10 Things I learnt in PR

1. Dont be afraid to pimp your blog!

2. Social Media is essential in getting out information.

3. The new rules of PR encompass web techniques.

4. Blogging is cool.

5. Buyers personas are important when starting any business

 

6. Web sites are more than just design, the content takes precedence.

7. Target consumers in contrast to media when doing news releases.

8. Use the powers of Mutimedia: videos, podcasts, etc.

9. Be forthright and frank with customers - it builds a good business reputation.

10. Use the new rules of PR otherwise you will be left behind ..  like tape decks and cassettes that are now obsolete.

A Growing Void ... In my Opinion

 I HEARD IT ON THE INTERNET

With the emergence of sites like Twitter and Facebook amongst a hoard of others, some are covinced the newspapers will ultimately fade into nonexsistence as we move into the smart-phone reading fast-driven world. Not exactly i say, remember that even though these site might deliver content in awesome times and right at your fingertips ... i 'm reminded of that good old saying, uugh whats was it again, OH! you cant trust everything you get of the internet!
     Thats not to say you can trust everything in the newspaper, but you can at least be assured that there is some sort of checks and balances that newspaper stories undergo - who checks the internet stories? And if the papers misspell your name or misinform readers you have the option of calling in to demand a rewrite or correction ... can you call that internet news source that also misspelt your name?
   True every newspaper today also has a website but one has to be weary of these out of nowhere internet professionals who always want to offer their professional opinions on the web. Although Twitter has gotten notoriety for posting real time information about events unfolding in journalist restricted areas - you cannot always trust the source. Althought these social media sites inform, they can also be used as propoganda weapons by finatics seeking support - and who is there to regulate that.

Video/Podcasting in Marketing and PR ...In my opinion

 VIDEO

The effect of the visual is undeniable and arguably one of the most effective way to market yourself or product. after all people trust and gravitate toward things they can see and touch - and in that regard the Video is powerful. Everyone knows that YouTube is filled with videos about almost every and anything you could think of, immediately satisfying the need for instant gratification or information.
      Its no secret some people don't have time to read, others don't like to read and well ... there are some who cannot read at all, and greatly appreciate something they can look at. A video could help in areas where there may be a language issue - if they don't understand what you are saying - they might get the gist of it just by watching the video. Hey i speak no Chinese but you cant tell me i don't get whats going on or being said in those classic Chinese Kong -Fu flicks. this doesn't mean you can make some terrible video and expect great things just because its "visual," remember you are what represents you! and if your video looks like crap ... then need i say more.
     If a big budget worries you then rest assured, there is a movement towards casual videos that even big companies are doing. Yeah Professional lighting, make-up, yadda yadda is good but hey, this can also seem orchestrated and not achieve anything at all. it also doesn't give the personal touch that web consumers seem to prefer.
     Podcast however have no visual, so they might be a little trickier. While consumers might tolerate 30 maybe 60 secs of terrible video, they will not have the same patience with audio. So the message must be first, clear and concise.Writing for podcast should be different, short direct statements that get straight to the point, while sounding conversational. What are you selling,? or what services you are offering should be first and foremost, this way even if they don't listen to it all, they at least heard your company name.

NEWS RELEASES

   Another avenue for reaching potential clients/consumers is with News releases, or better yet Direct News releases. Unlike the past news releases are no longer at the mercy of a handful of media people and you can use one of the many news release services to get your message out there. Like anything else you must have a strategy, know your target audience or your buyers persona, use specific terms and phrases that are intimate to your buyers and consumers.
     Always include links in your release if nothing else they help to greatly increase your site availability to search engines. Also add links to your social media sites, Blogs and personal site - if you have one.

Concussions

There's a collision of Helmet to Helmet,
followed by a roar or gasp from the crowd,
 as one or both players lay motionless on the ground,
 trainers  rush to either aid or carry the player off the field - and the battle rages on.
     This is professional football in all its glory where players have no qualms about "knocking the living daylights" out of opponents, while fans relish in the excitement - and concussions are seen as a normal consequence.
    Now picture the same scenario … Helmets crashing,
screaming fans, the battle raging, but wait. These aren't  highly paid players. In fact, no one on the field is older than twelve! and the concussions were plenty. Now ask yourself, do you roar, gasp or are you appalled.
    This was the case in a pop Warner league game in Massachusetts between a Southbridge team and the Tantasqua Pee Wees.  The game ended with five concussions, FIVE! … yes,  this is not a typo, according to a Boston Globe report the Pee Wees suffered 5 concussions in a crushing 52 - 0 loss.   
    In a match that Southbridge, dominated, the referees still allowed the carnage to continue and after 1 concussion … 2 concussion … 3 concussions, one has to wonder … Where do we draw the line? Have we become so engrossed in the thrill of victory that we have forgotten - at this age -  the game should just be safe.
    A concussion is a minor traumatic brain injury that can occur when the head hits an object or vice versa. Studies on the long term effects on athletes are currently underway and there is a general consensus that more precautionary actions should be taken.
    Professionals such as Michael Vick and Jay Cutler who were taken out of week 10 NFL games due to concussions, have the finances, support system and specialist to aid in their speedy recovery - Pop Warner football doesn't, and the long or short term impact on a child who suffers such a injury can be devastating.
Memory loss, slurred speech, lack of concentration are just some of the side effects and recovery could take months. Needless to say none of the injured children have returned to football from that unforgettable September game.
    With that said, back to the competition, or should i say … the concussions in Massachusetts, many question come to mind: What kind of referees allow something like this to happen? How much concussions does it take for you to say, Wait! somethings wrong here? and of course the obvious These are KIDS! is it really that serious?
    Pop Warner regulations require officials to invoke some kind of mercy rule when there is a 28 pt gap in the game, but no one threw up the white flag, in fact one concussion came after the play was ruled dead as the game continued with officials, parents, coaches even the association president looking on.
    I guess the high demands of professional football, the dreams of lucrative contracts, the opportunities that are ever so life changing, demands that we "get em ready as soon as we can," and as these little warriors take the field - the idea of fun is the last thing on anyone's mind. Can you picture the half time speech in the Southbridge teams locker room - whose website banner incidentally reads "Are you tough enough" -  "yeah boys we've got em where we want them, now go out there and Finish them!" Well … maybe a little over the top, but you get the gist!
    Ultimately common sense prevailed and after a lengthy hearing by Central Mass Pop Warner the coaches were suspended for the remainder of the season. The association president and his wife also in attendance were placed on probation through 2013 for failure to act, and the three game referees were permanently banned - kudos to Common sense!

SOURCE: http://www.boston.com/sports/football/2012/10/20/one-pop-warner-game-results-five-concussions/nkJydxoAsEGOF0jPjimtWK/story.html  

Small Independent Dancehall Promoters

RARRESOLUTIONS

Are you a small Independent Dancehall or Reggae party Promoter interested in reaching more clients? Has your annual party guest list increased? or are you stuck trying to figure out innovative ways to boost your attendance numbers? Then we can help you figure it out.

www.rarresolution.com

       Our company although not restricted to, works extensively with Promoters, Musicians and Artist to create promotional multimedia packages. From hard copy Graphic fliers, business cards to animated 30 second videos and kiosks, we can custom tailor a package specifically to your companies needs. We also provide networking opportunities by introducing Artists to the owners of Banquet Halls and Clubs, after-hour venues and security that we also work with.

      We also design static or Dynamic website with blog functionality through our Dreamweaver and Wordpress expertise. Lets face it too many times we see promoters getting "lazy" and too comfortable with the idea that their reputation alone will "sell out" the party. How about a more professional coordinated approach that embraces the fact that we should be proud of our underground music, and use our powers to market it in the most efficient way possible.

      A prime example of our work would be with lets say John Doe who want his first annual birthday party to be not only fun, but a yearly revenue that he can count on. First we start by designing a hard copy flyer based off the party theme, such as "All white party, camouflage party, etc." 

      We not only upload this to John Doe's social media pages but we also promote this on all our pages which include: Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn and www.rarresolutions.com. We would then create a 30 second animation or preview of the upcoming event for social media purpose - a strategy we have recently started that has definitely caught on - that would mimic that of a movie preview.

      Now that John Doe's party was successful and he wants the videotape edited and duplicated. We use final Cut Pro or Motion software to edit Johns video to his specifications, we place emphasis on the people he wants, we incorporate shout outs to his target party-goers, and a full credit roll with the names or nicknames of all attendees. The result is a custom tailored video that is replicated and sold by John bringing in revenue even after the party's over. 

      This is just a sample of the many techniques we can et to bring your idea to life, and if you have no ideas … no need to worry - we are full of those too! 

www.rarresolution.com

Blogging ... In my opinion

Blogging … In my Opinion

Today Blogging has far surpassed the idea of a virtual unknown person sharing his or her thoughts on  the web. many PR and Marketing experts have now harnessed the power of this medium as a means of reaching potential customers.. 

         What to blog about? that is the question, first and foremost choose something you are passionate about. People expect a more personal approach on your blog and will not appreciate a bunch of jargons and useless content. A simple blog about McDonald's new strategy of not giving out ketchup with fries - unless you ask for it - may generate a lot of interest, rather than your unprofessional analysis of subject matters that are clearly over your head! 

          Even PR and marketing specialists have to be aware of how they use and deliver content on blogs. "T.M.I - too much information - ugh!" information overload is never good, "K.I.S.S" - keep it simple stupid - after two lines of cliche phrases and gobbledygook (www.davidmeermanscott.com/documents/3703Goobledygook.pdf) which are generic phrases we've all heard before - you've lost me!

          If your blog is personal and not subjected to editing like some companies do, you must be aware of some rules before you embark into the blogosphere: 

1. Transparency - never pretend to be someone else, why would you? be your own voice!

2. Privacy - Don't visit friends and then blog about the fight you overheard their parents having - which was none of your business in the first place!

3. Disclosure - If you're promoting a product include links and info about you're affiliation with the company.

4. Truth - Don't make up stories - unless you're a fictional writer posting stories on your blog.

5.Credit - You should always give credit to other's whose ideas you may have expanded on, whose quotes you've used e.g. - Goobledygook! 

         To get started all you need is to set up an account with the various blog services available - i use Google Blogger - and set it to your preferences. The name is important it identifies who you are, and can be an indication of what you're blog is about. Generic templates are made available by the blogging service but with a little savvy you could custom tailor your blog, with say … a custom header or background. Do not forget to include links to your social network sites and vice versa and allow visitors comment functionality. Include an about page with some information about yourself and make sure you have an RSS feed.

         As you begin posting you might not get any comments or feedback - do not get discouraged. It takes some time and a lot of work to build an audience, especially a dedicated following. Advertise your blog to all your friends, put links in  your Facebook page, tweet about your blog and connect it to your Youtube account. Assuming of course you have a Youtube, Facebook and Twitter account, if not … then that could be reason you have no visitors. Visit other blogs and post comments there, that could help you to develop a repertoire with other bloggers who in turn, might return the favor.

        Try to use distinctive phrases and tags on each post as this helps the reader get closer to your article than a keyword search. Also assign multiple RELEVANT categories to each post as a strategy to attract visitors. now that you have done your homework - Happy Blogging!

                       Developing Thought Leadership Content … In my Opinion
 
           Right Away the first question is "What is thought Leadership content?" This is developing

creative ways of reaching out to current and prospective customers/clients without trying to

immediately sell something. Of course the primary objective of any business is "profit" but we must

realize sometimes it takes a lot of time and our own monetary investments before any real profit can

be seen.
  
           With that in mind, how about a novel approach, give something away for free! For Free? …

YES! for free. By this i don't mean giving away your typical T-shirts, coffee-mugs or pens all

emblazoned with your company logo - not saying that's a bad idea - but, giving away something

that's actually more meaningful. Lets say your line of business is Landscaping, you could create a

internet video teaching about proper winter storage of lets say … lawnmowers, the proper way to

drain the gasoline and oil, seasonal maintenance techniques and so forth that could really help the

uninformed.
            Be sure to wear something that has your company logo - shameless plugs always helps - but

do not mention your company at all! Yes the goal is to get new businesses but in order for that to

occur you are going to need consumer confidence and TRUST! I am confident that the logo shirt -

that dried my car at the wash - or the pen - that sits amongst the host of other company pens … god

knows where! - will not have as much impact as the FREE video that taught me how to maintain my

Lawnmower; without trying to sell me a Mower, oil etc.
  
            There are many different avenues you could choose in developing your thought leadership

content strategy and delivering your free stuff, but for this purpose we are only focused on internet

strategies such as: E-books, email newsletters, podcasts, videos or blogs.
  
            So basically in order to get the customer/client you're going to have to think like the

customer/client. Grab their attention with thoughtful videos or graphics, provide useful links and

always make sure the customer is first and your company second!

                                                          Sample Press Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rarre Solutions
www.rarresolutions.com


                                     Rarre Solutions Launches new Texting Software

By Derrick Errar
November 2, 2012

Springfield, MA – A local Multi media company launches its cutting edge Texting software called "Texonic" on Monday November 5 at its operations center 111 anonymous ave. at 5:00 p.m.
In light of the rash of texting while driving accidents and campaigns, this software will eliminate the worry of not paying attention due to typing.
More information will be released at this informational and demonstration event.

About Rarre Solutions

Rarre Solutions first started in 2010 by a frustrated and unemployed Graphic art student, the intent was to provide a variety of service to clients.

Contact

To learn more about this event, please contact

Derrick Errar, Media Relations
111 Anonymous Ave. Ste. 210A
Office: (111) 111-1111
Fax: (111) 111-1111
dErrar@thisisnotreal.com

                                                                               ###

The Content Rich Web Site ... in my opinion!

The Content Rich Website

         At first glance it is easy to think of "a content rich website" as one with a lot of stuff … that would be partially correct, however, it takes more than just stuff to provide a functional place to promote yourself or goods.

         Design and aesthetics are important too, but don't allow yourself to get too caught up in "the look," and lose focus on the functionality of your site. The question becomes, would you like a pretty site that lacks information? Or one that forces visitors to navigate through the endless wave of videos and ads before they can find anything relevant? Clutter is bad; content is good!

         There should be a cohesive flow of information, videos, podcasts and certainly LINKS! That compliments your product or services.  Interactivity is also very important in many ways: not only does it show feedback through posts – which can serve as referrals, but it also shows how current you are.

         Be sure to link to popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Linked, and Twitter among others, especially those that enhance your site. If your business deals with videos – a link to YouTube is a must, if your site features photography, then a link to Flickr should be there.

         It might not be easy to figure out what to include in you’re website, when one is faced with a barrage of options: from widgets, virtual badges, RSS feeds, and so on. I think the first thing to do when you have created or had your site created, is to test it yourself before launch. How easy was it for you to navigate through? Odds are if you found any part of it frustrating, then your Internet visitors will too! And since this is an indication of your services or product, a good impression is instrumental.

Video and Audio Production

Public Relations and Marketing strategies been greatly enhanced by video and audio that can have a profound impact, if done correctly. 

Not only do these provide a wide platform so companies can reach consumers, but it also reaches out to another market - the visually or 

hearing impaired.  
        Video can be considered the most powerful method of advertising! I think many consumers would apt for a video showing a product than actually reading about it, and if done correctly, the returns can be tremendous. Many companies use video in differing ways as their marketing strategy: To pitch products, to get new customers and to inform existing about company activities. Customers can be encouraged to submit video testimonials as a referral of the product or in competitions.  
     Audio is just as important and todays Marketers should not underestimate the power of podcasting. This is not reserved for just dj’s that want to offer selective playlists, or churches who record their sermons, Companies are realizing that there are considerable markets that can be harnessed through the power of podcasting. For example; the person who has a long commute and would listen to your posted stock earning report at his or her convenience. Or the jogger, that listens to your podcast in their mp3 player or iPod.

David and Greg’s Video

I think the use of a green screen as a backdrop during this video went to the point. More importantly was their explanation of the differing 

methods one might choose to convey their message, visually. 

Humor tends to work if done correctly and can start a marketing buzz that will bring the bloggers and writers at your doorstep.  

Allstate insurance video ad campaign featuring “Mayhem’ is a perfect example, the video commercials were widely viewed online and its  subtle teasing of "social ills" cemented not just the character - mayhem - but also Allstate.

 Of course  not everyone has the big marketing budget of Allstate! but even the smallest companies can appear like giants to their consumers, as David and Greg explained on their video. Countless people have found fame for themselves or their products by utilizing 

internet tools like Youtube to reach  a mass audience. Sometimes even the smallest idea or video can become a viral sensation in a matter 

of clicks, and bam! you're an overnight sensation. Note that humor or sensitive issues are not the only kinds of videos that will appeal to an audience, true! if you have a boring product… lets say  accompany stock report video, it might not be easy to make a funny, but if you could it would surely be memorable. Sometimes an informative video about a Company by … lets say the CEO, tends to lend credibility and make consumers feel the have a personal relationship.

Public Relation... in my opinion!

The emergence of the Internet has greatly affected how many industries conduct business - most

notably Public Relations, and has redefined the way we market products and services to consumers.

This is not to say the old ways of Marketing and PR are obsolete, instead, they have been greatly

enhanced with the addition of a new platform - the Internet.
  
    Traditional marketing and PR strategies included: expensive television, radio, magazines and

newspaper ads, demanding a substantial budget in order to make an impact. Of course this created an

unfair playing field of sorts, for those who budget was limited - specifically small business owners.

Companies also relied heavily on journalists or columnists to write an endorsement piece for a product

creating a "middle man effect," as a result they were seen as more detached from the people they

needed to connect with - the consumers. We've all seen celebrities pitching products and wondered …

do they actually use or know anything about the product?

   
    Older strategies coupled with the Internet are now standard in Public Relation: web sites provide a

more direct company - consumer relationship, clients can participate by posting comments on company

sites about products and companies can keep clients informed via email. This removal of the "middle

men" or "spin doctors" have enabled client loyalty thus boosting a company's profitability and

sustenance.
  
    Undeniably one of the greatest strengths of the Internet is its ability to reach  a wide diverse client

base, and provide a somewhat level playing field for smaller business's, a well designed, functional web

site can give a small business the ability to compete with its larger counterparts.