In the 8th week of my internship at WANM, 90.5, FAMU's radio station, the tasks and responsibilities continue to be an after thought. I find myself delegating only 2-3 hours per week on tasks relating to sales and promotions. Last week I drafted a contact list of record labels in order to seek collateral from them that promotes their artists. 90.5 can use this material as giveaways for homecoming week. I also drafted a contact list and spoke to business owners and managers for potential sponsorship opportunities for the 90.5 School of the Month. This is a activity the radio station hosts, picking a deserving class of students and treating them to a pizza party with interaction with the radio personalities. After those tasks were complete I reported to the promotions assistant. Since then I have not heard anything.
I do enjoy planning the activities and promotional efforts that can be implemented for the radio station, however I think the lack of stucture keeps me from making this internship my first priority. I am mostly concerned with measurable results. It seems as if the ideas and action items I present are not carried out at all, or not in a strict time bracket, which then allows me to busy myself with other things. I wish I was able to interact more with someone in a official leadership role for the radio station where I could be in charge of more meaningful tasks. As far as me learning from this experience, I am gaining practice with intereacting with business owners for sponsorship and becoming more knowledgeable with those companies involved in the music industry.
In my earlier blogs I relayed some very ambitious long-term goals I had hoped to acheive during this internship experience. They were to contribute to all parts of radio in some way, gain new clients for radio sales packages, shadow the operations manager for 90.5 and appear as a guest commentator on one of the variety shows. Of all of these goals, I have not reached one whole-heatedly. I have suggested new businesses to management as well as innovative promotions tactics but they have not been carried out. And I have not yet appeard on any variety show but have contacted two persoanlities to appear sometime this semester. As for the other tasks, time simply has not allowed me to intereact with any other managers outside of promotions. At this point I am a little disapointed and disinterested with my internship. However I am determined to do my best when I can and make this experience meaningful for me in some way.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Ron Sachs Makes A Visit
I was not expecting Ron Sachs, founder and CEO of Ron Sachs Communications to be so charismatic and funny when he spoke to my Corporate Communications class a couple of weeks ago. I guess I was expecting the usual big-wig CEO whose agenda would have included the accomplishments and purpose of his/her own company. But Sach's agenda was far from this. His purpose was to reach and penetrate the heart and skills of the students, and he was successful. His main points during his presentation examined the different components of respecting yourself and respecting your audience. He encouraged us to set healthy patterns for ourselves professionaly by only selecting jobs we know will strengthen our career. He told us not to settle for less and don't waist out time in dead-end jobs. Also, he motivated us to take pride in presenting ourselves and our best work at all times. Sachs' over-arching theme informed us that as journalist we have the responsibility of either "safe-gaurding real communication or shepoarding the death of real communication", Sachs said. By "real" he meant traditional, personal, one-on-one contact that we no seldom practice possibly due to the instant gratification and convenieance of the internet and social media.
Sachs was able to speak to my class for about fifty minutes in which I think he was able to cover a lot. But one thing I always like to hear from employers is what they look for in employees. I wish I would have asked how applicants can make themselves stand out on paper? and What values and skills do they look for in potential employees? I know different companies and job responsibilities call for different skills and characteristics, but there are key details that catch the eye. I would like to know these details.
In all that Sachs covered during his visit I can take his advice in regard to, respecting your audience, and apply it to the quality of work I produce. I cannot cheat my audience on the messages and information I am accountable for relaying to them. Because my internship this semester is a bit unstructured, it has left me much time to focus on other homework and projects and not much time implementing activities I initialy ntended. But, I must uphold my obligation to the radio station, and produce deliverables in areas that I am responsible for. Most of all I need to make this experience work for me. I would like to walk away with a better understandimg of sales and the overall operations of a radio station. To achieve this I must take a active role in my experience.
Sachs was able to speak to my class for about fifty minutes in which I think he was able to cover a lot. But one thing I always like to hear from employers is what they look for in employees. I wish I would have asked how applicants can make themselves stand out on paper? and What values and skills do they look for in potential employees? I know different companies and job responsibilities call for different skills and characteristics, but there are key details that catch the eye. I would like to know these details.
In all that Sachs covered during his visit I can take his advice in regard to, respecting your audience, and apply it to the quality of work I produce. I cannot cheat my audience on the messages and information I am accountable for relaying to them. Because my internship this semester is a bit unstructured, it has left me much time to focus on other homework and projects and not much time implementing activities I initialy ntended. But, I must uphold my obligation to the radio station, and produce deliverables in areas that I am responsible for. Most of all I need to make this experience work for me. I would like to walk away with a better understandimg of sales and the overall operations of a radio station. To achieve this I must take a active role in my experience.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Do the Right Thing
What is doing the right thing? Is it upholding moral standard when no one is looking? Is it acknowledgeing that gut feeling? Is it embracing the interests of others? -- I think its all of these.
I was asked to read "Do the Right Thing: PR Tips for a Skeptical Public" by James Hoggan and Richard D. Littlemore. This book provides tips for public relations professionals on how to build reputation and credibility among publics.
Hoggan and Littlemore provide readers with three "Golden Rules" for doing the right thing. They are: #1 Do the Right Thing, #2 Be Seen Doing the Right Thing, and #3 Don't Get #1 & #2 Mixed up.
This three-pronged approach to integrity seems pretty simple and straight forward, wouldn't you agree? Then why do so many companies and executives get it wrong every day?
From sex-scandals, to drug and money infingement, global warming to politics, so many public figures and organizations choose to do the wrong thing. I consider the wrong thing as lying to the public, not upholding the moral grounding, not lowering transparent, or forgetting about 2-way communication with publics. These strategies are sure ways to damage your reputation.
So I've decided to take these three rules and apply them to myself, so that I can build a credible reputation. When I think of doing the right thing, immediately the idea of obeying the law comes to mind. But I think Hoggan takes this first rule a little further than that. He speaks about ethic, a characteristic I have worked to achieve for myself and hope is represented in my everyday life.
The second rule, --be seen doing the right thing, is pivital to achieveing the first rule. It is not enough to simply do the right thing, we must be seen doing the right thing. It is not enough to simply say I stand behind this or believe that, people must see "that thing" represented in your performance and behavior. I will apply this rule to what I create, how I present myself, and what I am comitmented to. I will work to satisfy obligations and do what is just, which at times may be unfavorable.
Lastly, Hoggan says that we cannot get rules #1 and #2 mixed up. I interpret this as we must not do the right thing for the sake of publicity or conversation. We must do the right thing simply because we are sincere. This, in turn, only strengthens your individual creativity and integrity, which will reflect your character.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Am I Likable?
Have you ever said to yourself "I just don't like him/her"? If you're a woman, you probably say this a lot. But that's a different story....
Essentially, what we're talking about here is likeability. As human beings, we all know how it feels to genuinely "like" someone and on the other end, how it feels to passionately "dislike" someone. It may not be that he or she has done something to you personally, you just get a feeling that is not positive. So we would agree that being likeable is important, right? It's that factor that pushes us over the hump at a job interview, gains us that promotion over our competition, or improves our social status. But how do we capitalize on our likeablility or establish it if we don't posses this charisma? Bruna Matrinuzzi, author of "Likeability: It's An Inside Job," explains that likeability measures how people interact with you and it's something you must work on in order to be successful. Matrinuzzi says: "likeability is a social handicap, one that can hinder your effective functioning in both your personal and professional life."
I enjoyed Matrinuzzi's commentary on this subject. She suggests that one must access his or her likeability, cultivate an emotionally attractive perosnality, address people by name, lead with a smile, be likeable in the online community, handle criticism with velvet gloves, add emotional value to all transactions with clients, don't hire malcontents, and handle complaints with grace. Whew! OK, that's a lot just to make people like you. But it is needed. Let's dissect these suggestions.
Of the nine ways Matrinuzzi suggests for attaining likeability, there are three ways I think I have gained likeability in my personal life and college career. I side with adding emotional value to transactions with clients, handeling complaints with grace and being likeable in the online community the most. Through internships, I have taken note that it's the personal touches that resonate with employers, such as hand-delivered resumes, thank-you cards and letters that show thoughtfulness and appreciation. Handling complaints with grace shows that you are humble and professional. Exhibiting likeability online, implies that you can share the spotlight by commenting positively on others' work while providing your own projects and activities for others to express their criticism.
These characterisitcs show your attention to detail. The time you took to write letters to supervisors, corrections you made to shortcomings and the positive commentary you gave on someonelses' blog because you hope they will do the same for you, are all gestures that contribute to one's overal likeability.
Lastly, Matrunizzi suggests you lead with your smile as a great touch in becoming likeable. She takes this suggestion from Tim Saunders, author of "The Likeability Factor: How to Boost Your L-Factor & Achieve Your's Life's Dreams." Saunders provides four elements to being perceived as more likeable: friendliness, relevance, empathy, and realness. Overall I feel I posses the likeability factor. I am able to connect and communicate with others, have a humorous and creative personality, and project style and professionalism. However, one factor I can work on is relevance. Saunders explains this as "connecting with others' interests, wants and ideas."
I notice at times I dismiss others interests or wants if they are not in line with my own. I do, however, have the ability to empathize with their feelings but not necessarily their logic or how they go about doing things. This is something I should definitely explore improving. As I study to become a great public relations professional, I must be aware of the "big picture." I must undestand and appreciate the wants, needs and feelings of others so that I can positively and effectively communicate with them.
Thanks, Matrunizzi, for helping me realize this....
Essentially, what we're talking about here is likeability. As human beings, we all know how it feels to genuinely "like" someone and on the other end, how it feels to passionately "dislike" someone. It may not be that he or she has done something to you personally, you just get a feeling that is not positive. So we would agree that being likeable is important, right? It's that factor that pushes us over the hump at a job interview, gains us that promotion over our competition, or improves our social status. But how do we capitalize on our likeablility or establish it if we don't posses this charisma? Bruna Matrinuzzi, author of "Likeability: It's An Inside Job," explains that likeability measures how people interact with you and it's something you must work on in order to be successful. Matrinuzzi says: "likeability is a social handicap, one that can hinder your effective functioning in both your personal and professional life."
I enjoyed Matrinuzzi's commentary on this subject. She suggests that one must access his or her likeability, cultivate an emotionally attractive perosnality, address people by name, lead with a smile, be likeable in the online community, handle criticism with velvet gloves, add emotional value to all transactions with clients, don't hire malcontents, and handle complaints with grace. Whew! OK, that's a lot just to make people like you. But it is needed. Let's dissect these suggestions.
Of the nine ways Matrinuzzi suggests for attaining likeability, there are three ways I think I have gained likeability in my personal life and college career. I side with adding emotional value to transactions with clients, handeling complaints with grace and being likeable in the online community the most. Through internships, I have taken note that it's the personal touches that resonate with employers, such as hand-delivered resumes, thank-you cards and letters that show thoughtfulness and appreciation. Handling complaints with grace shows that you are humble and professional. Exhibiting likeability online, implies that you can share the spotlight by commenting positively on others' work while providing your own projects and activities for others to express their criticism.
These characterisitcs show your attention to detail. The time you took to write letters to supervisors, corrections you made to shortcomings and the positive commentary you gave on someonelses' blog because you hope they will do the same for you, are all gestures that contribute to one's overal likeability.
Lastly, Matrunizzi suggests you lead with your smile as a great touch in becoming likeable. She takes this suggestion from Tim Saunders, author of "The Likeability Factor: How to Boost Your L-Factor & Achieve Your's Life's Dreams." Saunders provides four elements to being perceived as more likeable: friendliness, relevance, empathy, and realness. Overall I feel I posses the likeability factor. I am able to connect and communicate with others, have a humorous and creative personality, and project style and professionalism. However, one factor I can work on is relevance. Saunders explains this as "connecting with others' interests, wants and ideas."
I notice at times I dismiss others interests or wants if they are not in line with my own. I do, however, have the ability to empathize with their feelings but not necessarily their logic or how they go about doing things. This is something I should definitely explore improving. As I study to become a great public relations professional, I must be aware of the "big picture." I must undestand and appreciate the wants, needs and feelings of others so that I can positively and effectively communicate with them.
Thanks, Matrunizzi, for helping me realize this....
Connector.Maven.Salesman... Which one are you?
Do you know a lot of people? - Are you very social, do you have the ability to bring people and ideas together? Or are you a book of knowledge? Do you love finding out the best-keet secrets about people and places and enjoy sharing your knowledge with others? Or are you a born negotiator? - Are you a salesmen that could sell sand to people before they go to the beach?
Did the first, second or third set of questions apply to you? What about all three? Well, if you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you are a certified Connector, Maven or Salesman. What are these terms? Glad you asked...
As a requirement for one of my courses my class read, "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell. This book explains and makes sense of social epidemics and what causes them to tip. Gladwell says, "The Tipping Point is the moment of critical mass, the threshold, the boiling point." (Gladwell, 12). This is when a situation, trend, etc., reaches it's peak. In addition to this concept Gladwell explains many aspects of the epideminc that are motivators, such as: The Law of the few, Power of Context, The Stickiness Factor and much more. These ideals deal with the people and messege involved in epidemics. They are major influences that can shift a trend or issue.
One of the most interesting aspects I found in this book relates to the questions I asked you above. Those three terms [connector, maven and saleman] have to do with the Law of the Few. Gladwell explains these three types of people are very important to an epidemic. "the success of any kind of social epidemic is heavily dependent on the involvement of people with a particlar and rare set of gifts." (Gladwell, 33). OK, so now you have identified which type of person you are and know that somehow you are really important, right? Yes, anticipation must be bubbling..... how are you important?
Well, connectors know a lot of people, but also the kinds of people they know are important. The peolple connectors know, usually are with different disciplines, interests and walks of life, etc. In relation to a epidemic you are important in being able to connect the trend to a vast majority.
If you are labeled a maven you have a big job as well. You are able to spread trends and information via word-of-mouth. You love to talk, right? So sharing places you've gone and things you have discovered should come natural to you.
Lastly, if you are the salesman, not only are you taking our money, but also you have the ability to make us believe what we are "buying" (more so, the information we receive) is important that we need it.
Wow! Did you really think your pesonality traits would win you a chapter in a novel? Well, they have! Pick up a copy of "The Tipping Point" to find out more. In the meantime, can you think of some social epidemics you've played your part in tipping?
Did the first, second or third set of questions apply to you? What about all three? Well, if you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you are a certified Connector, Maven or Salesman. What are these terms? Glad you asked...
As a requirement for one of my courses my class read, "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell. This book explains and makes sense of social epidemics and what causes them to tip. Gladwell says, "The Tipping Point is the moment of critical mass, the threshold, the boiling point." (Gladwell, 12). This is when a situation, trend, etc., reaches it's peak. In addition to this concept Gladwell explains many aspects of the epideminc that are motivators, such as: The Law of the few, Power of Context, The Stickiness Factor and much more. These ideals deal with the people and messege involved in epidemics. They are major influences that can shift a trend or issue.
One of the most interesting aspects I found in this book relates to the questions I asked you above. Those three terms [connector, maven and saleman] have to do with the Law of the Few. Gladwell explains these three types of people are very important to an epidemic. "the success of any kind of social epidemic is heavily dependent on the involvement of people with a particlar and rare set of gifts." (Gladwell, 33). OK, so now you have identified which type of person you are and know that somehow you are really important, right? Yes, anticipation must be bubbling..... how are you important?
Well, connectors know a lot of people, but also the kinds of people they know are important. The peolple connectors know, usually are with different disciplines, interests and walks of life, etc. In relation to a epidemic you are important in being able to connect the trend to a vast majority.
If you are labeled a maven you have a big job as well. You are able to spread trends and information via word-of-mouth. You love to talk, right? So sharing places you've gone and things you have discovered should come natural to you.
Lastly, if you are the salesman, not only are you taking our money, but also you have the ability to make us believe what we are "buying" (more so, the information we receive) is important that we need it.
Wow! Did you really think your pesonality traits would win you a chapter in a novel? Well, they have! Pick up a copy of "The Tipping Point" to find out more. In the meantime, can you think of some social epidemics you've played your part in tipping?
Building Your Personal Brand
A article written by Sherrie Bakshi can be found on the PRSA website: Building your Personal Brand. Bakshi speaks about the importance of public relations practitioners building our individual brand to help establish ourselves and our skills among our peers. This in return will promote the organization(s) and/or client(s) and services we produce. I agree with Bakshi's ideas. As public relations professionals, we more than any other business professional, know the value and also the consequence of a organization's reputation, performance and communication efforts. And of course we also know these aspects must be evaluated. So, why don't we start with an evaluation of ourselves? I would like to build a brand that is creative, timely, effective and of course one that meets the bottom line, that is solving the issue that my client has. Therefore I have to practice these habits in my everyday life so that those characeristics can be reflective in my public relations activities.
In the article Bakshi presents four suggestions on how to build your brand; volunteer your skills and knowledge to a local nonprofit, get published, seek speaking opportunities, and get involved in your local PRSA chapter. Of all the suggestions I enjoy public speaking the most. I LOVE public speaking. It's sort of a hobby for me and something that I think I'm good at. I enjoy having the ability to effectively articulate an idea or messege and entertain in the process. Through my college experience I have hosted pageants, emceed many lectures/seminars, read many bios and introductory speeches, facilitated a press conference and have done voiceovers for documentaries. All of these activities I feel have served as practice for strengthing my written and verbal communication skills. In many instances I have had to write scripts for myself and others.
After reading Bakshi's article I too have suggestions for students or whoever is looking to enter the public relations pool or simply build their personal brand. I suggest becoming a jack of all trades. I know in the communications industry there is now, more than ever, pressure to be a multimedia professional. This means learning and being able to perform all tasks of media. One should know a little about public relations, advertising, marketing, print, photgraphy, graphic design, film, and the lists goes on. Nowadays, we see all of these fields fused together through job responsibilities and projects. Also, some clients are looking for a one-stop shop. Having this wide knowledge will at minumum make you more competitive in your respective field.
In the article Bakshi presents four suggestions on how to build your brand; volunteer your skills and knowledge to a local nonprofit, get published, seek speaking opportunities, and get involved in your local PRSA chapter. Of all the suggestions I enjoy public speaking the most. I LOVE public speaking. It's sort of a hobby for me and something that I think I'm good at. I enjoy having the ability to effectively articulate an idea or messege and entertain in the process. Through my college experience I have hosted pageants, emceed many lectures/seminars, read many bios and introductory speeches, facilitated a press conference and have done voiceovers for documentaries. All of these activities I feel have served as practice for strengthing my written and verbal communication skills. In many instances I have had to write scripts for myself and others.
After reading Bakshi's article I too have suggestions for students or whoever is looking to enter the public relations pool or simply build their personal brand. I suggest becoming a jack of all trades. I know in the communications industry there is now, more than ever, pressure to be a multimedia professional. This means learning and being able to perform all tasks of media. One should know a little about public relations, advertising, marketing, print, photgraphy, graphic design, film, and the lists goes on. Nowadays, we see all of these fields fused together through job responsibilities and projects. Also, some clients are looking for a one-stop shop. Having this wide knowledge will at minumum make you more competitive in your respective field.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Simplifying Research
"Public Relations starts with research and ends with evaluation".....this is one of those fundamental aspects of PR that has been driven into me and my fellow classmates' heads since we steped foot into the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, "J-School" is what we have nicknamed it. However this statement is true. As budding PR practitioners we must not only know what to do and do it well, but we must know why and how we go about the "doing"; this is knowing how and why to implement a public relations strategy or activity and being able to measure the results. This is the meaning of reseach and evaluation. There are many types, models, approaches and categories of research but the basis is the same. There are methodical ways of gathering information to analyze what should be done to allieviate problem(s). So to better understand research in public relations for myself, I created a exercise to complete. I was given a packet of information about research in public relations from one of my professors, Dr. LaRae Donnellan, APR, CPRC. The information packet is titled: PR Research Methods. The information in the packet plainly spells out all aspects of research as it relates to public relations. One section that I have paid close attention to is the categories of research. In this section client research, problem/opportunity research and publics research are explained. What stood out to me was client reaearch and the questions that were posed for deeper understanding. Client research can be defined as "research about the client" (Donnellan, 3).
With the definition, this section lists a series of questions you can ask of or research about your client. Donnellan explains that "before you take a job at a new company or for a new client, you should start by doing research about that client." (Donnellan, 3). Basically, research should be done before seeking employment. Since I am a senior and have a little over 6 months until I graduate, researching overall information about organizations I want to work for as well as actually appling for jobs are things I am being encouraged to do now. So I decided to see how much information I would be able to obtain about one of my ideal jobs. I selected the Johnson Publishing Company to be the study of my research exercise. I selected a few questions Donnellan suggests researching your job. They are as follows:
Is the job/client publicly held? No. JPC is a privately held company which means that it is a for profit business and is not operated by the government.
How is it funded? JPC is funded by the services and products it produces. JPC is the largest African-American owned publishing company that prodeces both Ebony and Jet Magazines as well as a series of books. Additionally, JPC has lines of hair and beauty products and produces a annual fashion production.
What reputation does it have with customers? JPC is a well-trusted company in the black community. Many customers use it as one of the top sources of information and content concerning this demographic. They also support the company's initatives and events.
I conducted this reserch through secondary and casual sources. I browsed the company website and engaged in dialogue with customers. With conducting this research I have gained a better understanding of how JPC works as a business as well as what people think about what they are doing and the impact they have. These findings are knowledge I did not have before and may not have explored before seeking job opportunities with this company. However, I have learned the value of research; It is a formative step that must be taken before any activity can be implemented.
Source: PR Research Methods by Dr. LaRae Donnellan, APR, CPRC.
www.johnsonpublishing.com
With the definition, this section lists a series of questions you can ask of or research about your client. Donnellan explains that "before you take a job at a new company or for a new client, you should start by doing research about that client." (Donnellan, 3). Basically, research should be done before seeking employment. Since I am a senior and have a little over 6 months until I graduate, researching overall information about organizations I want to work for as well as actually appling for jobs are things I am being encouraged to do now. So I decided to see how much information I would be able to obtain about one of my ideal jobs. I selected the Johnson Publishing Company to be the study of my research exercise. I selected a few questions Donnellan suggests researching your job. They are as follows:
Is the job/client publicly held? No. JPC is a privately held company which means that it is a for profit business and is not operated by the government.
How is it funded? JPC is funded by the services and products it produces. JPC is the largest African-American owned publishing company that prodeces both Ebony and Jet Magazines as well as a series of books. Additionally, JPC has lines of hair and beauty products and produces a annual fashion production.
What reputation does it have with customers? JPC is a well-trusted company in the black community. Many customers use it as one of the top sources of information and content concerning this demographic. They also support the company's initatives and events.
I conducted this reserch through secondary and casual sources. I browsed the company website and engaged in dialogue with customers. With conducting this research I have gained a better understanding of how JPC works as a business as well as what people think about what they are doing and the impact they have. These findings are knowledge I did not have before and may not have explored before seeking job opportunities with this company. However, I have learned the value of research; It is a formative step that must be taken before any activity can be implemented.
Source: PR Research Methods by Dr. LaRae Donnellan, APR, CPRC.
www.johnsonpublishing.com
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