Tag: Raleigh PR Agency

The Beauty of Raleigh PR: Day 4 – #officedogs

Jasmin SessomsBlog, Entry-Level PR Job, Raleigh PR Agency,

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.

Team meetings are typically stuffy and irritating. Everyone has suffered from meetings that have taken up far too much time and accomplished far too little. At Clairemont, that is not the case. Picture a round table discussion with around 30-plus years of PR experience combined and Jimmy Johns sandwiches. Perfection.

This morning we all sat down for a collaborative brainstorming session. New business, current clients and networking ideas were all on the agenda. Finding new clients is exciting for me. I look forward to the day where I will lead account projects.

Today, we had a very special member of the team with us in the meeting. Billy, Mrs. Hughen’s sweet dog and our CMO (chief motivational officer). Interestingly enough, Mrs. Hughens had a dog named PR when she was 10. As a dog lover myself, I couldn’t be happier to make his acquaintance.

Catching a glimpse of Billy’s tail wagging around the office isn’t just cute, studies show that dogs in the workplace could even save your life. According to the University of Virginia Commonwealth researchers, studies have shown that dogs in the workplace help workers to feel less stressed, as well as open the door for conversations that may not have occurred other times between co-workers.

The Centers for Disease Control have released statements about stress-reducing benefits. I think that allowing dogs in the workplace is a great idea. Billy resting his head on my lap for a rub made me feel warm.

I also think that having dogs in the office encourage creativity. Or maybe that’s coffee?

Either way, having Billy around makes the office a better place, and collaborative team meetings encourage collaborative learning. It doesn’t get any better than that.

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The Beauty of Raleigh PR: Day 2 – #newjob

Jasmin SessomsBlog, Entry-Level PR Job, Raleigh PR Agency, , 6 Comments on The Beauty of Raleigh PR: Day 2 – #newjob

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. 

Starting a new job can be scary. You may feel bombarded with new information and feel like you can’t catch up.

On my second day, I don’t have these feelings. Although I have a lot to learn, the Clairemont team has an amazing way of making me feel at home. Honestly, it feels like I have been working here for months.

I am pleased to say that my level of comfort puts me the most at ease. Mrs. Hughens has created an amazing atmosphere and comfy workspace. No cubicles in sight.

I can’t go without mentioning that my boss rocks. Mrs. Hughens has the best sense of humor and is an amazing storyteller. I feel inspired about my future just by talking with her. I want to soak up every thing she says like a sponge.

My coworkers are noteworthy as well. Cherith has been my “go to girl” about AP formatting and blog advice. I thank you for your patience. Sarah is a sweetie, and her love for her clients is contagious in a room.

All in all, today has been a great day. I finished perusing through case studies and dove into navigating Freckle (our online time-tracker) and WordPress. Technical things that must be learned. I can honestly say that I woke up excited to come to work today.

While flipping through one of my morning inspirational books, I found a quote that I couldn’t go without sharing:

“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” -Ella Fitzgerald

Ms. Fitzgerald, I couldn’t have said it better.

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Clients Who Care: PDQ

Dana PhelpsBlog, Case Studies, Clairemont Client News, Restaurant PR + Hospitality PR, , , , , , , , , ,

In the spirit of holiday giving, “Clients Who Care” is a blog series that recognizes some of the recent acts of kindness and caring demonstrated by Clairemont clients. We hope these stories inspire you to be charitable this holiday season and throughout 2015. Happy Holidays!

Having worked closely with PDQ throughout 2014, we know that it is a company that gives back to its communities on a regular basis, not just during the holidays. Charitable giving, school and community sponsorships and helping neighbors is part of PDQ’s culture. It has been an honor to assist in many community initiatives here in the Triangle for this Tampa-based, growing restaurant brand that’s actively engaged everywhere it has locations.

Last Friday, PDQ got involved in local toy drives in more than one location. PDQ Durham helped Sean Maroney and WNCN #stockthesled, while  PDQs in Tampa participated in WILD 94.1‘s toy drive and PDQ St. Petersburg  102.5 The Bone. In each case, PDQ asked the radio stations, “What do you need?” In Durham, the answer was to meet the goal of 1,000 toys as the end of the drive was quickly approaching. PDQ team members and their families went shopping at 9 p.m. and helped WNCN exceed its goal! Similarly, Orlando from WILD 94.1 said they needed bikes. PDQ delivered bikes! In St. Pete, 102.5 needed toys and food for its volunteers. PDQ delivered its famous hand-breaded chicken tenders for everyone onsite and donated $500 in toys.

We admire our clients at PDQ for their dedication to helping good causes and for their ability to move quickly when community organizations have immediate needs. Our holiday hats are off to you, PDQ!

pdq tamp toy drive

 

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Adopt or Dump a Social Media Challenge?

Cherith AndesBlog, Marketing, Public Relations, Raleigh PR Agency, Social Media + Influencer Engagement, , , , ,

Everybody’s doing it. Or more accurately, everybody did it.

The recent ALS Ice Bucket Challenge ignited one of the year’s largest grassroots social media campaigns with more than 8 million videos posted on YouTube alone. In a matter of months, the challenge raised more than $100 million for the ALS Association from approximately 3 million donors, including celebrities ranging from bubbly Justin Bieber to grim-faced Lady Gaga.

It wasn’t just a dump. The Ice Bucket Challenge became a tidal wave, an international campaign that no doubt will earn an accolade in the Guinness World Book of Records or a spot on Time Magazine’s top ten lists. An iconic demonstration of our nation’s generosity and passion.

Naturally, other organizations were eager to join the fun and show support with their own icy baths. And as clients sought our counsel, we encouraged them to consider two key questions before deciding to adopt—or dump—any social media challenge.

1. Who Are You?

Take a moment and reflect. In fact, feel free to loop the 1978 rock classic “Who Are You?” in the background during your self-assessment (we’re fans of mood music). Does the purpose of the challenge support your company’s own core values? Does the outcome align with your organization’s mission and vision?

Don’t get me wrong. Social media thrives on spontaneity, and in fact, it’s often “off-the-cuff” videos that build the strongest personal rapport with your audience. But viral trends, such as social media challenges or picture contests, can carry weighty messages that warrant careful consideration before your team invests in an endeavor. Fortunately, many campaigns, such as the ALS Challenge, support positive change for worthy causes—and it can be an easy choice to partner with these efforts.

2. How will you take it from icy to spicy?

Viral challenges offer the perfect opportunity to showcase your organization’s personality. How can you craft your own memorable moment by adding an extra dose of creative pizzazz?

Newland Communities, the nation’s largest private developer and a Clairemont client, stepped up their game when they accepted the ice bucket challenge. Rather than follow the typical backyard-bucket pattern, Newland incorporated a key icon from its own company—a dump truck—and drenched its team with a truckload of ice and water. In addition, the team bypassed the garden hose and used water from a nearby pond, addressing public concerns that the challenge wasted water and supporting Newland’s own commitment to sustainability. In the muddy mayhem that ensued, Newland created a video that earned a spot on the ABC 11 morning news.

Cause + creativity = a hefty dose of fun!

 

 

 

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The Houzz Rules

Cherith AndesBlog, Furniture PR, Raleigh PR Agency, Social Media + Influencer Engagement, , , ,

The recent revitalization in the design industry has proven to be both a blessing and a curse to the average consumer. Gone are the days when kitchen cabinets came in just white, espresso or cherry. From remodeling kitchens to reupholstering pillows, home design projects now involve a maze of style and color that can confound even the most determined homeowner.

For the consumer, Houzz offers a lifeline—and a free one at that. The online platform provides a searchable database of interior design and home remodeling images, professional portfolios, reviews, surveys and expert advice. This Pinterest/Angie’s List/Facebook mashup is a lifesaver for anyone searching for design-spiration on a budget.

But what about the contractor, architect or designer on the other end? Targeted toward those looking to renovate, Houzz is brimming with 16 million eager consumers—90 percent of which are homeowners who are actively seeking design products and services. In fact, Houzz’s “Find a Pro” feature allows users to search for a local specialist, and businesses simply can’t afford to ignore this burgeoning customer base.

Implement these “house rules,” best practices and business tips to put Houzz to work for your company.

1. Learn the Lingo

Ideabooks: A scrapbook for design ideas. Users create folders on their own Houzz accounts to collect inspiring photos arranged by theme (“kitchen cabinets,” “backyard patios,” “yellow baby rooms,” “beach house,” etc.). Ideabooks are the online version of clipping pictures from a magazine. You can “pin” these images from other ideabooks, upload photos directly from your computer or “pin” images from another website—a la Pinterest.
Projects: Similar to an ideabook but a “folder” of pictures that allows you to showcase stages of a particular project. A home builder, for example, might highlight the construction phases of a Santa Cruz-style bungalow, or an interior designer might post before and after snapshots of a kitchen remodeling project.

2. Explore the Landscape
Familiarize yourself with standard features on Houzz.

Likes and Comments: Much like Facebook, Houzz users can “like” and comment on favorite photos, discussion feeds, ideabooks and projects.
Search Capabilities: The Houzz platform provides a sophisticated index that allows users to search for products, local vendors, curated ideabooks and even discussion threads by keyword.

3. Create Your Space

Just like any viable marketing medium, your Houzz presence should capture your brand’s voice, highlight your expertise and advance your business goals. Now is the time to define your creative strategy. Decide how you’ll curate and arrange your ideabooks (i.e. by product, space, location, style, etc.) to best spotlight your specialties or distinctive skills. Create “project” folders that showcase your portfolio and build credibility. Develop a list of search terms, topics and partner designers for collaboration, commentary and conversation, and cross-promote your Houzz on other social media platforms.

Note that official professional profiles require additional business verification, such as a license number. So be prepared when creating your account.

4. Establish Your Expertise

Strengthen your brand visibility by building a portfolio of client recommendations and business partner referrals (don’t be afraid to ask!). Establish your expertise by providing tips and advice on discussion threads related to your brand. Offer suggestions, solve problems, answer questions promptly. By doing so, you’ll rise to the forefront as a Houzz go-to expert for home design needs.

What other “Houzz Rules” or tips would you add to the list?

 

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