Intern Intro – Meet Carlyle!
Hi everyone! I’m Carlyle McCoy, the new social media intern at Howard, Merrell & Partners. From time to time I will have the opportunity to contribute to the HM&P blog and am excited to share my perspective on the PR/Social Media world.
Originally from Chicago, I’m a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill majoring in political science and journalism. I’m excited and nervous to graduate, but I know that all the awesome experiences I’m going to have this semester at HM&P will absolutely help me after graduation.
Social media is a really big interest for me; I love the way that it is a young, new and exciting information outlet that allows everyone to be connected almost instantaneously. When I’m not on Facebook, Twitter or busy studying, I enjoy catching up on juicy celebrity gossip, being with my family and friends, traveling and watching sports.
I’m excited to see what my final semester has in store for me and can’t wait to delve more into the world of social media at HM&P!
Krispy Kreme Success: 6 Doughnuts
This past weekend was the Krispy Kreme Challenge, which I mentioned a few weeks back when I registered. The challenge is to run 2 miles, eat a dozen doughnuts, run 2 miles – all in under an hour. I did not sign up as a “challenger” but instead as a “casual” runner, with a goal of 5 doughnuts and no reversals.
Things got crazy – I ate 6. There were a few close calls, but no reversals. Right as my friends were telling me they thought I was going to lose it, the guy behind me did exactly that. He lost all of his doughnuts, inches from where we were standing. At that point, everyone who was trying to eat one more immediately stopped and we began the trek back.
There’s more strategy than you think in doughnut eating. I simply eat one a time, as quickly as possible. One friend smushes them together in what we call a “doughnut sandwich” – he is convinced it’s easier to eat this way. I also saw someone dipping them in water, which is just gross.
Who’s with me next year? Goal…maybe 7? Until then, no doughnuts for me.
What's Your Type?
Skimming through my Google Reader on this rainy Tuesday morning I found a fun questionnaire posted on PR Junkie. The quick, one minute survey, created by design firm Pentagram, tells you what typeface best fits your personality.
I found out I was Marina Script! What is your type?
Marina Script
There’s More than One Way to Skin a Gato – Part 1
Mother.
Family.
Education.
And success.
These are some of the core emotional touchstones an advertiser would do well to keep in mind when targeting Hispanics.
So, okay, let’s assume you’ve done that.
Now, how do you reach them?
(Outside of traditional media, which we’ll touch on in future posts.)
1. Hispanics tend to be group oriented.
They enjoy group outings such as soccer games, street fairs, and festivals.
So outdoor ads with simple messages located at or en route to these activities can generate large reach and frequency numbers at low cost.
2. Hispanics tend to shop in groups.
At the auto dealer, at the department store, at the supermarket, at the mall — you’ll often see Hispanics traveling in couples, trios, quartets, entire families.
That translates into more potential customers.
And more potential sales.
For example, “Buy One, Get One Half Off” deals can target both the shopper and the companions.
3. Hispanic families are often three-generational.
That means kids, parents, and grandparents.
So including the grandparents in ads targeting Hispanic families can be a wise marketing strategy.
4. Hispanics tend to place great stock in word-of-mouth.
When someone they respect speaks, Latinos listen.
So such a person’s endorsement of a product or service can be a powerful motivator for purchase or trial.
5. To Hispanics, relationships matter.
Latinos like to feel like a friend, not just a customer.
So in your advertising — and in your place of business — it pays to treat them as such.
:: :: ::
Next time we’ll talk about some other effective ways to reach Hispanics.
And why they work.
Stay tuned.
Mauldin Joins the PR Department
A warm welcome to Melea Mauldin! She joins the agency as an Account Executive in the Public Relations department.
Melea comes to us from Jackson Marketing Group, a full-service agency in Greenville, SC. In the past, she has provided PR support to BMW, BF Goodrich, Food Lion, and Bloom. With Melea’s solid media relations and event planning experience, we look forward to her helping the Howard, Merrell & Partners team raise visibility for our clients.
We are glad to have Melea, a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate, back in the Tarheel state.
View the announcement here.
