Friday, November 30, 2007

11/30


The Grund, Luxembourg City

Intangibles

The one thing above all others that most people don’t understand about PR is that it involves so many intangibles.

Ideas don’t grow on trees (although we’re working on that,) and creative development takes a little TLC. Likewise, putting ideas in motion won’t happen overnight either. Creative and media relations take time which is why it’s important to choose an agency you trust to be doing this work for you.

If we could work in our sleep, our days would be much more leisurely.
If only…

Thursday, November 29, 2007

11/29


Garden of the Gods

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

11/28

The Monte Carlo- Monaco, France

Monday, November 26, 2007

Happy Cyber Monday!

A day I never even knew existed until this year- but aptly titled.

As we settle back into our routines from a weekend of overindulgence, (for those of you who weren’t visited by the flu virus, like I was) it’s time to ease into the holiday season and all that it entails.

With the second wave of holiday shopping in full swing, I find myself worrying if my presents will arrive in time to be found underneath the tree.

Last year left a sour taste in my mouth after a dress that I had ordered 3 weeks in advance didn’t arrive until the day of the holiday party I was slated to attend. Frustrating to say the least, and not a shining endorsement for the e-commerce industry.

This year, it seems, retailers are more prepared for the wave- offering priority shipping, increased discounts, and even wrapping options.

Thank goodness! I hope that this year retailers have addressed any possible shipping snafus and everyone can celebrate without a hitch!

It may be a merry season with those who provide priority shipping upgrades and guaranteed arrival times!

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

11/21

Happy Thanksgiving! Prost!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

11/20

Rome, Italy

Monday, November 19, 2007

11/19

Changing of the palace guards, Stockholm, Sweden + TON of snow

Proactivity

It’s all about looking ahead. A well played game of chess.

Aside from doing your due diligence, making the sales calls, keeping an eye on your competitors and constantly reading up on your industry, there is, of course, thinking ahead (and I won’t even mention actually running your company because I assume that’s a given.)

Okay, it’s a lot of work- but isn’t that why you were smart and hired an agency do to what they do best? You can thank us later (the holidays are fast approaching!)

Think about how you currently are or will be outplaying your competition in the next few months. What are the current strategies you have in place and what’s going on that you can capitalize on?

Don’t be left behind!

Friday, November 16, 2007

How Firm Thy Friendship...


O-HI-O

Great weekend for college football- my favorite all year. (and then, I promise, my fanaticism will subside for a while.)

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Mirror Lake, Anyone?

I don't typically post pictures of myself, but tonight is a very important exception:


Mirror Lake, for those who don't know, is just an ordinary man-made pond on Ohio State's campus. The Thursday prior to the big game every dedicated OSU student jumps in the lake. This guy (center) ran up to us, as we were about to pose for a picture, and hopped in our photo. Ta Da! Silly Faces!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

11/14


Rushing the field after our victory over Michigan last year (yes, I eventaully made it down to the field!)

A Lot Like Love

And no, despite the fact that this might be the most important football weekend of my entire year, I’m not talking about my Buckeyes.

Business, sales and especially PR are all about courtship.

Think about it- there are companies out there that would make wonderful clients, and some that only look like they would be good to work with. On the flip side, the same is true with agencies and vendors.

Either way you look at it, at any given time one is searching for the other in a process that can range from morose to magic (just like dating… which I will save for an entirely different entry.)

It’s when you achieve the right combination of flirtation, finesse and fanaticism, you know you can do anything.

Speaking of fanaticism…let’s go Bucks!!!

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

11/13

Market in Budapest, Hungary

Monday, November 12, 2007

11/12

Luxembourg City

Thursday, November 8, 2007

11/08

A friendly polar bear at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo :)
(I used to work for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium- I have a thing for Zoos!)

Risqué?

I had a meeting with my esteemed colleagues at American Joe Apparel this afternoon, and am still plagued by a need for definition (albeit, that’s a running theme in my life.)

When it comes to the fashion industry- how risqué is too risqué? When do things cross the line from vogue to vulgar?

Does it simply come down to a matter of branding? Certain companies are forever expected to exude ‘sex’ while others are otherwise forbidden?

It seems to me that unless you’re in the industry of sex, it’s a fleeting gimmick. Good for momentary publicity, but difficult to sustain in the long run. Generally speaking, those people taking particular interest in this slant aren’t likely to be your lifelong customers (i.e. I’m going to buy your product because your models are gorgeous…but what do you sell again?)

Then again, why can’t you throw in a flirty picture once and awhile if it doesn’t compromise your branding?

I suppose it all comes down to personal tastes, and that, dear friends, we may never agree upon.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

11/6

Statue in Krakow, Poland

Responsiveness

Probably the biggest reason why agencies loose clients is due to a lack of response- and understandably so.

Why give you my money/time if I’m not feeling adequately taken care of?

So while EMG may not have every answer at our fingertips- we can at least pledge that we’ll at least let you know what measures we’re taking to reach success.

When you’re dealing with a thing as intangible as PR you have to make especially certain that your clients know this, too.

On the flip side, it’s also the client’s duty to be just as responsive to the agency’s needs. You may need something as soon as possible, but there’s a good chance we can’t do it without your help/expertise/graphics/etc.

If you’re going to hire an agency to begin with, it’s always best to come to the table prepared to allow these folks to work with you. It’s a commitment on both parties’ behalves and all involved want it to be done right.

Make it easier by maintaining a quick response time. And always keep in mind that word spreads faster than wildfire.