Tanker spills Candian Club on Ky. road
GEORGETOWN, Ky. -It was a "bottoms up" of a different variety.
http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20091112/NEWS0103/311110015
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
ANRs (from NewsUSA)
Why are ANRs Useful Promotional Tools
Social media has become PR’s “next big thing” – you Twitter and friend on Facebook, blog and update RSS feeds. But focus too much on new technology, and you’ll limit your audience.
Say that you’re planning a nationwide campaign. You build a Web page. You create a Twitter account and Myspace and Facebook pages. And that’s great – you’ve made your product name or message available to everyone with iPhones, Blackberries, laptops, desktops and high-speed Internet. But you’ve also ignored a considerable portion of your potential audience – all of the Americans who still rely on traditional media for news, entertainment and buying information.
Seniors and rural Americans may not have Internet capabilities, much less the ability to follow Tweets. In fact, television advertising may not reach everyone in rural demographics – studies suggest that small town Americans do not use television as their primary source of new information. What will help you reach these markets?
Considering that there are thousands more stations on the airwaves than television channels, you might want to use Audio News Releases (ANRs) as part of your next campaign.
Packaged as finished news pieces in an audio format, ANRs provide a reliable way to reach demographics that have not yet embraced social media. Typically lasting 60 seconds and containing one or two sound bites, ANRs work best when your client’s message is simple and concise, and appealing to a local or small market audience. While ANRs can find large market placement, they are most readily used by smaller radio stations, where short-staffed radio news teams need ready-to-broadcast content.
NewsUSA provides the following guidelines for creating a successful ANR:
The ANR should present actual news. Failing that, it should look and sound as much like “real news” as possible. ANRs work best when they present a clear consumer benefit, or “news you can use.”
The ANR should subtly announce its sponsoring organization without sounding overtly promotional. News stations want the spot to sound like a news story, not an advertisement. Quoting someone from the company is a simple way to gain or use name recognition without sound commercial. Attributing tips or information to the sponsoring organization also works well.
- ANRs should be brief. News teams simply won’t air long spots – they save those for original content. While you may be used to 60-second radio spots, radio announcers want 30-seconds spots to fill small time spots. For this reason, NewsUSA writes two 30-second scripts. You still get a total of 60 seconds for your radio message, but in the format that best appeals to radio news stations.
The ANR should provide contact information, such as a Web address or phone number, where editors, reporters and listeners can find more information. No matter how appealing and relevant, a 30-second radio spot cannot convey all of the details – make sure that listeners have a way to learn more.
- Don’t be afraid to add a human element with a brief case study or quotation. If using a statement from an expert, choose someone who uses simple language appropriate for a lay audience. Read ANRs aloud – the language should flow smoothly and words should be easy to say.
How can you ensure that radio stations will play your ANRs? Studies suggest that few major-market stations air ANRs, no matter how newsworthy their content. But that doesn’t mean that ANRs can’t be effective marketing tools – the key is to create and release ANRs through companies that promises placement, such as NewsUSA.
With promised placement, you know that your ANR will get aired. But unlike a standard commercial radio spot, the ANR will air during a prime-time news segment and sound like news. In fact, NewsUSA writes most of its radio spots from print features that have been approved by clients, though we also offer radio spots unrelated to print features.
Creating ANRs will help your message find a public radio audience while also streamlining costs and leaving spokespeople available for more pressing media interviews. ANRs allow you to control the content that reaches the public. An on-air interview can go poorly – with an ANR, you know that your message will come through exactly as you want it heard.
Social media has become PR’s “next big thing” – you Twitter and friend on Facebook, blog and update RSS feeds. But focus too much on new technology, and you’ll limit your audience.
Say that you’re planning a nationwide campaign. You build a Web page. You create a Twitter account and Myspace and Facebook pages. And that’s great – you’ve made your product name or message available to everyone with iPhones, Blackberries, laptops, desktops and high-speed Internet. But you’ve also ignored a considerable portion of your potential audience – all of the Americans who still rely on traditional media for news, entertainment and buying information.
Seniors and rural Americans may not have Internet capabilities, much less the ability to follow Tweets. In fact, television advertising may not reach everyone in rural demographics – studies suggest that small town Americans do not use television as their primary source of new information. What will help you reach these markets?
Considering that there are thousands more stations on the airwaves than television channels, you might want to use Audio News Releases (ANRs) as part of your next campaign.
Packaged as finished news pieces in an audio format, ANRs provide a reliable way to reach demographics that have not yet embraced social media. Typically lasting 60 seconds and containing one or two sound bites, ANRs work best when your client’s message is simple and concise, and appealing to a local or small market audience. While ANRs can find large market placement, they are most readily used by smaller radio stations, where short-staffed radio news teams need ready-to-broadcast content.
NewsUSA provides the following guidelines for creating a successful ANR:
The ANR should present actual news. Failing that, it should look and sound as much like “real news” as possible. ANRs work best when they present a clear consumer benefit, or “news you can use.”
The ANR should subtly announce its sponsoring organization without sounding overtly promotional. News stations want the spot to sound like a news story, not an advertisement. Quoting someone from the company is a simple way to gain or use name recognition without sound commercial. Attributing tips or information to the sponsoring organization also works well.
- ANRs should be brief. News teams simply won’t air long spots – they save those for original content. While you may be used to 60-second radio spots, radio announcers want 30-seconds spots to fill small time spots. For this reason, NewsUSA writes two 30-second scripts. You still get a total of 60 seconds for your radio message, but in the format that best appeals to radio news stations.
The ANR should provide contact information, such as a Web address or phone number, where editors, reporters and listeners can find more information. No matter how appealing and relevant, a 30-second radio spot cannot convey all of the details – make sure that listeners have a way to learn more.
- Don’t be afraid to add a human element with a brief case study or quotation. If using a statement from an expert, choose someone who uses simple language appropriate for a lay audience. Read ANRs aloud – the language should flow smoothly and words should be easy to say.
How can you ensure that radio stations will play your ANRs? Studies suggest that few major-market stations air ANRs, no matter how newsworthy their content. But that doesn’t mean that ANRs can’t be effective marketing tools – the key is to create and release ANRs through companies that promises placement, such as NewsUSA.
With promised placement, you know that your ANR will get aired. But unlike a standard commercial radio spot, the ANR will air during a prime-time news segment and sound like news. In fact, NewsUSA writes most of its radio spots from print features that have been approved by clients, though we also offer radio spots unrelated to print features.
Creating ANRs will help your message find a public radio audience while also streamlining costs and leaving spokespeople available for more pressing media interviews. ANRs allow you to control the content that reaches the public. An on-air interview can go poorly – with an ANR, you know that your message will come through exactly as you want it heard.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
PR Outlook May Not Be As Rosy As You Think…
PR Outlook May Not Be As Rosy As You Think…
But The Opportunity to “Win” The Social/Digital Game Is Strong
By Mark Sneider, Owner/President, RSW/US
In a recent survey conducted via by RSW/US, a market-leading, PR and Ad agency new business lead generation firm, there appears to be a clear and present opportunity for PR firms to take ownership of the social/digital space. Download full survey results at www.rswus.com.
The survey, conducted among 338 Marketers, Ad agency and PR executives in August, also suggests that PR firms might have a somewhat inflated view of the long-term health of the PR industry. 73% of PR executives state that they are “somewhat”, “very” or “extremely” optimistic about the outlook for the PR industry – which of course, in and of itself, is great. Unfortunately, this compares to only 51% of Marketers feeling the same way about the PR industry. While this is by no means a doom and gloom scenario, it certainly suggests that PR executives need to not take anything for granted. Stay alert, stay ahead of the trends, and as we’ll note later, it’s important to know all you can about the ins and outs of the value of social/digital media, as it can provide a real competitive advantage for the industry as a whole. It’s not just enough to know about what’s available in the social/digital space and have the resources available outside your four walls to satisfy client needs, it’s very important to know how to most effectively measure, integrate, and activate programs so more people see them and act on them.
With only 39% of Marketers believing that they are actively being supported by their marketing services firm with social/digital information and programs, there is clearly an opportunity for PR firms to help Marketers improve the way they do business in these mediums. PR firms might carry a slight advantage over Ad agencies in providing these insights and sharing expertise, as more of them (66%) believe that they are actively supporting their clients (versus Ad agency execs, where only 55% believe they are doing a decent job of supporting their clients’ social/digital needs).
In addition to having what appears to be a slight jump on the experience and resource game, PR firms also appear to have a jump on the measurement game as well – which also can be used to a PR firm’s advantage. 60% of PR firms (as compared to only 49% of Ad agencies) state that they measure the return on social/digital media.
This survey also confirms that on the whole, Marketers do not feel like they are on the cutting edge of the goings-on, in the social/digital space. This also presents opportunities for PR firms to educate Marketers on the benefits of social/digital programs by drawing from the insights and the knowledge that PR firms can more effectively bring to the table – given what could be for some, a longer-standing use of these mediums. Only 46% of Marketers state that they either “somewhat” or “strongly agree” that they are on the cutting edge of digital/social technology, as compared to 78% of PR executives and 66% of Ad agency executives. Clearly this presents an opportunity for PR firms to step in and leverage their broad-based experience to help Marketers better navigate this relatively new frontier.
As we at RSW/US reach out to prospects on behalf of our PR clients and our Ad clients, we find that prospective clients not only face the challenge of not knowing how to best tap into resources related to social/digital marketing, but they also don’t fully understand how to best utilize the mediums in ways that effectively support their brand, leverage more traditional mediums, and target in a manner that makes the best use of the space. It’s what we like to call “Activating Social Media”. So in the end, what you need to do, as you do your own reach out to prospects, is not only let them know you have a thorough understanding of what’s out there, but also let them know you understand how to use these mediums in ways that are going to maximize their investment in the space.
So bottom line is, PR firms have a window open to help Marketers – and potentially own the social/digital space. Key is showcasing expertise, insights, and knowledge of what’s available to clients today and how to best utilize programs and measure programs to help them maximize their success. Do this…and indeed, the outlook for the PR industry is bright and rosy.
Mark Sneider is Owner/President of RSW/US.
RSW/US is a market-leading agency-client relationship expert that operates on two levels:
1) They offer a uniquely efficient method for marketers/clients to search for marketing agencies - regardless of size or scope of the assignment;
2) They operate as a virtual new business development, lead generation firm for agencies. They help them better position themselves, they help find qualified leads and set meetings, and they help when appropriate, to facilitate the close.
But The Opportunity to “Win” The Social/Digital Game Is Strong
By Mark Sneider, Owner/President, RSW/US
In a recent survey conducted via by RSW/US, a market-leading, PR and Ad agency new business lead generation firm, there appears to be a clear and present opportunity for PR firms to take ownership of the social/digital space. Download full survey results at www.rswus.com.
The survey, conducted among 338 Marketers, Ad agency and PR executives in August, also suggests that PR firms might have a somewhat inflated view of the long-term health of the PR industry. 73% of PR executives state that they are “somewhat”, “very” or “extremely” optimistic about the outlook for the PR industry – which of course, in and of itself, is great. Unfortunately, this compares to only 51% of Marketers feeling the same way about the PR industry. While this is by no means a doom and gloom scenario, it certainly suggests that PR executives need to not take anything for granted. Stay alert, stay ahead of the trends, and as we’ll note later, it’s important to know all you can about the ins and outs of the value of social/digital media, as it can provide a real competitive advantage for the industry as a whole. It’s not just enough to know about what’s available in the social/digital space and have the resources available outside your four walls to satisfy client needs, it’s very important to know how to most effectively measure, integrate, and activate programs so more people see them and act on them.
With only 39% of Marketers believing that they are actively being supported by their marketing services firm with social/digital information and programs, there is clearly an opportunity for PR firms to help Marketers improve the way they do business in these mediums. PR firms might carry a slight advantage over Ad agencies in providing these insights and sharing expertise, as more of them (66%) believe that they are actively supporting their clients (versus Ad agency execs, where only 55% believe they are doing a decent job of supporting their clients’ social/digital needs).
In addition to having what appears to be a slight jump on the experience and resource game, PR firms also appear to have a jump on the measurement game as well – which also can be used to a PR firm’s advantage. 60% of PR firms (as compared to only 49% of Ad agencies) state that they measure the return on social/digital media.
This survey also confirms that on the whole, Marketers do not feel like they are on the cutting edge of the goings-on, in the social/digital space. This also presents opportunities for PR firms to educate Marketers on the benefits of social/digital programs by drawing from the insights and the knowledge that PR firms can more effectively bring to the table – given what could be for some, a longer-standing use of these mediums. Only 46% of Marketers state that they either “somewhat” or “strongly agree” that they are on the cutting edge of digital/social technology, as compared to 78% of PR executives and 66% of Ad agency executives. Clearly this presents an opportunity for PR firms to step in and leverage their broad-based experience to help Marketers better navigate this relatively new frontier.
As we at RSW/US reach out to prospects on behalf of our PR clients and our Ad clients, we find that prospective clients not only face the challenge of not knowing how to best tap into resources related to social/digital marketing, but they also don’t fully understand how to best utilize the mediums in ways that effectively support their brand, leverage more traditional mediums, and target in a manner that makes the best use of the space. It’s what we like to call “Activating Social Media”. So in the end, what you need to do, as you do your own reach out to prospects, is not only let them know you have a thorough understanding of what’s out there, but also let them know you understand how to use these mediums in ways that are going to maximize their investment in the space.
So bottom line is, PR firms have a window open to help Marketers – and potentially own the social/digital space. Key is showcasing expertise, insights, and knowledge of what’s available to clients today and how to best utilize programs and measure programs to help them maximize their success. Do this…and indeed, the outlook for the PR industry is bright and rosy.
Mark Sneider is Owner/President of RSW/US.
RSW/US is a market-leading agency-client relationship expert that operates on two levels:
1) They offer a uniquely efficient method for marketers/clients to search for marketing agencies - regardless of size or scope of the assignment;
2) They operate as a virtual new business development, lead generation firm for agencies. They help them better position themselves, they help find qualified leads and set meetings, and they help when appropriate, to facilitate the close.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Fantastic Article by Vanessa Horwell of ThinkInk
Beyond the Press Release
Think You Know PR? Think Again
by Vanessa Horwell,
The axiom that "the more things change, the more they remain the same" still holds truth. Today, like yesterday, visibility and credibility go a long way in forging meaningful relationships with customers, employees and media to produce real outcomes. The question is, what's so different about the way we're creating those relationships?
Earned media has never been more valuable; it's impossible to buy, after all. And while paid media's supporting role is very strong, companies are continuously looking for new ways to distribute authentic messages and engage others in what they do; corporate schtick has no place in that equation. But earned media is just that -- earned. As much as we'd like, we can't make people say great things about us unless they truly value and believe in what we do. So if PR is playing a greater role in achieving that missive, do we (and our clients) really get it?
PR is dead
Wrong. PR is more alive than ever; it's just morphed into something a lot bigger and at times, harder to define because the goalposts have moved so much. What is dead is the type of old-school PR that's practiced by those who believe a double-spaced template is the only way to communicate a company's story. Come on, people!
The press release is the axis of PR sins
Absolutely. I have said it before, and will keep saying it: The press release is a dinosaur. No one reads them. When was the last time you read a press release and reacted positively to it? See, journalists feel that pain, too. We can thank blithely ignorant PR people for that. It's okay -- I was one, too.
PR is about storytelling
Correct. A little creativity goes a very long way, but this isn't reinforced enough in PR school. No one wants to read a bunch of quotes from C-suiters. Whether it's PR through traditional channels or part of a social media campaign, journalists and consumers are looking for interesting stories -- something that adds knowledge and value to their existence, not details of a strategic partnership. Where's the story in that?
Journalists will love your story
Not always. But your mom will. One of the biggest struggles PR agencies face is saying no to clients' demands. We're on the front lines with media outlets daily, so we know that some stories should never see the light of day. Too often, clients confuse PR with marketing messages, not understanding the importance of creating a really great story that's devoid of nonsense such as "synergistic," "ROI," "realign" and "transcend."
PR takes care of itself
Wrong. One pitfall of companies is the mistaken assumption that PR takes care of itself. I liken a PR team to an engine that needs to be lubricated and filled with grade-A fuel regularly. A PR team cannot perform miracles without good substance. Companies that kick back and expect placements to come rolling in without input or extra effort are setting themselves up for dashed expectations, missed opportunities and a begrudging relationship, none of which are fun.
PR is about harnessing relationships
Bingo! PR is absolutely about relationships. It's about the agency-media relationship, and using those relationships to sell our clients. It's about the relationships that we're building on behalf of our clients. It's also about helping brands become stronger and creating awareness of who they are, as well as deflecting in times of crisis. It's about helping sales efforts and generating leads.
Really, the PR machine is a terrific multitasker. But as with any relationship, you have to nurture it, treat it with respect and help it grow. Anything less, and you may find yourself dumped.
So what have we learned?
PR can achieve many different things, but the game is changing quickly. As an industry, we need a firm grasp on what the marketplace demands, and our ability to deliver. We need to get tougher when it comes to expectations: We're being called upon to do a lot more with a lot less. It's time for us to gain more respect in what we do, by communicating exactly what it is that we do.
Think You Know PR? Think Again
by Vanessa Horwell,
The axiom that "the more things change, the more they remain the same" still holds truth. Today, like yesterday, visibility and credibility go a long way in forging meaningful relationships with customers, employees and media to produce real outcomes. The question is, what's so different about the way we're creating those relationships?
Earned media has never been more valuable; it's impossible to buy, after all. And while paid media's supporting role is very strong, companies are continuously looking for new ways to distribute authentic messages and engage others in what they do; corporate schtick has no place in that equation. But earned media is just that -- earned. As much as we'd like, we can't make people say great things about us unless they truly value and believe in what we do. So if PR is playing a greater role in achieving that missive, do we (and our clients) really get it?
PR is dead
Wrong. PR is more alive than ever; it's just morphed into something a lot bigger and at times, harder to define because the goalposts have moved so much. What is dead is the type of old-school PR that's practiced by those who believe a double-spaced template is the only way to communicate a company's story. Come on, people!
The press release is the axis of PR sins
Absolutely. I have said it before, and will keep saying it: The press release is a dinosaur. No one reads them. When was the last time you read a press release and reacted positively to it? See, journalists feel that pain, too. We can thank blithely ignorant PR people for that. It's okay -- I was one, too.
PR is about storytelling
Correct. A little creativity goes a very long way, but this isn't reinforced enough in PR school. No one wants to read a bunch of quotes from C-suiters. Whether it's PR through traditional channels or part of a social media campaign, journalists and consumers are looking for interesting stories -- something that adds knowledge and value to their existence, not details of a strategic partnership. Where's the story in that?
Journalists will love your story
Not always. But your mom will. One of the biggest struggles PR agencies face is saying no to clients' demands. We're on the front lines with media outlets daily, so we know that some stories should never see the light of day. Too often, clients confuse PR with marketing messages, not understanding the importance of creating a really great story that's devoid of nonsense such as "synergistic," "ROI," "realign" and "transcend."
PR takes care of itself
Wrong. One pitfall of companies is the mistaken assumption that PR takes care of itself. I liken a PR team to an engine that needs to be lubricated and filled with grade-A fuel regularly. A PR team cannot perform miracles without good substance. Companies that kick back and expect placements to come rolling in without input or extra effort are setting themselves up for dashed expectations, missed opportunities and a begrudging relationship, none of which are fun.
PR is about harnessing relationships
Bingo! PR is absolutely about relationships. It's about the agency-media relationship, and using those relationships to sell our clients. It's about the relationships that we're building on behalf of our clients. It's also about helping brands become stronger and creating awareness of who they are, as well as deflecting in times of crisis. It's about helping sales efforts and generating leads.
Really, the PR machine is a terrific multitasker. But as with any relationship, you have to nurture it, treat it with respect and help it grow. Anything less, and you may find yourself dumped.
So what have we learned?
PR can achieve many different things, but the game is changing quickly. As an industry, we need a firm grasp on what the marketplace demands, and our ability to deliver. We need to get tougher when it comes to expectations: We're being called upon to do a lot more with a lot less. It's time for us to gain more respect in what we do, by communicating exactly what it is that we do.
Do I make my staff Crazy? maybe sometimes...
British PR man suffers breakdown due to boss
And you think your boss is nasty. Richard Saville-Smith, 48, a senior public relations executive in Scotland, told an employment tribunal in Edinburgh that management at EventScotland, the compay where he worked, had “put him in hospital”, blaming an increased workload, a lack of support, and their dismissive attitude to his expert advice, according to The Times Charlene Sweeney. (Sound familiar?) “He alleges he was unfairly discriminated against under disability legislation, and claims the strain caused him to suffer his first bipolar episode in 13 years,” Sweeney wrote.
And you think your boss is nasty. Richard Saville-Smith, 48, a senior public relations executive in Scotland, told an employment tribunal in Edinburgh that management at EventScotland, the compay where he worked, had “put him in hospital”, blaming an increased workload, a lack of support, and their dismissive attitude to his expert advice, according to The Times Charlene Sweeney. (Sound familiar?) “He alleges he was unfairly discriminated against under disability legislation, and claims the strain caused him to suffer his first bipolar episode in 13 years,” Sweeney wrote.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
yep, we're 18th in the country.
not bad for some country bumpkin from outside of cleveland...
Cincinnati PR Firm Ranks 18th Among Nations Top Beauty & Fashion PR Firms
Eisen Marketing Group Only Firm in Ohio, Kentucky or Indiana Selected
Cincinnati, OH — September 15, 2009 — Where do you find the top fashion and beauty public relations firms? New York. Chicago. Los Angeles….and Cincinnati
Eisen Marketing Group (EMG), the largest public relations firm in Greater Cincinnati, has been named the 18th ranked public relations firm in the United States in the Beauty & Fashion category, that according to the September 2009 Beauty & Fashion issue of O’Dwyer’s PR Report.
O’Dwyer’s is a national trade publication that compiles rankings based on a variety of criteria including work product, community relations, personnel and revenue. EMG is also ranked in the overall top 150 independent public relations firms in the country according to O’Dwyer’s.
“EMG is proud of its continued growth and proud to be recognized by our peers and by such a respected publication as O’Dwyers. This recognition is not only good for our firm and our clients, but also for our city and this region in proving that we are on par with firms in major markets,” EMG president and owner Rodger Roeser said. “EMG owes its success to our clients who have enabled us over the years to apply our craft and deliver growth to our clientele. That hard work and those efforts have led to the organic and sustained growth of this firm. I am proud of this achievement and hope that it is only the beginning of more great accomplishments to come.”
Eisen Marketing Group was the only independent public relations firm in the Cincinnati area to be included in with prestigious firms from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta. The firm works with a number of health and beauty clients, including the creation and execution of multiple award winning programs with Tiaga Bioactives, Botaneco, Hydresia, Dr. Kranes and American Joe Apparel and many others.
About EMG
Eisen Marketing Group is the largest public relations firm in Greater Cincinnati, and works with clientele in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, restaurant, retail, government, commercial and professional services sectors. The award winning PR firm offers both traditional and nontraditional public relations services, including podcast development, viral, experiential and promotions. Privately owned, EMG has a proud record of community relations including its Operation Outreach Program and the EMG Scholarship Fund. More information can be accessed at www.BestCincinnatiPRFirm.com.
###
Cincinnati PR Firm Ranks 18th Among Nations Top Beauty & Fashion PR Firms
Eisen Marketing Group Only Firm in Ohio, Kentucky or Indiana Selected
Cincinnati, OH — September 15, 2009 — Where do you find the top fashion and beauty public relations firms? New York. Chicago. Los Angeles….and Cincinnati
Eisen Marketing Group (EMG), the largest public relations firm in Greater Cincinnati, has been named the 18th ranked public relations firm in the United States in the Beauty & Fashion category, that according to the September 2009 Beauty & Fashion issue of O’Dwyer’s PR Report.
O’Dwyer’s is a national trade publication that compiles rankings based on a variety of criteria including work product, community relations, personnel and revenue. EMG is also ranked in the overall top 150 independent public relations firms in the country according to O’Dwyer’s.
“EMG is proud of its continued growth and proud to be recognized by our peers and by such a respected publication as O’Dwyers. This recognition is not only good for our firm and our clients, but also for our city and this region in proving that we are on par with firms in major markets,” EMG president and owner Rodger Roeser said. “EMG owes its success to our clients who have enabled us over the years to apply our craft and deliver growth to our clientele. That hard work and those efforts have led to the organic and sustained growth of this firm. I am proud of this achievement and hope that it is only the beginning of more great accomplishments to come.”
Eisen Marketing Group was the only independent public relations firm in the Cincinnati area to be included in with prestigious firms from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta. The firm works with a number of health and beauty clients, including the creation and execution of multiple award winning programs with Tiaga Bioactives, Botaneco, Hydresia, Dr. Kranes and American Joe Apparel and many others.
About EMG
Eisen Marketing Group is the largest public relations firm in Greater Cincinnati, and works with clientele in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, restaurant, retail, government, commercial and professional services sectors. The award winning PR firm offers both traditional and nontraditional public relations services, including podcast development, viral, experiential and promotions. Privately owned, EMG has a proud record of community relations including its Operation Outreach Program and the EMG Scholarship Fund. More information can be accessed at www.BestCincinnatiPRFirm.com.
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Friday, August 28, 2009
OMG, it's been a month since i've posted
okay, i'm a slacker. the goodship EMG is crazy busy right now. we are flying along with new client additions, new programs and in general, lots of exciting endeavors. That Marketing Show continues to do well, we've added audio clipping services and of course pushing our audio podcasting expertise, welcomed new clients in the form of Vennefron Signs, Jefferson Hall, Kenwood Towne Place (Cincinnati Subcontractors Alliance), the AVP, Hobson's, and are in the throws of a massive new consumer launch for US Pharma and their new MyClyns germ killing spray designed for the consumer market, the huge book program for Roto-Rooter... All of this growth has come organically -- reaching out, meeting with folks, doing good work and our name being passed along. Rarely do we respond to RFPs. In general, i find them kind of insulting and a bit lazy on the part of the potential client. I believe in my career i have responded to less than 10 RFPs -- and I believe I've won half, so not a bad track record, but i've probably turned down dozens. just not worth it. That said, great article today from the Council of PR Firms about creating and responding to an RFP. Great stuff. Rockstar out!
RFPs (Request for Proposals) can be useful in a marketing agency search. However, many are vague and alienate agencies. Recently cited in The Council of Public Relations Firms' The Firm Voice, "What Clients Want in RFPs," I critiqued agencies. But there's a lot clients can do to get better responses.
Agencies come in all shapes and sizes. Many may look alike, but there's a ton of difference among them. While it may be necessary to compare agency apples to apples, it's harder when there are oranges and even some pineapples in the mix, too. There's a big difference between capabilities and expertise.
Often companies make the mistake of conducting an agency search too early, knowing it can weeks or months of agency presentations. Problem is, things change. Quickly. Budgets get cut, focus shifts and you may find the agency ready to hire is not so well-suited anymore. Now, you have to the search start over and your launch is delayed.
If you must issue an RFP, consider the following best practices:
� Wait till you're ready to hire. Get management team buy-in, agree on a general scope of work, budget range and allocate the time and resources needed.
� Avoid the long list. Blanket RFPs to a "long list" of agencies risk alienating gems. It takes work to provide a thoughtful response. Smaller agencies with limited resources need to be selective about pitching. Issue to a few that you would consider hiring.
� Get the right short-list. Everyone has a network. But not necessarily the right players at the right time. Many agencies can be easily eliminated (and better targeted) without wasting everyone's time.
� Make the RFP short and savvy. Brief the agency and give them enough information to properly respond. Include the situation and reason for the pitch, agency expectations, criteria set and how and why a decision will be made.
Save and your team a lot of time and headaches and do your research, or work with a search consultancy to get the right selection and ask the right questions. Especially when teams are spread thin, time is valuable.
To read the article (on how agencies screw up), visit http://tinyurl.com/WhatClientsWantinRFPs
RFPs (Request for Proposals) can be useful in a marketing agency search. However, many are vague and alienate agencies. Recently cited in The Council of Public Relations Firms' The Firm Voice, "What Clients Want in RFPs," I critiqued agencies. But there's a lot clients can do to get better responses.
Agencies come in all shapes and sizes. Many may look alike, but there's a ton of difference among them. While it may be necessary to compare agency apples to apples, it's harder when there are oranges and even some pineapples in the mix, too. There's a big difference between capabilities and expertise.
Often companies make the mistake of conducting an agency search too early, knowing it can weeks or months of agency presentations. Problem is, things change. Quickly. Budgets get cut, focus shifts and you may find the agency ready to hire is not so well-suited anymore. Now, you have to the search start over and your launch is delayed.
If you must issue an RFP, consider the following best practices:
� Wait till you're ready to hire. Get management team buy-in, agree on a general scope of work, budget range and allocate the time and resources needed.
� Avoid the long list. Blanket RFPs to a "long list" of agencies risk alienating gems. It takes work to provide a thoughtful response. Smaller agencies with limited resources need to be selective about pitching. Issue to a few that you would consider hiring.
� Get the right short-list. Everyone has a network. But not necessarily the right players at the right time. Many agencies can be easily eliminated (and better targeted) without wasting everyone's time.
� Make the RFP short and savvy. Brief the agency and give them enough information to properly respond. Include the situation and reason for the pitch, agency expectations, criteria set and how and why a decision will be made.
Save and your team a lot of time and headaches and do your research, or work with a search consultancy to get the right selection and ask the right questions. Especially when teams are spread thin, time is valuable.
To read the article (on how agencies screw up), visit http://tinyurl.com/WhatClientsWantinRFPs
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