By Ryan Banfill
RBanfill@RonSachs.com
You caught me, red handed. I admit it. I confess and throw myself on the mercy of the court.
I am a political junkie.
I not only hunger for public policy news, I actively seek it out so I can get my next fix. I can’t start my day without Morning Joe. In the evenings, while my daughter watches American Idol, I bounce from MSNBC to Fox News to CNN to C-SPAN and back again.
When I get insomnia on the weekends I often find myself watching replays of legislative committee meetings on the Florida Channel -- and I enjoy it.
In fact, as I write this, I’m watching the final passage of the reconciliation fix to the federal health care reform bill.
Yes, what lawmakers refer to as “the process” was made for people like me. I sincerely like watching the legislative “sausage” being made.
And, the process produces a lot of interesting stories for political junkies like me. Stories that unfortunately don’t get the attention they deserve.
How can a bill entitled, an act related to (fill in the blank and name your favorite bill subject here) ever compete with the latest sagas involving the indiscretions of famous celebrities and D-listers who are not as famous.
So, one day my colleagues and I were sitting around kvetching about the impact of a smaller press corps and shrinking news holes on the coverage of news and policy issues out of the Capitol.
Then the proverbial light bulb collectively went off above our heads.
We hit on an idea to create a web site where people could read in real time the assorted press releases that come out of the Capitol on a daily basis.
We set out, built the web site and dubbed it CapitalSoup.com where readers can get news “straight from the source.”
Since we launched CapitalSoup.com, this news has been steadily coming through my in-box and I’ve been spending a good amount of time lately updating the site.
It is fascinating how much news is produced in Tallahassee on a daily basis. It is also sobering the amount of time and resources that are dedicated to getting this information out to the public. Too often, the laudable effort that goes on daily to inform people about what our government and elected representatives has ended up in limbo.
In essence, we have witnessed suspended animation for public information.
We hope CapitalSoup.com will provide some light for the news that often doesn’t get the attention of a stretched-too-thin press corps but deserves to gain notice of information-hungry political and policy junkies.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Friday, October 30, 2009
Words Can Be "Da Balm"
MICHELLE UBBEN, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
As a mother, I love all my children. But as a writer, I have my favorites -- those words I love to use and those I’d gladly see stricken from the popular parlance.
I am not alone in this. Surveys show most people have positive or negative reactions to some words. As Kristi Gustafson wrote in a recent column, those reactions may be driven by how a word sounds or what it means. For instance, mellifluous made the popular list, and for good reason. The word is a delight to the tongue. It sounds like the harp scale ringtone on my cell phone. It has a natural calming effect like a warm cup of lemon balm. There’s another word that sounds like what it is: balm. Maybe it’s the way your mouth has to slow down to enunciate the “l” and the “m” right next to each other. You can just hear the word stretching over something painful, like a wound, and soothing it.
Another well-liked word that sounds like what it means is discombobulate. I think we like it for the very reason that it packs so much meaning into a single word - it saves us the labor of a longer description. My family uses a related word that I believe may be, to quote my mother, a “homemader.” It’s cattywompus and it sort of means “askew” yet it captures the meaning so much more effectively. Use it this way: The drawer doesn’t close all the way because it’s all cattywompus. It may also be used to describe the typical child’s bedroom.
Then there are the words that sound like what they are in a negative way. Words like mucus and phlegm come to mind – and throat. Just hearing these words can make me gag. I think it should be considered a violation of basic social etiquette to use them at all.
Many of the words that are the most fun to say come from Yiddish. One of my favorites is “noodge,” an essential word for anyone with more than one child. This versatile word functions well as either a noun or a verb, meaning about the same, ie. “Stop being a noodge! Leave your sister alone.”
Finally, there are words I love, not for how they sound, but for the potency of their meaning. The best of this class is hubris, which means arrogance so extreme it draws the attention and wrath of the gods. Wow! That’s a whole Greek tragedy contained in a single word. You’ve got to love it.
As a mother, I love all my children. But as a writer, I have my favorites -- those words I love to use and those I’d gladly see stricken from the popular parlance.
I am not alone in this. Surveys show most people have positive or negative reactions to some words. As Kristi Gustafson wrote in a recent column, those reactions may be driven by how a word sounds or what it means. For instance, mellifluous made the popular list, and for good reason. The word is a delight to the tongue. It sounds like the harp scale ringtone on my cell phone. It has a natural calming effect like a warm cup of lemon balm. There’s another word that sounds like what it is: balm. Maybe it’s the way your mouth has to slow down to enunciate the “l” and the “m” right next to each other. You can just hear the word stretching over something painful, like a wound, and soothing it.
Another well-liked word that sounds like what it means is discombobulate. I think we like it for the very reason that it packs so much meaning into a single word - it saves us the labor of a longer description. My family uses a related word that I believe may be, to quote my mother, a “homemader.” It’s cattywompus and it sort of means “askew” yet it captures the meaning so much more effectively. Use it this way: The drawer doesn’t close all the way because it’s all cattywompus. It may also be used to describe the typical child’s bedroom.
Then there are the words that sound like what they are in a negative way. Words like mucus and phlegm come to mind – and throat. Just hearing these words can make me gag. I think it should be considered a violation of basic social etiquette to use them at all.
Many of the words that are the most fun to say come from Yiddish. One of my favorites is “noodge,” an essential word for anyone with more than one child. This versatile word functions well as either a noun or a verb, meaning about the same, ie. “Stop being a noodge! Leave your sister alone.”
Finally, there are words I love, not for how they sound, but for the potency of their meaning. The best of this class is hubris, which means arrogance so extreme it draws the attention and wrath of the gods. Wow! That’s a whole Greek tragedy contained in a single word. You’ve got to love it.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Let’s channel our college selves
IVETTE MARQUES, SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
This week, I participated in the FAMU Career Fair representing the FPRA Capital Chapter. It was such a refreshing event that I felt the need to write about it. During the hour I spent at FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, I interviewed three young men who are in the PR program. Talking to them about the industry and hearing about their hopes and dreams was so energizing.
These students who have yet to enter the working world are full of life and ideas and excitement. It was wonderful hearing about what they’re involved in right now from launching a female rapper to volunteering at a local middle school to writing poetry. They were fascinated by stories about some of my clients and work experiences and eager to get their feet wet in PR. They want to be role models and change agents and influencers – they want someone to take a chance on them when they graduate this December. And I hope someone does as Ron Sachs took a chance on me, giving a TV reporter the opportunity to work in PR.
I know sometimes we have long, hard days and we feel down, but during those times we should channel our college selves. Go back to those days when everything was fresh and unknown and full of possibilities. I think that’s how we should approach every day of our lives. In reality, we don’t know what’s going to happen on any given day and if we start each day with that sense of wonder and excitement things can only look up!
This week, I participated in the FAMU Career Fair representing the FPRA Capital Chapter. It was such a refreshing event that I felt the need to write about it. During the hour I spent at FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, I interviewed three young men who are in the PR program. Talking to them about the industry and hearing about their hopes and dreams was so energizing.
These students who have yet to enter the working world are full of life and ideas and excitement. It was wonderful hearing about what they’re involved in right now from launching a female rapper to volunteering at a local middle school to writing poetry. They were fascinated by stories about some of my clients and work experiences and eager to get their feet wet in PR. They want to be role models and change agents and influencers – they want someone to take a chance on them when they graduate this December. And I hope someone does as Ron Sachs took a chance on me, giving a TV reporter the opportunity to work in PR.
I know sometimes we have long, hard days and we feel down, but during those times we should channel our college selves. Go back to those days when everything was fresh and unknown and full of possibilities. I think that’s how we should approach every day of our lives. In reality, we don’t know what’s going to happen on any given day and if we start each day with that sense of wonder and excitement things can only look up!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Ron Sachs Rhinos in the Community
MARILYN SIETS, BUSINESS MANAGER
On Saturday, October 17, 2009, the Ron Sachs Communications staff participated in the Start! Heart Walk to support the Big Bend Chapter of the American Heart Association. The overall turnout was great and Ron Sachs Communications raised $1,000 towards the Heart Association’s $350k goal.
Joining me at the walk were Michelle, Carmella, Ivette, Marlene and Erica. Our family members and four legged friends accompanied us at the walk, too. It was great weather for walking and entire team enjoyed it immensely.
Ron Sachs Communications has a long tradition of community involvement. We love supporting events and causes that work to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors. In fact, we are currently gearing up for this year’s United Way fund raising campaign!
In recognition of our deep community involvement, Florida Trend recently recognized Ron Sachs Communications as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Florida.
A big "Thank You!" goes out to all those who had a part in our efforts!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Survey Shows Social Media Use Gaining Ground
MICHELLE UBBEN, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
A new national survey of corporations about their use of social media tools and strategies, published in the October issue of PRWeek, confirms that social media is changing corporate communications, probably permanently. But the shape of that change is very much in flux. The survey responses confirm that we are in a period of intense experimentation, with varying levels of acceptance, styles of application and evidence of ROI.
One fact is clear: Although social media is essentially “free,” lots of dollars are flowing in an effort to harness its power, most of them diverted from advertising budgets.
The primary application of social media by corporate America is to shape conversations about the brand, but fully 45% use it to simply listen. Does all that listening have an impact? Apparently so: More than a third of those surveyed say they have changed their products or marketing efforts based on social media feedback.
The introduction of the two-way conversation is surely the most radical change ushered in by the social media phenomenon. While much of the focus of traditional communication – PR and advertising – involves shaping perceptions by controlling the message, social media is only effective if it is treated as a true conversation. Nobody likes someone who does all the talking. That means customers get to say what they think of corporate brands, products and services, unfiltered and unvarnished. And that’s scary.
In fact, fear does play a role in companies’ failure to implement social media strategies – engaging in a public conversation seems risky to a brand. And yet, fear is not even close to being the biggest barrier to implementation: 53% cite lack of internal resources or time and 43% cite lack of knowledge or expertise.
Primary uses of social media? Sixty-five percent say they connect with customers, 63% build brand awareness and 49% manage brand reputation, yet only 29% found it important for crisis communication.
Where will all this tweeting lead? Look for growing acceptance among the 37% who say they don’t currently use social media tools and increasing experimentation among those who do. And, of course, expect everyone to attempt to find ways to use social media to boost sales without turning conversations into a sales pitch. THAT would surely be bad form.
A new national survey of corporations about their use of social media tools and strategies, published in the October issue of PRWeek, confirms that social media is changing corporate communications, probably permanently. But the shape of that change is very much in flux. The survey responses confirm that we are in a period of intense experimentation, with varying levels of acceptance, styles of application and evidence of ROI.
One fact is clear: Although social media is essentially “free,” lots of dollars are flowing in an effort to harness its power, most of them diverted from advertising budgets.
The primary application of social media by corporate America is to shape conversations about the brand, but fully 45% use it to simply listen. Does all that listening have an impact? Apparently so: More than a third of those surveyed say they have changed their products or marketing efforts based on social media feedback.
The introduction of the two-way conversation is surely the most radical change ushered in by the social media phenomenon. While much of the focus of traditional communication – PR and advertising – involves shaping perceptions by controlling the message, social media is only effective if it is treated as a true conversation. Nobody likes someone who does all the talking. That means customers get to say what they think of corporate brands, products and services, unfiltered and unvarnished. And that’s scary.
In fact, fear does play a role in companies’ failure to implement social media strategies – engaging in a public conversation seems risky to a brand. And yet, fear is not even close to being the biggest barrier to implementation: 53% cite lack of internal resources or time and 43% cite lack of knowledge or expertise.
Primary uses of social media? Sixty-five percent say they connect with customers, 63% build brand awareness and 49% manage brand reputation, yet only 29% found it important for crisis communication.
Where will all this tweeting lead? Look for growing acceptance among the 37% who say they don’t currently use social media tools and increasing experimentation among those who do. And, of course, expect everyone to attempt to find ways to use social media to boost sales without turning conversations into a sales pitch. THAT would surely be bad form.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Social Media: Join the Conversation
The PowerPoint presentation from the Social Media workshop at the Tallahassee Chamber Annual Meeting.
Social Media Prez 10 09
View more presentations from rosemaryoldendorf.
Social Media: Join the Conversation
IVETTE MARQUES, SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Erica Villanueva and I just got into the office, although it’s only 10:30 a.m. – it feels like a full day of work. We started our morning at the Tallahassee Chamber’s Annual Meeting where Matt Brown, President & CEO of Premier Bank was installed as the new chairman.
Following the breakfast meeting, there were three breakout sessions. Erica and I presented one of the workshops: “Social Media: Join the Conversation.” It was really exciting to have a room full of small business owners and community leaders eager to learn about social media or expand their use.
Our presentation was simple and focused on the “rules of engagement” – featuring real examples of how businesses are using social media and showcasing what works and what doesn’t. Our goal was to show Tallahassee businesses how other local businesses are using social media and what they can do to get involved.
Thanks to everyone who attended our workshop and all the wonderful feedback. We hope to see you on Twitter soon, follow us at @IvetteMarques and @EricaVillanueva and follow Ron Sachs Communications @RonSachsCom.
We’ve posted the PowerPoint presentation in our blog above and provided a link (below) to the Red Cross Social Media Policy we mentioned during the presentation.
If you have any questions or need more information please email us at Ivette@ronsachs.com or Erica@ronsachs.com.
Red Cross Social Media Policy
http://sites.google.com/site/wharman/social-media-strategy-handbook
Erica Villanueva and I just got into the office, although it’s only 10:30 a.m. – it feels like a full day of work. We started our morning at the Tallahassee Chamber’s Annual Meeting where Matt Brown, President & CEO of Premier Bank was installed as the new chairman.
Following the breakfast meeting, there were three breakout sessions. Erica and I presented one of the workshops: “Social Media: Join the Conversation.” It was really exciting to have a room full of small business owners and community leaders eager to learn about social media or expand their use.
Our presentation was simple and focused on the “rules of engagement” – featuring real examples of how businesses are using social media and showcasing what works and what doesn’t. Our goal was to show Tallahassee businesses how other local businesses are using social media and what they can do to get involved.
Thanks to everyone who attended our workshop and all the wonderful feedback. We hope to see you on Twitter soon, follow us at @IvetteMarques and @EricaVillanueva and follow Ron Sachs Communications @RonSachsCom.
We’ve posted the PowerPoint presentation in our blog above and provided a link (below) to the Red Cross Social Media Policy we mentioned during the presentation.
If you have any questions or need more information please email us at Ivette@ronsachs.com or Erica@ronsachs.com.
Red Cross Social Media Policy
http://sites.google.com/site/wharman/social-media-strategy-handbook
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