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June 2009
Don't Be Your Own Worst Enemy
written by Sabrina McLaughlin, APR

As an avid reader of our local newspapers I have been shocked and a little appalled as of late by the number of times I have seen "could not be reached for comment" or "didn't return our calls" in reference to marketing or public relations professionals communicating with journalists. I guess, at the very least, I was thinking that perhaps someone responsible for an organization's public relations should be accessible to the media. 

To read Sabrina's complete article on how to prevent becoming your own worst enemy when it comes to dealing with the media, click here.
Client Spotlight:
The University of West Florida

101 Starboard Lane Insight is proud to announce the completion of a rather intense focus group research project for the University of West Florida during the past few months. 

The university wanted to know how local high school students perceive UWF. Additionally, these focus groups were to determine how potential students would like to be communicated with in terms of university recruiting material. The focus groups conducted by Insight helped to aid in the most extensive recruiting campaign the university has ever taken on. 

"This project efficiently gave the university necessary insight to launch an effective recruiting campaign," says Susan Shaw, Associate Director of Marketing Communications for UWF.  "We feel so privileged to have worked with such an outstanding firm in order to accomplish our goals," Shaw added.

Be on the look out for a new recruiting campaign from UWF in the very near future!  Go Argos!
Social Media Tips

It's becoming pretty evident that social media is growing "trend" in our industry. So, our team traveled to New York City in May for the PR Newswire Social Communications Case Studies Conference. Since we believe in the karma of sharing information, we've decided to share a few tips that we brought back.  Here are a few things to keep in mind:
  • Authenticity. Users of social media networks can smell a marketing person from a mile away.  Postings, comments and content should come from those inside and experiencing the product or service first hand.

  • Contests and incentives. Hosting contests can yield a huge benefit for your company. For example: Coca-Cola held a photo caption contest on their blog where they posted a photo and had people provide captions. The best caption won something free. When the participants submitted their caption, they had to also submit their email addresses, which generated additional names for Coca-Cola's mailing lists.
     
  • Videos and pictures. Adding these kinds of extras to a site can definitely boost participation and "buzz."
     
  • Dedication. Social media takes dedication. That means really putting in the time it takes to strengthen your web presence. A lot of companies say that they just do not have the time. Advice? Simply pick two social networking sites that will work with your product or service and dedicate your time to those sites only.  Our two personal favs are Facebook and Twitter.

  • Know why you are using the service. You need to know exactly why you are using the particular service you have chosen and what you are expecting to gain from it, whether its knowledge or marketing.
     
  • Know when to take a break.  Be careful not to update your service too often or your followers and friends may get annoyed with you.


IN THIS ISSUE
Don't Be Your Own Worst Enemy
Client Spotlight
Media Relations Do's & Don'ts
     Media Relations     
       Do's & Don'ts

Do introduce yourself to different media editors, journalists and freelancers by sending them a quick email.

Do send out press releases two weeks before a special event, and then conduct a follow-up.

Do tailor your pitch to the needs of each media outlet.

Do ensure that you or your designated spokesperson will be available for interview on a moments notice.

Don't ever tell the media what you would like from them. By learning what THEY want, you can eventually get what YOU want.

Don't send out a press release with vague or general statements.

Don't be surprised if you are misquoted.  We are all humans here, and this happens.  React calmly and resolve the situation in a timely manner.

Don't EVER fail to return a journalist's phone call or email.  It's your job.

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Questions:
Newsletter Editor
Megan Prawdzik
Insight  Marketing evolved in early 2008 from the well established PR Girl, Inc. firm opened by agency principal Sabrina McLaughlin, APR in the spring of 2005. Today, Insight has clients in industries that include non profits, small businesses, governmental agencies, educational institutions and large corporations. 

As an award winning agency we have taken home top prize in some of the most competitive arenas in our industry for our campaigns and landed our clients on the pages of the largest newspapers in the country with our public relations. The bottom line... we talk the talk and walk the walk.

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