Is it too much for the average New York commuter to see amputated legs linked to a soda?
While on their way to the Super Bowl parade on Tuesday morning, Giants fans in New York City are being reminded of one of the most dangerous diseases of our time — diabetes. It is among the most common health conditions in the United States, with 20 million Americans diagnosed to date. The cost to our country? A staggering $174 billion. Read the rest of this entry »
Personalize your pitches, and give journalists what they need.
At the 2011 PRSSA National Conference in October, 1,200 students came together in Orlando, Florida, for a weekend full of learning about public relations, professionalism, social media, creative design and much more. In the midst of all of our sessions and events, one topic stood out above the rest — and no, it wasn’t about how to tweet or develop a Facebook strategy. It was about good ol’ fashioned media relations. Read the rest of this entry »
Differentiate, brand, and build trust were some key takeaways from the PRSSA National Conference.
Picture this. You’re standing in a room with a thousand aspiring young public relations professionals. On your left, there are students eagerly tweeting away. On your right, there are students impatiently waiting to hear from the keynote speaker of the day. You move from room to room to hear more amazing speakers educate you on any type of PR — nonprofit, agency, healthcare, global, etc. Top that off with some sessions on media training, social media and crisis communications, and you are officially in PR heaven. Read the rest of this entry »
"Perception is Reality" was this year's theme for the PRSSA National Conference.
You know that “aha!” moment? You’re brushing your teeth when a great new pitch idea suddenly pops into your brain, or luxuriating in a bubble bath when the perfect event is fully realized in your mind. Imagine how it would feel if these sparks of genius lasted two hours: complete euphoria. Mind-blowing. Life-changing. Welcome to the PRSSA National Conference 2011. Read the rest of this entry »
The UD chapter of the PRSSA has come a long way in the past two years.
If you had told me a year ago that I would have been presenting at the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) National Conference, I wouldn’t have believed you. Two years ago PRSSA was not what it is today. Frankly, it was a pretty ineffective organization, filled with inactive, uncommitted members. People knew so little about it that most students probably could not have guessed what “PRSSA” even stood for. Read the rest of this entry »
Ah, the good ol' days
First things first: I have a bit of a Peter Pan complex. I am 25 years old, yet I still cling to the memories of my college career, insisting that I am not old enough to be a post-college grownup. Truth is I am. I work a 9-to-5 and the rowdiest I get Monday through Friday involves a glass of wine, an episode of Dexter and a hard 10 p.m. shuteye. But as the relentless ticking of the clock pushes me towards middle age, I yearn for the sleepless nights academia once brought me. So naturally, when a group of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) students at the University of Delaware asked me to get involved in their chapter by speaking at an event, I had to say yes. Of course I wanted to go back to my alma mater to relive my adventures in those hallowed blue and gold halls and hear stories of these crazy college kids. Read the rest of this entry »
One of the FDA-approved graphic warning labels
Full disclosure: I have worked on Tobacco Prevention and Control social marketing campaigns for more than 10 years. As you may have heard, beginning September 2012 the FDA will require cigarette companies to place very large and graphic warning labels on the packaging of their cigarette products. The nine labels can be viewed here: http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/CigaretteWarningLabels/default.htm.
These labels will have to cover the top half of the cigarette box and 20% of any tobacco advertisement. Read the rest of this entry »
It can be scary to bust some new moves.
In all communications with consumers, whether it’s online, in print or over the airwaves, it’s easy to forget that we’re just talking to people. Usually that’s because there’s a laundry list of information that “needs” to go into each ad. In fact, in healthcare advertising there’s a well-known dance:
Step 1: Mention skilled doctors, latest technology and dedicated staff.
Step 2: Throw in a patient testimonial.
Step 3: Always tell people about your awards (even if they have no idea what you’re talking about).
Step 4: Grab a partner (preferably a celebrity). Read the rest of this entry »
"The Fitchuation" T-shirt sold by Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch released a press statement two weeks ago entitled, “A Win-Win Situation,” in which they offered to pay Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino and his Jersey Shore castmates a “substantial” amount of money to stop wearing their clothes in public. A&F’s statement said, “We are deeply concerned that Mr. Sorrentino’s association with our brand could cause significant damage to our image…. We understand that the show is for entertainment purposes, but believe this association is contrary to the aspirational nature of our brand, and may be distressing to many of our fans.” Read the rest of this entry »
Recruitment poster for the Third Delaware Regiment, 1861-1865
Put on your bonnets and boaters and hop in your buggy — Aloysius Butler & Clark is going back in time for this season’s art show! On September 8, 2011, the walls of AB&C will be adorned with fine historic reproductions from The Delaware Historical Society. These rarely seen reproductions will include maps, documents and images of the First State. Read the rest of this entry »
