Tweetin’ in ‘12
Okay, I promised before that I wouldn’t do one of those trite “end of the year” lists as a blog post, but I changed my mind when I was on Twitter yesterday. I was reminded that a lot of Twitter “newbs” come on line every day looking for good people to follow. So, in no particular order, these are some of my favorite Tweeters. Check ‘em out in 2012.
Note: This list is not comprehensive–I follow more than 3,800 tweeps–it’s just a sample of some of my favorites. They range from PR colleagues (and *clients) to writers to journalists to strategists to marketers to…well, people from all walks of life.
@kbmckinney Mom. Social Media Geek. Writer. Lawyer. And a Bunch of Other Stuff. (Kate posts consistently interesting tweets and info.)
@Brainzooming Tweets by Mike Brown featuring strategy, innovation, creativity, & social media ideas. (He’s also pretty funny.)*
@EdenBaylee Author of literary erotica and bestselling novel, FALL INTO WINTER. (Eden is a great example of a person who shares of herself and helps others in the social media space.)
@ShellyKramer Marketing/brand strategist, idea generator, digital content magician, scribbler, information junkie. Luv MilkDuds+Beer. Member of Oversharers Anonymous. (The “dean” of Twitter as far as I’m concerned–though Shelly is far more than a social media titan–check her out, you’ll see.)
@mmangen Bookworm | Horse Lover | Virtual Assistant | Single Mom | From the Land of Beer and Cheese now Living in the Sunshine State | Oldest of Seven | iTunes Addict (Michelle shares some fun stuff–with a wide variety of interests.)
@Dan_Coyle Nationally (now INTERnationally) Touring Singer Songwriter. Music Lover. Coffee Lover. Lover of Weird Things — If You’re Weird, I’ll Love You. (This guy is an excellent self-promoter who truly cares about his twitter friends and fans. He also has a quirky side and often posts links to some very interesting articles and sites.)*
@adamsconsulting Graduate of USC, Entrepreneur for over 10 yrs, Writer for BitRebels.com and InkRebels.com, Voice for the Homeless in Atlanta. I’m really into just being happy. (Diana always has something I can’t resist clicking!)
@OfRevolt I narrowly escaped the clutches of The Man to travel, write, and blog about the daily activities of being without a home. I sing, dance, and make merry! (My favorite travel blogger!)
@JohnFugelsang God got Vaclav Havel, the Devil got Kim-Jong II, and neither of them got near Christopher Hitchens. I’m an actor & comedian. Our album- http://bit.ly/un61bi (Smart, edgy comedian. Note he’s often political and Left-leaning. If you’re a Fox News fan, you probably won’t dig him.)
@Jdickerson Political correspondent Slate magazine/Political Director CBS News. (Informative, witty and incisive.)
@JeanGleason An HR Princess with attitude speaking the hard HR truths. I love to travel and the ocean! My family & friends are the most important things in my life. (Jean is a great person and a true resource for HR info.)
@JasonHarper Son of a librarian & English professor. Champion of writing, dialogue, knowledge & culture. Tweeting for @KCLibrary. (His bio says it all.)
@Harris_Barb PR chick by profession, humanitarian by passion. Writer of food blog http://ourfeedingfrenzy.com. @feedingfrnzy (Her food blog is a must-read. She needs to tweet more, though!)
@ginidietrich CEO of Arment Dietrich. Author of spinsucks.com. Vistage member. Author. Speaker. Communicator. Avid cyclist. A foodie. Loves shoes & wine. (Funny, informative and prolific, Gini has a great PR blog, too.)
@AlexisCeule Social Media Mamapreneur-Chief Engagement Officer: Making ur brand social via word o mouse! I love me some @Train and I’ll shoot u on MWII as KUfans2009. (Great fun and lots of cool info.)
@StephGreenKC Sprint B2B PR. Ask me abt M2M, connected car, smart grid, health/wellness, digital signs, security, mobility, IP. Love to chase my 3-year-old and travel! (Good telecom-related stuff and yes, she’s my wife so you’re damn right I list her here!)
I could go on…but time is running out on 2011 and I need to hop off the blog, Twitter and the internet in general to enjoy more time with my family. Remember–Twitter is a great way to connect with interesting people, but don’t let it hog all your time and prevent you from “connecting” with your loved ones and friends “in real life.”
Happy New Year.
Season’s Greetings & Best Wishes for 2012
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The PR Top 20
Our colleague Kelly Davis pointed out a great post about public relations and client expectations on Ragan’s PR Daily by Elizabeth Friedland titled “20 Things PR Clients Should Know.”
It’s a little snarky, but comes from a good place and can help clients understand the most effective ways for us to succeed on their behalf. We encourage PR pros and clients alike to check it out.
We’ve excerpted a few of the twenty “things” that we found of particular import. We have said many similar things on this blog over the years, but this is such a succinct post that puts it all in one place we just had to share it. So, without further ado…our favorites from this educational post:
1. No, we don’t know every journalist everywhere across the universe—not that it matters. Even journalists whose weddings we were in will turn down our pitches occasionally.
2. A good publicist doesn’t have to be based in New York or Los Angeles to be effective. Ever heard of this crazy thing called email? (Note from AlexanderG PR: Have we mentioned we’re in Kansas City?)
[...]
5. Stop insisting we call the media. Most of them hate this and specifically request we contact them exclusively via email.
6. PR is not free advertising. PR is not free (or cheap), period.
7. Don’t ask us to pitch an idea and then not be available for an interview. If you want the press, we need you to be ready to talk to the media at a moment’s notice.
8. What matters most to you may be totally irrelevant to a journalist. Remember that it’s what they—not you—think is important that matters in the end.
[...]
10. Social media is more than Facebook and Twitter.
11. If you insist on running all tweets and posts past your legal department, don’t expect results from your social media strategy.
12. If a journalist says he or she is not interested in a story, that person means it. Reaching out again will further annoy the reporter and guarantee you’ll be ignored the next time.
13. Don’t measure your PR results in ad equivalency rates. Do you want to know you had $500,000 of ad equivalent value in negative press, or would you rather know 80 percent of the press you received was positive in tone and accurate in its messages?
14. No, we’re not writing any more “…pleased to announce…” ledes.
15. Ditto for “We’re so excited/thrilled/happy” CEO quotes. Pretend you’re explaining the story to a friend over drinks, and then give us that quote.
[...]
17. PR is a process. You know who hits it big overnight with a story on the “Today” show? Criminals, naughty celebrities, and shark-attack victims. Do you want to be one of them?
Good stuff Elizabeth! You can read the entire “20″ by clicking over here.
Three Keys for Media Success from Pitching to Placement – Insider’s Advice
Our friends at The Brainzooming Group helped shape an intriguing project featuring two graduate level marketing communications classes at the University of Kansas. Students in Max Utsler’s “Innovations in Marketing Communications” class and Barrett Sydnor’s “Integrated Marketing Communications and Sales Strategy” class are writing blog posts during the semester on topics related to the classes, including branding, marketing, media relations, social media, experience marketing, and innovation.
Today’s author is Dave Dunn. Dave is a Broadcast Journalist & Communications Professional in Kansas City studying for his MS, Journalism, Marketing Communications at the University of Kansas.
Today he offers some fantastic tips for better media pitches. You can take this advice to the bank, as Dave is a TV news reporter who has seen the gamut of media pitches–good and bad.
Working as a reporter in TV News for more than seven years—from small markets to large—I’ve come across countless press news releases and story pitches. My colleagues and I strive to give everyone a “fair shake” and seek out the stories that deserve coverage. Sadly, some of the best and most worthy stories may not get coverage because of things that can set apart news releases (and I say “news” release and not “press” release because some TV and radio folks may turn their nose up at the latter newspaper-related term). Here are three important tips for better success working with news media.
1. Formatting.
It starts before typing the first word. While the release needs to be clear, concise and easy on the eyes, don’t get fancy with formatting. Many news software systems are highly advanced in many aspects, but not when it comes to transferring text. Avoid tabs, boxes, graphic design or anything other than text that may not transfer properly. When news “gatekeepers” receive releases, they simply copy and paste them into the appropriate day or place where stories are filed. When reporters, producers or directors eventually view the release, those with “fancy formatting” are jumbled with encrypted code. It can cause news decision-makers to sift through half a page or more of hieroglyphics before getting to, or between, the important information. It can turn a one-page release into three. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen with this problem. You may know exactly what I’m talking about if you’ve applied for a job lately through a company’s website. It’s similar to what can happen when you upload or paste your resume in the requested area.
As far as pictures with news releases, I’m not at all discouraging you to include them. Visuals are often very beneficial, but keep pictures separate or make sure they are easily transferable/viewable. Include as attachments or provide a link for a media person to copy and paste into a web browser. You want to make sure pictures are viewed the way you intended.
2. Don’t Bury or Muddy the Lead.
Help reporters and news people do their job. It’s not about laziness, it’s just another strategy to help media people visualize the story. Obviously, you’re pitching a story that involves or promotes a company, organization or person. But don’t confuse that with the lead. The story is about what’s happening. News people don’t want to hear a company’s name 10 times before getting to what it’s actually doing and why it matters. Organize releases with the key facts in the lead. Get to specifics later. Also, look to provide something “juicy”, a “wow” factor or a story angle. And think “big tent” or large impact—the more the better in most cases. Attach a story motivator upfront in the pitch/release or make it clear. Here are some motivators to engage media (and media audiences).
Money – ways to save money or avoid waste
Family – ways of life
Safety – threats, ways to be safer or avoid danger
Health – threats, ways to live better or avoid harm
Community – how the country, region or city is changing, or a way of life
Innate Curiosity – something so cool or unusual that you want to see it
Moral Outrage – something that’s just plain wrong
3. Think Sundays.
Sundays are undervalued and present a lot of potential impact because it’s one of the highest viewership/ratings nights of the week (Fridays & Saturdays are lowest viewership). Yes, news staffs are smaller on weekends, but far fewer stories to choose from means much better coverage odds. Also, if you pitch a Sunday story, don’t leave an office phone number that’s only answered Monday through Friday. Provide a cell number.
The Limited Expands in Kansas City to Satisfy Loyal Consumers’ Confident Sense of Style
Iconic Women’s Fashion Retailer Partners with Central Exchange Education Foundation for Grand Opening Event at Zona Rosa.
Kansas City Northland women will now have access to more of the modern, impeccably tailored, on-trend designs offered by The Limited with the official opening of the Zona Rosa store location at 8734 NW Prairie View Road Kansas City, MO 64153.
Bridging a gap for the brand’s already enthusiastic customer base, the iconic fashion retailer opens its doors at the elegant Zona Rosa shopping district. Currently, there are two other Kansas City-area stores: at Oak Park Mall in Overland Park and Town Center in Leawood.
Beginning Friday November 4 through Sunday November 6, The Limited will host a grand opening celebration offering 40% off everything, including the latest fall fashions. To commemorate the grand opening, Tori Binau, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Ecommerce for The Limited and representatives of the Central Exchange Education Foundation of Kansas City, partners in the grand opening weekend, will take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon November 4 at The Limited Zona Rosa. Additionally, a percentage of the proceeds from the three-day event will be donated to the Central Exchange Education Foundation. Ms. Binau will also talk at a breakfast hosted by the Central Exchange that morning. Click here for details.
“We’re excited to partner with The Limited for the grand opening weekend fundraiser,” said Central Exchange Education Foundation executive director, Ellen D’Amato. “We are appreciative of their strong support of our mission to promote the personal and professional growth of women in the community.”
“The Limited’s mission is to help women achieve personal success —fulfilling their potential and looking great every step of the way,” said Linda Heasley, CEO of The Limited. “That’s why we’re so excited to expand in the Kansas City market — and proud to partner with Central Exchange Education Foundation for our new store at Zona Rosa.”
The Limited, with more than 240 locations nationwide, including six stores in Missouri and three in Kansas; has seen resurgence in its popularity and is keeping pace with demand across the country with its new store openings. Kansas City is a priority market for a new store.
“We’re thrilled to be coming to Zona Rosa, said Heasley. “We are proud to be a part of a community that cares. Through the years, our loyal customer base in Kansas City has grown and it’s only fitting we support those communities who have supported us”.
According to Heasley, the newest store design demonstrates The Limited’s new direction toward a look that she calls “more feminine, more approachable and more residential in feel.”
The new store, at just over 4,600 square feet, features:
- a light, bright and upbeat motif.
- taupe walls with white cabinets and a splash of red.
- the iconic red ceiling in the fitting rooms.
- wood flooring.
- chandeliers.
- a custom mural on the back wall.
- a built-in runway that allows for visual animation, while featuring the latest fashions for inspiration.
- seating for comfort, with books and magazines, to make for a positive experience for shopping companions.
- an e-bar with instant access to thelimited.com. (Online orders placed from the store ship to the customer’s home free of charge.)
- a cash wrap area that includes more registers.
- more fitting rooms to better facilitate wardrobing and one-on-one styling.
For more information about the new store locations, sales events, employment opportunities and online ordering, visit www.thelimited.com.
For more information about the Central Exchange Education Foundation, visit www.centralexchange.org or contact Jackie West, Membership Director at (913) 253-0900 or Jackie@centralexchange.org
About The Limited
Based in Columbus, Ohio, The Limited, an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., is well known as the store concept that began mall-based specialty retailing as we know it. Drawing on for almost 50 years of presence in American shopping centers, The Limited is an iconic fashion retailer that offers high-quality, private-label apparel designed to help the modern woman succeed. Design-driven, fashionable styles include suiting, sweaters, dresses, denim, outerwear, and accessories—to suit her lifestyle demands, from workday to weekend. The Limited has over 240 mall locations throughout the United States. For more information, please visit: www.thelimited.com.
About Sun Capital Partners, Inc.
Sun Capital Partners, Inc. is a leading private investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts, equity, debt, and other investments in companies that can benefit from its in–house operating professionals and experience. Sun Capital affiliates have invested in more than 265 companies worldwide with combined sales in excess of $40 billion since Sun Capital’s inception in 1995. Sun Capital has offices in Boca Raton, Los Angeles, and New York, as well as affiliates with offices in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Shanghai and Shenzhen. For more information, please visit www.SunCapPart.com.
About Central Exchange Education Foundation
The Central Exchange Education Foundation is the 501©3 arm of Central Exchange. Central Exchange is a 31-year-old membership organization that provides the venue and voice for women seeking to reach their full personal and professional potential. Our strategic imperatives include:
Achieving your full potential: With more than 400 programs a year, CX offers a wide variety of personal and professional development and networking opportunities.
Making relevant connections: Our 900 plus members represent a cross-section of women and men from throughout the Kansas City area. Members include managers and executives, business owners, non-profit and civic leaders, and community volunteers.
Transforming our Community: Central Exchange is leading a campaign to increase gender diversity at the top of area companies. Called win\win, a business case for Kansas City, the goal is to have 20% women on boards of directors and in executive officer roles by 2015.
Disclosure: The Limited is a client of AlexanderG Public Relations, LLC.
