Searching Across Country

The last semester of your senior year is a hectic one without the added stress of the job search. I have added the additional hardship of searching for a job in Los Angeles and not in Philadelphia or even on the East Coast. Searching for a job located 3,000 miles away makes the process a bit more difficult. You cannot be there at the drop of a hat for an interview. You cannot necessarily start next week. However, throughout my search for a job on the other side of the United States, I have learned some useful tips and lessons. I want to share them with those who are considering searching for a job in a different city.

Resume/Cover Letter

- If you have a place to live or an address where you can receive mail in the city you are searching for a job, include this address on your resume and cover letter.

- It is important to explain in your cover letter that you will be moving to the select city. If you have a time frame, include this information as well.

- Be sure to note it is best to contact you by email or phone and not by mail.

Job Search Process/Interviewing

- Start contacting places several months before your estimated time of moving with your resume and cover letter. Again, explain in your introductory letter you will be moving to the city.

- Employers may encourage you to contact them closer to when you will be in the city. Thank them for their response and make sure to follow up in the month or so before you plan to move.

- Consider setting aside a week or two to stay in the city before the move. Inform employers you have been conversing with of your potential stay in the city and let them know you will be available for an interview then.

- When discussing interview options, mention the possibility of phone or Skype interviews before you move to the city. Most employers will be accommodating to this request.

Networking In Another City

- Consider reaching out to professionals in the area to ask for an informational interview. One of the best places to seek professionals from is the local PRSA chapter. Ask these professionals about the job market in your desired city and if they know of any places hiring.

- These informational interviews can be conducted via phone or Skype as well before the move. If you plan to be in the city for a week or two before the move, make sure to set up an informational interview while you are there.

There are numerous other things you can do to make your job search in another city easier. If you have any additional tips, please share them with our readers.

Fundraising for a Cause

One of the main reasons a business exists is to make money. Charitable non-profit organizations often face the challenge of making enough money to provide their services, but the basic goal of non-profit organizations is still to make money. My entrepreneurial marketing class this semester challenged students to raise money on behalf of a cause for social good.

This semester I began working with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a personal cause for me since I lost a close friend last summer. I have spent the semester raising money, which will be donated to the Philadelphia chapter of the AFSP in May. My hope is to raise awareness of the resources available by the local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention by providing the organization with the monetary funds to increase its awareness efforts.

One of the the things I have noticed through my work for the AFSP this semester is people do not like to be reminded of difficult times or "depressing" circumstances. It is important to remind your audience of the positive aspects of your cause. My fellow group members and I often reminded people of the difference they could make in one life by simply donating a few dollars to our cause.

There are so many causes out there, that you have to make your cause stand out. Using a personal story often improves the success of your cause. Each of our group members had been personally affected by suicide, so relaying our own personal stories allowed people to identify with our cause.

Have you ever raised money for a charitable cause? What are some difficulties you encountered? Are there any tips you can share for our readers to increase the success of their fundraising efforts?

To Follow Up or To Not Follow Up

As a last semester senior it is job search time! As I mail, email and submit resumes and cover letters left and right, I have been wondering if it is appropriate to follow up after sending a resume. So I took to the Internet to conduct some research on whether or not I should follow up with employers after I submit a resume.

The answer? It depends. For example, if a job posting or a contact says do not follow up, well then you can guess what not to do. If a company is receiving hundreds of cover letters, it may be a good way to stand out from other candidates showing your desire for the job.

Once you determine whether or not it is appropriate, how do you follow up? My research found employers or hiring managers thought an email or handwritten note was the best option. Calling was thought to be too pushy or intrusive.

What do you write in a follow up note?

• If you have a specific contact you submitted a resume to, then write your note to this person. If not, do not address your letter to anyone.
• Tell the person you submitted the resume and remind your contact when you submitted it and what position you are applying for.
• Express your interest in working at the company or organization. Briefly explain why you are interested and what skills would make you an ideal candidate.
• Ask if he or she needs any additional materials for your consideration and remind him or her how you can be contacted.
• Thank the contact for his or her consideration and remind the person how you can be contacted.

There are other things you can write in a follow up letter. So start researching some options before you send a letter! A great site to use is: http://jobsearch.about.com/.

New York Times Digital Subscription

I received an email earlier this week from The New York Times sent to all readers. Thursday marked the day The New York Times introduced digital subscriptions. Readers and media professionals alike have been awaiting the day a major newspaper would introduce subscriptions for readers to access its online content.

The email says, "It's an important step that we hope you will see as an investment in The Times, one that will strengthen our ability to provide high-quality journalism to readers around the world on any platform."

There are two steps to the introduction of digital subscriptions. The Times launched its new model in Canada this past Thursday in order to "fine-tune" the experience. Digital subscriptions will be offered to the United States on March 28. Home delivery subscribers will continue to have free and complete access to online content. Typical readers will only have use of limited content.

In a move of great customer service, the email breaks down what this new model means for readers. It defines the terms of the subscription service, regarding how many articles can be read free of charge, as well as the function of digital subscriptions on smart phones and tablets.

The day has arrived that could potentially put a spark back into the newspaper industry. Are you a fan of major newspapers offering digital subscriptions? Do you think these print publications will lose readers? Share your thoughts with our readers.

Do Not Track

You may be aware of the legislation surrounding the “do not call” policy that applies to telemarketers. Now there is new legislation regarding a “Do Not Track” law, which was introduced to Congress on Friday, February 11 by a California Democrat. The “Do Not Call” policy allows people to sign up for a list to prevent them from receiving telemarketers’ phone calls. The previous bill is similar in nature to the new “Do Not Track” legislation introduced by Representative Jackie Speier. The new policy allows Internet users to block those who track their information online. Speier unveiled the companion bill formally titled the Financial Information Privacy Act.

Consumers frequently became aggravated with phone calls from telemarketers. These sales marketing professionals were not limited to calling people during a certain time of day; hence the stereotype telemarketers always call during dinner. The recipients of telemarketers’ calls were often left wondering how they were placed on a list for companies selling printing services and credit card programs. Are online advertisers bugging Internet users in a similar way, though? Advertisements are going to be on sites whether companies have your personal information or not. Users may, however, be receiving spam emails marketing programs or services from companies who obtained personal information. Online users may consider these emails and other messages just as aggravating as telemarketers’ phone calls.

Due to the perception of these messages, the new Financial Information Privacy Act comes as a relief to many Internet users. People surfing the web can feel safe knowing their personal information is protected from corporations and businesses seeking to obtain personal details. However, this will create a dilemma for companies that utilize consumers’ personal information to create targeted advertisements. Without users information on what they spend their money on, the recent trend in targeted advertisements may decline.

Google One Pass

Google has taken a subtle stab at Apple. The internet search giant unveiled One Pass, its new Android prescription model. One Pass is a direct competitor to Apple's recently launched App Store subscription service. Without directly announcing its new product is meant to compete with Apple, Google has designed a service that will surely outdo the App Store subscription service.

What is the One Pass, though? The application is meant for tablets and smart phones. Users are able to sign on to websites using a single name and password. Publishers are able to authenticate individual subscribers so users are not forced to resubscribe. These same publishers are also able to experiment with revenue methods- metered access, subscriptions, 'freemium' content or single articles for sale.

Google tactfully announced, "Our goal is to provide an open and flexible platform that furthers our commitment to support publishers, journalism and access to quality content."

Beat that Apple.

Twitter For Sale?

According to multiple sources, including the Guardian and several blogs, Twitter is holding discussions with potential buyers to sell the micro-blogging site. It is a rare day when you learn mega-companies are being taken over or up for sale. Is Twitter one of those mega-companies, though?

Twitter was launched only a little over four years ago. Some people (clearly not public relations professionals) are still asking, "What is Twitter?" According to Guardian, giant brands like Facebook and Google are looking to purchase Twitter for between 8 and 10 billion dollars. Let me write that again. 8 to 10 billion dollars.

For the social media site to go from nothing to 10 billion dollars in four years is not something to take lightly. Less than a week ago, AOL bought the Huffington Post for a measly $315 million.

My first initial reaction to hearing Facebook is one of the potential buyers is thinking this may be a conflict of interest for one social media giant to buy its main competitor. Is Google buying Twitter any better, though? What do you think about Twitter up for grabs?

How to Use Twitter to Help Find a Job

As a last semester senior, the pressure is on to find a job for after graduation in May. In this slowly recovering economy, students need to utilize any means necessary to look for job opportunities. That includes using social media to connect with potential employers and search for job openings.

I posted a Tweet yesterday (@evannicholson) asking if any of my followers had suggestions for the best Twitter profiles/users to follow when searching for a job. A friend and fellow PRSSA member advised me to check out this article. The article breaks down how to get started using social media professionally in order to search for a job.

The main takeaway I had from this article is to sign up for the free use of TweetMyJobs. The service is able to "connect employers and recruiters with targeted job candidates instantly any time a new job is posted to our service." Employers and people looking for jobs are able to connect with targeted users.

If you have any additional users or services to use for job searching, share them with everyone!

Volunteering for Events

PRowl Public Relations staff members have encouraged students to volunteer. Volunteering at an organization or an agency is a great way to gain experience in public relations without having an internship. Even if you do have an internship, volunteering is a way to gain additional experience on the side.

Volunteering for events allows you to obtain experience in several hours or in a day or two. For example, I will be volunteering for the judging event for the Philadelphia ADDY Awards this Saturday. From 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., I will help the judging process run smoothly. Not only will I gain insight into how an event such as the ADDY Awards is run, but I will also have the opportunity to meet and socialize with judges and others during the day.

Here are some tips for how to find events to volunteer for.

1. Universities and departments within universities often send out volunteer opportunities to their students. I was made aware of the ADDY Awards opportunity through the School of Communications and Theater here at Temple University. Take advantage of these openings as soon as possible because students rush to volunteer for these events right away.

2. Look on the websites of professional communications organizations in Philadelphia, such as PPRA or PRSA, to find out if these organizations have events planned. Look for a contact associated with the event or even with the organization itself and send him or her an email. Inquire whether or not the organization needs assistance at the event and let the contact know you would love to help!

3. Do you have any friends or contacts that work at city-oriented organizations, such as Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PCVB) or Greater Philadelphia Marketing Tourism Corporation (GPTMC)? Organizations like these are always hosting events. Let your contacts know if they ever need help at an event that you are willing and able to do so! I was given the opportunity to volunteer at a convention for PCVB through a friend who works there.

Do you have any additional suggestions on where to find events to volunteer for? Share them with our readers!

Twitter Gets Sued

What is your first reaction to hearing the statement "Twitter gets sued?" Mine was something along the lines of, "If Twitter turns into Facebook..." and my thoughts trailed off into various options of what I would do if my favorite social media site was to turn into the controversial social media giant. Facebook is well known for users and companies rebelling against its practices. But Twitter?

I found an article on TechCrunch, ironically through Twitter, about the law suit being filed against the social media site. This is where the story gets even better. Twitter is being sued for allowing celebrities to interact online through its social media site.

Take a moment and let that sink in.

Celebrities are people too, right? Not according to VS Technologies who is suing Twitter. VS Technologies has a patent claiming ownership of "method and system for creating an interactive virtual community of famous people."

TechCrunch asks, "For real?" For real.

Read the article to gain some insight into the law suit. Do you think VS Technologies stands a chance in winning this law suit? After reading the article, I don't think so.

Jets' Virtual Facebook Application

Products are not the only thing considered a brand. Companies, people and even teams are brands as well. In the next couple of weeks, millions of people will be watching NFL teams race to the Super Bowl. Conversations will revolve around the individual teams in the playoffs. Since playoffs are on everyone's mind, let us consider how professional athletic teams approach branding.

The use of social media is one modern method teams can utilize to create an image. The New York Jets have pioneered the use of social media within the NFL. With a team Twitter profile, over 20 players with a personal account, a Facebook fan page and a virtual Facebook application, the Jets are creating an image of innovators.

The virtual Facebook application, "Ultimate Fan", has allowed the New York Jets to place themselves directly in front of their viewers. The author of an article on Examiner.com was able to speak with Matt Higgins, the Executive Vice President of Operations for the Jets. Read the article to find out how Higgins believes the use of social media, especially the "Ultimate Fan" application has successfully connected them with fans.

What is your opinion of this virtual Facebook application? According to a Jets representative, the Jets are proud to own the "1st revenue generating Facebook application to be backed by a sports team." Should other athletic teams follow?

The Most Amazing Press Release Ever Written

The press release is the modern foundation of media relations. It is the "go-to" tool for public relations practitioners when they pitch the media to obtain coverage. Writing press releases is a relatively standardized practice. You have the release date and press contact; the headline and the introduction paragraph written to grab the attention of the reader; a quote or two; and the boiler plate. If you use the standard format and have a newsworthy item to pitch, hopefully you will obtain coverage.

So what is the most amazing press release ever written? Read the article here that profiles the author, Mitch Delaplane, and his press release. Let us say I was caught off guard by this press release.

What was your immediate reaction? Do you think this press release will lead to "coverage?" Let PRowl know what you think!

Searching for New Clients

The new year is a great time to reorganize your business. At my job at a small public relations firm in Philadelphia, we are evaluating our current clients. Here are some tips to consider when evaluating whether to keep clients or not:

- Is the client missing payments?

- Are you doing more work than what is appropriate for your payments?

- Are there problems with communication between you and the client?

- Does the client have unrealistic expectations?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you may want to consider not continuing with the client in future. If you decide to terminate a client, you will need to replace it with a new client. How do you look for new clients to replace the previous ones?

- Read the local paper, especially the lifestyle sections. These sections may mention or profile new businesses that are opening or offering new services. These are perfect for new clients.

- Read local blogs and additional publications. The Philadelphia Business Journal highlights new businesses, for example. Blogs, like local papers, may list new businesses opening in the area.

- Explore your area. Simply walking around to see if anything new has opened is a simple way to locate opportunities for new clients.

There are many ways to look for new clients. These are just a few suggestions. Do you have a surefire way to find a new client? Share it with our readers!

Pick Up A PR Book for the Holidays

Now that finals are almost over, you can actually think about things to do over the holidays. I know the only chance I get to read something that isn't a textbook is over winter break. If you have the time, pick up a public relations book or two to add into your other holiday reading. Here are a few suggestions for books to read over the holidays or to add to your collection that I am thinking of picking up.

1. "The New Rules of Marketing and PR" by David Meerman Scott:

This book breaks down how to effectively communicate with audiences through the web. It doesn't just discuss social media, but also websites, blogs and online videos.

2. "Chase's Calendar of Events 2010"

Do you want to know when National Letter Writing Month or National Hot Dog Day is? Pick up a copy of Chase's Calendar of Events this Christmas for your library.

3. "Public Relations for Dummies"

You never know what you might learn in the book that breaks down public relations into simple terms that even a beginner can understand.

4. "Publicity & Media Relations Checklists" by David Yale

Checklists are an easy tool to make sure you have covered everything when you are pitching the media. Buy this book and keep it by your side to make sure you did everything on these 59 helpful checklists.

Do you have any books you are thinking of picking up for the holidays?

How Did Field Hockey Help My PR Career?

It is undoubtedly helpful to join organizations that are related to your desired career, such as PRSSA or PRowl Public Relations. Don't be deterred, however, from joining another organization or participating in an activity because you don't think it will help your career in communications.

I began playing field hockey when I was in fifth grade. When I learned Temple had a club field hockey team, I signed up to play as fast as I could. I became a dedicated player and involved myself with the running of the club. I was elected the president of the club team my sophomore year. What does playing a sport have to do with public relations? Plenty!

I was able to hone my organizational and leadership skills while enjoying the sport I love. Here are some of the tips I have gathered over the past two years as president of the Temple Club Field Hockey Team that I can now apply to my future career in public relations:

- Create a binder: Create a binder with any and all useful information for your position. I kept player contact information, the sports club handbook, our constitution, and other information that I may need on hand at any field hockey practice, game or tournament. I just passed this binder on to the new president of the team. Having a binder with useful information about the position is beneficial for transitioning other people into the position you just left.

- Create a "one sheet" for each event: Create a document for each event that has all useful information you may need for an individual event. For each game I created a document that listed game information, game location and directions, opponent's contact information, list of players attending and not attending the game, etc. Instead of trying to remember details at a moment's notice I had a document in front of me for each game with everything I needed.

- Delegate work: When I first became president as a sophomore, the president had little help from the other elected officers. I spent most of my sophomore year and part of my junior year doing everything for the club. This was partly because I wanted to do it all and partly because the other officers rarely helped. I realized that I cannot run a whole field hockey team myself, so I started to delegate work to the other officers. I created new positions, such as Recruitment Coordinator and Fundraising/Social Coordinator, in order to make sure everything was done for the club. I was constantly checking in with the other officers to make sure their work was being completed on time. This was the true position of the president, and I learned the club ran more smoothly with the diligent help of others.

These are just a few major tips I learned during my two years as president of the Temple Club Field Hockey team. Join another organization that piques your interest and get involved right away. The more effort you put in, the more experience you will get out of your participation that will help you in your communications career.

Happy Thanksgiving!

On behalf of everyone at PRowl Public Relations, I would like to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

Quantcast

Evaluating the effectiveness of your campaign is an essential part in the public relations process. Analyzing the success of each tactic shows whether or not each was useful in achieving a goal or objective. Not only do you want to evaluate each tactic, but you want to provide value for what you were successful with. Collecting the articles and mentions about a client is one way to measure the success of your campaign. However, it is also important to attach a value to each medium where the client was mentioned.

For internet hits, use Quantcast to measure the value of each site. This free toll allows a user to type in a website and find out the number of viewers nationally and globally per month, while also breaking down the viewer's demographics. The site continues to break down information, which is useful when attaching a value to the media coverage that has been obtained.

Not only can you use this site for evaluation, but you should also keep this site in mind when you are planning the outlets to pitch to. Check out the site to see what else it can do for you.

Philly Ad Club

Countless communications professionals have advised students to become involved in their professional fields after graduation. I have been told multiple times to join professional communications organizations. I plan to become a part of several organizations for public relations professionals after I graduate in May. However, I did not know there were groups I could become a member of while still in college.

I attended the "Personal Branding Boot Camp", presented by Philly Ad Club, last week. In addition to learning some of the most useful tips about personal branding, resumes, cover letters and social media, I was made aware of the opportunity for students to join while still in college. For $10, I immediately became a member of the Philly Ad Club.

What are the benefits of becoming a member of a professional organization while still in school? Read below!

Build Your Resume

- Participate in events and workshops for free or at a reduced cost

- Receive opportunities to visit advertising agencies, career seminars and panel discussions

- Leadership opportunities among many of the committees available to join

Expand Your Network

- Participate in the mentoring program where you are paired with a professional in the area you want to pursue

- Network with professionals in the industry

Opportunities To Get a Job

- Internship and job postings on www.phillyadclub.com

All of these benefits are amazing for a student to have while still in college. The Philly Ad Club stands out among other professional organizations because it allows students to join before they graduate. As a public relations practitioner, I am a huge believer of networking with professionals in other industries. By joining an advertising professional organization, I will have the opportunity to meet people I will work closely with in the future.

Join today! Check out Philly Ad Club's website for more information.

Holiday Promotions

Holidays are the perfect time to promote a business, an event or a place. On this Fourth of July, organizations around the country are celebrating our nation’s Independence Day. Promotions range from sales to local Independence Day festivities in hopes that the promotions will draw visitors to a business or city.

Wawa landed the role of sponsor for Philadelphia’s 11-day-long celebration: the Wawa Welcome America festival. The hoagie joint will sponsor every festivity ranging from the Life, Liberty & You Independence Day parade in Historic Philadelphia to the free concert, featuring the Goo Goo Dolls and The Roots, as well as fireworks at the Philadelphia Art Museum.

By associating itself with a major holiday and its festivities, the organization is really placing its name in the minds of Philadelphians. Is Wawa a good organization to sponsor the festival or would another business have made a better match? What do you think of a franchise sponsoring a city’s celebrations?

Death of the Business Card

We have written to encourage our student readers to purchase business cards. But wait! Read this post before you purchase any. Business cards may be old news.

According to “Why Your Next Business Card May be Virtual,” an article on mashable.com, people may be forgoing paper business cards for trading numbers. Even though the business card may not be completely dead, its popularity is being threatened by the use of smart phones and their apps.

According to Josh Catone, author of the article, he still collects stacks of business cards at networking events. But once he collects them, they sit on his desk in a pile until he collects others, throwing the old ones away. Catone questions what the point of them is if they sit on a desk in a pile never getting used.

Networkers are using their smart phones more than ever to exchange contact information. There are even apps that allow for the easy exchange of information. With the expansion of what technology can accomplish for us, the business card may not last long.

What do you think? Is the business card dying or will it always be a social ritual?

Read the full article here.

This guest blog was written by staff member Evan Nicholson.