Tag: Communications

PR People: Lindsay Priester

Sarah HattmanBlog, PR People, Public Relations, , , , , , ,

Lindsay Priester

Job title and function: I am the Senior Manager of Client Relations for Rountree Communications, a boutique PR agency in Raleigh. My job, like most in PR, hits on a little bit of everything! On an overarching level, I develop and lead PR strategy for our clients, which ranges from technology startups to retail brands. Each day is so different for me (which I love!), but on any given day I could be drafting press releases or other media documents, writing client blog content, creating and managing social media campaigns, meeting with clients or working at a client event. Basically whatever my clients need to get done in the PR realm (and sometimes not in the PR realm – I’ve been known to be an excellent supplier of coffee during an event), I do!

Most rewarding thing about working in PR today: There is no better feeling than landing your client coverage that is truly valuable for them. What that looks like varies. For some it may be a piece in the local newspaper; for others a white paper in a trade publication or a mention on a national news show. When we secure coverage that reaches a client’s target audience and helps move them closer to their goals, it feels great! Accomplishing that in today’s digital world where people are constantly bombarded with messaging from every direction is even more rewarding.

Craziest/most challenging thing you’ve done in PR: Oh goodness, I know every PR pro has a million crazy stories to tell, especially in those crunch-time hours right before going out with an announcement or putting on a media event! One that immediately comes to mind – I was working at a press event for a race track where we offered the media ride-alongs in race cars with professional drivers. In order to be able to ride, you had to wear long pants and closed-toed shoes, and this particular member of the media had on shorts and sandals. Not wanting her to miss the chance for a ride-along (or the chance for my client to get some great coverage), I quickly asked her if she’d be willing to trade clothes for the ride. Luckily, we were about the same size and pulled off a quick change in the bathroom! I may have looked a little silly in my professional top with jean shorts and Tevas, but she had a fantastic time and even referenced our costume change in the article!

Advice for new PR pros: PR, on every level, is about people. Get to know the PR pros in your area and learn from them as much as you can. When I first started out in PR, I joined the Raleigh Public Relations Society and now serve on the Board of Directors as Vice President. I can’t begin to express all of the things I’ve learned from the people in that group.

Be sure to remember that your clients are people. Obviously you’ll get to know their business or product and goals very well, but take the time to get to know them on a personal level. Some of my favorite people in the world are clients I’ve gotten to know closely over the years. Not only are they great friends, but knowing them on a deeper level is really beneficial in helping their business or product succeed.

Are you interested in being featured in “PR People?” Send us a message on Facebook to share your story!

Sarah Hattman, APR is president-elect for the North Carolina chapter of Public Relations Society of America and has been working in PR since she left television news. She grew up in North Carolina and was excited to move back to her home state in 2012 and join Clairemont Communications, a Raleigh PR agency. 
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Dazzle Before Distraction

Clairemont InternBlog, Marketing, Social Media + Influencer Engagement, , , , , , ,

In an oft-quoted 2015 study, Microsoft revealed that the human attention span is now shorter than that of a goldfish. The small creature can remain focused for approximately nine seconds, while the average person stays focused for only eight. Public relations professionals must adapt to the changing media environment, constantly crafting creative ways to communicate their messages. Everything from word choice to timing can make or break the efficacy of your communication.

Tips for Emails

John Edwards, marketing consultant and CEO at Hosting Facts, unveils important tips for effective email communication. He points to a USC Viterbi School of Engineering study that observed 2 million users who sent more than 16 billion emails over the course of several months. Two findings include:

  1. Send Emails in the Morning

While most professionals check email throughout the day, the highest response rate comes first thing in the morning. Send a note early to catch the reporter when she first gets to her desk.

  1. Follow Up After 48 Hours

There is a 90 percent likelihood you will get a response to your email within 48 hours. If you don’t receive one after this time frame, you may not receive a reply at all. Follow up after two days to improve your chance at an answer.

Tips for Mobile

A 2015 study released by Deloitte concluded Americans collectively check their phones 8 billion times a day, and the average person reaches for his phone 46 times daily. It is vital to adapt your PR strategies for mobile considerations.

  1. Keep Email Subject Lines to Five Words

Pierpont notes that if recipients can’t read your entire subject line on their phone, they’ll delete your message. Google’s algorithm will truncate your headlines if it is more than 65 characters and eliminate additional subheads. Keep openers, subject lines and headers brief!

  1. Add Video

Fifty-nine percent of senior executives prefer to watch video instead of reading text if presented with the option. Consider relaying information through a short, eye-catching video.

Tips for Blogs

  1. Hubspot notes that B2B firms with blogs generate 67 percent more leads per month than non-blogging firms.

Encourage clients to produce their own content. Whether it’s a feature on management, opinions about the industry or tips about work-life balance, allowing potential customers to get a behind-the-scenes peek at the company’s personality can boost the website’s reach.

  1. Keep Age in Mind

Millenials are 247 percent more likely to be influenced by blogs or social networking sites. Think closely about your client’s audience when considering which platforms to focus efforts. If the client base skews younger, for example, explore Snapchat and Instagram.

Check out other tips to master your social media in 2017!

Written by Casey Moore, senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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PR People: Darcy Bowers

Sarah HattmanBlog, PR People, Public Relations, , , ,

There’s no doubt about it. The world of public relations is full of creative, talented people and Clairemont is excited to highlight the skilled professionals who do amazing work in the Triangle area in a new “PR People” blog series.

We’re kicking off the series with someone who is very involved in the local PR scene – Darcy Bowers. At the beginning of the year, Darcy began her role as president of the North Carolina chapter of Public Relations Society of America (NCPRSA). We recently had the chance to catch up with her to learn more about her life in PR.

Darcy Bowers:

Job Title and Function: Sr. Communications and PR Manager for Transitions LifeCare. Jill of all trades with editing, branding, media relations, social media, website content, team management (not a PR team, but various interdisciplinary teams around our organization) responsibilities.

Most Rewarding thing about working in PR today: Variety – who can be bored?!

Craziest/most challenging thing you’ve done in PR: I was an “actress” in a mortgage video. At the time, I was single and not a homeowner. I played the role of a wife who, with her “husband,” was being sold mortgage insurance for their new home. Talk about reaching!

Advice for new PR pros: Remember the importance of ethics. Find someone to emulate, even if it’s not a PR professional. I have several role models from my early career days I think about to this day when I’m in a quandary about next steps. I’m thankful for their guidance and their willingness to shepherd me along.

Are you interested in being featured in “PR People?” Send us a message on Facebook to share your story!

Sarah Hattman, APR is president-elect for the North Carolina chapter of Public Relations Society of America and has been working in PR since she left television news. She grew up in North Carolina and was excited to move back to her home state in 2012 and then join Clairemont Communications, a Raleigh PR agency. 

 

 

 

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On the Record: Public Speaking

Sarah HattmanBlog, On the Record, Professional Development, , , , , , , ,

Public relations and communication professionals are no strangers to public speaking. Whether addressing an audience personally or advising a client on talking points and/or media tips, it’s a familiar topic for industry pros.

Becoming a speaker that captivates an audience is a skill that can take years to develop and hone. However, there are some simple things you can do to instantly improve public speaking skills for you or your client. Let’s go “On the Record” to find out more.

 

 

Want to learn more about how to improve your public speaking abilities? Make sure you avoid the TCP. Wondering what that is? Check it out in our blog.

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Photo of the Week: Happy Holidays!

Jasmin SessomsBlog, Raleigh PR Agency, The Clairemont Team, , , , ,

We’re wishing you peace and joy this Christmas season and throughout the coming year. May the holiday spirit find a home in your heart! Happy Holidays from the team at Clairemont Communications!

Want to learn more about the fun we have working at Clairemont? Be sure to like us on Facebook!

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