Sunday, August 31, 2008
Women in the Workplace
In this NY Times article Hannah Seligson finds herself doing excelling in college, and then having a difficult time in the working world due to gender barriers.
When will this end? Why is this happening? When do you think it will stop?
Friday, August 29, 2008
Keep on Tippin' On
Turns out, according to Zagat.com, “although 75% of surveyors cite poor service as their main complaint, Philadelphians are the most generous tippers in the nation, leaving 19.6% versus the countrywide average of 19.0%. In comparison, diners in New York City tip the average 19.0% and in Los Angeles they tip 18.4%.”
Way to go fellow Philadelphians!
Finally, some good coverage on Philadelphia! I believe we were named the most dangerous place to drive, and oh yes, my personal favorite- the ugliest city, but at least we have some courtesy at our diners and Steven Starr’s to leave some chunked change on the table! Take that Mr. and Mrs. 19% NYC.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
1963+2008=Change
The dates, August 28, 1963 and August 28, 2008 will combine the dreams of a civil rights hero with that of a determined state senator. Today is the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech, and tonight, Senator Barack Obama will accept the Democratic presidential nomination. For the first time in our nation’s history an African-American will be on the presidential ticket representing a major political party.
All things aside, Republican, Democrat, Independent or Undecided, this is a monumental moment for our country.
Congratulations America!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Temple University's Welcome Week
This week is Temple's Welcome Week, where events are happening all around campus for new students to take advantage of and get to know their way around campus. Today and tomorrow student organizations from Temple will have tables set up to get the word out about themselves and gain attention of new students so they can get involved. We had a table that combined PRSSA and PRowl Public Relations and a good amount of people stopped by and asked for more information.
It's great to get involved in programs around campus, and having tables set up in a heavily populated area is great PR for every organization. Look for events like this and take advantage of them. It's a great way to get your name out there and gain more interest and popularity to the public!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Center City's Restaurant Week
For those who don't know, Restaurant Week is a designated week where places all over Philadelphia offer a three-course meal for $35 (tips, drinks, and tax not included.) During the week, restaurants are jam packed with college kids getting away from cafeteria food, Philly natives trying out new places and the people who want to go out for a good time! Even though $35 is probably more than most college kids spend on food a week, it's a great opportunity to check out trendy restaurants in the city, eat great food and spend a lot less that you would on any other night.
After reading Jaime's post about Tiffany & Co. and their great customer service, I immediately connected it with Restaurant Week. Even though places are offering certain dishes for much less than usual, what they are getting in return is well worth it. While we get a night of good food and good times, restaurants get a whole week of booked reservations and full houses. They give a little, and get a whole lot!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Now that the Olympics are Over...
Metro compiles a list of the top 10 best and worst moments here.
Do you agree, disagree?
I personally agree with their #1 best moment:
"Michael Phelps. He's kind of good. Eight for eight, and newfound world fame."
Is something missing from this list? Let us know what you think by commenting below.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Blogging and Politics
Bloggers are the new journalists. Blogging is the new journalism. No longer do you need to work at a newspaper to state your opinion for the public to read. Now, everyday Joe's can place their opinions places where millions of people will read them.
Senators Barack Obama and John McCain understand this. That's why the RNC gave out credentials to 200 bloggers to attend the Republican National Convention to,
"Get Senator McCain’s message out to more people.”
Obama's camp is taking similar measures, and had also handed out blogging credentials.
Most people don't get their news from conventional sources anymore. Newspapers aren't the only place people can go to, to find out the latest news.
Personally, I read Twitter several times a day, and get quite a lot of news from the people I follow. Many others also rely on blogs for their news, so not including bloggers this election season would be a bad decision for both candidates.
It's amazing to me that in four short years, since the last election, so much has changed. The world of social media has evolved, and politics are evolving to include these new phenomenons, while still embracing the old.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Tiffany & Co., #1 in Customer Service
Phelps not a "Champion"
I would be honored to be in a category with such sports heroes, but Phelps must have had something else in mind. Do I see money symbols in his eyes?
Phelps is catching a lot of flack for his choice to promote the sugar-coated flakes. The Children's International Obesity Foundation had this to say: “As a role model and Olympic hero to America's children, Michael Phelps -- and all athletes and celebrities -- are asked to reconsider any connection to substances suspected as agents of obesity, including sugary cereals, soft drinks and other foods with refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, trans fats and high fructose corn syrup.''
Wheaties vs. Frosted Flakes
Should Phelps let money talk, or should he care about the health of USA’s children. You decide.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The iPhone craze… about to dominate college campuses too?
There is no doubt society is more technology concentrated; just look at Temple’s own Tech Center! Even though critics and professors may be weary of students and the distractions of technology, perhaps it is time we embrace it. iPhones and iPods for everyone!
Check out the article...
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
August Feature Story
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
What Do Your Friends REALLY Say About You
“The old days of a page with three references and three phone numbers on it that you controlled are over,” says Jennifer L. Berman, an HR attorney with consulting firm CBIZ in Chicago. “With these networking sites, you’ve opened up your rolodex for the whole world to see."
Later on, the article gives tips on how to maintain a glowing recommendation, even if it isn't on paper:
- Add anyone you don't want your employers contacting to a private list.
- Take advantage of tools on your favorite website that allow you to add recommendations to your profile, so your employer doesn't search for one.
- Don't add too many recommendations from friends that you don't have a work relationship with. This could cause your reference list to look like the people you partied with in college!
- Don't give recommendations to people you don't feel are qualified - this could damage your own credibility.
Social networking pages have many advantages - just think of how much we use Facebook and Myspace for clients within the firm! But just like anything else, good things can go bad. By keeping these things in mind, you can stay connected AND keep good face with future employers!
Monday, August 18, 2008
How to Promote Your Blog
Now, the problem is. No one is reading your blog. How can you promote your blog and get people to read it every day?
The following tips are things that PRowl Public Relations has done to promote our blog.
- Post regularly. Daily is really preferable. If you are keeping your blog current and interesting, people will be more likely to bookmark it, or subscribe to the RSS feed and come back day after day.
- Read other blogs! It's so important to keep up with other blogs within your field, and get to know the other bloggers. Start out by reading their blogs, and commenting when you feel it necessary. Then, send an email to the blogger expressing how much you enjoy reading their blog, and sending them your link letting them know they might be interested in reading yours.
- Join Twitter, and write updates with a creative headlines about your latest post with a link to your blog. That way, the people who follow you might click on the link and find themselves interested.
- Send out an email to your University's PR listserv, so that other PR students can read your blog.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Blogging=Money
J.C. Penny, Walgreens and Crate and Barrel all advertise on her site, hoping to reach Armstrong's 850,000 readers.
Ah, the power of blogging.
Friday, August 15, 2008
$900 Million Worth It?
Not only are the ratings gold, so are the advertisements. Going into the games NBC had sold more than $1 billion in ads, and have sold $10 million more since Monday, August 11.
Their one-man marketing machine? Michael Phelps. As a victim of OOD (Olympic Obsessive Disorder), I find myself hearing more about Michael Phelps (to my delight) throughout the broadcast than the event going on! They pump up his race(s) all night and you find yourself sitting in front of the TV nervously waiting for his 6’7” wingspan to hit the pool.
NBC saw a TV viewing peak on Sunday night, August 10, for the explosive, much talked about 4x100 mens’ relay. Up from 70.1 million on Friday, August 8, the jump-out-of-your-seat inducing relay brought in 107.3 million viewers across the US.
I know I will stayed tuned, making NBC’s $900 million investment worth it - will you?
6 gold down, 2 to go!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Buffett invests in PR
Anyways, I was surprised to find that Warren Buffett bought Tamraz’s company for “more than several hundreds of million dollars,” as she says. Understandably, I can see the appeal Mr. Buffett saw in her company, which encounters only one other major competitor, the London-based company, PR Newswire. Notably, Business Wire delivers “250,000 news releases a year to 25,000 corporate clients around the world,” while it also generates “more than $215 million in sales.”
I found the article online as well, so you can read more about Mr. Buffett’s impressive undertakings.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Eco-Friendly Olympics?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
China's "Smiling Angel"
Monday, August 11, 2008
Google Mania
Google claims that its not a media company, but critics disagree.
Google has long insisted that it has no plans to own or create content, and that it is a friend, not a foe, of media companies. The Google search engine sends huge numbers of users to the digital doorsteps of thousands of media companies, many of which also rely on Google to place ads on their sites.
Google created Gmail, owns Blogger (the host this blog uses), owns YouTube, and is now entering into the world of digital encyclopedias.
Like Wikipedia, Google has created a new host called "Knol."
Google envisions Knol as a place where experts can share their knowledge on a variety of topics. It hopes to create a sort of online encyclopedia built from the contributions of scores of individuals.
I think its great that Google created Knol, however, some people have a problem with it because between Knol, YouTube, and Blogger, Google takes up the first three entries of every search which is a conflict to Google's advertising partners.
So, is Google a media company? I would say yes. They create their own content as well as promote others. I am not sure this is necessarily a bad thing. I like having options on the Internet.
Have you ever heard of Knol? Do you think that Google is alienating its advertisers by entering into the world of web content? Let us know by leaving a comment.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Olympics Fashion
All I have been talking about for the last week has been swimming, gymnastics, China, Opening Ceremonies, President Bush, human rights, etc. etc. etc. Lets just say the Olympics has been on my mind.
So, on Wednesday I was thrilled when Project Runway dedicated an episode to creating costumes for the United States Olympians to wear for the Opening Ceremony. Now, as most of us already know, this was not a real contest, as Ralph Lauren designed the United States outfits, but it was extremely interesting to watch, not to mention drummed up excitement for the incredible Opening Ceremony that took place last night.
Ralph Lauren's design was impeccable, stylish, and chic. The overall look for many key countries: USA, Japan, and France was extremely preppy and put together. However, this look worked fabulously for the United States.
Some other highlights from the Opening Ceremony last night:
-The 2008 drummers perfectly in unison.
-The part of the ceremony where acrobats trapezed around a humongous globe.
-President Bush clapping awkwardly for Iraq.
-President Bush and Laura Bush glancing at their watches at the same time.
-The 2 hour long Parade of Nations (was a commercial every 10 minutes necessary?)
What do you think of Ralph Lauren's design?
Do you think that the 2008 Opening Ceremony lived up to its hype?
Friday, August 8, 2008
Want to learn MORE about PR?
Thursday, August 7, 2008
London is congested and they're charging!
I think this idea is great in theory, and other major cities should follow suit. With over-populated cities, pollution and gas prices at record highs, this is not only a practical approach to the city’s problem but also a step in a “greener” direction. However, it surely is easier when there are other reliable alternative transportation options. It should also be noted, that since the congestion charge was implemented in 2003, the city still experiences major traffic delays. Though, the number of cars has decreased, the flow of traffic can still be extremely slow.
So, what do you think… Would Philadelphia benefit from a congestion charge to enter the city, or is it not yet necessary?
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Client Update
The Philadelphia Sports Training Center (PSTC) is having their final game of their seven-on-seven Passing Football League (PFL). PSTC is closing their inaugural season of the PFL with the All-Star game. At Temple University's Geasey Fields (15th & Norris streets, Philadelphia) at 7:00 p.m., you can check out the top players of this season's PFL!
Keep checking out http://www.phillysportstc.com/ for more updates with PSTC!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Think Irony
Waste Management is, according to them, “the leading provider of comprehensive waste and environmental services in North America.” Basically, they are a huge company that own tons of big landfills throughout the nation. See a green dumpster? I bet you see “WM” on the front of it. When I think of this company I think “waste,” not “preserve” - hence why I was confused when I came upon a Waste Management advertisement while searching for Adele lyrics on the web. Why was I puzzled? The two words “Think Green” at the top.
Congratulations Waste Management, mission accomplished.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Bush at the Olympics
I am going to avoid discussing the terrible human rights infractions that China inflicts upon its people, and focus instead on another issue that has recently been in the news.
Why is President Bush attending the Olympic Games?
Bush insists that sports and politics don't mix but what kind of message does he send by attending the games?
I understand that he is going "simply as a fan" and "cheering on his country" but doesn't him being there at all send a political message?
Bush is in a difficult situation.
On the one hand, he has human rights groups urging him to boycott the Opening Ceremony and to take further action against political leaders for their behavior, but on the other hand, he is trying to "appease" China because they are quickly becoming quite powerful.
After reading the linked Washington Post article and seeing the things that Bush has planned to do during his 4-day stay in China (meeting with leaders, worshipping at a church to urge religius tolerance), I am even more convinced that Bush should stay home and watch the Olympic Games from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
What do you think Bush should do?
Sunday, August 3, 2008
What a Doll!
I first heard of the Obama doll through my Essence Newsletter and immediately smiled. It’s silly to think of a plastic doll as revolutionary, but it is. The creator of the doll, Jason Feinberg, creates “action figures” of people who have made positive changes in the world. Some of these people include Malcolm X, Mahatma Gandhi, and Che Guevara.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Everyone Loves a Good Game of Scrabble, right?
While checking out cnn.com the other day, I came across this article about the Scrabulous controversy. Two brothers created Scrabulous, an online version of Scrabble, for Facebook. This free game was a big hit on the social website and became extremely popular, very fast.
The makers of the actual Scrabble, Hasbro Inc., found out about the knockoff’s success and issued a lawsuit against the creators. Since being served with the lawsuit, the creators of Scrabulous have put a block on the game for users in the
Hasbro’s official online version for Facebook only has about 15,000 daily users compared to the half-million that previously played Scrabulous every day. This made me wonder, was this a good move for Hasbro’s public image?
While it may be the company’s actual right under copyright laws to be the only online Scrabble provider for Facebook, it may not be a good move to upset the public and eliminate the competition, Scrabulous. Players will not necessarily start using Hasbro’s version because it is there. If they don’t like it, they won’t use it.
Instead of shutting down Scrabulous, Hasbro could have chosen to join forces with the makers of the game to create a lucrative situation for all. One option would have been to give the Scrabulous creators the needed copyrights in exchange for a portion of the profits. If Hasbro had done this, the public would still be happy because they can play Scrabulous, and Hasbro would be able to make a profit. This would make Hasbro look like the good guy, the company that does what it can to ensure consumer satisfaction. Also, Hasbro’s name would be linked to the popularity of Scrabulous in a positive way, but now Hasbro is seen as the bad guy in this situation.
While things may change over time, players might come around, or new players enter the market and use Hasbro’s version, right now Hasbro has a blemish on its image for a very large community, Facebook.
This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations firm staff member, Laura Macenka.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Watch what you wear!
• Stock your closet -- Start with the versatile basics, such as a pair of black pants, a dark pant suit, some button-down collared shirts and a classic pair of dark shoes. Once you have the staples, you can continue to build your wardrobe to give you plenty of professional options.
• Keep it neat and clean -- Make sure your pants, shirts and other clothes are ironed, stain-free and in good condition. When your clothes look sloppy, so do you.
• Steer clear of bar attire -- Don't mistake the office for your local watering hole. Leave the slinky shirts, tight pants and cut off t-shirts at home.
• Look the part -- Have a client presentation or a meeting with the CEO? Dress for the part, making sure you choose appropriate articles of clothing for your role.
For more information on the importance of your attire at work, click here.
One highlight of the article: “41 percent of employers more often promote people who dress better.”