Picture source: https://wonderwomanworkshops.com.au/motivation/
By: Carly Leonard Weather you’re a student or a full time employee, we all lose motivation. Everyone is familiar with the second semester loss of motivation that college students experience, as well as the oh so familiar loss of motivation in the winter. Staying focused during the low dips in motivation is key in reaching your goals. How does one push through the dreaded motivation drought and onto success?
Article source:https://www.themuse.com/advice/7-ways-to-motivate-yourself-to-work-hard-when-youre-really-not-in-the-mood
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Image source: https://talentegg.ca
By: Grace Wells 1. Focus on forming relationships Don’t just simply focus on the business side of things get to know the person. Have a positive attitude while remaining professional. 2. Start with people you already know As a college student, you can always start with friends and family. These people are more likely to help you in your professional field since they already know and trust you. 3. Do the work Make sure before you begin networking you learn as much as you can about the industry. This shows you are dedicated and knowledgeable. 4. Ask for information and advice When networking with someone you may not know, you don’t want to put them into an awkward position by just blatantly asking for a job. Asking for information allows the person to get to know you first. 5. Follow up Don’t let your connections die out. Keep the relationship alive by keeping in touch regularly. Thanking your contact for their advice is an easy way to maintain the connection overtime. 6. Update your Linkedin Profile Linkedin is often the first-place people will look after you reach out to them. Make sure your Linkedin is fully updated and you are active on your page. By: Susanne Fluri
Writing a cover letter can be a daunting task. It is a way to share your personality and make yourself stand out from the piles and piles of resumes. There are however do’s and don’ts when thinking about what to include in a cover letter. In the basic form, a cover letter should be an extension of your resume, not a reiteration. This is the time to detail your passions or explain in depth that project you are most proud of. Follow the three tips below to make sure your cover letter is in its best shape. 1. Do your research to find out who will be reading the letter and address it directly to them. In many cases, this can be found on the company’s website. If you strike out, LinkedIn can be another useful resource. Addressing the cover letter to someone directly shows that you have done your research and are a caring applicant. 2. Make sure you include why you want to work at that specific company. This is a great place to tie in how your skills, experiences and passions make you a great candidate. 3. Cater your cover letter to the industry you are applying to. Don’t waste space talking about information that would not apply to the job that you are interested in. Source:https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/05/politics/state-of-the-union-takeaways/index.html
By: Alec Hoelker This past week, President Donald Trump delivered the 84th State of the Union address to the House of Representatives. It lasted a total of 82 minutes touched on unity, his immigration policy, and where the country needs to be. This was a powerful opportunity for the President to deliver his main priorities, but also to unite the House. If you don’t follow politics or just choose not too which is understandable, our country is more split than ever. Between the government and the public, no one wants to compromise. The Federal Government was shut down because our representatives and president couldn’t compromise on a deal to fund the government. One side wanted a wall and the other didn’t, classic pre-school bickering While the President’s speech made powerful impact on headlines, so did the women of the House by dressing in all white. They wore white to pay tribute to the U.S. Suffrage Movement in the early 1900s. In all, this speech served a pivotal point in President’s Trump term and hopefully we see some positive change. by: Hannah Hutchison
Company recruiters and Human Resource associates click through tons of resumes each day. Among many other applicants, your resume has great content and a professional look, but how can you set yourself apart from the masses? How do you make sure that someone will stop and look at your resume? There are many ways to create a resume and most students use simple templates found online to create their own resume. Templates lay out your resume in a specific format, then you fill it in with your information and experiences. These templates are usually basic and seen over and over again by employers. A great way to grab the attention of employers is to differentiate your resume by reflecting your personality on the page. A great way to find more unique resume templates is to look on Etsy.com. Etsy is an e-commerce website that allows vendors to sell their handmade products through their platform. This website has a lot of different and unique resume templates that can be specified for your major, the field you work in, or by cost. These templates are an inexpensive way to boost your resume views among employers. If you are looking for smaller ways to tweak your resume, there are many options you can use. Change your Times Roman Numeral font to a font that captures your personality. There are many fonts supplied on Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Pages, but there are also websites that allow you to find and download more unique fonts such as dafont.com. These websites are easy to find, navigate, and are free. Adding color to your resume will also help your resume stand out among employers. Color can be used in very small ways, or very big ways. The most professional way to add color to your resume is by using it sparingly. Changing the text color of some words that you want accentuated can make a big difference in the look of your resume. The final easy fix to your resume is adding icons and shapes. These may seem unprofessional or inappropriate for a resume, but some shapes and icons can look very sophisticated when done correctly. For instance, in the section with your personal information, you can use icons above or below your email address, home address, phone number, and websites. This adds visual appeal and ease when scanning resumes. You can also use simple geometric shapes, such as rectangles, behind the text headings of your resume. These shapes add dimension and personality to your resume. When it comes to shapes, you can also use long, skinny boxes or lines to emphasize the outline of your resume or to direct attention to important sections. These suggestions can be used separately or together to create a new, personalized look for your resume. Now that you have found a new, unique template, changed your font, and used color or shapes to show your personality, your resume stand out among other applicants. By: Alec Hoelker With a dull Super Bowl, at least the commercials were entertaining. I’m not a major sports follower, but I do look forward to the two best teams in the NFL clashing heads before football goes away until winter. But with the excitement of the Super Bowl, there is even more excitement for the Super Bowl commercials. And this year the beer industry came to play with creative and factual commercials. Bud Light has been spreading the phrase “Dilly Dilly” and the Bud Knight to illustrate that royalty and peasants drank Bud Light from Anheuser-Busch. But the fact that no one knew was that Bud Light is not brewed with corn syrup but it’s top competitor’s Miller Lite and Coors Lite are. Well, Miller Lite wasn’t going to sit back and not rebuttal so they tweeted some powerful stats for all Bud Light fans. Image sources:
https://twitter.com/MillerLite/status/1092242670041382913 https://twitter.com/MillerCoors/status/1092533427415515137 Although the facts are in favor of Miller Lite, Bud Light’s commercials were far superior. Their first one paid tribute to the HBO’s medieval drama Game of Thrones with some specials appearances from some dangerous characters who wreaked havoc on a Bud Light gathering. Anheuser-Busch won again with a Stella Artois commercial featuring Sex in the City’s Carrie Bradshaw and The Dude from The Big Lebowski sharing a nice glass of Stella and somehow the Most Interesting Man in the World of Dos Equis managed to find himself in that same bar https://youtu.be/IX8TMYRk6_w (Stella commercial) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fhOItB0zUM (Budlight commercial) ImageSource: http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/how-to-upgrade-your-resume-part-3/
By: Hannah Hutchison Are you looking for a summer internship or full-time job offer? Thousands of students around the globe are also searching for work. The application process differs for each company, but there are a few key parts that are universal: applications and interviews. Through this process, what is the best way to separate yourself apart from the pool of applicants? Applications may seem daunting, but they are just the first step of teaching the company more about you. All applications ask for a resume, so make sure your resume is up to date, professional, and shows your personality. Many applications allow you to upload a cover letter or letter of recommendation. While these are not required, they do set you apart from the masses of other applicants. Most applications ask questions based on your major, past work experience and proficient skills; all of which, are most likely already on your resume. Applications are easy to apply to, but make sure to double check your work and go above and beyond using cover letters and letters of recommendations to stand out. Interviews are the next step to securing your summer or full-time job. Most recruiters will schedule a phone interview which can be conducted as a simple phone call, or a Skype call where you talk to someone face to face through a laptops or computers. This is another method for the company to get to know you more, learn about your past experiences, and determine if you could be an asset to the company. Being yourself and speaking honestly about your prior experiences is the best way to conduct yourself during an interview. Depending on the company, you may have multiple phone interviews and/or be asked to go to the corporate office for final rounds of interviews. After each interview, send a follow-up email to the person you interviewed with. The email doesn’t have to be long but expressing your appreciation for their time and consideration shows your interest in the company. It may take a while for the company to make their final decisions, but do not get discouraged! To ensure your greatest chance of landing a professional job, apply to multiple companies and positions. Be sure to do your research on the company and present yourself in a professional manner. Best of luck with the application and interview processes! Imagesource:https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-disaster-strikes-newspaper-headline-image26031290
By Hannah Hutchison All businesses expect to gain profits, make a difference in the world, and change the way people live; but they don’t expect to have a crisis. Crises can happen at any point in time to any business and the best way to deal with it is to know what to do. A crisis is a negative event that can ruin you and/or your company’s reputation. Examples of a crisis include: industrial accident, fraud, negative articles in media, investor backlash, poor customer service, product recalls, employee misconduct, etc. So, what should you say or do during a crisis? Accept responsibility! Help people prevent further harm by informing stakeholders so they can prevent adding to the crisis. Help the people involved cope psychologically with the crisis and express sympathy to the victims. Finally, tell the public what you’re doing to prevent another crisis. “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently,” says Warren Buffett. ImageSource:https://blog.commlabindia.com/elearning-design/tips-to-design-effective-elearning
By: Avery Treend It’s getting to that time in your life where job hunting is right around the corner. Your resume will be your lifeline during this whole process. That being said, there are numerous ways you can make yourself stand out among the rest.
Now that you are aware resumes are a big part of the job-hunting process, it’s time for you to start creating your own. Even if you are years away from finding a job, it’s still smart to think ahead. Source: https://brandyourself.com/definitive-guide-to-personal-branding
By Melissa Shadrick Personal branding is the “Business of People”, it’s the act of establishing and promoting what you stand for. This unique marketing strategy focuses on YOU as a product - it is your reputation and the combination of your personal attributes that differentiate you from others. A strong personal brand helps in building confidence while gaining trust, authenticity, and originality with your audience. Personal branding is establishing yourself in a marketplace, making you more competitive in that market. Personal branding is NOT just self-promotion, it’s a process of defining who you are and the type of person you want to be -- it shapes perception of your leadership style, work ethic, and personality. The use of personal branding allows you to develop a unique personal identity provoking deeper connection with your audience and setting yourself apart from competitors. This skill is one that can be utilized and helpful in both professional and social settings. A strong personal brand helps differentiate you from the rest of the marketplace. Crafting a following, maintaining a brand identity on a personal scale, and audience relations are all key aspect in personal branding. Identify your uniqueness and strengths - everyone has them it’s your job to find them. People become passionate about passionate people, the more passion you share the more enthusiasm you’ll receive. Market yourself as you’d market a product. A product may be revolutionary, but without the right branding, it can become irrelevant. STEPS TO PERSONAL BRANDING
By Rebecca Smith Over 30% of annual retail sales occur during the interval between Black Friday and Christmas (The Balance). In order for businesses to be so successful on Black Friday, they must create positive PR. It’s a crucial component in encouraging customers to shop at their store. There are many ways to do this, but one common strategy is charity. Retailers like Macy’s team up with charities such as Make A Wish and BCRF during each holiday season. Customers are offered a way to shop and give back at the same time. It makes consumers feel good to shop at a store that is making a difference in the community. source:http://redstarcoupons.com/give-and-get-back/
Promoting charity is a great way to boost sales during the season of giving. In fact, Macy’s donates $52 million annually to charitable organizations (Macy’s). Through their “Thanks for Sharing” holiday program, when using the Macy’s credit card, customers gain reward points while the retailer donates money to organizations. It is a win-win. Whether it’s a local or big box store, charity pulls at the heart strings of consumers. In addition to the positive PR, philanthropic efforts add value to the customer’s experience. It’s important as consumers to support retailers that give back, especially during the holiday season. By: Ryan Lang The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz is a sports radio show on ESPN. Dan and Stu have changed their show into something not seen in the media. The show broke away from the typical sports radio show that talks sports for three hours each weekday morning. Instead, Le Batard and Stugotz (John Weiner) incorporate many aspects of hilarious, entertaining bits that capture the audience’s attention. The show, which started in 2004, is listeners have latched on to and do not look to let go. The show has built itself upon being a relaxed, relatable show that connects with the listeners through sports talk that quickly changes to conversations about non-sports topics. Le Batard and Stugotz comprise the show with recurring segments, some sports related and some not sports related. Some of the segments change with the sports seasons and some are every day or week. Source:https://coatesvillain.com/2017/11/08/podcast-you-should-hear-the-dan-le-batard-show/
Building strong connections with audiences is something people, especially public relations professionals, try to create. The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz has created some of the strongest connections in radio through unorthodox laissez-faire style. By incorporating a style that does not have a “to do” list, the show has created an audience that is feverish for whacky segments that are ever changing. Le Batard and Stugotz constantly refer to the show as “a marching band to nowhere” and the idea that the show is unplanned yet successful is something many listeners relate to. Many people understand that life changes quickly and having a show like the Le Batard show allows the listeners to relate and laugh every morning. The way the Le Batard show caters to its audience to create the best outcome is something public relations professionals and anyone in business should strive for. Source:https://www.kaplanfinancial.com/resources/getting-started/7-reasons-to-do-a-finance-internship-before-you-graduate-college/
By: Mary Clark Over the summer, especially going into your junior year, it can be a struggle to find an internship that works for you. It can seem like most opportunities are geared towards juniors going into their senior year of college. Despite what undergraduates think, it is not the end of the world to have a summer without an internship! Here are some things you can do that will help you with career development, while working at camp or having a part time job.
Big Data and How Big Data Relates to Public Relations and Every Facet of the Business World11/19/2018 By Ryan Lang Whether you know it or not, Big Data is running our world. After reading Everybody Lies by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, I have realized the massive importance of Big Data and how data can shape the way companies appeal to their consumers. Big Data is revolutionizing how people collect information about the world. Big Data allows researchers to dissect and understand in brand new ways why people act in certain ways during certain instances. Source:https://curiousturk.com/2018/01/24/everybody-lies-big-data-new-data-by-seth-stephens-davidowitz/
Stephens-Davidowitz applies four powers of Big Data. The four powers are as followed.
Utilizing the four powers of Big Data creates cheap, insanely accurate new data sets that are uncovering things outdated surveys could never find. From a public relations professional’s perspective, using Big Data and its four powers will open numerous doors to better understanding the publics we are creating our messages for. Granted, understanding the consumers businesses are catering to is every business’s dream and Big Data does not provide comprehensive knowledge of a target audience. In reality, Big Data is any business professional’s dream because Big Data provides as much information about a target audience as humanly possible. ImageSource:https://people.com/tv/a-definitive-ranking-of-the-friends-thanksgiving-episodes/
By Hannah Hutchison Thanksgiving traditions have expanded among millennials. The term “Friendsgiving” was created by merging friends and Thanksgiving into one feast. The term has been used across all generations but has been primarily used by college students. Many college students replicate a second or pre-Thanksgiving dinner by participating in Friendsgiving with their housemates and close friends before they leave for Thanksgiving break. Friendsgiving “started coming into national prominence in 2011 when Bailey's Irish Cream used the word in an ad campaign and it became a plot point in The Real Housewives of New Jersey (the episode was, appropriately enough, called ‘Gobblefellas’),” according to Meriam Webster. While most Thanksgiving dinners are focused on turkey and mashed potatoes, some Friendsgiving dinners venture into other food groups and origins. Many Friendsgiving dinners are known for making different proteins such as ham, chicken, or steak; and the sides can range from pasta to fruit trays. This creates diversity in the food palette during the Thanksgiving week. Thanksgiving focuses on bringing family and loved ones together to celebrate each other. Friendsgiving does the same thing with dear friends. Friendsgiving is a relatively new term in society, but we expect to see it grow and evolve into a national tradition surrounding the Thanksgiving festivities. Source:
https://www.google.com/search?q=communications&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiAmfy-zN_eAhUG44MKHUrTB5YQ_AUIDygC&biw=1117&bih=701#imgrc=ID0D8fih8aArzM: By: Susanne Fluri When I tell people that I am a Strategic Communications major, they often ask what exactly I plan to do after graduation. Luckily, a communications degree teaches you the various and valuable skills that can set you up for just about any job you desire. Whether you are a senior looking for a job or a freshman interested in the major, take a glance at the following list for inspiration and guidance. 1. Account Manager 2. Media Planner 3. Public Relations Manager 4.. Human Relations Manager 5. Marketing Executive 6. Advertising Executive 7. Attend Law School 8. Event Planner 9. Teacher 10. Social Media Specialist The list goes on and on, and there are many different jobs and companies that would benefit from your communications skillset! Picture source: http://anthillonline.com/how-much-should-i-spend-on-my-brand-and-when-a-guide-to-branding-your-business/
By: Carly Leonard As future public relations professionals it is important to know how to brand and do it right. Companies such as Apple, Google, Coca Cola, and Amazon are powerhouses, especially when it comes to branding. When identifying what makes these companies so successful in branding it comes down to 7 key strategies.
Knowing how to brand and including these tips will help any business get an edge on the competition. Source: https://www.mttr.io/blog/business/10-successful-brands-world-theyre-right/ image source: https://dariknews.bg/novini/sviat/reporteri-bez-granici-bylgariia-e-na-109-o-miasto-v-klasaciiata-za-svoboda-na-mediite-2019713
By: Melissa Shadrick With election day passed and results totaled, it’s easy to see who had success in the midterm elections and who seemed to flounder. Now in the aftermath, it’s possible to look at what steps differentiated the successful campaigns from the failed. One common thread in the successful midterm campaigns and the overall political field today is the necessity of a good public image and knowing how to manage it. With virtually 24/7 media coverage politicians are forced to always be on their toes. This is where the importance of public relations comes into play. With so much time spent in the public light, a well-crafted public image can be hard to accomplish. In a campaign, public relations personnel are responsible for helping manage crisis situations, honing and defining messages, and upholding public standing. Maintaining a candidate's relationship with the public requires a multifaceted approach. The ability to utilize multimedia sources, “spin” situations, and craft a consistent message, are all necessary for the success of any public relations professional in politics. With proper management, public relations is a tool that enhances awareness for the candidate and what they support, as well as maintaining the relationship between the candidate and citizens. Even if a candidate is new to the political sphere, a good public relations campaign can change the course of the campaign entirely. Image source:https://www.prweek.com/article/1418882/pr-vindicated
By: Lily O’Gorden In the business of communications, the lines between journalism and public relations are often blurred. It is important to distinguish between the two because the goals of each profession are very different. Journalists and public relations practitioners both tell stories but the goals of these stories are different. Interacting with sources is incredibly important for journalists, while publics and organizations are at the center of public relations. One of the important similarities between the two is building trust with their audiences. However, the goals of each profession are specific and need to be recognized within each field. Journalism Goals:
Public Relations Goals:
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/a-quick-guide-to-election-day
By: Grace Hamilton This election day, students are hitting the polls and voting now more than ever. Flyers encouraging students to register to vote are splashed around campus and large social media outlets are urging their audiences to take action in their communities. Large corporations are using their social media (such as Twitter, Facebook, etc.) to stress the importance of voting. These companies are using their platforms to get young people to take a stand and have the power to influence the decision makers in their community. Some companies are even giving a monetary incentive to go out and vote. For example, Lyft and Uber are offering customers discounted rides to polling stations. These companies are encouraging everyone to go out and vote in order to promote democracy and increase active participation in a given community. Historically, voter turnout in the United States is low, and by giving an incentive to vote, companies are hoping to increase voter turnout which builds communities within a society. It is important that each member in a community has a voice and is knowledgeable about the elected officials representing his or her voice. Every vote counts and every vote can make a difference. Go out and vote to make a change in the world. Source: https://knowtechie.com/how-to-appear-offline-in-instagram/
By: Mary Clark Instagram has become such a significant part of practically everyone’s life by 2018. The rise of ‘content creators’ and ‘influencers’ has even brought Instagram further into the world of marketing, advertising, and PR. With all this being said, it would be foolish to not think twice about what one posts on an instagram. Even if your account is not a public ‘influencer’, a personal, private instagram still carries much weight on image and reputation. Here are some tips to help maintain a professional, personal instagram.
Image source: https://www.american.edu/careercenter/Skills.cfm By: Avery Treend
Source: http://www.socialmediaimpact.com/use-social-media-advantage/#
By: Carly Leonard It is evident that in today’s world, social media is involved in almost every aspect of our lives. Social media platforms are no longer just for personal use and personal relationships, but are now used in the workplace. Businesses, can and do, use social media to create a brand, advertise open positions, search for employers, and to stay relevant. With social media growing in every aspect, it is important to make sure to use it to your advantage. Not only should you be well equipped at using social media for your own image but also for the image of your workplace. So how do you make it so you aren’t working for social media, but it is working for you?
by: Rebecca Smith Most companies have a social media presence to create brand awareness, introduce new products, and boost sales. In an effort to reach customers, some companies have taken their social media presence to a whole new level. One particular example is the Wendy’s Twitter account. The account became popular last year when it started roasting competitors such as McDonalds and Burger King. Their popularity lies within their ability to attract millennials through references and attitude. For starters, they consistently push across the same message: their company does NOT use frozen beef. Most of their popular tweets revolve around this idea in creative ways. Whether it’s roasting McDonalds for serving frozen beef or roasting another Twitter user for eating frozen beef, the message is consistent. The company has even released songs about the fresh beef. Their creativity has reached a large audience and helped increase their profits by 49.7% in the last year. It’s hard to believe that something as simple as tweeting can increase profits so dramatically for a company. For any company looking to create a better social media presence, a consistent message and voice is critical. The occasional roast or meme doesn’t hurt either. Sources: Wendy's. “BuzzFeed.” BuzzFeed, 2017, www.buzzfeed.com/christinajhuynh/15-times-wendys-twitter-was-more-shameless-than-y-2tfa4. Erikson, Kristin. “How Wendy's Used Social Media to Profit $64M in a Year.” How Wendy's Used Social Media to Profit $64M in a Year, 2018, www.deputy.com/us/blog/how-wendys-used-social-to-profit-64m-in-a-year. By Emily Cashen The recent name change of Dunkin’ Donuts to simply Dunkin’ brings up a good question in branding and public relations, “What’s in a name?” This famous line from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet a sks a crucial question of brands everywhere. Why is the brand name so important? ✱ Printsome Insights ✱ So what happens if the brand name isn’t for life? Image from abc57.com
When is it important for public relations professionals to advise their clients to change their names? This podcast by The Wharton School of business at the University of Pennsylvania outlines a few key reasons why companies change their names. -Modernize the company. -Appeal to the next generation of consumers. -Distance yourself from scandals -Communicate company values. -Change your brand. |
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