Franco Public Relations Group

Taking the leap from journalism to PR: 4 tips that translate

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

Photo by sskennel

Everyone finds his or her own path to the PR world. For me, the road was winding. My career began not in public relations like many of my co-workers here at Franco Public Relations Group, but in journalism.

I found my way into the public relations field after more than a decade of covering news and entertainment here in Detroit. Over the years I worked with talented PR pros both locally and nationally and more than a few suggested I try my hand at public relations.

In 2009, I finally took that leap and joined my first agency. Not a day goes by that I don’t still use the skills I learned in journalism school and mastered in the newspaper business. Four of the skills that translate into the day-to-day work we do in public relations include:

Master the art of writing – Strong writing skills will take you far in any career, but they are especially important when communicating with reporters, drafting press releases and sharing your clients’ visions clearly and concisely with the appropriate audience.
Research and interview like a pro – In PR it is crucial that you gain the trust of your clients and the media, and that you are proficient in seeking out the most newsworthy information to promote. A good reporter has honed these skills by researching and interviewing trustworthy sources. A smart PR pro knows how to use them to her advantage.
Be a walking AP Style guide – Editing copy is just as important as writing it. In PR you’ll be expected to know AP Style as well as any reporter. By creating media materials with all of the elements a reporter needs, written in a style adopted by the industry itself, you’ll have an important edge over the competition.
Deal with deadlines and switching gears – In the agency world you could be answering one client’s question one minute, posting to a social media site for another client the next and pitching the media on behalf of a third client just seconds later. You have to know how to balance and complete multiple tasks on tight deadlines and with finesse. Having a reporter’s background can help. When you’re used to finishing multiple stories on the fly and finding the appropriate sources at a moment’s notice, the busiest PR circumstances are much more manageable.

Those are just a few of the ways my reporting background serves me well in business. Can you think of other skills that translate from journalism to PR? We’d love to hear about them. Share your thoughts in our comments section.

Stephanie Angelyn Casola still carries a reporter’s notebook. She is a senior account executive at Franco PR Group. Reach out to her at casola@franco.com, @StephCasola on Twitter or Facebook.com/StephanieAngelynCasola. Call 313.567.5048.

AP Style, Franco Public Relations Group, journalism, PR, writing

Brad Pitt – the sweet smell of success

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

So Brad Pitt is the new ChanelN^o5 spokesmodel.

Is it a branding coup (or “coo,” for those who get a little wobbly kneed looking at him)? Hunky guys have shared the space with beautiful women selling various products, but, ah, a man alone with a bottle of ChanelN^o5. Now that’s sweet (with a hint of musk). Coco would be proud.

Was it a strategic branding move? Time will tell if essence de Brad reinforces or enhances the brand. But, from an awareness strategy — BRILLLLLIANT! It’s big news (I’m kidding), but it is news. After all, it’s Brad Pitt.

So, is he a good spokesmodel for the perfume?

According to various books on Coco Chanel, perfume scents traditionally were either “respectable” or “provocative,” the latter reserved for, well, women of the night, if you know what I mean. Coco wanted to create something modern, which reflected the liberated attitudes of her friends and fashion of the 1920s. And the vessel was just as important as the scent.

In a 1925 marketing brochure for ChanelN^o5, it stated that “… the perfection of the product forbids dressing it in the customary artifices.”

Well, that explains Brad Pitt. Not your customary perfume spokesmodel.

And he’s also more than another pretty face. He’s the guy who supports humanitarian efforts worldwide – Doctors Without Borders, Not On Our Watch and Make Poverty History, to name a few. In the U.S. he led the creation of The Make It Right Foundation to build environmentally friendly homes in New Orleans for families devastated by Hurricane Katrina. He and Angelina Jolie also founded the Jolie-Pitt Foundation which focuses on ending poverty, protecting natural resources and conserving wildlife.

Pitt commits his money AND his time. Not your customary actor either.

So why wouldn’t he be the perfect spokesmodel. He’s already a model for good work and leveraging his fame for causes that help others.

And now he’s also going to smell really good, too!

Tres bien!

Maria Leonhauser is president of Franco Public Relations Group. She can be reached at leonhauser@franco.com. Connect with Franco PR Group on Facebook and Twitter @FrancoPRGroup.

Brad Pitt, branding, Chanel No 5, Coco Chanel, Franco, Franco Public Relations Group, Maria Leonhauser

Finding value in an internship

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

Our current interns, Erin and Dan, are busily working on their projects for the week.

You just graduated from college, maybe even summa cum laude. But, if you don’t have experience in your field, finding a job can be a daunting task. The easiest way to get that much needed experience is to find an internship. In fact, it’s best if you have a few!

In public relations, interning at a nonprofit, corporation or agency will give you very different experiences. If you are searching for your first internship, check out 4 tips for breaking into the world of public relations.

At Franco, we look for interns who are at least juniors in college and have already had a couple internships. It’s an invaluable experience that could lead to future employment. It’s the longest job interview you’ll ever have – take it from two previous interns! Here are a few skills you’ll pick up while interning with Franco:

Learn how to manage your time

Agency work is very fast paced, and you’ll rarely have down time. Franco interns have the opportunity to take part in agency and account team meetings, visit clients, sit in on conference calls, draft news releases and build media lists. A Franco internship is not a “coffee internship.” You’re given real responsibilities and serve on account teams, which is why and how you’ll learn to manage your time.

Improve your spoken communication skills

As Michelle Zdrodowski noted in her blog on interpersonal communication, sometimes it is better to pick up the phone than it is to send an email. If you need to provide urgent information, sometimes it’s quicker to make a call than to type it out. Phone calls are also more personable, so it’s easier to convey your message. At Franco you get to talk to a lot of people — clients, media and suppliers.

Improve your written communication skills

A huge part of public relations is communicating a message through the written word. Our interns have the opportunity to draft media materials including press releases, media advisories, executive biographies and speaking points. Franco’s experienced account team members edit and provide feedback.

Build relationships with the media

Franco interns have the opportunity to contact the media with client news. While it can be nerve-racking the first few times, after you’ve had some practice it comes naturally. And you always have Franco’s media relations experts guiding you along the way. From creating a media list and pitching the news to attending TV segments and clipping the results, you’ll see how media relations work from start to finish.

What do you think are the most valuable things to learn from an internship? We’d love hear your thoughts.

Joe Ferlito is a senior account executive at Franco Public Relations Group. You can reach him at (313) 567-5031 or ferlito@franco.com.

Marie Stawasz is an assistant account executive at Franco Public Relations Group. You can reach her at (313) 567-5201 or stawasz@franco.com. Follow Marie on twitter @MarieStawasz.

college, communications, internship, job searching, PRSSA, public relations

Finding your niche in PR

Friday, April 27th, 2012

The key to loving what you do is finding what you’re good at and matching it with what you’re passionate about. If you’re thinking about a career in PR, here are some skills any pro must have:

Ability to think and write like a reporter.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, in both writing and speech.
Masterful organization
Ability to multi-task – you must know how to do 10 things at once.
Solid understanding of social media – you must know the difference between Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Flickr, Yelp, Foursquare and Pinterest and how powerful these social media networks can be.

Check out The P rinceton Review for more information about a career in PR.

If you know you want to find a career in public relations, first ask yourself “Do I want to work for a corporation, agency or non-profit?”

An agency is a great place to start if you have no idea which route you want to take.

Whether an internship or your first real gig, working at a PR agency is beneficial because it exposes you to multiple clients in many different industries. Agencies also provide the opportunity to work with a team, develop leadership skills and be involved with almost every aspect of a client’s needs. On any given day, you’ll find us writing media materials, drafting a speech, chatting with a producer at local TV stations, tweeting, Facebooking, planning an event, negotiating an ad buy, blogging and brainstorming. It’s that kind of variety that makes me love my job.

Here at Franco PR, I have had the opportunity to work with clients across the board. Be it a circus, museum, restaurant, insurance company, hospital, nonprofit or bank, I’ve seen a lot. And actually, I’ve enjoyed working on every one of those accounts in one way or another. During my relatively short time at Franco, I’ve found that I really enjoy working with nonprofit and retail clients.

Maybe traditional PR is not for you.

So you’ve found yourself deep in the trenches of your PR career and you’re still unsatisfied. Don’t worry, you’ve got options. Many people with PR experience choose to take a more targeted path and start careers in fields like marketing, advertising, social media management, media planning, event planning and freelance writing. It’s all relative.

Which PR sector do you most enjoy working in? What’s your favorite part about your job?

Genna Young is an assistant account executive at Franco Public Relations Group. You can reach her at (313) 567-5014 or young@franco.com. Follow her on Twitter at @GennaYoung.

advertising, event planning, marketing, PR, public relations, social media

Ethical behavior breeds PR success on many levels

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

Ethical behavior breeds success for not only your own career, but for your clients and company. Photo credit: Buddawiggi, Flickr.

Morals, principles, common sense and partnerships all share a common component – ethics.

From an early age, we’re taught to play nice with others. If you wouldn’t want something done to you, don’t do it to others is a lesson we learn at a young age. Seems simple, right? It is simple, and in the business world it is essential to success.

I have found, during my time at Franco Public Relations Group and in the PR industry overall, that ethical behavior certainly breeds success for not only your own career, but for your clients and definitely your company or agency.

Conduct yourself in an ethical manner and you’ll earn a reputation as a trusted resource, confidant, even a friend. Build trust with your clients and provide quality service and you’ll enjoy a long, productive relationship, and – if you’re really good – your clients may recommend you to other business owners in need of your services.

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) supports that idea.

Building Principles on Core Values
The Code, created and maintained by the PRSA Board of Ethics and Professional Standards (BEPS), sets out principles and guidelines built on core values. Fundamental values like advocacy, honesty, loyalty, professional development and objectivity structure ethical practice and interaction with clients and the public.

Translating values into principles of ethical practice, the Code advises professionals to:

Protect and advance the free flow of accurate and truthful information.
Foster informed decision making through open communication.
Protect confidential and private information.
Promote healthy and fair competition among professionals.

One point I find interesting is to “Promote healthy and fair competition among professionals.” It’s important, and ethical, to extend your behavior beyond your agency and your clients to other public relations professionals who may even be competitors.

Why, you ask? Again, the answer is simple and worth repeating. It’s the right thing to do.

How do you practice ethics in public relations? How have you been successful in your career by implementing these fundamentals?

Jim Miller is an account manager at Franco Public Relations Group. You can reach him at (313) 567-5029 or miller@franco.com. Follow Jim on Twitter at @JimMiller76.

business ethics, ethics, PRSA, public relations, success

5 tips to working with international clients – from time zones to translations

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

Thanks to the Internet, smart phones and Skype, the world is shrinking, and allowing quicker communication with people half the world away.

With that, I’ve put together a few tips I’ve learned working with clients all over the world:

1. Ask where they are. Ask what time it is there, and write it down.

Try to remember how far ahead (or behind) your own time zone each client is. Generally speaking, most of Europe is about six hours ahead of the Eastern time zone. There is a 12 hour difference with Asia and Australia and the Middle East is approximately nine hours ahead. Just as we are starting our day, they are finishing theirs, so it’s important to be respectful of their deadlines and pay special attention to any communication from them right away, since you may only have a few hours of ‘real-time’ communication.

2. Check with the client about a convenient time for them to talk

Not everything can be communicated via e-mail, and there won’t be many opportunities for you to meet with clients from other countries face-to-face, so regularly scheduled calls can take the place of face-to-face communication. Many companies are using Skype. Just make sure you have a time that is convenient for both parties, and in cases where the time change is extreme, it may mean taking turns coming in early or staying late.

3. Not all English is the same

Many times materials will arrive in your inbox translated from your client’s native language into English. And these may leave you saying, huh?! No matter how well a non-native speaker speaks English, it is very difficult to write in a different language. So, when you are ‘Americanizing,’ not only do you need to remember to check the spelling and grammar –double check to make sure the it makes sense to your audience – whether they are Americans or English-speakers in other parts of the world.

When translating documents for use outside of the U.S. (like Canada) – remember British English is the norm (you can find spelling translations here).

4. Know your international holidays

There are a lot of different holidays out there. Most manufacturing in Europe shuts down for the entire Month of August, Chinese New Year doesn’t correlate with the January 1 holiday. There are also numerous European bank holidays (about one per month). It might be a good idea to keep a calendar of holidays from the country your client is located.

5. Formatting and figures

Formatting and figures can also cause some confusion. One in particular that confused me when I first came across it was the use of commas instead of decimal places. For example, to 33,50 translates to 33.50. It is important to double check the figures in writing (for example thirty-three dollars and fifty cents) when translating copy. Also, when the date is written numerically, the order is generally reversed: dd/mm/yyyy, so today’s date would be 18/04/2012 (April 18, 2012).

Do you have any tips for working with international businesses? Any “Lost in Translation” stories to share?

Ann Marie Fortunate is an account executive at Franco Public Relations Group. You can reach her at (313) 567-5050 or fortunate@franco.com. Follow her on Twitter @AMFortunate

global communication, international relations, translation

Stop double spacing. Period

Monday, April 9th, 2012

Photograph by Waikay Lau (Flickr.com/seychelles88)

A long argument that I’ve had with other PR professionals is whether or not to double space after periods. By my writing, you can clearly tell which side of the debate I’m on. But others insist that two spaces after a period is the way to go.

In the latest round of heckling, I sent a colleague this instant message: “Double spacing is old school. Please stop doing it…..” to which she replied “L o n g l i v e t h e d o u b l e s p a c e.”

Of course, we go back and forth on this all the time and it’s in good fun, but going through documents and removing double spaces is much less of a joy.

The “double-spacers” haven’t been able to give me a good argument as to why their way is correct, other than “it’s tradition” or “that’s how I learned to type in high school,” so I’ll lay out a few reasons why single spacing after a period is the new age of typing and should be adopted by all PR professionals moving forward.

Double spacing was invented for typewriters

Early typewriters used monospaced fonts where each character took up the same amount of horizontal space. The “two spaces after a period” rule was adopted specifically for these fonts because it helped to visually separate sentences. Now, we use computers and most fonts are proportional fonts that assign horizontal space based on the size of the letter – “M” and “W” are wider than “I” and “J” – which makes the typeface inherently easier to read. With modern technology, double spacing is no longer necessary. It actually looks like a typing error rather than a style.

The AP Stylebook says so

Page 334 of my 2004 AP Stylebook (I know, it’s time to update it) and Franco’s current subscription to www.apstylebook.com both clearly state “SPACING: Use a single space after a period at the end of a sentence.”

There you have it, a few solid reasons why single spacing after periods is correct. If you are a double-spacer, I encourage you to try to break the habit. If you’re like my colleague who will probably continue double spacing regardless of this blog post, I challenge you to give me a few solid reasons why your way is better.

Joe Ferlito is a senior account executive at Franco Public Relations Group. You can reach him at (313) 567-5031 or ferlito@franco.com.

AP Style, double spacing, Franco Public Relations Group, Joe Ferlito, monospaced fonts, one space after period, proportional fonts, single spacing, two spaces after a period

Brainstorming Franco Style: Creativity, Collaboration and Candy

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/ruimtevolk

Coming up with a great idea – it’s harder than it sounds. On your own, the process can seem impossible. Your past experiences and background may keep you from thinking outside the box. But surrounded by creative and seasoned PR pros, the next great idea is just a brainstorm away.

Great ideas have the power to move our region forward. We need creative ideas to help solve problems, overcome challenges and move beyond the status quo. A great idea can be the difference between a successful PR campaign and one that fails to move the needle. And, that great idea is never out of reach, as long as the idea is fueled by creativity and initiative.

Clients often look to us to help brainstorm new ideas for product launches, strategies and media opportunities. Prior to joining Franco, I was usually brainstorming alone as the sole PR person in my office. At Franco, the brainstorming process is much more effective because we put collective experience and creative minds together.

Here are a few tips for brainstorming, Franco Style:

Explain the need and your goals thoroughly. Brainstorming ideas without a goal in mind will only spin your wheels. Remember to explain the issues, challenges and exactly what needs to be accomplished.
Open up the brainstorm to team members who aren’t involved in the project. Others within your organization may have better ideas because they’re not as entrenched in the process.
Give everyone the chance to be heard. Include interns as well as senior management in the process, and be sure everyone has an opportunity to contribute ideas. Sometimes an intern or office manager may have the winning idea!
Provide an incentive to participate. Can you provide a tasty snack? A round of Starbucks? Candy and caffeine can work wonders. Think of an incentive you can provide to encourage active participation.

At Franco, no idea is a bad idea. Some ideas may not be used because of resources or timing, but we all participate in brainstorming because we care about the success of all of our clients and because all ideas are encouraged.

Do you have any additional brainstorming tips? Is there anything you would add to this list?

Rebekah Johnson is an account executive at Franco Public Relations Group. You can reach her at (313) 567-5016 or johnson@franco.com. Follower her on Twitter at @rebekahrjohnson.

brainstorming, creativity, Franco Public Relations Group, Rebekah Johnson, teamwork

Five ways to stay active at the office

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

Taking a 15 minute walk each day is a great way to fit in a bit of exercise at the office.

College was a busy time. Between juggling a full class load, internships and professional development groups, it seemed nearly impossible to find time to fit in a workout.

Back when I was at Central Michigan University, I can remember thinking, “As soon as I graduate and get a job I’m going to get fit – I mean, what else will I have to do after work?” I obviously underestimated the intensity of having a career and all the things that come with it.

Having a full-time job, I’ve come to understand that making it to the gym before or after work is just as much, if not more, of a challenge as it was in college. That’s why I’ve been making an effort to stay active at work. Here are five simple ways to help you get up and get active during the workday.

Go for a 15 minute walk. One of the easiest ways to stay active at work is to schedule a 15 minute walk each day. Sure, it can be hard to pull yourself away from your desk, but taking a short walk is a quick and easy way to get in a bit of exercise. Working in the Renaissance Center, we (Franco) couldn’t ask for a better walking area than the Detroit Riverfront. And ladies, keep a pair of tennis shoes under your desk to help you avoid using the “I don’t have good shoes on today” excuse.
Stand instead of sit. Common sense will tell you that it’s not good to sit in a chair for eight hours a day. If you need further proof, check out this infographic outlining the “truth about sitting”, including the fact that research has shown people with sitting jobs have twice the rate of cardiovascular disease than people with standing jobs. It’s time to take stand.
Substitute a yoga ball for your office chair. If you’re going to sit, you might as well work out your core. Swapping out your office chair for an exercise ball is a great way to stay active at the office and engage muscles that wouldn’t otherwise be used while sitting. Sitting on a ball requires you to maintain balance and sit upright, which is good for your core muscles and your posture.
Take the stairs. This one is pretty self explanatory, but taking the stairs instead of the elevator really does add up. Sure it might tack on a few extra minutes, but getting in this little bit of cardio each day is definitely a good thing.
Deliver messages in person. Within the office, we seem to have become so accustomed to emails, phone calls and even instant messaging that we rarely make a point to deliver messages in person anymore. Make an effort to walk across the office to tell your co-worker that important message, or even just stop over to say hello. This brief break from sitting will not only help get your blood flowing, but face-to-face communication is helpful for team building.

Genna Young stays active at the office by opting to sit on a yoga ball instead of a chair.

What other ways have you used to stay active while at work?

Angela Hernandez is an account executive at Franco Public Relations Group. You can reach her at (313) 567-5008 or hernandez@franco.com. Follow her on Twitter at @AngelaHernandez.

exercise, office, walking, yoga ball

4 tips for breaking into the world of public relations

Monday, March 19th, 2012

A resume should include a bulleted list of your education, work experience and (when appropriate) personal interests. Photo Credit: Flickr.

You’re fresh out of college with a degree in public relations. Now you need a job. Public Relations is all about connecting people, but do you know how to connect yourself? Scoring your dream job doesn’t have to be hard as you think. Here are a few tips that will help you stand out in that pile of resumes.

1. Construct a fluid resume. A resume should include bulleted points of your education, work experience and (when appropriate) personal interests. Be descriptive and use action words. Think outside of the box when listing your experience. If you were involved in any projects or programs outside of school or work that are relevant to your field, be sure to list them.

2. Draft a cover letter, and edit it thoroughly. Think of a cover letter as your opportunity to demonstrate your written communication skills and your personality. Be clear and concise, explaining why you are contacting the employer and why they should care. Be specific to the position you’re applying for. Expand upon points in your resume. And proofread the letter carefully to catch any typos. Since PR is all about details, a typo in your cover letter could cost you the interview.

3. Provide work samples. The proof is in the pudding. If you present a potential employer with samples of the work you produce, the more likely you are to grab their attention. Provide press releases you’ve written and subsequent placements they may have resulted from your outreach. If you have not had an opportunity to conduct outreach on your own, provide writing samples from college classes.

4. Apply for internships. Experience is possibly the most important part of a job search. Employers want to know the individual they hire has practical experience in their industry, and the best way to gain that experience is through an internship. Apply for more than one. You’ll learn about different aspects of PR at a nonprofit than you would at an agency or in a corporate setting.

Now that you know how to land your dream job, are you looking for an internship? We’re looking for two summer interns. Learn more on our Facebook page.

Marie Stawasz is an assistant account executive at Franco Public Relations Group. You can reach her at (313) 567-5201 or stawasz@franco.com. Follow Marie on twitter @MarieStawasz.

cover letter, internships, job searching, PRSA, PRSSA, public relations, resumes, students

Franco PR Competes in Detroit 313 Trivia

Thursday, March 8th, 2012

Did you know the Belle Isle Aquarium opened in 1904? Or that Stevie Wonder has more Grammy awards than Aretha Franklin? I didn’t, until last night. The Franco Five (pictured at left: Ann Marie, Andrea, Lori and Lori’s daughter Michelle, and me) represented the agency at Detroit 313 Trivia at the Hard Rock Cafe Detroit (client). Among the facts we aced: Al Kaline was the first Detroit Tiger to have his number retired, and The Temptations were originally called The Primes, and of course, Kid Rock’s birth name is Robert Ritchie.

In addition to fun facts about the city we love, we enjoyed fabulous drink specials and sampled the Hard Rocks’ new menu. And while we didn’t take first place (or second or third for that matter!), we had a blast testing our Detroit pop culture knowledge. And it was all for a great cause. Funds raised (there was a suggested $10 donation to register) will support the Detroit Historical Society’s (client) $20.1 million Past>Forward campaign, funding new and expanded exhibits, technology upgrades, educational offerings and enhancements at the Detroit Historical Museum, Dossin Great Lakes Museum and the Detroit Historical Society Collection.

The next Detroit 313 Trivia event is Wednesday, April 4. To register, visit this page. Or just come out and cheer us on, because we’ll be back.

Want to help us study for the next event? Leave us a comment with your favorite Detroit pop culture factoid!

Tina Kozak is senior vice president of Franco Public Relations Group. She can be reached at kozak@franco.com or connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter @tinakozak. Connect with Franco PR Group on Facebook and Twitter @FrancoPRGroup.

Detroit, Detroit 313 Trivia, Detroit Historical Society, Franco Public Relations Group, Hard Rock Cafe Detroit, Kid Rock, PR Detroit, Tina Kozak

Recovering lost art of personal conversation in PR

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012

Photo by Leo Reynolds | Flickr.com

As I sat at my computer today, I received an instant Spark message from a colleague of mine who sits no more than 15 feet from my desk. Her inquiry, ironically was, “Do you have time to talk?”

I started to “spark” my colleague back, but stopped myself. Instead, I got up out of my chair and went and talked face-to-face with her. It didn’t take any longer than an IM reply, but it certainly felt better.

This interaction caused me to start thinking about how often we in the communications business tend to communicate so impersonally these days. I don’t want to give away my age, but when I started in the PR business, we talked with each other, not at each other.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I understand the value of a quick email to get a simple message across. However, nothing, in my opinion beats a personal conversation – whether it be on the phone or face-to-face.

When you’re talking with someone, it’s rare that you misinterpret their tone or their meaning. It’s quite the contrary, actually. You’re able to ask questions in response and get a real feel for where someone is coming from or going with their thought process – without having to hit the send button and wait for a reply.

Perhaps I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Author Maya Angelou said it best: “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning.”

Ultimately, I guess what I’m talking about is building relationships. You can’t have a relationship with someone that you don’t know and you can’t get to know someone without talking with them.

So, the next time you’re getting ready to hit the send button on that email, think twice. Ask yourself what the most effective form of communication is and whether picking up the phone might not be the better way to go.

That’s my opinion, what’s yours? Tell me what you think is the best way to have a personal conversation!

Michelle Zdrodowski is a senior vice president at Franco Public Relations Group. Reach out to her at zdrodowski@franco.com or call 313.567.5017. Visit Facebook.com/FrancoPRGroup.

communication, Franco Public Relations Group, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Michelle Zdrodowski, PR, Spark

The privacy debate: Keeping your audience in mind when posting online

Thursday, March 1st, 2012

Be careful what you post if you’re connected with co-workers, clients or employers on social media. Photo credit: Microsoft Office Images

Social media can feel like your own personal paparazzi is splashing your name across web pages and into the hands of well, quite literally, everyone and your mother. Even if you don’t use social media for business, the warning to clean up your online image and avoid potential scandal has become constant, often directed at college-age students and budding professionals.

What was once considered a personal site filled with 700 of your closest friends, certainly won’t damage your chances of being taken seriously in the job market, right? This, of course, is the great debate. Should sites like Facebook and Twitter be limited by the buttoned up realm of the professional world?

Well, no, not exactly. The sites are personal yet, the world can see them. With our increasingly public lives, lines need to be drawn to keep the balance. Potential employers or clients can walk into our lives with a simple Google search. So instead of letting everyone in on the intimate details of your social life, give them a little taste of your personality but keep it classy.

How much can be revealed? How much is too much? Some sites, like Linkedin, have clear a purpose. It’s strictly a business zone reserved for creating and honing your professional networks.

Facebook profiles can be much more personal. So, if you don’t want people peeping through the windows of your personal life, close the curtains. Use the privacy settings and stop friending everyone you meet. Or, post as you like, but amp up the security settings and zero in on your audience. Just remember your grandma is probably on Facebook and if she’s not, then someone else’s grandmother is.

Twitter is quite another beast. It’s an open space decorated by you. Sort of like the front porch to your social media house. It’s okay to pin up personal décor but try and keep a positive image for your followers. While you can limit who follows you, everyone can see your tweets.

If you’re willing to sacrifice sharing the latest Vegas vacation pics and keep your online image strictly professional, good for you. But, if you want to make it a personal space to share your life, just remember to keep your posts appropriate for your audience. Be careful what you post if you’re connected with co-workers, clients or employers on social media. Utilize advanced security and list building settings and keep up with changing privacy policies, check out this article on Facebook privacy concerns.

Really, how you portray yourself online is up to you but once Google finds you, there’s no turning back. So if you think posting something could potentially damage your hard-earned reputation, think twice and don’t post it. Show your best side on social media and remember, all eyes are on you.

Amanda MacCormick is a PR Coordinator at Franco Public Relations Group. She can be reached at maccormick@franco.com or connect with her on Twitter @AmandaMickMac, Connect with Franco PR Group on Facebook and Twitter@FrancoPRGroup.

Facebook, job searching, LinkedIn, privacy, social media, Twitter

4 ways to benefit from networking in PR, online or in person

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

Have you noticed that networking is no longer confined to a roomful of professionals in suits anymore? It can happen in almost any environment, and very often occurs online. In the PR world, and here at Franco Public Relations Group, we connect regularly on sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Photo by Aidan Jones | Networking sometimes begins with a virtual handshake. Learn how to build relationships online and in person that will benefit you personally and professionally.

Whether I’m attending an important work event or invested in a PR chat on Twitter, I’ve noticed that an outgoing personality and the ability to small talk with the best of them can go far. Still, there are so many reasons to take time out for networking – both online and off. Here are a few to consider:

Expand your circle – Networking allows you to meet a variety of professionals both within and surrounding your profession who you might not have encountered otherwise. At Franco we assist clients with media relations, events and everything in between, so if I meet an amazing new Detroit caterer during an event, I might introduce myself, ask a few questions and take a card in case an opportunity might arise in the future when we’re in need of that service.

Increase your opportunities – Making a point of seeking individuals who offer new opportunities to volunteer in your field can only help you hone your professional skills. A few years ago, I answered an online request to help my friends at The Henry Ford when they were in need of PR volunteers for the first Maker Faire. That’s where I first met Marie Stawasz, who later connected with me here at Franco when she was seeking an internship. She saw a tweet I sent out to my personal Twitter network. Marie started at Franco as an intern and is now a full-time employee. Some might say it all started thanks to the magic of networking.

Change your career – It’s a natural fit to connect that who-you-know aspect of your valuable business connections with career advancement. By consciously building your own contacts, you can earn an edge over the competition when it comes to getting that interview. I made a career change from journalism to public relations at a time when unemployment in Detroit was high. I gave my notice without a safety net and contacted everyone I knew in the media and PR industry to tell them I was interested in making a change. Thankfully, my contacts responded. While making the switch wasn’t easy, I didn’t spend a day on unemployment, and I attribute that to proactive networking efforts.

Build your business – Networking may not always come naturally, but when it’s done right, it can ultimately win new business. Remember whether you’re attending events or connecting on Twitter and Facebook, this is not time for the hard sell. You’re there to learn, engage and discuss relevant subjects at hand. Build relationships. Share some free advice if you’re comfortable doing so. That’s the sort of thing that will be appreciated and remembered at a later date. If you’re nervous about the specific how-to’s that go along with networking, check out Bill Crimmins’ post in GeekWire.

What do you feel are the benefits of networking, and how has it changed for you over the years?

Stephanie Angelyn Casola is connector and a senior account executive at Franco PR Group. Reach out to her at casola@franco.com, @StephCasola on Twitter or Facebook.com/StephanieAngelynCasola. Call 313.567.5048.

Franco Public Relations Group, GeekWire, Networking, networking tips, PR, PR Detroit, PR tips, public relations Detroit, The Henry Ford

“Misunderstood” Pirates Give PR Spokespeople a Bad Name

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

He’s no Somali pirate, he’s Capt. Jack Sparrow. Actor Johnny Depp personifies the word pirate in the modern film series Pirates of the Caribbean. Photo Credit: Buena Vista Pictures (2003)

Somali pirates were in the news again recently after two of their hostages were rescued by SEAL Team 6, the free world’s real-life superheroes. A pirate or two confirmed the raid with the media.

The pirates’ confirmation was considerably less formal than a couple years ago when the Somali pirates had an “authorized spokesperson.” Yes, after hijacking a freighter loaded with weapons, several pirates spoke to a New York Times reporter, but only one, Sugule Ali, was “authorized to be quoted.”

Authorized? Was this guy the pirates’ vice president of communications? Did they also have a branding campaign and a crisis messaging plan in case they looked out a porthole and discovered the U S Navy had them surrounded?

They’re pirates. Criminals. Yet they deferred to the authorized spokesperson? They must have studied pirating by watching “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Imagine the discussion. “Yes, mates, we’ll follow the pirates’ code. And let Sugule do the talking. Sugule, stay on message but make us look good. Remember, the pirate’s code is more of guideline.”

So the Somali pirate spokesman claimed that they were “misunderstood.” He said, “We don’t consider ourselves sea bandits; we are simply patrolling our seas. Think of us like a coast guard.”

So far, so good.

Meanwhile they were holding the crew hostage for $20 million. This presented a bit more of a communications challenge.

“We only want money so we can protect ourselves from hunger,” Sugule added. When the Times reporter asked why they needed $20 million, Sugule laughed and said, “Because we have a lot of men.”

Now he’s gone overboard.

In the world of public relations, we spend a lot of time talking about the importance of a quotable spokesperson whom people can believe.

But you’ve got to tell the truth. That’s where the pirate spokesman lost his way. OK, maybe that happened when he likened the pirates to “a coast guard.”

It’s safe to say that Sugule will never be admitted into the Public Relations Society of America. As members we abide by a Code of Ethics that includes honesty and accuracy in all communications. Any spokesperson worth his or her salt (sea or otherwise) understands this.

Maria Leonhauser is president of Franco Public Relations Group. She can be reached at leonhauser@franco.com . Connect with Franco PR Group on Facebook and Twitter @FrancoPRGroup.

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ANN BARNETTEExecutive DirectorMilford Downtown Development Authority

ANN BARNETTE
Executive Director
Milford Downtown Development Authority