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.
Weekly Wrap #5
1. 22 Eye-Catching Ways to Create QR Codes
You’ve seen them. The small little squares with geometric shapes at the bottom of advertisements, direct mail, or even receipts – QR Codes. By simply downloading an app on your smartphone, users have the ability to snap a photo of the code which will then take you a website, video or even coupon for a particular product. But not all QR Codes are just pasted on print ads. Businesses and agencies have begun to incorporate other mediums to develop these codes, using food, spray paint or even grass to help catch a person’s eye. SimplyZest.com posted the top 22 most eye-catching ways to develop a QR code. Take a look and see which one is your favorite!
2. Who Needs Brushes?
When working at an advertising agency, you are constantly surrounded by creative ideas, concepts and artwork. Several of our own team members at HM&P even have been gracious enough to share and display their pieces in our café gallery. When a fellow co-worker shared a video about a Toronto-based artist named Amy Shackelton, I was shocked to see her secret aesthetic, she doesn’t use paint brushes! Check out this video of Amy working on one of her newest urban landscape pieces, “Terraced City”.
3. Facebook’s New Auto-sharing Features Could Expose Your Online Activity
Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook update announcement last week has generated a lot of buzz among users and the media. From the redesigned profile page to the new timeline feed, the majority of users will end up adapting to the new updates and continue to check their profile. However, users should be aware of the new auto-sharing feature that automatically shares what you’re doing on Facebook-connected apps. Instead of having to “Like” something to share it, users can click “Add to Timeline” on any website or app. The app will then have permission to share your activity with your Facebook friends including news articles you read online, viewed videos or even the music you listen to. Learn more here about this new feature and how you can adjust your privacy setting to help protect you from sharing your online activity with your fellow Facebook friends.
4. Study: PR is the second-most-caffeinated profession
In honor of yesterday’s National Coffee Day, I thought that this article from PRDaily.com was perfect for this week’s Weekly Wrap Up. As my fellow PR companions can attest to, there is never a dull moment in the life of public relations executive. That’s why I wasn’t surprised that a recent study from Dunkin’ Donuts and Career Builder ranked PR/Marketing professionals as the second-most-caffeinated profession “who need coffee to get through the daily grind”. I guess that’s why there was a 20+ email chain going around the office about the new Starbucks opening around the corner from our office?
5. UC Berkeley Scientists Reconstruct Brains’ Visions Into Digital Video
Last week, UC Berkeley reported a breakthrough that paves the way for reproducing the movies inside our heads. There was a lot of discussion around of office about this new report. Here’s what our COO and SVP of Media Assets, Donna Mercer, thought about this new technological advancement:
“Yes, a lot of us are movie/video producers. We do it all day long; take in information and rewrite it into our own personal stories that potentially look nothing like the input. While we want to believe we are totally rational in the way we see and interpret our world, we are in fact emotional creatures that take in bits and pieces of input and reconstruct it for our reality. While the research addresses applications for stroke and coma victims, just to mention a few, I wondered if the technology could be made cheap and accessible enough to work for the field of marketing and communications and what might it tell us? Possibly it could give us the opportunity to see if our communications actually get into people’s heads, then we might see how the input resides in their mind movie. How distorted or clear is the reprocessed imagery and how does the imagery translate with different demographic audiences.“
To learn more about this new system, click here.
Howard, Merrell & Partners snags five RPRS Sir Walter Raleigh awards
This Tuesday, Howard, Merrell & Partners earned several recognitions at the Raleigh Public Relations Society’s Sir Walter Raleigh Awards banquet, for compelling strategic communications through writing, event planning, social media, brand identity and audio/visuals.
HM&P's Cameron Reed, Courtney Beck, Anna Agnew and Rachel Kaylor accepted five awards on behalf of the company at the 2011 RPRS Sir Walter Raleigh Awards banquet.
HM&P took home a silver award for the effective use of the written word as shown through coordination, development and distribution of a Holiday Donations announcement on behalf of client, Butterball, LLC.
Additional campaigns recognized include the Butterball Millionth Bird Events, celebrating the production of the millionth whole bird produced at two of the client’s facilities and honoring a local veteran; the NutriDense Silage Web Moo.0 Contest reaching a number of industry “ag-vocates” via social media; the Precise Pet Products, LLC Holistic Complete Launch, an integrated campaign that introduced a new super-premium line of dog and cat food; and the Precise Pet Products Brand Video, “American Ingenuity,” which introduced the people and values behind the company.
The Sir Walter Raleigh Awards annual competition recognizes exemplary work by statewide public relations and communications practices that have achieved excellence in the field from small, independent organizations to full-service agencies.
These campaigns would not have been possible if it weren’t for the seamless integration of a number of the agency’s teams. Congrats to all involved!
Weekly Wrapup #2
1. Twitter reaches 100 million active monthly users
Twitter CEO, Dick Costolo, announced on Thursday that the platform is broadening its user base. According to Mr. Costolo, there are now 100 million worldwide active Twitter users monthly — up 82 percent since Jan. 1 — and half of them log in every day (with some 55 percent of them being mobile users). What constitutes “using”? Apparently 40 percent of them don’t tweet, or haven’t tweeted in the last month. He also noted that Twitter is on pace to add another 26 million active users in the next four months, equaling the total added in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 combined. What are your thoughts on the micro-blogging platform’s future? Read the full article at Ad Age and tweet us @hmandp.
2. Brandology – what’s in the mix?
With the vast assortment of online media opportunities, a brand has the opportunity to pick and choose where it decides to operate. Among so many assets there are five different types of media according to Brian Solis and JESS3 – paid, owned, earned, promoted and shared. By combining these types of media each brand’s “Brandsphere” can allow the brand to drive online experiences, conversation, and create new opportunities for the company. Find out more at Pop-ology.
3. Duke Study reveals social media marketing spending is on the rise
Social media is proving its worth to marketers. In fact, according to a new Duke University survey, marketing exec’s are planning to increase spending in social media in their overall marketing strategies, from the current level of 7.1 percent of their overall marketing budget to 10.1 percent during the next year. They also expect to see this percentage increase to 17.5 percent in the next five years. Despite the data, many U.S. companies still have not integrated social media into their overall marketing strategies. I think it’s safe to say that social media is not just trend, it’s a tool and for many a necessity. Check out the Triangle Business Journal for details.
4. Public Relations proves valuable in pharmaceutical brand growth
While pharmaceutical marketers have long used public relations to support their brands, recent field research from Best Practices, LLC suggests few companies have utilized the full potential of PR campaigns across the entire product lifecycle – preparing, launching, growing and extending the commercial life – of a brand.
According to the study, the phases that showed the most effective and active use of PR tactics are the pre-launch, launch and brand-building years. Indeed, nearly two-thirds of all research participants assessed many PR tools – both new and traditional – to be effective during launch and brand-building years.
5. Google works to ensure clean SEO business practices prevail
In the past, it’s been difficult for honest companies to rank well against some businesses using questionable SEO tactics to move their pages to the top. But that’s all changing as Google works feverishly to ensure that users get the most relevant results, eliminating scandalous SEO practices and rewarding innovative and engaging online marketing. Since Google’s 2011 Panda update, “black hatters” are suffering the repercussions of years of questionable practices, and ethical marketers are seeing their sites moving into the places they deserve. There are still important technical SEO principles to keep in mind, but since Panda, transparency, authenticity and creativity are more important than they’ve ever been. Three cheers for the SEO good guys!
Image by – JESS3 & Brian Solis Brandsphere
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.
Secrets of Agency PR: As Told By An Intern
Not one of my close friends at UNC is studying Public Relations. I always find myself surrounded by doctors-to-be, future politicians and bilingual gurus. Prior to my internship at Howard, Merrell & Partners, when people asked me what I was going to do with PR, my response always sounded more like a question. “Um, work in an agency or something?”
Even with a couple Journalism and PR classes under my belt, I was uncertain of what a career in PR even looked like. I had studied AP style and some basic terms bolded in my textbook, but nothing I’ve learned in my classes could ever compare to the experience I have had at HM&P over the past three months. More »
Open Position: Account Executive-PR and Social Media
We are searching for a Public Relations and Social Media Account Executive to provide support to national and regional accounts. Will be responsible for helping to manage day-to-day public relations activities and social media efforts, as well as collaborate with other internal departments to execute fully integrated communications campaigns.
Experience executing social media programs for companies/organizations a must. Strong writing skills required — i.e. press releases, newsletter articles, press kit materials, bylined articles and blog posts. Attention to detail and knowledge of AP style is required. Experience in textiles, outdoor and/or the food industry is strongly preferred.
Must have previous experience in national media relations and corporate branding campaigns. Should be able to effectively multi-task, work in team environment, and communicate with clients, team members and vendors. Knowledge and experience with trade shows and event management is preferred. Candidate should be a creative thinker, independent worker and team player with strong organizational skills.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree, at least four years relevant PR/Social Media experience (post graduation)
Send resumes to: sstyons@merrellgroup.com
Searching for An Associate Account Executive
We are looking for a Public Relations/Social Media Associate Account Executive to join our great team. Responsibilities include managing day-to-day public relations and social media activities, and collaborating with other internal departments to execute fully integrated communications campaigns.
Strong writing skills required — i.e. press releases, newsletter articles, blog posts, press kit materials, bylined articles. Attention to detail and knowledge of AP style a must.
Must have previous experience running a media relations program, pitching national and mainstream media, supporting corporate branding campaigns and managing social profiles. Should be able to effectively multi-task, work in team environment, and communicate with clients, team members and vendors. Knowledge and experience with trade shows and outdoor industry is preferred. Candidate should be a creative thinker, independent worker and team player with strong organizational skills.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree, at least two years relevant PR / social media experience (post graduation)
Send resumes to: sstyons@merrellgroup.com
HM&P Honored at NCPRSA InSpire Awards
Howard, Merrell & Partners brought home two recognitions from last week’s NCPRSA InSpire Awards banquet. We received an honorable mention (awarded to entries who scored in the top percentile) in Social Media for the NutriDense Silage Web Moo.0 Contest. We also received an honorable mention in Marketing (Consumer Products or Services, Business-to-Business) for the Precise Holistic Complete Launch.
There was some great work represented, so we were in good company!
And while this event was PR specific, you can see from the case studies that these campaigns certainly weren’t! Congrats to all involved.
