Archive for August, 2008
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As part of our final report to Grayback Forestry, my partner Leslie and I wrote a media analysis, trying to capture the sheer volume of media contacts in the first 72 hours after the helicopter crash. I thought I’d share part of it with you here. I’ve found that the media attention tends to move in phases. I usually identify four phases of media attention based on my experience and here I’ll tell you about phase one as it relates specifically to this incident. Phase One: Breaking News The first 72 hours following the announcement of the accident were the most intense in terms of media attention. In an effort to best tell a breaking news story, the media seek the who, what, when, where, why and how. They want names of injured and missing (the fallen firefighters were considered missing, but presumed perished, for the first couple of days),... Continue Reading
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Summer is coming to a close.The rapid pace at which the season has passed has my head spinning. My intent was to do a lot of blogging, spend some time doing research and even do some early class prep for a new academic year. Thanks to a rush of new business, a crisis to manage and moving out of our house, I’ve been less than productive in the ways I’d intended to be. So, I’m finding myself feeling like I need to get back on track – catch up with my feedreader, figure out what the PR blogosphere has been talking about the last 3 months and prep for the coming year. If you’re a student (or even a recent grad), you may be feeling the same way… summer can be distracting. I’ve been thinking about how to get myself in the groove and thought I’d share a few ideas... Continue Reading
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According to a recent survey of 100 executive recruiters done by ExecutNet, 77 percent of recruiters reported using search engines to find background data on candidates. Of that number, 35 percent eliminated a candidate because of what they found online. StarTribune.com What comes up when you search your name via Google? Your search engine results page (SERP) might be just as important as your printed resume. There’s lots of talk around about protecting your personal brand and how important it is to manage your Facebook profile. This is another variation on that theme. Online repuation is not just a matter of limiting what you put on line, but being very deliberate about what you share and how you position yourself as a young professional. You will be Googled, why not have the results be intentional? Having a strong online presence is important. If you don’t participate in social media, that... Continue Reading
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Just a few short days after my last post, I was called on a difficult assignment. Three wildland firefighters injured in a helicopter crash in the Trinity Alps in northern California, seven missing and feared dead. Their employer, Grayback Forestry, devastated and being bombarded by media calls. I partnered again with my friend Leslie Habetler and we answered the phone and answered questions non-stop for 4 or 5 days. I arranged interviews and spoke on the company’s behalf. I’ll have several “after action” posts, I’m sure, detailing my experience and what lessons I can share with my readers. Right now, I’m a little exhausted and trying to catch my breath from being on site at the southern end of Oregon for 10 days. In the meantime, the Medford Mail Tribune had a terrific story and image gallery of the memorial service from Friday, August 15 that was a moving tribute... Continue Reading
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Most international events allow us to armchair quarterback the public relations outreach and response. The Beijing Summer Olympics is no different and provides some unique issues due to the Chinese political system and the international-scale issues around which the international community is raising a cacophony of voices. In 2001, after China had won the bid for the 2008 games, a senior official said, “Winning the host rights means winning the respect, trust, and favor of the international community.” The statement sums up what China wants to get out of these games, but it seems the country’s challenges related to its political system, primarily, are taking the luster off the games for the country. Issues and challenges that may be worth paying attention to during these Olympic Games: The “No-Fun” Olympics: Dubbed as such by some western media, the phrase refers to the massive, sweeping security measures put in place. Visa... Continue Reading
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Lots of great stuff in the blogosphere this week, so I’m putting a special edition linky love together here just for you! Is online reputation management as simple as optimising Google juice and minimising digital dirt? (PR Conversations) How “Janet” Fooled the Twittersphere she’s the voice of ExxonMobil (Web Strategy by Jeremiah) GUEST POST: Voice of the Intern (PR Squared) A sort-of-unified definition of public relations – without a single mention of “marketing” (Tough Sledding) 50 Topics Marketers Could Write For Their Companies (Chris Brogan) All worth a read for different reasons. Hope you’re having a great summer!... Permalink
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