June 20, 2011

Tips for a Solid Online Newsroom

Ragan's PR Daily has another great post focused on tips for the content and structure of an online newsroom. As you go down their list of 15 points, how many are reflected in YOUR newsroom?

Do any of our members have what you would consider to be an effective/successful online newsroom to share with the chapter?

June 13, 2011

Don't let these phrases suck the life out of your writing - or your readers!

In a world where you only get a minute - or more realistically, less than 5 seconds - to grab your readers' attention, learn to be succinct. While some of us appreciate flowery prose, poetry and literature, when you're talking about newsworthiness, promotion and public relations, get the extra words out of the way.

Ragan's PR Daily shares "8 terms that suck the life out fo your writing" - read the rules now!

June 8, 2011

AAF Invitation: Using Your Noodle to Promote Local Services

AAF of the Ozarks presents...Using Your Noodle to Promote Local Services
Brian Ash, Business Development Manager for ServiceNoodle.com, will explain how the company’s online database works to connect businesses and consumers with local service providers, 24/7.

Service categories include Home (such as landscaping and remodeling), Family (such as dentists and financial planners), Business (such as attorneys and IT consultants), and others.

A variety of creative and marketing-related services also are represented on the site, including photographers, graphic designers, sign and promotional products companies, and marketing consultants.

Service Noodle launched its Springfield website last summer and has set out to make “noodle” a household verb. Come and learn how the Service Noodle concept works and how you and/or your clients might utilize its services to promote your business and find the services you need.

When: Tuesday, June 14, 11:30a-1p
Where: 319 Downtown Banquet Facility, 319 W. Walnut, Springfield
Cost: $15 AAF members & first-time guests; $20 repeat guests; $10 students
RSVP: Click the Reservations button at our website by noon on Monday, June 13; sign up online and receive an email confirmation!

Pass the word to friends and associates who might be interested in this informative program!

June 6, 2011

Recognizing the Best in our Business

Mark your calendars now for the evening of Nov.17 as the local PRSA chapter is hosting a new recognition banquet to honor the best of PR in our community. The event will be held 6-8 p.m. at Wellington South, 5021 S. National. Tickets will be $25 and it is going to be open to the public. Stay tuned for details on nominations and registration.

June 3, 2011

Kick Up Those PR Skills at PR Boot Camp

It's summertime already, and you should take this time to relax, soak in some great outdoors time and sharpen your PR skills. That's right...there's never rooom to be complacent in what you know about your profession.

You (and the entire community) are invited to take part in our 2011 PR Boot Camp Thursday, July 28 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.) at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 202 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway.

We have an amazing lineup - especially for those who are new to the industry or who perform multiple functions in an organization.

  • 9 a.m. - How to Pitch a Story. Maria Neider, KY3
  • 10 a.m. - Social Media: Why You Shouldn't be Afraid of It. Jonathan Groves, Drury University
  • 11 a.m. - Inside Job: Why Internal PR and Marketing are Important, Too. Joel Alexander, City Utilities
  • Noon-1 p.m. - Lunch and networking
  • 1 p.m. - How Technology is Changing PR and Marketing. Zac Rantz, Nixa Public Schools
  • 2 p.m. - News Releases Aren't Dead Yet (at Least Not in the Ozarks). Joel Doepker, Ozarks Technical Community College

Registration is $40 for PRSA and Chamber members, $50 for non-members. Breakfast and lunch will also be provided.

Hope to see you there!

June 1, 2011

Questioning the Media

In our local chapter, we have had a few speakers over the last couple of years address those scary moments in PR - the ones where you are on the defensive or are in desperate need of your crisis communication skills. Even this last month, we had Jeff Nene from Convoy of hope relay a great message about keeping communication lines open with all audiences during crisis mode.

Today, I found a quick article about Media Training to share - one that addresses the kinds of questions you should ask the media BEFORE responding to their questions. The author points out that this is your opportunity to get your information out there, you don't want them to have the opportunity to manipulate your words and you need to protect your organization (and your job).

Take a look and see if you have anything to add - feel free to sound off below!