There’s an app for that

            I once went on a job interview at a regional bindery company and the first thing my interviewer did was take out a ruler. ‘Why don’t you show me an 1/8 and a 1/16 “ he said – I laughed. “You’d be surprised how many people can’t do that,” he said.

Next scenario, I recently went into an office – whose name I wont disclose – to take care of some urgent business. Everything was fine until the neatly dressed well-spoken employee had to figure out 5% of $380, and he couldn’t find his calculator. Ok quick mental math I thought: 10% of 380 is 38, 1/2of that is 19, “19 dollars” said I, “how did you know?” he asked - how did you not know I thought.

This is the underside of technology where we become so advanced that we forget, or simply don’t know how to do the basics. Now don’t misunderstand me, for I too am swept up in the technological toys of today, and I can say I have them all - except the I pad, but when the batteries die, there’s no signal, the desktop freezes, I still rely on that trusty note pad and pen that has yet to fail me.

Interestingly enough with all these technological toys the USA trails a lot of other countries in academics especially Math and Sciences – a point that president Obama mentioned in his “State of the Union” speech. Many Educational Institutions are now restructuring their curriculums in order to better challenge students reasoning and thinking abilities ... who knows - maybe there’s an app for that.

State of the Union

State Of The Union

           

Yadda yadda yadda, heard it all before, was my initial reaction as the President put forth his bold agenda for the next four years. Articulate as Obama was one could not help but notice the familiar political rhetoric, the obvious divisions, the bold ideas that all seemed so orchestrated one expected the curtain to fall at the end of the show.

            But something he said grabbed my attention and I found myself contemplating “Our brave men and women are coming home.” Although I totally support our military and applaud their braveness I could not help thinking … well, what are they coming home to?

            After years of war in Iraq were we eliminated a dictatorship and help usher in a new government; we find ourselves paying extremely high gas prices at home. So much so that Americans have been forced to rethink travel plans and winter heating bills have been grave – especially for northern states.

            We have reduced Al Quieda to a fraction of what it was in Afghanistan but our airports are at maximum security, and nor old lady or lotion is safe from the TSA. Our housing market slowly recovers while our unemployment stays stagnant, and the consumer index reflect the mood of the nation – Recessive.

            I wonder what the Huns, the Romans and all those great warriors of the past would think, for theirs was not only the victory; but the spoils of war – a concept we seemed to have forgotten. 

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