As my time with Robert (in the beloved Style and Design class) draws to a close, I feel the need to reflect upon the many things that I have learned. Just as a warning, this will likely be my last post for a while. My life is about to become a whirlwind of activity as my last Fall semester at Auburn begins. I will be whisked away by thousands of SGA events, football games, PR coursework that is sure to bring many fun projects and much more. I hope I have time to breathe in the coming months!
This summer has taught me a lot more than how to use Adobe Photoshop and InDesign. I have learned more than Flash and Dreamweaver could ever provide. This class has taught me a whole lot about myself. For one, I should never be so busy that I do not enjoy every opportunity that Auburn affords me. I am only here for 2 more semesters. I will never again be in the presence of such brilliant minds and helping hearts. I cannot believe how the time has flown! I do not feel I have absorbed quite enough yet… so I will press on fervently this Fall with a renewed passion to learn- not to make A’s.
This summer has taught me a lot about dedication. I have been inspired by Robert French. His class brings many people to the pits of despair, but no matter what horrible things one might say in his or her frustration…there’s one thing that NO ONE could ever say about Robert- that he does not care. He is dedicated to the field of public relations and to his work- here and at Camp ASCCA. The Camp ASCCA talks have also given me insight on my future endeavors in the non-profit world (if that’s what the Lord has for me). He is also dedicated enough to teach the most frustrating class in our public relations major. Frustrating because he has to break things down on such a simple level for those of us who came into the class “technologically illiterate.”
I’ve learned that sometimes you absolutely MUST “just take a walk around the building.” Perspective is huge. When you are in a lab working on a project, that project becomes the #1 most important part of your life. You just get too close sometimes and need to step outside of yourself to see the big picture. The world will not end, even if your Suma Cum Laude classification does.
To all of you in this great big blogosphere…Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom with me. I am eternally grateful for the life lessons you have shown me. Thanks to you… I decided against the blackberry. I slowed down to a semi-normal pace. I checked my email only 4 times a day (and not on weekends). Most importantly, I felt that this whole blogging thing finally had a purpose! Thanks for commenting and making my day.
These are just a few of the important life lessons this crazy summer has taught me. I feel that I will leave this summer just a little more relaxed and mature than I first began. I hope that you have a wonderful remainder of the summer! Thank you for reading my thoughts!
Yesterday, as I faithfully watched my morning news, I heard the phrase “PR Crisis” at least 18 times in a span of 20 minutes, when referring to the current war in the Middle East. All day I thought to myself, is this really a PR crisis? It is an actual war afterall. Mistakes (like recent Israeli air strikes that killed many civilians) are going to be made, but that doesn’t make those mistakes PR crises, does it? I get tired of hearing every business mistake, faulty public affairs policy and pretty much any problem in the world reffered to as a “Pr Crisis.” Shel Holtz visited the topic earlier this year as well. But in this case, after a little research, I may be changing my tune. The war and resulting media about the Israel-Hezbollah war might have more to do with PR than first meets the eye.
The PR war has been going on for quite some time. This site, sponsored by Israel PR, has stories from local media dating back to 2002 that outline their country’s PR crisis. Joel Leyden of Israel News Agency said back in 2004, “We are engaged in two wars- a bloody, sweaty battle of bullets and a real-time digital media war of words. We are losing both fronts because Israel’s governmental public relations and public affairs machine is weak and ineffective.”
They are still fighting both wars today. It is striking once you think about it. We often see or hear of injured Palestinian civilians in this war, when clearly, that happens on both sides.
A major PR blunder occurred when the spokesman of the office of coordinator of Government Activities spoke to International media and could not complete a sentence in English. The department also misspelled the name of the city where the attack took place. That is a problem! The government should realize the need for good foreign press and choose representation accordingly. One of Israel’s huge target audiences here is the rest of the world! Public opinion (outside of Israel) should be of great concern to this government especially when seeking foreign aid.
Seeing as how the media is how we get our “truths” when it comes to this situation, word-choice is of utmost importance. The difference between a military leader being a prime military target and Israel’s forces “seeking assassisnation” of certain individuals can make a massive difference to those viewing the scene from the outside. When the government’s spokesperson cannot complete a sentence, you have to at least infer that he would not be able to choose favorable words to form a good image internationally.
Maybe employ a more multi-cultural task force in this situation. I know they have hired Rubenstein to handle their image (in 2001), but it would be great to see more positive progress in this war of the words. The conflict is certainly far from over, I just wish that public relations would get left out of it! The association with the war surely doesn’t help the industry’s reputation in this case.
Christmas in July….years ago in my GA (girls in action) class that phrase used to mean donating gifts to South American mission in July. As the SGA Vice President at Auburn University, however, that phrase has taken on a much more negative connotation.
Incase you were unaware, the “war on Christmas” that took place across the country last year did not exclude Auburn University. Not only did it touch the Capitol Christmas tree, it greatly affected the Auburn University SGA Holiday Tree Lighting Festival. Laura Steele, SGA Senator at Large and Chairwoman of the College Republicans, proposed a resolution (only days before the event- after a great deal of publicity had already gone out) to change the name of the event. The resolution was failed due to improper procedure (among other hastily-decided things).
National media, ranging from Rick and Bubba to Hannity and Colmes, the World Net Daily, the GOP sites and many more, had a hay day with this situation. As a Senator at Large, I was forced into a whirlwind of misguided complaints. I received around 80 emails per day from angered individuals with rather hurtful remarks. I thought that was bad, and it was. But I suffered through it because I knew it would have to be over soon. And I made it through with a little tougher skin and a bit more patience.
Eight months later, we’re still talking about it. As I took my VP seat this spring, we decided to form a non-political advisory committee to the President as a focus group to gather other students’ opinion on this event. However, one of the committee members that was chosen was a campus political leader. Somehow we missed that. Yes, I am hearing my Foundations of PR teacher’s words of wisdom… “You cannot have good PR without accurate research.” We made a mistake… a rather costly one at that. The President asked the political leader to step down after making him aware of the standards with which we formed the committee. However, it appeared that we had a whole new type of discrimination case on our hands. Alas, miscommunication reared its ugly head on the Plains. I have had to learn a lot of humility and partake in much open, transparent conversations with the upset group in the past few days.
I believe that there is a reason for everything; something good always comes from a bad situation. This particular incident is no exception. Throughout this situation, I have taken on a new role in the SGA- the unofficial press secretary. I have been able to hone my crisis management skills, write press releases, plan a forum/press conference. I have also become more patient and a better listener/problem solver thanks to this event. I’m developing a tougher skin and have also learned to deal with bad press by meeting with the author and logically speaking through our problems.
This situation has taught me invaluable lessons that will not be soon forgotten. I’m sure this is merely a precursor to things in my future career. So, no matter what, I am grateful for this oddly-wrapped Christmas gift here in July.
On July 20, President Bush issued his first Presidential veto on the stem cell research bill. The bill, which would lift funding restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research, passed the House and Senate earlier, but failed to please the President and his conservative administration. Embryonic stem cell research causes a sticky ethical argument, one that is becoming more political than moral as of late. My decision to write about this veto is not to discuss my opinions on stem cell research , but to point out what the positive PR practices of the President regarding this issue. Besides, plenty of people are commenting on this (if you are interested read here and here), but I have mixed emotions about it myself.
Timing is everything. Isn’t that something in politics? The world is blowing up from every nook and cranny and all of a sudden… VETO #1 on a controversial issue is conveniently located among talks of World War III. Coincidence? I think not. Brilliant political strategy… maybe. Strategy influenced by public relations staff… most definitely.
Perhaps the most brilliant strategy of this particular issue was the attendance and backdrop of the press conference. (The Washington Post article has a great picture and video incase you missed it.) The beautiful adopted embryos that this proposed research would have eliminated before they had a chance to develop and be born into this world were alive and present… smiling behind the President completely supporting his decision. I think this was a great move. Personalize this issue for the public. Show the smiling faces of the happy families and those sweet, defenseless children that President Bush has protected by vetoing this bill. Tug at the heartstrings for the right side on this incredibly already-emotional issue. Talk about knowing your public…President Bush was really reinforcing his base with these images.
Overall, I believe that President Bush standing his ground on this issue was a good PR move in itself. He was elected based (at least partially) on his strong moral standing including his stand against stem cell research. I believe it is vital that he stand by his word at this point. His image has been questioned on several fronts lately. It was crucial that the President restore his core “good ole boy” image and remain consistent on this front. Being “real” and standing up for your beliefs is never a bad idea.
This issue has just become a convenient political target in my opinion. I encourage you to remember that Bush did not say he banned private funding for this research. The door is still open incase any of those openly-concerned citizens want to fork over the dough. Personally, I would highly prefer that action to the current one that we’re seeing from the other side– whining.
I have just been informed that a lady in the UK is performing some research about the relationship between blogging and PR for her Chartered institute of Public Relations diploma. If you wish to visit her site and help her with her research, I am sure she would be grateful. This survey only takes a few minutes. You may see the questions and my answers below.
1 If you have a blog, have you ever written critically or negatively about consumer brands or products on your blog?
Y/n/I don’t have a blog
Yes
2 If you have a blog, have you ever written positively or favourably about consumer brands or products on your blog?
Y/n/I don’t have a blog
yes
3 Has your opinion of a consumer brand or product ever been changed by something you have read on someone else’s blog?
Y/n
yes
4 Do you read corporate blogs?
Y/n
yes
5 If yes, have they improved your opinion of the company/brand/product that the blog covers?
Y/n
yes-somewhat
6 Which source of information about consumer brands or products are you most likely to trust – please rank in order?
a) Personal blogs
b) Corporate blogs
c) Company websites
d) newspaper/magazine editorial
e) Other independent website editorial
most to least: e, d, c, a, b
7 If you have any general comments about the overlap between blogs and consumer public relations, please make them here.
I believe there is a definite overlap between blogs and consumer PR. As a consumer, I have often “googled” a product and ended up reading several personal or corporate blogs about the product. The search engines just love references blogs and I think they are interesting. They give a different spin that may not appear to be as trustworthy at first, it still makes a valid impression on consumers and if nothing else gets the name out there.
With just under 40 days until the eagerly-anticipated 2006 football season officially kicks off on the Plains, Auburn University is once again receiving a fair share of questionable press regarding the athletic/academic connection.
I think it is extremely humorous how everyone in my hometown automatically assumes that I know everything about Auburn because I hold a leadership position on campus. Like with these recent academic allegations… I had no clue, but my friends and family were convinced that I had some inside information. I was on my way to a much needed vacation when I got the first call. My caller friend simply said, “What are they going to do about the grades thing?”
I had no clue that earlier that day (July 14) The New York Times had released an article exposing Auburn’s sociology department in an apparent case of academic problems showing preferrential treatment to athletes. This expose ran in several papers (see the clippings here).
It is frustrating to read a story like this when Auburn is near and dear to your heart. It is a troubling thought and PR crisis that those in Samford Hall will be dealing with for quite some time I am afraid. Especially if the Southern Accreditation Association becomes involved again.
We might as well learn from every situation, good or bad. I have learned through my University’s mistakes (and I pray that our officials have as well) that the best way to handle a situation like this is to be as open and honest as humanly possible. Send out releases frequently from the top down. Be available for comments and questions. You know, the most disturbing part of the NYT article was the Tommy Tubberville declined an interview–that’s just not my style. Of course, I’m not busy coaching a soon-to-be National Championship football team, but I do know what it is like to be too busy to eat, or partake of any of life’s comforts. Still, I have never been too busy to talk to someone and defend myself or my organization when my reputation is on the line. Maybe it is my communication background, but I believe in transparent leadership.
I have a sinking feeling in my stomach. I was not prepared to hear about SACS investigations again. My heart longs for the day when we only hear about sacks on a quarterback… not SACS in the classroom.
Ahh, the midsummer classic. Tonight is the night- the best of the best battling it out on the baseball diamond. Real AllStars playing America’s sport. There is no doubt that Major League Baseball’s 77th All Star game and its surrounding festivities (saturated with the superstars) is great publicity for all teams and entities of Major League Baseball. However many fail to realize, it is also a wonderful public relations opportunity for certain companies-especially for Chevrolet.
The whole American theme really works well for GM. Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager said, “The All-Star Game is the ideal platform to showcase the connection between Chevrolet, America’s brand, and baseball, America’s game.”
Think about it… the timing is perfect. Everone is patriotic around the Fourth of July. Everyone seems to find comfort in the nostalgia for the “good ole days.” Conveniently, baseball holds many American traditions in its glove. And Chevy is to trucks {”the most dependable, longest lasting truck on the road,”} much like baseball is to sports. I think it is nice symoblism. I believe it is more than the thoughtful, thematic advertising that sets Chevy PR apart in this case, though. It is also the hosting of the events, or the publicity aspect of it.
According to PR Newswire (and ESPN, etc.), Chevrolet is hosting many of the events. They’re giving away all kinds of cars, hosting signings and much more. They literally have their names plastered all over this All Star event. (including the huge floating baseballs that we saw during the Homerun Derby)
I think that the Chevrolet sponsorship of the 2006 MLB All Star game is a great example of good public relations. They seem to have covered all of the bases (ha-no pun intended). I’m not the only one who thinks so. Other people recognize GM/Chevy’s great work and have blogged about this effort. Check out others like Pajamas Media and Forbes have chosen this story.
And, of course, enjoy the game!
Are you kidding me? I’m starting to believe that our lovely law schools are doing TOO well because they are turning out lawyers who must not have anything better to do than stir up trouble. Now, someone is filing a case because men are not allowed to be hired at Hooters! I’ve never seen a pig fly, but I think we’re getting close.
I mean, I have heard about these cases before. (like in 1995 )I just thought the matter was settled. Unfortunately, people are still trying to get money and beat a dead horse. I saw it on the Fox News website today.
I have recently taken a management class where we discussed (in depth) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commision’s documents including Title VII. We even discussed Hooters as a particular example. We were taught, however, that because of the Bonafide Occupational Qualification and the fine print on a Hooter’s application, the restaurant was allowed to hire only female waitresses because they are entertainment. The cute girls are entertainment and that’s part of the restaurant. While that may be disturbing, it makes sense.Â
I’m not sure which is more disturbing… girls as entertainment/Hooters protected OR the alternative… guys wearing those outfits if the lawsuits pass!
The “Bush Covers Dole” article in O’Dwyer’s this week opened my eyes to an issue-Southern Discrimination. Not that I was naive before– trust me, with my lovely Southern accent, I’ve been slave to the stereotypes– but this article put it in a new perspective. As O’dwyer’s exemplified today, Southern stereotypes are commonly used in political strategies, but that’s not all. I find it disturbing that Americans are so careful and concerned with using political correctedness, but even journalists, commentators and other people unknowingly hold biases against people from certain regions in our own country.
Southerners are truly looked down upon from every angle. The discrimination predates the Civil War (which even the incorrect word choice of its name causes problems). Dr. David Alan Black dispelled several educated myths about the South. He found the following trends in his research on education of the Civil War:
- “Antebellum Southern whites treated their slaves cruelly, and nearly every white Southerner had slaves.
- Slavery was practiced only by white Southerners, and when practiced was a sin, which damned all Southern whites and their descendants forever.
- The Southern states attempted to leave the Union only to perpetuate slavery.
- The Southern states could not lawfully secede from the Union; therefore they were in rebellion against the Union.
- The Southern states fought a civil war with the intent to overthrow the federal government in Washington, D.C.
His site on the subject is very informative. I would encourage you to take a look if you believe any of the above myths.
So my thought process has been stirred. How can we change this terrible image of Southerners? I mean, I have actually spoken to someone from outside the country that was coming to Auburn University as a student wondering if Southerners wore shoes! Don’t tell me that there aren’t misinformed individuals who question my (and other Southerners’) intelligence.
I’m not saying we should add a clause in Title VII to include our country’s region or anything to EEOC protection, but I have to think that it might not be too bad of an idea. I’m not exactly sure how we could go about the massive PR campaign needed to sway public opinion, but the Southern states need someone to speak for them. Maybe it can be me! Until I figure it out, please check out Southern Myths- a website created in response to a vulgar website entitled F—thesouth. What a sad life those individuals must lead.
According to the US House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations website, funding for Project Head Start will be cut a considerable portion next year.Â
I’m outraged and encouraged to do something. I have written my state representative because Head Start is something worth protecting. I’ve personally been touched by Head Start. My mother gave up her nursing career (and the money that went with it) to teach Head Start 16 years ago. I’ve seen so many children changed by this program through my generous mother and I know there are many others who wouldn’t be the same without the program. (see other success stories here)
 Incase you are not aware, Head Start is a government program created to assist underpriviliged children get a head start at school. Many of these children would not have normal opportunities because they missed out at home, and they were constantly behind from kindergarten on. Without Head Start, many of these children would not overcome their circumstances to become valedictorians, doctors and lawyers. Investing in Head Start is investing in our future. It is improving our society one child at a time.Â
Please read the following email that I received from Save Head Start part of the National Head Start Association.
“Over the next few days, the House of Representatives could vote on the Labor HHS bill. This bill determines the amount of federal funding that Head Start will receive next year. The current version of the bill leaves Head Start essentially flat funded.
This amount is woefully inadequate because of the “double whammy” Head Start programs are facing right now – rising costs and shrinking budgets. Last year’s 1% budget cut eliminated $57 million in Head Start funds. Due to several earlier years of flat funding … and the fast-rising costs of doing business … the new Labor HHS bill falls far short of what Head Start needs.
Head Start needs at least a $234 million increase to make up for last year’s cut and inflation. Head Start cannot afford to accept anything less! Already, many Head Start programs have either cut services or, as a last resort, cut slots for children.
Without a meaningful increase, close to 20,000 more children and their families are at risk of being turned away next year if this bill passes. It is vital that the House of Representatives vote down the Labor HHS bill.”
You can make a difference! Do not forget how important your voice is. Use it. Email your state representative today. For an easy template and more information on how to help save Head Start, please click here.Â
