Friday, April 27, 2007

Best Practices in PR

Throughout the semester our class was asked to collect "best practices" in the industry from interviews we conducted, speakers we heard and sites/blogs we visited. These 5 "best practices" appeared time and again…

#1 Develop a strong relationship with the media…be relevant.

Know which writers would have interest in your story, make it newsworthy and write your release like a journalist. Be thorough and accurate with your coverage and take the time to investigate your best contacts instead of sending blankets of releases. Follow-up calls and knowledge of a writer’s past work can also get your foot in the door.

As one of our class speakers and award-winning blogger Scott Baradell said, “If I receive your release in my inbox twice -- or, say, 11 times -- I question how carefully I've been targeted as a recipient. If you don't even bother to put my name on the correspondence, I know I haven't been targeted at all. Delete, delete.”

His site, http://www.ideagrove.com/blog/, gives other important tips for PR pros and amateurs alike.

#2 Get BUZZ…not INK.

I interviewed the Director of Corporate Communications at Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages, Greg Artkop. He advised, “If there’s one thing that I would encourage anybody to do in this business, it’s to think different about what you’re doing…you want to be the news, you don’t want to make news.” He added, “It’s not wacky, it’s wow” that you aim for.

This does not necessarily mean coming up with goofy gimmicks. Let the story tell itself. If it’s newsworthy, people will want it and you won’t have to sell it. The obstacle is creating buzz and getting people talking, and often that means simply targeting the right media.

Recently, Artkop and his team took Dr Pepper’s HUNT FOR MORE contest to Jimmy Kimmel Live and did an in-studio hunt, with a $23,000 prize for the winner. Artkop pursued this show because it reached Dr Pepper’s target demographic. Instead of only sending press releases to local newspapers and magazines, this one hit reached two million viewers, and Jimmy Kimmel Live ran an advertisement during the show and had coverage on its website for several days.

That’s how you go beyond wacky to get the big hit for your product or client. Artkop stresses, “Success comes in different sizes.” Public relations practitioners must “be realistic about what [they] want to accomplish,” he said.

#3 Stay current…follow trends.

In addition to staying current with media contacts, it is crucial to read the paper, check online sources, track your client's image and investigate the competition. Artkop explained the importance of reading everything. “If you can understand what’s going on in the media you will be able to take advantage of it," he said.

#4 Protect your rep.

With hundreds of press releases hitting media desks everyday, accuracy and credibility are paramount. By using “bait and switch” tactics or exaggerating how newsworthy your pitch is, you will quickly lose the respect of media and any possibility of getting your information in print.
PR is often synonymous with spin, and to earn the respect of your publics, media and other contacts, it is crucial to be objective, newsworthy and let the stories speak for themselves. Especially in cities like Dallas with so many other PR professionals, earning a bad reputation could end your career. Protect your reputation by working with integrity, as it will preserve your contacts and keep you in business.

#5 Learn how to use and assess blogs…have a crisis plan.

The marketplace is becoming more digital each day, and blogs are a new powerful medium for expression. While blogs can be used as a tool to promote a product or craft an image to the public, they can also be used to attack your latest ideas or executives.

Blogs can be used to your advantage to gauge public opinion about your client and your competitors and receive direct feedback from your consumers. Good practices for crisis communications are essential in the blogosphere too, however. When you receive bad ink on a blog, you are able to respond to that bloggers’ concerns in a public place for others to see, possibly winning over the disgruntled blogger and that blog’s viewers with a timely, thoughtful response.

With readers receiving information from radio, television, newspapers, magazines and the Internet, learning ways to craft a positive image and combat bad ink in each medium are essential or your client will suffer.


This reveals the need for readily-available crisis strategies. As noted in an earlier blog, Levick Strategic Communications provides important tips for PR professionals dealing with crises, http://www.levick.com/expertise/out/attack.php.
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This is the last official blog for the semester…meant to culminate a semester of researching and interviewing. These practices are important for amateurs and pros alike, and by keeping up with these 5, PR success should hopefully ensue!

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Look-Look at them!

Look-Look.com has challenged our class to research the trend of the “New Entrepreneur” as we see it at Southern Methodist University, a private university in Dallas with approximately 11,000 students (6,000 are undergraduates). SMU is embedded in the up-scale Park Cities area where tuition for 2007-2008 will exceed $40,000/year for undergraduates living on campus.

As it takes more than vision and ambition to become an entrepreneur, SMU students seem to have a distinct advantage in regards to the monetary backing and resources necessary to make dreams into entrepreneurial realities.

Below are my responses to Look-Look's three questions…

1) “How and where have you seen New Entrepreneurs in your world?”


Personally, I have taken classes with at least two of these “New Entrepreneurs.”

One SMU student, Lindsey Marie, has her own accessories line of fashion-forward necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Visit her website, http://lindseymarie.com/


(Photo compliments of Lindsey Marie's website)

Another student from the hilltop, John Thomas, has been an entrepreneur since his teenage years. By age 16, Thomas had formed his own computer consulting company.

His passion is real estate; however, and Thomas used the cash flow from his consulting company to launch his real estate investing career at age 18.

His next goal is to own a development company and build large shopping centers (“lifestyle centers”). He claims he knew he was interested in real estate development by age 5; he’s a third generation developer.
Thomas explained, “The idea of creating something from a vision and being able to give people a place to work, shop, live and play is incredible to me.”

2) “Do you see a shift toward a certain type of attitude toward work?"

Young entrepreneurs today seem to share numerous similarities in their attitudes toward work.

Calvin Carter, an SMU alumni who started a Web development company while studying at SMU in the ‘90s, did not stop with one successful venture...and neither did Thomas.
According to Dallas Observer, “He was an entrepreneur. He didn't dream of running companies. He had an itch to create them. He had, as they call it, ‘the bug.’” http://www.dallasobserver.com/2004-12-02/news/whiz-biz-kids/ (Photo compliments of Dallas Observer)

The example of Thomas as a third-generation developer supports the “domino effect” theory of new entrepreneurs...we often go into similar jobs as our parents or family members.
“When young people grow up in an entrepreneurial or self-employed household, of which the NASE [National Association for the Self-Employed] estimates there are between 19 million and 22 million, they're much more likely to start a business themselves."

According to a 2006 issue of BusinessWeek, “The defining qualities of this year's fearless young entrepreneurs: They've all got clear revenue models, their ideas fill a gap they found in their own lives, and because of technology, they're operating on a skinnier shoestring than ever before.” http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/oct2006/sb20061030_754921.htm

To operate on a skinnier shoestring, “several of our featured entrepreneurs' businesses have assembled teams of employees that work from home, making office overhead a nonissue,” a 2006 BusinessWeek article reported (see link above).

Attitudes about work are changing, and are changing early. BusinessWeek reported the results of a 2006 poll of middle and high school students. The youth entrepreneurship organization, Junior Achievement, found that "70.9% would like to be self-employed at some point in their lives. That's up from 68.6% in 2005 and 64% in 2004” (same link).

A testament to the prevalence and success of entrepreneurs near SMU is the Dallas chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). It has 162 members, between the ages of 23-51, with average member sales totaling nearly $9.93 million! http://www.eonetwork.org/Resources/ChapterFacts.aspx?id=84

3) “How do you think this will change business in the future, if at all?”

With the ability to handle work via computer, without a storefront and with employees scattered across the globe, business might shift from face-to-face interaction to more isolation and cyber contact. According to Ejovi Nuwere, a young, accomplished entrepreneur, being an entrepreneur can be a very lonely job (check out his site, http://www.ejovi.net/).

Also, social online networking and blogging communities might become more developed and specialized as more business becomes linked to the Internet and online forums are more imperative to communication within or between companies.
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That's my take on the trend challenge...be sure to read other blogs from my class for more student viewpoints on the "New Entrepreneur."

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

SMU Baseball: "They Make it Rain"


Hey!

So, the sad news is SMU Baseball has yet to play an NCBA game. We drove down to A&M Commerce this past weekend only to find its field was far too muddy and wet to play on. We're scheduling some make-up times, and it looks like Commerce will be driving up here next Wednesday to play a double-header in Dallas. (I'm going to have a talk with the guys at practice tonight about laying off of the rain dances during warm-ups because someone is taking them way too seriously! :)

Anyway, our hats and jerseys are in, our practices and tournaments are set for the rest of the semester, and now we just need to get on a field and see what we can go against these NCBA teams. A special thanks to those in the SMU Athletic Department who made the trip down to Commerce to support us...we hope to see you at the ballpark again soon!

Revised Schedule:
Apr. 14-15 v. UNT @ W.T. White H.S. (Noon start both days)

Apr. 21-22 v. Baylor @ Richland College (Noon start Sat., 2 p.m. Sun.)

Apr. 28-29 @ Tech
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PR-wise, my next blog will be about the trend research I've been doing for Look-Look.com. I'll save my findings until this time next week, so be sure to check back!

I hope everyone has a great week and a happy Easter!

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

MLB's Civil Rights Game

Indians v. Cardinals...

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

SMU Baseball v. A&M Commerce this weekend!!

It's been a long time! I'm just getting back into the swing of things now that I'm home from Memphis and spring break.

The baseball team got rained out of its first tournament at Tech last weekend, so we've moved that tournament to the end of our schedule, April 28-29th.

This weekend will be our first NCBA tournament...meaning it's official! We'll play at A&M Commerce, about an hour from SMU, this Saturday and Sunday. We play two, 7-inning games starting at noon Saturday, and one, 9-inning game starting at 1 p.m. Sunday.

A fanbase is forming on campus, and we should have a decent number of students coming to support us this weekend!

Our jerseys came in the mail last week, and we had a great practice down in Arlington this past weekend. I'm excited to see how we play in real game situations against some really good competition...the team chemistry is really strong and it's exciting to watch the guys hit the field together!

It's been frustrating, as always, struggling to find playing fields week to week, but we're doing our best. Inaugural seasons are always tough in the way of funding and facilities, but we're making it all work...and we have been receiving some alumni and Student Senate support recently, which has been a great relief!

I'll keep you posted on our official results and schedules over the next few weeks.

Hope all is well and you have a great week!! I'd love any comments about SMU, baseball, PR, or anything else on your minds!

Thanks for reading...

Friday, March 23, 2007

Perfect Face for PR?


This week, each class member had to select a PR case study and present the situation, the tactics used and the outcome of the campaign. We were also asked to contribute our two cents on the execution and results of the campaign…

The Situation: Jongleurs, a comedy club chain in the UK, hoped to bolster ticket sales for its new dinner and comedy packages during the pre-Christmas period of 2006. It enlisted the help of Van Communications. The goals for the campaign were to promote Jongleurs as a “leading authority” on comedy and associate it with the UK’s finest comedy talent.

The Strategy: Van Communications launched the Face for Comedy campaign, looking for the “perfect face for comedy,” from June-November of 2006 with a £10,000 budget. Jongleurs commissioned Dr. Anthony Little, who has specialized in facial perception for eight years, to analyze the faces of top UK comedians to see if being “born with a funny face” could explain the success of some comedians over others.

With special software, Dr. Little fused the facial features from 179 pictures of twenty popular comedians into a face many likened to the creator of "The Office," Ricky Gervais. The findings revealed softer, more feminine features were more likely to make audiences laugh.
Gervais endorsed the campaign. It was targeted at national print and broadcast media mostly, and a presentation was made for media of this “perfect face for comedy.”

The Evaluation: The campaign was mentioned on national broadcasts such as BBC1, Channel 4, Five and Sky News, as well as in print in the Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, The Sun, The Times and The Independent. The campaign also received at least 48 online mentions.

An in-house analysis found 110 items of Jongleurs-branded coverage relating its two desired messages as a “leading authority” with the “best comedy talent.”

The Outcome: The campaign seemed to meet with great success, although I’m not sure the tie to Jongleurs was as apparent as it could have been. The idea of a “perfect face for comedy” and the creation of a face that resembled someone famous in comedy at the time was both clever and appropriate, but this story alone seems to have generated most of the interest. I wonder if the tie to Jongleurs could have been more enmeshed in these efforts.

At the time of this campaign, I had no idea it was going on (it was launched in the UK for Jongleurs…also based in the UK), therefore I cannot give my genuine opinion of the campaign and its success aside from what I gleaned from different UK sources.

The comedy chain’s reports found a twelve percent increase in ticket sales for the dinner and comedy package in the pre-Christmas period.

It is difficult to tell how credible the study of the "perfect face for comedy" actually was, however. Dr. Little showed pictures of faces with various features to volunteers and asked them to rate how funny they thought the person was. If this method was in fact used, the volunteer samples were not necessarily random or representative of all comedy club audiences.

A critic of this study, Tommy Sheppard, director of Edinburgh's The Stand comedy club, found no evidence from his experiences to support the idea of certain facial features predicting comedians’ receptions from a crowd.

This campaign hit on a topic of particular popular interest (the fusion of faces into the “perfect face for comedy”) which appealed to everyone…this creative angle was well-utilized and received significant media coverage. Whether the campaign actually brought Jongleurs the boost in sales it was looking for is another story, and less was said about the success of the campaign than the campaign itself.

Jongleurs seemed pleased with the campaign of Van Communications, and judging by the big media hits the Face for Comedy campaign received, we can assume it met many of its initial objectives and had better, unforeseen results because of its work with a professional, Dr. Little, and because the likeness of the “perfect face” was eerily similar to an actual celebrity in the industry who willingly cooperated and endorsed the campaign.

I'd say Van Communications was on to something...the perfect face for PR, perhaps?

Sources:

Thursday, March 1, 2007

SMU Baseball: Road Trip #1

Hey!

So once again my life is consumed by baseball. Aside from crafting this weekend's line-up and preparing for our first road trip to Kingwood College (KC), I've been compiling a huge list of sources for a research analysis of minor league baseball. It's been crazy, but I'm really happy I can devote so much of my time to the sport I love...I can't imagine spending this semester any other way!

This Saturday we head to KC for a double-header...our first real test against another NCBA team this season...and also my first time wearing baseball pants-haha! Hopefully I'll have a victory or two to report back on next week! The first will be getting the team onto the van by 7 a.m...yeah, good luck with that (0-1) :)


With the help of a few webmasters our website is finally becoming a reality. The information currently posted is old and will be updated over the next few days, so be sure to check back for stats, pictures, schedules and player bios! http://www.smu.edu/baseball/.


On another note, our class is prepping for our meeting with Cure magazine Monday. I'm looking forward to discussing the vision for the Cure/Heal blog and helping them make this forum for cancer patients, survivors and their families and caregivers a tremendous resource!


I head to Memphis with the basketball team on Tuesday for the conference tournament too (I'll be the little one wailing on the saxophone). It'll be one busy week, but spring break is in sight!


More to come...have a great weekend!

Friday, February 23, 2007

Promise of a Greater Hope

This week, each blogger in my class created a proposal for an online cancer forum for Cure and Heal magazines. Here are some of my thoughts…although I encourage you to skim all of our suggestions and give any input that might help us better meet our goals for the forum!

Promise
“Promise of a better day. Promise of a greater hope. Promise of a new tomorrow...”
-Beautiful Girls

Mission: To provide a forum for cancer patients and survivors, their families, friends and doctors to unite and provide insight, encouragement and hope for one another.

This moment is our only guarantee, and we hope that the promise of a beautiful tomorrow will keep members returning to spend time with others who value the life they’ve been given and who strive to live it fully each and every day!

Cancer Blogs to Visit:

http://2hands.blogspot.com (This is visually my favorite!)
http://500miles2nowhere.blogspot.com
http://cancerbaby.typepad.com/cancerbaby
http://cancertalk.blogspot.com
http://toosexyformyhair.com
http://illuminade.blogspot.com
http://www.tigerox.org/blog.html
http://www.limbodacious.typepad.com
http://www.caringforconnor.com

Blogs will play an integral role in the site, as shared experience is critical to establishing a strong culture visitors will want to return to and invest time and energy in.

I would have blogs grouped by category: those written by patients, survivors, family and friends about a loved one or on behalf of one, diagnosed teens, young widows, Komen walkers, volunteers, etc. People can choose groups that they identify with, and by separating myriad sites and blogs on cancer into more niche-oriented groupings, visitors can tap into the information, stories or social networks they are looking for.

We also had to propose some sidebar themes…I had two different suggestions:

#1
Live (for survivors)
Love (families and other support networks)
Hope (cancer patients)

#2
Spirit/Strength: "Start choosing to live out your strength and you'll discover that it grows each time." –Anon.

This section would deal with religious/spiritual posts or blogs, relaxing activities and the deep, personal aspects of cancer that impact so many lives.

Mind: “Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” –Marie Curie

This is the doctors’ portion on cancer breakthroughs, advice, etc. It would provide medical knowledge and facts to keep cancer in perspective.

Heart: “Where there is great love, there are always miracles.” –Willa Cather

This would include personal blogs and other stories of hardship, healing and hope. Hopefully this section would lay the foundation for a strong community where members could feel comfortable sharing their own stories as well as reading, commenting or joining in the journeys of others.

Important links:

- Livestrong
http://www.livestrong.org/

On this site, I liked the idea of registering members to receive newsletters (perhaps about inspiring stories, events near you, etc.). They have a terrific introduction. For the site we're creating, I believe we need a similar compelling statement or quote...and it should be larger (more prominent on the page) so first-time readers have no question about what the site delivers.

- Breast Cancer 3-Day
http://www.the3day.org/

This site provides information regarding the 60-mile, 3-day Komen walk. This and other events pertaining to cancer research (ex: Race for the Cure), publicity and fundraising should be linked on the site as well.

Additional Features:

-A merchandise section where proceeds go to cancer research. Perhaps design contests among subscribed members to create new logos, t-shirt graphics, etc. that others in the community would feel pride in wearing.

-Survivor of the day: A picture and inspirational blurb on the front screen…people might identify with this and check in each day to read a success story.

-In Memory Ofa section of the site where stories, poems and photos can be added to honor loved ones who lost their lives to cancer.

-A prayer corner might appeal to some (perhaps listed under a spiritual/faith link or on the front screen) where members can submit the names of loved ones they want others to pray for. The list of names could scroll continuously.
Your comments are welcome...I'm looking forward to your input!

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

SMU Baseball Takes the Field!

Per the request of another sports fan in blogging class, this is the spring SMU baseball schedule! (Maybe we can consider these intermittent baseball updates my foray into the sports PR industry...?).

This Sunday, 2/18, we scrimmage in Arlington at 3 p.m.

March 3 @ Kingwood College (Houston)

March 24-25 @ Texas Tech

March 31- April 1 @ A&M Commerce

April 14-15 v. UNT

April 21-22 v. Baylor

Feel free to leave comments for more information about the team, our games and sponsors. Our website will be up soon and our official roster will be finalized tomorrow!

We'd love your support this season and hope to see you at the ballpark!

-Kara

Friday, February 9, 2007

Building the PR/Media Relationship

Source after source remind us that PR is inextricably linked to relationships, and the benefits (nay, the necessities) of strong relationships with the media cannot be understated.

I found a few great tips for strengthening ties with the media:

Be Relevant…
Nothing seems to irk a media professional more than receiving an endless stream of irrelevant press releases. Target your blasts to media interested in your topic, and do not waste time trying to convince them it’s newsworthy. If it is, they’ll know it…and they’ll want it!

Do your homework and find the right contacts. Know what they do and how you can help each other. This move alone could lay the foundation for a great working relationship in the future.

This site gives good advice for both PR and media to help them build more substantial, enduring relationships: http://www.techmarcom.com/rift.html.

Be Truthful…

PR is synonymous with spin. To have credibility with the media you must tell the truth; misleading them for a story might get you ink once, but it will tarnish any hopes for a lasting connection. Let the story speak for itself. Promising more than you can deliver is a sure way to lose media respect…and interest in your client/product/company for that matter.

Visit http://www.hyperorg.com/blogger/mtarchive/004240.html.

Be a Resource…
Giving the media good sources, leads and story ideas can make you an invaluable resource. If you prove yourself a reliable PR pro who is always in the know, you’ll become their greatest asset.

*See above link again

Be Informed…
Know what’s going on in the world, and in your industry…this knowledge could help you pitch your client more effectively and get you better ink. Also, knowing what’s important to the media helps you approach them with their interests in mind.

Having the most current contact information for the media you target is crucial. Turnover at newspapers and magazines can be high, and keeping up-to-date with staff changes and reassignments can help you maintain an edge over the competition, save you time and let the media know you’re interested in them and what they do.

*Same site again!

Be Proactive…
Establishing relationships before you need them is vital. Going straight to the media and showing interest in what they do, no strings attached, can put you on the radar in a really good way.

Check out http://www.tmt-themediatrainers.com/gallery/articles/relationships.shtml.

Be Concise…
Write for your media. Most media prefer spare copy…save the fluff…pack the facts!

Thanks for reading!

Friday, February 2, 2007

What's in the cyber toolbelt of PR pros?

The scope of PR blogging blows my mind!
PR professionals and companies are utilizing blogging as a tool to…

#1 Craft and convey their desired image to online audiences. The rather ingenious Southwest Airlines blog has different employees post blogs that reinforce the Southwest values on which customers can give direct feedback! Visit http://www.blogsouthwest.com/.

#2 Scope out the competition's campaigns and tactics.

#3 Communicate with their target markets directly. I was astounded to see the number of comments left on Mark Cuban’s blog. This online avenue really allows him to communicate with his fans, as he posts on issues ranging from the Mavs to Dennis Rodman, Rosie O’Donnell, and t-shirt give-aways. Check out http://www.blogmaverick.com/2007/01/30/ramblings-part-1-sports/#comments.

#4 Study consumer or competitor stances on important issues, and determine which issues are the most salient. This helps companies structure campaign messages to more effectively reach their target markets.

#5 Allow consumers to interact with one another...almost a think tank for the company! On this site, Apple owners or fans can discuss hardware, sell their computer products, look at job listings or simply chit chat. It’s an excellent site for ongoing discussion about the company’s products from a key demographic. Visit http://theappleblog.com/community/.

#6 Consider the blogs of their target market
—know their interests and concerns and appeal to them with this knowledge!

#7 Assess the public’s view of their company and its current campaigns. This university president has a blog where ASU students can comment to him directly. They can leave positive or negative feedback on his undertakings and plans for the university. This is a good PR tactic, as it lets students communicate with university leaders at the very top through a direct, yet informal medium. See at http://www.michaelcrow.net/.

#8 Share information
or PR strategies with others, and even collaborate via blog/internet with other professionals around the globe. This site gives tips to help more inexperienced bloggers learn to navigate the corporate blog channels. Just one of many sites with helpful tips for PR novices and pros! http://www.scoutblogging.com/tips.html.

#9 Establish relationships
with young PR bloggers whose talents and interests could benefit their company in the years to come, or seasoned bloggers who could bring specialized knowledge to the organization.

#10 Respond to crises
or bad ink. A blog could reach millions of fans/consumers/etc. in an instant...it has timely benefits and a personal touch. The following is a very insightful blog addressing crisis management with various approaches for fighting bad ink! http://www.levick.com/expertise/out/index.php?source=aw_public_relations.

Thursday, February 1, 2007

SMU Club Baseball is back!

Hi!

Helping to bring the club baseball team back to SMU has been a project very close to my heart over the last few months, and it seems the hard work of many will finally pay off this spring! Below is an article about us from the Daily Campus...feel free to contact me with any questions regarding our membership, schedules or sponsorship!

Baseball returns to the Hilltop - Sports

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Pony Fans on YouTube and (Red) Hot Tees

Welcome back!

Our assignment was to find some wacky/clever/interesting PR campaigns being implemented right now. Prof. Flournoy left us to our own devices, and these are the first two campaigns that caught my eye...

First, I think SMU Athletics has come up with a rather ingenious idea. Because student attendance is often lacking at our sporting events (a rant for another day), the marketing department is appealing to things college students do pay attention to…thirty seconds of fame…free food…YouTube…They started a contest for SMU students: make a 30-second video and post it on YouTube. The submitted videos will be shown during basketball games on the big screen, and the winner will receive a free dinner with the new men’s basketball coach, Matt Doherty. Student entries should include the “Bringin’ Moody Back” theme…another tie in to popular music that athletics is using to appeal to college students. Free shirts and towels with this slogan are given to students every game. It’s free…it’s funny…I can’t wait to see some of these submissions. I think appealing to this target audience through YouTube is pretty clever…and a great way to boost game attendance and school spirit. If only they came up with ideas like this for the even more underappreciated women’s team!

GAP has joined with Bono, Bobby Shriver and the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa. GAP’s website has stories and videos explaining this venture…it’s a whole lot more than a new t-shirt line. GAP is donating 50% of its profits from this line back to the Global Fund. This is a good way for a popular brand and some celebrities to really bring attention to a large-scale, real-world epidemic. The shirts are neat…but this campaign for a genuine cause is what “Inspi(red)” me to consider shopping at the overpriced GAP again…Check out the site http://www.gap.com.

From what I can tell, these two campaigns will be pretty successful. SMU Athletics will have to keep this contest on the brains of students, as procrastination and drunken forgetfulness seem to be hallmarks of our demographic, but I think amateur filmmakers, actors and spirited pony fans will be coming out of the woodwork for this one!

Maybe I don’t watch enough television or read the right ads, but I think the more GAP associates this new clothing line with fighting AIDS, the more successful it will be. Most people won’t take the time to scour the website and read the articles, and commercials/ads including (but not limited to) the trendy GAP models need to be supplemented with some more ink on AIDS in Africa (can we get Angelina Jolie in on this too?). This will boost the GAP image and perhaps encourage people like me who were done paying more for less at GAP to pay more for those in trouble in Africa. Stressing the humanitarian aspect over the trendiness or sexiness of the tees might be advantageous…

That’s all for now…Thanks for reading!

-Kara

Friday, January 19, 2007

First-Timer

Hi!

I'm Kara, a junior at SMU. This is my first attempt at blogging...so bear with me for the first few entries. I have a passion for writing and interpersonal communication (not to mention baseball), and I am taking this Advanced Communications class as a step in the direction towards a PR career one day...I'd ultimately LOVE to do sports PR.

I'm excited to see the impact blogging will have on the communications industry; it seems PR professionals are utilizing blogs already to disseminate communication breakthroughs and new PR approaches, publicize events, promote clients and causes, and any number of crafty ventures.

I'm here to learn...so I'd really appreciate feedback on my upcoming PR pieces. I'm ready to get on the blog boat and share my PRspective...come back and visit!

-Kara

PS: Leave your email/blog address so I can respond to your comments!