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PRobecast 140: Refined sugar vs. CRA, speech tips, & 2012 Facebook trends

Renatta Siewert — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:36:32 +0000

PRobecast 140: In this episode of PRobecast, Topazers Justin Martell, Josh DeStefano, and Caitlin Smith join me in talking about the sugar industry trying to pull a fast one, being a memorable public speaker, and our Facebook predictions for 2012.

Sugar Industry In a PR Stretch: Corn Refiners Association Leverages Accusations Against Refined Sugar Industry for Pitching New Study To Create False Scientific Controversy About High Fructose Corn Syrup – The Refined Sugar Industry and the Corn Refiners Association are in yet another heated debate about whose product is better. This time, the refined sugar industry is trying to pull the wool over consumers’ eyes by publishing a survey with several limitations, and did not produce conclusive results. The survey was completed as a backlash against the CRA, which asked the FDA to print “corn sugar” instead of “high fructose corn syrup” on nutrition labels. Now there are lawsuits and complaints being made everywhere you look in the nutrition and food industry, and all that’s being accomplished is misconception. The two industries are not paying attention to their stakeholders, which are, obviously, consumers. Sugar products are in nearly everything we eat, so shouldn’t their focus be on making people healthier and encouraging moderation?

Make Every Word Count – 4 steps to becoming a memorable speaker - Patricia Fripp, a speech coach and trainer, published an opinion piece on the BullDog Reporter on how to make your speech intelligent, memorable, and audience-focused. Her four key points were organization, analysis, edit, and specify. Explicit language is a key way to sound like an expert, and it’s often forgotten in our events. Language is an important tool, often overlooked. As PR people, it’s our job to make sure our clients attend and speak at the right conferences, and we often write the proposals. 2012 should focus on speech which will invite discussion, generate leads, and eventually close deals.

Lastly in PRobecast, we’ll pick technology trends we’d like to see happen for 2012. Our discussion centered on Facebook ads versus fan pages, and which are more efficient.

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

We chose Patricia Fripp’s article on being a memorable speaker. In PR, all too often we forget those important communications skills we learned. It’s time to make 2012 the year to bring back speaking properly while catering to your audience. Pick up your AP style book!

Click To Play:

Who do you think should have won? Do you agree with us?

PRobecast #139: Kayak, daily deals, and Facebook

Renatta Siewert — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:48:32 +0000

PRobecast 139: In this episode of PRobecast, Topazers Justin Martell, Josh DeStefano, and Tony Sapienza join me in talking about Kayak CMO Robert Birge’s lack of crisis communication skills, daily deals and men, and Facebook’s help lines.

What’s the deal for guys? It’s all about the bragging rights – Admit it. When you think of coupons, you think of your mother or grandmother. The very terns we associate with saving money – coupon clipping, penny pinching – still sound vaguely dainty. Of course men have been doing their own shopping for some time now, and guys like saving money as much as anyone. Yet men’s relationships with coupons and deals remains ambiguous and largely unexplored.

Kayak cancels controversial ads, social media nightmare ensues and Orbitz looks to capitalize – Travel search engine Kayak woke up this morning to a social media nightmare, and it doesn’t have a clear end in sight. Late last night, the company pulled advertising from the reality TV show “All-American Muslim” on TLC, apparently because an activist organization, the Florida Family Association, condemned the show. According to the New York Times, the organization attacked the show as propaganda that obscures “the Islamic agenda’s clear and present danger to American liberties and traditional values.” So far 65 other companies have left the show, with Lowe’s and Kayak being the most recent and certainly highest profile. For example, Lowe’s, which pulled the ads on Saturday has over 25,000 comments posted on the company’s Facebook page.

Facebook, Google refer suicidal people to help lines – Computer networks can’t feel or understand jokes, but software engineers have hardwired some compassion. Mechanisms in place in Facebook’s system and in Google’s search engine can look for suicidal messages and direct people to help. Facebook is encouraging its 800 million users to use a system the company created to flag suicidal or otherwise violent messages. If someone is posting unsettling photos or writing status updates about killing himself or herself, friends can click on a “report suicidal content” link.

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

We voted on Facebook & Google’s partnership with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as the best story this week. It may have been a long time coming, but Facebook is using its power for good, to help people who need it.

Who do you think should have won?

Click To Play:

Technorati Tags: Daily Deals, Facebook, kayak, PRobecast, Social Media

PRobecast 136: Co-Sleeping Ad Controversy, Overstock’s O.co and Biebs Paternity Suit

Alison Raymond — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:42:20 +0000

In this episode of PRobecast, Renatta Siewert and Caitlin Smith join me in discussing Milwaukee Health Department’s new co-sleeping ad campaign, O.co reverting back to Overstock.com and Justin Bieber’s paternity suit being dropped.

Milwaukee’s Co-Sleeping Ad Controversy – The city of Milwaukee’s Health Department is under scrutiny after its recent ad campaign warning parents about the dangers of co-sleeping. Their advertisement shows a baby sleeping next to a knife – not the normal picture you get in your head when thinking about an infant dozing off. The Commissioner of Health says that while the image is shocking, what is more shocking is the fact that 30 developed and underdeveloped countries have better infant death rates than the city. However, some parents are outraged and think that co-parenting is a good bonding ritual between mothers and their child. Is Milwaukee in a PR-mess that it can handle? How should the city move forward?

Overstock Backs Off O.co Name Change – About six months ago, Overstock.com started branding it O.co – in online ad, tv ads and during sporting events. They’re reverting their branding and bringing back their Overstock.com messaging because a “good portion” of those watching to o.co ads, started going to o.com. Obviously, that is a problem. Some experts are saying that by going back to Overstock.com branding, for the time being, is going to cost a lot of brand confusion with their customers. What do you think?

Justin Bieber’s Baby Drama– Looks like Justin Bieber might not have as much baby mamma drama going on as he has had in recent weeks. Mariah Yeater, the 20-yr old that accused Biebs of fathering her 4 month year old child, has quietly dropped her lawsuit. According to Yeater’s lawyer, his client was receiving death threats and decided to pursue privately. How do you think Bieber’s PR camp handled the allegations? Is this girl just looking for 15 minutes of fame?

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

This week’s winner was Overstock. Too often brands have messaging that doesn’t work, and instead of addressing the problem – the messaging is never altered. While Overstock is still keeping O.co, they are addressing the problem by bringing back the more well-known Overstock.com URL. It’s a win-win for them. People know it and now consumers can get to their site.

Who do you think should have won?

Technorati Tags: Justin Bieber's baby, milwaukee's co-sleeping campaign, o.co, Overstock.com

PRobecast 135: Voting via Smartphone, Disney and YouTube deal & Social Media

Alison Raymond — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:21:26 +0000

In this episode of PRobecast, Renatta Siewert joins me in talking about the idea of voting via smartphone, Disney and YouTube’s $10M deal and social media not being one-size fits all.

Voting with a Smartphone – Did you vote on Election Day? A Mashable writer suggested that many people don’t vote because voting is inconvenient. There’s the time limit, the specific locations as to where you can vote – all these things can often be roadblocks and the reasoning behind people not voting. He suggests the idea that smartphones could change all that. With all the apps available, a secure application could be created allowing people to vote directly from their mobile device. With people now being able to purchase things via their smartphones, why not vote?

Disney’s Deal with YouTube – Disney and YouTube have put together a deal to produce co-branded video content. Disney is trying to attract a bigger audience by teaming up with the video giant. On the other hand, YouTube is trying to better their reputation with parents by teaming up with this family-friendly company. Is this a good move for both players? Will we see more companies trying to partner with YouTube?

Social media: Every Channel Doesn’t Need to be Tapped – An article in PRWeek discusses how when it comes to social media, don’t jump in blindly. Companies need to be strategic as to which forms of social channels they decide to join – and have a plan as to what their ultimate goal is. Having a twitter account that isn’t geared towards your target audience is not going to help your presence. Being on Facebook, but not having any information about your company isn’t going to grow your “like”ers. When it comes to social media, brands need to be smart.

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

This week we chose the Disney/YouTube deal as the story that comes out on top. This deal makes perfect sense for both parties, bettering the images of both parties. Disney needs to expand their audience and seem “cooler,” whereas YouTube wants to better its sometimes explicit image with parents concerned about what their children are viewing.

Who do you think should have won?

Technorati Tags: Disney and YouTube deal, How to use Social Media, Voting via Smartphone

PRobecast #134: Black Friday, Gmail iOS app, Kim Kardashian & Bieber

Renatta Siewert — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:14:30 +0000

In this episode of PRobecast, Justin Martell, Caitlin Smith and Avi Aronson join me in discussing the Gmail iOS app that is no more, plus how brands are using social media to monitor customer discussions about Black Friday. If you got up at 2 am to shop, wouldn’t you want your favorite brand to have fully-stocked items?? We also couldn’t avoid a rant or two about Kim Kardashian’s extremely short-lived “marriage”, plus Justin Bieber’s chance at Daddy of the Year.

Google yanks Gmail iOS app – Google’s much-delayed iOS app became available yesterday, but was pulled soon after due to bugs with the app. Why would Google publish an app with obvious problems? Did you download it, only to be disappointed?

Social media presents opportunities and dilemmas for retailers – If you woke up at 2 am for Black Friday mob shopping, wouldn’t you want your favorite brands to have a full selection of items available? We would here at Topaz! It’s up to the brand to monitor their social media channels, and if they’re not paying attention for the yearly craziness also known as Black Friday, it’s their loss with disappointed customers.

We also couldn’t help ranting a bit on Kim Kardashian’s “wedding” and “marriage”, along with The Biebs and his paternity test. We’re dying to know the results.

Have a great weekend!

Technorati Tags: Black Friday, Gmail, iOS, Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, PRobecast, rant

PRobecast 133: School without Technology, Emoticons, Technology for the Disabled

Alison Raymond — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:45:56 +0000

In this episode of PRobecast, Justin Martell and Caitlin Smith join me in talking about the non-technology friendly Waldorf schools, emoticons and if they are appropriate and the man whose smartphone fits into his prosthetic arm.

Waldorf Schools and How They Teach – While many schools are getting budgets for more and more technology, one school is doing the opposite. The Waldorf schools – which have 160 across the country – teach with physical activity and learning though hands on tasks. What might be even more surprising is that many of the students’ parents’ work in big Silicon Valley tech companies. Are they hindering their children’s education?

Are Emoticons OK in normal conversations? – An article in the NY Times discusses the use of emoticons. Many of those interviewed admit to using them, even in conversations with colleagues, while others are appalled by people who use them. With more and more communication being from emails and text messages, are emoticons appropriate?

A Smartphone Dock in a Prosthetic Arm – A man who was born without his left arm has found a way to still easily and safely use his smartphone. Trevor Prideaux from Somerset, England asked experts to build a prosthetic arm that he could attach his Nokia smartphone into. This is a genius idea in my opinion and I think more companies and people working to help anyone disabled should start thinking about how technology can be incorporated into the designs of their products.

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

This week the story about the man with the prosthetic arm wins. Not only is his smartphone dock a cool use of technology, it is paving the way that technology can enable those with physical disabilities.

Who do you think should have won?

Click To Play:

Technorati Tags: are emoticons OK to use, emoticons, man with smartphone dock in his prosthetic arm, schools without technology, Waldorf schools

PRobecast 132: Blackberry Offering Free Apps, Dr. Pepper Ten’s Controversy, Lindsay Lohan

Alison Raymond — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:55:07 +0000

In this episode of PRobecast, Renatta Siewert and Caitlin Smith join me in talking about free blackberry apps, Dr. Pepper Ten and Lindsay Lohan’s trouble with the law.

Blackberry to give free apps to compensate for outages– Last week we discussed the Blackberry outages that effected users worldwide. Now, the company is offering users select premium applications free of charge that are supposedly worth over $100, along with one month free technical support to the company’s enterprise users. Is this enough for users to forget about the outage that was heard across the world?

Dr. Pepper’s ‘Manly’ Drink – So a new advertising campaign for Dr. Pepper Ten is causing quite the stir over the internet. Many are saying the campaign is sexist. The ad starts out with a man in fight/war gear running through a jungle shooting laser guns, saying that the new beverage is “10 manly calories” and is not for women. This ad was developed after research found not many men opted for diet beverages. Do you think the way Dr. Pepper went about advertising this was wrong?”

Lindsay Lohan might be going to jail – Lindsay Lohan is, once again, in trouble with the law. This time her probation is being revoked and she will be forced to complete 16 hours of community service at the morgue. Apparently, this spawned from her being kicked out of the Women’s Center for not showing up 9 times. The judge also said that she doubted Lindsay had visited her shrink once a week – something she was required to do. If you were Lindsay’s PR rep, what would you have her do. Can she save her image?

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

This week Blackberry won. I mean, they tried. We don’t necessarily think their peace offering was effective, but they did try putting themselves in a better light by offering a few premium applications to users.

Who do you think should have won this week?

Click To Play:

Technorati Tags: Blackberry's free apps, Dr. Pepper Ten, Dr. Pepper's new ad campaign, Lindsay Lohan might go to jail, sexist advertisements

PRobecast 131: Misleading Advertising, the Recent Blackberry Outage & BoA’s new charges

Alison Raymond — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:40:33 +0000

In this episode of PRobecast, Tony Sapienza, Renatta Siewert, Sam Friedman and Justin Martell join me in talking about Ford’s and Chrysler’s misleading advertising, the Blackberry outage and Bank of American’s new charges.

Ford’s and Chrysler’s Misleading Advertising Campaigns – Ford Motor Co. and Chysler Group are have had complaints to the FTC over misleading advertising that lead some of the general public to think their vehicles are made in the USA – particularly the Chrysler 300 and the Ford Edge. Apparently, these models are assembled in Canada and often have Mexican-made parts, which go against Chysler’s “Imported from Detroit” tagline and Ford’s radio spot that advertised it being an American car. What do you think of the companies’ advertising their cars as American?

BlackBerry outages spread to North America – Across the world, Blackberry users noticed an outage in their services – one of the biggest outages yet. Since the European infrastructure failed, emails and messages sent were so backed up in the RIM systems, it caused outages in the US and in Asia. With outages happening a couple times a year, people are rethinking keeping their Blackberries, opting to upgrade to a DROID or iPhone. Can Blackberry keep up?

Bank of America sharpens messaging about new fees – Last week Bank of America announced a $5 monthly fee for debit card users – causing public outrage. They now have repositioned their messaging, explaining who will be charged with this fee and how it can be avoided. According to this PR Week article, a recent survey found 36% of Americans have “very little” or “no” confidence in US banks. While BoA is saying this new fee is to recover lost revenue, do you think consumers will look to bank elsewhere?

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

This week it was a 4:1 vote – Blackberry. With the general population being so dependent on technology, especially mobile, Blackberry needs to make sure outages like this don’t happen again. This one on of the biggest stories of the week and had people questioning whether or not they should still be used, and that is why this story won as the Power Ranker.

Who do you think should have won?

Technorati Tags: Bank of America's Fees, Blackberry outages, Chrysler and Ford advertising, misleading advertising, RIM

PRobecast 130: Being a PR Star, Microsoft deleting Chrome, Steve Jobs

Alison Raymond — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:41:00 +0000

In this episode of PRobecast, Liz O’Donnell, Mike Sapienza, Caitlin Smith and Justin Martell join me in talking about what it takes to excel in PR, Microsoft’s anti-virus marking Google Chrome as a bug and the death of Steve Jobs and what that means for Apple.

What it takes to be a PR Star – An article in PRWeek talks about how nowadays, PR is much more than junior level staff being used just to write a release, distribute it on the wire, create lists, etc. With social media and other channels brands are on, it’s important that PR firms nurture all the staff to have a more complex and broad understanding of their jobs and what needs to get done.

Microsoft ‘Accidentally’ Gets Rid of Google Chrome – There was a problem with Microsoft’s antivirus software, Microsoft Security Essentials, alerting users that there was a bug on their computer. This ‘bug’ was in fact, not a bug at all – it was Google Chrome. Users were finding that when the bug was reported and removed, Microsoft actually was getting rid of the whole Chrome file. Coincidence?

The Death of Steve Jobs – Chairman and co-founder of Apple Inc, Steve Jobs passed away Wednesday at the young age of 56. While some people had their qualms about his bluntness when it came to employees, their ideas and his vision on how a business should work, there is no doubt that he is one of the biggest visionaries of our time. Some are wondering whether or not Apple can survive without Jobs. If Apple is smart it will keep the founders visions, ethics and policies to continue moving forward.

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

This week, Steve Jobs won with a unanimous vote. Not only has he impacted all of our lives with the technology he’s produced, but he’s also been the biggest story of the week, if not the month or year to come.

Do you agree?

Technorati Tags: Apple, How to be a PR star, Microsoft Deleting Google Chrome, PR, Steve Jobs