however. If it was Gucci, Prada, or Versace, I don't think it would work as well.
A very creatively simple campaign.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
JCOM 2300 PR News #4
An article is PR Week announced that four firms were chosen to do the communications for the US military in Iraq.
I was surprised at the need for four firms, but realized that the military, as the article said does need a "wide range of communication services." I was most impressed when the article mentioned the contract included training, and wondered what that entails. The other responsibilities of research, dissemination of government information, and promotional campaigns were expected, but I was also interested in what type of "monitoring of Arabic and western media" included.
I would think that military PR, like financial, and other specific markets is more limited on procedures and protocols than for other organizations.
I was surprised at the need for four firms, but realized that the military, as the article said does need a "wide range of communication services." I was most impressed when the article mentioned the contract included training, and wondered what that entails. The other responsibilities of research, dissemination of government information, and promotional campaigns were expected, but I was also interested in what type of "monitoring of Arabic and western media" included.
I would think that military PR, like financial, and other specific markets is more limited on procedures and protocols than for other organizations.
JCOM 2300 PR News #3
With the recent economic crisis we have seen many mergers and acquisitions and a recent article in PR Week discusses the impact on the financial communications industry.
It is a difficult place for some of the PR departments of these companies to be in, but it is definitely an opportunity. The focus on internal PR to the customers and the employees as these mergers and acquisitions occur is crucial. Times like these, especially when there is "uncertainty," is why PR exists. The employees of these companies involved in these M&A's need reassurance that their job is safe and as the article said they need "to keep their focus on serving clients and keep [staffers] motivated."
Immediately and long into the future financial communications will need to be focused on internal reputation management, and the future no doubt holds a focus on the external as these companies will try to hold on to current customers and hopefully start gaining trust and loyalty from others.
It is a difficult place for some of the PR departments of these companies to be in, but it is definitely an opportunity. The focus on internal PR to the customers and the employees as these mergers and acquisitions occur is crucial. Times like these, especially when there is "uncertainty," is why PR exists. The employees of these companies involved in these M&A's need reassurance that their job is safe and as the article said they need "to keep their focus on serving clients and keep [staffers] motivated."
Immediately and long into the future financial communications will need to be focused on internal reputation management, and the future no doubt holds a focus on the external as these companies will try to hold on to current customers and hopefully start gaining trust and loyalty from others.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
JCOM 2300 PR News #2
The MLB and PES campaign featured in the PR Week article is terrific. I was surprised to read that only USA Today had covered the launch of the campaign. I read a few of the press releases on the Major League Baseball Website as well.
I think the timing of this campaign is good. High school and college sports are just getting started and Major League Baseball is just entering the post season. The eyes have been on the MLB and other professional sports as of late concerning performance enhancing drugs. The Olympic games usually bring attention to this issue as well and the recent Olympic games in Beijing were no different. So with the recent spotlight I think this campaign is perfect and the plan and protocols of getting in contact with the young student athletes is a good strategy. If the MLB only wanted to do this to "save face" and get in the headlines the different partnerships would not have been so sought after.
Great way for the MLB to recognize their is a problem and to show to the public their stance on performing enhancing drugs.
I think the timing of this campaign is good. High school and college sports are just getting started and Major League Baseball is just entering the post season. The eyes have been on the MLB and other professional sports as of late concerning performance enhancing drugs. The Olympic games usually bring attention to this issue as well and the recent Olympic games in Beijing were no different. So with the recent spotlight I think this campaign is perfect and the plan and protocols of getting in contact with the young student athletes is a good strategy. If the MLB only wanted to do this to "save face" and get in the headlines the different partnerships would not have been so sought after.
Great way for the MLB to recognize their is a problem and to show to the public their stance on performing enhancing drugs.
JCOM 2300 PR News #1
An article in PR Week covered the collaboritive campaign with T-Mobile and Google to launch the new G1 smartphone.
It is a good idea, I think, for both parties to work on this campaign collectively. The release of a phone to compete with the iPhone is smart and well timed just before the holiday season. It can't hurt Google to work with T-Mobile to also launch the Android operating system.
When I first read the article I was surprised that the official launch was a month from when consumers would be able to buy it, but when I released the main purpose was to release the phones for review I saw the strategy. I do not know what Android is or how this phone will differ but I, like many who hear about it, will now be trying to find out. As Christmas approaches I am sure the reviews will be frequent from now until then, which works perfect for both companies to possible battle against economic fears in the consumers this season (I assume the phone will cost less than its competitors).
The use of the podcast and webcast was a perfect way to hit the target audience and I thought the quotes from the PR guy for T-Mobile were just enough to get interest started and announce the goals and stance of T-mobile. It showed no fear of the iPhone and other smartphones.
It is a good idea, I think, for both parties to work on this campaign collectively. The release of a phone to compete with the iPhone is smart and well timed just before the holiday season. It can't hurt Google to work with T-Mobile to also launch the Android operating system.
When I first read the article I was surprised that the official launch was a month from when consumers would be able to buy it, but when I released the main purpose was to release the phones for review I saw the strategy. I do not know what Android is or how this phone will differ but I, like many who hear about it, will now be trying to find out. As Christmas approaches I am sure the reviews will be frequent from now until then, which works perfect for both companies to possible battle against economic fears in the consumers this season (I assume the phone will cost less than its competitors).
The use of the podcast and webcast was a perfect way to hit the target audience and I thought the quotes from the PR guy for T-Mobile were just enough to get interest started and announce the goals and stance of T-mobile. It showed no fear of the iPhone and other smartphones.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
PRSA Code of Ethics
Like many organizations, the Public Relations Society of America has a code of professional standards and ethics for the practice of public relations. The PRSA Code outlines universal values that promote and encourage ethical behavior. Rather than focusing on enforcement of the code, the PRSA focuses more on giving PR professionals guidelines and motivation to guide themselves.
The Code lists the values PR professionals are expected to have as well as the principles derived from those values to guide conduct. The values are: Advocacy, Honesty, Expertise, Independence, Loyalty, and Fairness. These values may appear as just words on the surface, but the Code does a great job of explaining and defining exactly what the values mean.
The Code also givens provisions and list the core principles. The Code does a good job of giving a description of the principle, listing the intent for adopting the principle, and the Code helpfully gives examples of how misconduct can occur when these principles are not adopted.
The principles are: Free Flow of Information, Competition, Disclosure of Information, Safeguarding Confidences, Conflict of Interest, and Enhancing the Profession.
Trust is crucial to many professions and especially in the business of communications. Adhering to the values and principles of the PRSA Code will help a professional remain professional and maintain the respect and dignity needed not only in the Public Relations field, but any profession. It is up to every member of the PR profession and the PRSA to adapt and use the Code to guide their conduct. The Code promotes accountability and personal responsibility in each individual member. These qualities are crucial to being dignified and respected.
The Code lists the values PR professionals are expected to have as well as the principles derived from those values to guide conduct. The values are: Advocacy, Honesty, Expertise, Independence, Loyalty, and Fairness. These values may appear as just words on the surface, but the Code does a great job of explaining and defining exactly what the values mean.
The Code also givens provisions and list the core principles. The Code does a good job of giving a description of the principle, listing the intent for adopting the principle, and the Code helpfully gives examples of how misconduct can occur when these principles are not adopted.
The principles are: Free Flow of Information, Competition, Disclosure of Information, Safeguarding Confidences, Conflict of Interest, and Enhancing the Profession.
Trust is crucial to many professions and especially in the business of communications. Adhering to the values and principles of the PRSA Code will help a professional remain professional and maintain the respect and dignity needed not only in the Public Relations field, but any profession. It is up to every member of the PR profession and the PRSA to adapt and use the Code to guide their conduct. The Code promotes accountability and personal responsibility in each individual member. These qualities are crucial to being dignified and respected.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)