Tag: Blogging

Writing Copy: When in Rome

Cherith AndesBlog, Marketing, Restaurant PR + Hospitality PR, , , , ,

Active verbs, lean sentences, compelling facts. We’ve heard all the tips and tricks to crafting copy, and it’s one of things we love to do at Clairemont! This fall, we had the privilege to pen an article for Chapel Hill Magazine on behalf of Clairemont client, Il Palio, to unveil an upcoming Italian celebrity chef dinner — and the Instagram story behind it!

Here is the copy as it appears on ChapelHillMagazine.com!

chm-logoTasting Rome: Two Chefs Unveil Italy

 

Teddy Diggs, executive chef at Il Palio, has long championed the heart and soul of regional Italian cooking, from his early apprenticeship under legend Fabio Trabocchi to his recent pilgrimage through Tuscany. Italian guests claim that Tasting Romehis authentic pastas, smoky sauces and daring dishes – like wood-grilled octopus – summon fond memories of their homeland. So it was no wonder that Teddy connected almost through cosmic destiny with Katie Parla, acclaimed Italian author and colleague of Mario Batali.

After volleys of bounced emails, Katie sent Teddy an Instagram message with a friendly yet unlikely dinner invitation. She lived in Rome. Teddy worked in Chapel Hill. But as luck would have it, Teddy just happened to be on a nine-day sojourn through Italy, and it wasn’t long before the two were sharing forkfuls of carbonara in a Roman cafe.

“Italian cooking is like a language of its own,” said Chef Teddy. “It’s accessible and approachable, but there’s a deep connection between the ingredients and the heart of the chef. Both Katie and I have a passion to share the spirit of Italian cooking with guests around the world.”

Tasting Rome Cacio e PepeWith that, these two fast friends set their sights on Chapel Hill. On November 15, 2016, Katie and Chef Teddy will fire up the grill to offer a culinary tour of the hidden hearths of Italy’s capital. Hosted at Il Palio, this Tasting Rome feast will feature recipes from Katie’s acclaimed cookbook, Tasting Rome, along with classics from Teddy’s regional Italian repertoire. The culinary line-up features gems like cacio e pepe, an elegant Italian hallmark crafted from only three ingredients. And lest ye forget, Italy is famed for its wine, and no Italian feast is complete without a glass (or three) of the country’s treasured vintifications.

“After spending more than a decade in Rome, I have cultivated a love for the heart Italian cuisine,” said Katie. “I was excited to connect with Teddy, since his approach to ingredients and regional cooking so closely reflects what I have come to know as true Italian food.”

For those saving pennies for a plane ticket to Europe, Teddy and Katie recommend Flavio, a delightful ristorante tucked off the thoroughfares of Rome. For the rest of us, they’re bringing the heart and soul of Rome directly to you.

For more information, visit www.ilpalio.com. Tickets may be purchased by calling 919-918-2545 and include signed copies of the Tasting Rome cookbook, wine pairings, tax and gratuity.

Image courtesy of Katie Parla.

Read More

Oh Momma Monday: Leigh Hines

Tracy LathanBlog, Oh Momma Monday, Social Media + Influencer Engagement, , , , ,

Photo credit Allie Miller Photography

Leigh Hines is a master at juggling, and she jokes that she has more occupations than a magician has tricks up his sleeve. After 10 years of focusing on family as a stay-at-home parent, she is getting back into the workforce and following her passions. Leigh took some time to share with us what inspires her and how motherhood has changed her life.

What is your occupation?

I am a lifestyle blogger, travel writer, travel/social media marketer and journalist, and I am in sales. In short, I’m my own boss. I love it and would not have it any other way.

I’m also the founder of HinesSightBlog, a lifestyle/food/travel/hotel blog, and the founder of #OutaboutNC, a travel marketing business specific to North Carolina that I started last January.

What inspired you to start blogging?

For years I was a TV journalist and communications executive in state government before having my first child. I was told what to cover and what to write on a daily basis. Those jobs paid my bills, and I am forever thankful for the experience and livelihood, but the topics that I had to cover were never my passion. I used to spend every bit of my free time before my kids were born planning trips, picking out restaurants, writing hotel reviews on Trip Advisor, learning about spa treatments and looking at hotels online. I knew so much about the hotel industry that my personal friends started asking for my opinions. Bingo. I decided to start writing about what I liked to do for fun, which also enabled me to keep up a journalism portfolio while I stayed at home with my children.

How has your career/professional life changed since becoming a mom?Leigh hines 2

When I became a mom, I gave up going into an office and working for a weekly salary. I have flexibility now, which is so important, but I no longer have a steady paycheck. I love what I do at this stage in my life because it’s my passion, but I have had to build my business more slowly because the kids need to be the priority.

Most important thing motherhood has taught you…

You are no longer top dog. Your children’s needs and desires will always come first.

What makes a good blog post in your mind?

Most professional bloggers are planners. I happen to be a spontaneous person, so my blog posts are very rarely planned out. When I can find the time, I crank out a post, and often times my best posts are those that I whip out in 30 minutes. Why is that? It’s because they are raw and real. I’m not thinking too hard.

Go back to the questions that you learned in journalism school. Why should your readers experience this? What value does this hotel or product provide them? How do they get it? When should they go and why? Who does the hotel or product serve best?

What do you enjoy doing when you have down time?

My downtime is what I consider my work. Sounds crazy, I know, but I focus on travel and hospitality. I love researching hotels and destinations and answering people’s questions over coffee at my desk. It was my “hobby” before I started trying to make money at this gig, and it’s still my favorite hobby.

What are your favorite Raleigh hotspots?Leigh hines 3

If I were to pick three ideal evenings or things to experience, it would be relaxing at the Umstead Spa in Cary, afternoon tea at the Washington Duke Inn in Durham, N.C. and enjoying gourmet pizza and craft beer at Trophy Brewing in Raleigh.

What are three of your “faves” right now?

On Netflix, I enjoy Downton Abbey and Sherlock. Earlier this year, I wrote this post about my favorite discoveries in 2015, and I’m seriously driving all over town for that creamer I put in my favorite coffee, Larry’s Beans Cowboy Roast from Whole Foods. I also use this Young Living Tranquil roll-on before I get into bed, and it’s sweet dreams quickly. I never stay awake in bed now and think about all I need to get done. I also look forward to my weekly Papa Spud’s delivery. I love eating fresh and local food at home now.

If your kids could write a post for your blog, what would they say?

My son does write posts on occasion. And I set up Instagram accounts for my kids this year for their travels that I oversee since they are underage. If they were to write a post on the blog, it would focus more on the adventure side of travel, since I clearly just want to eat and be lazy.

Check out previous Oh Momma Monday posts for more inspiring stories!

Read More

Oh Momma Monday: WRAL’s Kathy Hanrahan

Tracy LathanBlog, Oh Momma Monday, ,

Thanks to Kathy Hanrahan, editor of WRAL’s Out and About, Raleigh residents can stay on top of  what’s happening in the Triangle. Check out today’s Oh Momma Monday post where Kathy shares how she developed a passion for blogging and how she manages to always make time for family.

What is your occupation?

Editor of WRAL’s Out and About, which covers local entertainment, restaurants, shopping, music and more in the Triangle and beyond.

What inspired you to start blogging?

I started blogging because I wanted to find a way to highlight local entertainment and events and have fun. And that is still why I do it. I want learn more about the people and community around me, and the best way to open that dialogue with readers is to blog.

When I started working at WRAL, I was inspired to develop something fresh and new to the market. There wasn’t any type of entertainment blog on WRAL.com, so I started “Raleighwood,” a blog about the big headlines of the week. “Raleighwood” evolved and included a weekly video featuring WRAL folks – Tom Suiter chatting about “Survivor” and Mike Maze and I talking about Michael Jackson’s death just hours after it happened. We covered the State Fair, rodeos, the circus – if it was in the Triangle we did something on it. It was really the early stages of what has become Out and About.

How has your career life changed since becoming a mom?

I worked 12-hour days up until I went into labor. I had to cancel an appointment at The Cupcake Bar because I went into labor that morning. I was only three days early, but I intended to complete as much as work as I could before I went out on leave. Since having my son (who is now three years old), I have stopped working 12-hour days – although the 10-hour one does pop up from time to time. I pick and choose which and how many assignments I personally accept. I’ve learned to rely on my crew of bloggers to cover some events for our site.

Any tips for juggling work and motherhood?

  1. Make a list of what you need to get done at work. Get done what you can and then save the rest for the next day, if you can.
  2. Carve out special time for you and your child. Whether it is having breakfast together each day or doing a puzzle together at night, just some quality time each day that you and your child look forward to having.
  3. There are going to be days where you feel like you fail at work or fail as a mom. Don’t beat yourself up. It’s the quality and not quantity of time you spend with your child. That is what he/she will remember.

Kathy H 1

Most important thing motherhood has taught you…

Patience. I’ve gotten much more patient because I’ve had to be on someone else’s schedule and not my own. And when all else fails, just laugh.

If your son could write a blog, what would he say?

Peppa Pig is awesome. My Lego football players are the best. Paw Patrol is cool.

Where do you find inspiration?

I am inspired by great stories and interesting people. I can walk into a store – like Moon and Lola – and just be completely captivated by the jewelry and the local designer. I knew when I bought a necklace there that I was going to do a huge feature about the store. I loved it that much. I figure if I think it is interesting, other people will want to know more about it.

I also got inspired to write about Jimmy V’s Osteria’s limoncello because I heard the bar manager talking it up during Hopscotch. I happened to be editing pics at his bar. The story and passion he had about it just got me hooked.

What are your favorite Raleigh hotspots?

I’m obsessed right now with Edge of Urge in Person Street Plaza. Love their unique gifts. Retail wise, I love Ivy and Leo, Moon and Lola and Furbish. Standard Foods, also in the Person Street Plaza, is one of my favorite lunch spots right now. I’ve loving that Gonza Tacos Y Tequila is on Hillsborough Street. Can’t wait for Jubala to open there. Lucette Grace also has some great treats and grilled cheese. It’s not in Raleigh, but I’m a huge fan of Over the Falls deli. I could eat the club sandwich every day.

What are three of your “faves” right now?

  1. MB’s Tasty Pastries in Wake Forest makes an absolutely amazing chess pie. That and the lemon whip topped pie are my obsessions. I literally run so I can eat her pies.
  2. I’ve become a big fan of escape rooms. I really enjoyed the Trapped in a Room with a Zombie at Raleigh Room Escapes. So much fun. I’m a big wimp when it comes to scary things, but this was a blast. Tic Toc Escapes in Five Points takes the zombie out of the equation, but the challenges are really hard! Makes your brain work.
  3. My indulgence is a trip to the Umstead Spa. If I can get a hot stone massage at least once a year – usually on my birthday – I’m a happy girl.

 

Read More

#CMWorld: Part I

Margot HorganBlog, Marketing, Professional Development, Public Relations, Raleigh PR Agency, Social Media + Influencer Engagement, , , , ,

Last month, I attended Content Marketing World (CMW), a three-day long conference in Columbus, Ohio, which focused on all of the ideas, hardships, tips, tricks and secret joys of content marketing. Presentations were given by industry leaders such as Sam Sebastian, director of local and B2B markets at Google; and Marcus Sheridan, blogging trailblazer and pool company owner.

Despite my urge to share every last word of knowledge that I gained on my trip, I’ll provide the abridged version. Here is my summary of one-liners of the most interesting parts of my conference:

They ask. You answer. (Golden Rule).

This first tidbit comes from Marcus Sheridan (the most energetic speaker that you will ever see in your life). If content creation is the biggest challenge you face for your blog, think again. Pull your staff together and say, “What are the questions you get asked every day about our work?” Then make a list and write an individual blog post answering every single one of those questions.

Don’t be a content hog, but a digital dandelion!

Words of wisdom from conference speaker, Jay Baer. Don’t just put content on your website, put it everywhere you can so as many people as possible can see it!

Seventy-three percent of all people who read B2B blogs are human. –Tim Washer, Cisco

This is a statistic that I was presented with during a session by Ann Handley titled, “Epic Content That’s True to Your Brand AND Drives Business.” And, yes my friends, it’s true – the majority of people that read blogs are human J So, what does that mean to us? We need to speak human when we write our blogs! Don’t get so caught up in the corporate side of the job, that you forget you are talking one human to another (or hopefully many!)

Mobile will only continue to grow in importance.

According to a presentation by Sam Sebastian, director of local and B2B markets at Google, mobile will continue to make a big impact on the way people shop, buy and consume. Sixty-one percent of all smart phone users call a business after searching it on the web, and 45 percent of all consumers use smart phones for in-store product research.

The whole myth of time doesn’t exist.

Marcus Sheridan tackles another blogging myth here. There is no such thing as, “I don’t have time to blog” because we always have enough time for pay roll. Until we accept blogging as a necessity (like payroll or breathing) we aren’t going anywhere!

Did any of these one-liners stick out to you? We would love to hear your thoughts! Stay tuned for part II of this blog coming soon!

Read More

My First 30 Days at a Raleigh PR Agency: Day 3

Margot HorganBlog, Entry-Level PR Job, Marketing, , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments on My First 30 Days at a Raleigh PR Agency: Day 3

Every job industry has its perks. People working for airlines can fly standby for free and those working in retail get an extra discount off their purchases. The perk of working at this Raleigh PR agency? Professional development. I’m only three days into the job and have already been asked to represent Clairemont Communications this September in Columbus, Ohio at Content Marketing World 2012, the largest content marketing event in the world.

http://www.contentmarketingworld.com/

At CMW 2012, I will be surrounded by some of the best and the brightest in the industry. Last year’s convention brought more than 600 marketing professionals from nearly 20 countries to Cleveland, Ohio to hear speakers such as David Pogue, personal technology columnist at the New York Times and Emmy award-winning correspondent for CBS News; David Meerman Scott, author of the best-selling New Rules of Marketing & PR and Real-Time Marketing & PR; and Heidi Bailey, senior brand strategist at LEGO, just to name a few.

This year, the speakers are just as notable. I will hear all the words of wisdom coming straight out of the mouths of industry leaders like Sam Sebastian, chief content officer at Google; Pam Didner, global integrated marketing manager at Intel; and Julie Fleischer, director, CRM content strategy and integration at Kraft Foods.

Content Marketing World 2012

As you can tell from the speakers listed above, this is an amazing opportunity – especially for an entry-level account coordinator on her third day of work. I am incredibly excited, but also a little anxious. I can get somewhat shy in networking situations, so this trip will definitely be a learning experience and a challenge for me in more than one way.

What am I most excited for? I can’t wait to hear Sam Sebastian give his talk, “Google’s Zero Moment of Truth” (We talked about ZMOT in my marketing class this past semester, but I was sick that day, so I can finally learn everything that I missed in class!). Also, anyone who knows me knows I love Pinterest, so the workshop, “How to Use Infographics and Visual Storytelling (ala Pinterest) to drive Demand Generation” is definitely one that I will be attending!

So, I’m looking for advice! What are your best networking tips? I would love to hear any tips and tricks on how to get the most out of my conference experience!

Here’s a sneak peak at what my schedule will include at Content Marketing World 2012:

  • “CTRL ALT DEL – How to Reboot Your Content For a Mobile World” – Mitch Joel, author, Six Pixels of Separation: One of the most sought-after digital speakers in the world, Mitch Joel is President of Twist Image — an award-winning Digital Marketing and Communications agency. His first book, Six Pixels of Separation, named after his successful Blog and Podcast is a business and marketing bestseller. His next book, CTRL ALT DEL, will be coming out in Spring 2013. You don’t want to miss this amazing presentation from one of the world’s best.
  • “Cut the Bull – Blog with a Purpose and Drive Your Business” – Jason Falls, CEO, Social Media Explorer
  • “Putting Social to Work: How to Rapidly Grow Your Fans, Your Prestige and Your Business” – Mike Stelzner, CEO, Social Media Examiner
  • “Understanding the New World of Klout, Social Sharing and Social Influence Marketing” – Mark W. Schaefer, best-selling author, Return on Influence
  • “Defending Your Content Marketing & Social Media to the C-Level: Two Proven Strategies” – Jenny Magic, CEO, Better Way to Say It; Brian Massey, The Conversion Scientist “
  • “Google’s Zero Moment of Truth” – Sam Sebastian, director, local & B2B markets, Google Inc.: Audiences initiate connections with a brand long before they make a purchase decision. These connections, which include search queries, reviews, site visits, video views and many more interactions with content, influence whether users eventually select a brand or a competitor’s brand. Google’s Sam Sebastian will discuss research and examples about what Google calls the Zero Moment of Truth and share fresh strategies of how Brands are winning and optimizing the Zero Moment of Truth.
  • “Distilling the Magic and the Mystery that is Content Marketing Success” – Marcus Sheridan, the sales lion and owner, River Pools & Spas. Put your seat belts on ladies and gentlemen, as Marcus Sheridan of The Sales Lion will take you on a content marketing ride full of learning and laughter in this keynote you won’t soon forget. Bursting with innovative ideas that you’ll be able to immediately apply to your business, this session will surely be a highlight of your Content Marketing World experience.
  • “Building Your Internal Publishing Department for Content/Social Success” – Brody Dorland, chief strategy officer, Divvy HQ
Jayme Thomason, CEO, Divvy HQ
  • “Twitter Will Win — And With the Right Plan of Attack, So Will You” – Nate Riggs, director of social business, The Karcher Group
  • “The Content Opportunity that is Google+” – Arnie Kuenn, president, Vertical Measures
  • “How to Use Infographics and Visual Storytelling (ala Pinterest) to drive Demand Generation” – Maria Pergolino, senior director, marketing, Marketo, Inc.
  • “Scalable Content Strategies for Facebook and LinkedIn” – Amy Porterfield, author, Facebook Marketing All-in-One for Dummies.
  • “How to Develop Amazing Audio and Podcast Content Marketing” – Pamela Muldoon, chief content officer, Next Stage Media
Read More