The End of the Beginning

Throughout this semester, I've written blog posts, developed logos and brochures, and learned about various ways to design visually appealing communication tools for various organizations. As a junior, I'm really diving into my major of public relations, and learning how to really be the best pr practitioner I possibly can.

Many people don't quite understand the capabilities of public relations - slightly ironic, as the point is to connect and develop relationships with the prospective audience. I have to admit that I myself didn't quite understand what my major entailed. A freshman in college with no real plans on what I wanted to major in, or what career I wanted to pursue, I chose public relations because my father runs the local school television program in my hometown (him and another teacher). He led me in the direction of communication, thinking I had a quick wit and an eye for design (the last was debatable in my mind... but I won't argue with the wit), so I enrolled in the public relations sequence with no idea of what to expect.

Now, two and a half years later, I've taken a load of classes in pr, journalism writing and a few in advertising, with a better idea of what I want to do with my life, and (thankfully) and idea of what exactly my major does. This is mainly due to the teachings of many different professors in the School of Journalism and Mass Commmunications, here at K-State. It is because of the education I've received thus far, and the opportunities I've been given in class, that I finally feel as though I chose the right major and future occupation to suite me. This last week of class in the fall semester of my junior year, and the next year and a half to come will furthur develop my skills and abilities to be the best I can be... and will signify the end of the beginning of my new life in public relations.

Internal vs. External PR

Anyone involved in public relations realizes the two main audiences - internal and external - are both very important for very different reasons. But which is more important? As a pr practitioner, is it more beneficial to provide up-to-date information immediately to the external public, or to make sure the internal public is the very first to know new information?

This question becomes somewhat tricky, as the information each public receives is different. The general, external public is given info that the internal public should already know, however in the case of a crisis neither internal nor external publics are fully aware of the current situation.

In times of crisis, I believe the internal public - the people working inside the company - become the most important. As a representative of the company, everyone suddenly becomes a spokesperson in times of crisis. Because of this, it is imperative that workers; the internal public, know and understand the situation at hand.

Both publics must fully understand what a company or organization stands for, as well as its capabilities. By fully educating the internal public of an organization, the external public may also become fully educated.

Curse Technology!

The great debate for many newspaper companies, is whether or not the
standard, tangible newspaper will die. Why continue wasting precious
time and money on paper that has a short shelf-life, and can't easily
be updated?

WELL! I'll tell you why. After a very VERY painful weekend/week of computer-less, phone-less existence, I feel completely unconnected from the rest of the world. Viruses apparently attacked my poor computer, leaving it helpless and unable to start. Which means..... NO Internet.

Now, after not being able to constantly check the web for the latest
updates, a hard copy of news - one that doesn't require ANY outside
source of power - is extremely appealing. Yes, it may be inconvenient at times, and may not always provide the most up-to-date news, but you never have to worry about a newspaper not working. For this very reason, I honestly do not believe we will ever completely do away with the newspaper. Plus - that just provides one more media outlet for pr representatives to pitch a story. No...the newspaper will never completely die........unlike my stupid computer.

Good Job, McDonald's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eN9KP6lOZs

This has become my new favorite commercial. I LOVE love this ad... it's funny, catchy, and easily gets the point across without once having the actors speak, or say McDonald's. As far as impact goes, the ad did a good job... I myself felt like making a trip to Micky D's!

If more tactics like this were used to reach audiences - using humor that people feel like they can relate to, without being over-bearing in the message - advertising and public relations would have a much greater impact on people. The idea is to make the audience have a positive connection to the commercial/publicity they see, and make them feel as if the commercial is speaking directly to them.

Although I realize not all situations are suited for humor or a "feel good" shot of publicity, making the audience connect and develop a self-interest in the product can always be achieved. McDonald's found a way to connect to at least one audience member - enough to make her write about it in a blog. :D

Internships

It's getting to be about that time... I'm about halfway done with the first semester of my junior year, and it's time I sit down and find me an internship! The possibilities are endless as far as different types of companies to intern for, profit vs. non-profit, location - it's really just a matter of finding the right one for me!

Ideally, I would love to have an internship working in sports; preferably motorsports. Competition will be stiff I'm sure though. EVERYONE wants to work in sports - many people major in public relations for this very reason. I'm a little concerned I won't qualify for the job as well as other students working towards the same internship. With it's growing need, public relations is becoming a fast-growing job.... meaning MORE competition. Yet another reason (besides being required by the JMC school) to get an internship. Any little bit to further your experience and increase your qualifications will help.

I know of a few students who have had wonderful internships that led to great jobs after college... my search for that same great experience begins now. I hope I can find the right internship for me, helping me begin my career!

PR Opportunities on Campus

This week, students and staff had the opportunity to donate blood here on the K-State campus. The blood drive was available more than one day this week, in multiple buildings on campus - the Union included. Why is my information so vague? Besides saying a blood drive did occur on campus, and at least one station was located in the Union, I really couldn't provide you with many more details simply because I don't know them. It is possible that I am completely ignorant, and totally oblivious to signs, brochures, radio advertisements etc. that gave more information......... or maybe information wasn't quite as readily available as some students would have liked. If it wasn't for a co-worker of mine, who happened to know the about the blood drive through a friend that was working at one of the stations, I would have never known K-State even had a blood drive this week.

My point? I'm sure there are many great opportunities on campus that never go noticed, simply from lack of good PR. My solution? Utilize PRSSA, utilize public relations classes... utilize students that are majoring in this very thing! The collaborative efforts between pr clubs/classes/students in general, and organizations or events that would like more publicity could result in great benefits for both. Experience for the students, and publicity for the organization.

Disclaimer: I can't knowledgeably say that no pr/advertising efforts were done on the Blood Drive's part - they may very well have. I'm simply using my ignorance on the subject as my blog topic for this week.

Frustrating!

It's hard to believe that it takes so long to make something so small. I enjoy working in Photoshop and trying to design new ideas, but man! Making the logo for PR Tech. took a looong time. And I'm sure it could have been much better. My partner and I made a bridge as our logo - to represent "bridging the gap." I loved the concept, however it may be just a bit too far out of the box to really suit the client's needs. Students in the class came up with some really great ideas. I think it's neat that each group came up with their own concept - none really resembled each other.

For my group, developing the logo in Photoshop took the longest. The concept stayed basically the same, however transferring the idea from paper to computer was a little difficult. I have a new respect for designers! All in all though, I was proud of our work. For being fairly green when it comes to using design programs in depth, I think my group as well as the entire class did an excellent job! Hopefully our client the client thinks so too...