05.03.09
What have I learned??
I am currently a student at Georgia Southern University. I am a Public Relations major and I’m currently enrolled in Introduction to PR taught by Barbara Nixon.
Professor Nixon asked our class to compile a list on 10 things that we have learned by taking this course.
Here is my list:
1. Some of the components Public Relations: According to PRSA Foundation, (a few) components of PR include
- Counseling
- Research
- Media relations
- Publicity
- Community, governmental, and public affairs
- Issues management
- Marketing communcations
2. The next thing I have learned to do is what I’m doing right now! BLOGGING!! This has been a stress release for me. I do believe I would like it more if it wasn’t required for class but if it wasn’t required for class.. I would have never started it. My professor created a great guideline for our class to adhere to and it was very helpful starting out. Professor Nixon also created a FAQ about blogging. It included links showing how to post a video and hyperlinks.
3. I have learned to use Twitter… I follow my friends, receive tweets from comedians, and keep up with current events. I recommend if you haven’t joined, do so! It is a great opportunity to network with other people and comment on news stories carried by CNN to the latest news about your favorite sports team or celebrity. While you’re at it … Follow ME! To read more about my transition to twitter check out my blog post of My First Week Twitter and Twitter Again.
4. I have learned the importance of social networking sites. They are very important to PR practitioners because they provide a way to network with millions of people with just a click of a button. The recent shooting at University of Georgia by a professor had news outlets gathering information from RateMyProfessors.com.
5. Another important concept I learned was the importance of skillful writing. When interviewing Robert French, the creator of PROpenMic, he stressed the importance of writing. He believed that it is imperative that PR majors leave with strong writing skills because it will be a needed attribute in the field. To read more about my interview with Mr. French click here.
6. I learned the history behind PR and complex yet understand defintion of it.
- Public Relations is a process involving many subtle and far-reaching aspects.
- R.A.C.E. is important acronym of PR it ties in the 4 parts of PR: Research, Action, Communication an Evaluation.
7. Along with the history, I have learned how important it is to be flexible. Workers in PR are constantly being ask to do an assorted of things and one must be able to jump from one task to the other.
8. News Releases. This video is very informative and has taught just about everything I know Press Releases.
9. Staying up to date on current events is very important. PR practitioners have to be well informed on what is going on in the world because what is going on could have an effect on his or her client.
10. Last but certainty not least is TRYING NEW THINGS!! You can’t be afraid to try new things in PR because technology is changing and you must keep up to make your job easier.
References: Public Relations: Strategies and Tactics 9th ed. & Barbara Nixon
04.30.09
News Releases.. WHAT do You think???
04.25.09
Heidi Montag.. Tweets her way to the alter…
Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt from the television show the Hillsare finally getting married. Today is the day that Speidi will become one. It was a big surprise for me because I have been watching this season of the Hills and the couple looked far from being ready to head to the alter… I guess the therapy Heidi mandated they attend helped.
Or is it all a sham? Many have their doubts after the alleged fake wedding in Mexico.
Check out Heidi’s twitter page where she tweets to her followers about her memorable day. Is Lauren Conrad in attendance? I guess you’ll have to check out the season finale of the Hills slated to air later on in the year.
For a look at this season’s episode or previous season’s episode of the Hills click here.
04.23.09
Boredom====Randomness..
Random facts about yours truly….
>>WARNING::: I have tendency to skip numbers.. it doesn’t mean I can’t count or a sign of ignorance lol
1. First I love my family… even though they work a nerve sometimes wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them
2. Speaking of family… my momma reminds of Frankie from Keyshia Cole… maybe she’s just a little less dramatic.
3. I have grown so much in the last year… more spiritual, more mature, and less judgmental
4. I love It’s Pimpin Pimpin… and can recite most of it even though I only seen it twice… I quote from it a lot
5. Where’s the Army?? lol
6. I hate when I ride on the bus and people of my ethnicity act like the stereotype it makes me cringe!!
7. I think it is a bit annoying when I’m on the transit and I have to listen to 4 different songs at the same time because everyone wants to be tone deaf by age 30!!
8. I love my job… it has helped bring a lot of changes in my life!! >>MAJOR, PURPOSE IN LIFE<< etc.
9. I would have graduated a semester early if I had not changed my major!!
10. I LOVE TO EAT… my family often refers to my stomach as THE bottomless pit… THE NERVE!!
11. RAC??? WORK OUT??? PLZZ I’m allergic to those words… I’m breaking out right now!!
12. WaNNA gain WEIGHT??? Drink BOOST!! I’ve gained 7lbs since December
13. I have a terrible tendency to relate thinks back to me… I’m workin on it… I know its horrible lol
14. I am suppose to be #14… but my identity was stolen…
15. Some LOSER said I could have been a Delta… THE NERVE!! This AKATUDE has been in check since DAY 1!!
16. I am surrounded by people who love and care about me… I can’t say the same for other people
17. I never knew how much I accomplished until I did my resume…
18. I have a $400 speeding ticket I have to pay for… >>>>I’m taking donations<<<<<
19. I hate when boys wear flip flops and don’t wash their toes!! DDDDISGUSTING!!
20. I love my Alpha Kappa Alpha!! and my A Phi… ain’t no love like PHIRst PHam!
21. I hate when the media runs to get an “African American” perspective it always from Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson… Clearly he may have my GRANDPA’s perspective BUT NOT mine LOSERS!!
22. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL… I can watch the Falcons and Lakers aLL DAY
23. I used to be tom-boy>>> now I’m as high maintenance as they come…
24. I hate drama!! I keep my circle small
25. I love my nephew… I used to feel guilty about leaving him…
26. I love my Kesha, Anna and Zone 6!! You guys are my sanity… even though Anna about to drive me crazy with all these naked pics!! lol
27. I believe I was supposed to stop at 25 but because of my low self monitors I will not conform!! PERSUASION 4 the mind!!
28. Hey Natty!! OMG… That’s soOO funny!! “You either see him running like this or like this” LOL
29. I luv my Presidents Obama and MeShay Shay!! Stop STRESSING them out!!
30. I LOVE SHOES!! Well.. HEELS.. Always Always ALWAYS buying them and JEANS!!
31. The best roomies: Ja’Ce and Court <<Court we can have party by ourselves lol<<… and
32. WORST place I ever lived>>>THE EXCHANGE @ Statesboro!!<<< Don’t let the gate and nice landscape fool you!!
33. Best Homecoming THIS year!! (even though we got lost) Me, Rhonda, and Court went to Savannah! I luv those girls..
34. I am sensitive… I’ll probably cry if my feelings are hurt or every Sunday in church… but not ever when I hurt myself… that’s crazy!!
35. I will never send my grandparents to the nursing home… they WILL have around the clock care
36. Maybe I’m in denial… but I really don’t think Chris beat Rihanna that bad!! Those pictures are photo-shopped lol…. Poor lil tink tink
37. I actually feel like a smarter individual for attending college… Persuasion is my way to manipulation lol
38. I LOVE MY HAIR!! TOO picky when it comes to it!!
39. I’m hungry now so this is about to abruptly end…
04.21.09
Twitter again????
My introduction to public relations professor, Barbara Nixon, had previously assigned my class to join twitter and start twitting for at least a week. I was not interested (look at past post about it!). However, when given this assignment, I was excited. It didn’t feel like an “assignment” like the 1st time.
Since February, I have progressed into a frequent user of twitter. I began first by following news carriers but now I find myself interacting with my friends and following comedians like lil duval.
Since registering for an account, I have been able to see twitter’s growth. When I first began, none of my friends were on it. Now everyone has twitter account… Even OPRAH!! I have also became involved in the Change the Game Campaign and follow cwthegame and Tia Mowry for the latest updates.
I recommend other PR students to follow news outlets and other PR professionals such as Robert French, Jack Wysocki, 360 media, and Tara Murphy.
Twitter keeps a smile on my face and helps me keep up to date on the current issues and events. It is great social networking tool that has been incorporated in business practices by many companies. I do have to warn those new to twitter: do remember that this the web and people can see what you write! Be careful!
And don’t forget to follow me @ vgreene1
04.19.09
Chapter 14.. News Releases, Media Alerts, and Pitch Letters
Reference: Public Relations: Strategies and Tactics 9th edition
- A media kit (press kit) prepared for major events and new product launches. Purpose is to give editors and reporters a variety of info and resources
- Media alert components: Who, What, When, Where, Special Guest, Contact
- Pitch letter- short letter or note to the editor that tries to grab their attention. Can be telephone calls and e-mails.
- News releases are the most common used public relations tactic
04.07.09
My Interview with Robert French
Robert French is the creator of PROpenMic. PROpenMic is a social network for PR practitioners, students, and faculty. It was created a year ago to provide students with a way to network with professionals, other students and even faculty from around the world. PROpenMic has just celebrated it’s one year anniversary and has almost 4,200 members.
Mr. French teaches public relations at Auburn University. He has been actively involved in communications for over 25 years with experience ranging from public relations, broadcasting and university administration to teaching.
Now to the interview….
1. What is a typical week like for Mr. French?
- Mr. French does not believe he has a typical week. But he spends most of time editing and updating his websites, reading news and tracking issues, and spending approximately 2 or more hours responding to correspondences.
2. A project that Mr. French is especially proud of….
- PROpenMic is a project that Mr. French is extremely proud of. As stated earlier it was started a year ago and has almost 4,200 members!
3. How important is writing in his career?
- Mr. French believes that writing is one of the most important aspects of any PR professional life. He strongly advocates that all students should make writing and interpersonal communication their two most important skills to master! He thinks that a student should write everyday about the issues whirling around public relations.
4. What 3 tips would you offer someone just starting out in PR?
- Mr. French gave four tips that I feel are very insightful: Listen. Read. Write. Network. Then repeat.
- Listen to your environment. The people you interact with and share experiences with are the most important resources in your life. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM
- Reading is a form of listening. Reading should be broad and just not current events and news.
5. What does he do to keep current in PR industry?
- Mr. French engages in reading and networking to stay in touch with current events.
6. When his company is hiring for an entry level PR position, what makes candidates stand out?
- A person that is well-rounded, has knowledge of emerging digital media, familiar with current events, and illustrates they are up on trends.
7. What does he wish he had known before starting his career in PR?
- Mr. French wish he had partook in more internships. While in school, he worked full-time and did not gain work experiences in PR. He worked in radio and TV production which those skills acquired did transfer to PR.
8. What professional organizations is he involved?
- Mr. French has been a member of PRSA in the past, but doesn’t feel as though it offers a benefit anymore. He encourages students to join for networking benefits.
9. His favorite and least favorite part of his job?
- Mr. French loves the challenge of finding a way to successfully reach an audience.
- Things that weigh heavily upon him is the reading and correspondences but it is necessary for success.
10. What surprised him the most about working in PR ?
- He doesn’t really know if he was surprise or not but the depth of PR practices was surprising to discover and technology changes.
After doing this interview I am still interested in pursing a degree in public relations. I love to write, keep up with current events, and stay busy!!
REFERENCES: PROPENMIC and ROBERT FRENCH
For more information about Mr. Robert French follow him on twitter or vist his blog.
04.06.09
Chapter 11.. Reaching a Multicultural and Diverse Audience
Reference: Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
- Women make up 80% of purchasing decisions in their households
- lesbian/gay community have a median income of 65,000!! with high brand loyalty
- 1,555 hours are spend watching television (broadcast and cable)
- 86 hours playing video games
- Print media are the most effective for delivering a message that requires absorption of details and contemplation by the receiver.
- Television has the strongest emotional impact of all media
- Radio’s greatest advantage is its flexibility and the ability to reach specific target audiences.
04.05.09
Seth Godin… Tribes
Seth Godin book Tribes is the author of ten best seller books. His latest book is Tribes was nation wide best seller. It has appeared on Amazon, New York Times, BusinessWeek and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. The book tells of the “the most powerful form of marketing–leadership–and how anyone can now become a leader, creating movements that matter. The Miami Herald listed it among the best business books of 2008.”
What did I learn?
- Seth Godin defines tribes as a group of people who share something in common. It allows fundamentalist to be more extreme and venture out.
- People like doing what other people are doing.
- They need a sense of belonging. Every person needs to feel like they belong to something. It is a part of life process to achieve self-actualization.
- If there are no outsiders then there is no tribe.If everyone was apart of the same thing then there would be no uniqueness in joing something or no respect or prestige in the organization or group.
What surprised me?
- Seth Godin was very straight forward and to the point when he discuss things. I did not expect this. I thought maybe he would try to beat around the bush. The way he compared different companies for example United Way and KIVA… He said things directly and did not leave anything for the imagination
What I would like to learn more about?
- I would like to read the book Tribes. The presentation made it seem like it would be a great book to learn and apply in the PR world.
For More Information.. visit Seth Godin Blog
To click here to purchase Tribes from Amazon.
To watch the presentation click here
References: Vimeo, Seth Godin
04.20.09
My comments
Posted in Comments at 1:50 PM by Victoria
3/31
I was really impressed with Natalia Daies’ blog.. so I told her. She has one of the best blogs in my PR class.
4/20
I made a comment on Meshae’ Hankerson’s blog about her PR interview
4/21
I commented on Natalia’s blog about her infatuation with twitter. I agreed with about Twitters’ social networking capabilities and how much fun it can be.
4/21
You should really check out Natalia’s note. It is very unique and looks like it could be a fun excercise to do.
4/22
Amy Dietrich writes great poems on her blog… You should check it out!
Whitney Child is approaching graduation and is reminiscing on college life! Can’t wait until April 2010 so that I can do the same!!
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