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Monday, December 31, 2012

Job - Volunteer Committee Member - Laugh Out Loud Twin Cities 2013

Lola Red PR Signs National Retailer, Fresh Produce Sportswear

Fresh Produce Sportswear, LLC, a leading apparel brand for women, has named Minneapolis-based Lola Red PR as its national PR agency of record. Lola Red PR will handle national business, trade, and regional consumer PR and communication for the brand and its 27 retail boutiques.

Fresh Produce designs, manufactures and retails women’s clothing that is known for imaginative prints, vibrant colors and stylish, yet relaxed silhouettes. The company offers timeless, flattering wardrobe basics and standout styles in womens, girls and plus sizes. Fresh Produce is primarily made in the USA and is currently available at 27 company-owned retail boutiques, online, and at more than 400 independent retailers throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. 

“We’re proud to have Lola Red PR as our partner in communication,” says Tia Mattson, Fresh Produce Senior Marketing Manager. “Lola Red’s track record with multi-location businesses is impressive and they have demonstrated their ability to build Fresh Produce’s awareness with consumers both regionally and nationally.” 

“We are thrilled to add Fresh Produce to our roster of clients,” says Alexis Walsko, President and Founder of Lola Red PR. ”The Fresh Produce brand has delighted women for nearly thirty years and we look forward to sharing their story with consumers across the country.”

Friday, December 28, 2012

Job - Saint Mary’s University Schools of Graduate & Professional Programs - Associate Vice President, University Relations

Thursday, December 27, 2012

BMA’s New TUNE IN Branding Series for B2B Marketers

January is the month of new beginnings. It’s time to step back, wipe the slate clean and give your brand some TLC. Whether you’re feeling brand-less or badass, the Minnesota Business Marketing Association will help you TUNE IN with the first in a series of events that study best practices in branding. The TUNE IN branding series will run January through March and is kicking off with a global speaker and author, John Foley. Join us as BMA Minnesota presents:

Taking Your Brand and Reputation to the Next LEVEL
In the chaotic world of global competition, find out what it takes to elevate your brand and reputation to the next level. Using the research from his book Balanced Brand, John Foley, founder and CEO of LEVEL – a global brand and advertising agency - will share the research and insights he discovered while working with and interviewing companies such as Mayo Clinic, 3M and Cargill. You will learn how to apply the building blocks of Alignment, Authenticity and Trust to create world-class brands and reputations. These concepts have the power to transform every aspect of your business and give you a fresh perspective on how to build an unassailable competitive advantage.

Value to Participants
In this hands-on session you will learn about the Next Level brand and reputation analysis while learning concepts that you can put immediately to work for your business.
Participants will learn to:
• Understand what drives world-class brands and reputations, and how to protect them in a transparent world
• Discover the values that are integral to alignment and necessary to build strong brands and reputations
• Create internal alignment which results in an unassailable competitive advantage
• Tear down internal silos that prevent market success
• Institute a unified customer experience and has the power to transform your business
• New ideas for making social media actually work in tandem with B2B lead generation
• Examples of how leading B2B brands are making the most of their social media efforts to drive pipeline

About the presenter:

John Foley is the author of Balanced Brand and the founder and CEO of LEVEL, a brand and reputation firm in Minneapolis. His book, Balanced Brand, explores why organizations must align corporate values with stakeholder values to build and protect strong brands and reputations. Foley writes for numerous business and trade publications and he frequently guest lectures at esteemed universities and institutes around the country. Foley and his leadership team have provided strategic brand planning for such organizations as Beckman Coulter, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, 3M, Cargill, Caterpillar, Fair Isaac, GMAC, Honeywell, KPMG, Lawson Software, Medica, Pearson, and United Health Group. 

Register now to reserve your seat.
For more information and to register visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5060528176

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

MWMC - New Year's Free Casual Networking Event - January 9, 2013, 6:00 pm–8:00 pm

Get started on networking in 2013 - join MWMC for an exciting evening of networking with inspiring women in the marcomm industry.

Let's start the New Year with our traditional networking event, free of cost for members as well as non-members.

Bring along your friends and co-workers - it's all about becoming acquainted with MWMC and our members.

Meet business associates, industry leaders and board members; it's easy to make meaningful business connections (and new friends) in this welcoming atmosphere!
Learn more about our 2013 events, such as Women@Work Workshops, Women Launching Women Panels, Learning Lunches and free Brown Bags.

Enjoy complimentary appetizers and lots of great discussion.
Chiang Mai Thai is located on the far East side of Calhoun Square (first floor).
Parking is available directly across from the restaurant in the Calhoun Square Parking Garage.

We are looking forward to meeting you in person!
  • Chiang Mai Thai
    Calhoun Square
    3001 Hennepin Ave S

  • Event Website »
  • Capacity: 60
  • Available spaces: 15

Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas!


Thursday, December 20, 2012

Job - Mall of America - Public Relations Intern

Job - Mall of America - Public Relations Fashion Intern

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Job - Arthritis Foundation - Special Events Coordinator

Tom Horner Opens New Public Relations, Public Affairs Firm

is building on nearly four decades of experience in public relations, public affairs, journalism and politics to create a new communications consulting firm, Horner Strategies, LLC. The company is a new approach to delivering senior-level public relations and public affairs counsel.

The Minneapolis-based firm is designed to help clients succeed in today’s contentious and cluttered marketplace. Horner Strategies is a boutique firm, which partners with its clients to deliver an experienced, thoughtful strategy. The firm will keep a small, focused list of clients.

“We’re not trying to be all things to all clients,” Horner said. “Horner Strategies is designed to create the team and level of service each client needs. Some clients will take more resources, and that’s when we can tap into our network of experts to build a team with skills tailored to our clients’ needs and opportunities. Clients who don’t need a full range of communications services, aren’t paying for the overhead. If clients need senior-level consulting and day-to-day implementation, that’s all they will pay for.”

Horner started his career in the 1970s as managing editor of the Suburban Sun newspapers. He then served as chief of staff to former U.S. Sen. Dave Durenberger. After moving back to his hometown of Minneapolis, Horner ran the regional operations of the international public relations firm, Hill and Knowlton. In 1989, he co-founded the public affairs firm, Himle Horner, Inc. (now Himle Rapp & Co.) In 2010, Horner was a candidate for governor of Minnesota.

Joining Horner as account executive is his daughter, . She has managed publicity, events and communications for diverse clients and organizations. Amanda Horner worked for a Minnesota-based public relations firm where her duties ranged from publicity for the Basilica Block Party to public affairs outreach for a major legislative initiative. In addition, she has worked in communications for a non-profit social services organization and for a Minnesota university. She brings insightful thinking and expertise in communicating in mainstream and new media.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Job - Jungle Red Salon~Spa~Gallery - Marketing/PR Internship

Job - CommonBond Communities - Special Events Intern

Monday, December 17, 2012

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt adds three more states to its map including Minnesota

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt continues to gain momentum in the self-serve frozen yogurt marketplace with upcoming openings in three new states. This expansion will bring the company’s total franchised presence to over 200 stores spanning 39 states in two countries.

Reese Travis, CEO of Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, is excited to see the self-serve concept expand.
“Our entry into these new markets is just another chapter in the long-term growth plans we have for Orange Leaf,” Travis said. “We are eager to open and look forward to helping our franchisees succeed in treating their communities to a fun new concept.”

Store locations in these new states should be opening early 2013, and specific addresses will be announced soon.

A Look at an Up-and-Comer: Hannah Kuelbs

is the president of the Public Relations Student Society of America chapter at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D.

1. Tell us a bit about your public relations experience so far.

I was introduced to public relations when I joined my sophomore year, the same year I took my first PR course. I became interested in the field through trips that Augustana PRSSA takes to the Twin Cities each spring. As the Augustana PRSSA president, I now have the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for PR with others, while trying to learn as much as I can. In October, I was lucky enough to attend the PRSSA National Conference in San Francisco where I was able to interact with PR students and professionals from across the country.

2. You won a PRSA Student Classics Award in 2012. Tell us more about the publication you created for Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues.

As a Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues (SFJB) intern, I helped promote and execute the locally acclaimed event, JazzFest. JazzFest of Sioux Falls is a three-day outdoor music festival. As the second most-attended event in South Dakota, it brings a large crowd to Sioux Falls every summer. Because of the influx of people, the local neighborhoods are affected.

Hannah Kuelbs
The special purpose publication I created was in response to the growing concern about the safety and comfort of the citizens of the surrounding neighborhood. In the past, there had been complaints about parking issues, alcohol offenses, litter, and general rowdiness caused by the crowds that seem from the event into the neighborhoods. I used the information I received talking with local citizens, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and a local eco-organization to create a mailer that would instill ease in the neighborhood during JazzFest.

The first idea I wanted to convey was that SFJB recognizes the inconveniences the community might face during JazzFest and that we are taking steps to ensure their lives can go on as normal. Secondly, I wanted the community to perceive JazzFest as not just a party, but a party with a purpose. This event is free to the public, while the proceeds from beverages go towards local jazz education. By informing the public of the reason for JazzFest and its contribution to the community, I worked to change the community’s perception of JazzFest.

3. In addition to communications, you're also majoring in music. What similarities and differences do you see in the two disciplines?

Communications and music both require a special attention to detail in order for the end product to be effective. Almost anyone can go up to a piano and learn to play a tune, but that doesn’t necessarily make for a convincing performance. The refined musician puts hours upon hours into the details: phrasing, technique, voicing, tempo, etc. By perfecting the details, the musician is able to better convey the mood and emotion of the message, the music. The same is true in the communications field. It is obvious that we all communicate, but those who do so effectively have refined ideas and methods of sharing a well-tailored message.

Music pushes the imaginative side of my brain to new levels every day. I think PR has a basis in creativity as well. There are so many messages, brands, and ways to share information in our world, so the PR pro has to think and communicate differently. Being a music major has provided me with a diversity of thought that I probably wouldn’t have obtained without my background in music and my passion for the arts.

4. What suggestions do you have for other PRSSA chapters on having a successful chapter?

I think that listening is extremely important for leaders of PRSSA chapters. Each year, PRSSA members have different interests, and it is important to tailor the group’s activities in order for committed students to benefit from being in PRSSA. This means getting to know the members on a more personal level and encouraging input and participation. For our chapter, that means connecting with professionals and frequently venturing outside of Sioux Falls, because that’s where more PR opportunities lie.

5. What is your perspective on social media's role in public relations?

I believe that social media is redefining the function of PR. Public relations now has heightened responsibility not just to get media coverage, but to shape and share the content that is created by others because of the conversational nature of social media. While social media has proven its potential to increase personal connection and fan building by piggybacking on the success of other traditional tactics, I think that social media can be falsely regarded as a strategy that can fix all problems. A brand needs to be built and maintained outside of social media in order to be most effectively strengthened in online communities.

6. What is your desired career path?

I hope to combine my two passions and work for a music organization doing PR or strategic communications. However, I love the agency pace and environment and I am keeping my options open for my first job after graduation.

Connect with Hannah on . Follow Hannah on or read her blog.

-- / Skogrand PR Solutions, LLC

Job - Snap Agency seeks a digital marketing intern for a part time position with flexible hours

Friday, December 14, 2012

Job - ARKRAY - Communications Intern

Job - Gray Plant Mooty - Events Coordinator - Minneapolis

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Wellmark’s new “Promises Matter” campaign by Campbell Mithun champions integrity

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield just launched its new “Promises Matter” campaign, via agency partner , in a move to proclaim its confidence as a health insurance company that knows who it is, what it stands for and what it believes. The work directly communicates the trust and integrity that’s both central to Wellmark’s identity and increasingly valued by consumers navigating the shifting healthcare landscape.
 
“By showing our belief in and respect for the power of promises, this campaign brings the company’s core belief of integrity to life in a very human way,” said George Hanna, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Wellmark.  “When people are managing something as important as their health, that really does matter.”
 
The campaign showcases everyday scenarios of real-life promise keeping, from a dad who catches his jumping daughter in a pool to a couple celebrating decades of marriage. Other executions actually personalize Wellmark by featuring real employees: Laura, from claims, promises “I will see a face behind every claim”; Dennis, from customer service, promises “I cannot cure pain, but I can ease pain.” Eight staff members are featured in the brand video, whose voiceover says, “At Wellmark, we believe the promises a company makes are no different than the promises people make.”
 
You can’t bring an idea like Promises Matter to just any client. The company has to believe it,” said Reid Holmes, executive creative director at Campbell Mithun.  “Our research proved that consumers who put their trust in Wellmark aren’t just putting blind faith in a company, but in people who believe integrity is fundamental to how they work.”
Creative executions for “Promises Matter” include: brand video, TV, print, digital banners, out of home and radio. The campaign will run regionally with a variety of related executions through 2013. 
The integrated campaign debuts the first work created by Campbell Mithun since winning the Wellmark business late in 2011.  The agency maintains a substantial health practice and has served clients including Airborne, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Easter Seals, Eli Lily, Kimberly-Clark, The Mayo Clinic, Novartis, Pfizer and Sonovion brands (Xopenex, Lunesta), among others.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

An Accidental Community

On August 1, 2007 the I-35W Mississippi River bridge collapsed during rush hour, killing 13 and injuring 145. The bridge was one of Minnesota’s busiest, carrying 140,000 vehicles daily. The National Transportation Safety Board cited a design flaw as the likely cause of the collapse. While working as a graphics artist, Jane Friedmann, an investigative reporter at the Star Tribune, was asked to help identify the victims. There was no official information because the collapse was considered a potential crime scene and there were concerns among law enforcement about privacy rights.

For weeks Jane studied photographs and searched the internet for clues. When she found a license plate in a photograph, she would look up the owner in a state database. Sometimes there was only a partial license plate or the picture was blurry, so Jane had to narrow down the possibilities with make, model and color of the vehicle. Some clues were found in posts on social media pages like Myspace and Facebook.

Jane’s colleagues created a web page for the victims and their stories. A team of reporters and online professionals spent countless hours interviewing the survivors and their families. Five years later, the newspaper conducted follow up interviews. The web page has an interactive map of an aerial view of the bridge collapse. Users can click on the numbers next to the vehicles to read their story, and for some, watch a short video clip. View the website here: http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/12166286.html

Jane recounts, “What struck me as the project developed was how the victims really formed an accidental community. After all, who else could truly understand what they went through?”

Jane, with assists from her colleagues, was able to identify the victims in 78 of 84 non-construction vehicles that were on the bridge at the time of the collapse. For that the project was given a regional Emmy award, a national Headliners award, an Eppy award, a Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists award and awards from the Society of News Design.  

Courtney Wolf
University of Minnesota
Jour 3279
Blog Assignment

Reasons Strategic Communications Makes Socially Aware Individuals

There are many reasons professionals engage in strategic communications in both their careers and private lives. Many users are looking to social media to develop a strong personal brand and put themselves out there, while others are just interested in connecting with loved ones across state boundaries. While I use social media for a number of reasons, I do know my use of strategic communications has developed me into a more socially aware individual through my exposure to various things.

Becoming a strategic communications guru has allowed me to understand that what I produce to be put online, whether it is a tweet about my day or a blog about a topic I feel strongly about, becomes permanent. Through strategic communications, users must realize that what they are doing online is bigger than themselves. The user-generated content of the online world is permanent and if professionals do not have strategies behind their actions, they will be impacted. Thinking before posting has been a huge lesson of the strategic communications world.

Understanding the use of strategic communications by businesses and media can also develop users into more socially aware citizens because they understand the intent of various individuals. Social awareness of current events can occur through the use of online communications because individuals are more exposed. Being emerged into the “who’s, who” world of Twitter and Linkedin create professionals with a broader span of cultural knowledge.

Because I am utilizing strategic communications in my everyday life, I know of events and controversies before other people, and I am educated as to which publications or networks are trustworthy. I am knowledgeable of current events and the world around me because strategic communications is a platform where sources are posting updates. I honestly feel that those who are strong navigators of the online strategic platforms are able to often speak intelligently about various sides of a debate or issue.

Those who look down upon professionals in the strategic communications world need to understand the huge opportunity social media provides to develop the social awareness of its users. By communicating in a strategic way, users understand that the messages they are reading have a purpose. and therefore know how to intercept them. Through my strong presence in the social media world, I have used what I know about strategic communications to become a knowledgeable, well-spoken professional.  I believe all combatants of these new communication sources must give them another try because there is absolutely nothing wrong with being socially aware
Lindsay Smith
University of Minnesota
Jour 3279
Blog Assignment 

Monday, December 10, 2012

A Positive Online Presence: Not just for Communication Students


As a PR student, I’ve spent countless class periods listening to professors lecture on the importance of creating a strong online presence.  The conversation, usually initiated by the infamous question, “What does your online presence say about you?” seems redundant for most journalism students who inevitably analyze each and every character of their tweet before sending it out to the masses because frankly, we get it.  We get that employers Google a prospect before evaluating a resume and we understand that what we say and do on the web affects our chances of being accepted into graduate or professional school. 

Undoubtedly, my professors and public relations coursework have instilled in me the importance of having a strong, positive online presence, but as I scroll through my twitter feed of f-bombs and negativity, I worry for my friends that haven’t had the luxury of this education.  After all, it doesn’t matter what your major is… a negative online presence will affect you.  And with the job market becoming increasingly competitive, I find it vital that all students learn the importance of tailoring their online presence because positive PR isn’t just for communication students.
 
The common excuse I receive when consulting my friends regarding their online presence is that they’ve never considered that graduate schools may be monitoring their social media accounts or googling them.  But according to , social media can ruin or help one’s chance of getting into graduate school.  So while it is extremely important that students applying to graduate school keep their online image professional and positive, it is even more important for those students to build their online presence by properly utilizing numerous social media accounts. 

With this in mind, if students don’t have an online presence or if their presence consists of twitter rants and inappropriate Facebook photos, graduate schools may choose to throw out a student’s application; thus, giving students with a PR background a better shot at acceptance than a student lacking this essential education.  

Lindsay Baker
University of Minnesota
Jour 3279
Blog Assignment 

Israel, Jackson Join Beehive PR

has joined Beehive PR as account director, and has joined the agency as account coordinator.

Israel has more than 16 years of experience in brand and project management, as well as design, digital and print communications. As account director, Israel will serve as the day-to-day strategic account lead for clients, including Deluxe Corporation and 3M Infection Prevention.

Prior to joining Beehive, Israel was an account supervisor with Weber Shandwick and represented national brands, including the U.S. Census, State Farm, the U.S. Army, Coca-Cola and Computer Associates. He also has worked in marketing for the Minnesota Wild and Boston Celtics. Israel has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Jackson was previously marketing manager for Cynthia Rae Boutique and a retail marketing intern for Mall of America. Jackson received a bachelor’s degree in retailing from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She supports the agency’s traditional and social media research, monitoring and analysis, media and blogger relations and strategic account planning for clients, including 6PM.COM and Coloplast Corp.

Friday, December 07, 2012

Job - GAGE looking for management supervisor in PR

PRSA - January Red Bull Event

January Red Bull Event
How the Great Adventures of Red Bull Equals Brand Engagement
You know that “Red Bull gives you wings,” and in the world of extreme sports and sports marketing Red Bull has become synonymous  with ground-breaking events, that are truly larger than life and out of this world. As Red Bull Crashed Ice makes its way back to St. Paul for the second time join Minnesota PRSA for a conversation with Lou Galasso, Red Bull Event Marketing Manager, about the strategy driving Red Bull’s wildly successful sports marketing events, how the events drive media attention and brand awareness and what they mean for sales.

is an Event Marketing Manager at Red Bull. Galasso is a strategic marketer with 15 years of experience in the areas of sports marketing, sales, advertising, retail marketing, television production, event management and personnel management.  He manages the production and marketing of Red Bull events for the Midwest.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind discussion with one of today’s most well-known brands.
Register HERE!

Event Details
Who: Lou Galasso, Event Marketing Manager, Red Bull
When: Jan. 8, 2013
7:30 a.m. – Registration
8 a.m. – Program
9:30 a.m.- Networking
Where: Northwest Area Foundation


Directions

Cost:
Members: $30
Non-members: $45
Students: $25
Price increases by $10 at the door
*Continental breakfast included*
*Free parking lot next to building*

Thursday, December 06, 2012

Job - Russell Herder - Public Relations Specialist

Wednesday, December 05, 2012

Job - Weber Shandwick - Public Relations Internship

Spyglass Hires Jeff Busch as CEO

has been named chief executive officer/managing director at Minneapolis agency Spyglass Brand Marketing. Landing at Spyglass last June, Busch will focus on developing new business for Spyglass as it continues on its successful growth track.

Busch brings nearly 30 years of advertising, branding and creative experience to Spyglass. Prior to joining Spyglass, Busch spent 16 years as president/creative director at award-winning Seattle-based ad agency Busch & Company, serving a variety of industries including health care, software/web applications, retail/chain stores, hospitality, packaged foods and manufacturing. While running that agency, Busch received numerous industry honors for marketing excellence.

Throughout his career, Busch has held an equal balance of client side positions as well, including CMO for a global retail software firm in San Diego, and VP Marketing for a Minneapolis-based software developer. His first agency job was at Seattle-based John Brown & Partners, originators of the NIKE global brand and early award-winning advertising.

“The creative product at Spyglass is phenomenal,” says Busch. “It’s a distinct and refreshing contrast to much of what is in the marketplace. I think Spyglass is poised for even further greatness because the value we bring to our customers is connecting the strategic thinking to the creative solution. That is very difficult to do and it’s the hardest part about our business. But the payoffs are huge. Those are the things that drew me here, and those are the things I hope to continue as we move forward.”

Busch, who has a degree in advertising communications from Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communications, joins founding partners Molly Rice (president) and Andy Slothower (strategic lead) in leading the 12-year-old brand marketing agency, which has served more than 150 companies in the retail, commercial, technology, health care, medical and financial services markets. Since its founding, Spyglass has continued on a rapid growth track, hitting a record year in 2011.

“We're thrilled to have Jeff's vast experience and creativity to further fuel our clients' success,” says Rice. “With his leadership, we'll continue growing and competing at an even higher level.”
Busch is also the national president of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. His leadership extends to mentoring and cultivating the next generation of business leaders at the collegiate level. Positioned as America’s Leadership Development Fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega’s members raised more than $8 million in 2011 to help non-profit and community organizations. Busch has served on Alpha Tau Omega’s board of directors since 2000 and became national president in August of this year.

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Job - Padilla Speer Beardsley is looking for a full-time public relations intern

Job - Padilla Speer Beardsley - Account execs needed for our thriving agribusiness practice!

Pineapple RM Promotes Holli Wilber to Account Executive

Pineapple RM, Inc., is pleased to announce the promotion of to account executive. Wilber joined the agency in December 2011 and has been integral to generating results that matter for clients as well as contributing to the agency’s first-year profits.

“Holli successfully provides attentive account service and implements programs on behalf of our clients,” says Rose McKinney, APR, founder and CEO of PineappleRM. “Client accolades include her role with reputation-management, brand refresh, and ongoing marketing-communication and PR initiatives.”

Wilber is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in journalism (professional strategic communication) and a minor in management. She is a member of the Minnesota PRSA programming committee.

During college, Wilber worked for Gopher Sports Marketing as the promotions director, where she planned and implemented the promotions and game-day activities for football wrestling and women’s softball. Prior to that, she was a communications intern for University Parking and Transportation Services where she promoted the department’s services to students, parents, and staff at a multitude of University of Minnesota orientation programs.

Tempur-Pedic Names Carmichael Lynch Agency of Record

Tempur-Pedic International Inc. (NYSE: TPX), manufacturer and marketer of the most highly recommended bed in America, has selected Carmichael Lynch as its creative agency of record following a competitive review. Tempur-Pedic also named Carmichael Lynch Spong as its public relations agency of record.

“Carmichael Lynch has tremendous success in working with its clients to inspire remarkable business results,” said Rick Anderson, president of Tempur-Pedic North America. “The agency’s work for iconic brands such as Subaru and Harley-Davidson struck a personal chord as they built upon each brands’ loyal and fervent owner base to attract new users to each business. We’re confident that they’ll be able to further harness the power of Tempur-Pedic owners to drive our business results.”

“Tempur-Pedic is an iconic brand led by a very aggressive, forward-thinking senior management team,” said Mike Lescarbeau, chief executive officer at Carmichael Lynch. “We look forward to redefining the conversation around sleep through work that forges an emotional bond between Tempur-Pedic and its avid, loyal owners.”

Tempur-Pedic believes strongly in investing to build consumer connections. Kantar reported $100+ million in measured media spend for Tempur-Pedic, making this one of the largest new business wins among Twin Cities-based agencies in the past two years.

Monday, December 03, 2012

Pinterest: a Different PR Tactic

Sad to say, but I probably spend at least an hour on per day. Whether I’m wasting time online, on my phone in between classes, or simply in need of some inspiration, Pinterest serves its purpose. The social media site launched in 2010, but in 2011 they reported such a dramatic traffic increase that not even YouTube could compete. Within a matter of a few short months, Pinterest became a dominant social media tool. While I initially looked to Pinterest for style or cooking inspiration, the social media site has proved to be not only a place for inspiration but also a Public Relations tool.

Pinterest is a very different type of social media because the focus is not on verbal communication, but rather on connecting with a target audience via use of visuals. Scrolling through a Pinterest page to me is basically like flipping through a magazine. Pins can offer anything from workout advice, recipes, clothes, an infographic, home/garden décor, etc. Each Pin is linked to an outside website, many of which are businesses and blogs. If a picture receives multiple repins, Pinners are likely to further explore that site or business.

Take Glitter Guide, for example. Glitter Guide is a fashion and lifestyle blog that has promoted itself and its partner sites by using pins with article captions to drive their Pinterest followers to their site. Glitter Guide is one of Pinterest’s most popular Pinners because they balance promotion and inspiration on their boards. For example, one of Glitter Guide’s recent popular pins photographs a woman with cat-eye makeup, captioned “how to: cat-eye.” Click on the pin and you’re directed to a step-by-step blog post from one of Glitter Guide’s partner sites. By posting that pin with that caption, Pinterest users have been directed from Pinterest to the source and are bound to further explore.

Unfortunately for a student on a college budget such as myself, I have used Pinterest to purchase products like I never have before with Twitter and Facebook. Promoting brands and a product is one strength that Pinterest reigns over both Twitter and Facebook (check out these statistics!). That said, Pinterest may not enable the PR professional to directly communicate one-on-one with their market, but it is the ideal tool for promoting site traffic and visual branding.

Claire Hassel
University of Minnesota
Jour 3279
Blog Assignment 

Make yourself exemplary.


Make yourself exemplary.

The easiest way to set yourself above the status quo is to home in on a specific sector of public relations while developing a broad skill set that will greatly enhance your abilities to do your specific job really well.

To home correctly, find what you like, or know, or would like to know.

Focus on something specific and applicable, i.e. Fashion PR or Fundraiser Event Planning. Something like Social Media is too broad. Unless you plan on becoming a Twitter master, choose an area that is distinctly set apart from the general sphere of public relations.

Now that you have your target area locked in your crosshairs, here is a list of skills to develop that will be an asset not only in your job search, but in your career as well:
  • HTML: Understanding the basics of coding and designing online content will push your: resume to the top of the list. Everything is digital now, and having the skills to translate your ideas to actual pixels will not go unnoticed.
  • Graphic Design: Much like HTML, being able to alter photos and create vectors to accompany your already capable writing skills will make you a rock star. Having these skills yourself allows you to skip the middle man. Graphic designers are great at what they do, but it will speed up process time if you have a mockup they can work from, or understand the limitations they are working under. Some programs to consider investing time in are Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Lynda.com (link www.lynda.com) has excellent tutorials on all of the aforementioned.
  • Social Media: This should go without saying, but take the time to understand how social media really works. Learn the tricks through personal use while building up your online portfolio. Also understanding things like SEO, analytics and other quantifiable web measurements that could go along with your messages will put you one step ahead of the competition.
  • Branding: This may seem like more of a marketing tool, but several communication job descriptions are dressed in marketing’s garments. Understanding, and showing that you understand, how to incorporate a consistent brand persona through all of your messages is a huge turn on for employers, especially those with established brand attitudes.
All of the above will certainly set you apart from the pool of capable applicants, but don’t discredit the necessity of strong, clear, concise writing skills. Being able to write in AP style and in a fast pace environment are essentials to any public relations position.

If you do not have strong writing skills, you are not what I referred to as “capable”. That is what you should be learning in the classroom. If you are not, you should reassess your writing assignments and start seeing the value in actually completing them. And completing them well.


Lacey Braun
University of Minnesota
Jour 3279
Blog Assignment 

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