The US soccer team just failed to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games. Last night they lost a “must-win” game to El Salvador and they will not move to the next round of Olympic qualifying. Considering the progress soccer is making becoming a tier-one sport in America – and the expectations of this team entering the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament – this is very disappointing and a bit of a disgrace. (more…)
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The Role of Social Media in JetBlue's PR Nightmare
JetBlue found itself in a pretty big predicament yesterday when one of their captains emerged from the cockpit mid-air screaming, “They are going to take us down!”, had to be restrained and forced an emergency landing. I can’t even imagine the horror the passengers and crew felt – and was right along with everyone who collectively sighed with relief that no one was hurt. From a PR perspective, most brands immediately kick into “crisis communications” when something of this caliber happens. But, I get the sense that wasn’t the case with JetBlue. I get the sense that they just did what they do really, really well – and they simply communicated. (more…)
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Making the Best of Being Human
Having left reporting and anchoring behind, I find myself less engaged with the political issues and parties of the day. What is still fascinating from a public relations standpoint is the way politicians (people under self- imposed extreme scrutiny) interact with other people (the scrutinizers… voters, press, employees and even family members). (more…)
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A Work Culture Defined by Its People
I moved to Boston a little over two years ago from a far off desert land with cacti aplenty. People always ask why I decided to leave a perfectly warm locale. I suppose this question is about as equal in logic as, “Why would you jump out of a perfectly good airplane?” Both answers are precisely the same: for the thrill. (more…)
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Finding your PR niche
Unless you’re a public relations newbie, you’re probably well aware that there various areas of focus in the PR industry. If your talents are being utilized in-house, then you have the luxury (debatable) of focusing your time and efforts on one industry, but if you work for an agency like Matter, more than likely you’ll work with multiple clients in different industries. (more…)
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Being Mike Daisey (or: are you smarter than a five year old?)
Last week my five-year-old son, William, came up from the playroom, screaming and crying. Inconsolable and loud, he got my attention. He kept it by reporting (through snot and tears and hiccups): “Owen punched me in the face, threw me into the wall, then up the stairs. Then he broke my leg and my arm.” (more…)
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In Life and PR, Preparation Leads to Success
Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.”
I immediately thought of this quote when I agreed to run in the Walt Disney World Wine and Dine Half- Marathon with a couple of friends this coming November. I have to admit that I think it’s pretty cool that this run takes place in the evening and that Mickey and other Disney characters cheer you on at every mile, but my affinity for wine tasting was the real reason I agreed to participate. However, shortly after I signed up, I started to contemplate what I just gotten myself into. The farthest I’ve ever run was a 10K, and that was four years ago. I’m not sure if my two surgically repaired knees will be able to handle the stress of such a grueling race. If I’m going accomplish my goal, I have to begin to prepare for the long road ahead. (more…)
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Twitter Killed the Pop Star
Before the internet was infiltrated with social media networks, celebrities were “untouchable”. They were put on pedestals above us common folk and our ideas about them were conceived purely by what they portrayed on television. Today, thanks to sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, we’ve been exposed to a whole other side to celebrities and quite frankly, I don’t like it. (more…)