Serving On A School District's Communication Committee

A few months back the Olentangy Local School District created a Communications Committee and put a call out for potential members. Anyone interested was asked to submit a resume. Living in the school district, having children who attend school in the district, and working in PR and marketing for years I decided to apply.

I was asked to join the committee of about 25 individuals. The committee is filled with individuals with PR, marketing, or media experience, as well as a couple individuals who live in the district, a few teachers and even a couple high school students. I have been enjoying my time learning about the district, its communication policies and plans for the future.

As I committee member I am looked upon as an advisory panel member where I can offer my insight, and expertise on things like marketing, PR opportunities, Listserv, website and whether or not the school district should participate in social media (which I think they should).

I'm thrilled to be able to assist the district in taking it to the next level and am excited for the potential. Having only two Communication staff members in the district office, I think it was very wise for the district to create this committee, especially since the district keeps growing at an incredibly fast pace.

Here's to moving Olentangy into new a communication direction that will benefit students, parents and community members in today's 2.0 world.

Parting Ways To Better Help Nonprofit Organizations

As of today I parted ways with Shoestring Creative Group. Being an affiliate office for six months I thought I was offering local nonprofits the best marketing and PR option available. However, I quickly realized that I am better able to serve Ohio nonprofits locally.

I am very happy to announce that once again I am able to offer my discounted nonprofit services directly to nonprofit organizations without a middle man!

If you are a nonprofit organization looking for marketing, PR or social media assistance I'm happy to help. Contact me at michele@columbusimpressions.com.

One of the Largest Midwest Maternity, Baby & Kid’s Expo Grows To Columbus And Cleveland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michele Savoldi, columbus imPRessions

740.816.3251 or Michele@columbusimpressions.com

or

Kendra, Nicastro, K.C.’s Creative Events

740.972.1471 or kcscreativeevents@yahoo.com

Ohio mom of two creates event that caters to expectant and young families

Becoming a parent and raising a family is a difficult blessing and Kendra Nicastro knows first-hand what that is like. Being a mother of two young children, as well as having a background in event planning, Nicastro realized there weren't any events specifically catered to expectant parents and young families and took the initiative to form her own company, K.C.’s Creative Events, LLC. creating the Baby Bonanza & Kid's Expo. In 2007, The Baby Bonanza & Kid's Expo was "born", and in just three years, the Expo has become one of the largest consumer maternity, baby and kid's shows in the country, specifically focusing on families with children ages 0 - 10 years of age.

"Raising a family is difficult. You need to gather a lot of information to make informed choices such as what hospital should you go to? What daycare should you choose? Where can you buy unique items for your baby and family?” Nicastro’s goal is to produce an educational and fun community event, one where attendees can gather a wealth of information from businesses and organizations, enjoy educational seminars and entertainment, but also shop for fun items for the family. Nicastro says another reason she created this Expo is “because I wanted to allow business of all sizes, large and very small businesses, the opportunity to market their products and services at an affordable cost. Many of the Expo’s exhibitors are women-owned businesses offering hand-made and unique items and our attendees love having a variety of companies at the show."

Nicastro and The Baby Bonanza & Kid's Expo has received national recognition by winning the Show Manager of the Year award from The Expo Group in 2008, and has also been nominated by her exhibitors for the Trade Show of the Year and Show Manager of the Year presented by TSEA, as well as Honorary Recognition in the StartUpNation Home-Based 100 Competition.

The event has been produced in Columbus and Cincinnati attracting consumers from all over the state of Ohio and beyond. Now in its fourth year, the Expo has grown to include Cleveland. This year’s Expo, held in Columbus and Cleveland, will feature over 100 exhibitors, educational seminars, entertainment, diaper derby baby races, baby and toddler fashion shows, a dad's challenge, green pavilion, NICU reunion and interactive kids play areas, including a Princess Tea Party.

Columbus Event:

Saturday April 10 - Sunday April 11, 2010

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Veterans Memorial

300 W Broad St

Columbus, OH 43215

Cleveland Event:

Saturday, April 24 – Sunday April 25, 2010

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Cuyahoga Convention Center

638 Transportation Boulevard

Garfield Heights, OH 44125

Each year, a portion of the proceeds benefit The March of Dimes, the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health that is dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality

For the future, Nicastro hopes the show will continue to grow at a steady pace and may produce the Expo in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Nicastro adds, "We are pleased with the growth of the Baby Bonanza and Kid's Expo and we want to continue to make it a quality event that has something for everyone in the family.”

The Baby Bonanza and Kid's Expo is currently accepting exhibitors and sponsors for the 2010 expos in Columbus and Cleveland. For more information, call 740-972-1471. Event information is located on the event Web site at www.BabyBonanza.net.

###

Baby Bonanza & Kid's Expo, columbus imPRessions Newest Client

I'm assisting my newest client, Baby Bonanza & Kid Expo, with some PR for their upcoming Expos in Cleveland and Columbus.

Baby Bonanza & Kid's Expo has become one of the largest consumer maternity, baby and kid's shows in the country and specifically focuses on families with children ages 0 - 10 years of age. It's an educational and fun event where attendees can gather a wealth of information on businesses and organizations, enjoy educational seminars and entertainment but also shop for fun items for the family.

Mark You Calendars (more details soon):

Columbus, Ohio

Veterans Memorial, April 10-11,2010

Cleveland, Ohio

Cuyahoga Convention Center, April 24-25, 2010

Baby Bonanza & Kid Expo's new website will be unveiled soon!

The Press Release Makes It Official!

Commit To Be Fit announcement!!

Media Inquiry Sheet

Since yesterday's post was about how to do an interview, I thought today I'd share something that has helped me keep potential media crisis situations at bay.

In order to be proactive in handing a potential media crisis, you should have a defensive PR strategy and it should start with how to handle incoming media calls.  A media caller who is looking to see if there is any merit to a claim can usually make a determination by the reaction of the first phone call.  By being prepared and creating a procedure you can avoid a media headache.

Create a point of contact to handle media inquiries then create a media inquiry sheet for the staff.  Everyone should follow these simple media instructions (which should be placed somewhere near the phone).

MEDIA INQUIRY SHEET

Instructions for Responding to Media Inquiries that come via phone, email or in-person

(place near telephone)

DON'T ANSWER ANY MEDIA QUESTIONS

DO

1. Get the media caller's name, affiliate and contact information
2. Put all media inquiries through to:  (insert designated point of contact - usually the Communications Director)*
3. If the designated point of contact is not available, please do the following:

• Get the media caller's name, affiliate, contact information and deadline
• Get the nature of the inquiry
• Let them know (insert designated point of contact) will get back to them as soon as possible
• Immediately notify (insert designated point of contact) at (insert cell phone number or email address)

*If the media caller asks for a specific person other than the designated point of contact, or starts to ask you questions, state the organization's policy (example below) and put the inquiry through to the designated point of contact.

Media Policy

It is the policy of (insert organization name) to direct all media inquires through to (insert designated point of contact). You can contact (insert designated point of contact) at (insert direct dial line, cell phone number or email). This individual will help you with your questions.

Designated Point of Contact's Response to Media

If you are the designated point of contact and are caught off guard by a media caller's inquiry or need more time to answer, follow these steps:

• Politely say something like "I'm right in the middle of something, can I get back to you?"
  
• Find out the media caller's deadline and assure you will get back to them in plenty of time
  
• Quickly do an Internet search on your organization to see what, if anything, is being said
• If you find something create some talking points
• Make sure all information on your organization is current
• Research media caller and affiliate
• Contact media caller and answer questions
• Should questioning become in-depth it is alright to tell media caller that you will need to obtain additional information and will get back to them before their deadline 

By putting a few simple media procedures in place, your organization could prevent a potential crisis situation, (as well as a headache that could last many hours, day, or even weeks).

You've Been Asked To Do An Interview . . Now What?

Here are some tips when working with the media for an interview.

Before the Interview:

1. A reporter's approach can give clues to the intent of the interview. Will the interview be taped or live? Before the interview date do some research on the media outlet and reporter - what type of stories do they typically cover? Is the reporter conversational or tight-lipped?
2. Prepare a fact sheet to give to reporter.  If it's a live interview give to reporter the day before the interview. If it's taped bring it to the interview.  This way your key messages will be correct either during the live interview or when the interview is edited.
3. Prepare talking points for yourself.  You may not cover all points but it is a good point of reference to use as you prepare.
4. If it's an on camera interview dress appropriately. Stay away from harsh patterns or colors. Keep hair and jewelry simple.

During the Interview:

1. Be natural, confident and speak at a normal volume.
2. Be relaxed, smile and make eye contact with reporter. Body language is important. Don't fidget with your cross your arms in front of your chest.
3. Be honest and accurate. Don't guess, it's alright to say you don't have that information at that time and you will get back to reporter as information is available.
4. Be brief. Keep language simple, straightforward and to the point. Don't use extremely technical terms and stay with the message.

If Interview Turns Hostile:

1. Stay calm. Never react and don't yield to pressure. How you sound is as important as what you say.
2. Respond with facts and be persuasive.
3. Don't repeat reporter's negative words, even to refute them. Substitute with positive words.
4. Don't let inaccurate statement pass you by. Word the correction in your follow-up response.  Use steering phrases to bring back your message like:

• "The real issue here is . . ."
• "What really affects the public is . . ."
• "Let's put this in perspective . . ."
• "Another important point is . . ."

When you are being interviewed, no matter the tone of the interview, always listen carefully to the questions. Listen to the entire question, then take a couple seconds to collect your thoughts before you answer.

Helpful Marketing & PR Resources . . . Did I Mention They Are FREE?

Thought it might be helpful to dedicate a post to some great on-line resources that have helped me along the way.

Want to submit a press release?  This link lists 50 FREE press release submission sites.  They are listed in their Google PageRank.

Looking for a new font to spruce up that marketing piece?  dafont has over 9,000 FREE fonts to download. 

In need of some new photo images for your website or brochure?  This link has over 13,000 beautiful, good quality images FREE of charge.

And in case you missed my post on FREE Reputation Tracking Tools you can visit my post and get the list here.

I hope these few resources help you like they have helped me over the year.

Another FREE resource - the In-Kind Connection.  A site that lists non-profit needs and creates awareness as well as business/donor haves for FREE.  Submissions are then broadcasted through various social media channels to help try and make a connection and create awareness. It's sponsored by columbus imPRessions.

Reputation Management: Social Media & Public Relations For Non-Profits and Small Businesses

Last night I was one of the presenters at the Columbus Social Media Network Reputation Management: Social Media and Public Relations session.

My focus was on non-profits and small businesses.  Because most non-profit organizations and small businesses do not have the budget or luxury of hiring social media experts, they are either opting not to do social media or are trying to dabble in social media themselves.  Either way could create a crisis situation.  Even if you aren't doing social media, others are and I can guarantee they are talking about you.  If you are dabbling, you have probably noticed all the social media options. You might feel overwhelmed, or are not sure where to start.  

To start I would suggest the Five Points of Focus:  Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogging and YouTube.

For more information, you can see the entire presentation here.  In order to prevent and handle a social media crisis I've included what I think to be the three most important slides of the presentation:  Being Proactive, Being Reactive, and Taking Action.

If you would like assistance setting up social media for your organization or assistance creating a crisis communication plan columbus imPRessions can help.  Email Michele at michele@columbusimpressions.com.

Free On-line Resource. Excellent for Non-profits, Realtors, Small Businesses Alike: AmericanTowns

A few months back I stumbled across AmericanTowns.  This site is like an virtual town square creating awareness, news and resources for your specific town.  With the click of a button you can find out what's going on in your community or surrounding communities - anything from events, to recreation, businesses to local government.

This network also has a community calendar.  Non-profit groups can submit their event to create awareness.  I recently added an on-line event listing for Putt for Hope. Community members can also add the event to their personal AmericanTowns calendar.

I've used AmericanTowns to upload press releases for non-profit clients. If you post information in the Community Corner section, you can use AmerianTowns PR Tool to distribute your press release for free.  You can also list your community organization on the site for free as well.  All this information shows up in a google search.

Great free resource for those looking to create awareness with a tight budget.

What Can Happen Over Coffee

Yesterday I had a great coffee meeting with Ryan Bauer.  Ryan is a mover and a shaker with a dynamic personality.  Two hours flew and before the conversation was over I agreed to become a speaker at an upcoming Meetup group.

Recently moving back to Columbus, Ryan started the Meetup group, Columbus Social Media Network.  The purpose of this group is to gather social media "junkies"  to meet up each month. Some meet-ups are social for cocktails and some, like the one I'll be speaking at, are educational.

I'll be speaking at the May 12th Reputation Management: Social Media and Public Relations with my focus being Social Media/PR for Non-Profit Organizations.  Ryan has invited another speaker who will be discussing Social Media/PR for Corporations.  More details will soon be posted on the Meetup site.  

Meetup is a network site for local groups.  Meetups are a great resource for anyone to organize a local group or find a group to join in your area.  Thousands of Meetup groups across the country get together each day.  There are over 4.7 members in over 3,500 cities.   Find a Meetup group near you here.

New and Exciting Opportunities Are Just on The Horizon

As I solely take the wheel of columbus imPRessions I've decided to drive into new territory. Over the last few weeks I have spent quite a bit of time networking with a handful of my social media contacts.  Getting out and meeting with these people has been inspiring and educational.

I'm excited by the number of new opportunities that are coming my way.  Some of these opportunities I would have never imagined just a couple months ago.

You've already heard about TasteCasters.  I've eaten and tweeted my way into locally own establishments with more TasteCasting events on the calendar.  This has been a great way to meet new people, help local establishments and exercise my PR skills.  Founder, Dan Harris has asked that I assist him with PR releases and act as spokesperson when he is not available.

Currently a few more exciting adventures are in the works and over the next couple months I just might be able to tell you what those are.  For now here are some hints:  A non-profit summit, an expo spokesperson, a possible "featured" column, and training opportunities.

The road is wide open and I'm ready to roll!

A Year in Retrospect - Happy Birthday columbus imPRessions!

This week marks the official birthday of columbus imPRessions. Even though the blog imPRessions started in February '08, columbus imPRessions the business wasn't actually born until April 1, 08. 

As birthday #1 approaches I reflect back on why the journey began, occurrences that happened over the year, and the evolution that has emerged.  What an amazing year it has been!  

As if fate was leading me, a year ago the unthinkable happened.  I was working at a job I enjoyed for a mission I loved when unexpectedly I was asked to leave the organization.  Not because of poor work performance but because I had a blog - imPRessions.  imPRessions was a blog a co-worker and I started on our own time to learn more about social media and to express our personal thoughts and opinions about the marketing and PR world.   I'm not sure if my boss at the time did not understand social media, was jealous, or felt threatened, but regardless of her reasoning I was forced to resign my position.  

After the initial shock I decided this was a moment of a life-time.  Instead of wallowing in self pity I decided to turn a bad situation into a great opportunity.  My co-worker and I decided to actually turn our blog imPRessions into a business - columbus imPRessions, a small marketing and communication business primarily serving small businesses, trade associations and non-profit organizations.  

With the help of social networking and the creation of a solid brand, columbus imPRessions became a successful business.  Our client base steadily increased over the months which lead to an extensive number of  brand marketing and PR projects that our client's valued. Things were looking prosperous!  

Then came the fall of the economy and after the first couple months in '09 activities started to slow down.  Because of the instability, my business partner decided it was time to pursue other more secure opportunities and left the business.  Now a year later I am the sole proprietor of columbus imPRessions.

There have been quite a few changes this past year.  But with every change has come adventure, understanding, growth and evolution.  I quickly began to understand that while I may not be able to control each situation, I do have the power to decide how I will handle anything that comes my way. Instead of becoming a victim of circumstance I decided to take some tough situations and turn them into positive occasions. It is through these occasions that I am continually growing both professionally and personally.  Every day is an adventure when you own your own business and I appreciate each thrill.  I have met so many remarkable people over the year and look forward to meeting many more friends, contacts, colleagues and clients.  As I enter my sophomore year, I realize this could be a tough one, especially with the economy, but I am ready for the challenge. 

columbus imPRessions is evolving and while I don't have a crystal ball to tell me where I will be next year at this time, I do know that I am 100% committed to columbus imPRessions, my current clients and my future clients.  I look forward to sharing more experiences, thoughts and opinions as together we create a distinct imPRession.

MEDIA ADVISORY: TASTECASTING LAUNCHED CREATING UNIQUE WAY TO MARKET

Contact:  Dan Harris, Founder

     TasteCasting

     p: 740.881.0417| e: harrishammer@mac.com

CENTRAL OHIO’S MOST SOCIALLY NETWORKED USES VARIOUS SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS TO PROMOTE LOCAL AREA RESTAURANTS

(COLUMBUS, OHIO) Let the tweeting begin! Last week TasteCasting was launched creating the newest way to utilize social networking.  The idea combines great people and good food to benefit the many food and drink establishments in our area.

TasteCasting is a group of socially networked people that enjoy connecting and meeting with others over food and drink.  Team members taste, tweet, and then repeat, broadcasting the experience across their social media platforms.

Establishments looking to spread the word about a grand opening, new product, new menu, or special offer, can use TasteCasting to increase awareness through the team of socially connected Bloggers, Twitters, You Tuber’s, Facebook and Flickr users, resulting in more traffic to their website and their restaurant.  In return, the establishment provides a complimentary tasting and tour.  Currently there is no charge to restaurants and there is no compensation for tasters.

Quote from Dan Harris: “The socially networked, and social media savvy are already meeting online, and attending a number of events held by Columbus TechLife, Tweetups and meetups.” says Dan Harris, Founder of TasteCasting. “TasteCasting is a way to get networked people meeting in person, learning about the establishments, the food, the owners, their passions and then the team broadcasts to thousands across their personal networks through blogs, twitter, video and photos.”

Last week Tastecasting events were held at the Suisse Shop Bakery, 2119 Polaris Parkway www.thesuisseshop.com and Katzinger’s Deli, 475 South Third Street www.katzingers.com.

Quote from Darlene Jones, Suisse Shop: "TasteCasting introduced us to 10 new potential customers in-person during the tasting and through those in attendance our message, images of our bakery, and our products will be twittered, put on Facebook and shared across the various social network platforms," explains Darlene Jones, Owner of The Suisse Shop Bakery.  "What is so exciting for us is thousands of the tasters' friends, family, followers, and connections may come to visit or refer others to us and they may become loyal customers and fans of our bakery."

Quote from Diana Katzinger: "As a business, the use of social media has become so important.  That's why Katzinger's was thrilled to host the TasteCasting team for a cheese and wine pairing.  We not only gained potentially a dozen new customers, we reached thousand of people we could never reach before because of strong social media connections."

About TasteCasting:  At TasteCasting, we view this social media effort and our purpose as a way to help restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and other food service businesses grow their business. We have a growing team of socially connected networkers in Columbus, but will soon invite socially networked and social media savvy people in other cities to start teams as well.  For more information on TasteCasting or to request a tasting, visit our site at www.tastecasting.com.

Baby The Planet Expo Info

Today I am going to distribute the first Baby The Planet Expo press release and wanted to give all my social media friends the first glance.

March 2, 2009

Contact: Michele Savoldi, columbus imPRessions

                 740.816.3251 or michele@columbusimpressions.com

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Baby the Planet Expo, first Mom and Mom-to-be Targeted Green Show in Central Ohio,

 Chosen as a Featured Event in Columbus Parent Magazine EXPO

 

(Columbus, OH) -   Baby the Planet Expo, a premier family green event, announced today that it will be a feature of the Columbus Parent Magazine EXPO, a quality family experience attracting 30,000 attendees on May 2-3, 2009 at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

 

"Columbus Parent Magazine EXPO is thrilled to have Baby the Planet as part of our event this year. With so many families trying to become more eco-friendly, having green products and services at the EXPO is a benefit to all the kids and parents who attend the show,” states Staci Perkins, Editor of Columbus Parent Magazine.

 

As the first mom and mom-to-be targeted green event in the area, Baby the Planet Expo will bring local and national products, services and education to families looking to take those first steps in living a greener lifestyle or add to what they are already doing to improve the environment. 

 

“It can be overwhelming for parents and parents-to-be to learn and find resources to help them live a more sustainable lifestyle.  After hearing from so many women that they wish they could discover more about green living in one place, the idea of the expo was formed,” states event spokeswoman Michele Savoldi. The expo is focused on providing attendees with one new thing that will assist them with living a more sustainable lifestyle.  Interactive educational sessions will be offered on both days of the event.

 

A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to The Leave No Child Inside Central Ohio Collaborative, a non-profit dedicated to connecting kids with the outdoors as a way to improve their health, academic performance and happiness.

 

Current expo partners include sponsors The CW on WWHO-TV, American Canvas, Addison’s Compass, Itsabelly and Rain Brothers joined by the following exhibitors:

 

Camp Fire USA Central Ohio Council

Center for Humane Options in Childbirth Experiences  

Down the Garden Path 

Good to Go Eco 

Intuitive Concepts, Inc. 

The Leave No Child INSIDE Central Ohio Collaborative   

Long Mountain Designs 

Miessence Organics

Whole Foods 

 

Baby the Planet Expo has a limited number of sponsorships and exhibitor spaces still available for those companies and associations who want to connect their important message with families.  Event information is located on the event Web site at www.babytheplanetexpo.com. 

Creating Powerful PR for Non-Profit Organizations

Sunday night I saw a very touching human interest story on the 11:00 news.  The story highlighted a local children's non-profit organization.  The piece was very heartwarming, the child was wonderful in front of the microphone and the footage was interesting.  With all that said, there was one major problem. . . .

Other than the quick logo splash (of the national logo not the local logo) and a faster mention of the organization's name, there was not much else to link the organization with the story.  A huge opportunity was lost.

What was lost?  The full impact.  What is the full impact?  Telling the compelling story and then giving it a clear call to action. When a viewer is moved by a story they need information on what to do next.  The story I saw Sunday night lacked what to do next, and that was a HUGE mistake.

 Here are a few things to do when your non-profit is pitching a story to the media.

1. Create a number of calls to action - ask the media to include a phone number, your web address or a specific need (more volunteers, more funds, attend an upcoming event, etc.)
2. Create a media kit and not only include the press release but add a fact sheet with the mission, and pertinent facts about the organization.  Take it one step further and create a "needs" sheet - list all the calls to action your organization needs at that time.  Also include all this information on your organization's web site.  Have a media page that contains key messages, mission, ways to help the organization, organization's contact person in case a spokesperson is needed.
3. Create a "Ways to Help" or "Call to Action" page on your organization's web site and include links to on-line giving, volunteer sign-up pages, upcoming events, or any other items your organization may need.

By just doing the few things listed above your story will have full impact.  The story will be compelling, it will grab viewers attention, and then will give them important information on what to do next.  

Most likely your web site visitor count will increase which could prompt visitors to become new supporters.  However, this won't happen if they aren't given the opportunity.  Don't let your organization miss the opportunity like unfortunately this children's organization did.

Capital Style Hits Newsstands Today

The newest magazine to hit the Columbus area comes from The Dispatch Printing Company and is available today.  Capital Style targets women and is filled with the three "f's" (well, at least it sounds like three "f's")  fashion, features and philanthropy.

The quarterly publication's focus is very local and it's feel is sophisticated and stylish.  It will be delivered free to over 53,000 central Ohio women who fit the target demographic and can be purchased for subscription price of $15.00 per year, or per issue at a cost of $3.99.

I am excited for this magazine for many reasons with the biggest one being it's focus on philanthropy.  It will feature a community calendar and information on over 250 local charities. Another great resource for columbus imPRessions to pitch some wonderful stories and events for our many nonprofit clients.

For more information on Capital Style visit their web site here.

Crisis Communication Quick Guide

Today I promised some tips on crisis communication.  In my past life I created a crisis communication plan that either helped stop a crisis before it happened, or helped keep me organized and on task if we did have to deal with an issue.  

Below is a ten step "quick" process that might help if you find yourself in a communication crisis situation:

1. Involve the Communications Department as soon as crisis situation become evident.
   
2. Gather facts and evaluation situation.
3. Assemble crisis team* (crisis team is a handful a key leaders all with responsibilities when handling crisis situation).
4. Create message, tone, strategy and plan, and assign one spokesperson - direct every inquiry to the designated spokesperson.  No one else should talk to the media.
5. Communicate situation and initial facts to staff, board and supporters.
6. Prepare media briefing - solidify where to hold briefing, draft opening statement, prepare answers to anticipated questions and decide on topics that will NOT be discussed, draft press release.
7. Hold media briefing with spokesperson.
8. Monitor situation.
9. Keep open communication with staff, board and supporters.
10. Update media as needed.

Also important to remember these four tips:

1. Get it right - communicate correct information and never speculate.
2. Get it quick - communicate promptly to your staff, board, supporters and media
3. Get it out - communicate organization's messages at all times.
4. Get it over with - resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

Most importantly, stay calm.  Keep the media updated.  It's better for them to hear the information from you (good or bad) rather than from someone else.

Great News From Baby The Planet Expo

A few weeks back we were contacted through Twitter by one of our followers, Baby The Planet Expo.  They needed assistance with media awareness for their upcoming Expo in May and were taking RFP's from various PR groups.  They asked if we would consider submitting an RFP for the job and we jumped at the chance! 

This evening we heard from Baby The Planet Expo.  We are excited to announce that columbus imPRessions was chosen as the PR agency for the job!  We are thrilled to be a part of this incredible event and are anxious to start working on the project.

Be on the lookout for info and posts on Baby The Planet Expo.  Click here for details on the event, for exhibitor and sponsorship info.  There is still time to get involved.

Bell's Event at DeepWood...(should be called DeepGood!)

While wasting some time on facebook last week, I heard about an event that sparked my interest. A dude I barely know updated his status saying that he was going to a Bell's Tasting at DeepWood, so I checked the DeepWood website, called and got a reservation (thanks to someone who had cancelled).  I had always wanted to try the new restaurant and I was already a fan of Bell's beer so I was sold when I checked out the incredible menu and beer pairings, I was sold.

The overall experience was amazing, relaxing, educational, and deliciously unforgettable.  Their saleswoman described each type of beer while the chef explained some of the more exotic entrees and we listened, learned, ate, drank, and smiled.  But of course I was curious about the marketing approach.  I think it was the Bell's distributor that I cornered and interrogated ... it turns out the event was put on by the DeepWood owner, who asked Bells to be involved.   Apparently it took a few flyers in the area and the event was sold out.  They will be having a similar tasting every month.  After it was said and done, Bell's had some new loyal fans and a whole new group of yuppies had experienced what DeepWood had to offer.  I am sure I'm not the only one who is still talking about what a great evening it was.  (Did I just call myself a yuppy?)

I also found it interesting that I "heard" about this event on facebook through a random status update. It made it feel more like a discovery since there was virtually no advertising and I wasted no time trying to get in the door.  Everyone seems to be wondering how to use facebook for promotional purposes and I think I found the answer... very subtly.