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Tag: Public Relations

Working Outside My Comfort Zone

Working Outside My Comfort Zone

May 26, 2020January 31, 2023 Clairemont InternBlog, Professional Development, The Clairemont TeamAdventure, New Skills, Public Relations, travel, writing

I thrive outside of my comfort zone. Whether it’s backpacking through the mountains with my brother, moving to Florida to work at Disney for a few months or hopping on an international flight, I am always seeking one-of-a-kind challenges and experiences. Although my semester interning at Disney came to an abrupt halt this past March, I have remained determined to try new things – even if I’m going no further than my backyard. I’ve been able to learn a valuable thing or two while trying to pick up new hobbies during this time such as if you’re craving dumplings, attempting to make them from scratch may result in floury, sticky dough all over your kitchen … and yourself! 

During my first three years at NC State, I took advantage of a variety of experiences and interests, both within my marketing and journalism studies and in other areas. By going outside of what was comfortable, I discovered rock climbing, met and interviewed scientists about their groundbreaking research, and even started leading a Bible study! While it’s in my nature to try (and sometimes fail) at new things, I have always struggled to pin down exactly what I wanted to pursue in a job or career. As I considered what I wanted the summer before my senior year to look like, I felt overwhelmed with the thought that I needed to magically know what my “dream job” was going to be. 

I knew I wanted to be kept on my toes. 

I knew I loved to write and travel.

I knew I wanted to get creative and be challenged.

I knew I wanted to work with people.

Once I identified these core aspects, narrowing down my job search was simple. I am so excited to jump into my next big adventure this summer: an internship here at Clairemont Communications – a place that I’m certain will address each of these important pillars while gaining experience in public relations, working on a variety of projects and leveraging my love for writing, creativity and people in a new way.

My sister and I supporting my brother and the Wolfpack at his college graduation.

Fun Facts:

  • My favorite place to spend time is outside in my eno hammock. You can catch me in my eno reading a book or taking a relaxing afternoon nap!
  • I am always eating cookie butter. I will put it on anything … or just eat it directly from the jar!
  • I am a middle child! I have an older brother and a little sister. We also count our cat, Floyd, as an additional sibling. 

My advice? In addition to working outside of your comfort zone, explore your sense of creativity and additional concepts by checking out the Creative Challenge section of this blog.

By Clairemont Intern Anna Beth Adcock, a rising senior at NC State.

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Do What You Love & Love What You Do

Do What You Love & Love What You Do

February 14, 2020January 31, 2023 Kelli FletcherBlog, Public Relations, Raleigh PR Agency#Clairemont10years, #ValentinesDay, Public Relations, raleigh public relations

Happy Valentine’s Day! Perhaps you received a bouquet of your favorite flowers. Or you might be out last-minute shopping for that special someone. Or maybe, just maybe, you are one of those counting down the hours until all that holiday-themed candy goes on sale …

Love it or hate it, we certainly don’t hold anything against this day, which means we couldn’t let it go by without celebrating it ourselves! In the spirit of continuing to celebrate Clairemont’s 10-year anniversary, we’re sharing what we love about PR and working at Clairemont!

Read below to see what our team loves most about what we do and where we do it!P.R. While the acronym, of course, means “public relations,” it also stands for “personal record.” Interestingly, that’s one of the things that I feel like we’re able to do for and with our clients — help them achieve their companies’ “personal record.” We get to work with people we love, tackle hard problems, apply strategic game plans and dream up zany, creative solutions, all to form a path for our clients to exceed their goals. For me, it’s the light in a client’s eyes when they begin to see the upswing in sales or when they read their first feature article in a major magazine. I love that we get the privilege to be a direct catalyst in a client’s success. Also. Sometimes we work from a coffee shop. And the coffee shop has brownies. – Cherith Andes

I love that a career in PR means no day ever looks the same. I also love that it has forced me to learn about a wide variety of industries and businesses. What do I love about Clairemont? Our team, our energy, The Clairemont House, our clients, the work we do! – Tracy Lathan

When I landed my first gig in Boston, I had a coworker tell me in regards to a job, “You either have to love what you do or love who you’re doing it with.” Since joining Clairemont I can honestly say I’m lucky to love both! In PR, you can be both creative and strategic. You can have fun and do important work that really moves the needle for a business or person. There’s rarely a boring day! There’s so much I love about Clairemont – the house, the location, the clients! But most of all I truly love our team! We work well together, and we work hard. We’re all here for the same reason: because we love PR (and fun!). – Kelli Fletcher

What I love most about PR is that the skills and practices can be applied in almost any field! At Clairemont specifically, I love that I get to work on a variety of exciting projects. It also doesn’t hurt that Clairemont’s location in Downtown Raleigh gets me out of Chapel Hill to explore more of the Triangle Area! – Taylor Bolden

The thing I love most about Clairemont is the women I get to work with each day. They are some of the smartest, kindest and most fun people I know! They inspire me to be a better PR professional and a better person.  – Dana Phelps

Happy Valentine’s Day to you! Have an idea that could use a little creative love? Drop us a line!

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Hollywood, Here I Come!

Hollywood, Here I Come!

January 28, 2020January 31, 2023 Clairemont InternBlog, Public Relations, The Clairemont Teamcareers, clairemont intern, entertainment PR, Public Relations, UNC-Chapel Hill

Before College 

Growing up, I never knew what I wanted to be when I got older. What I did know was that I loved movies, television, music and the stars that came along with them. I never thought I could make a career out of that since I didn’t have an interest in acting, singing or directing. So, when it came time to decide a major at UNC-Chapel Hill, I had no idea what to choose, leading me to scour the internet for a solution.

After searching for potential careers and majors for about 15 minutes and taking a personality-based career questionnaire, I knew with absolute certainty that I would get a doctorate in psychology and become a therapist. However, I’d soon find out that my quick Google search would lead me down the completely wrong path!

Finding PR

All of my plans came crashing down after taking one psychology class at UNC. After final semester grades came, it was evident that I needed to reconsider my choice. This time of transition led me to take different classes to explore my options. Among these classes was a PR writing course, which turned out to be the hardest yet most rewarding class of my college career.

When I walked into class on the first day and had to write an entire news release, I never thought I would survive the semester. In the end, this class taught me how to think on my feet and write effectively under pressure. It laid the foundation for me changing my major and even landing an internship in New York City!

My summer in New York City, June 8, 2019

Looking Forward to the Future 

While there are many significant aspects of public relations, what I love most is that many PR skills and practices can be applied in almost any field! I hope to take what I learn to the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, where I aspire to be a publicist for singers, actors and others in entertainment.

Coincidentally, my sister is also following a career path in the entertainment industry by earning her master’s degree in filmmaking and directing. Maybe one day I can be her publicist! Until then, I’m looking forward to learning and growing my knowledge of PR during my semester internship at Clairemont Communications!

Me and my sister

Did you know? Clairemont is celebrating its 10th anniversary! Check out this blog post to find out how!  

By Clairemont intern Taylor Bolden, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill.

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From Broadcast to Bloodworth Street

From Broadcast to Bloodworth Street

October 23, 2019January 31, 2023 Clairemont InternBlog, Public Relations, The Clairemont Teaminternship, Public Relations

The past few months have been busy as I kicked off both my junior year at NC State and my communications internship at Clairemont Communications. I came to Clairemont from a summer internship in sports broadcasting where, ultimately, I learned the performance of TV broadcasting wasn’t for me. I entered the fall season with a determined pursuit to engage in the PR world. While going from producing news to pitching news may seem like a natural transition, the two aren’t as related as they seem! But, here are three reasons I took the leap:

STORYTELLING

Since I can remember, I’ve admired the artful combination of words that create a story and captivate audiences. In PR, producing well-written content is always the goal, and is strategically utilized to not just capture the attention – but also the influence – of an audience. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

In these tech savvy times, social media has made its mark as the most commonly used medium to communicate. On a variety of social media platforms, PR pros can craft a narrative to the public, pitch media and influencers and, most importantly, respond to reactions in real time for clients! 

DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS

It may sound cliché, but this skill is the foundation for much of my professional future. In this field, not only do I get to build relationships with my team and my clients but I connect with the public and of course, media. As a general lover of people, I feel I’m in my natural element getting to communicate with a variety of individuals.

While becoming a PR professional may be my focus, it’s not my only passion! Here are some fun personal facts!

  1. I was a cheerleader growing up, but my thing was tumbling. I spent more than three days each week in the gym practicing and perfecting flips. If you asked me to do a backflip now, my answer will always be, “I’m retired.”
  2. I’m an older sister. My sister Abigail is three years my junior, and my best friend. Since we’ve grown older, it’s common for people to assume we’re twins (see picture for proof)! 
  3. You’ve made it this far, here’s three facts in one because I can’t choose! Sports is my love language (NC State Wolfpack, Carolina Panthers and U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team), coffee runs through my veins (preferably iced and vanilla) and I can’t go a day without spending time with Jesus! 

Check out my first blog at Clairemont!

By Haylee Hicks, Clairemont Intern and junior at North Carolina State University.

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5 PR Lessons from Israel

5 PR Lessons from Israel

August 20, 2019January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesBlog, Inspirational, The Clairemont Teaminspiring marketing, Israel, PR principles, Public Relations, travel PR

There I was, slouched on my bed, asking the ceiling for the 24th time, “What DOES one pack for two weeks in a middle eastern desert?”

Sun hat? Check. Hiking shoes? Fo’ sho’. Sunscreen? Make that three bottles — because I’m so pale that I glow. I tucked my passport in my purse and, without knowing a single person, embarked on a 14-day adventure to Israel.

My mind was blown on this trip, a whirlwind of experiences, knowledge and insights I never knew existed. And while the sojourn yielded many personal revelations, I humorously noted the similarities between a rugged desert adventure and the life of a marketing professional.

I’m happy to report I came back sunburn-free (here’s to you, SPF) and equipped with five lessons to inspire you in your business ventures.

1. Be adventurous.

Sign says, “Danger mines!” Definitely an adventure!

This trip to Israel was initially frightening — and not just for the obvious reasons. On a giddy whim, I signed up to travel with a group of people whom I had never met. Ever. But we were a group that shared the same passion. And I quickly found that we were open to whatever the adventure held, and we were palpably excited for whatever discovery might be just around the corner.

We should approach our PR strategies with the same curiosity, eagerness and sense of adventure. After the foundational research has shaped the marketing plan, be open to new ideas, fresh twists and creative risks. You won’t ever discover new surprises if you don’t venture beyond your own known territory.

2. Learn the whole story.

Garden of Gethsemane, rich with backstory.

Our tour group had the privilege of visiting a series of Biblical sites throughout the Holy Land. But our tour guide didn’t just drone through the usual facts. He provided a wealth of cultural background and historical insights that invigorated each location with color and meaning. He connected dots and answered long-standing questions that often made us smack our foreheads and say, “THAT’S what that means!”

Are you doing the same in your marketing? Adept marketers and agency partners will take the time to learn the entire story to inform a successful strategy. This might include developing a full understanding of your audience, immersing yourself in the public narrative around your brand or exploring the ins and outs of a new product in market segments. Every angle adds critical perspective that can change the interpretation of a situation and direct the approach.

3. Trust your leader.

Following our leader … up something very steep.

Fun fact: none of us were given an itinerary.

From day to day and literarily minute to minute, we were asked to simply trust our guide. (I won’t deny; there were a few times I wanted to pelt him with stones as we clawed up the side of a ravine in 100-degree heat). But our guide had proven his mettle and was expertly equipped for the journey. Similarly, trust your agency and your partners. You’ve properly vetted them and joined hands with people who share your vision. Trust them to carry their weight, craft a successful strategy and get results. 

4. Sometimes it gets hot.

Posing in a temple on a HOT stone seat.

We hiked an average of seven daily miles across desert mountains in 98-107-degree heat. In business, high stakes can create pressure as you might be required to meet aggressive goals or navigate steep change. It happens. A competitive market will necessitate competitive strategies. But don’t stop trucking. Curling up under a scratchy desert bush would have only temporarily assuaged my discomfort and prolonged reaching my destination. Define clear goals, craft a research-based strategy, link arms with your partners and keep going.

5. Go back to your roots.

ICYMI, I have kind of a different first name. Cherith. I’ve spent my entire life trying to explain the pronunciation. (It’s like “Chair” with an “-ith” on the end, or “cherish” with a “th.”) I’ve often been asked about its origin. There’s only one origin, and it’s not all that glamorous. I was named after a ravine (or “wadi”) where a Biblical miracle took place. (If you’re interested, hit up 1 Kings 17:2-5.) I had always wondered what that place must have looked like. Somewhere around day six of our trip, we trekked for two hours in the scorching heat across Jericho Road. We crested a ridge, and lo and behold, there it was. My namesake. The Brook Cherith or Wadi Cherith.

When things get hot and hairy, take a vital moment to reconnect with why you started. What are your core values? What change are you pursuing? What is your inspiration? Reconnect with the bigger picture.

Oh, and always wear sunscreen.

Looking for other inspiration?

Hone your thought-leadership skills.
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clairemontcommunications

Have you heard about Meta’s newest social media pl 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!
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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.
 
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Check out our recent blog post to learn what @olivia.noles , account coordinator here at Clairemont, does on a weekly and monthly basis.
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Visit our blog to see the @trianglebizjrnl coverage and read the full feature in the TBJ to learn more about Parkside.
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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.
 
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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.
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It’s National Volunteer Month, and volunteers are 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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