5 Simple Guidelines for Better Workforce Integration
As an integrated firm, Howard, Merrell & Partners offers clients a one-stop shop for their marketing and business consulting needs. Sure, we offer public relations, social media, advertising, interactive, media planning, research, analytics, direct response, and strategic consulting all under one roof. But this doesn’t guarantee an integrated offering. Likewise, funneling all services through one account manager doesn’t ensure that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Rather, value in integration comes when the parts are working together toward a common goal. I’ve listed five guidelines that might just help you achieve greater integration: More »
In The Spotlight – Scott Adkins: Photography
Scott Adkins first started his venture into the world of photography 20 years ago. Although his photography is self-taught, his shots of breathtaking nature through the view of his camera lens are professional and moving.
Key Takeaways from my Semester Internship with HM&P
As the fall semester quickly comes to a close, I find myself one step closer to my college graduation. I frequently reminisce on my experiences as an undergraduate public relations student at UNC-Chapel Hill during my daydreams, amazed by the fact that less than six months of coursework separates me from my diploma. However, I also remember the leaps and bounds I’ve taken to prepare myself for life outside the lecture hall. Integrating academics, extra-curricular activities, and internships within my undergraduate career, I feel more and more prepared for graduate life with each opportunity I encounter and embrace.
When Is A Project “Good Enough?”
HM&P Creative Director, Billy Barnes, sits down with local photographer and creative blogger, Charles Gupton, to discuss his take on the creative process. Specifically knowing when it’s time to put the pencils down. Read the post here >
RPRS Honors HM&P with Five Awards
We recently came home with five awards from the Raleigh Public Relations Society’s (RPRS) annual Sir Walter Raleigh Awards banquet. The agency was recognized for its successful implementation of strategic public relations, social media and event planning on behalf of Butterball, LLC, BASF Plant Science’s NutriDense® Silage brand, and Precise® Pet Products.
What we won:
- Silver Award in the public relations writing category for the organization and distribution of Butterball’s 2010 Holiday Donations announcement. The donations announcement helped to increase the client’s visibility throughout the holiday season.
- Honorable Mention in the organizational identity and promotion category for the agency’s leadership and support of the Precise Holistic Complete product launch.
- Honorable Mention in the special events category for the coordination of Butterball’s Millionth Bird Events, celebrating the production of the millionth whole bird produced at two facilities and using that milestone to honor a local veteran.
- Honorable Mention in social media for the promotion and outreach efforts of the NutriDense Silage Web Moo.0 Contest.
- Honorable Mention in the audio/visual presentation category for the Precise Pets Products Brand “American Ingenuity” video.
Congratulations to all the folks who participated in these efforts and for continuing to provide clients with great work! Check out the release on the Sir Walter Raleigh Awards.
HM&P Speaks at NCTA Meeting
Our own Scott Piggott, Shavette Purvis and Mariana Pinner recently spoke at a North Carolina Technology Association luncheon. The audience was comprised of marketing professionals who work in the technology sector.
Scott opened up by talking about the marketing funnel – influence, engagement and transition – and how social media is apparent at every part of that funnel. Mariana provided a primer on social media, providing tips as well as real-life examples of companies using different social media techniques successfully. Shavette gave an overview of digital analytics, as well as how and when put tools in place to be able to properly measure online the activity and impact of online efforts. It is important not to forget to track the effectiveness of social media and other digital tactics.
It was a great session where everyone seemed to walk away learning something new about the ever-changing on-line world, which relies so heavily on social media and digital analytics.
Chicken Soup for the Intern’s Soul
I have just finished my fifth week interning here at HM&P and I already know that this is a very beneficial experience! As a soon to be graduate from NC State, I could not be more excited and terrified at the same time – December 17th is coming a lot faster than I expected. Sure, I have learned the basics through my communication classes: how to put together a press kit, how to prepare for a crisis situation, and the basics of social media strategy, but what is learned outside of the classroom enhances all those many hours of lectures.
I knew coming into this internship that I am an underdog when it comes to my writing skills. Going through high school I knew my strengths were math and science, trust me, my teachers knew that too. After struggling through English and history classes, I thought all I wanted to do was engineering. With 9 months of engineering classes under my belt, my vision of the sciences quickly faded away. If my high school English teachers could see me now, writing press releases and blog posts, I think they would agree that this is not what we expected.
Besides enhancing my writing skills, interning at HM&P has already taught me the true meaning of multi-tasking. I am only here for four hours a day, three days a week and within those 12 hours, I am expected to schedule my time and be able to switch gears at any given moment. For two hours I might work on a PowerPoint presentation for a client, the next hour write a press release for another, and then wrap up my day with some online research.
I am truly grateful for all the new experiences I will have here at HM&P and I know I will learn far more than I am expecting to…stay tuned!
Be Prepared
An earthquake, a hurricane, a tornado, thunderstorms, a hailstorm – Mother Nature provided us with a challenging couple of weeks.
In most cases, we were warned about what was to come and we were able to prepare. We boarded up windows, purchased non-perishable goods, protected outdoor items from the harsh weather to come, ensured flashlights had batteries, etc…
We also talked to our clients to ensure they were prepared. What if they had to shut down a facility? What if roads were closed and important deliveries could not happen on time. What if there was power loss or water damage in their offices? What if their employees were affected?
Just like we prepare for situations to protect our families and personal belongings, organizations should prepare as well.
A natural disaster is just one of many situations that could cause a “crisis”. A crisis is any situation that threatens the integrity or reputation of an organization. These situations can be a legal dispute, theft, accident, fire, flood or manmade disaster that could be attributed to an organization. It can also be a situation where, in the eyes of the media or general public, an organization did not react to one of the above situations in the appropriate manner. But, handled correctly, the damage can be minimized.
Ideally an organization is prepared well before a crisis occurs – because they have a crisis plan. Elements of a plan include:
- Designating a crisis team
- Choosing a spokesperson(s) and ensuring he/she is prepared to speak publicly
- Creating the organization’s positioning in certain scenarios
- Developing media policies and procedures (i.e. who is allowed to speak to the media)
- Preparing statements for certain (standard) scenarios
- Defining audiences and best ways to communicate with them
- Keeping track of actions taken, next steps per audience
When there is a chance of rain, I bring an umbrella. The majority of the time, I don’t need it…but it makes me feel good to have it (just in case).
A crisis plan is no different. Be prepared.
15 years! – Congrats Laura Gross
Congratulations to Laura Gross. She is celebrating 15 years with the agency.
As the PR and Event Services Manager, Laura specializes in planning and coordinating special events such as tradeshows and gatherings for clients and the agency. She also supports the public relations and social media teams with crucial monitoring efforts and project management assistance.
Laura cares about the people who work here and is committed to the clients we service. She is a wonderful part of the Howard, Merrell & Partners family.
There is more information in the press release.
New Account Executive: Kayla Bourgeois
We have a new addition to the Account Management department, Kayla Bourgeois. In her role as an AE, she will develop and implement marketing strategies as well as manage the day-to-day advertising and communications activities for several clients, including Georgia-Pacific Professional and Barton College.
Kayla brings with her comprehensive experience in project management and digital media – a great combination. Before joining the agency, Kayla served as a project manager at Centerline Digital where she gained extensive knowledge across all media. She also worked as a broadcast technician at WRAL-TV and a video editor and quality assurance engineer at Oasys Mobile. Most recently, Kayla developed an initiative called “Rebuild Raleigh” to help raise money for the rebuilding efforts of Raleigh after the April 2011 tornadoes.
Please welcome this Appalachian State grad to the Howard, Merrell & Partners family! Check out the release on Kayla.
