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Tag: Storytelling

Finding PR in a Pandemic

Finding PR in a Pandemic

June 11, 2021January 31, 2023 Clairemont InternBlog, Public Relations, The Clairemont Teaminternship, new hire, PR Intern, Storytelling, writing

Similar to many college students, I work in the restaurant industry. Over the years I have been asked so many questions that I have learned not to be surprised by anything. Sometimes I get wrapped up in a conversation with a customer who wants to know everything about me, where I go to school and what I want to do with my life. The one question that never fails to surprise me is “Why are you studying communication at a STEM school?” 

The question is fair, especially if the person asking knows NC State for its College of Engineering or athletics. Therefore, in my time at State, I have made it my responsibility to work hard to debunk the stereotype that you need to be focused on STEM at a mostly STEM school. My experience as a communication student has been the perfect balance of challenge and opportunity, and here’s why.

Finding Opportunities

When I came to NC State in the fall of 2018, I found my place in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, studying communication. While I had no idea what was ahead of me, I did know that I only wanted to take the bare minimum of math and science classes! I would have traded my Geology 101 class (which was NOT “rocks for jocks” like I had been told), a five-minute walk from where I lived, for the trek across campus to the Court of North Carolina for my communication, journalism and English classes any day.

Then, in spring 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. I was finishing up my sophomore year coursework at my parents’ house, grieving what might have been a summer traveling or a high-profile internship, and scrambling to find something productive to fill my time. Spring 2020 reminds me of the restaurant slang “in the weeds.” The phrase is used to describe getting behind on a busy night, and at the time, that was exactly how I felt. In hindsight, I’m sure most everyone felt this way. But I was able to channel my “work harder” mentality inspired by a STEM school environment to help find opportunities in a doomed situation. I stayed connected to campus by writing for NC State’s student newspaper, Technician, and attending virtual events with my PRSSA chapter. When both organizations were seeking leadership for the next school year, I was ready to apply!

I couldn’t have imagined that some of my most influential experiences yet at NC State would occur during this time.

In May 2020 I was hired as a news editor for Technician and elected to the board of our PRSSA chapter. Two irreplaceable experiences I don’t believe would have been possible if everything was “normal.” Both the newspaper and PRSSA taught me more about what I wanted to do with my career than any summer internship could. I planned virtual events, networked and recruited new members to campus organizations in a time when most students were desperate for a connection to campus life. I helped lead a student newspaper through a pandemic entirely through Zoom calls while simultaneously becoming a stronger writer, student and leader. And, believe it or not, I was still able to make the most out of a summer in a pandemic!

The PRSSA E-board during our first-ever virtual ‘PR Day’ networking event in November 2020.

Joining Clairemont

While I was proud of the work I was doing, I learned that I didn’t want to be a news journalist. Inspired by my experiences with PRSSA, I decided I wanted to intern at a PR agency. 

To anyone who asks me why I study communication at a STEM school, the answer is “why not?” The relationships and experiences I have gained at NC State have led me to so many opportunities, including finding Clairemont Communications.

Joining the Clairemont team this summer is the next exciting step on my career journey. I am eager to work alongside the Clairemont team and clients, gain industry knowledge and build confidence as an aspiring PR professional. Thank you, NC State, for getting me here, I wouldn’t have it any other way!

By Clairemont intern Anna Beth McCormick, a senior at NC State University.

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The Best Super Bowl Marketing and Why

The Best Super Bowl Marketing and Why

February 15, 2021January 31, 2023 Clairemont InternBlog, Marketing, Social Media + Influencer Engagementcampaign marketing, marketing strategy, Social Media, Storytelling, Super Bowl ads

Photo credit: Pexels

While the Super Bowl looked different in many ways this year, the tradition of brands shelling out millions to vie for our attention with 30-second ads remained the same. 

From big-name celebrities to catchy jingles, there were lots of great marketing campaigns this year. Below we outline some of our favorites and share why they were effective from a marketing perspective. 

  1. “No Way, Norway!”
    This General Motors ad starred comedian Will Ferrell as a passionate electric vehicle driver. When Ferrell finds out that Norway greatly outproduces the United States in electric vehicle production, he is outraged. Ferrell plans to assemble a team to make a stand in Norway, except they all accidentally travel to the wrong Scandanavian countries. We liked this ad because it was lighthearted and comedic, but still clearly got the point across that GM is committing itself to produce more electric vehicles. Because electric cars are better for the environment, GM is showing that the brand cares about the future and is helping to invent a better tomorrow. 
  2. “Swimming Upstream”
    After a year full of trials and tribulations, Toyota’s ad addressed the hardships of life head-on. The ad told the life story of Jessica Long, a U.S. Paralympian and double leg amputee who was adopted from Russia as a child. The ad showed that while Jessica faced many struggles, she persisted and found success and happiness in life. We loved this ad because of its phenomenal storytelling. Storytelling is one of the best ways for marketers to connect with their audiences and leave a lasting impression. While you might not directly think of Toyota when you think of a brave Paralympian, this story of persistence perfectly ties into its tagline: “Let’s Go Places.” 
  3. “Alexa’s Body”
    This hilarious Amazon commercial followed along with an Amazon employee who came up with the idea to put Alexa technology into a humanlike body. The commercial takes a turn when she puts Alexa technology into actor Michael B. Jordan and can’t stop drooling over him in front of her husband. According to post-Super Bowl social media analysis, this commercial made the biggest splash. Amazon saw a 110 percent growth in social media activity and growth within 24 hours of the Super Bowl. The second-ranked company on the list, Paramount, only saw a 54 percent boost. This ad is a great example of how powerful humor can be in marketing if it is executed tastefully and strategically. 
  4. Budweiser’s CSR
    Instead of spending $5.5 million on a 30-second Super Bowl ad, Budweiser donated a commercial slot for coronavirus vaccine awareness efforts. While it was the first time in more than 30 years that fans didn’t get to see the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales on the big screen, the brand still gave viewers a glimpse of their adored horses via Twitter. On each commercial break, Budweiser tweeted out a video of the horses carrying a mystery item across rugged terrain and asked followers what they thought the item was. At the end of the game, Budweiser revealed that the Clydesdales were carrying a cooler full of beer (shocker!). We loved Budweiser’s marketing strategy for several reasons. First, by choosing to donate their Super Bowl advertising budget to coronavirus vaccination efforts, it shows its audience that corporate social responsibility is important to the brand. The campaign also harnessed the power of video by using stunning visuals to draw viewers in. If you’re interested in integrating video content into your marketing campaigns, check out our blog on strengthening video strategy. 

If you want to develop a marketing campaign but aren’t sure where to start, contact us! From planning to execution, we can help you along every step of the way. 

By Clairemont intern Anne Claire Foreman, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill.

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Books, Backpacking and B2C

Books, Backpacking and B2C

January 29, 2021January 31, 2023 Clairemont InternBlog, Professional Development, The Clairemont Teaminternship, new hire, PR Intern, Storytelling, writing

I grew up with my head in the clouds, and my nose in a book.

Books were my way to learn about faraway places and fascinating people. Before I discovered that I had a passion for traveling, books were my way to fly around the globe without leaving my living room. 

As I got older, I began to wonder how I could build a future out of an affinity for words. Lucky for me, I didn’t have to do much soul searching to find the perfect fit. Being the Tar Heel born-and-bred that I was, the second that I learned about UNC’s nationally top-ranked Hussman School of Journalism and Media, I was sold. 

I promise that this face doesn’t reflect my love of being a Tar Heel! 

Stumbling upon PR

In the fall of 2017, I entered the Hussman School planning to study journalism. In the spring I took a PR class as an elective and instantly fell in love. I realized that while I love to write, I love the strategy and planning that goes behind PR campaigns just as much. Writing to further strategic goals? Hello, dream job!  

Over my (almost!) four years at UNC, I’ve been fortunate enough to study abroad twice and visit 11 countries, all while earning the degree of my dreams. While studying in Sydney, Australia in the fall of 2019, I gained great first-hand PR experience on a global scale by interning with boutique PR firm Hollinshead Communications. 

At Hollinshead, I dipped my paintbrush into many buckets including working on influencer marketing campaigns and event launches. I also got to work with some amazing clients, my favorite being American Express. 

An open-air cinema event I helped plan and execute for client AmEx.

Choosing Clairemont

Even before I decided to apply to a job with Clairemont, I had admired the firm’s work for quite some time. However, it wasn’t until my interview that I knew Clairemont was the right fit for me. 

At the time, I was nearing the year-and-a-half mark of working as a communications intern for UNC-Chapel Hill’s Information Technology Services (ITS). I loved every second of my internship but knew that it was time to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. 

At ITS, I was trusted to work on many different projects, from writing blogs and social media posts to editing videos and taking professional headshots. Because of this experience, I wanted to find the opportunity to continue producing meaningful work in my next internship. 

During my interview with Clairemont, I instantly fell in love with the girl-boss atmosphere at the firm. It was also clear that I wouldn’t be expected to fill my time with coffee grabbing, but would get to exercise my creativity on client projects. 

I am ecstatic to join the Clairemont team and learn more about PR every step of the way.

By Clairemont intern Anne Claire Foreman, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill.

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Top 4 Content Creation Resources

Top 4 Content Creation Resources

November 20, 2020January 31, 2023 Clairemont InternBlog, Marketing, Professional Development#messages, #resource, #visuals, copy, Marketing, Storytelling, writing

The data is undeniable: content is still king.

Statistics show that 82 percent of consumers perceive a brand more positively after viewing custom content, 47 percent of consumers connect with three pieces of content before buying, and strategic blogging can boost website traffic by 300 percent. Need more? Online searches for “content marketing” have skyrocketed 400 percent in the last 10 years. 

Compelling content serves as the bedrock of successful marketing and PR campaigns. Whether a snappy social media post or a full brand narrative, inspiring storytelling holds the power to forge a connection that compels consumers into action.

Top 4 Clairemont Content Creation Resources

Here are four resources that will help you and your organization craft powerful and appealing copy. Warning: These tools will improve your marketing flair and finesse. 

3 Tips to Creating a Compelling Story

Whether a tweet, a blog or a presentation, leverage this problem + solution approach to weave captivating narratives that pack a punch.

6 Tips to Create Magnetic Content

Brainstorming your next blog doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. Utilize these steps to create powerful print pieces that become “must-reads” for your audience.

Boost Your Blog

You’ve written an eye-catching piece. Now what? Build your blog’s reach, spark engagement and generate more traffic to your website.

Mightier Messages

How can you guarantee that your marketing efforts aren’t falling flat? Here’s a sneak peek: sometimes less is more when orchestrating meaningful messages. 

Want more useful tips?
Explore the public relations section of our blog!


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

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Finding the Power in PR

Finding the Power in PR

September 8, 2020January 31, 2023 Clairemont InternBlog, Public Relations, The Clairemont Team#publicrelations, internship, journalism, Marketing, Storytelling

My mom loves her job. 

Throughout my 21 years of life, this truth has influenced my perception of work and ultimately, my own search for a career. Although the message was never explicitly stated, through my mother’s example I embraced the philosophy that one’s profession should be more. It should be a passion. 

My mom (left) enjoying her work as a Sommelier.

It wasn’t until I started college that I came to understand that not everyone is so lucky in life. It was a privilege to choose what I wanted to do for a living, and I felt an obligation to give back. I found myself entering UNC-Chapel Hill’s Hussman School of Media and Journalism where I chose to major in traditional journalism and new media. 

Rushing Franklin St. after a Tar Heel win against Duke!

You might be thinking, “Why journalism?” And I know that given our political climate, where “fake news” and sensationalized stories run rampant, this is hard to believe; however, journalism remains a noble profession in my eyes, shedding light on socio-economic issues around the world and protecting our civil liberties through governmental checks.

There was only one issue: I didn’t love it. C’est la vie! 

A Global Perspective

My junior year, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Paris, France and intern for a journalism agency. This experience was different and challenging, but I realized that I wasn’t building the kind of relationships or seeing the tangible impact that I was craving in a career. I did, however, find myself taking pleasure in being a part of something greater. With a new perspective, I was able to consider a new possibility: Marketing and Public Relations. Ah la vache! (This means “OMG” in French and accurately describes my excitement for finding PR.)

Some friends and me on the Champs-Élysées in Paris

Seeing the Magic

I had a gut feeling this time. It just felt right and wasn’t the la vie en rose that I experienced with journalism. PR would allow me to apply my journalism background in a new way AND find satisfaction in my work through delivering a public service. Great public relations can help brands uphold decades of progress and move the needle of civil liberties. The strategies, tools and words we choose to tell stories are directly connected to our ability to change the world. When broadening a client’s grasp, PR has the power to imagine better. I believe that’s worthwhile. 

Coming to Clairemont 

I first heard of Clairemont Communications through the Hussman School’s weekly career services email. They stood out among the various company listings because they offered a real opportunity to be a part of the team. After my interview, I knew Clairemont was where I wanted to be. I could tell it was a special place to work, and I am thrilled to join such an innovative and passionate group of individuals. I can’t wait to learn more about the PR industry, as well as use storytelling and media in new and creative ways. 

Want to land your dream job or internship, too? Check out these stellar interview tips! Bonne chance!

By Clairemont intern Maia Guterbock, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill.

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clairemontcommunications

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!
This spring, Ali de la Vega is joining the Clairem This spring, Ali de la Vega is joining the Clairemont team as an intern! Ali is a Junior at NC State who prides herself in being a daughter and a Christian as well as an amateur athlete, overachiever and older sister. Learn more about her background and how she found a love for PR on our website!
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