Tuesday, October 14, 2008

JCOM 2300

I read the PR blog by Amy Novac titled Inside the Google Campus. Google is one of the most successful companies and many attribute that success to a happy work environment. Google's philosophy is that if their employess are happy, their company will thrive; thus far this strategy has worked.

Novac described the Google campus as Willy Wonkas Chocolate Factory. It is colorful, fun, youthful even the lunch trays are bright red. The people that work for Google eat, exercise, work, volunteer and even live with each other on this campus. Yet they don't tire of each other. There is a anti-suit policy and little hierarchy within the company. Everyone seems happy and healthy and eager to do their work. No wonder Google is so successful.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Final Media Pitch

October 7, 2008

Dear Ms. Christensen,

I am a public relations representative for the Cache Valley Area Investors Association. In light of our nation's current economic situation, I feel that the following story would be valuable to you.

Making money while enjoying your job is now possible in Cache Valley thanks to the Cache Valley Area Investors Association. Preston Parker, president and founder, was tired of hearing people complain about their jobs. His investment group teaches anyone who is willing to learn how to wisely invest their money so that they can live off passive income. This way any money earned from a job is simply extra, allowing people to do what they love for work.

It is important to note that there is no cost to be in the CVAIA. Also knowledge about investing is not needed either. This is a non-threatening environment where anyone is welcome. The goal of the group is to allow others to achieve financial independence. In today's financial crisis, people should be running to get this information.

Your consideration is appreciated. We urge you to get these facts out to the people of Cache Valley in a timely manner. For additional information please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Allie Anderson
Public Relations Representative
1-435-797-6645
a.and@CVAIA.com

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

JCOM 2300

With the situation our world is in, many major banks are going under. Washington Mutual, a huge national bank was recently bought out by Chase Bank. Now Chase Bank is doing some major PR work to make their services trusted and well known.

In a recent issue of TIME Magazine, Chase Bank posted and ad with a woman and a cute fluffy dog. (As always, you can't go wrong with pets). It was a full page color ad that was black and white with only a few of things colored in their signature blue, including what looks like a Chase Bank card. How could you not love Chase after this?

According to the article Advertising campaigns: Chase Consumer Bank and National Health Partners, Chase has now started its first ever Spanish advertising campaign called "Confia en ti. Confia en Chase," or "Confidence in yourself. Confidence in Chase". Ryan Mclnerney, head of marketing for the company, had this to say: "Our new ads are designed to show that customers can trust Chase to provide the financial services needed in various life situations."

It is obvious that Chase Bank is doing some major PR work. It will be interesting to see if all this advertising pays off.

Press Release 4: Draft

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2008

ARE ALL STUDENTS TREATED FAIRLY?
Should distance education students have the same amenities as main campus students?
LOGAN, UT--Utah State University is a great institution. It has knowlegeable professors, a beautiful campus and nationally ranked academic programs. While these are all reasons to attend the home of the Aggie's, most students also come here for a social atmosphere and many student accomidations that are provided.
On the Logan campus, there are several student computer labs, including a Macintosh lab equipt with various Mac programs. There is a gym, a pool, a clinic, free transportation, several sports feilds, free tutoring, career center, free student activites and sporting events not to mention all the different clubs and organizations students can get involved in. The list could go on and on. All of these things are provided with tuition and student fees.
There is a discussion going on between President Stan Albrecht, Provoist Rhonda Menlove and several student representatives for regional campus' acrossed the state. The question has been raised as to whether or not distance education students should havethe same amenities provided to them as main campus students.
Patrick Stone, a sophomore majoring in biology, moved here from Idaho Falls. He has to pay out of state tuition and could have opted to attend a community college instead. "This is the central body of Utah State. One of the perks of coming to Logan for school is you get to enjoy the amenities offered." Stone feels that those who are at a community college have chosen to stay there for a reason and that coming to Logan entitles you to all the student resources.
Georgio Ramona, a sophomore majoring in Spanish, feels that Utah State students no matter where they are should have equal rights. "I mean the only differnece from them to us is that they attend school closer to home. Either way they are students of Utah State."
The Tooele regional campus has taken some steps to further student resources. They recently opened a book store and also started their own student government. Sarah Anderson is the student representative for this campus and is also attending main campus. She feels very strongly that the Tooele students recieve some privleges. "There are a variety of people who attend this campus. They all pay tution and student fees. All of these students would benefit from more student resources."
Most Students at Utah State feel that USU students everywhere should have equal access to student resources. Utah State University was founded in 1888 and it currently has over 24,000 students.
Allie Anderson
Public Relations Director
1-435-9875
-END-

Monday, October 6, 2008

JCOM 2300

I, like most Americans, am very concerned about our country's financial situation. I read the article PR Fuel: A $700 Billion PR Blunder. This article discussed the mistakes the government made in relation to the PR of the bailout plan.

The first mistake made was calling this a "bailout" plan. The word "bailout" has a negative connotation and may cause people to support it less. The article suggested that other terms be used such as: "The Financial Stability Act" or "The Home Owners Rights Bill". These would have sounded better to Americans.

The second mistake made was the bill shocking most Americans resulting in people talking to others about things they knew nothing about. Word-of-mouth can be a very powerful thing and when you have millions of people discussing something they have no knowledge about, the outcome can be scary.

With such a big change being proposed, I feel the government should have been more careful about the way they presented information. Perhaps Americans would have been more receptive to the "bailout" plan.

Media Pitch: Draft

IT IS POSSIBLE TO LOVE YOUR JOB AND MAKE MONEY

October 6, 2008

Dear Mr. Boyle,

Our society is facing a financial crisis. Many people are worried about their economic stability and providing for themselves and their families. Because of our nations current situation, it seems impossible to make money, love your job and have extra income to spend as you please. Now Cache Valley Area Investors Association is making these impossibilities a reality.

Preston Parker, president and founder of the CVAIA, is teaching people how to invest and live off their passive income. Then any money that comes from their job is simply extra. This allows their job to be something that isn't absolutely necessary thus allowing people to do what they want. The CVAIA meets every other Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce. This is a non-threatening environment. People don't need to have knowledge about investing to come. There is also no cost. All that people need to do is come ready and willing to learn.

The goal of the CVAIA is to help others achieve financial independence through smart investments. We are certain that the people of Cache Valley will be anxious to join this organization to improve their financial standing. The group was started in July 2007 and there are currently 50 members. For additional information or interviews, you can email the group at cachevia@gmail.com.

Thank you for your consideration.

Allie Anderson
Public Relations Director
1-435-797-9876
a.and@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

JCOM 2300

With the presidential election right around the corner, I thought it would be interesting to do some research about some different PR involved with the campaigns. I went to the Media Relations Blog by Kevin Sawyer who is a media relations specialist. The thing that stood out to me the most was the power of the Internet when it comes to political matters.

You Tube is known and used by millions of people. This is a "social networking site". Anyone can log on to watch and comment on videos posted. Presidential speeches find their way into the You Tube world. So if a candidate messes up, the video will be at the fingertips of virtually anyone and that blonder can be seen over and over.

Recently in Minnesota, there was a record setting turn out for caucus events. This was a result of the Internet. People would go online to read up on the issues. They were convinced that their participation was important.

Blogs and Facebook are another big source for political opinions. These tools are free and by using them, anyone can get their political opinion out on the world wide web for possibly thousands to see. Others opinions can influence others opinions and so forth.

These media all need to be taken into consideration by the candidates. The use of the Internet can greatly affect the outcome of the presidential race.