• Where the Hipsters PR

    What do Nike Shoes, local brews, foodies, hipsters and Matter Communications all have in common? Simple – all can be found in Portland Oregon. I have been fortunate enough to spend this week with some of Matter’s newest cohorts in our recently added Portland office. While I am here in an official capacity, it has hardly felt that way.

    There is something in the air in Portland, and whatever it is, it is making the folks that breathe it creative as hell. From the locally sourced everything that has made up my multi-cultural infused meals, to the street performers and coffee shop writers, there is no lack of creative spirit in Portland. This has all lead me to better appreciate what an asset we’ve gained at Matter by expanding our footprint into one of the hippest and most original cities on the West Coast.

    While I think we have always had a highly creative spirit at Matter, we have definitely gained some considerable stock by moving out West and adding a Portland office to our ranks. We spend a lot of time talking about what public relations is and what we do, and sometimes with all the day to day rigmarole we end up defining ourselves according to the many tasks that we perform. It is important not to lose sight of the essentially creative nature of PR. At our core we are idea people. We come up with ideas and tell stories that others struggle to tell. Without an intelligent, creative and engaging story or idea driving it, the day to day work of any PR program becomes meaningless.

    One thing is for sure, Portland is a city that in many ways thrives on stories. It’s not just the product, but where the ingredients were sourced and how it was made. The story behind a meal, or a soap, or a beer is almost as important as the end product itself. Like any good PR person Portland people take pride in their stories, making it a naturally conducive environment for the craft. Portland breeds inspiration, imagination, and a real appreciation for good story telling, and my Portland counterparts are no exception to this rule. Matter, and perhaps most importantly, Matter’s clients, have scored a major win with our Portland expansion. I will certainly look forward to my next chance to visit and soak up some of the creative air in StumpTown.

    Ryan Lilly

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  • PR: Is Proximity Relative?

    As the newest team member at Matter Communications in Portland, OR, I take time to reflect on the words of one of the most influential voices of my generation to help make my transition as seamless as possible:

    “When opportunity knocks, you better let him in. Sit him on down and try to be his friend.”

    I’ve taken Coolio’s words to heart during my first month with Matter and the weeks leading up to my start date. Yes, Coolio AND the Space Jam soundtrack referenced in my first Matter Chatter.  I stick by my “most influential” claim. #noregrets.

    Throughout my career, I’ve been a part of numerous PR campaigns ranging from basic US-based media relations to global product launches and reviews. I’ve worked in agencies on the east and west coasts and have come across opportunities with clients down the street and half way around the world.

    Many times, potential clients, who are not necessarily within driving range of the office, will question the reliability or ability of an agency to meet their needs. Are time zones really that big of an issue? Of course, it may be inconvenient to be in our Portland office on a call at 6AM, but if the work is done satisfactory and in a timely manner, should that be an issue?

    Whether we like to admit it, a PR professional is on call at all times. In this day and age of constant connectivity, do the miles really make a difference? Will a potential client in the Bay Area pass over the most qualified or affordable agency if they’re not in San Francisco? Will a Seattle company be more content with an agency headquartered in Newburyport, MA who has an office down I-5 in Portland?

    Matter is the second bi-coastal agency on my resume and I’ve seen the time zone bias play on numerous occasions. But with that, I’ve also been on a 7AM call with European contacts. The work gets done, clients are happy and we’ll occasionally get a good night’s rest!

    When it’s all said and done, I think the experience, willingness to adjust and success of a company should be the ultimate measure of a deal. Hey, there’s always a seat on the red eye if the clients back east want to thank you for your work in person!

    There are so many opportunities out there to increase the success of your campaign, but to a PR professional “home” is wherever you can connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot. We can make it happen on the road during a trade show, in the office or on the couch at midnight. If the opportunity to develop a communications plan for a company outside of your city limits arises, reinforce the quality of work rather than your ability to take them out to lunch!

    Seth Buchwalter, Senior Account Executive, Portland, OR

    Matter

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