RIP Randy Pausch

The first time I heard Randy Pausch’s lecture I was inspired. The second time I was inspired and motivated. The third time I was inspired, motivated and actually made some changes in my life.

You get the point. No matter how many times I’ve heard this or read it, it evokes an emotion or an action. I hope it does the same for you.

Towanda Long aka mscafe

The Addiction to Twitter

After a few weeks as a Twitterite I will admit, I’m addicted. And for once (okay, maybe twice, because I actually don’t mind the shopping thing…), I am okay with it.

 

My Twitter experience started with my inherent need to be knowledgeable about all things marketing. Articles kept popping up, people I respect sang its praises and so I thought, “Why not?”.

 

Well, now I get it. Twitter is great for many reasons, but here’s my top five:

 

1. It’s like an AP Wire for those of us not in a newsroom. I follow ABC, NPR & ESPN, to name a few. So, when something happens I know right away. And the news is given to me in 140 characters or less! (Once you join Twitter you can decide whom you want to follow. The updates of these Twitterites then show up on your homepage.).
2. It feeds my need to be knowledgeable about all things marketing. Twitterites are a diverse group. Many tweet links to very interesting articles, etc. that I would probably not find on my own. It’s not just, “I had a salad for dinner and now I’m going to bed” tweets.
3. I can tweet about what I’m doing, offer food for thought (i.e. Great marketing does not supersede poor customer service.), or forward links to things I think are interesting.  
4. The 140 character limit forces me to write succinctly.
5. It’s kinda cool to see what other people do all day.

Yes, this is my list, but let me know your thoughts. I’m sure I’m not by myself…

 

Towanda Long aka mscafe

(my name on Twitter in case you want to follow me)

 

 

2008 – The Halfway Point

Today marks the halfway point for 2008. And while I’m always grateful, days like this put me in an especially good mood.

 

I know how I’m celebrating, but if you don’t have ideas (and even if you do) here are some suggestions:

• Look at your list of New Year’s Resolutions. Now either a) congratulate yourself with a piece of chocolate or b) laugh hysterically and then get a piece of chocolate.
• Do something daring. How about signing up for a belly-dancing or boxing class?
• Have Christmas in July. Treat yourself to something nice (I see new shoes in my future…)
• Watch the evening news and be happy you’re not on it.
• Call your parents, a close friend, etc. just to see how they’re doing.
• Let your children play until dark and then have cookies and ice cream for dinner.

Enjoy your day!

 

Towanda Long aka Mscafe

Using the Skills of Your PR Agency

I’ve been debating with a few of my colleagues (not PR professionals) about measuring the effectiveness of a PR agency. My colleagues think media placements are the best way to measure results. I disagree.

PR Agencies are so much more than pitching vehicles for mass and trade media. It is their job to develop and implement a plan that builds a positive relationship with the public. The goal of this relationship is normally to foster goodwill in the office and in the community, to attract clients and to fuel an overall positive perception.

There are many tools a PR Firm can use to do this. Of course, media placements are on the list, but it’s not the only thing. There’s speaking engagements, employee communications, white papers, social media initiatives, sponsorships and the list goes on.

If you are only using your agency for media hits, you are leaving one of your best resources untapped. It’s like going to an accountant once a year for your taxes, but not using him/her for financial and business advice. It just doesn’t make sense.

This is how I think their effectiveness should be measured. What were our sore spots a year ago? Have their initiatives addressed these? Has our image been improved in the marketplace and with our employees? If so, how much so?

These answers tell us if our agency is the right fit. After all, does it really matter how many times we were quoted in the press if our image is the same and we have the same sore spots?

Towanda Long aka Mscafe

(I’m twittering now and mscafe was available, therefore my new alias…)