Determining whether your blog is achieving its goals

We've been talking a lot about measurement lately, which leads me to this question:

How do you bloggers out there measure whether your blog is achieving its goals? Obviously, most business bloggers are promoting themselves or their companies (or both). What constitutes success?

Is it new business? I get asked all the time whether my blog has led to new clients.

Is it visibility? Most established blogs have readers from across the world. Is that of any value, especially for local or regional businesses, or is it just cool?

Is it readership? We all strive for that, but what value is lots of readers if it doesn't translate into anything?

Let us know your thoughts ... leave a comment and participate in the discussion (I'm particularly interested in hearing from PR bloggers).

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Advertising, Marketing, Blogging

A example of real measurement, straight from the horse's ...

One of the values of the web is its ability to accurately track click-throughs and give you a real-time idea of how something is working ... or not.

So to prove I'm not completely against measurement, click here to learn about the Seattle Times' most-read story of 2005.

Of course, there's always one naysayer who isn't in the real world.

Thanks to Fine on Media for the links.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Measurement, Seattle Times

Continuing the conversation: Linking and PR blogs

Well, Richard Edelman has responded to questions about linking via a comment on Trevor Cook's blog, and he promises to link more in 2006.

You can see his full response here.

Quick hit: I found this via Andrea Weckerle's fairly new blog, New Millenium PR, which looks like a winner. I've added her feed to my newsreader.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Blogging, Edelman

Continuing the conversation: Shel takes me to the woodshed

I figured my take on PR measurement would stir up a hornet's nest, in part because it's politically incorrect and also because I was attacking some people's bread and butter.

I was right.

First, Katie Paine called me a menace and a dinosaur.


I'm hurting the profession?

Now, Shel Holtz -- who I respect a great deal as I followed closely his excellent work at ARCO and Allergan when I was in corporate communications -- has taken me to the woodshed for a beating. He writes:

"With attitudes like Wagner’s, it’s no wonder PR gets so little respect!"

Ouch and double ouch.

Shel says my point that not everything can be measured is incorrect, and he quotes from a PR textbook to back up his argument. Then, in comments to his post, Tudor Williams -- another highly respected pro -- piles on by saying I need to "get with the real world."


Missing the point

I never said measurement was bad or worthless or unnecessary. I simply said that it can be very difficult to accurately measure real outcomes -- cause and effect -- in some cases.

Now, if you're selling a measurement tool to clients and agencies, you're going to tell me I'm wrong. Did that news release directly increase sales? Hard to say, but you can sell me a software program that will assign some type of value to it that I can take to my boss and "prove" my worthiness.

In my "non-real world," however, most executives see right through false metrics. Maybe I'm generalizing, but that's been my experience.


Not breaking news

I also said that many clients don't want to invest in measurement. I don't think that's breaking news to anybody.

But perhaps I'm generalizing there, too.

If you are a PR pro who has measured results on every single project you've ever undertaken, then please step up and leave a comment.

In the meantime, let me just ask this: If a client asks me to write a speech, should I turn down the project unless I can be certain he or she will track audience comprehension every time it's presented?

If a client asks me to produce marketing collateral, should I refuse unless he/she agrees to hold follow-up focus groups to critique its effectiveness?

If a client asks me to distribute a news release announcing a new VP, should I say "no" unless we can prove through research that the release is changing people's perceptions of the company?

In my "non-real world," we do the work that clients want and we do it to the best of our ability.

If measurement is part of that, great. If not, we don't put on a high-falutin' "PR must have seat at the table" act by turning up our noses and walking away.

And I'm guessing that not too many other folks do, either.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Measurement, Media Relations, Corporate Communications

Interesting points about a blogging policy for employees

We typically think of a corporate blogging policy as one that details how employees should blog, right?

But what about comments on other people's blogs? Especially when the IP address clearly identifies employees as representatives of a particular company?

Jeremy Pepper and Mike Driehorst cover the topic here and here, based on a recent incident with Alaska Airlines. Both are good reads and well worth your time if you are a corporate communicator or human resources professional.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Blogging, Employee Communications

Time to pay the piper for the City of Houston

Over the past few weeks, the bad news has slowly but surely trickled out -- gang fights in schools, crime rate way up, housing problems continuing, costs skyrocketing.

So how will the City of Houston manage the ongoing, enormous needs of New Orleans evacuees, who seem to be taxing every aspect of the community's public and non-profit resources?

In addition to being a political issue, it's also a sensitive public relations issue.

Houston received lots of goodwill for its initial willingness to take in Hurricane Katrina evacuees, and the caring way the city and its residents responded.

Now the question is: Can Houston maintain that goodwill while extricating itself from the ongoing care of thousands of new residents? The city has to manage these problems without appearing to blame the evacuees, not an easy task.

How would you handle this if you were responsible for the city's PR?

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Houston

Additional thoughts on measurement and my dinosaur stance

I've been thinking more about the issue of PR measurement, and why I might feel differently than others.

First, outside of a few special cases, I'm no longer a big believer in the power of mainstream media relations to drive results.

In certain efforts -- when there is real news to communicate -- media outreach should obviously be a component of an overall program.

But in today's fragmented world, how many clips and how much repetition does it take to reach your intended audience and drive them to action? A lot, which for most companies is difficult to achieve.

And that's what causes PR people to concoct metrics that purport to show their success.

Second, my experience is primarily with regional or local clients where budgets are limited and sophisticated measurement programs are seen as a luxury.

So I look at this issue from the standpoint of clients who are okay with a little ambiguity. They recognize that while measurement might be a nice-to-have, professional analysis and intuition will have to suffice.

We might not like it, but the majority of clients fall into that category.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Measurement, Media Relations, Corporate Communications

I'm not a heretic, a menace or a dinosaur ... but I still question the reliability of some measurement tools

Katie Paine says I'm a menace and a dinosaur for dissing the value of some PR measurement tools. But I'm just looking at the subject objectively.

Katie says circulation figures are an accurate way of determining the value of your PR efforts, in part because advertising folks do the same thing.

I disagree. Yes, you can report on the number of "eyeballs," as she calls it, but it's meaningless. It tells you nothing about the actual number of people who read, understood, believed or remembered your message.

In other words, the important stuff.

In today's world of media overload, who cares how many people subscribe to publications where your messages appeared? Except for a handful of global consumer product companies, it's not about "eyeballs" anymore.

Katie also says that I claim PR can't be measured. That's not what I said at all. I said:

"I believe measurement can be valuable in certain situations."

So I'm not against the idea of measurement. If it's possible, great. But look at how Katie describes the way to get the most accurate data:

"The best measurement programs combine media analysis with opinion research, web site traffic analysis and other metrics to measure not just outputs but outcomes as well."

And my point is ... how many clients or organizations are going to do all that? Some will -- and they may hire Katie's firm to help -- and that's fantastic for them and Katie.

But most will not. Why? Because they don't see the value in numbers and ratios that don't really tell them anything.

Katie's example of success -- a Southwest Airlines program that tallied click-through ticket purchases from online news releases -- is indeed an excellent representation of a measurable program with real and very valuable numbers.

But measuring online sales through hyperlinks is completely different from measuring news articles in print publications or broadcast clips.

Here's a measurement that means something.

My firm once placed a bylined article in a trade publication touting a client's new oilfield technology.

A prospect called the firm, saying he had read about the technology in the trade magazine and that it was perfect for his project. That call turned into a million-dollar order -- a direct result of the article.

We did not need to convince the client of the value of PR after that.

Quick hit: If public relations professionals are to be credible "at the table," we have to make sure that the data we provide for our programs can withstand the scrutiny of bottom-line oriented business managers. In my opinion, that's impossible to do with most measurement tools based on circulation or viewership.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Measurement, Media Relations, Corporate Communications

Continuing the conversation: More on PR measurement

Shortly after I posted here about measurement, I noticed that KD Paine had updated her blog with new information about a metric her firm is using with clients to measure the value of media relations.

While her PR Value Ratio is different than advertising equivalency values, it's still just a number that doesn't really mean anything.

For starters, you can't accurately measure how many people read or viewed any media story. Circulation tells you how many people receive a publication, but readership -- especially of a particular article -- is a different animal altogether.

Second, you can't accurately measure how many people -- of those who DID read your story -- understood the key message you wanted to convey.

Third, most earned media is not one-sided. So there are likely to be competing views in the same story.

Finally, you can't accurately measure whether those who did understand the key message believed it, remembered it or cared about it.

In other words, values and ratios barely scratch the surface of measuring effectiveness, and thus are often meaningless to executives.

Update: More opposing thoughts ...

Kami Huyse: Measuring PR value

Shel Holtz: Katie Payne invents a new PR metric

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Measurement, Media Relations, Corporate Communications

PR measurement might always play second fiddle

I'm about to write something that could have me labeled a heretic ... or worse.

But what the heck -- here goes:

I'm not a big believer in measuring the effectiveness of public relations programs.

Well, perhaps I should rephrase that. I believe measurement can be valuable in certain situations. I just don't think it will ever be a priority for clients or agencies. Why?

Reason No. 1 -- most traditional measurement tools are BS. For example, I've always hated advertising equivalency values, because they are just fake numbers dressed up to look pretty.

Reason No. 2 -- many communications efforts don't lend themselves to accurate measurement, or require extensive investments of time or effort to facilitate data collection.


Too much trouble

Here's an example: We once promoted a breakthrough mobile phone for a wireless client, garnering significant media coverage.

The phone sold well ... but was that a result of the coverage we earned, because the sales force did a good job of showing the phone to customers, or because of the accompanying advertising effort?

The client company could have instructed sales people to ask each person who purchased the phone about their motivation, but that would have required a tremendous coordination effort with no guarantee that the data would be accurate.

So no measurement was done, but I think most reasonable people would say that the media coverage was of benefit.


Easy to measure

Now, here's an example of a program that was measurable:

A client asked us to promote the use of its reverse auction system to purchasing agents throughout the company. We developed and implemented an extensive effort to showcase the value of the system using real-life examples.

Throughout the course of the campaign, usage of the system rose dramatically, and the savings achieved through reverse auction purchases tripled the investment in the communications program.

But most programs aren't going to be so cut-and-dried. And most clients don't want to pay for -- or invest the time in -- measuring results that are more difficult to obtain or that really don't tell you whether messages were received and understood.


Old-fashioned intuition

I know most serious PR pros scoff at this, but the truth is that we often have to trust our instincts and good sense when it comes to the effectiveness of a communications effort.

When measurement is possible, great. But it will likely always play second fiddle to good old-fashioned intuition.

And now, some words from the other side:

Shel Holtz: PR measurement and math-challenged communicators

KD Paine: Yes, Shel, there is a measurement Santa Claus

Andy Lark: PR not measuring up

Susan Getgood: Grab bag: PR measurement

Technorati Tags: PR, Public Relations, Measurement, Media Relations, Corporate Communications

Media Orchard lists worst spins of '05

Scott Baradell at Media Orchard ranks the "worst spins" of 2005 here. His No. 1? FEMA's Michael Brown, of course.

Scott's list is getting good play in the blogiverse ... check out this post from the highly read Gawker.

Can the big agencies be thought leaders in a changing marketplace?

A fascinating discussion jumped out at me right before Christmas ... prompted by this post from Shel Israel admonishing PR big-whig Richard Edelman for not linking to others.

It brings to mind a larger question that goes beyond Edelman's 6 a.m. blog -- can big agencies be thought leaders in a new environment?

Trevor Cook says no ... not without sharing the limelight with others, and the top-tier firms won't do that (especially with competitors).


No longer the voice of wisdom

Consider yesterday's thought leader. He was an authoritative voice of wisdom who published opinion pieces in the Wall Street Journal and spoke at top-flight conferences, dispensing pearls and staying above the fray.

Today's thought leader has a blog and is held accountable for everything he/she posts via comments and trackbacks and the rapid-fire response mechanism that is the blogosphere. He/she links to others, builds upon others' ideas, gives credit to others when it's due and engages in conversations -- not lectures.

Today's thought leader isn't a pontificator on high. He or she is a "thought generator" -- someone who stimulates thinking and creativity by bringing others together.


Collaboration, not competition

So can big firms do that? Can Richard Edelman link to someone at Hill & Knowlton, or even some guy in Texas, and give credit and visibility to a competitor?

I don't know the answer, but Shel certainly is asking the question.

And I suspect others will too, once the holidays wind down and bloggers start reading their newsfeeds again.

Digging deeper: This much is true ... without a doubt, the majority of emerging thought leaders in the PR blogosphere come from the independent consultant or small-agency space. Makes sense ... these folks have the freedom to be open, timely and provocative.

But they also have no qualms about sharing information or building upon others' ideas -- and giving credit where it's due.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Blogging, Edelman

Buzz is a funny thing ... you can't predict what will take off

The internets have been abuzz with links to a recent Saturday Night Live rap video called "Lazy Sunday" -- poking fun at "The Chronicles of Narnia" and pot-induced munchies -- which aired on Dec. 17.

I've watched it several times and while it's clever, I don't think it's the funniest thing on SNL in years, as many bloggers are claiming.

Which just goes to show you ... you can't predict -- or force -- buzz. It either happens or it doesn't.

What may separate "Lazy Sunday" from other skits is the availability of the clip. It's posted on You Tube, but Houston Chronicle tech columnist Dwight Silverman says SNL also made the clip available free of charge on iTunes.

The lesson here is clear: While you can't predict buzz, you have to create an environment where it can thrive. Imagine if SNL lawyers had moved quickly to squash the posting on You Tube?

Bottom line: Put your product/service/idea out there, communicate about it, be open, allow people to share and comment, and hope for the best.

Quick hit: What others are saying.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Marketing, Advertising, SNL

Continuing the conversation: Handling citizen photographers properly

In this post here, I wrote about the dramatic increase in liability businesses face due to the availability and ease of use of camera phones.

Eric Eggerston followed up with some excellent points about the importance of handling citizen papparazi with style and grace, to avoid embarrassing blowups. His post, titled "Don't Be Heavy-Handed With No Photo Policy," is an important add-on ... give it a read here.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Advertising, Marketing, New Media

Transit strike proves that telecommuting is viable option

I've never understood why companies don't allow more employees to work from home. When I was a boss, I often let staff members stay home if they had a big deadline and needed to focus.

Why? Because the office is a much bigger distraction than the lure of daytime television. :)

Stephen Baker at Business Week wonders whether the recent NYC transit strike will convince employers that telecommuting is a viable option in this age of always-on connectivity:

"I know people have been talking about telecommuting for decades. But just consider how much more of what we do is on the network--and how much more efficient those networks are."

Cities that don't rely on mass transit much -- Houston is certainly one of them -- could benefit tremendously from an increase in telecommuting. The infrastructure demands of commuting are enormous ... and wasteful.

Let's put it this way: The notion of millions of people heading one way in the morning and the reverse direction in the evening is so last century.

Quick hits: Stephen points to two posts with similar thoughts ... here and here.

Technorati Tags: Telecommuting

Are you ready for the citizen papparazi?

Irish blogger Piaras Kelly made an interesting point earlier this week ... the "everywhere nature" of camera phones means that the "media" is always present.

To illustrate the point, Piaras used the photo above -- footballer Roy Keane at a news conference announcing his signing with Celtic (if those names mean nothing to you, I urge you to learn a little about the beautiful game).

Notice how the camera phones outnumber the press photogs.

I saw the same phenomenon when Mia Hamm played here at Reliant Stadium. When Mia trotted over to our section of the stadium to take a corner kick, everyone rushed down with their camera phones and snapped away.

In other words, everyone has a camera, and they're not afraid to use it.

What does this mean for PR professionals? It's a good reminder that anyone -- at any time -- can snap photos of your plant, facility, work space, operations, employees, storefronts, etc.

Of course, some phones now can take video, which can be even more damaging.

So be prepared. Make sure that your organization is buttoned up properly to prevent unwanted photos or video from appearing on websites or e-mail.

And make sure your executives and managers are aware of the ubiquitous nature of today's "media."

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Blogging, New Media, Media Relations

Media Orchard covers new ground and ummm, uncovered topics

It didn't take long after its debut for Scott Baradell's Media Orchard to become one of my favorite PR blogs.

The main reason is that Scott covers subjects that most PR folks don't even think about, and he does so in a thought-provoking and always-readable way -- with a touch of humor thrown in.

While most are talking about the same ol' tech topics, Scott is looking for communications lessons in the everyday, humdrum world the rest of us live in.

His post today about the Saugeen Stripper is a perfect example of the value he brings to the PR/communications discussion. It's smart, timely and completely spot on (especially to this father of three girls).

There's no reason for me to go into detail about the SS ... just give Scott's post a read.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Blogging, Media Orchard, Scott Baradell

Disney World to offer podcasts

Though I'm not really a listener, I often talk to clients and colleagues about podcasts.

Most of the time, I get a blank stare in return. But I've come to the conclusion that there is real value in podcasts -- for certain organizations, in certain situations.

To me, the announcement that Disney World will be offering "behind the scenes" podcasts beginning Dec. 25 is a perfect example of the perfect podcasting use:

"... the podcast will feature exclusive content, including behind-the-scenes tours of Disney's four Florida theme parks, celebrity interviews, news about upcoming events and conversations with Walt Disney Imagineers, the men and women responsible for the design, creation and expansion of the company's theme parks and resorts."

Awesome. There are legions of Disney fanatics out there who will eat this up. I can also see a real use for podcasting within the parks themselves.

Meanwhile, Kevin Dugan says the Smithsonian Institution could benefit from podcasts.

Quick hit: I love Disney World. Can't wait to go back.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Marketing, Advertising, Podcasting, Disney World

Text messaging adoption soars

My daughter recently taught my wife how to use the text messaging feature on her cell phone.

Now, they can communicate during the day, since students aren't allowed to talk on their cell phones during school hours.

I can't tell you how many times this has come in handy during the past few weeks. Texting is one of those things that you can't live without once you experience its value.

Today, I read (via Allison Gower's allaboutqtags blog) that text messaging in the U.S. is soaring. Cell phone users sent 154 percent more text messages in June 2005 than they did in the same period last year -- 7.2 billion, up from 2.8 billion.

That growth is just the tip of the iceberg. I wonder what the numbers will look like next June?

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Advertising, Marketing, Text Messaging, qtags, New Media

Do you practice CBWA -- 'communication by walking around'?

There used to be a style of leadership known as "management by walking around," or MBWA.

The idea was that senior managers needed to be visible to the "troops" so they were encouraged to get out of the office and wander the hallways.

But MBWA is really more of a communications tool than a management style. It's not about being visible ... it's about making the effort to really talk with people -- to listen to their concerns, understand their issues, celebrate their successes.

I used to spend a lot of time talking with people when I was a boss. Almost always, it was in their office, as I would plop down at least once a day and get a sense for what was going on.

Sometimes it would be completely non-work related, as that's important too -- if you want to build real relationships with people.

I was reminded of the power of "CBWA" by this post on the IABC Cafe by chairman Warren Bickford. He cites a survey that revealed 10 percent of executives could not identify their own company culture, writing:

"Where have they been? Do they never leave their office? When executives ask me how best to find out about what’s going on in their organizations, I tell them the very best way is to get out of their office - walk around - talk to people where they are. Make the rounds of cubicle land. Pop down to the “floor.” Stop by the coffee rooms. Just get out of your office every day if at all possible. Be seen. Be heard. Be available."

Great advice. But the key is to view CBWA not as managing people, but as a way to improve information sharing and understanding.

In other words, it's not about checking up on people. It's about communicating more effectively.

Quick hit: Years ago I had a boss who didn't like to leave her office or interact with her staff. We once went 10 working days without even seeing each other even though we were both there the entire time (I kept track!).

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Corporate Communications, Employee Communications, Human Resources

Mass media outlets report on the death of ... mass media

Here are a couple of links to stories about the end of mass media as we know it.

From the LA Times: Mass media's last blast

From Adweek: They want the world, and they want it now

Interesting reads, both.

Will we see dramatic changes in 2006 as a result of all this awakening? I think the evolution will continue, but incrementally.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Advertising, Marketing, New Media

What is it that makes time seem to speed past?

I realized yesterday afternoon that Christmas was less than a week away. I haven't bought a single gift.

My kids wrap up the first semester of the school year on Tuesday. Seems like just yesterday they were headed back for the first day.

In January, On Message from Wagner Communications will celebrate its first birthday. In February, Wagner Communications will be two years old.

Has it been that long since I was sitting in a plush office in San Felipe Plaza, in a job I never dreamed I'd ever leave?

Where does the time go? What is it about today's lifestyle, society, environment, whatever, that makes everything speed past?

Doesn't a diversity champ have to have a diverse workforce?

If you've read my blog for awhile, you've probably noticed that "diversity" is an issue that gets under my skin (sorry for the pun).

One reason is the often awkward ways in which the importance of diversity is expressed. And sometimes it's the very definition of the word.

With that in mind (and tongue in cheek), let's look at a news release issued today by the National Capital Chapter of PRSA:

"Gloria Rodriguez, founder, president, and CEO of Comunicad, Inc., was the recipient of the Diversity Champion award ...

"'Ms. Rodriguez is the epitome of a diversity champion ... She mentored over 50 Latina communications professionals as chair of the National Hispana Leadership Institute,' said Jeffrey Lofton, APR, chair of the 2005 PRSA-NCC Diversity Committee ...

"Comunicad, Inc., has provided pro-bono service for almost every major Hispanic organization in the United States, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and the National Council of La Raza."

Okay ... doesn't diversity mean "many cultures?"

So if Gloria Rodriguez is Hispanic, and she mentors Hispanics, serves as chair of a Hispanic group and does pro bono work for Hispanic organizations, how is she a diversity champion?

I'm sure Rodriguez is a fine professional, but shouldn't the "diversity champ" be someone who leads a multi-cultural workforce or works in a multi-cultural environment?

Just asking ...

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Marketing, PRSA, Diversity

30-second ads may be dead, but the University of Texas doesn't think so

While some in marketing are calling for an end to the traditional television commercial, the University of Texas is rolling out a series of TV advertisements that tout the university and its locale, the city of Austin.

Using the theme "What Starts Here Changes The World," the campaign features nine 30-second advertisements narrated by famed newsman Walter Cronkite. The spots were produced by the university's public affairs office in conjunction with Austin-based powerhouse GSD&M.

UT isn't budgeting any money for a media buy, but will use the spots during sports broadcasts featuring Longhorn teams (the networks give each participating school a free 30-second slot).

You can read transcripts -- or see the spots in their entirety -- here.

Thanks to Houston's Clear Thinkers for the link.

Quick hit: There's been no official word yet, but it's expected Texas A&M will retaliate by rolling out a campaign using animated flip cards or Corps students in sandwich boards.

Technorati Tags: Marketing, Advertising, University of Texas

Open your eyes to the next wave of PR bloggers

I recently checked out two fairly new additions to the PR chatter business -- Bacon's Blog by Chris Thilk and The Daily 'Dog, an online roundup from the Bulldog Reporter.

Both have "public relations" blog rolls that feature the same ol' folks -- Steve Rubel (of course), Jeremy Pepper, Mike Manuel, Elizabeth Albrycht, Shel Holtz, BL Ochman and so on.

Those are all fine bloggers, though I would argue that a couple of those blogs aren't PR-focused at all.

But why no recognition for the up-and-coming PR bloggers who -- in my opinion -- are having a tremendous impact on the voice and vision of the industry?

Why isn't Scott Baradell of Media Orchard listed? Why isn't Mason Cole of Vy Blog listed? Gary Goldhammer of Below the Fold? Steve Silvers of Scatterbox? Eric Eggerston of Mutually Inclusive PR?

This is something that's bothered me for some time.

These bloggers are leading the next wave, with analysis and insight that is unique to their particular backgrounds and experiences. And their content tends to be more applicable and accessible to a wider audience than the heavy tech focus of the first-wave "A-listers."

Yet they are often overlooked.

It's time to widen the circle a bit and give some room to the "next wavers" of PR blogging. They deserve recognition and respect.

Quick hit: If you're putting together a PR blog roll, look beyond the obvious and dig a little. Don't just copy someone else's list ... go to the PubSub PR list or Technorati's list of public relations blogs and read the ones you're not familiar with.

There's some good stuff there. Spread the word.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Blogging

The importance of proper recognition -- for corporations and non-profits

Communications professionals are often tasked with finding a suitable way to recognize someone for his or her contributions.

It might be an executive who is retiring. Or perhaps an employee who is being honored. Or for those in the non-profit sector, it's often a donor who has given to a capital campaign.

Recognizing those people appropriately -- personally, deeply, with a spirit and genuine quality that truly says "we value you" -- can be difficult.

Off-the-shelf plaques, crystal clocks or desk paperweights are a dime a dozen and don't have impact any more. But it's difficult to know where to turn for something that might have more meaning.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet Tom Ferguson, a former oil company executive who left that industry to start his own custom, art-driven recognition awards consultancy.

Tom believes that there is no more important way to engender loyalty and commitment than through proper recognition. And he's passionate about the power of customized artwork that is tailored to the recipients' interests.

Tom's company -- Ferguson Recognition Works -- has produced dramatic awards and honors for a wide range of industries and purposes -- corporate recognition, executive appreciation, achievement, tribute walls and displays and more.

I encourage you to check out his website here to learn more.

Quick hit: I'm also proud to count Tom as one of my clients. I'm helping him communicate his passion for proper recognition to decision-makers in the corporate and non-profit sectors. You can see samples of his work in these photos.




Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Marketing, Advertising, Non-Profits, Corporate Communications, Ferguson Recognition Works

It's official ... Earthquakes moving to Houston

I'm listening to a conference call right now featuring MLS commissioner Don Garber, who just announced that the San Jose Earthquakes are moving to Houston, effective immediately.

As a soccer fan, I'm thrilled. Count me in as someone who will be buying season tickets.

Technorati Tags: Houston, Soccer, MLS

PR is marketing ... it's time we recognize that fact

Edelman boss Richard Edelman blogged this week about the changes our profession is undergoing. One of his points struck a chord with me:

"PR firms have been bad at selling themselves because marketers do not think of us as having marketing capabilities. Marketing is part of PR's role -- there has been too much emphasis in the PR agency business on CEO positioning or corporate reputation."

In my experience at an integrated advertising/PR firm, it was the public relations folks who could brainstorm complete marketing communications ideas and programs.

Advertising creatives had a difficult time thinking beyond print, television or radio. PR pros incorporate grassroots communication, community relations, special events, direct mail, marketing collateral and more into a plan.

I think Richard is on to something, but I would argue that in addition to fussing over CEO positioning, too many firms are overly focused on getting meaningless media hits for clients.

There's a whole world out there of communication, conversation and interaction that doesn't involve the media.

Agencies, turn your PR people loose, forget about getting in the New York Times and focus on reaching the consumers who really care about your client's product or service.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Advertising, Marketing, Edelman

A fascinating read -- how Houston bested New Orleans in economic growth

By the time the Allen brothers put down stakes on the banks of Buffalo Bayou and founded Houston, New Orleans was already a thriving port city and economic powerhouse -- a cultural gem compared to the backwater newcomer.

In the many decades to follow, however, Houston overtook the Crescent City in every possible way, except as a tourist destination.

Even before Hurricane Katrina, Houston was a beacon for immigration and business ownership, a place where entrepreneurs and those looking to make a better life for themselves and their families can thrive, while New Orleans was a city in serious decline -- economically and socially.

Author and city planning expert Joel Kotkin has written a fascinating article that describes the paths the two cities took to today, and how their fates are now intertwined due to the aftermath of the hurricane.

It's a long read but well worth the time if you have any interest at all in cities and their history and governance.

Thanks to blogHouston for the link.

Digging deeper: Kotkin's article and sidebar skewer the trendy thinking that drives a lot of editorial decisions at the Houston Chronicle -- that hip restaurants and loft housing make a city great.

Ask anyone in social services in Houston about our immigrant base and they'll say that people are arriving here by the thousands because of our open attitude toward entrepreneurship and economic growth. They are working poor ... but they won't be for long. They strive for home ownership -- primarily in the suburbs, as Kotkin points out -- quality education for their children and economic assimilation.

Technorati Tags: Houston, Houston Chronicle, Suburbs, Hurricane Katrina, Economic Growth, Joel Kotkin

Quit worrying about image, and start focusing on reality

Nothing chaps me more than public relations professionals who fuss over what a client is wearing or who focus on extraneous issues such as photo op setups to make a client appear "in charge."

It's an embarrassment to our profession that so many PR people care more image than reality.

So I was pleased to see several PR bloggers speak out about the inane focus of Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco's (at left in the photo) advisors during the throes of Hurricane Katrina.

Here's a sample e-mail from an advisor just a few days after the storm hit:

"Please put KBB (the governor) in casual clothes, a baseball cap, etc. she needs to visit a shelter in prime time and talk tough, but hug on some folks and be sensitive."

Never mind the people who are dying.

Of course, the first rule of thumb in a situation gone awry is to fix the situation. Mason Cole, writing in his Vy Blog, puts it this way:

"I still believe it's close to always true -- you do the work first, and images follow. Positive ones. Good work begets good image."

Peter Himler echoes those thoughts inThe Flack:

"My issue is with her advisors -- from the supposedly cutting-edge realm of political PR. They apparently believe they are providing a service by telling their boss how to look and what to say ... as opposed to what to do."

Unfortunately, the industry's frequent focus on image over substance and style over content is obvious even in non-crisis situations.

How many PR pros respond to negative publicity about a company's product or service by ratcheting up the news release machinery, rather than addressing the actual problem? How many agencies tell clients they can get them publicity even though most clients, frankly, aren't very newsworthy?

How many of us are afraid to "tell it like it is" so we "tell 'em what they want to hear?"

Ever since I've been a wet-behind-the-ears PR neophyte, I've been hearing talk about communications having a seat at the proverbial conference table.

But when the opportunity comes to sit down and join the discussion, are we going to be more worried about the centerpiece and lighting, or about making a real difference for the organizations we represent?

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Marketing, Hurricane Katrina

Continuing the conversation: Does 'nuance' sell PR short?

In this post, I commented on Lee Hopkins' observation that communications professionals can create work that is "slightly better nuanced."

That phrase held a great deal of meaning to me.

Not everyone can perform brain surgery or fly a jet, but anyone can write a newsletter article or draft a speech. Or, in today's world, publish a blog.

So why are public relations and corporate communications professionals needed? My take is that the nuances of our skills and talent make our work more effective.

Todd Van Hoosear at Tech PR Gems saw my post a little differently. He wrote:

"Successful PR is not about nuance. It's about spot-on targeting. I would argue (and I'm as guilty of this as anyone) that PR people spend way too much time on nuance, and not enough time on focus. Trying to get a piece of business communications right enough to satisfy their customer base may make it ineffective for many of the most important readers."

Todd makes a good point, but I think we're using the word nuance differently. I meant nuanced as in "invisible to the untrained eye." The way a professional golfer makes the game look easy, when we know it's not.

I think Lee meant it the same way, though I can't be sure.

Todd seems to be using nuance to mean a shading of messages or subtlety.

It's an interesting discussion, to be sure. What do you think? Lee, Todd, can you chime in with some clarifications?

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR

PR guy gets blasted for pitching the Colonel

Gawker's very public humilation of Weber Shandwick staffer Brandon Smulyan for his KFC contest pitch has to be one of the most painful things I've seen on the internets in some time.

I mean, calling him "Moron Publicist of the Month" is going a bit overboard, no?

It's very clear that bloggers are pushing back harder against inane PR pitches as they get more and more brazen about naming names and firms.

I caught some flack (pardon the pun) when I wrote here that public relations pros should avoid pitching bloggers (I suggested this). Everyone said that the key is learning the blogger's individual style, building relationships, blah, blah, blah.

Of course all that is true, but that's not how much of the real world operates, is it?

In the real world, guys like Brandon Smulyan get hammered on by surly account supervisors to produce evidence they've "followed up with everyone" to justify the agency's huge monthly retainer to the surly client.

And now they get hammered on by surly bloggers.

You have to wonder if any of this will impact agencies and the way they operate. What is Brandon's account supervisor saying to him today??

Quick hits: Thanks to Media Orchard for the link, and some additional thoughts. And here's some commentary from Morgan McLintic.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Blogging, Weber Shandwick, KFC

The end of blogging as we know it

Gary Goldhammer has an insightful post about blogging in the year 2006 ... how it will move from novelty to utility.

It's an interesting read. Here's a quick sample:

" ... someone who talks on a telephone isn’t called a 'phoner,' any more than someone who communicates via a blog today will be called a 'blogger' tomorrow."

I agree with much of what Gary says, especially in terms of the novelty wearing off and the power of consolidation.

But as we move down the blogging timeline, I believe we may see fewer blogs rather than more, as people realize what a time-intensive, mentally challenging activity it is.

As I near the one-year anniversary of my blog's kickoff, I am more convinced than ever that blogging is NOT for everyone, but only for those with a real passion to communicate, to share, to instruct, to be involved.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Advertising, Marketing, Blogging

'Donny' cards help non-profits connect

Phone cards. Gift cards. Now there's 'donny' cards.








No, not that Donny.






Not that one, either.

Donny -- short for donation -- cards are becoming big business for non-profits in Europe. Consumers pick up a card at a retail location and give it to the clerk, who scans it just as you would an item.


The amount of the donation is added to the total bill, and the consumer has a colorful card as a reminder of their contribution.

Donny cards are quick and easy -- and they help consumers connect with charitable causes in a unique way.

Are they headed this way?

The always interesting blog Phatgnat says the cards are making their way to England, so it's just a matter of time before they cross the pond.

Quick hit: Click here to read more.


Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Non-Profits

Communications professionals create work that is 'slightly better nuanced'

It seems everyone has an opinion these days about the role professional communicators should play -- if any -- in a changing world.

Some say PR is dead. Others say public relations professionals should be "customer ombudsmen."

I've written in the past that one of our primary skills is that of translator, helping business people communicate ideas, facts and opinions more effectively.

Communications consultant Lee Hopkins takes a slightly different tact, but it's one that has great meaning to me.

Hopkins says good public relations professionals create work that is "slightly better nuanced" -- professional, polished and effective.

In other words, it's the little things that make a difference. Like skill. Talent. Wisdom gained through previous efforts. Knowledge of the audience. And an awareness of the communications process.

Give Hopkins' post here a read and see if you don't agree.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Marketing, Advertising

New sports blog --- with a twist

On Friday, the Houston Chronicle launched a new blog with an interesting twist -- it's written in both English and Spanish.

Soccer y Futbol is staffed by Joe Conway and Bernardo Fallas and is designed as a lead-in to the 2006 World Cup, scheduled for next summer in Germany.

The Chronicle's soccer coverage is widely regarded as outstanding. Led by columnists John Lopez and former professional player Glenn Davis, now a highly respected soccer broadcaster, the Chron consistently does a excellent job of covering not only U.S. soccer but also leagues in Europe and Mexico.

The new blog -- with a focus that appeals to Spanish-language readers, too -- will most certainly add to the paper's soccer cred.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Blogging, Houston Chronicle, Soccer

PRSA takes a stand on 'pay for play'

PR blogger Kami Huyse, in a comment on Shel Holtz' blog, points us to the PRSA website where president Judith Phair has issued a statement denouncing the U.S. military's use of "pay for play" tactics in securing positive news stories in Iraqi media.

Nice to see the association step up and be vocal on this issue. We need PRSA and IABC to show more leadership regarding unethical industry practices.

Update: Here's Kami's take.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, PRSA, Media Relations

Opportunity to discuss blogging shows how far we need to go

I spoke to a group of B-to-B marketing professionals yesterday about blogging, as part of a panel discussion hosted by C4/Omnigroup.

No one in the group of more than 30 seemed to know what a podcast was. Only two said they read blogs occasionally.

There were a handful of people who didn't really know what a blog was.

The biggest issue among participants? The idea that their companies would not likely "turn an employee loose" and allow him or her to blog freely.

Which brings me to this post today from Mike Manuel, writing out on the coast. He reports that tech companies are increasingly allowing industry influencers "inside access" to product development and other news:

"... there's a bigger trend afoot within a small, but growing group of tech companies right now that realize keeping a tight kung-foo grip on corporate content and more importantly, 'who' has access to that content is no longer the only, err best, way to handle communications."

In other words, some companies are beginning to realize that perhaps "turning people loose" -- and those people include bloggers -- is the most effective way to communicate.

Will that recognition and acceptance ever gain traction in the communications practices of non-tech or non-consumer industries?

I honestly don't know.

I do know that we still have a long way to go before B-to-B firms even have the information and knowledge they need to make those decisions.

Quick hit: I want to thank my friend and former colleague Laura Ehrlich for inviting me to speak, as well as all the great folks at C4/Omnigroup for their hospitality.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Marketing, Blogging

TV news digs deep to bring you the important stuff

Sometimes when I watch television news, I'm struck by the fact that, well ... nothing they talk about seems like news to me.

But maybe I just watch on the wrong days.

blogHouston points to local coverage of a big story I missed -- it's cold here in Houston! Fire up the remote trucks! Call in extra reporters! Wake up the graphics people for snazzy "Fast Freeze" logos!

I love this KHOU story that Anne Linehan mentions: Lower heat setting could save on gas bill.

Hmmmm .... really??

Quick hit: Tom Kirkendall at Houston Clear Thinkers goes a little deeper --he reports that natural gas prices hit an all-time high on Thursday, at more than $15 per million BTU.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Houston Media, Television News, Natural Gas Prices

But could Greg take out Keith Partridge with a throwing star?

I once thought I'd seen everything.

Now I'm sure I have.

Mobile games creator Mobliss issued the following news release today:

" ... Brady Bunch Kung Fu combines characters from TV's most beloved family and Bruce Lee-style action to deliver expertly animated, fast-paced fighting fun with enough challenging depth and playful irreverence to satisfy any mobile gamer."

Brady Bunch Kung Fu?

Let the VP of publishing explain:

"As we began to combine the well-recognized Brady characters with awe-inspiring martial arts skills, we knew we had a hit game that could be enjoyed by all mobile audiences. After all, who doesn't want to see Marcia get even for that unfortunate football-to-the-nose incident?"

In all my years of as a PR writer, I've never gotten to draft a quote that ... well, bizarre.

Who says news releases are dead?

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Marketing, Advertising, Christmas

The reason I no longer follow major college sports ...

... can be summed up in this paragraph from Monday's USA Today:

"Forty-one percent of this year's bowl-bound college football teams fall below the NCAA's new academic benchmark, and almost half of them lacked a 50% graduation rate, according to an annual survey released Monday."

Half of them don't even graduate 50 percent of their players? It gets worse:

"Two-thirds of the bowl-bound schools graduated less than half of their African-American football student-athletes."

In other words, major college sports such as football and basketball are nothing more than shams ... the teams are filled with ringers who don't truly represent the schools for which they play.

I'm surprised that this isn't more of a PR issue for the NCAA and its member schools. But most everyone -- the media, the fans, even the players themselves -- look the other way.

The NCAA essentially told USA Today that it would take time to educate coaches and athletes that "academic performance is just as important as athletic performance."

In the meantime, the games go on.

Update: I meant to include this link earlier but left it out ... if you want to read the full report on major college program graduation rates, click here. It's a PDF, but small. Thanks to The Sports Economist for the link.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, NCAA

A couple of excellent examples for dealing with bloggers

Two excellent examples of blogger interaction ...

1) PR blogger Jeremy Pepper -- always insightful and a good read -- critiques Nokia's blogger relations program for the new N90 phone/camera.

I won't go into detail but if you're interested in how companies are beginning to work with bloggers, read his post here where he gives Nokia a thumbs-up for its efforts (and the phone).

2) Dealing with negative posts is something many people are struggling with now. Do we respond, and if so, how?

Here's a good example ... a comment that Houston Chronicle online news editor Dean Betz made on my post about possible bias in a recent poll.

Betz explained the rationale behind the language used in a straight-forward way, without being defensive or argumentative. His comment "continued the conversation," as I like to say, and provided insight without inflaming the issue.

These examples represent perfectly the skills public relations professionals need to develop:

The ability to reach out without controlling the message.

The ability to interact honestly and diffuse difficult situations.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Marketing, Advertising, Houston Chronicle, Nokia

Anybody else already worn out by Christmas, er, holiday advertising?

I gotta admit ... I'm sick of seeing, hearing and reading ads about "your holiday gift headquarters" or "gifts for everyone on your list."

The barrage of advertisements -- for everything from new cars to junk you can buy at a corner drugstore -- is endless, repetitive and grinding.

The imagery is getting old, too.

"Santa shops here" ... right.

"Kid sneaks down to see parents (or Santa) with gifts" ... done.

"Wife snuggles doofus husband who finally springs for jewelry" ... unrealistic (I put this one here to see if my wife was really reading!)

Advertisers and marketers -- for Santa's sake, come up with something new.

Quick hit: I feel for retailers and their PR/marketing/advertising people who are struggling with what to call this time of year. What have we come to when groups boycott retailers because they don't link massive overspending and consumer frenzy with a religious holiday?

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Marketing, Advertising, Christmas

Not fitting in: Can hurricane evacuees find a home in Houston?

Update on 12/7: The Chronicle is reporting here that another melee involving evacuee students has broken out.

I didn't see any Houston blogs mention Friday's Wall Street Journal article (already in archives) that detailed how the students evacuated from New Orleans are clashing frequently with locals.

Differences in dress, language and culture are causing difficulties between Houston teens and New Orleans transplants, as both groups jockey to show they are the toughest. Here's a quote:

"Scarborough (High School) has witnessed more than a dozen fights between New Orleans and Houston students, at least three of them melees, administrators say."

The article meshed perfectly with what I've personally heard from people directly involved in helping the evacuee students get settled and up to speed with the tougher standards and discipline expectations of Houston ISD.

Even when things are quiet, it's not going well. And it's not just a matter of getting the new kids to get along.

These students are, for the most part, way behind academically, even compared to HISD levels. Their families continue to struggle financially, with time running out on the various levels of aid available.

And perhaps more importantly, some don't want to be here. The blog Lone Star Times points us to this article in today's New Orleans Times Picayune, which quotes a number of NO residents complaining bitterly about the city that welcomed them with open arms.

Sample sentiment:

"I just don't feel like there's any soul (to Houston). There's no soul. There's no flavor. "

Though the article quotes several former NO residents saying they want to go back, I've heard several people involved in relief efforts say that they believe most evacuees will stay in Houston.

That leaves us with a major dilemma. How can we help these new Houstonians fit in, especially considering that some don't want to be here?

And what happens when the federal money runs out and the charity dries up?

Quick hit: If you have any input into your company or agency's community relations or corporate giving programs, consider assisting one of the many Houston non-profits that are still on the front lines of this very critical issue. If you'd like some recommendations, leave me a comment here and I'll e-mail you.

Technorati Tags: Houston, Houston Agencies, Non-Profits, Public Relations, PR, Hurricane Relief

Marketing for diversity -- revisted

Adman and author Hadji Williams has a guest column this week on TalentZoo.com entitled "Lost in translation: Why so much multicultural advertising is still so bad."

That's a fancy title but what he's really writing about is, "why don't agencies that produce advertising aimed at black audiences get better deals?"

Williams' point is one we hear and read often when the subject is diversity in advertising and PR: It's impossible for white people to develop and communicate messages that reach black consumers because they don't understand the culture.

Here's a quote:

"You waste the next meeting or so having to convince people who would never hire anyone who looks like you or live near anyone who looks like you that you actually know a little more about your community than they do."

He goes on to say that the problem is that ad people live in "virtually all white neighborhoods."

I've said this before, but it bears repeating. If it's indeed true that white people can't communicate with black, Hispanic or Asian audiences, then isn't the reverse also true?

Is it impossible for Williams, for example, to create an ad that's meaningful to me as a suburban, white, soccer- and hockey-loving, middle-aged guy? I don't believe that's the case.

But if it is, how does that jibe with the frequent calls for more agency diversity? Should mainstream -- or "white," as Williams calls them -- agencies not hire minorities because they don't live in the same neighborhoods, etc.?

Williams seems to be making the point that agencies should be divided by culture and race.

I think that's ridiculous. What do you think?

Quick hit: There are times when "targeted agencies," as Williams calls them, are necessary. But I also believe it's possible for people to communicate across cultural lines. Let me know your thoughts.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Marketing, Advertising, Race, Agency Life

Say howdy to another Texas PR blogger ...

I've been reading Kami Huyse's new Communication Overtones blog for a couple of weeks now, and I've been remiss in welcoming her to the PR blog world.

I really like her style and tone, and I encourage you to add her to your newsreader.

Kami is based in San Antonio -- one of my favorite cities. Perhaps she can host the "PR Bloggers Drink and Act Stupid '05" conference that Scott at Media Orchard is organizing ... margaritas on the River Walk, anyone?

But seriously, it's great to have another Texas voice in the PR blog mix ... I think it's proof that the blog movement isn't confined to the techies on the coasts anymore.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Blogging

Four suggestions -- and one piece of advice -- for stopping inane PR pitches

The idea that PR firms should stop blanketing journalists with news releases -- and then following up with inane phone calls -- has been covered extensively in the PR blog world.

But it's worth another visit. Don't you think?

Here are a handful of recent posts that denounce the common practice.

From Media Orchard: On the job training of PR staffers burns media relationships

From Church of the Customer: Exposing PR flunkies

From the Daily Dog: Banish the PR flunky!

My suggestions?

1) We need to educate clients up front that developing relationships with media will take time. Frankly, this is a "new business" issue -- clients want a firm that can deliver results immediately, and we wind up overpromising.

2) We need to stand up to the "old school" professionals out there -- and there are many -- who see follow-ups as a necessity (and a billable activity). Clients should be protective of their reputation by insisting that agencies cease and desist.

3) We need to stop relying on 3,000-foot-view, "store-bought" media lists that can never accurately tell us who would be interested in a story.

4) We need to change our mindset -- and that of our clients -- that says sending a release to 2,000 publications is better than sending it to two.

5) Finally, we need to take some of the complaints from journalists with a grain of salt. Sometimes, a "bad pitch" is just a matter of timing.

Example: My old agency tried repeatedly to get the Houston Chronicle to cover a story about how mobile phone companies were wooing Hispanic consumers with free calls to Mexico, and were told it was "too commercial." Of course, a year later our story appeared -- featuring a competitor of our client.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Media Relations, News Releases

Chron's bias against suburbs shows again

I've written before about the Chronicle's subtle -- and not-so-subtle -- bias against the suburbs.

The paper has a definite agenda to promote inside-the-loop density. Here's yet another example ... a front-page reader poll on commute times. Note the clever comments by each option:

10-20 minutes: Living close-in is great!

And then there's ...

More than an hour: I don't have a life.

Now, who's to say that someone with a 10-minute commute doesn't live and work in the suburbs? There are probably as many large employers within 20 minutes of me as there are downtown. Why mention "close-in?"

And many people choose to have longer commutes because they want a particular job but want to live in a particular part of town, because of affordability issues, family reasons and most importantly, schools.

That certainly doesn't mean they "don't have a life."

Quick hit: Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't many workers in cities such as San Francisco and New York have hour-long commutes on the train because they can't afford to live in the dense urban core?

Technorati Tags: Houston, Houston Chronicle, Suburbs

Bloggers love conferences

Read enough PR bloggers, and you start to notice some trends.

One thing that has always struck me is how many PR bloggers trot around the globe attending conferences. Blog This '05, Blog That 2005, and so on.

Conference-going is something that I thought went out of style in the '90s, when companies clamped down on travel and training budgets. The last conference I attended was probably the IABC annual get-together in 1992 or 1993 -- and the only reason I was allowed to go was because I won a Gold Quill.

I've always believed that conferences and seminars were of dubious value ... it's great to get away and hobnob, but does anyone ever learn anything that's really applicable to their day jobs?

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Blogging

Which of today's business certainties won't pan out?

On a short drive down a major thoroughfare in my suburban community this weekend, I spotted at least 10 new bank branches constructed in the past year or so, with a couple more nearing completion.

So much for the widespread belief that Internet banking would make bricks-and-mortar banks obsolete.

Throughout my career, I can think of a number of such "certainties" that didn't pan out ... some of which cost business billions of dollars (and doomed weaker entities):

• The growth of multi-industry conglomerates.
• Acquisition fever in a number of industries.
• Utilities' rush into non-regulated businesses.
• Trading of non-traditional commodities such as bandwidth.

And so on.

Can you predict which of today's "certainties" won't come to fruition? What is your organization chasing now that will turn out to be a waste of time, energy and money?

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Marketing, Advertising

Dino And Jerry -- They Don't Make Class Acts Like That Any More

At the risk of sounding like an ol' fogey ...

I was flipping through the channels last night and I ran across Jerry Lewis on Larry King Live.

He was talking about his new book, Dean and Me: A Love Story, about his star-crossed relationship with Dean Martin.

For a decade, they were the biggest stars in America. Then, a falling out and a 20-year gap following their break-up, and finally, a reconciliation brought about by Frank Sinatra.


Dino was class

Dean Martin is one of the most talented, classy entertainers ever born. I love his music, even though a good deal of it was recorded before I was born. He made everything he did look so smooth and easy.

And of course, Jerry Lewis continues his career even today. He is perhaps America's best-known comedy star and certainly one of the country's biggest philanthropists.


Taking the high road

Anyway ... what struck me most as I listened to Lewis talk with King was how sincere and honest he was. And how classy he was, too, as he described his friendship with Dean.

How easy it would be to say something sensational, or betray a confidence, or even make something up -- just to get a reaction and a headline! But he never did.

Here's a sample quote, following a question from a listener who asked if there was anything about Martin that he didn't like:

"There was never anything that he did that I didn't accept as a joy and happiness. His mere talking to me was -- I was awe struck. That's the kind of love I had for him. "

Compare that with today's headline-grabbing, back-stabbing celebrities and their childish behavior. It's embarrassing when you think about how far we've fallen.

They don't make class like Lewis and Martin any more. And it's a shame.

Quick hits: Here's a link to the transcript with Jerry Lewis. And I can't wait to read the book.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Advertising, Marketing, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Celebrities

Continuing The Conversation: Young People And A Changing World

I wrote here about young people today and how willing they are to immerse themselves in hobbies and activities they care about.

Though some readers disagreed with me, to me it's clear that kids and teen-agers have a focus and commitment that wasn't cultivated in us when we were young.

The fairly new blog Being John Bruggeman -- written by guess who -- carries on this theme with an engaging and entertaining story about a speech John gave to a group of first-graders -- and their surprising reaction.

Give it a read and come to your own conclusions.

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Marketing, Advertising, Technology

Getting Extra Mileage From Your News Releases

I know ... news releases are dead.

But for those of you who still believe in them, John Jantsch at Duct Tape Marketing reminds me of a tip that I always give clients -- especially smaller clients.

John suggests sending hard copies of your releases -- printed on the best available letterhead -- to clients and prospects.

I always take it a step further. I suggest that the CEO or president attach a handwritten note to the release sent to top customers. And the marketing director can do the same to top prospects. And so on.

It takes a little extra time but it's a special touch that means a lot, especially in this day and age when we rarely get personal "snail mail."

We call it "merchandising the release."

Technorati Tags: Public Relations, PR, Media Relations, News Releases