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Tag: networking

What does a PR Agency do? DQ Frozen Event

What does a PR Agency do? DQ Frozen Event

January 5, 2016January 31, 2023 Jasmin SessomsBlog, Case Studies, Restaurant PR + Hospitality PRaward winning PR, creative PR agency, Marketing, media relations, networking, Raleigh PR, Restaurant PR, Social Media

Nothing says Dairy Queen like a frozen-themed party complete with ice cream cakes and the “Frozen” Queen herself, Elsa. Looking to raise awareness for DQ Cakes, Triangle Dairy Queen turned to Clairemont Communications to create an event that could garner social media attention and build brand awareness with influential bloggers.

The Pitch:

Triangle Dairy Queen hosted a cake decorating party with Elsa for local bloggers and their children. Clairemont designed an event that gave participants the opportunity to decorate and take home their own heart-shaped cake.

Execution:

  • Creating a Special Dining Experience for Moms: We invited bloggers to bring their families to try the food, DQ cakes and experience the restaurants features, and family friendly environment.
  • Engaging the Kids: The bloggers’ kids were treated as VIPS as they walked the red carpet into the restaurant, took photos with Elsa and helped their parents decorate their very own custom ice cream cake. By engaging the children, we created several photo opportunities that the moms couldn’t resist sharing on social media.
  • Key Messaging: While the kids decorated, the owner and operator of Triangle Dairy Queen gave a brief history of the franchise. Knowing these bloggers were extremely interested in community, Clairemont encouraged the operating director to highlight Triangle Dairy Queen’s support of schools and local community organizations.

The Results:

As a result, seven bloggers shared 20 posts from the event on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. On Twitter alone, the social media mentions were visible to a combined followership of 17,985. Additionally, several bloggers are now brand ambassadors and have posted about Triangle Dairy Queen in recent months.

Want to learn more about Clairemont’s work in the food and beverage industry? Read our posts about restaurant PR.

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LinkedIn needed Lynda. Do you?

LinkedIn needed Lynda. Do you?

December 10, 2015January 31, 2023 Clairemont InternBlog, Professional Development, Social Media + Influencer Engagementgetting a job, LinkedIn Lynda, LinkedIn Merger, Lynda.com, networking, networking in Raleigh, professional development, social media networking2 Comments on LinkedIn needed Lynda. Do you?

Editor’s Note: Our fabulous UNC Intern, Hallie Altman, explores the impact of the LinkedIn/Lynda.com acquisition on job seekers.

In April of this year, LinkedIn purchased the online learning website, Lynda.com, for $1.5 billion. While the bold decision caused head scratches among LinkedIn users, LinkedIn knew the acquisition would benefit the company and its members in more ways than one.

Lynda.com is an online learning service that touts top-quality learning tutorials that help users learn tech, creative and business skills needed in today’s workforce. College students and job seekers–those seeking professional development–will benefit the most from this deal, and here’s why:

The two companies are perfect complements.

LinkedIn’s business is to help users build a professional network. Lynda’s business is to provide online lectures on just about any skill that could be useful in today’s workforce. The merging of these two companies means one company can provide everything you need to get that dream job. By adding this kind of content to its resume, LinkedIn is giving its users even more reason to spend time with LinkedIn services.

Lynda.com videos are as high quality as your favorite movie.

Although Lynda.com has been around since 1995, many LinkedIn users have never used it. Of course, this is likely to change soon. Not only are the Lynda.com videos informative, according to Bobby Owsinski of Forbes Magazine, the Lynda.com content is cinema quality, making the videos both informative and entertaining.

There’s a Lynda.com video for every skill imaginable.

For job seekers, Lynda.com’s services are especially attractive. The website offers video tutorials on a range of skills from design, web and video to education and business. Lynda.com’s courses come in all levels and can be used by viewers to improve existing skills or learn entirely new skills. Other services on Lynda.com include unlimited access for subscribers, mobile capability for on-the-go learning and a feature that allows users to save and share lists of courses with friends.

Sound good?

Of course, as of now, there’s no official word on whether or not LinkedIn will link users’ accounts with Lynda.com. However, in an interview with Business Insider, LinkedIn’s head of content products, Ryan Roslansky, spoke about the benefits of LinkedIn’s purchase:

“We get so excited about the possibilities that could come from the integration of Lynda.com and LinkedIn. Imagine being a job seeker and being able to instantly know what skills are needed for the available jobs in a desired city, and then be prompted to take the relevant and accredited course to help you acquire this skill.”

Whether or not LinkedIn connects your account with Lynda.com, it’s great to know these services are available. Perhaps LinkedIn will add Lynda.com services to LinkedIn Premium accounts in order to provide an incentive for going Premium. Only time will tell!

Prepping for your own job search? Check out our five interview tips!

 

 

 

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Photo of the Week: Foodie Dinner

Photo of the Week: Foodie Dinner

November 20, 2015January 31, 2023 Jasmin SessomsBlog, Marketing, Restaurant PR + Hospitality PRaward winning PR, creative PR agency, il palio, italian restaurant, Marketing, networking, Raleigh Public Relations Agency, Restaurant PR, Social Media

Ever wonder how foodies take such fabulous photos of mouth-watering, scrumptious-looking plates? In this case, a little teamwork makes the dream work. Check out Trish Witek’s photo of food bloggers collaborating on how to get the best shot at Il Palio’s (client) VIP foodie dinner. As one food blogger shines an iPhone flashlight onto the dish, another friend zooms in on his camera for the perfect (well-lit!) shot.

As a strategy to engage key influencers in an ever-changing food industry and to highlight the grand reopening of the restaurant, Il Palio hosted 16 of the Triangle’s leading food bloggers for a special, four-course dinner event.

Love the work we do at Clairemont? Be sure to read our other foodie posts on the blog.

 

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The Beauty of Raleigh PR: Day 27- New Biz

The Beauty of Raleigh PR: Day 27- New Biz

February 13, 2015January 31, 2023 Jasmin SessomsBlog, Entry-Level PR Jobcreative PR agency, networking, new business, Raleigh PR Agency, Restaurant PR2 Comments on The Beauty of Raleigh PR: Day 27- New Biz

The Clairemont team is always on the go. With coffees in the morning, lunch meetings in the afternoon, and business meetings in the evening the team has a lot on its plate. Since I am still relatively new to Clairemont, I haven’t had the opportunity to have many trips out of the office. My days are spent engulfed in client work including research, social media planning and media coverage reports.

Yesterday, I got to attend my first meeting with a potential client, and happy doesn’t begin to describe my feelings about it. We “suited up” for the occasion and ironically all of our outfits coordinated. Although we didn’t plan it, I think cosmically our closets were intertwined. We all showed up wearing a shade of  Marsala – Pantone’s color of the year.

At the meeting, I had the chance to talk directly to the potential client. I started with a short anecdote about the backstory of how Mrs. Hughens sent me the offer for my very first job. I told them all about how she inquired about my favorite color and birthday. I was honored and impressed that she took the time to ask and make little old me feel so special.

I explained how that attention to detail is the Clairemont difference. Not only do we take the time to make sure the work is done right, we also strive to ensure that the work we do takes each account to the next level. The potential client thanked me for sharing and said that it aided in the decision making process.

Mrs. Hughens asked me to sing to close out the meeting. I hurriedly decided to sing Mariah Carey’s “Hero.” I think the lyrics describe Mrs. Hughens as the hero of Clairemont. With her expertise, new and existing clients can find the strength to carry on in their company.

Here is the snippet of what I sang:

And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you’ll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in us (Clairemont)

I know it’s awful redundant, but everyday I realize this job is perfect for me. Sure, I have a copious amount to learn about PR, but I am confident in my aptitudes and where I fit in this team. I hope we receive good news about this account, but if not at least we know the team made a lasting impression.

Sometimes, being successful is simply the joy in knowing how you made someone feel. So my first “field trip” went well and I am looking forward to the day where I am off to new business coffees and lunches on my own.

Editor’s Note: Clairemont enthusiastically welcomes Jasmin Sessoms to our team! Follow this former beauty queen’s journey as she documents her first 30 days in a Raleigh PR agency.

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The Beauty of Raleigh PR: Day 11 – Q&A with Sarah

The Beauty of Raleigh PR: Day 11 – Q&A with Sarah

January 22, 2015January 31, 2023 Jasmin SessomsAPR, Blog, Entry-Level PR Jobnetworking, PR Agency, PRSA

Creating a positive work environment is the responsibility of every employee. I think it’s a good idea to get to know your co-workers. I find that in many settings no matter what walk of life you come from, you can always learn something from someone else.

Sarah Hattman, APR, has a passion for storytelling. From a decade in television news to creating award-winning campaigns for her clients, she is always searching for a memorable way to tell the story. Sarah spent nearly 10 years in television working as a producer, reporter and anchor at WECT in Wilmington, N.C. and KRQE in Albuquerque, N.M.

She made the transition from journalist to public relations practitioner with James Korenchen Public Relations in Albuquerque. In 2013, Sarah earned her Accreditation in Public Relations designation. As a member of the Clairemont Communications team, she oversees multiple accounts and provides clients guidance in all aspects of public relations.

Today, I interviewed Sarah to learn more about her experiences at Clairemont and her career switch from journalist to PR practitioner.

Jasmin: “Sarah, How did you know you wanted to make a career change?”

Sarah: “During my ten years in news, I worked with a lot of PR professionals and one of them really stood out to me. I met James Korenchen, president of James Korenchen Public Relations, while working at KRQE and he really influenced my career path. A lot of PR people are former news people, and when I first thought about making the switch from news to PR, I reached out to James to learn more about the PR profession. At the time I wasn’t sure I was quite ready to leave news, but it just so happened that he had an opening and made me an offer. I decided to take the leap and have never looked back or regretted my decision.”

Jasmin: “Since you made the career switch, I observed that you have found a love for PR. What exactly does Pubic Relations mean to you?”

Sarah: “For me PR is another version of storytelling. The difference is that in PR I don’t just tell the story, I get to shape it.”

Jasmin: “What attracted you to Clairemont?”

Sarah: “The people behind the agency. In 2012 when I moved back to North Carolina, I became active with the local PRSA chapter. It was there that I first met Tracy and Dana. I admired their hard work and dedication to the profession and considered myself lucky when I had the opportunity to join the Clairemont team in 2014.”

Jasmin: “What is your personal mantra?”

Sarah: “Be present. (laughs) It’s so cliche, but in a PR agency you often find yourself switching tasks quickly which can make it difficult to focus. When I have to switch gears quickly, I always try to take a deep breath and give the new task 100 percent of my focus. It’s something that is easier said than done, but I strive to do it each and every day.”

Jasmin: “Describe your best moment at Clairemont.”

Sarah: “That’s a tough one. There have been so many great moments but the one that stands out the most in my mind is the night of the T.MAC social at the Clairemont House. The event was developed as to way to introduce T.MAC to influencers in the Triangle. After weeks of planning and hard work, it was fun to see the house bustling in the moments before we welcomed our first guest. The head chef from T.MAC was cooking in our kitchen as well as in our driveway under a tent. Furniture was being a re-arranged, tables and linens were being delivered and Fortnight Brewing Company was setting up a tasting station. It was a fun night and a great feeling to see all of the team’s hard work come together to create a great event.”

Jasmin: “What skills have you found that you didn’t know that you had until you entered the PR world?”

Sarah: “I would say creativity. In news it’s all about the facts. Sure, you can be creative with reporter standups and when editing the video for the story, but its nothing compared to the creativity that I have found in the world of PR.

Jasmin: “What advice would you give to someone like me who is fresh in the PR world that you wish you would have been told?”

Sarah: “Don’t take it personally. It’s actually something I have been told for many years and am still told on occasion. There are times when you will take your best idea to a client, journalist or contact only to be told no. Don’t let it get to you. It’s not that they don’t like you; they just don’t like your idea as much as you do.”

Jasmin: “What legacy do you want to leave behind in this field?”

Sarah: “I want to be known for my go-getter attitude. I love a good challenge and finding a way to work through it.”

I think its safe to say, Sarah is qualified for this gig, and is an amazing asset to the Clairemont team. She is a joy to work with, and I am proud to be her co-worker.

Sarah and I

Editor’s Note: Clairemont enthusiastically welcomes Jasmin Sessoms to our team! Follow this former beauty queen’s journey as she documents her first 30 days in a Raleigh PR agency.

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clairemontcommunications

Have you heard about Meta’s newest social media Have you heard about Meta’s newest social media platform? It’s called Threads, and it’s being referred to as “the new Twitter.” Read everything you need to know about Threads in our latest blog post - link in bio!
SNEAK PEEK! @dellthepig landed at @wendellfallsnc SNEAK PEEK! @dellthepig landed at @wendellfallsnc (client) today, and rumor has it that @blah2voila has already been hamming it up with Dell! We know you want a selfie with Dell to post on Pigstagram, too!
We are proud to represent Raleigh as a member of P We are proud to represent Raleigh as a member of Public Relations Consultants Group, allowing us to offer clients expertise and support across the country! Clairemont founder, Dana Phelps aka @blah2voila, recently attended the PRCG conference in Oklahoma City.
2022 has been a fantastic year for Clairemont Comm 2022 has been a fantastic year for Clairemont Communications! Visit our blog for the full 2022 year in review!
As communications professionals, we wear a variety As communications professionals, we wear a variety of hats to meet our clients’ needs.
 
We’re writers, social media managers, photographers, marketers, editors, content creators- the list goes on and on.
 
Check out our recent blog post to learn what @olivia.noles , account coordinator here at Clairemont, does on a weekly and monthly basis.
#communicationsagency #communicationsmajor #pragencylife #pragency #raleighpr
This Friday, Clairemont’s Dana Phelps, @blah2voi This Friday, Clairemont’s Dana Phelps, @blah2voila , will be speaking at the 2022 @nc_prsa Strategic Communication & MarCom Conference! Phelps is a repeat presenter at this annual conference, and this year she is leading a session called Growing from Communication Technician to Strategic Counselor during which she will share three of her coined concepts: knowcasting, morecasting and collabolighthing. Visit our blog for the link to register for the conference!
@clairemontcommunications and @yellowdogcreative g @clairemontcommunications and @yellowdogcreative go together like the bacon and eggs! And speaking of bacon and eggs, have you been to @therainbowluncheonette yet? YUM!
Later this year, Clairemont client @wendellfallsnc Later this year, Clairemont client @wendellfallsnc, a master-planned community just 15 miles from downtown Raleigh, will welcome @parksideraleigh, a Raleigh-favorite restaurant known for its fresh, made-from-scratch dishes, to the community!
 
Visit our blog to see the @trianglebizjrnl coverage and read the full feature in the TBJ to learn more about Parkside.
“What exactly does a PR Agency do?” Because we “What exactly does a PR Agency do?” Because we get this question often, we have a series on our blog where we dive into our recent projects to give you a look at what a PR Agency really does.
 
For example, a statewide resource for small businesses recently hired Clairemont to devise an executive visibility campaign to help position the organization and its director as the leading small business resource in North Carolina.
 
Head to our blog to read what exactly an executive visibility campaign entails and to learn more about our services!
So you say it’s National Coffee Day? We say let So you say it’s National Coffee Day? We say let us tell you about our new favorite @drink321coffee ! If you are in Raleigh, go see Paul, the other Paul, Emma  or whichever smiling faces are working today. We LOVE this place and the coffee! ❤️❤️❤️
Our client @wendellfallsnc, one of the largest mas Our client @wendellfallsnc, one of the largest master-planned communities in the Triangle, closed on its first age-eligible rental community plan, Arden at Wendell Falls, that will offer 140 open-concept units and exclusive onsite amenities!
 
Visit our blog to see the @trianglebizjrnl coverage and read the full feature in the TBJ to learn more about Arden at Wendell Falls.
Staying in Raleigh this Labor Day weekend? Stop by Staying in Raleigh this Labor Day weekend? Stop by client @vitaviteraleigh for good snacks and great wine!🍷 Both locations are open normal hours Friday-Sunday and closed on Monday.
You never know who might be hanging out at The Cla You never know who might be hanging out at The Clairemont House. Thanks to @yellowdogcreative for helping save this buddy. Notice that we speak lizard. Or skink. Or gecko or whatever he is. Or maybe it’s the extra caffeine before our client presentation.
Yep, our town is pretty cool. #raleigh Yep, our town is pretty cool. #raleigh
Who wants to have a Friday afternoon porch meeting Who wants to have a Friday afternoon porch meeting?
Congrats to our new neighbor on Bloodworth Street Congrats to our new neighbor on Bloodworth Street South @raleighwineshop ! @blah2voila was there today representing Clairemont at the grand opening festivities and enjoying the @grandchamphospitality sandwich pop up. Yum! 🍷🥪
It’s National Volunteer Month, and volunteers ar It’s National Volunteer Month, and volunteers are needed more than ever! Many organizations with scarce resources rely on volunteers and would not exist without them. Visit our recent blog post to read about the organizations Clairemont has supported and how you can make a difference in your community!
Authenticity is trending, and research shows that Authenticity is trending, and research shows that consumers are 2.4 times more likely to view user-generated content as authentic. Read our recent blog post to learn about UGC, how it can benefit your brand and how to use it in your marketing strategy.
From social values to behavior patterns, COVID-19 From social values to behavior patterns, COVID-19 has left an impact on every sector of life, including marketing. Read our blog on marketing in a post-COVID world to learn how things have changed and how that should impact your business strategy.
We are so excited to share that Clairemont earned We are so excited to share that Clairemont earned eight awards, five gold🥇and three silver🥈, at this year's Sir Walter Raleigh Awards hosted by the Raleigh Public Relations Society!🎉 We are beyond grateful to work with so many amazing partners, clients and industry friends!
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