PR DIVA

Are You Too Small to Grow?

PR Diva — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:33:52 +0000

“You’re so money and you don’t even know it.”

This is one of my favorite lines from the 1996 film, “Swingers”, starring Vince Vaughn. Now granted the film is about Trent (Vince Vaughn) teaching Mike (Jon Favreau) how to pick up women, the line still applies to life and work. We don’t give ourselves enough credit and sabotage our efforts before we even begin. Just recently I had the opportunity to choose between being a confident entrepreneur and resting in my own self-sabotage.

Last week one of my writers convinced me to go to a star studded event to commemorate the NFL draft. Not only did we want to go and have a good time, but we thought it would be a good networking opportunity for the business. My initial thought was “Great!”, then shortly turned into “Oh my God!” Every insecurity bubbled to the surface and I had every excuse not to go. “I’m not ready….my business isn’t big enough to compete with others on the red carpet….I don’t have enough experience for a large event like this”…and so on.

I knew I couldn’t back out because of fear, so I had to feel the fear and do it anyway. The following tips are for anyone thinking that they are too small to compete in a big industry.

1. Don’t forsake your small beginnings.

You may be a part time entrepreneur using your living room as a home office, but you have to believe and accept that you do have something to offer. Remember Apple started in a garage, Essence magazine started in a basement, and Def Jam Records started in an NYU dorm room. It doesn’t matter where you start, but where you have the motivation to finish. Your passion for what you do is the main ingredient, and not location.

2. Prepare! Prepare! Prepare!

If you want to build your credibility as a business of one, you must put your best foot forward. Eliminate reasons to keep you out of the game. For example, remove typos from emails, have letters and marketing materials proofread, leave professional client messages, etc. I have found that clients don’t care that you are a business of one, it all depends if you can follow through with the skill and service you promise.

3. Don’t let ‘em see you sweat.

If you don’t have the confidence in your business or abilities, how can you expect a client to? I’m always nervous before an interview, event, or meeting a new client, to the point where I can become sick, but they never know it! I know that once I’m in my element, the nerves will subside and I will get to the core matter at hand; business. Practice your pitch in a mirror, with a friend, or even with a pet.

You may not have invented a new business concept, but no one can do what you do, like you can. Respect your contribution to your industry and go for it! Did I thrive at the event? Of course I did! Why? Because I led with passion, professionalism, and am more confident in the God that I serve, than in my own abilities to propel me to the next level. You’re so money and you don’t even know it!

Niya Allen is a SPIRITpreneur, actress, writer, and editor in chief of faith-based Zoe Life Magazine, a thriving online publication dedicated to providing rich content for the faith crowds. Originally from California, Niya Allen, made the trip to New York with a scholarship to further her theater education at Marymount Manhattan College, and refused to leave once college ended. Her plan is to save the world, one blog at a time. Visit www.zoelifemagazine.com, like on Facebook.com/ZoeLifeMagazine and follow on Twitter @zoelifemag

L’Oréal Paris – Women of Worth

PR Diva — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:43:23 +0000

Who is a woman of worth? According to L’Oréal Paris,

She’s an inspiring volunteer, an outstanding achiever, and a beautiful person who’s making a difference in her community. She sees a need around her and doesn’t hesitate to get involved. Whether she’s empowering women, mentoring children, helping survivors to heal and advocating for seniors, her efforts are tireless. Her spirit is unbreakable.

In 2006, L’Oréal Paris launched the Women of Worth program to celebrate, recognize and honor women who are making an exceptional difference in their communities. Every year L’Oréal Paris selects ten women who are actively serving their communities through volunteering and exemplify their dedication to a cause close to their hearts.

L’Oréal Paris will award a $10,000 donation to each of this year’s selected Honorees to support their work. Additionally, one Woman of Worth Honoree and her cause will be recognized as the National Women of Worth Honoree. Her charity will receive an additional donation of $25,000 from L’Oréal Paris in her name. All honorees will receive national recognition for both their cause and efforts. Deadline is May 31, 2012.

To nominate a woman of worth, visit http://womenofworth.com/home/home.aspx

The Real Issues in 140 Characters or Less: Twitter and the New Way We Do Activism

PR Diva — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:02:13 +0000

We are all connected, we are all one. Social Media has closed the gaps that use to separate us. Instantly I can know what is going on in Syria, Tanzania, and China all with the help of Twitter. As a Twitter advocate it may seem a little out of character for me to question whether or not the fact we are more connected overrides how deep we actually engage in these connections. I wonder if the world is taking part in a Social movement, Political engagement, or are we becoming band wagon twitter activists?

I connected, I tweeted, I engaged. I found out about the movement to #FreeTroyDavis (John Rudolf Article) on twitter which quickly spawned protests all over the world. Fast forward a few months later to today and there is literally no mention of the same in the twittersphere.

The scene…its 4am …I’m up on Twitter; staking out the tweets of an array of politicians, leaders, and activists from the President of the United States down to the mayor of Minneapolis, MN. Hopelessly and tirelessly…what was I looking for? The same thing most people are looking for a way to connect on the issues facing all of us. My hope of finding a leader (or their team) whose savvy would be powerful enough to engage me and convince me to step away from the computer screen and activate.

For me, before Twitter, my passion was impetuous enough for me to get up and get out and activate! An ambitious thought you may say but with America experiencing some tough times I expected to see more…and just wanted a leader to in 140 characters or less tell me they had a solution, not to all of the woes of life but at least be interested in something I was passionate about. As I suspected the real issues that I was looking for…nowhere to be found.

In 140 characters (maximum characters allowed for one tweet) is it possible to really give voice to what you believe in and support? Is it possible to connect enough to expand activism from the computer screen to the streets and make it last after you switch the off button?

Over the past few years Social Media has changed the landscape of activism. Experts say, President Obama won the Presidential election in 2008 with a large push from Social Media (with well over 12 million followers and counting I say so too). However, there is a part of me that sees Social Media as a great way to connect. But the other half of me is questioning if the connections we make are superficial or can a real movement be sustained via the Twitterverse.

During the most tumultuous times I’ve been alive to see economically, many people have been forced out of jobs is there a place to connect and make meaningful relationships? Is there way to activate likeminded people in 140 characters or less and foster activism long-term?

Is social media causing us to see activism in a way that is not about the issues but about an instant feeling that overrides the “do-gooder” spirit that ignites a movement?

Joy Cook is a PR Pro, Digital Engagement Strategist, and Director of Communications for a Non-Profit agency in North Carolina. When not busy conquering the world…..she Tweets and Blogs. Joy is a on the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Alumni Board of Directors and Chairs the Spartan Legislative Network. Also, she is a current Institute of Political Leadership Fellow and White House Tweetup veteran. This Change Agent and Dot Connector is most affectionately known as…”The Network Queen!”

4th Annual CLASSY Awards

PR Diva — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 14:27:06 +0000

Nominations for the 4^th Annual CLASSY Awards are officially open. As the largest philanthropic award ceremony in the country, the CLASSY Awards will receive hundreds of thousands of votes honoring the most outstanding philanthropic achievements by charities, businesses and individuals nationwide. The competition will culminate in philanthropy’s biggest night, the CLASSY Awards’ red carpet award ceremony on Saturday, September 22, 2012 in San Diego, CA.

This year marks an exciting new addition to the CLASSY Awards: The CLASSY Awards Leadership Council is a unique group comprised of some of the most well respected and forward thinking leaders in the world of philanthropy.

Serving as the democratic voice of the CLASSY Awards, the Leadership Council brings great depth and expertise to the judging process with its members collectively determining the sixteen national CLASSY Awards winners, which currently includes some notable philanthropic celebrities, such as:

Adam Braun, Founder of Pencils of Promise
Adam Garone, Co-Founder of Movember
Brian Sirgutz, Senior VP of Impact at Huffington Post
Jason Rzepka, VP of Public Affairs at MTV
Jim Gibbons, President of Goodwill
Meg Garlinghouse, Head of Social Impact at LinkedIn
Premal Shah, President of Kiva
Rod Arnold, Formerly of Charity:Water
Yael Cohen, Founder of F Cancer

Through last year’s CLASSY Awards nominee’s efforts, 200,000,000 lives were impacted in 71 countries around the world.

Utilizing traditional and digital media strategies, as well as the StayClassy technology platform, the CLASSY Awards present a unique opportunity for nonprofits, social enterprises and charitable endeavors to receive an immense amount of exposure. In addition to the recognition achieved by those on stage, each award nomination is published on the CLASSY Awards site, as well as through their media partnerships with MTV, Huffington Post, and other media outlets. These stories are circulated to tens of thousands of social media followers and email recipients, often resulting in increased donations, volunteer recruitment and support.

To nominate yourself or someone else and to learn more about the selection process go to http://classyawards.stayclassy.org/classy-awards/nominate

Media Lists: How To Use Them Effectively

PR Diva — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:59:59 +0000

For public relations interns and professionals, media lists are an essential tool for making and maintaining relationships with the media. Before you can pitch to a potential client or media outlet for coverage, you must first compile a list. Using an Excel spreadsheet is the best way to keep your list organized.

Public relations professionals can afford to purchase a list from various sites, such as easymedialists.com. But, for interns and those who are PR newbies may find themselves researching the information first and then putting the list together.

Putting a list together is not as easy as it may seem. The first column should include the name, followed by the URL, contact name, email, Twitter handle and telephone number. Once you have named each column, you can begin your research.

There are free sites that give information regarding newspapers, radio and television outlets. One is called usnpl.com, it is a great site to look up top newspapers, news stations, radio, etc. From there, you can access the site and find what you need.

Once you complete your list, you can now use it to pitch to potential clients and/or media outlets on behalf of your clients. It is also best to include a column with the dates you have pitched.

Lastly, some PR people are hesitant to SHARE their lists. In this business it is all about networking and a part of that means helping people when they come to you. It’s just a list, perhaps they are on a tight schedule and don’t have time to compile a list in an hour, or may be they are just starting out and need an example. Either way, sharing is caring!

Lindsey Walker is a native of St. Louis,MO. She is a mass communications major with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in marketing. Lindsey attends Jackson State University and will graduate with 3.8 GPA on April 28, 2012.

She has always had a passion for writing and has developed a love for public relations. Lindsey has interned with AT&T Advertising Solutions in the marketing department. She currently works as a freelance publicist with DENOR Brands, a boutique PR firm. She has been a member of St. Louis Connect Care Auxillary for two years.

In her spare time, Lindsey enjoys blogging. Her PR-centric website is www.lynnprmentality.wordpress.com

3.15.12 Links Du Jour

PR Diva — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:46:32 +0000

Has there been a more exciting time to work in PR and communications? Jamie Garantziotis speaks about changing the game in these exciting and dynamic times.

Thinking of starting a new career or expanding your communications career? Forbes explores how we can build a YouTube audience and forge a new career.

At least you didn’t have to deal with this today…5 crisis PR Lessons from the Goldman Sach’s resignation letter. What lessons would you add?

In 2012, we really have to ask where are webinars really going? Are you experimenting with new tactics to make your webinars more engaging and useful? SocialFish suggests some essential modifications.

What has your mentor(s) taught you? Do you mentor other public relations professionals? Tom Searcy shares 3 things his mentors taught him about mentoring.

Interested in social media and politics? Check out Arik Hanson’s book review for Seven Rules and 10 Simple Steps for Social Media in Your Campaign. The book is only 47 pages and is “definitely worth a read”.

AWC’s Clarion Awards Celebrates 40 Years of Communications Excellence

PR Diva — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:54:56 +0000

The Association for Women in Communications (AWC) celebrates 40 years of awarding communications excellence with the call for entries for the 2012 Clarion Awards. Award opportunities lie in more than 100 categories covering many aspects of advertising, education, fundraising, graphic design, internal communications, magazines, marketing, feature writing, online journalism, public relations, radio, television and special events. Peer judges review the work based on budget size, so all entries are considered fairly.

The Clarion competition is open to everyone. Women and men, individuals and organizations, AWC members and nonmembers, students, and international professionals are all invited to submit their work. Past winners include companies, non-profits, small businesses, consultancies and media companies of all sizes.

“Entering the Clarion Awards is a great way to gain recognition as one of today’s top communications professionals. To commemorate its 40^th anniversary we have moved the awards registration online, making the entrant process even easier.” says Judy Arent Morency, AWC Chair.

To qualify, more than half of an entry must have been published, broadcast, or implemented between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011. Early-bird savings are available until March 31, 2012. All entries must be submitted by the final deadline of April 30, 2012.

For further details and online registration, please visit http://bit.ly/2012ClarionRules.

About The Association for Women in Communications: Founded in 1909, the Association for Women in Communications has more than 2,600 members nationwide. AWC champions the advancement of women across all communication disciplines by recognizing excellence, promoting leadership, and providing media education for its members.

Blogalicious 2012

PR Diva — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:08:51 +0000

It is with great excitement that I can share that PR Diva just registered for Blogalicious 2012!

I had such an incredible time at Blogalicious 2010 in Miami that I was incredibly bummed to miss out on last year’s event. So when I saw the announcement I jumped (for joy!) and immediately checked my calendar (clear, thus far!) and registered.

Founded in 2009, the Blogalicious Weekend conferences are aimed at celebrating the diversity of women of all ethnicities in social meda. Over the course of 3 event-filled days, savvy, influential, and talented women (and a few men!) bloggers will re-ignire a sense of unity within the multicultural blogging connect. It also connect blogger with marketers who recognize the importance of our demographic in today’s marketplace, all while networking, building relationships, and promoting inspiration and success for each other.

Giveaway – The PR Couture Guide To Breaking Into Fashion PR

PR Diva — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 22:13:26 +0000

I was extremely pleased (read: excited!) to read that Crosby Noricks, founder of PR Couture, has just released “Ready to Launch,” a book filled with the knowledge and support needed for fashion PR interns and entry-level practitioners to successfully break into this media-rich career.

The success of popular reality TV shows like “Project Runway,” “Kell on Earth” and “The City,” have inspired many public relations students and recent graduates to break into the world of fashion PR. However, undergraduate public relations programs rarely focus with any depth into the realities of working in this industry and top agencies are highly competitive at even the internship level. For five years, students and industry practitioners have solved this problem by turning to PR Couture, a top destination to discover and discuss the ever-evolving role of public relations, marketing and social media in the fashion industry.

This insider’s guide is the first of its kind, and pulls back the curtain on the catwalk with an information-dense, fun-to-read adventure through the fast-paced world of fashion PR. Highlights include contributions from more than two dozen fashion PR pros working with brands like Betsey Johnson, Elie Tihari, Coach, Tom’s and Nine West, as well as top agencies Edelman Digital , Style House PR, and Regan Communications.

“Ready to Launch: The PR Couture Guide to Breaking into Fashion PR” is available in print for $17.99 or digital format for $14.99 on Amazon.com.

However, you can win your own copy here!

To enter: Leave a comment on this post detailing why a copy of “Ready to Launch” would help your career. For a bonus entry, tweet “I just entered to win the @pr_couture “Ready to Launch” Book #Giveaway on @prdivablog http://ht.ly/9lCLL #PR #fashion“.

A winner will be chosed on Friday March 16th via random generator. Good luck!

How To Fuel Your Biz With Five Bucks

PR Diva — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:06:11 +0000

The cost of doing business can bring your plans to start or grow your freelance business to a screeching halt. Creating a website alone can easily cost you a few hundred dollars in itself. With an open mind, and a little creativity, you can tap into resources that offer more affordable alternatives via Fiverr™. Fiverr™ is the place for people to share things they’re willing to do for 5 dollars. You’ll find a ton of fun and bazaar postings like “I will sing a song for you dressed like a hot dog for 5 dollars” but also plenty of services you can use to jumpstart your freelance career as well.

Graphics

You can cut your graphic cost exponentially by buying a Fiverr™ gig instead. Find someone to design your logo, create a website banner, or edit a picture for only five dollars per gig.

Writing

Sometimes it’s easier to write great things about everyone else but yourself. Hire a writer to compose your professional or company bio or to proofread an existing document.

Programming

Here’s a jewel! If you insist on going with a professional graphic designer for the layout of your website, use Fiverr to hire a coder to script the HTML, XML or appropriate language for a fraction of the price! Send a seller a message to negotiate terms.

Blog, Social Network and SEO Optimization

If you have a poor online presence, Fiverr™ can get you off to a great start. Snag everything from Tumblr themes to total WordPress installations, and everything in between.

Remember every seller is different, and so are the terms of their gigs. Never go outside of Fiverr™ to do business. If something goes wrong, the loss is solely on you and it’ll make it virtually impossible for the Fiverr team to help you. The key is creativity. The opportunities are endless!

Ebonie Flynn is an innovative, serial-entrepreneur and sole owner of Ebonie Nicole Enterprises, Inc. She plans to build businesses in the black hair industry that directly benefits nonprofits that support Sickle Cell and HIV/AIDS. Ebonie is now expanding her corporation to offer her expertise in public relations by harnessing her powerful network, natural writing ability and entrepreneurial enthusiasm to benefit her clients with a PR experience unlike any other. You can follow Ebonie on Twitter and on Facebook.