Today is national doughnut day. As I walked in the door the sweet, sweet smell of sugar, frosting and fried goodness wafted towards me and all but pushed me in the office kitchen.
One glazed doughnut and extreme sugar rush later, I realized that I LOVE manufactured holidays like National Doughnut day. Who cares that a consortium of doughnut makers collaborated, and maybe even schemed, to put this holiday on the map? I don’t. My stomach didn’t. My jeans might later, but that’s a different story.
The point is, today is a day to appreciate doughnuts in all their glory. Bernard’s bakery in Newport is a great place for some fresh doughnuts. As is the doughnut shop in Lebanon. In fact, if you drop by the Doughnut Shop at 4am, they’ll sometimes give you yesterday’s doughnuts for free.
So, why NOT celebrate? Glazed, powdered, jelly-filled, sprinkled, crème-filled, frosted…DELICIOUS!
The daily travel and travail of a PR pro navigating the constantly changing landscape of social [and] media.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
A likely extension

So I’m not going to lie, when I heard Chad Ochocinco was making a TV show, I was intrigued. And I’m also going to confess that I was a little giddy when they filmed the second to last episode in town, gracing not one but two local hotels. (Duh, I know, however you couldn’t imagine my disappointment they didn’t film the entire show in Cincinnati- highlighting some of my favorite haunts!)
But, when I heard Chad was making a foray into the breakfast arena I was undoubtedly confused. Admittedly, I was hoping for something a little more eccentric- maybe football shaped marshmallows or something of the like, but I’m sure we’ll all enjoy a good OchocincO a few mornings out of the week.
But, the more I think about it, it’s a playful extension to the larger-than-life brand that is the man himself. Why wouldn’t he have a cereal, and come to think of it, why don’t I?
Alli-o’s. or Alli-flakes? Why not.
I can’t help but be reminded of Krusty the clown on the Simpsons who had a line extension for everything from toys to drain cleaner, and of course his very own, aptly named cereal, ‘Krusty-o’s’ .

Hopefully Mr.Ochocinco will experience equally great success with his line extension endeavors…at least he has a better name to capitalize on…and decided upon O’s instead of Flakes.
http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/blog/2010/08/bengals_chad_ochocinco_launching_cereal_line.html?ana=e_du_pub
Sunday, August 1, 2010
New Favorite Commercial
While not exactly fresh out of the studio, this commercial has really grown on me over the past few days. Droid X is the latest smartphone goliath from Motorola with a buildup and ad buget almost as large as the hype surrounding it.
It's not touting any features or presenting any differentiating factors, but the ad flows with the production quality of a mini-movie in HD, with a soundtrack and everything. HD is the future of advertising, and creativity like this makes a commercial break a little more enjoyable.
It's not touting any features or presenting any differentiating factors, but the ad flows with the production quality of a mini-movie in HD, with a soundtrack and everything. HD is the future of advertising, and creativity like this makes a commercial break a little more enjoyable.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
It’s a new chapter
Not without much consideration, deliberation and sadness that I have elected to give up my position as PR manager at The Eisen Agency.
Many years of awesomeness have gone by in a flash, and this team will always be like family to me…though they could at least wait for me to be out of my office before they start fighting for it ;) .
To my former clients, my co-workers and friends- it’s been great, and I hope that no one is a stranger. I also hope what lies in store for me is as exciting, uplifting and adventurous as the memories I have created here.
…stay tuned… posts, adventures and more news will continue as I begin a new phase. Everyone will be very missed, but I can't wait to see the agency's continued success. It's a dangerously talented firm full of great people. Where I go next has a lot to live up to. :)
Many years of awesomeness have gone by in a flash, and this team will always be like family to me…though they could at least wait for me to be out of my office before they start fighting for it ;) .
To my former clients, my co-workers and friends- it’s been great, and I hope that no one is a stranger. I also hope what lies in store for me is as exciting, uplifting and adventurous as the memories I have created here.
…stay tuned… posts, adventures and more news will continue as I begin a new phase. Everyone will be very missed, but I can't wait to see the agency's continued success. It's a dangerously talented firm full of great people. Where I go next has a lot to live up to. :)
Labels:
Awesomeness,
career,
Public Relations
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Great Marketing Circus
Ever feel like the ring leader of a three-ring circus? Like you're a magician expected to make things happen out of thin air? Well...surprisingly, you're not alone. How marketing, and PR especially, compares to a circus- in my new article, "The Great Marketing Circus- PR's magic, revealed!"
The marketing arena can easily be compared to a three-ring circus. A few clowns, a few death-defying leaps and the ring leader is expected to single-handedly bring it all together. Of course, we can’t forget the one person everyone expects to see - the great magician: shrouded in mystery, quite dramatic and never without ability to manifest greatness from thin air at the drop of a hat.
So, in a recent RFP, when the company asked what PR “tricks” our agency had up our sleeves, I came to the stunning realization that there really are people out there who believe that the practice of public relations is truly magical...
Read the rest at examiner.com:
http://www.examiner.com/x-2136-NY-Marketing-and-PR-Examiner~y2010m5d25-The-Great-Marketing-Circus-PRs-magic-revealed
The marketing arena can easily be compared to a three-ring circus. A few clowns, a few death-defying leaps and the ring leader is expected to single-handedly bring it all together. Of course, we can’t forget the one person everyone expects to see - the great magician: shrouded in mystery, quite dramatic and never without ability to manifest greatness from thin air at the drop of a hat.
So, in a recent RFP, when the company asked what PR “tricks” our agency had up our sleeves, I came to the stunning realization that there really are people out there who believe that the practice of public relations is truly magical...
Read the rest at examiner.com:
http://www.examiner.com/x-2136-NY-Marketing-and-PR-Examiner~y2010m5d25-The-Great-Marketing-Circus-PRs-magic-revealed
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
New Article: Solving the Water Crisis Begins at Home
I've written a new article with the help of our friends at Roto-Rooter about water conservation. Thanks to some new technologies, conserving doesn't necessarily doing without. Check it out, courtesy of Blue Planet Green Living...
Solving the Water Crisis Begins at Home
By now, the world water crisis shouldn’t be surprising news. Many of us already donate to clean water funds, well-building activities, and water-saving causes. But if we have leaky toilets, outdated plumbing, or wasteful faucet drips, we’re actually contributing to the problem we’re trying to solve.
The US Geological Survey estimates that leaking toilets can lose around 22 gallons per day. This translates into about 8,000 gallons of wasted water per year. To put that number into perspective, that’s enough water to fill a display tank at your local aquarium.
With so many stray drips and drops, it’s of little wonder that many American communities are experiencing water shortages. In 2009, the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) reported a drought throughout numerous Southwest and Great Plains states resulting in five billion dollars in damages. By 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 36 states will experience water shortages.
See the full article below:
http://www.blueplanetgreenliving.com/2010/05/10/solving-the-water-crisis/
Solving the Water Crisis Begins at Home
By now, the world water crisis shouldn’t be surprising news. Many of us already donate to clean water funds, well-building activities, and water-saving causes. But if we have leaky toilets, outdated plumbing, or wasteful faucet drips, we’re actually contributing to the problem we’re trying to solve.
The US Geological Survey estimates that leaking toilets can lose around 22 gallons per day. This translates into about 8,000 gallons of wasted water per year. To put that number into perspective, that’s enough water to fill a display tank at your local aquarium.
With so many stray drips and drops, it’s of little wonder that many American communities are experiencing water shortages. In 2009, the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) reported a drought throughout numerous Southwest and Great Plains states resulting in five billion dollars in damages. By 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 36 states will experience water shortages.
See the full article below:
http://www.blueplanetgreenliving.com/2010/05/10/solving-the-water-crisis/
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Flash Mob
The flash mob. Simply put, a really cool way for people to get together in random places and dance. Monday there was a flash mob in the new Ohio Union on Ohio State's campus...it even included a cameo of Brutus buckeye!
Great way to remind alums that the new is union is open through word of mouth marketing and to showcase the smooth moves Ohio State students have. Ok, I'm just a little biased. But really, watch it...you'll want to share this with your friends!
Labels:
Flash mob,
fun,
ohio state,
word of mouth marketing
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
One of America’s most stressful jobs…this year
CNBC just came out with their list of America’s most stressful jobs for 2010 and Public Relations Officers are #8. Something about the title “public relations officer” makes me giggle, but nonetheless, I was amused that my career of choice graced the list.
And indeed, there is stress. Things get crazy when newsworthy tidbits pop up at the last minute, when we’re hit with unrealistic expectations, asked to make news where isn’t any and of course, work miracles on a small budget…after all, PR is “free”, right?
Competition is high and tempers are short. Yeah, the job has its moments. But in the end, I’d rather someone respect PR for being stressful than call it “event planning.”
Advertising Executives also made the list, just slightly down from commercial pilots, surgeons and corporate executives…positions that I had believed to be much more esteemed in the public eye. After all, our portrayal often spurs the image of a slimy flack ready to ‘spin’ on a moment’s notice. Glad to see that might finally be starting to change.
See the list here:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/36715336?slide=4
And indeed, there is stress. Things get crazy when newsworthy tidbits pop up at the last minute, when we’re hit with unrealistic expectations, asked to make news where isn’t any and of course, work miracles on a small budget…after all, PR is “free”, right?
Competition is high and tempers are short. Yeah, the job has its moments. But in the end, I’d rather someone respect PR for being stressful than call it “event planning.”
Advertising Executives also made the list, just slightly down from commercial pilots, surgeons and corporate executives…positions that I had believed to be much more esteemed in the public eye. After all, our portrayal often spurs the image of a slimy flack ready to ‘spin’ on a moment’s notice. Glad to see that might finally be starting to change.
See the list here:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/36715336?slide=4
Labels:
advertising,
jobs,
Public Relations,
spin,
stress
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Introducing...

ROTOGreen,a water conservation program from North America's largest plumbing and drain service provider. The company has set a goal of installing 10,000 water saving fixtures by the end of the year, which would have the potential to save tens of millions of gallons of water.
To prove that its green program is more than just talk, Roto-Rooter is profiling four families on its web site with a before and after green comparison of household water bills. They did the same thing for a 16-unit apartment building with the aim of showing how much water and money can be saved by making a few smart green choices.
More info: www.rotorooter.com/rotogreen
Labels:
green program,
plumbing,
Roto-Rooter,
water conservation
Thursday, April 8, 2010
To PR or not to PR...PR is not a verb!
The kind folks at the Cision Navigator have taken an interest in my latest article, "To PR or not to PR...PR is not a verb!" and have it posted on their site (along with a near life-size version of my headshot).
Please see the opening below, and follow the link to the full piece.
PR is not a verb!
This is not an article debating the changing landscape of the public relations or advertising industry, or preaching best practice advice, but rather it’s an examination of the two simple letters that encompass everything communications professional do: PR.
As a public relations professional, I respect that there are some commonplace misconceptions about what we do at our agency, and likely every other PR agency on the planet for that matter. The perception of what we do is made worse by certain reality television shows that not only make me want to claw my eyes out, but insult my intelligence and profession as well. There is a significant difference between a PR firm and a publicist – which allows me illustrate my point: all publicity is PR, but not all PR is publicity.
You can read the rest of it on the Navigator at the link below:
http://navigator.cision.com/To-PR-or-not-to-PR-PR-is-not-a-verb.aspx
Please see the opening below, and follow the link to the full piece.
PR is not a verb!
This is not an article debating the changing landscape of the public relations or advertising industry, or preaching best practice advice, but rather it’s an examination of the two simple letters that encompass everything communications professional do: PR.
As a public relations professional, I respect that there are some commonplace misconceptions about what we do at our agency, and likely every other PR agency on the planet for that matter. The perception of what we do is made worse by certain reality television shows that not only make me want to claw my eyes out, but insult my intelligence and profession as well. There is a significant difference between a PR firm and a publicist – which allows me illustrate my point: all publicity is PR, but not all PR is publicity.
You can read the rest of it on the Navigator at the link below:
http://navigator.cision.com/To-PR-or-not-to-PR-PR-is-not-a-verb.aspx
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Hard Truths and my Soft Opinions...
Every morning as I’m getting ready for work, I watch our local morning news show on Fox 19 to catch the latest headlines, weather and whatever else might make for some good conversation each day.
During this time, without fail, an ad appears entitled “the Hard Truths”. Typically, these address any range of issues from health care to religion, most of which politically charged.
And, while it does a great job of assimilating a news program and using the word ‘truth’ to sound factual, I’m not sure it’s always the case. But, I digress.
April fifth’s “Hard Truths” segment I found particularly interesting, not so much in its content, but in the choice of vehicle for the message.
Here is the video:
Now, without focusing on other things this video calls to light, our host Phil essentially says that politicians should not listen to their constituents while making decisions on their behalf.
Think about it- this ad, paid for by campaign donations nonetheless, is going out to those very masses he’s saying aren’t credible.
( see: http://www.cincinnatibeacon.com/index.php?/contents/comments/187000_for_heimlichs_hard_truth_what_did_phil_do_with_his_campaign_cash/ )
I wonder, if upon receiving these donations, he replies, “Thank you for your money. I won’t represent your beliefs, but have a great life!”
Maybe he’s trying to say that leaders shouldn’t always blindly follow the masses—something with which I very much agree, but the way this comes across, it sounds more like he’s saying “the public doesn’t know what’s best for themselves.” …if that’s really what he wants to say, I would suggest not taking a local television ad to communicate said sentiments…to the public.
It’s a large leap to associate atrocities in American history strictly to the will of the people, as certainly slavery, internment camps and the Salem witch trials involved no underhanded politics whatsoever.
It’s also mildly offensive to myself and other members of the intelligent sector of the viewing public to be told that one of our own self-proclaimed public servants is stating outright that he will not abide by our wishes. Doesn’t that sound a little un-democratic? I mean, how does one get elected into office on a platform of not representing their constituents?
I hope he’s not running for election again anytime soon…
During this time, without fail, an ad appears entitled “the Hard Truths”. Typically, these address any range of issues from health care to religion, most of which politically charged.
And, while it does a great job of assimilating a news program and using the word ‘truth’ to sound factual, I’m not sure it’s always the case. But, I digress.
April fifth’s “Hard Truths” segment I found particularly interesting, not so much in its content, but in the choice of vehicle for the message.
Here is the video:
Now, without focusing on other things this video calls to light, our host Phil essentially says that politicians should not listen to their constituents while making decisions on their behalf.
Think about it- this ad, paid for by campaign donations nonetheless, is going out to those very masses he’s saying aren’t credible.
( see: http://www.cincinnatibeacon.com/index.php?/contents/comments/187000_for_heimlichs_hard_truth_what_did_phil_do_with_his_campaign_cash/ )
I wonder, if upon receiving these donations, he replies, “Thank you for your money. I won’t represent your beliefs, but have a great life!”
Maybe he’s trying to say that leaders shouldn’t always blindly follow the masses—something with which I very much agree, but the way this comes across, it sounds more like he’s saying “the public doesn’t know what’s best for themselves.” …if that’s really what he wants to say, I would suggest not taking a local television ad to communicate said sentiments…to the public.
It’s a large leap to associate atrocities in American history strictly to the will of the people, as certainly slavery, internment camps and the Salem witch trials involved no underhanded politics whatsoever.
It’s also mildly offensive to myself and other members of the intelligent sector of the viewing public to be told that one of our own self-proclaimed public servants is stating outright that he will not abide by our wishes. Doesn’t that sound a little un-democratic? I mean, how does one get elected into office on a platform of not representing their constituents?
I hope he’s not running for election again anytime soon…
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Roto-Rooter on This Sunday's Undercover Boss
As of late, I've been absorbed with promoting my client, Roto-Rooter on an upcoming episode of the CBS reality show Undercover Boss. Please enjoy the trailer above. Filming was quite the experience, but promoting it has been so much fun.
Be sure to tune in this Sunday at 9pm!! I can't wait to see what makes the final cut.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Congrats NKY Youth Foundation!

Kudos go out to our friends at the Northern Kentucky Youth Foundation, a newly founded non-profit providing after school and summer camp programs to kids in Northern Kentucky. Above is the logo we designed for them, which was unveiled last thursday.
For more information on donations and volunteering please visit www.nkyyouth.org or call (859) 795-1506.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
A new article to share
Happy 2010! I can hardly believe it!
And, I must admit that the correct pronunciation is weighing on me a bit...do we say twenty-ten, or two thousand ten, or just "ten"? Certainly not "0-10", which I've heard on several car commercials.
Either way, it's upon us, and I wanted to share a recent article, published by www.BluePlanetGreenLiving.com , which has also been so kind as to name me as a contributing writer!
So, please enjoy my first foray into 'green' writing ;)
Hugging Trees Becoming New Mantra in the Act of Going to College
Institutions of higher learning have always been a hotbed of cutting edge technology, social progression and political involvement. Students are classic early adopters, and constantly challenge traditional thinking and processes. In response to the encouragement of on campus environmental organizations, more and more universities are starting to see the world through green colored glasses and finding more ways to conserve resources, ensuring that the only noxious emissions are those coming from the freshmen dormitories.
In fact, 4,100 institutions of higher learning have LEED certified buildings to total a whopping 240,000 buildings nationwide, according to the United States Green Building Council, and countless other schools are feverishly adopting wind towers, sustainability goals and recycling programs. And the latest group jumping on the green bandwagon?
See the rest at:
http://www.blueplanetgreenliving.com/2009/10/27/hugging-trees-fast-becoming-new-mantra-for-college-students/
And, I must admit that the correct pronunciation is weighing on me a bit...do we say twenty-ten, or two thousand ten, or just "ten"? Certainly not "0-10", which I've heard on several car commercials.
Either way, it's upon us, and I wanted to share a recent article, published by www.BluePlanetGreenLiving.com , which has also been so kind as to name me as a contributing writer!
So, please enjoy my first foray into 'green' writing ;)
Hugging Trees Becoming New Mantra in the Act of Going to College
Institutions of higher learning have always been a hotbed of cutting edge technology, social progression and political involvement. Students are classic early adopters, and constantly challenge traditional thinking and processes. In response to the encouragement of on campus environmental organizations, more and more universities are starting to see the world through green colored glasses and finding more ways to conserve resources, ensuring that the only noxious emissions are those coming from the freshmen dormitories.
In fact, 4,100 institutions of higher learning have LEED certified buildings to total a whopping 240,000 buildings nationwide, according to the United States Green Building Council, and countless other schools are feverishly adopting wind towers, sustainability goals and recycling programs. And the latest group jumping on the green bandwagon?
See the rest at:
http://www.blueplanetgreenliving.com/2009/10/27/hugging-trees-fast-becoming-new-mantra-for-college-students/
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