(Samantha, Social Media) Permanent link
Have you ever wondered how an online user-generated encyclopedia maintains credibility? Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales shares this and more on OPENForum.com’s Inside the Entrepreneurial Mind series. Seth Godin hosts the conversation with Jimmy and Facebook co-founder Sean Parker. It is well worth your time to take in a few of these short videos about social networking, branding and online marketing. I recommend watching “Building a Mega-Brand.” Who would have thought Facebook made a conscious decision to position itself as brand neutral? The brand recognition Facebook enjoys today is so amazing that I never would have guessed it.
(Esther, Media relations) Permanent link The time has come again when the big news story is not the debate, not the campaign promises, not the polling data. Those days are behind us. Now, the really important thing is, "What is our new first lady going to wear?!" I'm not really sure why this is newsworthy -- especially when we're on the brink of financial ruin. When families are trying to decide between food or medicine, should it really matter what ridiculously priced garment one women is going to wear to a bunch of parties?
But here is where the media plays an important role in our daily lives -- it's not business, or politics, or breaking news of missing children and wildfires. This is the fun stuff to which we're all entitled, to keep things light and not so scary. By focusing on this topic, the national media help us forget a little. They help us get caught up in the glamour of "Bamalot." Because, let's face it, that's much more fun than thinking about how much of my son's fledgling college savings account I lost last quarter. So, OK, I'll bite. And I hope she goes with the Monique Lhuillier. I think she will look stunning in all that flowing red. (IABC, Networking) Permanent link  Networking opportunities generally slow down at the end of the year, but don’t let that stop you from making connections this holiday season.
Consider the following three avenues for cultivating your network this month.
Participate in professional groups: If your professional organization doesn’t have its customary luncheon scheduled in December, keep your eyes and ears open for other networking opportunities. For example, look for holiday parties sponsored by the group, or volunteer opportunities during the month. This month the Kansas City IABC Chapter is offering a unique opportunity to network with local community professionals and help a good cause. During the organization’s December event attendees will brainstorm marketing, advertising, communication and public relations ideas for the Ronald MacDonald House.
Leverage online networks: Join the conversation in online social networks such as LinkedIn. Use downtime to expand your LinkedIn network by searching and adding individuals to your network. Join a LinkedIn group that fits your interests. Or position yourself as an expert by answering questions posed on the site.
Volunteer: ‘Tis the season for giving. You’ll find while giving back to those less fortunate, you’ll also gain yourself. Volunteering is a wonderful way to do good and meet new people within the community. While volunteering, introduce yourself to others helping the cause. You may be surprised at the connections you’ll make.
(Erin, Suchitra, Corporate culture) Permanent link 
It has been a week now. For one week we have survived without Suchitra.
In late November our team was saddened to hear the news that our executive assistant, Suchitra Kamath, would be leaving the team. Her husband was relocated to Dallas and they are scheduled to move in January.
Suchitra has been a truly valuable member of the Morningstar Communications team for three years. As “Director of First Impressions” she was a pleasant face as people walked into our office (some of them clients, some looking for the dentist’s office next door). Her cheerful phone voice made her a favorite among our client contacts and her thoughtful personality made her a favorite with everyone here at Morningstar.
Suchitra always remembered to bring us little gifts from her travels to see family in Canada and India. She remembered to make birthday and anniversary signs so everyone felt appreciated. She remembered to keep the chocolate cabinet full and to have patience with our never-ending need for Diet Coke.
Beyond her amazing knowledge of how to use FileMaker to print mailing labels and her wonderful way with fixing the printer, Suchitra made all of our lives easier. She was always willing to help us set up long lists of conference calls for audience research interviews, or to help us bind books at the last minute. She served as a mentor to our interns (and from personal experience I thank her for her patience), and as a resource to employees.
When we heard she was leaving we all wondered how we would survive without Suchitra. She had become someone to rely on and an integral member of our team. Even many of our clients expressed how sad they were that she was leaving us. Suchitra made a lasting impression on everyone she reached.
Well, we will continue to survive without her one week at a time, missing her along the way. Each of us wishes Suchitra the best of luck in Dallas… and she better have 15 bedrooms available for that group trip we’ve decided to plan in her honor ;-)
(Lauren, Creativity) Permanent link During the campaign, I loved reading articles about the graphic design behind different candidates' logos. There were lots of speculations about the use of Optima in McCain's materials. There was even more talk -- and it's still going on -- about the use of Gotham for Obama's mark, from the typeface designers to design firms that just wanted to support his campaign. This two-part video is a fascinating glimpse into the creation of Obama's logo, including some rejected ideas. (Thanks to Design Observer for pointing it out.) I think this is a perfect use of 13 minutes, not just because it's interesting, but because Sol Sender talks about the strategy behind good marks are created. Wise advice if you see a redesign in your future. Enjoy!
(Lauren) Permanent link  If you've ever ridden the Tube in London, you're sure to have seen these signs everywhere. In addition to being a classic symbol of London (you can buy Mind the Gap boxers, posters, PJs and more), this sign actually serves an important purpose, and saves people from embarrassing falls and missing their trains.
But enough about the genius design of Mind the Gap.
Today is about minding something else very important – the details. Some say God is in the details. So is getting hired. Here are a few very important details to keep in mind as you’re preparing job applications and attending interviews.
1. Mind your P's and Q's
Spell check is not your friend. Typos on anything you send to a potential employer – especially if you’re applying to be a professional wordsmith – just turn us off. Seriously. You know the difference between “its” and “it’s” and “there,” “their” and “they’re,” so don’t make us think you don’t. And, as a colleague reminded our PRSSA Day students, remember the “L” in public relations. Without it, your degree takes on a whole new meaning, and we don’t need to hire you based on that skill.
Resources: Grammar Girl, The Associated Press Stylebook
2. Keep Me in Mind
With any communication, it’s important to keep your audience in mind. When you’re trying to persuade someone to do something, from buying your product to offering you a job, you need to give them the “What’s In it For Me?” information. Make yourself, your skills and your experience relevant to your potential employer. We don’t need to see your term paper on the symbolism of light and shadow in Madame Bovary. We don’t need to see snappy ad taglines. We’re a strategic communications firm, so bring or send relevant work examples that show off your ability to think strategically and creatively and deliver your message effectively.
3. Mind the Minutes
This is simple: arrive on time. Do not – do not, do not, do not – be late for an interview. In fact, be early. Give yourself and your interviewer a good 15-minute period to settle down, compose your questions and answers and be mentally prepared for the conversation to come. If the interview is someplace you’ve never been, make a test run the night before your interview. Even if the drive is a long one, you’ll be glad you know where to go. Remember to account for rush hour traffic, construction delays, etc. Carry your interviewer’s phone number with you, though, so you can notify him or her in an emergency. If you absolutely must be late or cancel an interview, follow up with your contact to apologize and reschedule. Just know that anything short of a hospitalization or death is a poor excuse for missing an interview.
These are just a few of the details that can really make or break your application and interview experience. More tips to come about making the most of your interview and polishing your portfolio. In the meantime, if you’re in the application and interview process, remember to mind the details. Maybe even make yourself a sign – it could prevent you from tripping up and missing your chance.
Tip #1: Suit Up
|