This can be done.

I have approximately six months until I graduate from Georgia College & State University, and I can't lie, I'm terrified. The thought of leaving this quaint little bubble of academia that I've called home for the past four years and taking the big leap in to the "real world" is a scary one, however, there is one obstacle between me and the big bad "real world": my internship. Despite the fact I have yet to actually nail one down, the article featured on InternshipRatings.com from PR Couture definitely got the wheels in my head turning. It's a great jumping off point for preparation and planning when looking for the perfect internship that will set my career in motion.

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Prim.

She's 14 years old and her name is Kristen Prim. Miss Prim is the editor and chief of prim. magazine-a homegrown effort that just recently turned tangible with the first printed issue coming out last month. It's truly amazing that someone so young can have such an impressive grasp on the in's and out's of producing a magazine and filling it with articles and features that appeal to a wide range of readers. I know I enjoy reading the magazine and have even considered trying my hand at pitching a story her way (if she'll have me). If you all have some extra time to surf around the interwebs, I recommend going by her blog, Not So Prim and Proper or checking out the magazine (just follow the link above). It's excellent work and the content is terribly interesting. Please check it out.

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Interview Ensem.

photo by GARACEDORE

After hearing the words and thoughts concerning interview attire from Carlos Campos, our most recent guest speaker in PR Administration, I went on the lookout for something that I could wear to an interview without feeling as though I was compromising my personal style.

Found it.

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Stuck on Paste.

My visit to Paste Magazine was this past Friday (November 4) and despite our mildly late arrival, the trip was a success. Upon entering the gloriously open and laid back office I was instantly relieved that places like this, truly did exist.

We had a short conference with Palmer Houchins the New Media Marketing Manager for the publication before taking our tour and he gave us some insight on pitching stories as freelance writers to get our names out and build up a resume. I know this is a PR blog, but I definitely feel as though plenty of the advice he gave can be applied to pitching a campaign, and you never know when money will get tight and you have to find a little bit of extra work to keep the food on the table, right?

The following are the notes I jotted:
- Always over e-mail.
-- No one will answer your phone call.
-- Address the editor by name.
-- Identify yourself.
-- How long is the story?
-- When can you have it in?
- Keep the pitch to a paragraph or two.
- Don't pitch doing a feature on someone you know.
- Consition is a virtue.
- Do it in a style and a voice that fits the publication.
- Subject and publication should reflect in the tone.
- Always be yourself.
- Don't be afraid to hear "no." You will hear it a lot.
- Just because you hear "no" once doesn't mean you are banned for life.
- BELIEVE IN THE WORK THAT YOU'RE DOING.

Hope this proves to be helpful.

*Please pardon the gush sesh: Paste Magazine headquarters are where it's at. There's music and a good positive energy everywhere. Everyone seems to be really laid back and into what they are doing. There isn't a single cubicle in the whole place and the dresscode all about what you're comfortable in. drooldrooldrool*

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Tip tip tip tip, boom!

As a fashion and trend enthusiast, I've seen crazes and fads come and go. I remember the first resurgences of leggings as trousers after the 80's come about a little under two years ago. Shirts were getting longer and dresses were getting shorter. As a response to this, leggings were becoming necessary in order to maintain clean lines, but jeans still reigned supreme on the trouser scene. A small handful of the young Hollywood socialite variety finally caught onto the movement already sweeping Europe of replacing actual pants with opaque leggings. Once leggings began making regular appearances on the covers of grocery store tabloids as Nicole Ritchie lost more and more weight or Lindsay Lohan was once again checked into the hospital for what was becoming "Chronic Exhaustion," the stretchy substitutes for pants started to make their rise into the eyes of young girls and women. Not long thereafter black leggings were popping up all over malls and school hallways. Suddenly it was acceptable to forego actually wearing pants and only wear leggings. Short dresses took on a more modest look as girls/women started pairing them with leggings and soon they were not just for short dresses, but for wearing underneath shirts as well. Now, not only are black leggings popular in the market, but leggings in different patterns, colors, and lengths can be found in a majority of clothing stores all over the country. Leggings have "tipped," according to Malcolm Gladwell's idea of the Tipping Point. At one time they were a mere blip on the radar in the eyes of the general public and in a few short months they were everywhere, and still are to this day, because of the conditions under which they were reintroduced by a handful of young Hollywood socialites who frequented the covers of grocery store tabloids.

What makes me, or anyone else for that matter; want to go to a basketball game? That’s the magic question. Within the already standing campaign that we are working to implement for the GCSU Athletics Department there are several events taking place in order to entice students, faculty, and community members to attend the men’s basketball games, but getting them to continue coming is the key. In essence, how can we get them to “stick” to coming to the games? I think the answer lies in just the right amount of coverage. If we can manage to make the events taking place throughout the campaign memorable and get a good buzz circulating around campus it will be remembered next season. I also feel as though targeting freshmen living in the dorms will play a huge part in the success of the campaign and the numbers of individuals at the games for years to come. Using the Power of Context that Gladwell discusses, we can use the fact that freshmen are required to live in the dorms that are only a stone’s throw away from the gym where games will take place, to get them to stick to coming to the games. Taking advantage of the fact that these students have to reside so close to the games, a constant flow of messages relaying the one big message (i.e. COME TO THE BASKETBALL GAMES! THEY’RE FUN!) should be put into action with flyers and handbills, but also through the word of mouth handed down by Resident Directors/Assistants. The Athletic Department should team up with University Housing in some capacity to continue encouraging and promoting the games to new freshmen residents. If the message is relayed strong enough and early enough, a larger student turn out will result, because the freshmen are new to the college scene and in need of some direction, the athletic events should be incorporated into the welcoming and settling period, making attending athletic events a part of the university’s culture as opposed to an afterthought.

Sitting on the front steps of my dormitory in London this summer as I watched cars pass and enjoyed a little fresh air, a girl emerged from the automated doors and sat a few steps down from me. She was having a cigarette and had neglected to bring a book or even her mobile with her so I took the opportunity to strike up conversation. We got to talking and found that we shared a lot of interests and views in common. We remained friends throughout our stays in the city and I introduced her to the people from the program I had come with. We shared a majority of our free time with each other and even spent evenings out and about town together. In doing that, I was able to introduce her to an already constructed social circle of locals I had met a couple of weeks prior. They became friends. I also introduced several members from my study abroad program to the group of locals. They became acquaintances. These are only a few instances where I have acquired friends and acquaintances and then brought them together. Reading through Gladwell’s “types” of people, I find that I identify most with the Connectors, because I enjoy the company of a variety of different types of people and when bringing these groups together I experience a sense of accomplishment and achievement. I love to talk and I can talk to just about anyone or anything (i.e. a wall), and taking the first step and introducing myself to people often excites me. I certainly do not “collect” acquaintances and friends, because that seems grotesquely superficial and I enjoy more meaningful connections with assorted individuals, but meeting new people and connecting them with friends and acquaintances I already have is something that I take great pleasure in.

As far as reaching a tipping point in my blogging and other social/professional networking sites is concerned I feel that I am still waiting for it. Facebook was the first networking site to tip for me personally and it continues to be my primary outlet for online communications, but Twitter and this blog come in close second. With Twitter and my blog, it is just a matter of reaching out and initiating more discussions with people outside of my Public Relations Administration class. Once I start building stronger connections outside of that, I think that Twitter and my blog will definitely tip and become equals with Facebook the Great. My PR OpenMic has been much neglected in recent weeks and I do not see that tipping for me for a while, although I do hope that in coming weeks and months I will adopt it into my daily internet routine as I have been doing with Facebook for the past three years and Twitter/my blog for the last few months.

Cubicle=Instant Anxiety Attack

That's what I got.

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You wanna trade?

I've always heard that doing pro bono work is an excellent way to build up a resume and make lots of important connections, as well as get your name and your work out and about. What I haven't heard much about is bartering my "free" services.

Katie Sullivan, from Kick PR, wrote a guest piece for PR Couture discussing her experience with Portland Fashion Week and how in doing her pro bono work she was able to actually trade her services for quality clothing. In an industry where young and budding fashion designers are a dime a dozen and money is extrememly tight, PR services are desperately needed, but are not saved much room in the budget. Whilst working with PFW, Sullivan acquired an opportunity to help and work for Leanne Marshall (the most recent winner of Bravo's Project Runway). Leanne didn't have any money for public relations, and after seeing her work and falling in love with her designs, Sullivan took her on as a client under the conditions that she could trade her services for clothes.

Reading about Sullivan's work with Leanne and PFW was truly inspiring. Working with budding designers and building their contacts and brand is a challenging and exciting endeavor to take on, and if the designer is someone I believe in and care about helping succeed, the work will be much more fulfilling and quality. Not to mention being able to trade my services for chic new designs.

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Here's a quick look at Leanne's winning collection!

Check. Check. Testing 1,2,3...

PR Open Mic, the fairly new professional/social networking site for those working in the PR field seems to be taking off quite nicely. It works as an avenue for PR students, practitioners, and professors to plug into one another and share ideas, latest projects, blog posts, videos, etc.

I signed up and became a member last week, and haven't really had too much activity on my page, but once I get into the swing of it and start connecting with more people I think it will prove itself to be an excellent resource.

The groups are quite possibly my favorite part of the site as of now. The ones I have joined recently are all still getting up and running, but their main concepts are helpful and are catered to what I need as a PR student.

I'm excited to become more familiar with the site and using it to it's full potential.

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So Parcheezi.

I've just been informed that, my mock ad for Paste magazine was picked out of those submitted by my classmates and I (in addition to three others) have been invited up to headquarters for a tour and day of shadowing.

I am beyond excited and honored to be receiving this opportunity.

Here's a look at the ad. It needs work, there's no doubt, but it got me a tour at Paste headquarters.



I'll post something with a little more substance later on this week. For now, I'll just bask in the warm glow of affirmation.

Thank you to Macon McGinley and Paste magazine. I. am. jazzed.

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No.Way.

According to the bloggers over at IndependentFashionBloggers.org, ModePass.com is the new hot social networking site, and I can't say I disagree. After just recently becoming a member and taking a quick inventory of the site, it seems to be legit and a great avenue for young trendsetters, fashionistas, photogs, bloggers, and cinematographers to get their work out into the interwebs for others to enjoy and comment on.

Even with the extremely limited information I have on my profile I've already made five contacts. They're all from France and their profiles are all in French, but that's okay. Being able to actually read their information would be awesome, but reviewing their photography and design work is interesting and inspiring. I believe that if this network skyrockets, as I hope it will, a portal of communication between young aspiring artists will blossom.

Just to be fair and balanced, I do have to say that the site is kind of difficult, and trying to customize a profile is really geared toward those with already established portfolios, but if you're just starting out and looking to browse, check out the competition out there, and make connections with those who share very targeted and specific interests-Modepass is where to go.

Check out the site and add me as a contact (username: youarefancied)!

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Because at the end of the day, we're still friends

You know what I love? When the four fashion capitals get together and gab it out over scheduling. The article, provided by none other than Yahoo!News, gives a brief overview about the meeting held between the fashion capitals of the world and how due to good negotiating, London was spared of losing half of their Fashion Week in the next autumn 2009 season.

What I really like most about the article are the statements made by BFC Chairman Harold Tillman. He refers to how the meeting, "...has highlighted our interdependence, commitment to nurturing talent and our sharing of ideas and goals." That's an excellent example of exemplary peer relations within the industry, because not only do these people compete against each other every season, but they also have excellent social personal skills outside of the business realm. The Fashion industry is one of social politics and everyone (for the most part) plays the game very well.

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Something out of the ordinary

Viktor & Rolf are debuting their most recent collection on the internet during Paris Fashion Week.

Here's their 2005 Spring Collection. It's my fave.
Part 1


Part 2


Debuting on the internet? For everyone to experience at THE SAME TIME? Brilliant. Bringing the clothes to the masses and the elite simultaneously.

So to tie this into PR just a little: Do you think that putting all of their target audiences on an equal playing field is a smart idea?

Keep in mind that they have to cater to their investors, those belonging to the industry hierarchy, and consumers (those who can actually afford the clothes). Is taking the exclusivity of experiencing the show first going to upset the Fashion Elite? As a Fashion Peon, I'm more than thrilled, but let's be honest, all I can do is drool over the clothes. Actually purchasing and supporting the duo monetarily is not something I'm currently (or will ever be) capable of.

Regardless of the outcome, I'm certain the clothes will be phenomenal.

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Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me

How many times a day do you check your Facebook/MySpace/Twitter/LinkedIn/blog/personal e-mail/school e-mail/professional e-mail? More than you should? Not enough? I don't know about you, but I'm constantly on the internet keeping updated on recent happenings/tweets/comments. There's no doubt about it, staying on top of all these avenues for communication can be time consuming and a lot of work. Some would even say these networks are robbing us of our abilities to make connections and communicate on a personal level.

According to Jeremy over at POP! PR Jots, we are "slaves to technology". He encourages his readers to turn off the computer and pick up the phone or actually make the effort to meet in person and discuss business.

To his assertions about technology and its role in PR today, I say this: technology is a very important tool with the supercharged pace at which business these days is conducted. That's just the way it is. Sure relationships with those of the press are important aspects that need to be nurtured and looked after on a more personal level (i.e. the telephone or an actual meeting), but for day-to-day work/planning/research/etc. the computer and the significant number of networks available online are incredibly important and do an excellent job at aiding those in the PR field with theirs.

What do you think? Do you think those in the PR field rely too much on technology or do you feel it's necessary?

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I'm not worthy: The force that is Kelly Cutrone

Kelly Cutrone is "vlogging" on her adventures during Fashion Week for New York Magazine and seems to be doing some serious work. Here's the last video from the series called The Cutrone Minute. I encourage you to go and watch the whole series on the New York Magazine website. It's a great peek into the world of what actually goes on when the money and clients are counting on you.




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p.s. If you're interested, here's a link to an entry on the work Marc Jacobs showed today. The reviews are good-as they should be.

The most wonderful time of the year

No, I'm not talking about Christmas. Fashion Week 2008 is here...well, it's been here for three days now, but nevertheless, it's here! Glitz, glamour, and clothes are swirling about NYC as we speak and with all of that comes the media blitz. To keep up with, as The Virgins so adequately put it, "who's been wearin' what with who" live bloggers and You Tubers are blowing up the interwebs with videos and up-to-the-minute posts about the happenings.

Here's an entry from model, Flavia de Oliveira found on the USA Today blog. Having a model from Fashion Week live blog throughout her day is an excellent use of the technology and targets the audiences (fashion enthusiasts) very well.

Read it over and relish in the fact that her day might be helter skelter, but for many of us in the GCSU Mass Comm Program, that's nothing new. Hey everybody! We're high fashion and didn't even know it.

Below are a couple of videos. One is of the Betsy Johnson (one of my all-time favorite designers) runway show, and the other from the aforementioned band The Virgins. Enjoy!











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Take me down to the paradise city...

...where the streets are busy and the clothes are pretty. Take me home. As many of you already know, I spent a month of my summer in swingin' London and had a whale of a time. To be quite, honest, saying that "I found my place in the world" would truly be the understatement of my lifetime. Ever since my return, dreams of Fashion and PR have been swirling around my head and the scheming to make it back across the pond has been a never-ending process.

While perusing PR Couture (which has become one of my blog-reading must haves), I found an entry written by Jenny Raja about her experience as a Fashion PR intern in London. Besides being able to feel the envy come oozing out of my very being, I felt a little reality check come lightly tapping on the corner of my brain. During her stint in London, Jenny had a great time, but she also makes mention of meticulous clothes/merchandise sorting, hours of quality time with her Microsoft Office programs, and the jaded attitudes of her older and more experienced co-workers. All of these downsides are not aspects of the job I had considered, but I mean, naturally. One doesn't usually drool over a dream career day and night and think about the endless nights of paperwork, long flights, and stress that could potentially lead to hairloss. It wasn't all bad though and the glam factor definitely didn't eldude her while she was there and acutally made quite a few cameos from the sound of things.

Despite the hairloss, I'd still give my left leg to enjoy and experience an opportunity like that.

Hope everyone is having a right proper week end.

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Wise words from India

Because clients can be difficult and opinions have a tendency to clash, interactions between PR practitioners and their clients can sometimes be a bit strained. In her entry, PR with Sahridayas, Madhavi Mukherjee from India PR Blog discusses the ancient Indian theory of communication called Sadharanikaran (say that three times fast). I love the idea of their being an open flow of communication between the audience and those targeting them. It's a give and take on both ends that both parties benefit from. I hope you'll take some time to read the entry and get a better idea of what Sadharanikaran is all about.

Namaste,



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Cause a Scene

Having quality content in a media/press kit is important. I think we can all agree to that, but what about packaging? Just because the content is good, does not mean that slipping releases into a manila folder and putting it in the mail is sufficient. The folks over at PR Couture provided an excellent short article for Cause a Scene magazine about the importance of making your press materials really stand out, especially in competitive markets. This article focuses on the fashion industry, but I feel like the principles can be applied to all around.

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A look at People's Revolution

Browsing through my classmates' blogs this evening has inspired me to post once more instead of doing my Newspaper Design assignment. Call it procrastinating or what have you, but after I read My Dream Job from Brittany I had to do a quick post about People's Revolution. Please go and check out Kelly Cutrone's, the firm's founder, interview with Nylon Magazine. It's a little outdated, but I love what People's Revolution is all about and wanted to share it with all of you. Working in that kind of firm is certainly something I aspire to.

That's all.

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It's an easy mistake to make...

...but PR practitioners are not to be confused with "publicists" according to Luca Penati's (from TechPRNibbles*) post on the matter. He discusses these differences at length saying, "PR is much more than media relations or pitching bloggers," in reference to the job descriptions of "publicists". Penati outlines the intricate work involved within the field and how it expands beyond reaching the audiences hit by the media and blogs but to all of the stakeholders and investors as well. He is a firm believer in the "ever-changing landscape" of PR and the importance of strategies within campaigns.

Reading this piece really served as the proverbial Windex to my dirty windows. It cleared up a few questions I had about the field in a straightforward fashion. Give it a read and let me know what you think.

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So It Begins...

Hello everyone and welcome to Publicly Poised. I have worked with personal blogs before, but this will be my first leap into the world of professional blogging. New entries will be available at least twice a week so check in often. Happy reading!

Thank you for visiting,
Amanda Cepero