tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321439232024-03-14T03:59:31.355-07:00Power and Presence- the good, the bad, and the ugly in public presenceBronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-42064438090423965552009-10-29T11:00:00.000-07:002009-10-29T11:01:22.951-07:00We have moved! :)Hello there! My blog is now a part of my website. Please visit <a href="http://www.bronwyncommunications.com">http://www.bronwyncommunications.com</a>. See you there!Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-38003406178367226542009-09-09T16:44:00.001-07:002009-09-09T16:44:14.681-07:00Welcome Back, Mr. Jobs<span xmlns=''><p>Nothing delights me as a public presence coach more than watching Steve Jobs "do his thing" on stage. In his first public appearance since undergoing his liver transplant surgery, he unveiled the new iPod Nano, and did not disappoint. While I would love to wax poetic about the new features (pedometer, video camera and more), I want to focus on the slides he showed. In typical Apple fashion, his slides are an exercise in restraint, simplicity, leaving a powerful mark on the viewer's memory. <br /></p><p>When he unveiled the video camera functionality, he didn't go into the market size of this industry. He didn't bore us with unnecessary technical details. He simply showed the tiny camera lens on the back, and then asked, "How good is it? Turns out it's great." And then he shows a fun, brief, visually stunning little clip called "Threesie on Threesie."<br /></p><p>If you haven't seen it, check out the <a href='http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/09/09/apple.music.event.jobs/index.html'>clip</a>.<br /></p><p>Enjoy.<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>.<br /></p><p><br /> </p></span>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-40150779346276809842009-08-12T10:44:00.000-07:002009-08-12T10:47:56.040-07:00"Where are the Women in Tech and Social Media?"<p class="MsoNormal">This provocative <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/allyson-kapin/radical-tech/diversifying-your-rolodex">posting </a>from Allyson Kapin got me thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>On one hand, I feel the same way about male dominated panels and conference line-ups.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It feels horribly old fashioned and tone-deaf to have an all white male review at a conference.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the other hand, I have a problem with conferences overall, and it has less to do with gender and more to do with the way we approach conferences content.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Let’s be honest: most conferences are boring beyond words.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s the dirty little secret that transcends industry, race and gender.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Unless we’re talking about attending <a href="http://www.ted.com">TED</a>, I think this is something we can all agree on.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I recently read another article, forwarded to me by adult learning specialist Dennis Hungridge titled <a href="http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/adults-3.htm">30 Things We Know For Sure About Adult Learning</a>, and was struck by this obvious truth: <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>most adults seek out learning experiences because they are trying to cope with change.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Think about that.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Anytime grown-ups are gathered in a room to hear someone speak, it is because they’re trying to deal with change.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It could be technological change, economic change, change in the way we teach, administer medicine, you name it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Yet instead of approaching conference content from a place of empathy for that person in row 5 trying to make sense of a changing world, people tend to approach it from a place of “What do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">I</i> want to say? What would serve ME? How do I get MY (or my company’s) message across?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Something else we know about adult learning, according to the article is that <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black">“adults bring a great deal of life experience into the classroom, an invaluable asset to be acknowledged, tapped and used. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Adults can learn well -and much - from dialogue with respected peers.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b>Yet, our conferences are essentially long speaking tracks with dead silence from the audience.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In fact, most conference attendees will tell you the best parts of the conference were in between sessions, when they could talk with other attendees.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black">My question is this: How might we design a conference session or discussion if we were to honor the fact that a) attendees are there for the purpose of coping with change and b) attendees learn well by interacting with others and by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">doing</i>, by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">practicing</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To all of the women reading this… let’s start suggesting fresh ideas for connecting with the audiences we are presenting to.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Chances are, these experiences will be powerful, and the audiences will beg for more of us to speak.</p>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-46435596515420840552009-08-07T12:53:00.001-07:002009-08-07T12:57:28.658-07:00Q&A in RedSliceGreetings all!<br /><br />Below are three interviews with Maria Ross, marketing diva and myself. Enjoy!<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://redslicebrandslice.blogspot.com/2009/08/ask-expert-bronwyn-saglimbeni-helps-you.html">Ask the Expert: Bronwyn Saglimbeni Helps You Shine with the Media (Part I)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://redslicebrandslice.blogspot.com/2009/08/ask-expert-part-2-unexpected-media-call.html">Ask the Expert: The Unexpected Media Call, and What To Do (Part II)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://redslicebrandslice.blogspot.com/2009/08/ask-expert-part-3-3-tips-for-preparing.html">Ask the Expert: Three Tips for Preparing for a Speaking Engagement or Media Interview (Part III)</a><br /><br />B<div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-12744726190943280462009-04-29T13:09:00.000-07:002009-05-01T16:08:28.219-07:00Celebrity Endorsement! :)<p>Kind words from recent client, Kara <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dioguardi</span>, the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> judge on American Idol. Thanks Kara! :)</p><br /><p><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxGhZoQutux-VBPnCrJz-p0JYE4NFdCgopYSvrtkq5TDs-IXh5F6HRRjIHvXMy0xvi_cg4YgJ8_JuI' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-56539700263910968742009-02-10T16:48:00.000-08:002009-02-10T16:49:52.533-08:009 Questions For Public Relations and Public Presence Expert Bronwyn SaglimbeniA fun Q&A profile piece from Jim Nichols in iMedia... enjoy!!<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 30px; line-height: 36px; "><a href="http://blogs.imediaconnection.com/BlogDetail.aspx?BlogID=341">9 Questions For Public Relations and Public Presence Expert Bronwyn Saglimbeni</a></span><br /></div>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-52675952658700915172009-01-30T10:47:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:49:36.809-08:00Starjacking...My friend and former client, Jim Nichols has a great iMedia blog posting today called <a href="http://blogs.imediaconnection.com/2009/1/29/Social-Media/Starjacking-and-the--Service-Or-Else--Economy_331.aspx">"Starjacking and the Service or Else Economy."</a> This article is a great read not only because I'm quoted ;) but because Jim's writing style is SUCH fun, and the message is SO true.<div><br /></div><div>Enjoy.</div>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-40022597143027453632009-01-22T13:31:00.000-08:002009-02-03T09:16:13.316-08:00The Power of Our PresenceTM — A Public Speaking Workshop for Women<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Greetings all!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Partnering with the ultimate presentation guru, Kristine Schaefer, I am THRILLED to announce an upcoming workshop for women. Read on!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you are looking for a breakthrough in public speaking, or presentation of self, this is your workshop. </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Designed by women for women, we help you discover the power your presence can bring.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Using techniques developed from years of coaching top business executives, Kristine Schaefer and Bronwyn Saglimbeni offer women a place to develop the skills most relevant to them: the physical and vocal presence to powerfully engage the audience.</span></span></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Join us if you are looking to:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Own the room” in business, public speaking engagements, volunteer activities or social gatherings. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Be a more compelling, persuasive public speaker, or presenter </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5incolor:blue;"><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Overcome the habits that stand in the way of your credibility—the “ah’s”, the “um’s”, the “you know?”s</span></span><u><span style="font-weight:normal;font-family:Weiss;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When: </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">10:00 am – 6:00 pm Wednesday, February 25, 2009</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Where: </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Menlo Park, CA</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cost: </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Register before February 15 - $174; After February 15</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, $250</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">RSVP:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5incolor:blue;"><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bronwyn Saglimbeni </span></span><u><span style="font-weight: normal; "><a href="mailto:bronwyn@bronwyncommunications.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">bronwyn@bronwyncommunications.com</span></span></a></span></u><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><u><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5incolor:blue;"><span style=" font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Kristine Schaefer </span></span><u><span style="font-weight: normal; "><a href="mailto:kristine@lomacommunications.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">kristine@lomacommunications.com</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></li></ul><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Georgia","serif"font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-Georgia","serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Kristine Schaefer, Biography</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-Georgia","serif"; font-weight:normalfont-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Kristine Schaefer, principal of Loma Communications, is an executive communications coach who works with leaders around the world helping them expertly convey their vision and strategies and win competitive advantage for their companies.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Georgia","serif";font-weight:normalfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Throughout her career, Kristine worked with over 100 companies in U.S., Europe, the U.K. and Asia; including Hewlett-Packard, Charles Schwab, Wyeth, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi Aventis, Stanford University, AMD, Autodesk, Comcast, and Mattel.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style:italic"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Her clients have appeared on </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Good Morning America,</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Prime Time,</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">CNN, CNBC, NBC Nightly News</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style:italic"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fox News</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, and top business and mass market publications in major international markets. </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Georgia","serif";font-weight:normalfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In her coaching sessions and training workshops, Kristine creates an encouraging and safe environment where clients feel free to take risks, break unproductive patterns and make bolder and better choices in their leadership and communications abilities. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Georgia","serif";font-weight:normalfont-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Prior to launching her coaching career in 1999, Kristine was a vice president at The Weber Group, now Weber Shandwick, a global communications firm, where she was a senior communications counselor to an $8 billion division of IBM; to high-tech start-ups; and to top trade and government officials in Asia.</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:8.0pt;margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace: none"><span style="Georgia","serif";font-weight:normalfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In addition to coaching, Kristine serves as a strategic advisor to The Women’s Initiative for Self-Employment, a non-profit dedicated to ending poverty through the creation of women-owned micro-enterprises.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span style=" Georgia","serif";font-weight:normalfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:8.0pt;margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace: none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:8.0pt;margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace: none"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="Georgia","serif";mso-bidi-font-weight:boldfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bronwyn Saglimbeni</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Georgia","serif";mso-bidi-font-weight:normalfont-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For nearly 15 years, Bronwyn has worked with clients to improve their public speaking and media relations skills, challenging them to bring out more of themselves in their communications.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bronwyn is known for her playful, irreverent approach to coaching, combined with her knack for delivering “tough love” in a way that allows executives to achieve true breakthroughs.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In her work in public relations and communications coaching, Bronwyn encourages clients to be authentic, engaging and approachable, which has garnered coverage in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Businessweek, CNBC and others; and successful speaking engagements at Ad:Tech, AAAAs, Under the Radar, Demo, and other top industry events.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Georgia","serif";font-weight:normalfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bronwyn develops global media strategies, thought leadership and speaking programs, crisis communication strategies, and conducts media training as well as corporate positioning workshops.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="Georgia","serif";mso-bidi- font-weight:normalfont-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Her corporate communications career spans both business to business and business to consumer technology companies. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Georgia","serif";font-weight:normalfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Bronwyn began her career in international relations and protocol consulting.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">While in the Office of Protocol for Mayors Frank Jordan and Willie Brown, Bronwyn was involved in political advance work, media relations, and event planning on behalf of the City and County of San Francisco.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Georgia","serif";font-weight:normalfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">From there, Bronwyn joined a private international relations consulting firm, Protocol International, where she developed successful public affairs and international relations programs for clients including the Norwegian Consulate, the Panamanian Consulate and the South African Foreign Ministry, as well as Oracle Corporation.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p></p></div></div>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-90848027939138477162008-11-11T21:37:00.000-08:002008-11-11T21:46:46.378-08:00The Way We Write Needs to Change. Now.As promised, in my list of “things that have me all worked up,” here is Thing #2: Let’s change how we write as an industry. <br /><br />As I was mulling this over, looking for ideas, inspiration, etc, the heavens opened and delivered me this from <a href="http://badpitch.blogspot.com/2008/11/and-they-say-reporters-dont-care.html">Bad Pitch</a>, quoting <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/h/saul_hansell/index.html">Saul Hansell</a> at the NYTimes. I love this example because a) we’ve all pitched Saul at one time or another and b) we are all guilty of this kind of writing at one time or another.)<br /><br />***<br />"My biggest problem with pitches is that at least half the ones I get, I can't understand what the company does or what the pitch is about. Often, the pitch is so wound up trying to define some sort of cute trend the company fits into that they don't actually give the who-what-where-when. And too many pitches use such obscure jargon, that they are impenetrable.<br /><br />Allow me to vent on this for one second, with the first paragraph of a pitch I got yesterday:<br /><br />"Hope you're well. I'd like to introduce you to xxxx, a new, place-based out-of-home digital network that delivers relevant, localized media within the rhythm of consumers' daily rituals, like afternoon coffee or sandwiches at lunch."<br />It turns out that the company puts video billboards in delis. My hope is that if people realize a reporter is much more likely to search for "video billboard" than "place-based out-of-home digital network" this may be an incentive for PR people to brush up on their English a bit."<br />***<br /><br />Yes, my brother. <br /><br />Whenever I try to root out a bad habit, I go into a Zen-like observation mode. So let’s think about this… why do we write this way? Sometimes we are meeting our clients’ need to be appear larger than life. In other cases, it’s the PR people who are to blame, having been trained to take a sow’s ear and make a Chanel purse out of it. Either way, it’s not working, and certainly not impressing the likes of Saul Hansell. Here’s how we can improve:<br /><br />1. <strong>Channel the Greats. </strong>Need some examples of clear, compelling, energizing writing? Look no further than <a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/">Seth Godin</a>, <a href="http://www.michaelpollan.com/article.php?id=97">Michael Pollan</a> or <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/12/opinion/12friedman.html?_r=1&oref=slogin">Thomas Friedman</a>. Notice that they still manage to inspire us and pique our curiosity without adding baroque adornment to every sentence. Here’s a trick I like to use: Next time you are about to dive into a press release or speaking abstract, dive FIRST into a Seth Godin posting, and write from his voice for a paragraph or two. It may not end up being the final product, but it’s a great exercise for getting into a good place for good writing.<br /><br />2. <strong>Bring Your Clients Along for the Ride.</strong> Let’s start talking to our clients about this revolution in writing. We can show them Saul’s comments, and point to examples of good/bad writing. Let’s especially commit to doing this if we are in the midst of a messaging or positioning initiative. These workshops are often the worst offenders. <a href="http://adventuresinpr.blogspot.com/2006/08/positioning-statement-hell.html#links">Need an example?. </a> Let’s have our clients playfully police us on our ability to be succinct, clear and compelling. They’ll love it.<br /><br />3. <strong>Practice in Email. </strong> The next time we write an email, let’s go back and boil it down. Let’s see if we can get our respective messages to three sentences. Maybe something like a) information b) what to do as a result of having this info and c) when we need it by. If it feels curt and unfriendly, add personality to it, but let’s not sacrifice simplicity.<br /><br />4. <strong>Go Back to the Basics. </strong>Here is a link to a good <a href="http://www.writeshop.com/blog/2008/06/24/7-tips-for-writing-clearly/">blog</a> posting about writing clearly. None of this should be news to any of us, but it’s a good reminder. Especially the part about the active vs. passive voice. <br /><br />5. <strong>Spread the Gospel. </strong>Let’s talk to each other about this and share examples of what’s working. <br /><br />What do you think?Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-74624433328785086532008-11-11T07:55:00.001-08:002008-11-11T07:56:48.418-08:00What Twitter is Doing to Communications as a WholeMorning! Great post from WebWorkerDaily : <a href="http://webworkerdaily.com/2008/11/10/how-twitter-is-a-communications-game-changer/">How Twitter is a Communications Game Changer</a>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-13354829646894819362008-10-28T22:19:00.000-07:002008-10-28T22:24:57.418-07:00Getting Exceptional: How Twitter Will Change Your WorldAs I mentioned in my last post, things are getting ugly out there. The PR people who will be left standing in this economy are the exceptional. Along these lines, I’m offering a few (5 to be exact) ideas about how we can get exceptional here and now. <br /><br />Without further ado, here is Thing #1: <br /><strong>How <a href="Twitter">Twitter </a>Can Change your World</strong> (Or at least help you understand the reporters and analysts you watch).<br /><br /><strong>Full disclosure:</strong> At first, I could not grasp the relevance of Twitter. I wondered what it said about our collective attention spans that “micropublishing” was taking off. But, like J-Lo and Scientology, I am going public with my love. As a reward for reading this entire post, I shall link to a lists of reporters who Twitter so you can begin following them with great devotion and interest. <br /><br />So why am I so into Twitter? Because I have a MUCH better sense of what’s on the minds of the analysts and press people I follow. It’s really that simple. Often, they’ll post info on stories they’re working on, pet peeves, travel schedules (crucial info if you’re pitching something timely), etc. Also, it just gives you a peak into their personalities. This ain’t something you’d find on MediaMap, that’s for sure. Sometimes you’ll find that you really dig a given reporter. They might be the person you hope to grab a beer with someday. Other times you’ll find that the arrogance factor makes you want to pull your eyelashes out one by one. Either way, at least you’ll know who you’re dealing with at a level you couldn’t hope to experience without a face to face encounter.<br /><br />Also, Twitter represents a new exposure for BAD PR people. Brian Morrissey recently tweeted about a PR person who, when unsatisfied with how a story was going, actually went above his head to his BOSS to complain. <br /> <br />My point here is that not only can reporters blog about bad PR moves, they can publicly shame them in new ways as well. Granted, not all press people use Twitter. But for those that do, if you take the time to enter their world via Twitter, it’ll make you a lot smarter about how and what to pitch. Shout outs to <a href="www.helpareporterout.com">Peter Shankman </a>for waking me up to this reality. <br /><br />A few safety tips:<br />• <strong>Avoid SHS:</strong> Some reporters/analysts “tweet” more often than others. Select the “turn device alarm off” option as you choose to “follow” them. That way, you won’t get notified every time someone posts something new. If you don’t, you may experience SHS (Sudden Hate Syndrome) as the volume of Twitterings can be alarming at first(I know they’re called Tweets, but I can’t help it… I like the way “twitterings” sounds… vaguely like something Mary Poppins might say. “Jane and Michael – enough of your twitterings. Spit, spot.”). I only receive updates for the folks I follow very closely, or for those who are particularly amusing.<br /><br />• <strong>Don’t Be a Stalker: </strong>Sometimes the tweets can share some of the daily details of the person’s life. For example, you may be following a reporter who mentions that she’s expecting, and is fighting nausea on a daily basis. Be careful referencing this kind of thing in your conversations with her. It’s a thin line between being attentive to their needs as reporters and being a stalker. Even though they offered the info, it’s still a little weird to mention it. Such is the strange balance we all walk with privacy and social media.<br /><br />• <strong>Try it, you might like it: </strong> Give it a shot. Take the plunge, and answer that profoundly rich question “What are you doing?”<br /><br />Congrats! You made it to the end of this posting. Here is a link I found that lists which reporters use Twitter. <br /><br />• Courtesy of the folks at <a href="https://twitteringjournalists.pbwiki.com/">My Creative Team</a>: https://twitteringjournalists.pbwiki.com/Media%20People%20Using%20TwitterBronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-66902470179795283032008-10-28T21:55:00.000-07:002008-10-28T22:01:20.321-07:00When the Going Gets Tough – the Tough Get ExceptionalAs Brian Morrissey pointed out in his <a href="http://badpitch.blogspot.com/2008/07/fast-five-q-with-adweeks-digital-editor.html">interview </a>with the Bad Pitch blog, he supposed there were something like 75 PR people for every single reporter. Whether or not it’s an accurate statistic, the message is loud and clear – only the exceptional will survive the next 36 months in the PR industry. <br /><br />Over the next week or two, I'm going to be talking about 5 things (in no particular order) that have me all worked up. As always, comments, ideas and rants are encouraged.<br /><br />Thing #1) How Twitter can change your world. Or at least help you understand the reporters and analysts you watch. <br /><br />Thing #2) The way we write needs to change. Now. <br /><br />Thing #3) Why we should each be reading for an hour before even thinking of opening Outlook. (Sound obvious? When is the last time you actually spent time reading for a solid hour before responding to email?)<br /><br />Thing #4) Tips for educating clients on the new metrics for success in PR<br /><br />Thing #5) Why giving tough love to your spokespeople has never been more important.<br />Anything have you all worked up?Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-16782588374118469532008-10-28T21:53:00.000-07:002008-10-28T21:54:44.688-07:00RIP VistaThis warms the cockles of my heart.<br /><br />Microsoft Introduces Windows 7, Ending Vista Brand<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/technology/business-computing/29soft.htmlBronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-8747841691633187252008-07-24T10:44:00.000-07:002008-07-24T10:46:11.276-07:00An Open Letter to Conference PlannersDear Conference Planners (specifically those in charge of content):<br /><br />You have a tough gig. You walk a delicate balance between informing and entertaining. But I want to give you some tough love. 99.9% of conference content is BORING. I don’t care what industry we’re talking about. It just is, and you know it. You could almost just label your sessions: “Five forty-something white guys talk about important stuff that will bore you to death.” Here are 5 ideas for sexing up your format.<br /><br />1) Pick bombastic panelists: Yes, it is key to have a good pedigree, but also consider bringing on someone who will either a) piss people off or b) inspire people. Before you say “but how do we know who’s bombastic?!?” Come on. You meet people every day in your industry. You know who is engaging to talk to and who isn’t. I saw a panel recently where one of the panelists was just a mouthy, overbearing guy who delivered hilarious sound bites, one after another. People didn’t like him, but for that ONE session during a 3 day conference, no one was multitasking. People were engaged. And he up-leveled the game of the other panelists. <br /><br />2) Choose unexpected panel topics or formats: Here’s the thing, talking about “what’s next” in the industry is safe. Yeah, people will attend. But they won’t pay attention. Instead of having experts up on the panel, have users up on the panel. Ask them what they want. And let the so called “experts” react, and explain why they don’t offer this stuff, or what needs to be done to meet these needs. Wanna know what’s next? Don’t ask the folks on the delivery side. As the users. Period. Make it mildly uncomfortable. Put people on the spot. Get ‘em sweating. Guaranteed the laptops will close and eyes will be active and bright.<br /><br />3) Put audience members on the spot: Have panelists throw out questions to the crowd, and force them to be involved and engaged. You better believe if a mic is being passed around actively, people will be paying close attention. “What if they pick me!? I better have something to say!!”<br /><br />4) Use props: Hand out a small red signs (think auctions) to the audience that say “I call bullshit” and encourage audience members to raise their signs whenever they disagree. Have fun with it… get people laughing at themselves at the industry.<br /><br />5) Leverage technology: Have attendees text messages about what would be more useful, interesting to talk about as the panel is happening, or at least post panel to get feedback to improve it for next time. Kudos to <a href="http://www.alwayson.goingon.com">AlwaysOn</a> for streaming a live chat of people watching/commenting on the panels live. It is a bold move, especially because from time to time, the chats get more interesting than the panels themselves. Nice work.<br /><br />I know this is hard. No one gets fired for status quo. But have some fun with it… it always feels good to shake things up.<br /><br />All my best,<br />Your friendly neighborhood conference attendeeBronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-65072283154366440042008-07-11T10:45:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:54:42.467-08:00PR Peeps: Drop What You are Doing and Read This<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9RhEYAPYy5g/SHedFF7-1QI/AAAAAAAAAMo/XNMCzTeNxqY/s1600-h/SWMS.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9RhEYAPYy5g/SHedFF7-1QI/AAAAAAAAAMo/XNMCzTeNxqY/s320/SWMS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221815003778045186" /></a><br />In case you’re not already a fan, take note: <a href="http://www.mediasurvey.com/">Sam Whitmore’s Media Survey </a>is one of the most valuable PR resources available today. <br /><br />According to Sam, “Our philosophy is to help tech PR pros reverse-engineer what does run, rather than gin up pitches and shop them with a moistened finger to the wind.” Yes, my brother. <br /><br />Don’t let the 1997 web design fool you (sorry Sam), the content in the newsletters is like gold. They host weekly editorial conference calls with some of the industry’s top reporters, and they use their newsletter to deliver gems like how best to leverage video, slide shows and other forms of new media… the insights don’t come from PR people, they come from the publications and reporters themselves. <br /><br />In terms of cost, Sam has fee structures set up for large agencies and one man shops alike. I highly recommend doing the <a href="http://www.mediasurvey.com/members/30day.php">free trial.</a> Until you’ve received the newsletter, it just looks and feels like yet another ProfNet situation. But it’s much more… You will soon find yourself quoting info from Sam in every client meeting. Enjoy!Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-79775357518485825892008-07-10T14:16:00.000-07:002008-07-10T14:30:44.146-07:00Social Media Releases – what I like and what I’ve learned.A lot has been said about the rise of social media press releases, so I won’t retread this topic. Net net, I’m delighted that as an industry we are now heralding the rise of press releases that a) get to the point b) provide reporters with value rather than spin and c) include grab-and-go content like video, graphics, and search optimization tools.<br /><br />For those just now dipping a toe into these fresh waters, the folks over at <a href="http://www.shiftcomm.com">Shift Comms</a> have an excellent blog resource on this very topic, and researched what <a href="http://www.pr-squared.com/2008/02/prsquareds_social_media_tactic_6.html">newswire vendors offer</a> in terms of social media. From my experience, nothing beats Marketwire . (Although – note to Marketwire: as a blogger I sure would have liked an easy “grab and go” graphic to promote your services…the video of Thom and the image of a SecondLife Tower aren't exactly helpful here ;)<br /><br />But to cut to the chase, here are a five things I’ve learned over the past 12 months - specifically about social media press releases. <br /><br />1) Pitching Bloggers - Although it’s been said many times many ways (Merry Christmas), I’ll say it again – before you even THINK about pitching a blogging community on news, you absolutely positively need to be an active member of that community before your announcement. Here’s what it means in practice: a) smaller set of targets – you can’t effectively be an active community member on 25 different blogs. Translation: Set client expectations. You should not be hitting 50 bloggers at once by posting comments. b) if you don’t have an opinion on what people are talking about, you better find a way to come up with something intelligent to say. This may mean deeper research into the subject, and waiting it out and listening for a few weeks. With new technologies like <a href="http://www.sezwho.com">SezWho</a> , comments are becoming trackable and accountable to anyone who cares to see where you’ve commented before. c) to make life easier, subscribe to the blog’s RSS feature so you’re getting fresh content feed to you, vs. going out to each of these folks one by one. <br /><br />2) Choosing a vendor - Like I said before, <a href="http://www.marketwire.com">Marketwire </a>is the best service, hands down. I’m not sold yet on their whole “record your headline for iTunes” thing yet, but I’m getting there. For the right news/brands it makes a ton of sense, but most of the time it’s just a nifty nice-to-have. God bless ‘em for thinking outside the box.<br /><br />3) Images – the images that are embedded in your release are smaller than you think. This means screen shots a bit challenging, as bloggers want to be able to drop something straight into their blog, and most of the time, web site screen shots are just too damn hard to see. Double and triple check how it appears in the size the newswire offers. <br /><br />4) Video – you would be astonished at how cost effective it is create smooth video these days. Companies like <a href="http://www.turnhere.com">TurnHere</a> can often turn around high quality video for as little as $5k, depending on length, specs etc. For things like high profile launches, or reviewer guides, this is really money well spent.<br /><br />5) It does not totally replace the need for a regular press release for all types of brands. There are still instances where a regular press release makes sense (important corporate level news if you are a publicly traded company for example). Sometime, I would love to see a real survey of top business reporters and their appetites for both types of releases… anyone know of anything?Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-67248460811781263892007-02-28T15:21:00.000-08:002007-02-28T15:39:16.392-08:00Would you like Vermin with that MexiMelt?I can only laugh at this because I'm not the PR person handling the crisis. Evidently, some everyday folks captured some rats having a gay ol' time scurrying around a Taco Bell in Greenwich Village, NYC. <a href="http://www.brightcove.com/title.jsp?title=533258434">http://www.brightcove.com/title.jsp?title=533258434</a><br /><br />What fascinates me about this is Yum Brands' (the parent company to Taco Bell) response. This AdAge article articulates how this type of "caught ya red handed" type of exposure is only getting more dangerous for brands in the post YouTube universe. It also talks about Yum's lack of proactive crisis management of the issue... I guess Yum tried to play it off as a local, isolated incident. <a href="http://adage.com/article?article_id=115184">http://adage.com/article?article_id=115184</a><br /><br />What's missing in Yum's reaction is not only a more proactive response, but an empathetic response. This is a Bush administration-esque response to a crisis - be defensive, be vague, and as a result, be completely not believable.<br /><br />What they should have done was issued an apology, done something to actually THANK the people who exposed this problem, and for bringing it to their attention. They should have done a better job of empathizing with these people - in a sincere way. I mean, these people have to share a neighborhood with a place that's overrun with rats! <br /><br />Then, they should have laid out a plan to understand how this could have happened, and how to make sure it's not happening anywhere else. I'm thinking a corporate blog would be most helpful in times like this... especially since their press release/response was buried in their site, unreachable by the long tendrils of Google.<br /><br />If you have a moment, check it out. It's foul.Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-91591461844081560652007-02-27T12:49:00.000-08:002008-12-08T14:54:42.575-08:00An Open Letter : I Hate Vista<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9RhEYAPYy5g/ReSaD65iF5I/AAAAAAAAAFU/-wlkPAJTZiA/s1600-h/quick_vista.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036319675447908242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9RhEYAPYy5g/ReSaD65iF5I/AAAAAAAAAFU/-wlkPAJTZiA/s320/quick_vista.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div>Dear Microsoft,<br /><br />I don’t often reach out like this, but I’m lost in a sea of confusion, and have no other way of reaching you.<br /><br />Why? Why have you done this to me? I‘ve been faithful to you. I get my updates and upgrades. I have strayed a bit, wondering what owning a Mac would feel like, but really, this is normal during the course of such a long standing relationship.<br /><br />I have purchased a new computer (a very sexy HP, btw), pre-loaded with Vista and then purchased Office 2007. I know your intentions were good. You wanted me to have a new environment… one that made more sense, with the software equivalent of a new home with granite counter tops and new plumbing. You thought buying me the software equivalent of a brand new house in a tract neighborhood would be a good thing. It’s not. I’m miserable and I want out. I want my stately old Victorian with the water heater that I had to kick a certain way to make it work.<br /><br />Enough metaphor. I hate this new Vista/Office 07 world, and here’s why: Simply trying to save a file, or send it as an attachment in an email… these small tasks have become nothing short of an exercise in insanity. I feel crazy. I feel like I have this gorgeous new home, but can’t figure out how to turn on the hot water. Or, like I’m desperately trying to get to work, but can’t find my toothbrush. This is what Vista and Office 07 have done to me. It’s affecting everyone I know and work with, as none of my files are readable.<br /><br />What used to be a marriage of convenience has now become Sudden Hate Syndrome. I want to scream at you, Microsoft. I hate what you’ve done with Vista, and I loathe what’s become of Office 2007. If I didn’t have so much time and money invested, I would surely go Mac. But I cannot.<br /><br />Instead, what I will do is rain down hate on every chat board that will take my comments, expressing in fine detail exactly why these new versions are disastrous, even if they do make more sense from a usability standpoint. You’ve trained me for too many years to start introducing logic into our relationship now. I don’t have time for this. Either fix this mess, or lose me forever. If you make amends, I’ll tell the world. If you don’t, I’ll tell the world.<br /><br />Love,<br />Bronwyn</div>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-1165858441915159472006-12-11T09:34:00.000-08:002006-12-11T09:34:01.966-08:00The Media Is in Need of Some Mending - WSJ.com<a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116579769032446051.html?mod=djemITP">The Media Is in Need of Some Mending - WSJ.com</a><br /><br />This is sad, but true. As much as I'm in disagreement with this current administration, I really do wonder sometimes about what is handed down as non biased reporting. Definitely worth a read.Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-1163966341281689202006-11-19T11:47:00.000-08:002006-11-19T11:59:01.290-08:00Nifty site worth checking out<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3844/2852/1600/Mahar.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3844/2852/320/Mahar.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Given that ever retailer is shoving Christmas down our throats before Halloween even began, I'm beginning to once again turn my attention to interesting approaches to seasonal PR.<br /><br />I stumbled on a fantastic gift site thanks to RealSimple Magazine, and notices some very nice Web 2.0 worthy PR in progress. First of all, the gifts featured are beyond darling, and are from some wonderfully creative independent toy/gift shops across the country. Second of all, as I was shopping around, I thought, these guys need a word of mouth program... this site is very buzz worthy. Then I noticed they actually have a blog on the site. Hmm... says I. While I LOVE that they're thinking this way, I'm a little disappointed in terms of execution. I'd like more "stories" that talk about the people behind their cool products (lots of mom and pop type stuff) and less "look where we were featured today!!" (that belongs in the "press" section). But maybe it's a work in progress. Either way, check it out... really wonderful stuff.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mahardrygoods.com/index.php">http://www.mahardrygoods.com/index.php</a>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-1163655873570006772006-11-15T21:20:00.000-08:002006-11-15T21:47:42.560-08:00PR in a Web 2.0 WorldWith Web 2.0 making Silicon Valley feel like 1999 again, it can make you feel like you've seen it all before. But one thing that's brand spankin' new... I am learning new PR tricks literally on a daily basis thanks to the role social networking and blogging is playing in this new environment.<br /><br />For example, a former client of mine in the personal tech space has a company MySpace page. Not the fancy pay for play pages, but something they've created themselves (btw, word on the street is MySpace is putting the smack down on these kinds of pages very soon). When you google this company's name, what is the second listing that pops up? Is it the New York Times articles we secured for them? Is it the countless press releases we've done over the past 6 months? Nope. It's their MySpace page.<br /><br />If you google my name, Bronwyn Saglimbeni, what is the second listing that pops up? It's not the gazillion press releases I've had my name attached to over the past year. It's my LinkedIn profile. With results like that, who needs an old fashioned corporate website?<br /><br />Net net, companies might want to think about carving out some segment of their PR budgets for dipping a toe into this new world. This isn't just about launching a MySpace page, or initiating a blog that's never updated. It's about taking a look at the world post digg.com, Second Life and MySpace and asking some questions that might be... dare I even say it... fun to answer. Bust out a bottle of bubbly, gather your smartest thinkers and ask, what could I do with viral video to tell a story? What would happen if I replaced the brochureware website front door to include a vlog, or a streaming video showing an every day person using my product? Be playful. Be outrageous. Have fun. Lord knows, it'll be more interesting than "Today, X company, the leader in X space, announced..."Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-1161831897874989062006-10-25T20:01:00.000-07:002006-10-25T20:04:57.883-07:00Now why didn't I come up with this? ;)<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3844/2852/1600/Yahoo.timecapsule.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3844/2852/320/Yahoo.timecapsule.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is one of those PR stunts that actually gives me chills it's so great... This is such an elegant site... I love everything about it, and fills me with goodwill towards Yahoo!, even though I am a committed Googler. Nice work, Yahoo!<br /><br /><a href="http://timecapsule.yahoo.com/capsule.php?l=en&intl=en">http://timecapsule.yahoo.com/capsule.php?l=en&intl=en</a>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-1161140556410475252006-10-17T19:58:00.000-07:002006-10-17T20:02:36.420-07:00Edelman - are you kidding?!Edelman Apologizes For Wal-Mart 'Flog'<br /><a href="http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=49698&passFuseAction=PublicationsSearch.showSearchReslts&art_searched=edelman&page_number=0">http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=49698&passFuseAction=PublicationsSearch.showSearchReslts&art_searched=edelman&page_number=0</a><br /><br />This is unreal... the supposed kings of word of mouth marketing committed the number one biggest rookie mistake you can make. You can't create fake blogs. It's bad business, bad PR, and it makes you look like a liar. I feel bad for Steve Robel, their web 2.0/viral guru. He's horrified I'm sure.Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-1159480486780460122006-09-28T14:45:00.000-07:002006-09-28T14:54:46.793-07:00Hurd Ain't Off the HookAccording to the Merc, Hurd could be a bit more "in the know" than he's letting on. If these assertions are correct, he's just ruined his credibility with the press forever and ever, Amen. Even if the public forgives and forgets, reporters do not.<br /><br />Although I gotta say, I've heard stories from PR people who are friends who've worked with some of the most high profile consumer tech brands in the world, and more than a few have talked about questionable practices when it comes to reactions to new product leaks. This is taking it much further than I've ever heard, but I do know of instances where reporters have been punished for leaking things by being blacklisted from the "short list" of folks to brief on new product announcements. This might be the industry's dirty little secret.<br /><br />I have to say, this thing is such a nightmare, I don't know what I would suggest were I their PR person. This pretty much sums it up:<br /><br />``The cure, in this case, appears to have been far worse than the disease, and now poses a far greater threat to Hewlett-Packard,'' Dingell said.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/business/15629555.htm">http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/business/15629555.htm</a>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32143923.post-1159234013085192242006-09-25T18:18:00.000-07:002006-09-25T18:46:15.486-07:00HP in deep sh*t, but impressive PR moves by Mark Hurd<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3844/2852/1600/Dai.Sugano.MercuryNews.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3844/2852/320/Dai.Sugano.MercuryNews.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />When things go south, PR people do one of two things: A) panic, and do as their told, which usually means crafting a "CYA" response or B) take a strong position, take responsibility for mistakes made, and do what you can to make sure that people know you're leveling with them. The role of PR people isn't to lie to the press or to the public. It's to be the voice of the reporter and/or public internally at an organization, so that when a figure head speaks, the message makes sense and has universal appeal.<br /><br />HP's Chief chose plan B, and the press seem to be buying it. Probably the most powerful piece of this press conference was his own admission of guilt... taken from Langberg's article below:<br /><br />"Second, Hurd didn't let himself off the hook.<br /><br />He cited a March 2006 report that described the tainted investigative methods.<br /><br />The report was ``addressed to me and others, but I did not read it,'' Hurd said. ``I could have, and I should have.''<br /><br />That's a significant confession, especially given that California's attorney general is threatening to file criminal charges."<br /><br />Photo is from the Mercury article (link below)<br />Langberg: CEO takes charge, stops the bleeding<br />By Mike Langberg<br />Mercury News<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/business/15591126.htm">http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/business/15591126.htm</a>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862309486939143855noreply@blogger.com0