http://www.stfpr.com/blog/index.cfm Latest STF | PR Blogs en-us Copyright 2008 STF | PR http://backend.userland.com/rss Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:10:07 CST http://www.stfpr.com/images/RSSImage.jpg http://www.stfpr.com/blog/index.cfm Russ Florence is a blogger for The Journal Record. He is also President and Chief Operating Officer for the firm Schnake Turnbo Frank PRVERSE 1: LAST SUNDAY The congregation on Sunday was about two verses into "There Is More Love Somewhere" – a traditional African-American hymn – when our associate minister, Rev. Tamara Lebak, stopped us."Wait, wait, wait," she said from the chancel, raising her hand. The singing stopped and the piano went dead."Do me a favor. Put down your hymnals. This is easy. We can do this."She was right. The song had just four verses and, with the exception of one word, was the same verse repeated.With that, the congregation lifted its heads, belted it out and sang with more conviction than it had been before.VERSE 2: TWENTY-SIX YEARS AGO During a journalism class at Oklahoma State University, professor Mickey Bugeja – passionate and exasperated – halted his lecture and pleaded with us."Stop!" he said.We had been scribbling notes with the same intensity with which he delivered his lectures."Will you just stop and listen? You're taking notes and that's great. But you have to listen. Just put down your pens. Look at me and listen."We did as we were told. When Mickey spoke, we always did as we were told."Taking good notes is important," he said. "But if you're just focused on the minutia, you're going to miss something. You're going to miss the bigger picture."With that, it became less of a lecture and more of a conversation.VERSE 3: ALWAYS AND FOREVEROur firm's founder, the late, great Chuck Schnake, was prone to gazing out the window. But he wasn't daydreaming. Not exactly, anyway.Chuck was lost in thought, a world of "what if" and blue sky."Your client is out digging a ditch," he would say. "Every day, that's what they do. They're in the trenches and you're there with them."But every once in a while you need to drag them to the top of the hill – look around, survey the landscape. Things look different up there. The view's better up on the hill. You need to do that for your clients, and you need to do it for yourself."Chuck's lessons and sayings still reverberate around our offices. I hope they always will.VERSE 4: PRESENT MOMENT (BIG FINISH)What are you doing right now? Squinting at this on your iPhone? Churning through e-mails or Twitter? Focusing on the small stuff?Stop it. Get your nose off the grindstone. Lift up your head. See? Look around.Don't let the little things block the view of the bigger meaning.Get up on the hill. And listen. You'll hear great things from people like Tamara Lebak, Mickey Bugeja and Chuck Schnake. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=302&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (By Russ Florence ) Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:08:33 CST My family had the pleasure of spending last weekend in Durant, Oklahoma.Yes, you read that correctly. We had the pleasure of spending the weekend in Durant, a small city in southern Oklahoma that we'd previously thought of only as the last civilization along US-75 until Texas. Our weekend in Durant included 105-degree heat indices and supersized insects. It included an appalling tournament schedule that had 9-year-olds playing baseball from 6 p.m. to midnight three nights in a row. Some bad sportsmanship and a long drive through two large construction zones rounded out the fun.So what made the weekend such a delight? It was the attitude of the locals we encountered. Volunteers at the tournament were unfailingly friendly, helpful and polite, despite the sweltering heat that often shortens tempers. They gave us directions, provided medical care to players who swooned or twisted ankles, officiated games and happily accommodated multiple substitutions in our line-ups. One man admitted that volunteers had worked hard to secure discounts at hotels and restaurants for tournament visitors. Employees of the Choctaw Casino Resort were likewise focused on delighting guests. We witnessed a maintenance man stop his work to ensure that a family with a malfunctioning card-key didn't have to walk back down to the front desk. A front desk clerk solved a problem for us – a botched reservation made through a 1-800 number – that she had no role in creating, and gave us a better room rate in the process. The "customer-first" attitude was omnipresent. I suspect that the Choctaw Nation spends millions of dollars every year advertising its flagship property in Durant. This weekend reminded me that the most powerful tool in changing perceptions isn't slick ads. The most powerful tool for Choctaw Casino Resort and the City of Durant – and for most cities, products, companies and services – is people. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=298&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Tina Wells) Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:51:40 CST It's the moment NBA fans have been waiting for. Tonight The King will reveal which kingdom he will reign in (at least for the next five or six years). Lebron James will end one of the most gripping free-agent periods in NBA history when he announces his decision 8 p.m. tonight on ESPN. However, the media and fans were focused on another event surrounding the 25-year-old superstar Tuesday.@KingJames, James' new Twitter account, gained thousands of followers and made national headlines when he joined the social networking website. He gained even more attention when he sent his first tweet: "Hello World, the Real King James is in the Building "Finally". My Brother @oneandonlycp3 gas'd me up to jump on board so I'm here. Haaaa"But was this a PR stunt? With early speculation that James would announce his decision through his Twitter account now dispelled, what motivated this megastar to finally jump on the Twitter bandwagon? Whatever the motives were behind James' (or his PR guru, Keith Estabrook's) tactics, he pulled it off with perfect timing. While James may be a late arrival to the Twitter scene, he is right on time to take advantage of his current spot in the limelight. And I bet he will utilize @KingJames before, during and after his announcement to connect with both the excited and saddened fans. In the midst of the media frenzy and rumors, James can now take some of the power back into his own hands. Although he can't control everything that the media or fans say about him, James can now proactively reach out to his followers. Through social media, he now has the chance to control his message. So now fans will have to wait patiently for The King to reveal his decision. But in the mean time, I'm sure we can count on @KingJames to stir up plenty of media attention. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=297&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Katie Butler) Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:45:06 CST A few nights a week, I pass a young man jumping up and down holding a Little Caesars sign. Although this is an ancient advertising tactic, it's fair to say that "Little Caesars Pizza Boy", as he is affectionately known by my friends and I, brings a whole new dimension to the art of sign holding. This young man is passionate about his job, and I would be hard pressed to find someone who puts forth as much energy to generate sales as this guy. He doesn't wear a mask or costume to hide his identity; he goes outside wearing nothing but slacks, a Little Caesars polo and an ear-to-ear smile. He is as shameless as Garth Brooks as he runs up and down one of south Oklahoma City's busiest streets jumping and screaming. He hoots and hollers for pizza fans to stop and get a Little Caesars pizza, and hopes his efforts are only rewarded with higher company revenues. I was so intrigued by Little Caesars Pizza Boy that one night he lured me into his store, but not just to buy pizza. Being inquisitive, I had to dig for more information on this kid. As I ordered my pizza, I asked the store manager, Cliff, about the young man. As Cliff explained to me that I was about the 50th person that week to inquire about the energetic sign holder, I became even more fascinated with Little Caesars Pizza Boy. He said customers often stop in to say what a great job the young man does, and that he is uplifting to many people after a long, draining day of work. Cliff said I would be surprised to hear how many customers the young man brings in; but being the fan that I am, I assured him that I was not surprised one bit.I asked the manager if the sign holding was part of the young man's job description, or if he did it on his own. To my astonishment, I found out that the young man goes outside and works on his own when the store is slow. The manager said the young man is always eager to help out in any way he can. Talk about inspirational! This guy is the definition of inspiration. PR practitioners can take away three things from my Little Caesars experience. Number one, we cannot overlook the little things we can do to help our clients and our organization. Holding a sign and acting silly seems like a simple idea that could easily be passed over, but the Little Caesars Pizza Boy brings in a lot of business.Number two, we need to show true, unwavering passion for our clients and our industry. It's simple; passion for what you do generates happiness for both the client and your organization.The last thing we can learn is that taking initiative will get you a long way. The young man doesn't have to run around in the 100 degree heat, but he does it because when business is slow, there's an initiative that needs to be taken. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=296&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Teea Rogers) Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:50:29 CST Apple is technology's rock star legend. In the past two months, they have released five new or updated products – two of which are constantly scoring headlines across the globe. In print, broadcast and online media, iPad and iPhone 4 are causing more "buzz" than a Starbucks quadruple-shot espresso. Over 1.7 million iPhones were sold in the first three days, making it the most successful launch in the company's history. With such widespread sales, crises can arise, but Apple has not loosened its grip on service either.Regardless of my position as a Mac fanboy, the overwhelming demand for Apple products is a clear indicator that their image and reputation are in prime condition. Their perceived commitment to resolving issues is enough to keep consumers lining up for phones that may even have reception problems.With such a variety of products in every price range, Apple's target audience has shifted from a small number of creative professionals to virtually every person in the world. In an age of online media, all Apple has to do is "accidentally" leave a device at a bar and the online world will promote its features more thoroughly than any full page advertisement. Check out the discussion boards and you'll be overwhelmed by the demand for the latest Apple i(put any word here).Because of this prestigious image, consumers will jump for devices that may even have major shortcomings. Companies like Google and Microsoft are struggling to compete. Google's mobile app store even offers customers a 24 hour "return policy" vs. Apple's final sale policy. But features are no match for image. Consumer perception is reality in their minds; features are just a bonus. Being good is important, but we can see from Apple that it is not enough – looking good is just as important. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=295&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Daniel Tsubota) Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:02:03 CST Oklahoma State's James Anderson was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 20th pick of the 2010 NBA Draft. The Spurs, a perennial power in the NBA's Western Conference, could not have made a better choice.Often times, athletes of Anderson's caliber let their star status get in the way of doing and saying the right things on and off the court. When you're constantly in the spotlight, it can be hard not to get a big head. However, even though he's been a pro for less than 24 hours, Anderson has acted like one for years.Guys like Anderson are a public relations consultant's dream. He's humble, well-spoken and avoids trouble. His on-the-court abilities coupled with his behavior off the court make him a perfect example of how a client should act. The Spurs were extremely lucky to have Anderson fall in their lap. He will be an excellent representative of the Spurs organization, and I hope he experiences great success (just not when the Spurs play the Oklahoma City Thunder). http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=294&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Blake Loepp) Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:31:45 CST On Sunday, June 27, Rev. Joseph Alsay will preach his last sermon at Trinity Episcopal Church. Father Joseph joined Trinity five years ago, during a time of great struggle within the denomination. Membership was down, and conservative dioceses were making plans to disassociate because of the national church's progressive stance on homosexuality. Trinity itself, a liberal joint by any standard, had lost members over the homosexuality issue and saw declining contributions and attendance. And then along came Father Joseph. To say that he shook up things would be an understatement. I doubt I'll ever know another man of the cloth with such a mischievous gleam in his eye. Dogs, cats and rabbits in the sanctuary for the annual Blessing of the Animals? Yep, he made it happen – horrifying some of the old guards while attracting scores of visitors and young people. Adult education classes that incorporated art projects and other hands-on activities with scripture? Check. A donkey down the center aisle for Palm Sunday, and Easter with a powerful black gospel choir? Done. Preaching with a sweaty fervor that made parishioners both weep openly and laugh uproariously? Check. Father Joseph invigorated Trinity. He helped us grow and become more diverse and engaged. It should probably be mentioned that Father Joseph doesn't fit the mold demographically. Nearly 90% of Episcopal congregants in the U.S. are Caucasian, and our average age is 57. Father Joseph is an African-American who was just 32 years old when he was called to Trinity. He's a Lutheran who, because of the full exchange of sacraments that exists between the Lutheran and Episcopal churches, was ordained in an Episcopal cathedral. So what can public relations practitioners take from the story of Father Joseph, who becomes rector of St. Augustine of Canterbury in Oklahoma City on July 1? Simply put, try new things. Seek input from people who don't look, think or have the same background as you. Be bold – perhaps even a little mischievous – to spark passion. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=293&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Tina Wells ) Tue, 22 Jun 2010 09:19:54 CST The NCAA Women's College World Series of softball recently took place in Oklahoma City and it made me reflect on my own college softball days. As I did, I thought about how great it felt to be a part of a team and what that meant. I also remembered something my coach made us memorize – The Definite Dozen.The Definite Dozen was created by Pat Summit, the Tennessee women's basketball coach. It's a list that summarizes her philosophy for coaching and life. My coach made us memorize every one of the items and used it as a torture device during workouts. It seemed like a chore to memorize them, but looking back, these really are helpful tips we can all use in both our personal and professional lives. The Definite Dozen:1. Respect Yourself and Others 2. Take Full Responsibility 3. Develop and Demonstrate Loyalty 4. Learn to Be a Great Communicator 5. Discipline Yourself So No One Else Has To 6. Make Hard Work Your Passion 7. Don't Just Work Hard, Work Smart 8. Put the Team Before Yourself 9. Make Winning an Attitude 10. Be a Competitor 11. Change Is a Must 12. Handle Success Like You Handle FailureMy personal favorites are "Learn to be a Great Communicator", "Make Hard Work Your Passion", "Discipline Yourself So No One Else Has To" and "Don't Just Work Hard, Work Smart". Teamwork is all around us and I think many of life's professional and personal problems can be solved by learning to work well with others. Internal business strategies are just as important as external business strategies. When you work efficiently internally, you can better serve your clients or customers. Even though softball is over for me, I can still take some of the lessons with me. Teamwork is everywhere, not just in sports. The Definite Dozen is something I will always remember. Coach would be so proud! http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=292&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Alli Yeager) Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:53:19 CST Is the right decision ever bad PR? Sometimes, in the fog of a very public predicament, it's hard to distinguish what's right from what's popular. That's the predicament Bud Selig, the commissioner of Major League Baseball, faced just two weeks ago. Less than 24 hours after Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga's perfect game was thwarted on a bad umpiring call, Selig was faced with sorting out what's right from what's good PR. (If you happen to live under a rock or on Mars, here's what happened: Galarraga was one out away from throwing a perfect game – just the 21st in the 120-year history of the league – when an umpire called a runner safe at first. Replays clearly showed the runner was out.) The game caused an instant uproar in the sports media, online and among fans. Typical of today's society, battle lines were drawn quickly and sides were chosen. Should the decision stand or should Selig reverse it? Should the umpire be penalized? Should the Tigers protest? One Michigan politician even suggested Congressional intervention. I admit I got dizzy in the frenzy. Change the call, I reasoned, and everyone looks good: History corrects itself. Galarraga is awarded his perfect game. Umpire Jim Joyce, who was heart-broken after the game, is forgiven. Tiger fans are happy. Selig's a hero. Baseball fans join hands and sing in harmony. See? Everyone's happy. The next day, Selig came out with his ruling: The decision stands. No perfect game. Selig, a lightning rod for many baseball fans, was praised by some, scorched by others. And then, a wonderful thing happened. The fog cleared, everybody shook hands and the courtliness of baseball prevailed. It started with veteran Detroit manager Jim Leyland who, after the dust settled, told reporters, "(Jim Joyce) is one of the best umpires in the game. The guy was in shambles, you know, tears." Galarraga himself was the epitome of class and forgiveness. "He apologized to me," he told CNN. "I gave him a hug. I'm sure the guy feels 100 times worse than me." And then, this: The next day, when umpires were introduced at Detroit's game against Cleveland -- the same crew of umpires that had been vilified for the last 24 hours -- the Detroit players did a wonderful thing: They stood on the top step of the dugout, and gave the umpires a standing ovation. Perhaps former Commissioner Fay Vincent said it best when, in an article that best captures the lesson behind the story, he said, "We accept mistakes and move on to the next game. We know better than to worship perfection … We who love the game also love its imperfections and failures, because we understand the importance of redeeming our failures by better performance." Fortunately, Selig was able to see through the fog. The integrity of the game was held intact. The umps, coaches and players proved themselves to be the true sportsmen that the game endears. And Gallaraga goes down in history – without an asterisk. It was the right decision. That's good for the game. And it's good PR for everyone. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=290&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Russ Florence ) Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:06:38 CST In our fast paced society, we often mix up our words. But when we don't slow down long enough to sensor what we say or write, we could share something we either didn't mean or didn't want public.As I often do, I have to cite examples from my eight-year-old daughter.She asked me last night to tell her my favorite breed of dog. Before I could reply, she blurted out, "I have three favorites: Chihuahua, Pomeranian and Cauliflower." It was so cute that I didn't want to let her know that she meant 'Collie', not 'cauliflower.'A similar conversation occurred on Monday. My daughter said, "Mom, what's your favorite shade of blue?" Again, not waiting for my response, she said, "I just love corduroy blue." I was confused by this and said (searching for what would sound similar to corduroy), "You mean, turquoise?" "Yes! Turquoise! It's my favorite."This is not just a phenomenon occurring amongst our elementary school girls. Unfortunately, it is usually not half as cute when others use the inappropriate word.Regarding all of the conference realignment discussions buzzing throughout the Big 12 states, Baylor Regent Buddy Jones recently wrote in an e-mail: "It's hard enough to get home teams to stick tight. But harder still to influence a bunch of corn shuckers." (Read it here.)Oops. He probably didn't want us to see that. And, that wasn't half as cute as 'cauliflower.' So remember, take the time to think about what you say and write before broadcasting it publicly. One wrong word can make a big difference. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=289&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Allison Starke) Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:12:06 CST As my college graduation day fades into the past, and the excitement (and sadness) wears off, there is one thing that will stick with me from that day – the words from one of the speakers.Most people have experienced the standard graduation speech with some forgetful name rambling in a microphone to a crowded auditorium full of uninterested audience members, but this one was different. This speaker really resonated with me. The student government president spoke about a concept by Robert Fulghum who claims "everything I need to know I learned in kindergarten." While some of these concepts are more meaningful to my personal life, for example, "warm cookies and cold milk are good for you" and "live a balanced life," what I have noticed in my first few weeks at STF | PR is how effective the tips can be in the public relations profession. "Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody." Saying sorry and admitting you're wrong isn't easy. But in most cases, it is the first necessary step, especially in public relations. "Play fair." This rule is vital to any business' long-term plan and becomes essential in PR, where transparency is often preferred. "Share everything." This goes back to the importance of information sharing and transparency in the PR industry. I think what could be added to this is "share everything and stay honest". "Clean up your own mess." I think this lesson is particularly crucial. The BP oil spill is a great example. When your client has made a mistake or an accident has occurred, it is important to proactively get involved in "cleaning up" the mess. So maybe all we really need to know about public relations we could have learned from our kindergarten teachers – well, maybe the basics. And wouldn't it be nice if we could incorporate my personal favorite lesson from Fulghum and "take a nap every afternoon"? http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=288&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Katie Butler) Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:11:19 CST As I wrap up my college career, I've started to wonder what it takes to become a young professional in the public relations industry. This led me to a discussion with a PR professional that will forever impact my life. She suggested that I read "How to Thrive in the Public Relations Business" by Robert Kornecki. Being open to any suggestion, I immediately ordered the book. It took me about three minutes to realize that this book was going to become a timeless desk companion.Kornecki compares public relations to a roller coaster, and reassures the reader that the ride is well worth every second. The 36-year PR veteran shares 35 tips on how to excel in the public relations business. The best part about the book was that it was only 36 pages and jam packed with valuable information. The tips were short and sweet and applicable to everyone. The tips that impacted me the most were "take initiative", "earn respect", "always be upbeat and positive" and "be honest". Kornecki states that "being trustworthy is the single most important quality that anyone entering the public relations profession needs to have and hold." Throughout his book, Kornecki teaches the reader how to prioritize, be flexible, take control of the uncontrollable, welcome diversity, work with a sense of urgency, and continually gauge your progress.Although you may have heard these tips since you were playing with Ninja Turtles and Barbies, they are no longer just social rules. These tips can make the difference between success and failure. As public relations professionals, we can all learn two lessons from this book. The first one is that the little things we seem to overlook might be the ticket to pleasing a client. The second lesson is that we should never be afraid to ask for someone's advice. If this had been the case with me, I never would have come across such an inspiring book that will light my path in my public relations career. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=287&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Teea Rogers) Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:10:24 CST Reuters reported today that moviegoers are tired of sequels. Summer flicks like "Shrek Forever After" and "Sex and the City 2" have "underwhelmed, with the seasonal box office off by a double-digit margin and studio executives beginning to feel woozy." Frankly, I don't believe the problem is the fact that it is a sequel. The problem is that studio executives don't know their clients: the movie audience.One online commenter summarized his reason for not attending any summer blockbusters, describing "Sex and the City" as "something about four opulent women in outrageously expensive clothes." In light of the economic condition, it's easy to see why moviegoers would shy away from films about lavish lifestyles or fairy tale circumstances. Hollywood doesn't understand the people it is trying to reach, which results in failure before audiences even see the film.With all the emphasis we put on audience research in the PR world, isn't it just as important to research our clients? If we don't understand where they are coming from – their story or their dreams – our work might be stonewalled before it's ever put into operation.Sequels to success are not the problem. Continuing work that is both effective and inspiring will probably reap "Iron Man 2" results (I will skip the puns…). Reuters has given us a friendly reminder that we should have movies that are worth the ticket price and PR that is worth it to the client. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=286&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Daniel Tsubota) Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:42:33 CST Opportunity. Any wide-eyed optimist will tell you that every situation – good or bad – is an opportunity. While we continue to hear about the PR debacle that is BP, which will no doubt be in the PR textbooks and case studies of the future, satirical commentators have now taken the opportunity to plaster the irony on shirts, totes and other retail merchandise that will continue to cast the BP name in a shadow for years to come.I'm not going to lie. I generally get a kick out of this stuff. Sarcasm is funny. But when it's at the expense of your company, it's not so funny. I'll take this opportunity to harp once again on the importance of brand monitoring. While I'm sure BP is a bit preoccupied right now, it's easy to see how some folks have now taken the opportunity to use their brand and logo as fair game.One example is the mock Twitter account: @BPGlobalPR. If you take a look for yourself, the irony and sarcasm are rampant. For example, "Catastrophe is a strong word, let's all agree to call it a whoopsie daisy". More than a few people have initially mistaken it for a real account. It's currently up to 28,000 followers. Word on the street, or Twitterverse, is that Twitter has not yet been asked by BP to suspend the account. Hundreds of parody products are now on sale across the Web, taking aim at BP's sunburst logo and "responsibility" pledges. There are tote bags and buttons on Etsy, as well as coffee mugs and t-shirts on lots of websites like Despair Inc. This merchandise – and the jokes in general – take aim at the words that were no doubt painstakingly developed by PR professionals to tell BP's story on their commitment to the environment – words that mean little with the disaster still in progress. There is really only one thing to say (or as Chuck Schnake would say): deeds first. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=285&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Lucinda Rojas Ross) Thu, 27 May 2010 10:16:38 CST I admit it… I was one of the umpteen million Americans wrapped up in the "Lost" phenomenon. What a relief to see the show – my dirty, little habit – finally end Sunday night!Publicity leading up to the series finale was Super Bowl-like in its scope. "Lost" dominated the front page of my local newspaper's living/style section last Friday. The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and even the United Kingdom's The Times devoted prime real estate to the broadcast. There were "Lost" watch parties in homes and theaters, and commercial time sold for $900,000 per 30 seconds. Not since 1980, when nearly 42 million Americans turned on "Dallas" to find out who shot J.R. Ewing, has a single episode of a television drama been so hyped. (In case you don't remember, the gunman was actually a woman: J.R.'s mistress/sister-in-law, Kristin Shepard. And yes, I was one of the 42 million viewers.) Despite all the "Lost" chatter, fewer than half as many people – a mere 13.5 million – tuned in to learn of the castaways' fate. What was so unusual (and disturbing) about the "Lost" phenomenon wasn't the number of fans it attracted, but rather the depth of some fans' obsession. Some planned their social lives around broadcast schedules and spent hours scanning blogs for clues about plot lines or creating their own elaborate theories. Later this summer, items from the show – a beat-up wheelchair, a carved walking stick and other pieces – will be auctioned off to the highest bidders. I'm guessing that Hurley's winning lottery ticket will go for $250,000 or more. You'll never hear me advocate a TV-free existence. But to liken the end of a TV show to the loss of a best friend – as one viewer did during a pre-finale retrospective – seems extremely unhealthy. When people relate more to fictional characters and settings than they do to the real people, places and events around them, then they are truly lost. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=284&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Tina Wells) Tue, 25 May 2010 11:14:06 CST About a week ago, I was driving from Tulsa to visit a friend in Bixby. Near the midpoint of my journey, traffic came to a screeching halt near a construction zone along a main road. The bright orange street signs were the perfect complement to my already anxious nervous system. After what seemed like endless hours of waiting (probably 15 minutes in reality), I took a desperate and daring right turn into the adjacent residential subdivision. My mind celebrated its own brilliance."I can't believe nobody else is doing this," I thought as I traveled the now winding roads. "I'm going to bypass that entire hassle and lead the pack!"Winding roads gave way to a labyrinth of identical homes which led me to the end of the line: a dead end. Back-tracking my detour to the outlet I had come from took 10 minutes. I reached the original turn to find additional cars obstructing the road, leaving me to wait longer. In my attempt to bypass inconvenience, I spent more time and effort only to end up wasting time – and my place in line.My experience can be applied to the way I approach PR. How much grief could I have saved myself if I had a map to guide me? This is the danger of strategies without proper research. Technology acts as a catalyst to trigger desperate and impatient reactions. Before jumping into what might seem to be the most groundbreaking "big idea," we should take the time to make sure our shortcut won't lead us to a dead end. Will it require us to invest more time and more capital? Sure, but none of it will be wasted. It may take a lot of patience, but unlike my driving fiasco, you won't have to backtrack to undo the work you wasted on your "shortcut." (Remember the Nestle Family Twitter situation?) I'm not saying we shouldn't think outside the box – it is essential in today's media-saturated world – but we should base every strategy on research. The main roads may be congested, and the temptation to take shortcuts to get an edge in the market may be great, but traversing these uncharted paths without proper, research-based direction may lead you to a dead end in the neighborhood of regret. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=282&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Daniel Tsubota) Mon, 17 May 2010 11:08:19 CST If you walk into my husband's office at our house, you enter a Pittsburgh Steelers shrine. There is a Ben Roethlisberger Fat Head sticker on one wall, a Steelers Super Bowl champions banner on another wall and three framed pieces of Steelers memorabilia on the next wall. He is the true definition of a "die-hard fan". I have become a pretty big Steelers fan along the way too.Needless to say, the recent saga of Roethlisberger and the Steelers has been a common topic in our house. A little over a year ago, a woman sued Roethlisberger, claiming he raped her at a Lake Tahoe hotel. The woman never pursued criminal action, but did file a civil lawsuit seeking monetary damages. Roethlisberger vehemently denied the allegations and most people believed him. The incident only left a minor dent in his image.Then in March, a college student claimed Roethlisberger raped her in a bathroom at a Georgia nightclub. This time, there was a criminal investigation. Roethlisberger again denied the allegations, but the situation was a little more intense. The media frenzy ensued and Roethlisberger was faced with a shattering image. The Georgia district attorney dismissed the case, stating there wasn't enough evidence against Roethlisberger. Despite this, it is obvious to everyone that he continues to put himself in bad situations and make poor decisions. The NFL commissioner recently suspended the quarterback for six games without pay and ordered him to undergo behavioral evaluations. This, of course, was a huge blow to Steelers fans. The young, two-time Super Bowl champ is left with a shattered image and angry coaches who even considered trading him at one point. But, Roethlisberger isn't the only one messing up the Steelers image. Santonio Holmes, who made the Super Bowl winning catch in 2009, was traded after a series of incidents with the law. Throwing a glass at a woman in a nightclub was the final straw. And last year, kicker Jeff Reed was arrested for urinating in public and public drunkenness. The Steelers have finally had enough and issued a no tolerance policy. Roethlisberger could go on to win five more Super Bowls, but this will follow him forever. Roethlisberger's mistakes aren't just resulting in bad PR for him, but for his entire team. His poor choices have affected his teammates, his coaches, the team owners and fans.One PR lesson we can all learn here is to think about how our actions and comments will affect other people too. Whether it's a sports team or a business, your words and deeds have consequences for more than just yourself.To avoid bad publicity, avoid bad behavior!Where was Roethlisberger's PR team after the first incident? After the first accusation, he should have received counsel to help him avoid similar situations in the future. PR professionals can't control what the client does, but they can teach clients and hope they take counsel. Roethlisberger did release a pretty good statement a few weeks ago after his suspension (read it here), but it seems like too little too late. PR should be proactive, not reactive.I'm rooting for him to make it out on the other side and I feel bad for the Steelers. They need some serious PR. Maybe their next draft pick should be Schnake Turnbo Frank | PR. I will be waiting by the phone with my Terrible Towel, waiting to spring into action. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=281&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Alli Yeager) Mon, 17 May 2010 09:45:57 CST I'm in my mid-20s and the advice I've been given for the last couple of decades is starting to make sense in both my personal and professional life. Here are some quotes I try to carry around with me at work and at home:"Be nice." – MomIt's not the first time you've heard it and it won't be the last. It's basic advice that I've heard since I can remember, but as a professional it serves a new purpose. Once you reach a certain level of expectation of people, it's easy to get impatient and short-tempered when things don't go smoothly. Written on a post-it and stuck to my computer monitor, "be nice" serves as a reminder to take two seconds to remove myself from whatever passion pit I'm in and treat people with respect, patience and kindness. You never know what else is going on in someone's life."Life's a dance, you learn as you go." – Mrs. Otto, first grade teacher via John Michael MontgomeryI don't love this song, but I love this quote. It's a reminder that no one in the world has had the same experiences as you. You can't expect anyone to fully understand where you're coming from without taking the time to educate them. I'm finding, the more I climb this professional ladder, that some things just can't be taught, they have to be learned – and often the hard way."Keep your head on a swivel." – Ron Burgandy, AnchormanI had this conversation with Aaron Fulkerson yesterday. No matter how much you plan, your best plan is to roll with the punches. That's not to say you shouldn't stay meticulously organized and prioritize your daily, weekly and monthly responsibilities – it's just to say you should expect a random project to dominate your week and force you to rethink your game plan. If you expect it to happen eventually – even though you might not know when – it'll be easier to take a deep breath and dive in. "Stay humble and stay hungry." – Kevin Durant, OKC Thunder forwardNo one likes a know-it-all. I think the Durantula is right on with this pre-playoffs quote. It's easier said than done, but if words resonate with you as they do with me, this mantra should do the trick. Stay humble. Don't let a bit of success go to your head. The people who respected you for your humility in expertise in the beginning won't even recognize expertise through arrogance if you become your biggest fan."I never take my work home with me." – Ace Ventura, Pet DetectiveOne of the things I love about our firm is our culture of dedication to personal time. Finding the balance between work and life is difficult – especially when you love your job and (honestly) often don't want to stop at 5 p.m. If your personal life suffers because your work life dominates your time, then you're eventually going to get burned out at work anyway – then you'll be miserable everywhere. This is another "easier said than done" piece of advice, but I try to remember to put as much effort into my personal relationships as I put into my professional ones. It's important to be ambitious in all aspects of your life. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=280&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Rachel Wright) Tue, 11 May 2010 14:50:23 CST As the buzzer sounded and the Oklahoma City Thunder's season came to an end Friday night, the entire country witnessed something truly special. They didn't see orange and black or crimson and cream. They saw a sea of blue, OU and OSU fans alike, rise to its feet and express its love for the Thunder despite a heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.It was a touching moment. Forget Rudy or Hoosiers or Glory Road. The endings of those movies don't hold a candle to what I saw on the big screen Friday night. On one hand, you have a city 15 years removed from what was then the deadliest domestic attack in American history. On the other hand, you have a young team exceeding expectations and growing up right before our eyes.While we Oklahomans are new to this NBA thing, all teams should take notice. This is how you support your team. You leave your inside voice outside and bring your outside voice inside. You throw on a blue t-shirt even if you're wearing an Armani suit. You applaud your team even if they lose. That's what it's all about.So, how did we fall in love with this team so quickly? It's because the players, although very young, are mature beyond their years. They say and do the right things. They give back to the community and are great role models for the state's children. Because of that, we owe them our support. Be proud and stay loud, Oklahoma City. Thunder up! http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=276&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Blake Loepp) Tue, 04 May 2010 09:42:26 CST Although the idea of repenting sparks religious images for most of us, it is a concept that goes beyond religious scripture. Merriam Webster's dictionary defines it as, "to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life." Beyond the matter of sinning, what I glean from this is that it is not enough to be sorry or feel remorse; it is equally important to change the behavior that caused the problem.There are numerous examples of the need to repent in today's fast paced society. From the recent follies of politicians and athletes, to bigger picture corporate and industrial bad behavior, we have heard apologizes across the board. An apology is a start, but it is certainly not the end.Sometimes it is necessary to go back to the basics of how we became the adults we've turned out to be. Taking responsibility for our actions is a lesson taught to us by our parents at a young age. So is learning from our mistakes and plotting a new course when we've done wrong.Although the focus of the recent BP oil spill off the coast of Louisiana is on the safety of citizens and wildlife and the economic repercussions of a decrease in tourism, soon there will be consequences for those who are found at fault. At that point, they can say they're sorry and change the way they do things, or fall into the same patterns of behavior that got them there in the first place. As public relations professionals, it is important to advise clients on not only how to prevent disasters and controversy, but also how to make a concerted effort to change the behavior, once the damage has been done. Forgiveness is something we all want to receive at some point, but we have to earn it first. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=275&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Carolyn Siegerist) Tue, 04 May 2010 09:40:43 CST Sometimes, you just need the "wow factor" to attract public attention. Case in point: an incident this week in which a car very nearly flew out the seventh floor of a downtown Tulsa parking garage. When the car, reportedly plagued by a stuck accelerator, punched through the garage wall, bricks and debris shattered the windshields of vehicles parked below. Downtown workers and arriving news reporters gawked at the sedan precariously dangling high above and marveled that no one was hurt. All local news outlets covered the incident. Three photos accompanied the article published by the Tulsa World. Photos, first-person accounts and links to mainstream media coverage were posted on Twitter and Facebook. CNN picked up the story and, within 48 hours, more than 2,500 people had viewed news coverage posted on YouTube. So, what can you learn from this case? Look for ways to surprise the media in order to attract the best coverage. Most of those in news management – the individuals who decide what events and announcements will and won't be covered – have been working in the industry for decades. They've seen and heard almost everything. Show a news manager something he hasn't seen, and you'll have a chance to show news consumers, too. It isn't necessary for you to stage a spectacular crash to draw media interest, but you will have more success by thinking outside of the parking garage. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=274&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Tina Wells) Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:29:57 CST Last week, several of us at STF | PR had the honor of getting a private tour of the state Capitol. The tour was conducted by Mr. Bill Wicker, a retiree who has been guiding tours through the capitol for 14 years. In addition to being extremely knowledgeable of our state and our Capitol's history, Mr. Wicker is the father of our own Karen Wicker, SVP and Oklahoma City office manager. I've lived in Oklahoma my entire life and have toured the Capitol once before, but never have I been given such a thorough, interesting and informative tour. Mr. Wicker told us the history of the building, inside stories on the paintings and inner workings of our state government. The visit was more than a tour of a working museum; it was a lesson on why Oklahomans should be proud of our state. Oklahoma has a unique past – one that distinguishes it from all the 49 other states. Too often, Oklahomans feel inferior to other states and we shouldn't let that happen. We are one of a kind and as we celebrate our state's past, we should look forward to the future. Oklahomans hold the key to the rest of the world's impression of our state. As you travel this summer season, consider telling those you meet how proud of our state you are, and why. It's a wonderful place to explore, to build a business and to call home. For more information on our wonderful state, visit www.travelok.com. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=272&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Kari Culp) Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:13:49 CST From very early in life, we're taught to apologize when we do something wrong. Yet too often, corporate America forgets to say sorry and finds itself embroiled in a public relations disaster. One such disaster has been brewing for several months now. Last fall, a couple of rural teenage boys hit their usual adult-free sanctuary – a field in Carnes, Mississippi that housed an oil holding tank – to shoot the breeze and sneak a few cigarettes. Flammable vapors in the tank ignited, causing an explosion that killed both boys. The tragic event shocked the boys' families and friends. Likewise, the reaction of the tank owner has shocked public relations practitioners. In the hours after the explosion, the owner of the tank failed to proactively issue a statement or return reporters' phone calls. A newspaper article printed three days after the boys' deaths stated that company representatives were still refusing to comment. Reports suggest that no one ever reached out to the families. The company did, however, start drilling at a nearby well site on the day one boy was buried. Nearly six months later, the explosion is still in the spotlight. Only this time, it's not the regional newspaper with a circulation of 7,000 reporting the story. This time, it's CNN, The New York Times and scores of outlets across North America. Families and friends of the dead boys have joined with a federal agency that investigates chemical accidents to bring awareness to the dangers fuel tanks pose and push legislation requiring fencing and warning signs at tank sites. (The tank in Carnes wasn't fenced, nor were clear warnings posted.) The coalition has created a powerful video, demonstrated that what happened in Carnes wasn't an isolated incident and imparted damage to the reputation of an entire industry. True to form, the owner of the Carnes tank continues to refuse comment; however, an attorney defending the company against a lawsuit filed by one of the families did go on record calling the dead boys "trespassers." It's doubtful that a simple apology from the company would have prevented a lawsuit from being filed. However, can you imagine how differently this could have played out if the company involved had shown regret and respect? Saying sorry and then showing it through its actions could have made the company seem much less like an uncaring villain. A Mississippi state senator plans to sponsor a bill requiring tanks be surrounded with barbed-wire fences, locked gates and warning signs. Other states may follow. It's a situation I'll be watching closely, all the while wondering how an apology could have changed the course of events. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=270&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Tina Wells) Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:03:36 CST While driving through Bricktown in Oklahoma City these days, one cannot miss the explosion of Thunder flags and signs. On Saturday, Thunder will play the first game in a playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Who would have thought five years ago that Kobe Bryant and Co. would be playing at the Ford Center against a talented Oklahoma City team?While this week is a time of great celebration, it is also a time for remembrance. Monday, April 19 marks the 15th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. While we will never forget the tragic events of that day, we should also reflect how far this city has come. The unity and abundance of goodwill after April 1995 allowed the city to heal and come together to create a better community. Oklahoma City's burgeoning downtown, the explosion of Bricktown and the redevelopment of other parts of the city have built a community where citizens are proud to associate themselves and where outsiders envy. Our city has been incredibly blessed to have terrific business, civic and political leaders that have united the city under a common vision.One of the major goals of public relations is to build better communities for our clients and the publics they serve. Oklahoma City serves as a case study on success through citizen engagement, accountability and trust. Through effective communication and building goodwill, Oklahoma City has emerged as a major player in business…and on the basketball court.Let's Go Thunder! http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=269&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Dustin Gabus) Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:11:07 CST Two papers, one presentation and two final exams are all that stand between graduation and me. With 25 days to go (not that I'm counting), I waffle between feelings of excitement and panic. Anxious to put schoolwork in the past, but sad to move on from the familiarities of campus life, I'm certainly feeling the growing pains amidst the celebration. Regardless of feelings, my transition from college graduate to career professional is going to be a tough one. Entering one of the worst job markets in decades, graduates must compete fiercely for the few available jobs. Many of my peers have chosen to seek haven from the economic storm in graduate schools or volunteer programs. Personally, I plan on forging the storm headfirst, armed with patience and preparation. I know I'm a rookie, but here's what I've gathered so far on how to be prepared for the storm: Networking is invaluable, internships are essential and sometimes it takes a little luck. Last week, I opened a fortune cookie that read, "Luck is when hard work and opportunity meet." Although I can't say I usually take advice from cookies, this one certainly had some wisdom behind it. Through my four years at college, I have strived to reach my potential through campus organizations that drive me, jobs that teach me, friends that support me and classes that challenge me. Now, I wait in the rain for opportunity to meet my hard work.I may have to dodge some hail, but I have high hopes that "April showers bring May flowers." http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=267&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Elizabeth O'Neill) Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:35:16 CST Former Oklahoma State University football star and projected first-round NFL draft pick Dez Bryant is in the midst of PR nightmare. Many thought he would be a top-10 pick, but his stock has tumbled following his pro day workout. To make matters worse, Dez lashed out at his critics and members of the media when his workout was labeled as "inconsistent" and "less than stellar." "What is this? Y'all don't want me to go to the NFL or something? It's going to happen," Bryant said. "It is going to happen. God blessed me to have this ability to play this game. I haven't did anything wrong to nobody."While I personally feel he is being treated somewhat unfairly, he needs to handle himself more professionally when addressing the media. When you've been in the national spotlight because you lied to the NCAA, the media will question your character. When you forget to bring cleats to your pro day workout, the media will wonder how much you care about your future. When you lash out at the media, you're digging your own grave.Is the media making too big of a deal out of this? Probably. Do they have a right to be so critical of Dez? Yes. Will Dez make more money in one year than the people criticizing him? Absolutely. Take the high road, Dez. You'll be dancing in the end zone soon enough. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=266&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Blake Loepp) Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:03:36 CST In public relations, we often tell our clients they should start a blog. A blog is a wonderful tool to engage your audiences and tell your story. Writing a blog can take a lot of time and effort, though. Consistency is key to a good blog and saying something with purpose is the lifeline of its existence.Last fall, we recommended the sisters of Saint Joseph Monastery write a blog. On almost a daily basis, Sr. Catherine, OSB posts a short, witty, inspirational blog about her life as a Benedictine sister. The blog is not a fancy corporate blog, but rather a perfect example of using a free online tool (https://www.blogger.com/start) to relay your message and create a relationship with your audience. Sr. Catherine conveys powerful and enlightening themes into concise messages that are a fantastic tool for those interested in joining the monastic community. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=262&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Kari Culp) Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:50:30 CST The recent passage of health care legislation will be remembered for many reasons. This comes as no surprise to lawmakers backing its passage or the many Americans who will now be eligible to receive health care coverage. However, with a slip of Vice President Joe Biden's tongue at the signing of the bill, I'm reminded that even in times of victory and celebration, what we say is fair game in the world of public relations. Admittedly, the passing of the health care bill is a big deal for the Democratic Party. This win was important for the administration and the vice president was rightfully excited. In a moment of private celebration, however, Vice President Biden made a slip that quickly became national news. Biden whispered that the passage was: "A f---ing big deal" to the president. Unfortunately for Biden, it was picked up on a microphone linked to live national television.Biden has been more or less forgiven by the media, likely because of the credibility he has maintained with the public thus far. The media and public may have let it slide this time, but the lesson to be learned is that the forgiveness of this faux pas is more of an exception than a rule. Just because Biden received a pass this time, does not mean he will receive one again.The key to handling a situation like this, is to gauge the severity of the blunder, then proceed accordingly. The administration realized quickly that Biden's slip could be spun as something pretty innocent, a boastful statement not meant to be heard by others. So, they ran with it. In a presidential briefing the next day, it became the joke of the White House. There was even talk of President Obama making a t-shirt with the quote on it. The key here: make the best of a bad situation.When a company or organization finds itself in an embarrassing situation, such as an unseemly comment, it is important to gauge the misstep before reacting. Overreacting can make the organization look more guilty than it actually is, while an under reaction could send a message that the organization is insensitive to its publics. Overall, staying away from the F-bomb is a pretty good rule of thumb. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=261&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Carolyn Siegerist) Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:46:21 CST While on spring break in the Washington, D.C. area, I traveled to Western Virginia for the Highland County Maple Festival. Each year, area towns host a variety of events celebrating the arrival of the maple syrup harvest. Yes, maple syrup is also produced outside of Vermont, go figure. After sampling the local specialty of buckwheat pancakes, maple syrup and country ham, I toured a few sugar camps to discover the modern production of natural maple syrup. Naturally produced maple syrup has become a boutique item as Mrs. Butterworth and her ilk have come to dominate the syrup market. The syrup camps tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains offer a glimpse into a bygone way of life. After the tours, I perused craft booths set up at different town centers, which have likely not altered much since the Civil War. The annual festival brings in a major stream of revenue and provides funding for local charitable organizations.The recent recession has not been kind to many Oklahoma towns. However, the Highland County Maple Festival serves as a case study on how towns can utilize an area's natural resources and local industry to lure tourism dollars. Local festivals are one of many ways towns can increase economic development. Public relations plays a strong role in these efforts. Chambers of commerce can take the lead and promote town festivals by creating publicity with a variety of tactics. Offering to donate a percentage of sales to charitable organizations also encourages greater sales and assists worthy organizations, which have been hurting since the initial economic downturn.Recessions do not have to be completely negative. Through community involvement and a little creativity, struggling small towns can turn profits. In short, rural areas can have their (pan)cake and eat it, too. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=258&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Dustin Gabus) Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:54:23 CST Rather than cruising through the Caribbean or trekking somewhere tropical, I spent my spring break digging dirt, hauling rocks and riding around in pickup trucks in Guatemala. With the University of Tulsa's Newman Center, I volunteered at the San Lucas Mission in San Lucas Tolimán. The mission oversees a spectrum of projects, from coffee production to improving hospitals and housing, and visitors work with the locals to help support and understand the needs of the community.The trip was an incredible way for me to not only serve others, but also to learn individually. Although I left behind the work shovels and wheelbarrows, I took with me lessons and perspectives. During my time at the mission, I pondered how the trip could impact not just my personal life, but my professional life as well. Two of those lessons I want to share with my PR pros are the importance of stepping back and giving back.The trip was actually my second time to the San Lucas Mission. I was blown away by the progress made on different projects since I was last there two years ago. A concrete foundation slab had transformed into a functioning Center for Women, and hundreds of houses were built in a new, safe neighborhood. This made me think about the importance of stepping back. When deeply involved in a project, we may not fully recognize all the progress made. In times of business and stress, it is all the more important to take a breath, look back and reassess. Along with goals and benchmarking, the optimum public relations campaigns at times simply need a step back to move forward. And what better way to move forward than to give back to the community? It does not take an international trip to make an impact. There are numerous nonprofits, volunteer opportunities and needs to be met right at our own back door. A friend recently recommended www.idealist.org, and it is a great resource for thousands of meaningful organizations, nonprofit jobs and volunteer work. It is easy to be caught up in the busy juggling of life, but it will be all the more meaningful when we take a step back and give back. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=257&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Elizabeth O'Neill) Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:51:16 CST Do you ever wonder where all the stuff we buy comes from and where it goes when we throw it away?Lately I have been giving more thought to the state of our planet, Mother Earth, our current economy and culture, and the way that my lifestyle and choices affect and interact with those elements. How large is my carbon footprint? I am a dedicated recycler, I turn the water off when brushing my teeth, I conserve energy by turning lights off and unplugging unused appliances and I drive a fuel-efficient car – but could I be doing more? Should we all be doing more? If so, what are those things I could be doing – and can I easily incorporate them into an already busy lifestyle?I recently stumbled upon a book while browsing a local bookstore entitled "The Story of Stuff: How Our Obsession with Stuff is Trashing the Planet, Our Communities and Our Health – and a Vision for Change." I was intrigued. Although I did not purchase the book at the time, it did refer me to its corresponding Web site, www.storyofstuff.com, and to what it dubbed the "Internet sensation," a 20-minute video of the "story of stuff" which the book was based upon. So I visited the site and watched the video. In an easy-to-digest and fun format, the video breaks down the process of where all the "stuff" we use comes from, how it's produced and where it goes once we toss it. Called the "materials economy," it explains the process of our consumer-based economy from extraction, production, distribution, consumption and finally, to disposal. Video producer Annie Leonard spent 10 years traveling the world and researching this process.It's a thought-provoking take on how we got to where we are today in regards to our lifestyles, our productivity and wage-earning, how we view the products we use, the state of our planet and our economy, as well as our own values and perspectives. The underlying premise of both the book and the video is perfectly summed up in these statements: "Our system is in crisis. The reason for this is we are running a linear system (extraction to disposal) on a finite planet. You cannot run a linear system on a finite planet indefinitely." Simple yet profound, it certainly makes sense to me.The Web site also provides information on how to get involved in promoting sustainability, lists of local, state and national organizations that are addressing problems and finding solutions, recommended readings and other resources, as well as simple actions each of us can take to conserve energy and sustain our most precious resource and our only home, the Earth.Our planet needs a public relations campaign. We need to ramp up our conservation efforts and continue to inform the public about how they, as individuals, can make a difference. As we commonly say in the PR world, we must be proactive and do what we can to avoid or turn around a crisis situation. We have to spread the word now. This is a case where everyone can get involved in PR. And don't forget - Earth Day is one month from today, April 22.Be sure to visit the Story of Stuff Web site and watch the short video – you are sure to learn something. Because it's time we all became conscious conservators. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=254&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Krista Townsend) Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:18:53 CST Hubris. It's a funny word, but one in which we should all be aware. I learned the word at our last staff retreat. Our president and COO gave a presentation called "Before the Crash," which discussed the rise and fall of some popular companies and individuals (think Enron, Tiger Woods, John Edwards, etc.)It was one of the most interesting presentations I have experienced. It seems like every other week there is a company or person in the news for some shocking scandal. These individuals and entities become the hot topic of discussion for weeks, until the next one comes along and "out scandals" them. Many people, including public relations practitioners and other professionals, like to discuss the issue and hypothesize about what the person should do to atone for their mistakes and recover their reputation. That is all well and good, but people rarely stop to consider how these people got in such a mess in the first place. It's called hubris. It means overconfident pride or extreme arrogance. Hubris often indicates a loss of touch with reality and overestimating one's own competence or capabilities, especially for people in positions of power. It is often associated with a lack of humility. Hubris sums up what happens before the fall from power. Like Tiger Woods stated in his news conference, "I felt like the rules didn't apply to me." A sense of entitlement and power washes over people and they lose sight of their true mission. If people could stop the hubris, they could prevent the downfall. But how do you stop hubris? Good question. I think the key is to surround yourself with good, humble people. Everyone needs a reality check every now and then. Having someone in your life who isn't afraid to do that is important. The people who recently succumbed to their hubris most likely wish someone would have done that for them. In PR, it's always said that the key to preventing a crisis or reputation meltdown is to be proactive. Stopping hubris in its tracks is being proactive. Be aware of the environment and people surrounding you. Figure out your priorities and keep them in mind at all times. There are many successful, powerful people out there from which we can all learn. These people have their priorities straight, surround themselves with respectable people and are careful to remember that they are only human. As we commonly hear at our firm, "To avoid bad press, avoid bad behavior." To avoid bad behavior, avoid hubris. It's all part of an ongoing cycle. In the end, we may have just discovered the key to reputation management: hubris prevention. Perhaps we should consider adding that to our list of services! http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=252&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Alli Yeager) Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:43:37 CST Last week at our spring retreat on the beautifully orange OSU campus, Becky Frank gave her "State of the Firm" update to our entire staff. In 2009, STF | PR had a top year of business in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, but what really struck me was the news that, on average per month, our staff of 24 provides pro bono services for 30 nonprofit organizations – in addition to our more than 60 clients.From the United Way and the Salvation Army to the Sutton Avian Research Center to the American Diabetes Association, Tulsa CARES and Boy Scouts, our staff keeps busy helping the organizations that serve our communities.I don't mean to sound as if we're a bunch of saints, though. Working with a nonprofit is mutually beneficial and I encourage all professionals to find ways to share their talents with an organization whose mission inspires them. Working for a cause that lights your fire provides a sense of fulfillment like no other. You'll plan and attend events, strategically guide the organization, meet incredible people and – most importantly – you'll take an active role improving your community.Next time you see something you think could be improved, do more than think. Act. Instead of passing time on Facebook, do some research online, make a call and find a way to get involved. No matter your expertise, there is a need for it. Let your humanitarian juices flow steady and as Mahatma Gandhi said, "be the change you wish to see in the world."To learn more about how you can get involved, visit the sites below and connect with an organization you believe in.www.volunteermatch.orgwww.oklahomacenterfornonprofits.orgwww.1-800-volunteer.org (a United Way site) http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=250&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Rachel Wright) Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:28:36 CST A friendly reminder to the social media users of the world: if you Tweet it, Facebook it, text it or e-mail it, you are responsible for it.The lines between casual and business conversation are blurring significantly as we all become more connected. But know this: your words online are admissible in a court of law, in the media or in a job interview.Be careful what you say out there. This is much easier said than done, especially with the casual tone of our social media discussions. There is not a week that goes by that STF | PR does not coach a new or existing client on the do's and don'ts of social media protocol.Always be yourself and be honest, but double check before you push send. What would your mother think if she read that Tweet?–because she easily can. And speaking of Twitter, don't follow people that you wouldn't want your mom, the media or your significant other to know you are following. I've seen that backfire as well.And a final note to job applicants, get savvy with your Facebook settings. You may not want me or the HR director at the company where you applied to see your spring break photos, just saying. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=249&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Allison Starke) Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:39:22 CST A recent article in "The New York Times" proves that it takes some longer than others to realize the importance of public opinion. In a piece about Goldman Sachs, one of the many institutions that has received widespread criticism in the global financial crisis, Michelle Leder explains that there is a new risk in the company's latest financial statement: negative publicity. But why has it taken until 2010 for a global investment banking firm to face the truth about public opinion? For starters, the recent financial crisis in Greece has ties to Goldman Sachs and its CEO, Lloyd C. Blankfein, has had to clarify statements about the behavior of the company after confusion among the media arose. In response, Goldman Sachs hired a PR firm – a step in the right direction for a company in hot water. However, the true catalyst for disclosing this risk should come as no surprise. In the report, Goldman Sachs states that negative press coverage has overwhelmingly resulted in regulatory investigations and even lawsuits. The report goes on to say that the cost of responding to the issues, in both time and money, is high. Add the smearing of the company's reputation and decreasing morale and productivity of it's workers and the truth is revealed. Negative publicity could adversely affect business and efficiency of operations. In the end, Goldman Sachs needed to see how negative public opinion could directly affect its business. Sometimes an organization needs to see the direct affect of PR on their own terms, when the time is right. Without crises, organizations are often oblivious to the value of PR, particularly organizations that deal in numbers and concrete evidence. PR cannot always provide specifics for outcomes and exact measurements. But as practitioners, we can provide advice and experience. Undoubtedly, no matter what business you're in, I'm confident a healthy dose of PR counsel will inevitably come in handy. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=244&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Carolyn Siegerist) Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:01:43 CST Watching the Vancouver games, spectators can do more than be entertained and awed. While figuring out what a double toe loop is or making sense of the game of curling, we can actually learn lessons important to our personal and professional lives. More than spins on ice or races down a luge, the Olympics can illustrate humility, teamwork, preparation and other values we can apply to our lives as non-Olympians. Norway's star speed skater Sven Kramer was moments away from winning the gold, when his confused coach gave him incorrect instructions to switch lanes. In a split-second hesitation, Kramer decided to go against his instincts and switch lanes. He was disqualified for skating in the wrong lane. Screaming "what did you do?!", Kramer pushed the blame on his coach. Kramer's blunder illustrates dealing with pressure, using instincts and taking responsibility. This is not to say we should go against coaches' or boss' instructions; rather, we must hold ourselves accountable for our own actions. At some point, we are going to make a mistake. How we respond and take responsibility is what will help us to move on from it. The lessons learned here can be used in public relations as well. In PR, we often counsel clients going through a crisis, and how they respond to the crisis is critical. Pushing blame on others results in a bad situation for everyone involved. If you make a mistake, it is best to admit it, apologize and move on. Mistakes happen, but your response is the key to getting over the mistake. Although Kramer was given incorrect guidance, ultimately he was the one on the ice. Perhaps he should commiserate with Lindsey Jacobellis. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=242&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Elizabeth O'Neill) Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:06:10 CST I recently had a student from Oklahoma City University – a senior majoring in mass communications – contact me with questions about the public relations profession. He said he was considering steering his education towards the field and wanted to know what it was like to work in public relations, particularly at a PR firm, and why I chose to enter the profession. As a seasoned PR professional who has worked in the industry for nearly 15 years with a career in communications spanning more than 20 years, I had to dig deep in the recesses of my mind to recall just exactly why I decided to traverse this career trail so many years ago. I mean, there was a reason I pursued it, wasn't there?Oh yes, as I now recall, there definitely was a reason. In fact, many reasons. With a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism in hand, I eagerly pursued the field of news reporting in the initial stages of my career. I had many excellent opportunities to work in both print and broadcast, including radio and television. I had a wide variety of experiences as a young reporter in the field, ready to "get the scoop" before my competitors. I spent several years as a news reporter where I gained knowledge and experience that eventually would prove invaluable to my career in public relations. After nearly eight years as a reporter, I decided to pursue a master's degree in public health and specialize in the arena of health reporting and marketing. This eventually led to my transition into public relations, where I remain today.Which brings me back to the original question of why I pursued a career in public relations. Well, not just because I'm a "people person," although that attribute can be helpful in this field. I pursued public relations because I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to make a difference in how a company or organization shaped its image and presented its messages to the public. I wanted to make a difference by helping a company or organization succeed by increasing its brand awareness and shining a spotlight on its positive attributes. I wanted to make a difference in the public's knowledge and perception of products and services available. And I wanted to work with the public, the media and corporate staff in a collaborative effort to develop and distribute communications, both internal and external. I enjoy being "in the middle" of it all, serving as a liaison between the various elements of corporations, the public and the media, remaining on the cutting edge of corporate and community activities and events. Public relations provides the opportunity to shape public opinion on critical issues and to be on the forefront of thought leadership and dynamic vision. Public relations gets in your blood – coursing through your veins and embedding itself in the fabric of your being. I cannot visualize myself doing anything else – my love for this profession has grown exponentially in the years I have been practicing. No two days are alike – and each day brings news challenges and rewards. I am proud to be a public relations professional – and I think I'm here to stay. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=241&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Krista Townsend) Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:47:30 CST Some are calling the Winter Olympics "cursed", the "worst-ever" or the "Glitch Games". Does Vancouver deserve this reputation? Could these snafus have been prevented or does it all boil down to bad luck? The problems began years ago with talks of budget woes and bankrupt sponsors. But, the real attention came as the games geared up. It started with the death of a Georgian luger during training. Some question whether it was driver error or a dangerous track. Others contribute the death to the Canadian policy of limiting visiting teams' access to Olympic venues. Here is a recap of some of the other glitches:At the opening ceremony, one of the four pillars of the Olympic cauldron malfunctioned, leaving one pillar motionless and one torchbearer jobless. The ice-resurfacing machine broke down two days in a row at the speed skating oval. Races were delayed for hours while a replacement machine was brought in from another town. Organizers refunded 28,000 tickets amounting to $1.5 million because of weather that created unsafe conditions on Cypress Mountain. Some fans weren't notified of the closure until they arrived at the mountain.Vendor lines are too long. Fans have waited over an hour in lines to buy a hot beverage. Officials stated there was no room for more facilities, fuelling further scrutiny of venue choice. Transportation is unreliable. Buses have been breaking down or getting lost, causing fans to wait in the cold for hours. Timers' errors falsely recorded the results of two biathletes. Anti-Olympic protests are frequent sights. Protestors are unhappy with the money spent hosting the Olympics in a city with a significant homeless population. A barrier collapsed at the start of a concert and injured 19 people. They immediately canceled the show. A faulty spigot flooded a luge track. Weather is perhaps the biggest problem. Unusually warm weather and heavy rain have caused long delays in competition.A spokesperson for the games compared the problems to losing luggage, stating, "It's not whether your luggage gets lost, it's how you deal with it. We are dealt the cards we are dealt with. We have done everything we could to put in place the very best plans."Mistakes happen and you can't predict everything. Problems like the weather are out of your control. How you deal with problems that arise is the key factor. However, I disagree that they did everything they could to put in place the very best plans. Problems can be prevented if you prepare and implement a crisis communication plan. Most of the bulleted glitches above could have been better addressed.In public relations, we plan and prepare. And once we think we have planned and prepared enough, we do it some more. You have to plan for the worst and consider every possible scenario. No one expects perfection. But if mistakes pile up, your reputation may suffer. A rule we live by in PR is, "public perception is everything". Whether a negative perception is just or unjust, you have to do something to fix it. Vancouver might still have time to turn their Olympic reputation around. If handled correctly, people will brush off the mistakes as "working out the kinks". You can't wait until problems arise to deal with them. You have to be proactive and have a plan in place. I guess the old saying is true: "Plan for the worst and hope for the best." http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=240&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Alli Yeager) Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:46:47 CST Have you seen Undercover Boss on CBS Sunday nights? It's a PR dream opportunity and potential nightmare all rolled into one sneaky little hour.Each week on the new show, a c-level exec from a recognizable brand, like Waste Management and 7-Eleven, goes undercover to work frontline positions in the company he or she oversees. This week it was the "delightfully tacky, yet unrefined" Hooters CEO, who left his nest and comfy boardroom chair to take out the trash, wash the dishes and see first-hand how his brand is perceived.Posing as an entry-level job candidate, the CEO worked in various positions at different Hooters locations. One of his jobs was to assist two female employees as they handed out free wings on the street to promote their nearby restaurant http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6201156n&tag=related;photovideo . I was disheartened to see the complete surprise on the CEO's face when a woman told him, and the two young women in uniform next to him, that she felt the Hooters brand was degrading to women. It's one thing to disagree with an opinion, but it's another to act as if you have never heard it before.The moment reminded me of something our founder, Chuck Schnake, used to tell us at morning staff meetings. He would tell us to get out of the trenches to see things from the hill. Chuck reminded us how easy it is to lose sight of the big picture – the public's perception of your brand – when you're totally immersed in that brand. Of course you think your brand is wonderful, but that's not what matters. As Chuck would also say, "public perception is everything" and especially for brands that depend on public consumption.The companies on Undercover Boss take huge risks by exposing their wrongdoings at all levels of employment. But great risk is often met with great reward. The Hooters brand was plastered all over the screen for an hour and the company is publicly appearing to be trying to do better. Generally, if you make yourself vulnerable and admit your transgressions with genuine remorse, the public will be more forgiving than if you try to cover it up (think Tiger Woods, here). http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=238&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Rachel Wright) Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:56:36 CST I'll admit we're Winter Olympics junkies around my house, and we were sad to see Lindsey Jacobellis' dream of Olympic gold evaporate for the second time.Four years ago in Turin, Italy, Jacobellis was way ahead of her competition in the women's snowboardcross final when a celebratory move on the home stretch caused her to fall and cost her the gold.Jacobellis was only 19 at the time and was criticized far and wide for her premature celebration. Yesterday, Jacobellis had a chance to redeem herself, but she went off course in the semifinal round, nicking a course gate and automatically disqualifying herself. She was not immediately available for comment. I don't blame her. She's had to do a lot of rehashing of the 2006 Olympics and now she'll have to double the flashbacks as the widely acclaimed "best in the world" missed the mark twice when it really counted.Yesterday's disqualification will probably not haunt her as much as the misstep in the Turin games. Sure snowboarders and all athletes crash, but the difference four years ago was that her crash was self-imposed.One of the many lessons here, which I'm sure I'm not the first to point out, is that one has to see things through to the very end (in PR and in life in general). The race, presentation, meeting, etc. is not over until you're across the line, out the door and at home holding your gold medal. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=237&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Allison Starke) Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:34:44 CST Call me old school, but I love reading the newspaper. There is something so gratifying about picking up the Sunday paper and reading each page from front to back. Sadly, we've all heard the sky is falling and newspapers are a dying breed. A 2009 article from the Business Insider, The Year the Newspaper Died, (http://www.businessinsider.com/the-death-of-the-american-newspaper-2009-7) states that 10,000 newspaper jobs were lost in 2009, that print ad sales fell 30 percent and 23 of the top 25 newspapers reported circulation declines between 7 and 20 percent.I can't help but feel that I'm contributing to those numbers. More and more, I find myself turning to my iPhone for the latest breaking news. The first thing I do every morning is read Tulsa World via its iPhone application. The second thing I do is scan the CNN iPhone app. With the recent winter storms Tulsa experienced, I found myself glued to Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates from PSO Oklahoma (@PublicServiceCo) and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (@OKDOT). Although these new mediums are great and strengthen the need for traditional media to expand its outreach, the newspaper isn't dying, it's just changing shape.Free news Web sites like NewsOK.com are extremely popular, and I hope publishing companies will be able to stay in business and cover overhead costs without the revenue created by subscriptions. Maybe the end of the classic print newspaper doesn't have to mean the end of news jobs. The New York Times will begin charging non-subscribers for Web access in 2011. It looks like 2010 will be a transitional year for newspapers and their readers. I, for one, will be glued to my PDA to see what's next. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=235&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Kari Culp) Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:45:50 CST I was recently asked about conflict management's role in PR. While it may not be a top-of-mind service that a PR professional provides, it really is a regular part of our jobs. The concept of reaching people with a message they can understand is a function of conflict management. Complaining is easy. Being negative is not difficult. It's coming up with a solution that's the hard part. One thing that makes PR professionals valuable is being able to come to the table with a solution that all parties can live with and maybe even agree on. It's not easy, but someone once told me that listening is what makes you an outstanding PR person. Not just hearing, but listening to find common ground and for what is at the heart of a matter.Many times, the heart of a conflict can be linked to the fact that people aren't speaking in the same terms or are trying to speak around one another. Being able to develop messages and communication that people can hear and understand is one of the most valuable things a PR professional can offer. So the next time you or someone you know thinks that PR is only about publicity, think again. PR extends far beyond large-scale messages. It gets into the heart of one-on-one communication. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=234&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Lucinda Rojas) Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:37:46 CST In the land of Sooners and Cowboys, one Longhorn has made his way into the hearts of Oklahomans. Kevin Durant, the Oklahoma City Thunder's most heralded possession and former University of Texas superstar, has gone from being loathed by OU and OSU fans to being accepted as one of our own. How in the world of everything Barry Switzer is this possible?Well, Kevin Durant is a natural. He says and does all the right things before and after lighting up opposing defenses for 30 points. He has embraced the city and state many people thought could not support an NBA franchise. He is active in the community. He's a walking (and high-flying) example of how a superstar athlete should act.Sure, he's probably received very good public relations counsel, but some people either have it or they don't. Kevin Durant has it and he's only 21 years old. I can only imagine what the 30-year-old version of @KevinDurant35 will be like. Let's all just hope he's still in Oklahoma City nine years from now and has two or three championship rings.Good luck in the NBA All-Star game this weekend, Kevin. As the first NBA All-Star in Oklahoma history, make us proud! http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=233&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Blake Loepp) Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:30:37 CST Many tasks in our day-to-day lives lead us to ask ourselves: Do I take a risk, or do I play it safe? It has been my experience that taking a risk is often the better choice. This does not mean that one should take risks without forethought, though. Simply put, the adage of high risk, high reward rings true in a wide array of life's situations. Particularly in the working world, the person who is willing to take risks, albeit well thought out, sets himself apart from the person who always takes the safe way out. Safety has very predictable outcomes, and there is certainly a time and place for such precaution. However, if everyone played it safe all the time, there would be no ingenuity. Many of the inventions and ideas that have shaped our modern world would not exist. To decide whether a risky decision is worth making, weigh the possible outcomes and evaluate whether what could be gained outweighs what could be lost. Most people at the forefront of change will say that it's not easy to take risks, but it is often times worth it. A great example of thinking outside the box is Target. Starting off as a department store, Target opened its doors the same year as both Kmart and Walmart. After years of stiff competition, Target took a risk and tried a new approach. Instead of aiming to be the least expensive, territory already claimed by Walmart, Target started to position itself as a store with higher-quality items for a still-affordable price. There weren't any examples for Target to go by, but they trusted their instincts that setting themselves apart would pay off in the end. Now there is a distinct difference between the Target product and customer and that of Walmart and Kmart. This has allowed them to remain hugely successful, while also changing the perception of discount department stores entirely. I myself have made decisions that did not guarantee success and led to consequences. However, I would never take back any situation when I decided to be different and take a risk. Those decisions have made a difference in my life and make me who I am today, much like the famous ending to the Robert Frost poem, "The Road Not Taken": "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." So when the time comes to choose between playing it safe or going out on a limb and risking failure, try something new. You might surprise yourself when you succeed. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=231&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Carolyn Siegerist) Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:41:19 CST I keep a sheet taped on the wall of my office titled: Questions You Should Ask Yourself… by the late, great Chuck Schnake. The list primarily deals with client relationships. I look at it just about every day, and more than simply reading the questions, it makes me wonder what Chuck would do in certain situations.One situation that comes to mind is the recent Toyota recall effort. Toyota has been in the news for months with unresolved problems with several models. And it seems like there's been a lot of talking, but little action from Toyota.Recently, Toyota's U.S. president and COO broadcast this Open Letter to Toyota Customers. The letter was distributed through advertisements in major newspapers, including The Oklahoman. I assumed the presence of this letter meant action was not far away. I guess I was wrong. The media world is still buzzing about Toyota's inaction. Just this morning I heard another report about it.In this instance, Chuck Schnake would have said two words: deeds first. Or at least, he would counsel Toyota to back up their words with some quick deeds. It seems like many individuals and organizations get caught up in the media frenzy. They talk a lot and make statements, but too many times we don't see the deeds that they promise in their words.In Toyota's case, the company's reputation (sterling until recently) has been tarnished. Some quick deeds could stop the bleeding and show their customers they are serious about quality and safety. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=228&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Michael Willis) Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:16:21 CST Within the last couple of years, the global Mexican restaurant franchise Chipotle has moved into the Oklahoma City and Tulsa markets. Chipotle has a steady following of enthusiastic fans enticed by the restaurant's fare of over-stuffed burritos and tacos. What is interesting about Chipotle is the company's wild success despite a field that some would argue is oversaturated with the likes of Taco Bell and other fast food Mexican restaurants.Chipotle relates its success to its marketing strategy. Instead of devoting millions of dollars to advertising, Chipotle expends most of its marketing efforts with PR. At the heart of this strategy, the company uses corporate social responsibility (CSR). More than 10 years ago, Chipotle adopted the Food With Integrity (FWI) slogan while the company slowly switched to purchasing organic food products. Organic meats come from free range farms rather than factories that often use inhumane farming practices. At first, company executives were worried that customers would not pay extra for organic foods; however, sales actually dramatically increased. Beginning in 2002, the company began building environmentally friendly restaurants that are energy efficient and use sustainable building materials. Rather than advertising, Chipotle uses local events and other PR tactics toencourageits customers to act as disciples of the company brand. Chipotle typically builds restaurants in progressive suburbs and college towns full of consumers who are more likely to be interested in and willing to spend more money on socially responsible products and services. Not only do Chipotle's menu offerings taste good, but customers also walk away with the knowledge that they supported a socially responsible company. While not every company will achieve instant monetary success from adopting socially responsible practices, Chipotle serves as a case study on how restaurants can incorporate CSR in their overall branding strategies. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=226&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Dustin Gabus) Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:34:02 CST This semester, I am working on bringing a PRSSA chapter to the University of Tulsa. Being someone who does not usually say "no," I raced toward the opportunity to activate the chapter on campus. Planning meetings, piles of paper, hoops to jump and strands of e-mails woke me up to the avalanche of detail that tumbles from high goals. How will we get funding? Who will speak at meetings? How can we attract members? Where can we hold meetings? Left and right the details came charging, and I'm learning how to tackle details before becoming buried. I know my PRSSA effort is just one of the many big projects I will have to handle. The PR world brings ongoing challenges that require keen attentiveness to detail. Whether a news conference, presentation or client event, successful execution comes down to details, details, details. Personal experience and guidance from others is the best way to learn, so here is my advice on how to tackle the detail avalanche before it falls:Make a plan. When faced with a new project, you may be excited or anxious to immediately jump in and start working. Even if the undertaking is time sensitive, making a plan is imperative. By considering the details first, you will save time later by being prepared for what is to come. Create goals and set timelines with specific actions that should be completed. Remember the simple four W's – know who is doing what, where and when and how each action will be completed.Foresee the unforeseen. Surprises may be fun for birthdays, but not for public relations. Planning requires a certain amount of foresight. Although we can never fully predict what is to come, we can prepare for potential snags by playing out all the details. Think out possible scenarios for what could go wrong and possible consequences for each action.Stay calm and focused. Grade school teachers were right with their "attitude is everything" mantra. If stress and negativity take over, performance will go by the wayside. Focus on the plan and don't let the details consume you.Don't be afraid to ask for help. As awesome as it would be to morph into a PR superhero capable of conquering all details, we cannot always do it all. If you start to feel the avalanche quake, don't be afraid to seek support from co-workers and those around you. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=224&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Elizabeth O'Neill) Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:30:54 CST It's interesting how easy it is for miscommunication to occur, even in the simplest of human interactions. As a practicing public relations professional, where it is basically my full-time job to be an effective communicator, I am always hyper-aware of whether I am effectively communicating – or not! So remembering the basics of the 'communication loop' is always a good topic to revisit from time to time.We all have a need to communicate, to be heard, to be understood. And I think we all believe we are effective communicators. But when miscommunication does occur, we may have a tendency to think the other person is at fault without first considering whether we, ourselves, were actually effective in communicating our initial message.Communication is a basic, human interaction. But it is a process, which means it is ongoing, subject to change and may or may not have both a beginning and an end.Many of you may recall studying the communication loop in one of your college courses. The communication loop model is composed of the sender of the message (the transmitter), a receiver (the destination of the message) and the response statement. To be effective, a message must be mutually understood; however, the chances of this happening without working at a conscious level can be small.There are many factors to consider when a sender transmits his or her original message. Body language, tone and inflection of voice, environment, emotions and other filters all come into play. But if the sender wants to know that he is heard and understood, then he will want some assurance the message was received appropriately. So an effective communicator will need to obtain some sort of response from the listener. For a communication loop to be complete, it requires some feedback from the listener.An ineffective speaker may not be able to tell, or may not care, whether the listener is understanding the message. The receiver of the message may have to take the initiative to further clarify by asking questions. Or, the sender may need to ask the listener to repeat back in his own words how he is interpreting the message for communication to fully take place. But if neither of these actions takes place, major miscommunication may be the result, especially if the receiver acts on misinterpreted information which can lead to further confusion. Barriers and filters that exist between the sender and receiver also play a part in whether a message is communicated effectively or not. Barriers can be caused by external factors such as noise and acoustics, or internal factors such as frame of reference, emotions, fatigue, etc. Filters are based on and made up of assumptions, past experience, needs, perceptions, attitudes, anxieties, self-esteem, ego, judgments, preoccupation, emotions and personality. These filters may be categorized as:• Assumptions about yourself• Attitudes about the message itself• Sensing the receiver's reactionThe bottom line is that communication is not just an exchange of information, effective communication is about understanding. It's about sending a message to another person in a way that can be mutually understood. That is what makes the communication loop complete.So now the question is - has my communication about effective communication been effectively communicated? http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=223&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Krista Townsend) Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:38:35 CST I saw an article on cnn.com this morning about Royal Caribbean resuming day trips to Labadee, its private beach in Haiti. Emotions of passengers who are scheduled to stop at Labadee are obviously strong. Guilt seems to be topping the list. That makes sense. It would be hard for me to bathe in the sun in Haiti right now, knowing the suffering that is taking place just hours away.Ethics experts say that passengers should NOT feel badly since they are helping the Haitian economy, just like tourists did in New York City after 9/11 and in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. After all, the Domican Republic, close neighbor to Haiti, is enjoying tourist business as usual.But still. This horrible disaster happened just a mere week ago, and the Dominican Republic is not Haiti.Perception is reality, you know.Maybe Royal Caribbean should consider allowing its passengers to volunteer somehow when they stop at Labadee, if they choose. Unload aide packages the cruise line says it's carrying in or put together aid packages to be taken to those in need. Something.After all, just because the cruise line says it's OK, and the ethicists say it should feel right, does not make it right–especially when you're sitting in the sun with nothing to do but stare at the ocean and think of the victims. You can read more about it Royal Caribbean and Haiti here: http://m.cnn.com/primary/_Cy4i8q-iFEhrbDUZq http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=220&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Allison Starke) Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:48:39 CST In the aftermath of the January 12 earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, people around the world have rallied to support the impoverished nation and donated millions of dollars for relief and reconstruction. Instead of traditional telethons and bake sales, we've witnessed a new form of fundraising through text messages and e-mail blasts.To date, the Red Cross has raised more than $24 million solely by cell phone users texting the word "Haiti" to 90999 to give $10. This is made possible through a platform called mGive. The simplicity of mGive is why the American Red Cross is seeing record breaking numbers for a mobile giving campaign. As the death toll continues to rise, the people of Haiti need help; even if is through a simple text message. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=219&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Kari Culp) Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:59:01 CST I blogged about a similar topic sometime last year, but it's always important to remember the foundation of PR. We all know that PR stands for public relations, but our late friend and founder, Chuck Schnake, would say it should stand for public relationships.We provide services that enhance the reputations of our clients. But relationships are the basis – relationships with clients, relationships with reporters, relationships with elected officials and so on.Recently, I watched the movie Up In The Air. The main character, Ryan Bingham, has a part-time job giving motivational talks that encourage people to lighten their loads by removing unnecessary relationships, because they are the heaviest baggage we carry around. He later learns the hard way that he is wrong.Sometimes, we might think it's easier to lighten our loads by ignoring or neglecting relationships, either personal or professional. If you're a public relations practitioner, good relationships are a necessity. For most other professionals, they are still pretty important.A lightened load can come back to haunt you. Spend time getting to know people and helping them when you can. The payoff will be exponential.For 2010, I'd encourage you to set a goal in terms of fostering or developing relationships. The benefits are endless both professionally and personally. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=216&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Michael Willis) Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:07:18 CST With the semester wrapping up, I am finally seeing all those semester-long projects come to completion. It is senior year, so I suppose professors are trying to "expand our minds" with group projects and assignments galore, in preparation for post-graduation life. As I go home for Christmas break, a big lesson I will take away with me is how to effectively work in groups.Set Goals and Responsibilities. By stating specific objectives upfront, planning how to achieve them and assigning individual members responsibilities, group work will move more smoothly. To make the most of the group, it is good to distribute work by area of expertise. Respect. Being a team player means being respectful of each member. We have to learn to compromise and come to consensus. At times, group dynamics may not be ideal, but with patience and respect, collaborating is possible.Listen. We tend to think our own ideas are the best ones. Don't be afraid to state your opinion, but avoid ego and listen to everyone's ideas. Someone else may have a different solution to a problem and all proposals should be considered.Evaluate. The project should not end with the final presentation. Rather, assess the project with your members, discuss challenges and successes and say "thank you." Remember that you may work together again.Now I know teamwork reaches far beyond that class advertising project or PR presentation, and effectively collaborating with others is a skill vital to public relations. Although it can be at times frustrating, working in groups can be fun and can generate great ideas and results. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=213&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Elizabeth O'Neill) Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:00:58 CST I recently ran across a top 10 list of "rules" for providing excellent client service. The list actually comes from the "How to Practice Law" section of a legal entity's Practice Guide, but can easily be applied to any business in the client-services industry. These rules can be used to align the interests of clients/customers and service providers to the fullest extent possible. I found value in this list so I thought I would share it.1. The client is the main event. The client is everything – they pay our fees, give us interesting and enjoyable work and are the reasons we exist. Be sure that you are always conveying this to the client and not just paying it lip service.2. Ensure everyone in your firm knows the client is the main event. Make sure you are communicating this clearly to everyone in the firm –from the big picture all the way down to the smallest details.3. Consistently deliver quality work that enhances your image and reputation with clients. Deliver your very best – every time.4. Communicate, communicate, communicate! Maintain regular and consistent contact, follow-up on a timely basis, confirm meetings and appointments and always keep your clients in the loop.5. Know the client. The client wants you to know who they are. Take time out to learn the stock price, industry, day-to-day culture, players and overall goals of your client. Visit their offices and plants. Develop a habit of finding out about and keeping up with clients and their trials and tribulations in and out of the areas you are representing. Learn about your client – and keep learning about them. Devise a system to keep up on the latest news and events.6. Be there for clients – 24/7. Make clients a priority. Let your clients know that you are totally accessible (no client worth keeping will abuse this privilege) and then show them. We now live in a world that never sleeps – and competition for good clients is getting stiffer. It is wise to compete based on excellent service – use your best skills delivered with superior service. For most of us to be competitive, we have to get into the habit of "being there" – that means both quality time and any time. Good clients deserve this.7. Be accurate, thorough, timely and responsive. Enough said.8. Treat each client like he or she is your best and only client. Clients appreciate attentiveness and your undivided attention when communicating with them. Clients want and need to feel like they are the stand-out client. Look for opportunities to convey this tenet.9. When you work, you are marketing. Through the quality of the services, products and communications you provide, you are constantly sending small but powerful 'ads' about who you are to clients. The messages in these 'ads' run from "don't hire us again" to "we want to keep your business – and get more of it." If you are aiming for repeat business, then doing good work –which includes the quality of communication and follow-up while you are doing it – may be the driver in whether you get more of that work.10. Have fun! Need I say more, really?I think keeping this list as a reference tool when working with clients will benefit both you and your firm, not to mention the client. I know I plan to keep it handy. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=211&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Krista Townsend) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:24:46 CST Today at our Schnake U class we discussed news conferences. I have only been to one news conference in my new PR career, and it wasn't even hosted by us. l learned a lot today. Everyone has certain parts of his or her job that particularly interest him or her. For me, those are writing and editing, event planning and research (to a certain extent). In a way, I consider news conferences in the "event planning" category. Until today, I didn't know much about the makings of a news conference. It looks relatively easy. It's just a bunch of people gathered around a podium to hear someone announce something. Well, after learning the tricks of the trade, it doesn't sound as easy as I thought. Here are a few things I learned today:Purpose. Decide if a news conference is really the best way to deliver your message. If it can be better said in a news release or through social media, then there is probably no need for a news conference. News conferences are best used when you need to get a message across to a large audience all at once. Logistics. Location choice and time of day are key. Be sensitive to media schedules and be aware of how the news cycle flows. It's best to choose a location with a significant background. This creates a good visual for the media. If you can't pick a scenic location, choose a nice backdrop. You also need to consider parking, A/V needs and staging and seating requirements, among other things.Client Expectations. As PR professionals, it is our responsibility to prepare the client. Walking them through the steps and rehearsing speeches is important. A simple media training session or creation of talking points can make all the difference. Assisting them on who to invite is also important. Sometimes it is good to invite stakeholders outside the media - customers, vendors, employees and supporters.Media Expectations. It's important to be timely when informing the media about the news conference. Media advisories need to be sent out a few days in advance, when possible. Follow-up media calls are useful, especially when there is short notice. Media packets are important, too. The news release, background information, pictures, Web site information and anything else you can think of that the media would want should be included in the packet. Greeting the media when they arrive and handing them packets will help keep things organized. Lastly, it is important to be flexible with the media and adjust to their needs.Firm Expectations. It's important for our firm to uphold quality standards. People expect news conferences to be on time and it is our job to ensure that everything runs efficiently. We have to prepare and plan for the unexpected. Each staff member has a role and it is our job to uphold our reputation of being a reliable, professional firm.These are just a few things I learned. There is much more to the art of the news conference. This was one of my favorite Schnake U classes so far. It is great for newbies like me and a good refresher for those more experienced as well. Now, I feel ready to take on a news conference. Anyone feeling the need to make a big announcement? Count me in. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=209&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Alli Yeager) Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:59:45 CST I'm beginning to see Christmas and holiday cards trickle in both at home and at work. I hope I'm not alone in admitting that I love receiving these. At home, holiday pictures of friends and family are lining our mantle. At work, cards from businesses whose relationships have evolved into friendships are displayed on my desk. I also have a few holiday update letters arriving at home. My favorite annual letter doesn't traditionally arrive until January 1. This New Year's letter is a parody of a particular friend's life. She usually has her young children give shout outs to their (imaginary) parole officers and includes a description of her (fictitious) holiday meal which generally includes ham in a can. Tucked inside another of my favorite Christmas cards is always a homemade Christmas CD, which is better than any Pottery Barn holiday mix.An alarming new trend I noticed last season was the online holiday greeting card. I'm just not a fan. Online birthday party invitations-yes. Online open house invitations-my preference. Online Christmas cards-not feeling it. And, I'm sure someone I follow on Twitter will send a link to an online holiday card. Not super excited about the thought of this either. The Christmas card, in my book, is akin to the thank you note. Sign 'em, stamp 'em, send 'em. In today's electronic communication world, I receive so few handwritten cards or notes that I save them all. Why? Because someone spent his time to remember how to write in cursive and sign his name without an electronic signature and send my way.The economy's tight, but don't scrimp on your holiday greeting, whether at home or at the office. You could even take a picture of your card with your iPhone and post it on Twitter and Facebook.Remember, dropping the actual cards in the mail may be the one thing that sets you apart or makes a bright spot in someone's over-scheduled, online communicating day. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=208&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Allison Starke) Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:35:53 CST The Salvation Army red kettle, the Angel Tree at the mall, hot meals at John 3:16. 'Tis the season to give back.It's easy to get caught up in the spirit of Santa, gift-giving and holiday parties, but it is so important to remember to give back this time of year. This is a critical season for nonprofits. It is crucial for us to remember those who are less fortunate than we.Each year during the holidays, Schnake Turnbo Frank | PR employees donate time and money to give back to people in need through our holiday giving program. We've donated food and clothes to families, rung the bell at a kettle for The Salvation Army and sent care packages to soldiers oversees with Blue Star Mothers. This year we are raising money to support people with diabetes through the Oklahoma City chapter of the American Diabetes Association. Over 420,000 Oklahomans suffer from the disease – and diabetes kills more Americans each year than cancer and AIDS combined. We don't do these projects because we have to. We do these projects because we want to. Each year, we pick a nonprofit agency that is some way connected to a STF | PR staff member. It's a great way to help the community and support our fellow coworkers. If you or your company is looking for something to do this holiday season, below are some links to nonprofits that could probably use some help.The Salvation ArmyMeals on WheelsTulsa Day Center for the Homeless http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=206&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Kari Culp) Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:45:38 CST Reputation: it's a simple word with big implications. The very definition reveals that it's more than character alone, it's character as seen or judged by people in general. As a business owner, an employee or an individual, reputation is something you face every day.Recently, there have been several public events that I think warrant a reminder that the destruction of a good reputation can hinge on a single event.. It may not always be the original event that harms a reputation. The reaction, or lack thereof, can also be the culprit.While I'm tired of hearing about Tiger Woods' accident, it is a clear example of why you should handle situations with a straightforward response. Just like the rest of the world, I have no idea what happened that night, but our world operates on information and without any, people will speculate. The lack of a response is harming his image by the day. As mentioned in a recent commentary, "Tiger whiffed on his first major public relations test."While this is a large scale and very public display of reputation management, what we can learn from it trickles down to businesses and individuals. As many times as we are reminded of the importance of our reputation, it will always be an issue. In fact, it's even more likely to be an issue in the age of immediate access to news, opinions and updates via new media. You may call it something else – customer service, client relationships or otherwise – but it will always boil down to reputation.As public relations practitioners our job is to handle these types of situations to the best of our ability in an honorable manner. In short, face it. That's not always easy to do in the midst of other counsel and potential consequences, but the way you handle a reputation crisis will determine how your character is judged. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=204&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Lucinda Rojas) Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:08:46 CST At this time of year, we should all be thankful for the lives we lead, the things we have, and most importantly, our family and friends. I decided to write this Thanksgiving blog about something other than the normal things for which I give thanks.I want this Thanksgiving wish to go out to our friends at Ford Motor Company. For complete disclosure, our firm does not represent Ford. Over the past several years, most news about the American auto manufacturing business has been negative; very negative. GM and Chrysler have used stimulus funds to retool and rethink. They've discussed reachable goals, but unfortunately, have not delivered. Both domestic and foreign automakers are struggling, with some posting losses when they never have before.When the auto stimulus was discussed in Congress, people ridiculed Ford for not requesting these dollars. But today, Ford is the only auto maker based in the U.S. to post a profit; $1 billion in the third quarter. See this Associated Press story in the Tulsa World.I know this makes me sound like a capitalist (I am), but this is great news for our country. No, it's not the end of the recession, and it's not the end of challenging times for Ford and other U.S. automakers. However, it is a good example of American industry fighting back; people working together to make positive strides.While Ford is not at the top of everyone's Thanksgiving list, the hope that they've helped create should be.Happy Thanksgiving! http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=202&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Michael Willis) Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:37:13 CST I have worked in the rewarding field of public relations for more than 12 years now, and have had the opportunity to work with a variety of people in a number of industries and encounter countless situations that both tested and challenged my knowledge and skills. For most of those years, I served as in-house counsel and/or as a spokesperson for one particular company or agency. It has only been for the past five or six years that I have been serving as an account executive for a public relations firm, managing accounts for a wide range of clients. Serving in both capacities, as in-house counsel and as client counsel, has afforded me different experiences and perspectives, as well as different sets of challenges and rewards. But one of the most unexpected rewards of doing client work is the bond that is formed between an account manager and his or her client. Mind you, this bond is not a 'given,' and I'm sure it does not occur in every situation. However, I think that if an account manager has worked to establish a rapport with his or her client and is giving that account his or her very best effort, that will be clear to the client. Over time, a sense of trust and respect will naturally develop, which is the foundation of that bond. The more trust and respect that develops, the stronger that bond becomes. The stronger that bond, the more rewarding is the relationship between client and account manager.The relationship between client and account manager really is unique. If you break it down to its very core, it truly is a partnership. As a client's PR counsel, you are privy to highly-confidential information and may know things about the company that not even its employees are aware of. You may see the CEO at his or her most vulnerable, looking to you for sound advice and strategy. You are entrusted with that company's image and reputation – something never to be taken lightly! Your words, your communications to the public and the media, are sometimes the first encounter an individual has with a given company. As a PR pro, that is a serious and profound responsibility, as well as a privilege. At the same time, you will know the joy and sense of accomplishment as you celebrate success alongside your client, some of which you undoubtedly helped to bring about. It's not just the trust and respect that will create the bonds, but the support and counsel provided during challenging times, as well as the moments of shared celebration during triumphant times.Client work can be difficult – yes, you need to be there for your clients 24/7; yes, the client always comes first; yes, clients can be very demanding on one hand or non-responsive on the other. But the rewards you will reap from this relationship are varied and many – and well worth it. I have been blessed to call so many of my clients not only clients, but true friends in every sense of the word. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=201&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Krista Townsend) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:00:20 CST From the moment you enter the professional world, you hear how vital networking is to your future success. My intention is not to further annoy young professionals with this message. Rather, I hope to ease the tense minds, shoulders and jaw bones of new professionals who sweat at the very thought of an awkward networking situation.Disclaimer: I am in no way, shape or form an expert schmoozer. Or an expert anything, for that matter. I'm still in my first year as a "professional" and, honestly, still feel a bit silly calling myself one.The awkward first business lunch. My head aches at the memory. You can barely look away from your menu for fear of saying something stupid to the prospective client across the table. Keep this in mind: they're human, too – mere mortals with one advantage. Experience. And the fact that he or she is sitting across from you - intimidatingly coolly - means he or she must have been a young professional who wanted to die at the thought of doing what you're bravely doing right now. Hang in there! It will get easier.Confidence is the key and, unfortunately, it's not something you can acquire overnight. Becoming comfortable and confident in high-stakes situations honestly does come with practice. It's earned and once you have it, you won't lose it. Hopefully, I can help you get there sooner than you think, by giving you some simple – and maybe ridiculously obvious – tips you may have been too panicked to consider in those awful "drawing a blank" situations.Prepare. If you're uncomfortable in mingling crowds – think positive – at least you know you are, so you can prepare yourself to appear comfortable. Before you know it, you'll really be comfortable! Think of a few conversational topics that apply to anyone you'll run into. Think about two or three conversation-starters before you get to the event. If you're really up on your current events, keep it to pop culture. Don't assume everyone listens to NPR on his way to work. Upcoming holidays, weather and industry trends are always good Plan B topics. You don't have to be an expert to ask if they have any big plans for (insert upcoming holiday here). Religion and politics aren't usually appropriate topics.Maintain eye contact. Nothing says, "I'm so nervous I could puke all over you." like wandering eyes. If I get the urge to look down because I'm embarrassed or caught off guard, I try to remind myself to make a game out of it. It's a staring contest that you'll always win! Just find the blackest part of the person's pupil, keep a friendly face and don't look away until the conversation is over.Answer questions, but don't just answer questions. Chances are, if they're asking "So, what's new?" they're in the same boat as you. They don't know what to say, but they don't want to sit awkwardly, either. Wow them with your amazingly interesting life and job. There has got to be something going on that you can discuss - new house, new book, new movie, new passion, upcoming trip or holiday. After you've answered, throw an open-ended question at them. "What about you?" is perfectly fine. Observe. If you have a mentor, see how he or she does things. If you pay close attention, you'll notice they have schmoozing strategies and they're not afraid to share them with you. If you don't have a mentor, get one – and hang on for dear life. Another important mental note to take is to notice how not to schmooze. Don't dominate the conversation or get too deep. Keep it light and friendly.Finally, embrace your youth. Be real – you're a young professional and, in many cases, you can use that as an advantage. If you don't know which fork to use, lean in with a smile and ask someone with a whisper, "Which one's the salad fork?!". More often than not, they'll appreciate your genuineness and it'll remind them of the first time they were in that situation. Laugh at yourself. You're new at this and you're learning. Take heart in the fact that every single person who has 'made it' has been where you are today. Pay your dues and look forward to looking back on these soon-to-be funny memories. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=198&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Rachel Wright) Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:39:02 CST A few days ago, I stopped by my daughter's elementary school classroom right before school let out. While I was there, a fellow mom approached me to discuss a birthday party that occurred a few weeks ago. The party took place at a local, girly place called Diva Girls (www.divagirlzstudio.com), where girls dress up, get their hair and nails done and just have a 'diva' good time.This mom was running late to the party and when she walked her daughter in, all the other girls had already begun putting their 'glitz and glam' on. Her daughter felt really out of place. After all, this party happened at the beginning of the school year while everyone was still getting to know one another. My daughter, Eden, saw her daughter come in and showed her where all of the makeup was. Eden then made a spot for her at the makeup table. The little girl still felt upset and embarrassed so the mom took her to the bathroom to try to comfort her. About this time, Eden happened to walk into the bathroom. She looked at her classmate, put her arm around her and said something along the lines of, 'You know, I'm tired of putting on all of this makeup. Let's you and me do something different.' That's all it took. Eden's classmate's face instantly brightened and she went with Eden and began to play with her and the other little girls at the party. Before the party, this mom had not met Eden. Before our conversation at school, this mom had not met me. But my daughter's actions made her child's day, and I am so glad she made a point to share the story with me. It's a life lesson that goes way beyond second graders.No matter how busy we are, we should look for those around us who may need an invitation to join in–whether we're at a dinner party, a business function or a casual event.Sometimes an invitation to join the party is all it takes to make someone's day. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=195&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Allison Starke) Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:55:52 CST When the majority of Americans think of Thanksgiving they think of turkey, pumpkin pie, football and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. However, as the holiday quickly approaches, it's time to appreciate things everyone should be thankful for. To kick start the festivities I will begin with my list of Thanksgiving "thankfuls". 1. Family and friends. These people are my rock. If it weren't for them, there's no telling where I would be. 2. A job. With the economic downturn affecting so many people (including some of my friends), I am fortunate I did not have to undergo the hardship of losing my job. 3. The US military. These men and women help protect our freedom and way of life. It's appropriate Veteran's Day is so close to Thanksgiving. Everyone should thank a serviceman/woman. 4. The generosity of Tulsans. If it weren't for the generosity of fellow citizens, organizations like the Tulsa Area United Way, Salvation Army or the Day Center for the Homeless could not continue to offer important services. Just last week, the Tulsa Area United Way met its goal and raised more than $23 million. It's amazing to know that in a time of budget constraints we can still rally behind a deserving cause. 5. My gym. After indulging in delicious food, I will need to be there every day. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=194&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Kari Culp) Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:34:05 CST We stress the importance of employee relations to our clients. It is well-documented that taking care of those who take care of you helps the organization perform at a higher level. The same logic applies to our military.Today is Veterans Day, the day we set aside to honor those who sacrificed their lives to protect our country. They are America's finest employees and they deserve our respect and gratitude every day of the year, not just on Veterans Day. If someone you know served in the military, make it a priority to express gratitude to them today. If you can't thank them today, thank them tomorrow. If you can thank them today, thank them again tomorrow and the day after that. These brave men and women put their lives on the line for you and me. They don't do it for money. They do it because they care. There is no amount of money that can compensate being appreciated. Thank a veteran today. Our future, just like any organization, may depend on it. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=190&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Blake Loepp) Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:31:06 CST As an intern learning about the public relations world, I work to soak up the many facets of communications today. Between work and school, it's easy to get caught up in a flurry of terms, tests and tasks. Sometimes though, the lessons of PR should be simple. For me, thinking about the basics of PR can be taken to alliteration with the three Ps: perspective, people and passion. Perspective. Working in PR, it is vital to be a news junkie. By understanding the news process, one can gain perspective into how a case fits the bigger picture. I challenge myself to stay up on headlines through print and online sources. People. Clients, co-workers, reporters, team members–public relations is all about the people. Whether meeting someone for the first or hundredth time, remember to always represent yourself well and with self-assurance. For the shy people out there, it may take a push to become more of a "people person," but with practice comes confidence. Passion. Finally, for whatever you may be pursuing, do it with passion. By experiencing as many different angles of the business as possible, you can work to find your niche and what moves you. It may sound cheesy, but the saying "do what you love" is more than an inspirational quote, rather, a critical factor in success. Considering these three "Ps" is a way to get back to basics and take a simple lesson from public relations. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=189&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Elizabeth O'Neill) Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:27:09 CST I am always surprised to hear about expected voter turnout for local elections in Tulsa. Tuesday morning's newspaper mentioned that approximately one-third of registered voters would show up at the polls. That's it. And I suspect that's likely the same case for other cities around the country. Of course, there was good weather yesterday and some of the local races are hotly contested, so that may raise turnout a bit, but one-third is probably going to be it. We always hear about how important it is to vote, so I often wonder about the other two-thirds who choose not to exercise that right. While voting whenever possible is the best route, not doing so when your own city stands to gain or lose raises even more of an issue. This is when the phrase "change you can see" really applies. Rain-or-shine voters, keep it up and encourage everyone you see to do the same. Wear your "I voted" sticker proudly. After all, public opinion is everything, so when you don't act as part of the public, your opinion just isn't the same. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=188&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Lucinda Rojas) Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:23:01 CST As professionals with busy lives (both professionally and personally), we often forget some of the simplest things in life.Almost everyone who knows me knows that I proudly serve the citizens of Tulsa as a reserve police officer.A couple weeks ago, my partner and I were discussing how people don't really like to see cops around. Typically, people have encounters with police officers during the worst parts of their day or worst days of their lives. Of course we issue traffic citations, make arrests and hopefully deter criminals.But it was during that shift that I really started to understand the power of a simple "thank you." While responding to an alarm call at an apartment building, two children walked by with their dad and stopped to say, "thank you for what you do." Later, during the same shift, a lady in an office building stopped and said, "I really appreciate your service. Thank you." This doesn't happen every shift, but when it does, you certainly remember it.It is awfully nice to be thanked, which makes the service that much more rewarding.I think people should thank each other more often for simple things. We expect to be thanked for the big things, an important project being completed, taking out the trash or opening the door for someone. But, try thanking someone out of the blue sometime. I assure you it will make their moment, if not their day. As PR practitioners and professionals, we interact with clients, audiences, colleagues and other associates every day. A small thing we can do to up our game would be a simple "thank you." Tell your clients you appreciate their business and the relationship. Convey your thanks to others you work for and with. Be sincere and the dividends will be plenty for your business and your personal life. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=185&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Michael Willis) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:38:04 CST I am what is referred to as a "late adopter." I do not immediately jump on the technology bandwagon where the latest and most innovative technological inventions are concerned. My home stereo was purchased in 1991 and it is still the one I use today – complete with a turntable whose needle has gone kaput. It took me years to buy a cell phone, and when I finally did, it was initially only for safety purposes, having purchased the least-expensive calling plan for minimal use. I practically never turned it on the first year I had it. I just got an iPod a few years ago and only recently began downloading music.It's been the same with social media. I never did sign up for a MySpace page, although I had every intention of doing so and checked it out numerous times. I did relent and sign up for Facebook – I can't tell you why I preferred that over MySpace, but for some reason, it appealed to me more. My profile has been on there for several years now and guess what? It's fun! I update it on a regular basis – and my dog even has his own section on my page (hey, when I finally 'adopt' – I really adopt!). As for Twitter – yes, I was a resister. I did sign up fairly quickly, but used it mainly for business purposes or to promote a client event (I am in PR, after all). But with each passing day, as the platform grew exponentially and came into its own, I began to see the value in using it as a communications tool, both personally and professionally, in so many ways. It's a fast and easy way to get a message out to a large audience, and it's great for making new connections, maintaining current connections and rekindling past connections. I can stay updated (in real time, no less) on current events and even breaking news – many times before it even hits the media news outlets. I stay informed on what friends and colleagues are up to – and where I might find them at any given moment. It's a great way for like-minded individuals to find each other. And Twitter is making improvements to its platform and coming out with new and effective tools all the time, making it that much more user-friendly and valuable. Lately, you can find me tweeting quite often. In fact, I have become so fully-enmeshed in using this communication tool that I now catch myself thinking in 140-character "thought bytes!" Like I said, once I adopt – I really adopt. Maybe that's part of the reason for my 'delayed adoption.' Commitment issues? Could be – but hey, I think that's a topic for another blog.Some of you out there may be late adopters as well. Although I can relate to your plight, I do eventually conform to peer pressure and adopt the technologies and mediums that prove to have staying power. Let those early adopters help work out all the kinks. But all I can say to you now is – c'mon already! Social media is here, it's hot, it's trendy, it's now. What are you waiting for - jump aboard!Now excuse me while I check my iPhone…. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=184&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Krista Townsend) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:28 CST In our Oklahoma City office, we are all busy preparing for our social media policy seminar that we are hosting with McAfee & Taft. New Media University: Online or Out of Line? Social Media and Your Employees will be held Nov. 10 in Oklahoma City and Nov. 17 in Tulsa. With just a few weeks to go, we have been hurriedly planning out the details and preparing for the event. Event planning is one of the services our firm offers, as well as many other firms. The term "event planner" always sounded like it would be such a fun, easy job. I used to picture it as just throwing fancy parties all the time and having fun. Well, that perception has definitely changed over the last few years. I have had a few experiences lately involving event planning. I helped plan our open house earlier this year, I planned my wedding and now I am helping with the social media policy seminar. Event planning, like everything else, changes with technology. You can virtually plan an entire event today without leaving your desk. All you need is your computer and a phone. One trend that has reached popularity over the last few years is the e-invite and the e-save the date. It has even reached the wedding world. Pingg, an online invitation service, said 20 percent of its business came from wedding-related events last year. Older generations would probably gasp in horror at the thought of sending their wedding invitations through e-mail, but not anymore. Several wedding sites offer wedding Web sites, virtual seating charts and more. I have even received a wedding invitation via Facebook before! Sure, most couples still probably go the traditional route when planning their wedding, but this is an interesting trend. For our seminar, we sent an e-save the date and an e-invite. We have been tweeting and Facebooking information about it and you can register and pay for the event online. Questions, concerns and comments have been flying around through e-mails both internally and externally with our vendors. I have only actually spoken with the caterer and the event venue contact one time. The rest of the communication has been through e-mail. Since our seminar is about social media, it seems pretty applicable to incorporate technology in our planning. The trend of the online, technology-friendly world isn't really a new trend in itself, but using it for event planning seems to be a little newer. As technology changes and emerges, so does everything else, including PR. It is important to adapt to the changes, but at the same time keep the personal touch that makes PR what it is. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=180&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Alli Yeager) Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:37:55 CST When we begin a new relationship with a client, we pride ourselves in 'listening', so that we can provide a detailed plan, or roadmap, for our public relations efforts. Yes, there are universal PR tactics that may apply to more than one client, but we at STF | PR dismiss a cookie-cutter approach to public relations. Each client is unique with unique needs that require unique strategies. We evaluate each client and tweak each roadmap annually. And, "'tis the season" for reviewing our current plans and creating new plans for 2010.All account teams are busy scheduling internal meetings to "Mapquest" client plans for 2010. Account teams are also scheduling times to listen carefully to our clients' goals for 2010, so that our efforts are in line with their visions.Don't get me wrong, we meet with our clients and listen regularly, but our annual planning meetings are a chance to think BIG (I mean larger than life, here) and either stay straight or make a calculated turn. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=177&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Allison Starke) Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:00:45 CST Facetime is necessary in the workplace.With easy access to e-mails, text messages, phone calls, faxes, Twitter, Facebook, etc., it's easy to go a long time without seeing a client, co-worker or friend. With the technological advances of our generation, meeting face-to-face can almost seem as an afterthought; however, it is one of the most essential things a public relations professional can do. Our firm recently returned from our annual staff retreat to Grand Lake and this year's event proved the same thing – face-to-face meetings are more meaningful and beneficial to relationships than teleconferences and e-mails. Now, I'm not bashing new media and technology, but sometimes the best way to build a relationship is to talk in person. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=175&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Kari Culp) Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:04:50 CST Earlier this week, OU quarterback Sam Bradford scheduled a news conference to announce his plans for the future. Due to an injured shoulder suffered against Brigham Young University the first game of the season, which he later re-injured against Texas, Bradford felt it was necessary to make the media aware of his intentions. It was speculated Bradford, winner of last year's Heisman Trophy, would announce he is having season-ending surgery to repair his shoulder. However, the only announcement made that day was that there would be no announcement. Members of the media from all over the region had made the trip to Norman only to find out it was all for nothing. Coming from the PR realm, I have come to realize that relationships with the media are powerful, yet very fragile. When you let a journalist down once, you may have just made an enemy for life. Will the media show up the next time Bradford calls for a news conference? Yes, because they have to. Do they now have the ammo to write about Bradford in a negative light? Yes. Will they? Only time will tell.Now, I like Sam Bradford. He is a young man of great character, but when he calls for a news conference, he needs to be sure he's ready to have it. Sam Bradford is one of the best football players in the country. If he calls a news conference, the media wants to be there. But, they expect him to be there as well. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=173&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Blake Loepp) Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:25:12 CST As America sat glued to the television or computer during last week's balloon incident (I'm not calling it by its alliterative moniker on purpose), I was more intrigued by the interest shown by the American public than the incident itself. Sure, I was glad the boy was safe, but in the aftermath I knew there had to be a public relations lesson somewhere.Then as the event turned out to be a hoax for publicity, there it was. As a society, we are increasingly intrigued by the odd, scary and downright ridiculous. Now I'm not saying this was a solely ridiculous event, for a time a life was at stake, but that's the kind of stunt it took to get a ridiculous amount of attention. After all, that's why it was orchestrated in the first place. While anyone can think up a crazy stunt for attention, we as PR professionals are held to a higher standard of ethics. Calling this deranged and ultimately criminal attempt at gaining attention "publicity" is frustrating and is the type of event that bogs down the PR profession. In our efforts to gain the attention of a society that is short on attention spans, we have to continue to be creative in order to gain real publicity for our clients and companies. That creativity can never come at the risk of crossing an ethical boundary. For those who aren't familiar with the PRSA Code of Ethics, read up on it sometime and remember it is the standard to which all PR professionals should be held. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=172&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Lucinda Rojas) Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:08:29 CST In Tulsa, we are in the throes of a heated mayoral campaign. The November 10 election is important for the city as we face many crucial issues, including the local economy, public safety, streets and infrastructure and diminishing sales tax receipts.The problem is that we've heard little about the issues from the leading candidates. Until recently, most news coverage and advertising have focused on the competition. Rather than presenting their own causes, we've seen negativity between candidates and even false accusations by one of the candidates.At STF | PR, we don't work for political candidates, but if I were managing an account for either major candidate, I would be concerned about maintaining reputation. Candidates do face a major dilemma when the opposition turns to mudslinging. What would you do if someone slapped you in the face? A reasonable person would try to keep from getting slapped again. But if it happened a second time, the person would have to put up some kind of defense. That is what has happened in this contest (and countless others).At events held by the Tulsa Press Club, both leading candidates have been asked to pledge only positive ads moving forward. I doubt the negative ads are over, but lately I've seen more positive ads and fewer negative ads.I own a board game called "Lie, Cheat and Steal." It's like a political version of "Monopoly." Society commonly connects politicians with lying, cheating and stealing, but with modern media, the blogosphere and instant coverage, politicians are held to stricter standards.In Tulsa, we can't really afford more infighting or damage to our reputation as a city.November 10, I encourage Tulsa voters to weigh the civility and demeanor of each candidate. I hope we elect the candidate that will enhance Tulsa's reputation the most. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=168&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Michael Willis) Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:53:56 CST "Out with the old, in with the new." Right?Here at STF | PR, we have decided to give our blogs a makeover. Originally, we had three blog sections: "Through the STF | PR Lens", "PR 2.0" and "Not Your Professor's PR." We have condensed it down to two blogs and changed the names. We will now have a new media blog and a traditional PR blog. The new names and descriptions are below:New Media NowAs communication practices evolve through technology, which practices are worth paying attention to and which are expected to fall by the wayside,? How are people using them? In a world filled with buzz words, we'll give you perspective on trends in new media and technology, in a language you can understand. PR TodayNew media has definitely changed the face of PR, but that doesn't mean traditional PR has lost its role in effective communication. Read about the latest topics and trends in the world of traditional PR and hear how traditional PR and new media can work together. Both blogs will discuss timely topics in their respective areas. New Media Now will be posted daily (with some exception) and PR Today will be posted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. These changes will go into effect Monday, October 19.We are looking forward to ramping up our blogs and appreciate any feedback. Visit, learn and comment often. See you in the blogosphere. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=166&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Alli Yeager) Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:52:31 CST This week, I am in Washington D.C. with The State Chamber of Oklahoma for the Congressional Fly-In. Dick Rush, State Chamber CEO, and Mike Neal, Tulsa Metro Chamber CEO, are both very involved in the Fly-In activities. Clearly, health care reform is the number one issue being discussed with the delegation, followed by economic issues. Interestingly enough, the subject of war in Iraq and Afghanistan isn't on the radar screen at the moment. It's all about health care reform and where it is headed. Conventional wisdom is that there will be a health care reform bill passed before the end of the year. According to members of our delegation, many details and compromises have to occur for passage. It will be interesting to see what happens! http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=147&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Steve Turnbo) Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:22:51 CST I'm sitting at home nursing mild flu symptoms, looking at my oldest daughter who is doing the same. So, like any self-respecting citizen of the 21st century, I'm on the Internet checking out what's topical to me right now -- (cough, cough) swine flu, or H1N1, for my household. As I jump around from site to site, I find that the proactive approach to potential outbreaks is the trend. Public Relations 101.I learned this morning that if you suspect you, your child, husband, mother-in-law or neighbor has swine flu, there are several things you can do to help alert those around you and/or get your questions answered. A few that I think you will find most interesting:1. You can report Swine Flu on your 'Outbreaks Near Me' iPhone app. http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2009/09/02/2009-09-02_iswine_tracker_made_by_apple.html2. You can go out to the CDC Web site and look at all of the social media tools available to you. Or, if you prefer to go old-school and talk to someone, you can contact the CDC directly via phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Check out http://www.cdc.gov/SocialMedia/Campaigns/H1N1/ for all of the contact information and social media tools.I also learned about New York City's pro-active plan to combat the illness http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/02/nyregion/02swine.html . This communication is working to assuage the fears of not only New Yorkers, but also the anxiety of the rest of us sitting on our couches feeling puny.Additionally, I learned from Secretary of Education Arne Duncan via Good Morning America that all children will be able to get free H1N1 vaccines beginning in October, when available, and people can take two hours off of work to get vaccinated.I am comforted. There is a plan and it is being shared with the public. Communication works. Gotta run. I have to blow my nose. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=144&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Allison Starke) Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:56:29 CST The past few weeks there's been a lot of buzz in our offices. Plans for bowling down the hallways, kissing pigs on the street and playing Bingo via e-mail are becoming the norm, around here.No, Becky and Russ aren't out of town. These are just some of our firm's United Way Trailblazer Campaign activities, and as members of the Tulsa Area United Way campaign cabinet, Becky and Russ support these activities whole-heartedly. Under the leadership of our campaign coordinators, Kelly Fuller and Alli Yeager, our firm has done some really unique things to raise money and awareness for the Tulsa and Oklahoma City United Way organizations. We are really enjoying ourselves, but this hasn't just been about having fun. It's been about doing the right thing for a good cause. In Tulsa, our chapter supports 63 partner agencies that help people of every walk of life. It's about knowing that one monetary donation can be divided among a large group and help thousands of individuals. This year, our Tulsa office has served as a Trailblazer company and we've had some fantastic speakers discuss the many different United Way organizations. So when the time comes for the pledge cards to be passed out at your office, please donate to the United Way. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=142&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Karen Wicker) Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:31:25 CST I am what you might call a "word nerd." I love the AP Stylebook. Our office recently bought the newest addition of the AP Stylebook and you would have thought it was Christmas around here. I even labeled common sections with sticky tags so we can easily turn to them. I know…I'm a nerd. But I am not alone. My fellow co-workers were just as excited about the new Stylebook as I was. In a profession that involves a lot of writing, it is important to know the correct word choice and grammar rules. I, by no means, have them all memorized, but I know a lot of them. I am one of those strange people who actually enjoys proofreading.We recently started an, "AP Stylebook Tip of the Week" at our Monday staff meetings. It is just a fun way to keep our minds fresh. I love it! It got me thinking about some of the tricky and commonly confused words. Check out the list below.Affect vs. EffectAffect, as a verb, means to influence. Ex: The game will affect the standings. Effect, as a verb, means to cause. Ex: He will effect many changes in the company. Effect as a noun means result. Ex: The effect was overwhelming. Lay vs. LieThe action word is lay. It takes a direct object. Laid is the past tense form and its present participle is laying. Ex: I will lay the book on the table. I laid the book on the tableLie indicates a state of reclining. Its past tense is lay and its present participle is lying. Ex: I will lie down. I lay down.Who vs. WhomWho is the pronoun used for references to humans. It is the subject of a sentence. Ex: The woman who rented the room left the window open. Who is there? Whom is used when someone is the object of a verb or preposition. Ex: The woman to whom the room was rented left the window open. Whom do you wish to see?So there you have it. It never hurts to have an AP Style reminder. So go lie down before all this nerdiness starts to affect you. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=140&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Alli Yeager) Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:21:39 CST Our firm has had the honor of representing a group of investors whose goal is to bring the WNBA to Tulsa. It is a real privilege for us to be associated with a venture that would have such a positive impact on our state. We recently publicly announced that two gentlemen from Oklahoma City have joined with several Tulsa area individuals to work toward helping make this dream come true. We are fortunate to live in a state where these individuals want to work together to make this a reality for the greater good of Oklahoma.Kudos go to two gentlemen from Oklahoma City who originated this opportunity. Bill Cameron, chairman and ceo of American Fidelity Assurance and chairman of the board of First Fidelity Bank, has the passion for women's basketball. For years, he's been a faithful father sitting in the stands at his daughter's basketball games – a priority for him. This passion, combined with his interest in professional basketball as a part owner of the OKC Thunder, has culminated into a strong vision and motivation to elevate women's basketball in Oklahoma by bringing this WNBA opportunity to Tulsa. Bill joined forces with David Box, his long-time friend and Oklahoma City entrepreneur. David has enjoyed a successful career in the entertainment and promotions business as well as has other interests as the owner of the Greens Country Club in Oklahoma City and various other commercial and residential investments.Bill and David formed Cameron | Box Sports and came to Tulsa to seek out other individuals who shared the vision for the WNBA in Tulsa. We can't thank enough these community leaders including Paula Marshall, Pat Chernicky, Sam and Rita Combs, Don and Pat Hardin and Stuart and Linda Price. We have some exciting days ahead as we jointly work with our partners, the Tulsa Metro Chamber and the BOK Center, to help make this dream a reality for Tulsa. Currently, members of the business community and individuals who are premium seat holders at the BOK Center are making commitments to purchase their suites and seats for the WNBA's 17 home games. Other businesses are considering sponsorship opportunities. Everyone is pitching in to help make this a success for Tulsa.Bringing the WNBA to Tulsa will put our city on the map as a major league city just as has been done with the NBA in Oklahoma City. This is a chance of a lifetime for Oklahoma. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=136&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Becky Frank) Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:13:29 CST In the 1960s the federal government began sponsoring a program called Urban Renewal, in Tulsa. Prior to this, downtown Tulsa was full of buildings. There was little surface area left for development.Urban Renewal destroyed a lot of buildings in downtown Tulsa… irreplaceable buildings like the old Tulsa Hotel (shown below). Countless buildings like this faced the same demise in Tulsa and across the country. And what happened to the land? Many parcels became surface parking lots.While many downtowns started recovering with infill development projects, Tulsa lagged behind. Recently things started picking up. Williams built the One Technology Center in 2001, many buildings are being redeveloped instead of destroyed, and that's a great thing for everyone. One notable partner in the redevelopment of downtown is Tulsa Community College. TCC recently constructed a new building on its Metro Campus. This new building is state-of-the-art and complements TCC and downtown perfectly. Check out the story on it here.While it took us a while to begin mitigating the results of Urban Renewal, at least we're working on it now. TCC is a great community asset for Tulsa and obviously an important one to downtown. While surface lots still surround much of its campus, TCC has shown a commitment to rebuilding. Others should too.Of course it is a function of economics, but as a downtown, we need more friends like TCC to help us get by. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=134&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Michael Willis) Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:07:59 CST The greatest assets a community can have are generous citizens and charitable corporate citizens. In Oklahoma, we have a very high percentage of individuals and companies who share their time, talent and treasure with many worthwhile non-profit organizations. The current down-turned economy has stretched the budgets of individuals and corporations in Oklahoma. Charitable giving is less than normal, but it is still large. Only in the past 50 years has corporate charity been established as a legal use of stockholders' funds. About one percent of all corporate profits go to charity (the law allows for up to 10 percent of annual earnings). That one percent added up to $12.72 billion in 2006.Small stockholders and other individuals are responsible for 75 to 80 percent of all giving in the United States. The largest portion of corporate philanthropy supports education, with health related services ranking second. We should all be thankful for Oklahoma's giving spirit and should remember that you cannot ever say "thank you" too many times. Thank you to all who give of yourselves and of your wallets. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=129&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Steve Turnbo) Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:40:50 CST For the last three years, I've been blessed with the honor of knowing Chuck Schnake. In the short time I spent with him, I learned more about my career through daily conversations, than I did in some of my college courses. He lived and breathed public relations and was a truly the consummate PR professional. As I write this blog post, I feel it is my duty to pass along some of the wisdom Chuck has shared with me over the years. Although he has left this earth, his spirit and guidance will remain, forever. I only hope in my career, that I can be half the professional he was. Now, some lessons from Chuck:• Deeds versus words. It's not what you say that matters, it's how you act. I recently found an old writing from Chuck that quoted Maya Angelou. The quote was "They won't remember what you said. They won't remember what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel." • Everyone has to carry the ice. This was something Chuck used to tell us as interns. Everyone has to start at the bottom and work his or her way up. When Chuck was a young professional, the company CEO invited him to a party. To Chuck's surprise, when he got to the party, he wasn't invited as a guest; he was invited to keep the ice bucket full. • A degree doesn't mean you will succeed. Chuck used to say all a degree did was get you a ticket to the dance. It's still up to you to dance. In non-Chuck words, in public relations, your ability to perform is more important than your degree. • Careers are a fluke. I believe this statement is so true. Despite what you think you might want to be when you grow up, sometimes, the best made plans can change. I thought I wanted to major in history… somehow that changed. And I'm so very glad it did.Thanks for everything, Chuck. We miss you. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=128&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Kari Culp) Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:39:16 CST If you have memories or personal recollections of Chuck that you would like to share, please post them here. We would love to share your thoughts with other visitors to our site. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=125&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (STFPR) Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:59:01 CST The economy continues to victimize people and companies that don't take customer service seriously. Too many people have the attitude that their business would be great if the pesky customers would leave them alone.I really started thinking about this earlier today as I sat in the barber shop chair getting my ears lowered. The experience at my barber shop brings me back to what was a mainstay of earlier days. I call to set up an appointment and my barber, or her business partner, know me by my voice. My hair is simple to cut. Basically, she just has to use a couple clipper guards as I like it pretty short. After the cut, you get a hot towel over your head and a straight razor shave. It's great. Then, at the end, you get a nice head and shoulder massage. Their service is always complete with smile, and for a great price. So, if you live or work in downtown Tulsa, call the Mid Continent Tower Barber Shop. Glenda or Vicki will improve your day.This is what customer service is all about. People are again starting to recognize that companies are competing for business now, more than ever. From cars to barber shops, it's the same principal: customer service will rule the day.Check out these champions of customer service. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=122&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Michael Willis) Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:57:16 CST Try this: Harlem rappers, the Israeli Consulate, Al Jazeera, hyperactive rock-and-roll critics, mommy bloggers, a frustrated CNN anchor and a very, very ticked off co-host of the Today Show.And that was just on the first day here at the 140 Characters Conference, the Twitter Love-In I get to hang out at, in New York City.While the Twitterati has to wait until Wednesday to learn all about what we're doing in Oklahoma with our 140 characters, Monday was reserved for one of the greatest panel discussions I've ever been lucky enough to witness.Topic du jour was "Twitter as a news-gathering tool" with Rick Sanchez of CNN, probably the most social media-engaged member of the mainstream television media, along with the Today Show newsie Ann Curry.Sanchez was there to defend his network against the criticism that bubbled up over the weekend when CNN failed to cover well enough (in the minds of some) the Iranian election. What eventually got Sanchez and Curry riled up was the inevitable clash between journalism and commerce. Curry was unhappy with the clash between what she and others see as valuable and important coverage – in areas like Darfur – and what areas are doing to cut back costs and providing more of what drives ratings. Another lively discussion was Sanchez' defense of his use of social media and how he uses crowdsourcing. While other networks use social media in a trendy and gimmicky way, Sanchez feels like it helps to guide his show and gives him a brain trust that he had always 'talked to' instead of 'talked with.'"This is the first time that we are going to be able to connect with citizens that we, in the so-called mainstream media, will be able to pay attention to... who could be a reliable source aside from our talking heads… and happy-faced, really pretty anchors," Sanchez said.The crisis in journalism aside, he understands that Twitter is key on connections between the media companies which, even though they might not want to be, are driven by profit and their customers. The users now have some say with what they get from the companies and now, through social media, have a bigger outlet to craft and criticize what gets done.The power has shifted and Twitter has become a lever that can, with little effort from only a few, move much bigger mountains, even CNN, NBC. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=120&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Mike Koehler) Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:20:46 CST When I first got the job at Schnake Turnbo Frank | PR, I asked that my title be "New Media Director" instead of "Social Media Director," just because it sounded broader and could encompass things like videos, pod casts and anything else that may be invented next Thursday.Maybe I need to come up with something else – "Now Media Director."That's what I learned during the morning session of the 140 Characters Conference, where I have been invited to speak about how people in our region are using Twitter. Through the first part of the day, the conference is incredible. I'll have some videos up later today at STF |PR's YouTube page. Jeff Pulver, who created a little company called Vonage and moved on to invest in some of the top and hottest startups, came up with the 140 Characters Conference (watch the live tweet stream here.) He's invited Tweeters from all over to talk about how Twitter and its offspring have changed the world.That's where we get "Now Media." "Search was always about what was recent and what was ancient," Pulver said. "But now it's about the now.""When you are living in the now, dealing with things in real time, the way you work changes."The idea is that Now Media is its own entity now. Real-time information sharing has evolved into something distinct from what TV, newspapers and traditional media are doing. Look at what's happening in Iran. People are using Twitter to share vital information and you see the changes as they're happening.Pulver was joined in the early session by Jack Dorsey, one of the founders of Twitter and Fred Wilson, a top venture capitalist, who talked about how to make money off of the Web. To Wilson, the key to dollars from social media is passed links. These are shared links (retweets, reads you found interesting) that you get from people you trust. Those links have innate value because they come from people in your "network" of followers, friends, etc.The big bomb Wilson dropped, based on the trending analytics of the sites he is a part of, was this declaration: "The combined power of Facebook and Twitter will surpass Google in the next year."That's a bold statement, but since Twitter is such a more intimate tool than search, encouraging sharing and recommendations, it has the power of people instead of algorithms behind it.It's about what you are reading NOW. What you find interesting NOW. And that's how it's become more than new media – it's NOW media. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=119&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Mike Koehler) Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:00:08 CST After 17 years of hosting the Tonight Show, Jay Leno said goodbye to the audience for the final time…. Well at least until his new show starts next fall. Like millions of other Americans, I set my TiVo to record Leno's final episode and in his final few minutes Leno spoke of what he wants his legacy to be. If you haven't seen the clip, I recommend you watch it now. After nearly two decades on TV, Leno didn't want his legacy to be that of his hilarious jokes or crazy guest shenanigans, he wanted his legacy to be that of the family the Tonight Show staff created. Since the show first went on the air, 68 children have been born to Tonight Show staff members. At STF | PR, we share the same mentality.When one person has a success, we celebrate together. When one person has a heavy load, we are there for each other.We're together more than forty hours every week. We see each other through stressful situations and silly scenarios. We're like a family, too. Most importantly, we know we can depend on one another.Our company credo says:We believe in empowerment. We recognize that with empowerment comes responsibility. We believe in hard work and teamwork. We believe that continual improvement comes from continuous education – about our profession, our community and our world. We realize that balance is a key component to quality of life. We believe in having fun, and in celebrating the accomplishments of our employees, our clients and our lives. We recognize that a diverse workforce – in ideology, ethnicity, background and beliefs – creates a culture that is invigorating and stimulating. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=111&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Kari Culp) Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:23:09 CST The greatest assets a community can have are generous citizens and charitable corporate citizens. In Oklahoma, we have a very high percentage of individuals and companies who share their time, talent and treasure with many worthwhile non-profit organizations. The current down-turned economy has stretched the budgets of individuals and corporations in Oklahoma. Charitable giving is less than normal, but it is still large. Only in the past 50 years has corporate charity been established as a legal use of stockholders' funds. About one percent of all corporate profits go to charity (the law allows for up to 10 percent of annual earnings). That one percent added up to $12.72 billion in 2006.Small stockholders and other individuals are responsible for 75 to 80 percent of all giving in the United States. The largest portion of corporate philanthropy supports education, with health related services ranking second. We should all be thankful for Oklahoma's giving spirit and should remember that you cannot ever say "thank you" too many times. Thank you to all who give of yourselves and of your wallets. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=108&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Steve Turnbo) Tue, 26 May 2009 09:27:34 CST I saw an article the other day that talked a lot about McDonald's. This storied fast food chain is charging through the recession and setting records. Profit is up 3.5 percent and sales are outpacing last year. Why? Supply and demand. McDonald's provides inexpensive, (relatively) good food. They have shucked the old argument about fake beef and poor quality and they've even tackled the unhealthiness argument by selling salads and grilled items. More important to most customers is that you can realistically have lunch or dinner at McDonald's for less than $5. Now, you wouldn't want to eat there every day (after all, it is still fast food), but it's easy, convenient and sometimes less expensive than homemade meals.Have you ever seen the operation they run? I think they are the Southwest Airlines of fast food. Everything is automated, even the drink dispensers. By all accounts, their people work hard and efficiently.But beyond all this, McDonald's has recently attacked big time coffee shops by offering its McCafe line of coffee drinks. Starbuck's is reeling while McDonald's is growing. Check out this review of McDonald's coffee. You might think McDonald's is a client of mine. They're not. But they are a great example of a company that has emerged from attacks by consumer interest groups, the government and others to regain its place on top of fast food restaurants.I'm not one to say there's such a thing as a recession-proof business, but McDonald's has proven to be pretty close. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=103&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Michael Willis) Wed, 13 May 2009 11:55:36 CST Peter Drucker, a highly respected management consultant in the last half of the 20th century, was once asked when and if public relations professionals would ever be equipped to serve as corporate chief executive officers. He replied, "I don't see that yet, because (corporate public relations people) are focused from the inside to the outside. Today, you need people who can understand changes in an environment and market, people who can assess the enormous shifts that will occur within the next five years. You need people who can understand this and translate that into action. If and when you have PR people who see their job as bringing the outside to the inside, they would be more qualified than anybody else to be CEO." http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=100&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Chuck Schnake) Tue, 05 May 2009 15:25:13 CST On Saturday, I had the distinct honor to meet former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. In anticipation of the evening, like many I suppose who meet a President, I had looked forward to shaking their hands. I can best describe it as a rather surreal experience. I'll never forget it.But it wasn't the handshake that I'll remember most – it's how they inspired me. For the past six months, I have worked with a committed group of volunteers and staff in preparation for The Salvation Army Annual Benefit Dinner. As we tell our clients, it's imperative that we commit ourselves to charitable organizations with whom we have a passion. I have a passion for The Salvation Army and for the very basic of services they provide to help people who are hungry, without a home, who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction, who need activities to keep them off the streets or who simply need help with paying a utility bill. These are real people just like you and me who happen to be down on their luck.In recent years, the Presidents put their political differences aside and committed to joint humanitarian efforts. I will always be grateful to them for exhibiting their commitment to public service by coming to the aid of The Salvation Army in Tulsa. The Presidents encouraged us to put our own differences aside and to find out how we can impact people's lives so they don't go hungry or spend nights on the streets. They charged us to, in these tough economic times, do more than we ever have before to help. We sat at the event in the distinguished company of kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, adult men who have graduated from the Adult Rehabilitation Center's sobriety program and the men and women who have dedicated their lives as Salvation Army officers providing service to others. They are to be celebrated for all they have accomplished and continue to do for our community.So today, a beautiful Sunday, I am reflecting on how I can best help The Salvation Army and other favorite charities going forward. I want to do more. Care to join me? http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=98&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Becky Frank) Mon, 04 May 2009 12:56:48 CST Our country changed forever on April 19, 1995. The Oklahoma City Bombing marked the largest domestic terrorist attack in United States history. I remember getting off the school bus that day and learning about the bombing. I thought the pain and fear would never go away, but 14 years later, we can look back at that tragic event with reverence and hope. Oklahomans and the entire nation pulled together to overcome the attack. Today, we continue to remember those lost and to educate ourselves to prevent tragedies like this from happening again. This past weekend, I was privileged to participate in the ninth annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. As I walked the sacred grounds of the memorial Sunday, I felt moved by the terrible event that occurred on that very same spot, but I also felt a sense of optimism as those 168 people will never be forgotten.The former Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building is now the site of the Oklahoma City National Memorial. The former Journal Record building, located next door to the Murrah Building, now houses the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum and MIPT – the Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism – "a counterterrorism center focused on training, analysis and information sharing in the prevention of terrorist attacks," as quoted from the MIPT Web site. The Institute was founded as a direct result of the 1995 terrorist bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.Since the bombing, Oklahoma City has transformed. It's a revitalized, progressive, major-league city with excitement for its future and respect for its history. The Memorial Marathon is more than just a race – it is an uplifting tribute to the good in people. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=94&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Kari Culp) Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:59:02 CST I was disappointed to learn this week that the Satellite section of the Tulsa World is closing after more than a decade of publication. The popular teen newspaper page kept me in tune with fashion trends, music fads and everyday pop culture. Not that I'd ever want to repeat those high school days, but I did live vicariously through the young writers who explored life through a unique and often provocative lens.Losing the weekly Satellite may not seem significant to the average reader, but its demise means more than a down economy and fewer newspaper subscriptions. It means the end of an era of journalism where innovation, creativity and good old fashion hard work were showcased in ink bought by the barrel. Today's youth is much more likely to Facebook or Twitter its views in 140 characters or less. I'm learning to adapt, and even appreciate, this style of communication, but I'll honestly miss the ramblings of an inspired teenager reflecting on graduation week, feeding the homeless or helping a friend escape an abusive family situation. What the Satellite consistently gave readers – and what we can not afford to lose as a society – is a bird's eye view of the next generation of thinkers and leaders. Thank you Tulsa World for providing an innovative forum for youthful expression. May the ideals behind the Satellite continue to thrive in new communities as we say a fond farewell to the old. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=90&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Karen Wicker) Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:30:46 CST Crisis management is one of my favorite practice areas. I emphasize the word "practice" because during crises, a lot of what we do is to practice for the next. Everyone has heard about the recent crisis in which Somali pirates kidnapped the captain of a U.S. freighter in the Indian Ocean. Maersk is the company that owned the ship. No one looks forward to a crisis, but many times an organization's reputation can actually benefit from an incident. In this case, Maersk did a nice job of improving its reputation in a time of crisis. How? By maintaining from the beginning that the safe return of Captain Richard Phillips was "priority one." Who was there to back him up? The U.S. Navy. Thankfully, the result was good. Now, everyone is a hero, including Captain Phillips, the Navy SEALs who fired the sniper shots and the crew of the MAERSK ALABAMA. But what makes this uncommon is that it was a five-day crisis and that the climax of the crisis lasted nearly as long. In my experience, crises often climax in a short period of time.Many times the climax occurs before the event is even reported, and at most after one or two days of being reported, then activity begins to diminish. This particular crisis would have been tough to manage. We know that crisis managers and public information officers for Maersk, the Navy and the FBI were all on point for the duration of the incident, which is a grueling job in itself. In situations like this, media are hungry for more information that is not available. A good crisis communicator will continue to disseminate information as he or she receives it. In this case, the court of public opinion has spoken: all the players are heroes, except the pirates, and Maersk, the Navy and the FBI came out on top with better reputations than before. In the everyday PR world, we deal with crises on a smaller scale. The key is to use the information we have in a manner that helps the media educate the public while it helps us/our clients enjoy a responsible image/reputation. So, whether you have a pipeline with a small leak, or a hospital with a major outbreak, remember: safety and security are usually the top concern. Your job is to make sure your client is prepared to support and voice that concern because his or her organization's reputation has a sensitive opportunity to benefit or suffer. Follow the updates on the hostage crisis at the link below. They'll be busy updating this for a while. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/12/captain-richard-phillips_n_185983.html http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=87&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Michael Willis) Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:14:37 CST Abraham Lincoln's comment about the power of public sentiment came quickly to mind when the issue of AIG bonuses surfaced less than a month ago. There is no better example of the force of public opinion in our nation's recent history.The entire economic meltdown is a complex issue, making it virtually impossible for the public to point fingers at the guilty. Such terms as hedge funds, mortgage-backed securities and credit default wraps are understood by so few.But multi-million-dollar bonuses to AIG executives were clearly understood by the public. And public sentiment exploded. Is there a message here for public relations professionals? It's safe to assume that the voice of public relations was never heard in the AIG board room. Public opinion was never a part of the equation. And the most powerful words in the language fall short when the actions, policies and behavior of a company are so against the grain of the public. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=84&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Chuck Schnake) Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:37:52 CST One of my favorite books is entitled "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff….", by Richard Carlson, PH. D. I find the chapter titles to be provocative and magnetic. Some of those titles follow: Make Peace with ImperfectionLet Go of the Idea that Gentle, Relaxed People Can't Be OverachieversBe Aware of the Snowball Effect of Your ThinkingDevelop Your PassionDo Something Nice for Someone Else–and Don't Tell AnyoneOnce a Week, Write a Heartfelt LetterBecome a Better ListenerPractice HumilityEvery Day, Tell One Person Something You Like, Admire, or Appreciate About ThemResist the Urge to CriticizeThink of What You Have Instead of What You WantBecome an Early RiserRelaxHey, folks, these titles are fabulous food for thought….Have A Great Day! http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=82&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Steve Turnbo) Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:17:51 CST I recently read an article about the fall of newspapers. This phenomenon fascinates me, as I'm sure it does most PR professionals. So, basically, people are getting news from online sources and pretty much everything but the print newspaper. Blogs, twitter, YouTube, online newspapers and others seem to be taking over the market.But I have a theory about all this. Yes, newspapers are on the way out. The market has shown that this is the current trend. And it's my opinion that we're still far from the bottom for newspapers.Like everything else (economy, politics, etc.), news and the business of reporting it, works on a cycle.So, we'll see papers bottom out in the next few years. Social media news sources will continue to thrive. But, I believe we'll also see less discipline in these sources. Social media is good because it is often as close to instant as you can get. But, there entails the problem as well. Social media will prove to be a less reliable news source than what we are used to. I don't mean to belittle blogs or anything else. Social media is great, but we need balance. We need the news sources that maintain objectivity as much as possible.Of course there are biased news publications and newspapers, but I suspect we'll see the rise of the newspaper again. The free market will show that information is a commodity. The way people choose to receive it will continue to change.Social media is not a fad. That's not what I'm trying to say. But, just like most things new, it will come on much stronger than for what the market calls.We'll miss newspapers like the Rocky Mountain News and the Detroit Free Press. Don't worry; true journalism will make a comeback. And it won't take as long as you think.That's just my theory, though. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=79&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Michael Willis) Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:34:39 CST A long time ago, when I was about 27 years old and working for an oil company, I suggested to my boss that we publish a four-page monthly tabloid for our 2,000 employees working at our Tulsa refinery. Surprisingly, he said "OK." It was then that I had the brilliant idea of staging a contest to name the new publication. A month later, we had about 300 contest entries. The judges selected the winning entry. The employee received a $25 U.S. Savings Bond (remember, it was a long time ago). A week or so later, my boss added a comment: "Well, you made one employee happy and alienated 299 others."Lesson learned: Think twice before launching contests. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=76&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Chuck Schnake) Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:38:25 CST For as long as I can remember, I've tried to be green. However, it wasn't until recently that I became actively engaged in how my actions impact the environment.About two years ago, we at Schnake Turnbo Frank | PR decided to get involved with the green movement. We've made huge strides to reduce our usage of paper, plastics and Styrofoam, and we began to recycle for the first time. In addition, we've tried to make it fun for our employees. We've picked up trash along the Arkansas River, we've challenged each other to reduce our trash consumption and we've even had contests to become better stewards of the environment. By no means are we perfect, but we've came a long way and are doing better than a lot of other companies out there. Recently, we've began discussing with clients the role of corporate responsibility to the environment. This is a huge topic for companies today and the green movement is finally reaching Oklahoma. It is an exciting time to be green and companies are catching on. To commemorate Earth Day on April 22, STF | PR employees will do something to give back to mother nature. The problem is we haven't decided what to do. We'd love to hear from you if you've got ideas. So, send an e-mail to kculp@stfpr.com and let me know your thoughts. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=73&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Kari Culp) Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:45:06 CST I am new to Facebook. Like many middle-age professionals, I put off the inevitable thinking Facebook was just for young folks with too much time and way too much energy on their hands. But what I actually discovered – surprisingly - is quite the opposite. There's a whole new boom of social media users who have mortgages, kids in college, shrinking investment portfolios and a desire to stay technologically savvy. For example, just last week, I was asked on Facebook to be "friends" with a long-lost relative on my grandmother's side of the family, a neighbor with similar political yard signs, a former OSU co-worker, my college-bound nephew and a 25-year high school reunion classmate. Facebook has opened up a whole new world of conversations and possibilities. This social neighborhood allows me to get to know people in a different light. By writing on someone's personal wall, I get to see the latest photos of their pet dog, trade business secrets or offer parental advice about picky eating - all with the click of a mouse. Another benefit Facebook offers is the opportunity to be somewhat of a social voyeur. If I don't feel like posting anything about myself, that's okay. I can always check out my friend's update to see that Allison enjoyed last night's BOK concert or that Jeff likes the Rib Crib Tuesday special. Skeptics might say, "who cares?" Why do we need to know senseless trivia about our fiends and colleagues? That's what I used to think. But then I became addicted. I enjoy learning the intricacies of my circle of friends. Their unique qualities and perspectives give much value and meaning to everyday life. Become a fan of Schnake Turnbo Frank | PR on Facebook: Click here. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=71&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Karen Wicker) Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:02:08 CST This past Monday we celebrated President's Day. This special day should remind us all of the vital importance of leadership. Definitions of this word range from the simplest to the more complex. Leadership encompasses the ability to move an organization from point A to point B. True leadership requires insight, intelligence and inspiration. The following quotations help us understand the myriad of components required for one to be a true leader."Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom"- Theodore Rubin "You do not lead by hitting people over the head–that's assault, not leadership"-Dwight D. Eisenhower"When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am older, I admire kind people" - Abraham Heschel "In any contest between power and patience, bet on patience"- W.D. Prescott"We serve when we build capability in others by supporting ownership and choice at every level. When we act to create compliance in others, we are choosing self-interest over service, no matter what words we use to describe our actions"- Peter Block, The Northbound TrainEvery day each and every one of us has the ability to demonstrate leadership skills. I know we all sit in awe of the importance of those decisions to be made. For those individuals who care about doing the right thing, the decisions come easily. Have a great day and remember the base credo of managing one's reputation………deeds first, words second. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=66&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Steve Turnbo) Wed, 18 Feb 2009 08:39:22 CST This year, I have the honor of co-chairing the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" campaign with my Mother, Betty Hargis, and my Daughter, Annie Ferris. We span three generations and each of us realizes how important it is to take measures now to prevent heart disease. Heart diseases affects everyone…men, women, the old and the young.There is a perception out there that heart disease is a man's disease but, in fact, it is the number one killer of women. Heart disease kills one woman in the United States every minute. And heart disease is not just an older person's disease. It is the number one killer of women age 20 and over. My daughter, Annie, wanted to be involved with the "Go Red for Women" movement to help spread the awareness with her generation that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women – even women as young as she is. Heart disease runs in our family. Mom, Annie and I are all aware of this and are taking preventative efforts to make sure we do everything within our power to prevent heart disease. The good news–heart disease is largely preventable and the American Heart Association is a great resource for heart health information. This movement helps draw attention to the issues and to energize women to do things now to help themselves and their loved ones. The theme for the American Heart Association "Go Red for Women" movement is Our Hearts. Our Choice. And it makes so much sense. We do get to make choices everyday – some more important than others. But shouldn't heart choices be at the top of our lists? It inspires me to see so many women taking part in the "Go Red" movement. At our firm, we showed our support for women by wearing red last Friday. We encourage everyone to raise awareness by "Going Red" at work, home and out in the community. Wearing red is a gentle reminder to be educated, aware and healthy. The more women who know about the risks of heart disease, the more women who will have the chance to save themselves.The American Heart Association reports that the "Go Red for Women" movement is working. Research shows that women who "Go Red" are more likely to make healthy choices. For example:? More than 40 percent have lost weight.? More than half have increased their exercise.? Six out of ten have changed their diets.? 53 percent have checked their cholesterol levels.? One third have investigated their family's history of heart disease or talked to their doctors about their personal heart risks. Education – and action – can save mothers, daughters, sisters and best friends everywhere. We must work together to help women and their families live longer, healthier lives. So what can you do to work toward a healthier lifestyle? They're our hearts – our choices. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=64&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Becky Frank) Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:21:55 CST We are really lucky to have an excellent internship program at STF | PR. No, really. When I was in college, I was fortunate to have friends and advisers recommend that I should do as many internships as I could.And I think it paid off. I came out of college with more experience than any of my friends and classmates. So, I worked hard and landed a job – a pretty good one.Economic times are tough right now. Oklahoma hasn't been affected like much of the nation has, but they are still tough. I usually don't use the blog to give advice, but here we go:Young and emerging professionals should embrace internships. Here at the firm, we've had a number of interns who were actually college graduates. The bottom line is that you can't always come out of college and land a great job. Markets are competitive. And if you have some experience under your belt coming out of college, it puts you above those who don't – plain and simple.We have a fairly competitive paid internship at STF | PR. It is paid and the experience is priceless.But students or graduates shouldn't be too concerned with how much money they make as an intern because the experience is really more of an investment. If you get paid, that's great. If you don't, make it the best experience you can.To get ahead as a student, graduate or emerging professional, you have to make sacrifices. Make them and the payoff will come later. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=60&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Michael Willis) Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:47:24 CST A couple of weeks ago I came across a New York Times interview with Sugule Ali, a spokesman for a group of Somalian pirates that hijacked a Ukrainian freighter. Having a brother in the United States Navy, I've been intrigued by the rise in pirate attacks over the past few years. To sum up a complicated situation, pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia have spiked recently as Somalians now use piracy as a way to make a living in exchange for ransom money. Typically, when we think of pirates we think of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean; however, that is not true. Modern-day pirates have a code and actually follow guidelines. The Somalian pirates went as far as making sure all hostages were fed, had chores and were not harmed during the hijacking. Mr. Ali stressed in his interview that they were only interested in money and not in harming the hostages. His interview provided an insightful look into the world of piracy. Regardless if the pirates claim that they are humane to their hostages, their bad deeds far outweigh their good deeds and words. And as we say in the public relations profession, good deeds first, good communications second. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=56&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Kari Culp) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:18:50 CST I have much to be thankful for, none the least is my great fortune to work in the field of public relations. As we near Thanksgiving, I am reminded of the bountiful opportunities our profession offers. PR is a smorgasbord – everything from media relations and crisis communications to social media and investor relations. While everything on the table may appear worth sampling, it only takes one well-executed idea to satisfy a client's hunger and keep them returning for seconds.It's our job as seasoned PR practioners to find just the right recipe for each client. For example, you wouldn't want your mechanic to buy all new parts for your car if only your muffler needs fixing. Our industry has the same obligation. There is no cookie cutter for good PR.What does this mean for our clients? It means we listen, absorb, focus and prepare a custom made PR menu that, like with any good recipe, may need tweaking from time to time. While we might gobble up new technology and ideas, we allow those thoughts to simmer and congeal before we personally craft a PR plan to fit the taste of our audience. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=51&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Karen Wicker) Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:58:36 CST Veteran's Day is an interesting holiday to me. The importance of veterans and military service is something that was not engrained into my generation. Many would say that is due to the Vietnam War. The older I get, the more patriotic I become, and I've grown to really appreciate Veteran's Day. But we don't really concern ourselves enough with veteran's issues. The greatest generation fought in World War II and that was probably the best time to be a veteran. In the 1940s and 1950s veterans were portrayed as heroes. I wonder if veterans now think they need a PR firm, or at least some good PR? The sad thing is that I even have to ask the question.Most would agree with me when I say that today is not the best time to be a veteran. Sure, people will line up at parades and thank our selfless servants, but we still hear stories of mistreatment of veterans from spineless interest groups, cowardly citizens and even the government. People who are angry at the president or the policies of the government often treat veterans like second-class citizens or criminals. Today's veterans deserve the same treatment as those of World War II, whether you agree or disagree with the policies that send them to war. They are not strangers to tough conditions -- they chose to fight and risk their lives. They expect no thanks. That's why they are heroes.These men and women are the reason we enjoy a free society. Thank them, or at least think about them. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=46&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Michael Willis) Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:29:06 CST I am so grateful to live in a country where we have the freedom to voice our opinion through voting. It was exciting this weekend to visit the Tulsa County Election Board on three occasions and observe the enthusiasm in the air.Although my three attempts to vote early failed (the lines were just too long with the amount of time I had each visit), it was still exciting just to be in the neighborhood and to observe the interactions and spirited discussions the early voting opportunity provided from such a diverse group of individuals. I've never witnessed anything like this in my adult life. People with passionate views were just chomping at the bit to vote and to be among the first to exercise their freedom – willing to stand in line for hours. People with knots in their stomachs, just praying their candidate will win.Regardless of the outcome, the enthusiasm about early voting is a major phenomenon in our nation's history. A real breath of fresh air! Maybe we ought to suggest that those paper "I Voted" stickers be made of the same material as the American flag lapel buttons. It's so cool to see people proud to be more than an American…an American Voter. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=44&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Becky Frank) Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:47:20 CST The earliest public relations practitioners were ink slingers supreme. They came from the large newspapers and they recognized their role clearly-- to produce a maximum amount of positive press clippings. Nothing more and nothing less. If they succeeded, they kept working. If they didn't, they usually went back to the newsrooms from whence they came. As the practice matured and broadened, the role of publicity waned a bit, but today's practitioner should never forget that getting good ink for the client, the company or the CEO remains a primary, even if primitive, function. While public relations "purists" seek to provide high-level counsel, management seldom gets too much positive press. They look to their "PR people" to keep up a steady flow of publicity. Even though management may not be able to quote Lincoln on "public sentiment is everything," they have an innate sense that good ink is not a bad thing to have. And they are extremely aware of the dangers of bad ink. The wise practitioner continues to use publicity as a key tool while he or she is building understanding of the broader view of serving the public good. Without the ability to sling good ink, they would not have the opportunity to preach the big picture. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=41&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Chuck Schnake) Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:58:50 CST With a mere two weeks until we elect our next president, it's time for us to get serious and encourage others to vote. This election comes at a critical time in our nation's history. The war in Iraq and the current financial situation are just some of the many items to be influenced by our next president. For the past few weeks, I have found myself glued to the television to watch the cast of Saturday Night Live poke fun of the political candidates and this week's episode with Gov. Sarah Palin was no exception. However, after I regained my composure from laughing, I began to wonder, "How will comedians such as John Stewart and Stephen Colbert affect voter turnout of the younger generation"?Last January, Christian Science Monitor wrote an article about the influence "Millennials" had on the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary. Organizations such as Declare Yourself and Rock the Vote strive to register new voters and help them become politically engaged. This is an exciting time to be a twenty-something and presidential campaigns are reaching out in new ways and using the latest technology. One of the coolest things for me is how grassroots technology allows the political process to become so personal. For example, I can follow Barack Obama on Twitter and be friends with John McCain on Facebook. So on Nov. 4, go vote, and then tweet about who received your vote! http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=38&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Kari Culp) Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:30:33 CST There is an old adage that a person's character is defined by what he or she does if facing a temptation when no one is watching. Another theory is that when a person faces adversity the true nature of their character emerges by how they deal with the situation. As PR professionals we are often called in to deal with a crisis, and often our demeanor in dealing with the crisis is as important as the counsel and tactical deployment portion of the assignment. Managing a crisis with excellence requires a great deal of experience, knowledge and some good old fashioned "street savvy". The recent economic meltdown has posed a personal challenge for most of us. Every morning we wake up to the latest news about the international marketplace as well as our own national economy. That eventually finds it way down to the local economy, which is also showing signs of a recession. Some points to remember during all of this:1. None of this was within our control, so worrying or fretting is futile. 2. Unless we are planning on retiring in the next 18-24 months, we are probably better off "riding out the storm" and avoiding knee jerk reaction. 3. The economy ALWAYS bounces back, albeit sometimes not as quickly as everyone would like. In summary, this Firm will continue to do good work and will continue to grow because of the people who work here. They possess great qualities:1. Good heads. 2. Good hearts. 3. Great work ethic. 4. Commitment to teamwork. HAVE A GREAT DAY! http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=34&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Steve Turnbo) Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:38:52 CST Constant creativity is something that should be a part of any good PR shop. Around here it plays a big role in what we do – what we offer our clients.As our founder Chuck Schnake says, "We shouldn't be afraid to give an idea away." Well, no matter if we give ideas away or sell them, we all agree that it's far more important to have them.Our team thinks up new, creative ideas a lot, but I think we could learn something from kids. Kids' thoughts are boundless and they think anything can happen, even the impossible. While we would nearly always color an ocean blue or maybe green, a child might make it yellow, purple or pink. I think, as adults, we too often let boundaries rule our thoughts and limit our creativity. My advice for creative strategies: bring a kid in, or bring the kid out in you. Of course, there are some ideas that are impossible, but thinking about those often spawn some of the most innovative and realistic ways to solve problems for clients and in everyday life. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=28&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Michael Willis) Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:35:54 CST It's an interesting political system we have. In the middle of a financial crisis someone from the outside looking in might say we have three presidents. We have the current president and commander-in-chief, but we also have two senators who are competing for the office. One contender acts like he has already won the election, and the other is busy working as a senator while also running a campaign.The fascinating thing is that many have written off President Bush because he has a mere four months left in office. Signs say the next four months are going to be crucial for the overall stability of our country. Bush is getting some attention due to his role in the government's response to the financial and economic issues, but he is not the focus. However, he is still the president and there's work to be done.It seems like we (and the media) are much more interested in what the running mates of the contenders say about hunting than what is going on with policy decisions today. Undoubtedly, our next president will have a full plate, but shouldn't we pay attention today and hold our elected official accountable for the future's sake? I'm not saying President Bush is doing a bad job. I'm saying that he's the president until January 20, 2009, and we should decide on our next president when the time comes. Hopefully, the media will facilitate our citizenship by following the policy and not just the politics. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=25&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Michael Willis) Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:30:01 CST There are public relations lessons to be learned everywhere.The Broadway musical "My Fair Lady" ran for 2,717 performances in New York City. The lead feminine role was played by Julie Andrews, then age 20. In the role of Eliza Doolittle, Andrews sang "Show Me" to her boyfriend who professed to love her. She demands that he stop just talking about love."Words, words, words. I'm so sick of words. Don't talk of stars burning above; if you're in love, show me. Sing me no song. Read me no rhyme. Don't waste my time. Show me!"Those lyrics bear out what we have long stressed to our clients. Deeds are far more effective communication tools than just words. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=23&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Chuck Schnake) Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:13:44 CST For 50 years, QuikTrip has been the convenience store of choice for most Tulsans. I, too, have been known to drive farther to experience the wonderful hospitality and clean facilities QuikTrip offers over some of its competitors. To celebrate its golden anniversary, QT threw a giant party on Sept. 20 for thousands of its fans. The event featured nine bands, including Tulsa's own Hanson, and a spectacular fireworks display. The really cool thing about the QT 50th Anniversary Festival is that they didn't have to celebrate this occasion with the general public. The company could have had a formal dinner and recognized long-time employees, but they didn't. In the true QT style of corporate giving, the company created an event to thank their long-time customers. It doesn't just stop there. Last April, QuikTrip donated money to build the new QuikTrip plaza and playground on Tulsa's River Parks at 41st Street. The area is designed with families in mind. Let's not forget the QuikTrip Center at Expo Square. During the recent renovation project of the old Expo Building, along with a major facelift, the building got a new name and now sells some delicious QT sandwiches. QuikTrip is a great role model for our community, and other companies should look at them for inspiration on how to be a great corporate citizen. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=21&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Kari Culp) Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:09:18 CST Writing is an essential skill of most endeavors. Nearly every industry requires its professionals to possess superior writing skills to communicate ideas, concepts, information and day-to-day correspondence through e-mails. In fact, according to a survey titled Writing: A Ticket to Work…Or a Ticket Out, "writing is a 'threshold skill' for the hiring and promotion of salaried (i.e., professional) employees." I found much of the information about employee writing skills interesting and wanted to share some of it with you.Researchers found that "more than 40 percent of responding firms offer or require training or retraining in writing for salaried employees who need it." However, realistically speaking, you shouldn't expect to receive training from employers. One survey found that "81 percent of respondents report they 'never' or 'only occasionally' provide such training." This is not surprising. After all, writing is a skill most firms test for and require prior to hiring or promoting employees, right? Wrong.To begin with, there is a problem with how rigorously companies test applicants' writing skills. Only 11 percent of responding companies said they require writing samples from applicants for salaried positions. The rest of the companies based their writing assessment in resumes and/or any correspondence they had with applicants. One would think this makes sense since everybody is required to write e-mails. Again, wrong.There are two problems with that thought process. The first problem is that e-mails tend to be informal by nature. Secondly, knowing how to write a business e-mail does not equal well-rounded writing skills. In my opinion, we do not improve our writing skills while e-mailing as much as we would if we had to write reports or articles on a regular basis. With the lack of pre-employment testing coupled with the limited opportunities for employees to update their skills, it is no wonder only about one-third of responding firms reported that one-third or fewer of their employees possess the writing skills that companies value." Like any other skill, Good writing requires practice. A good professor I had in college once referenced a book called Listening: The Forgotten Skill. In the book the author found that "16% of the time we read, 35% of the time we talk, 40% our time we spend listening and only 9% of the time we spend writing." I believe more research would find even journalists are close to these percentages. I think we can all agree that writing is the communications skill we invest in least. Is there one entity to blame more than another for our society's writing skill deficiencies? And more importantly, what will happen if more people don't start caring about this issue? http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=19&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (David Salazar) Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:21:46 CST Whether a Republican or Democrat, one thing is obvious this election; appearances count. Some candidates are cool with rolled up sleeves and a loosened tie while others have a more buttoned down approach. One vice presidential hopeful is popular for her flashy eye glasses and fancy hair sweep. So, what does fashion have to do with how we communicate? Studies show that people remember more about the way we look than what we say. I personally can attest to this theory when, as a news anchor covering the presidential election of 1996, viewers called the television station to complain about my one missing earring rather than the content of my commentary.Do I like this superficiality? No. Have I learned to value the art of message delivery? You bet. We often tell our clients what their mother repeated time and time again. Tuck in your shirt, sit up tall, brush your hair and smile. These simple rules will get you far in life, especially if you're the focus of media attention.The intellectual side of me knows it's important to have something to say and to say it well. However, in our culture, how we look is vital to good communication. Perhaps former President Ronald Regan mastered this scenario best. Often delivering tough economic news, he was dubbed "the great communicator" regardless if his speech had a negative impact on society. So, the next time you're faced with delivering an important message to stakeholders, board members, employees or friends, be mindful of the situation and how you are perceived. It's amazing what people remember. By the way, I'm still looking for that earring. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=17&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Karen Wicker) Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:27:47 CST A few months ago, our staff was treated to a presentation by an expert in technology development. He discussed how the use of technology affects companies in all industries every day. I have to admit, it was an eye-opening experience for me, and I could see the same reaction from a few of my colleagues. The most interesting part of the presentation was his explanation of how the technology industry has basically taken over many other industries. One good example he gave was the takeover of the music industry by companies like Napster, Apple iTunes and Amazon. His next point was that if we're not careful, technology companies will move in and take over the public relations industry. I thought long and hard about this. And I'll give him credit, it really made us all think. Specifically, we started to think about own technology prowess, which has been greatly improved over the last several months through our internal self-education efforts. But here's where I disagree with our technology expert. Public relations is based on our ability (or our client's ability) to build and maintain public relationships. We can use social media outlets and electronic communication tools all day, and we do. But there should never be a replacement for individual relationships. After all, the relationships we build through Myspace and Facebook are largely superficial. If we start treating the business of public relations this way, we will fail. Has anyone noticed that many large companies are bringing people back to answer incoming phone calls instead of an electronic service? It is the realization that consumers want real exchanges with real people. Companies finally realized that consumers place a high value on this simple service. The parallels are easy to see. Good PR firms practice good customer service. Good customer service is based on personal relationships. There are a lot of great things – great strides – we can utilize in our business due in large part to technology advances. But we will be remiss the day we replace the personal relationship with a program or a computer. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=13&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Michael Willis) Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:37:31 CST One of the first things our firm does when consulting with prospective and new clients is to inquire about their areas of corporate responsibility. The commitment a company is willing to make and the sense of priority they place on giving back to the communities it serves is revealing. It tells you a lot about the company and its management and how they do business. You often hear good corporate responsibility referred to as "doing the right thing." But just imagine this. We are fortunate to have a Tulsa company, which faced its own serious financial challenges beginning in 2002 and which, over time, fulfilled all of its contribution commitments. And now, to top it all off, it has voluntarily stepped forward to assist another business in the community, which can no longer fulfill its charitable obligations, to insure that nonprofit organizations receive the support they were promised. What company does this kind of thing? Williams. Williams went through the worst of times. But its leaders were committed to do everything within their power to fulfill their commitments to the nonprofit organizations. And now, they have been true to their core values and beliefs which states, "We recognize and enthusiastically accept our responsibility to the communities we serve, through acting as a good neighbor and through involvement and support for community activities." They have become the epitome of being a good neighbor. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty by lending a hand to SemGroup, which now is facing bankruptcy, to help fulfill their charitable commitments and, in turn, lend a hand once again to the community. Williams, along with the Tulsa Community Foundation, ONEOK, T.D. Williams, Inc., and the Hille Foundation, have all stepped forward. Each of these companies and organizations is an example to all of us of "doing the right thing." Thank you for your generosity and for your leadership. You inspire us. http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=9&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Becky Frank) Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:32:07 CST Serious public relations practitioners are news junkies. They get up early to read at least a couple of newspapers and catch all the network news as well as local broadcasts. They thrive on it. And it's little wonder why they look at the international news headlines, the national breaking news and the local newspapers. It's simple. There are public relations implications in every story. Lessons to be learned. Whether it's the Olympics, the Russia/Georgia conflict, the national political campaigns or the local city council tiffs, the PR pro has a viewpoint on what the issues are, how they are being handled and how they should or could be handled. It's just a natural reaction. Then there are others in the PR profession who just don't seem to have time to read newspapers, watch national news and talk shows or keep up with major current events. That baffles me. Clients are a part of the local, national and international fabric. What happens in Beijing or Georgia, what political candidate says about national health care or the energy industry or what the local mayor says about eminent domain can and does affect our clients. There is no separation today between the practice of public relations and the news of our times. They are inseparable. What time does the local newspaper hit your doorstep? http://www.stfpr.com/blog/blogDetail.cfm?entryID=1&categoryID=1 blogs@stfpr.com (Chuck Schnake) Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:44:24 CST