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Cover Letter confusion

Cover Letter confusion

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

For some reason, I’ve gotten a number of questions – this past week – about the importance of cover letters. Rather than give my opinion, this week’s blog offers others’ comments and a number of links.

Purdue (University’s) Online Writing Lab (link through www.larrylitwin.com or http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/549/01/) says it much better than I:

A cover letter introduces you and your resume to potential employers or organizations you seek to join (non-profits, educational institutions, etc.). It is the first document an employer sees, so it is often the first impression you will make. Take advantage of this important first impression and prepare the reader for your application, stating why you are writing, why you are a good match for the job and the organization, and when you will contact him or her.

Cover letters do more than introduce your resume, though. A cover letter’s importance also includes its ability to:

  • Explain your experiences in a story-like format that works with the information provided in your resume
  • Allow you to go in-depth about important experiences/skills and relate them to job requirements
  • Show the employer that you are individualizing (tailoring) this job application
  • Provide a sample of your written communication skills

Another link, “Cover Letter Myths,” says, “Exposing Cover Letter Myths”

Your cover letter is a first impression to potential employers. If you expect to be a successful job seeker, you’ll want to know how to attract positive attention with your cover letter, while avoiding common mistakes.

Believing the myths that follow can kill your cover letter before it has a chance to sell your skills.

It’s okay to send your resume without a cover letter

False! Unless you like to send your resume into other people’s trashcans, make sure that a cover letter accompanies your resume.

Here is that link: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/exposing-cover-letter-myths.html rCareer Builder says this in “Cover Letter Dos and Don’ts”: Most people are familiar with the importance of a well-constructed resume, and put a fair amount of time into creating one. But just as important is the cover letter that accompanies and introduces your resume.

In an extremely competitive job market, neglecting your cover letter is a big mistake. Why? A cover letter is your first opportunity to tell a prospective employer about yourself, and to do so in your own words. Like a written interview, a cover letter gives you the opportunity to point out applicable experience and qualities that make you right for the job. And just like any other important job searching tool, there are definite dos and don’ts to follow to make sure your cover letter is an asset, not a hindrance.

Here is that link:  http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-160-Cover-Letters-Resumes-Cover-Letter-Dos-and-Donts/

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

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The 7 words you should never use in an email subject line

From Ragan’s PR Daily: [To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

By Michael Sebastian | Posted: February 14, 2012

Are you sending emails after lunch?

Bad idea, says a new study.

The best time to send an email—if you want someone to, you know, open and read it—is around 6 a.m., according to research from Baydin, which makes the email plugin Boomerang.

The company analyzed its database of more than 5 million messages and came up with some useful insights about email communication, among them the words that you should—and should not—include in your subject lines.

The best words to provoke a response are:

1. Apply
2. Opportunity
3. Demo
4. Connect
5. Payments
6. Conference
7. Cancellation

And the words that likely won’t get you a response:

1. Confirm
2. Join
3. Assistance
4. Speaker
5. Press
6. Social
7. Invite

I wouldn’t recommend eliminating these words from your subject lines if they’re working for you.  [To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

 

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Phillies’ Dan Baker honored by Rowan University

This past Friday evening, Feb. 10, 2012, Dan Baker, Phillies public address announcer, was honored for his 40 years with the Philles. I had the honor of emceeing the event. My open and scripted intros follow. Hope you enjoy. To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com.

 

Baker event

[6:55 p.m. Guests are asked to please take your seats]

[7 p.m.] COLD OPEN…ball game…

That is not just any rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” That belongs to the late, great, Phillies organist Paul Richardson who visited our campus in 2002 with our dear friend Harry Kalas to help our Public Relations Student Society of America celebrate Organ Donor Awareness Day. As he did for us then, Paul opens this celebration, tonight.

Good evening everyone and…Hello Sports Fans! Welcome to

Rowan University…as we recognize “The Voice of Philadelphia

Sports…Dan Baker…Class of 1968.”

 

 

 

 

I am Larry Litwin…your M-C for this exciting evening. I am an associate professor of Public Relations and Advertising, here at Rowan. I know many of those participating in this program and other guests…from my many years at KYW Newsradio in Philadelphia and…in my other life as secretary of the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association. I am especially honored to MC tonight because…I met… our friend, Dan Baker – back in 1972, when he announced his first game at Veterans Stadium…40 years ago…as a part-timer with the Phillies…co-incidentally…the same year I taught my first class in radio-TV here at Rowan…then Glassboro State College…also…as part-timer. I’m sure Dan agrees…when you love what you do, time…does indeed…fly.

This is going to be a wonderful evening…as we pay tribute to a Rowan alumnus, educator and…the VOICE  of Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field and Drexel University Basketball.
Tonight’s event has been made possible thanks to our sponsors:

[See NEXT Page]

SPONSORS…

(Ali welcome)
Tonight’s festivities celebrate the accomplishments of an alumnus…and the establishment of the Dan Baker Broadcasting scholarship. To officially welcome all of you, it is my honor to introduce your host for THIS evening…Rowan University’s interim president, Dr. Ali Houshmand.

Ali intros Lorin Arnold…

Thank you Dean Arnold…

[7:08]

And now for our invocation, another dear friend of Rowan University, Monsignor Mike Mannion…

[7:10]

Dinner is being served.

As dinner is being served, I remind you to visit the Silent Auction. [Read list]

 [As you complete dinner, we invite you to mingle and especially visit the silent auction tables.]

 

[7:30]

In addition to the “Silent Auction,” we have three live auction items. They are:

  • A one of a kind telephone greeting by our guest of honor, Dan Baker – home phone, business phone or cell phone. And maybe, for the right price, all three.
  • The Comcast Sports Net Luxury Suite at Wells Fargo center for a 76ers Game including FOUR tickets and complimentary food and beverages.
  • And, the incredible Dan Baker Experience – a unique opportunity to spend a day at the ballpark with Dan. Hang out with Dan as he makes his rounds at Citizens Bank Park, including a trip down to the playing field where Dan handles his pre-game announcements, and a pre-game meal in the Press Club. Then, once the game begins, you’ll see first-hand just how Dan does his job as you join him for an entire game in the “Scoreboard Room” at the ballpark.

 

[7:55 p.m.]

This is the last call for the Silent Auction…it closes in five minutes.

[8:10]

Let’s kick off the “Live auction with:

 

[Greetings from Dan Baker]

Have the voice of Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field and Drexel Basketball leave your greeting on your answering machine or voice mail… whether it’s your home phone, your cell, or your business line, Dan Baker’s distinctive voice will greet your callers with a one-of-a-kind greeting. This unique opportunity will give your friends and associates the experience of visiting the stadium each and every time they call you. The starting bid will be…$50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[8:15 p.m.]

Let me take this opportunity to thank President Houshmand and recognize his cabinet, the Rowan Board of Trustees, faculty and staff who are with us tonight.

And now it’s time to introduce our first guest speaker…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Milt Fredericks

Girls Cross Country Head Coach

Kingsway High School]

 

Coach Milt Fredericks recently retired as Kingsway High School teacher and head girls cross country coach, but he continues to coach as an assistant. His coaching accolades include nine Tri-County championships, eight Gloucester County titles and five South Jersey championships. He was named South Jersey Coach of the Year in 1989. With a record of 113-13, he was inducted into the Gloucester County Hall of Fame in 1996.

Coach Milt Fredericks…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Keith Russell

Sports Anchor

6 ABC]

 

Keith Russell is the Action News sports anchor on weekdays at

6 and 11 p.m. Keith joined Action News in 2005 as a weekend sports anchor. He is also the host of Eagles Football Frenzy, a recap show every Sunday night during the NFL season, and “High School Huddle” on Friday nights…6abc’s first live high school football program. A Philadelphia native, Keith is very involved with community activities in the city. From Channel-6 Action News…6-ABC’s Keith Russell…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Pat Delsi

Former owner of Radio Station WCAM and long-time sportscaster:]

 

Pat Delsi was born Pasquale DelSignore in Italy, but as he grew up in South Jersey he knew he wanted to be in radio. Soon after being hired at a Vineland radio station in nearby Cumberland County, his boss said, I think you’d better change your name. It wasn’t as difficult as one would think…for Pasquale DelSignore. He looked out the station window at a street sign that said, Delsea Drive. The rest as they say is history. Pasquale became Pat Delsi and 58 years later, Pat is still practicing his craft. This year marks 54 years that he and his wife Margie have been married. Congratulations Pat. They have eight children and 19 wonderful grandchildren. Pat is past president of the Philadelphia Broadcast Pioneers and is president of the Philadelphia Press Association. Ladies and gentlemen, Dan Baker’s long-time partner on Drexel University basketball broadcasts, Pat Delsi…

 

 

 

[Bob Shryock

Columnist

Gloucester County Times]

 

Our next speaker is no stranger to anyone who has lived or worked in Gloucester County over the years. He fully defines the term “Key Communicator” and he IS one of the finest journalists I have ever known. A great sports writer, editor, columnist, TV host and an all-around GOOD person. Please welcome Bob Shryock… a columnist for the Gloucester County Times, where he covers the issues people are talking about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Rob Brooks]

Rob Brooks is manager of Broadcasting for the Phillies. He also works with our honored guest, Dan Baker on Drexel University baseball broadcasts. He has been a reporter for CN8 and a producer at CBS radio’s WPHT, both in Philadelphia. At the Phillies he has also produced and engineered games on the Phillies Radio Network.

Please welcome, the Phillies, Rob Brooks…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Eric Zillmer

Athletics Director

Drexel University]

 

Dr. Eric Zillmer joined Drexel University’s faculty in 1988 and is now in his 11th year as director of athletics, overseeing all components of the athletics department. During his tenure as director, he assisted in the completion of the Walter Spiro Varsity Weight Room, the Drexel athletic logo, the Blue Cross Wellness Center and the new 84,000 square-foot recreational center, the department’s Sport Medicine facility and the Vidas Athletics Complex. He was also instrumental in securing the winning bid for the 2008 Olympic Trials in Table Tennis. Dr. Eric Zillmer…

 

 

 

 

 

[John Giannini

Head Basketball Coach

La Salle University]

Our next speaker is no stranger to the Rowan campus. Dr. John Giannini has been head coach at La Salle University for eight seasons, turning La Salle into a conference contender shortly after being hired. On August 23rd, 2004, he was introduced as the 18th head coach in the 79-year history of Explorer men’s basketball. John has produced the program’s only winning A-10 records since joining the league. He is also the winningest coach in Maine history, and when he left Rowan University’s basketball program, John was the winningest active NCAA Division III head coach.  Please join me in welcoming back, Dr. John Giannini…

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bruiser Flint

Head Basketball Coach

Drexel University]

 

While a student at St. Joseph’s University, James “Bruiser” Flint was a member of the University’s varsity basketball team. He was named to the All-Atlantic 10 team as a senior, and was inducted into the St. Joe’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988. In 1987, Bruiser became an assistant coach at Coppin State University. Two years later, he became an assistant coach at University of Massachusetts. In 1996, he became the school’s 17th head coach. In 2001, Bruiser resigned from U-Mass and the following season became head coach at Drexel University. He has been named Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year three times. Under his leadership, the Drexel Dragons have made four NIT appearances. Ladies and gentlemen, Coach Bruiser Flint…

 

 

[John Baum

Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts

Temple University]

 

John Baum, Temple University basketball’s second all-time leading rebounder and captain of the 1969 NIT Championship team, is in his eighth year as assistant athletic director for major gifts at Temple. In 2003, John raised close to $1 million for the University through endowments and scholarships. He was also instrumental in establishing the John Chaney Endowed Scholarship Fund.

As a player, in 1969…John Baum was drafted in the second round by the Chicago Bulls in the NBA and the first round by the Los Angeles Stars of the ABA. He played in the NBA for three seasons with the Bulls (1969-72) before competing in the ABA for three years with New Jersey (1972-74) and Indiana (1974-75). A three-time all-city selection, he was enshrined in the Temple Hall of Fame in 1979.   John has been doing the color on Temple basketball for a dozen years. Ladies and gentlemen, Temple University basketball and Big-5 great, John Baum…

 

[Robert Alberino

VP Media and Marketing

Kansas City Chiefs]

 

Robert Alberino is vice president of media and marketing for the Kansas City Chiefs, overseeing all the club’s media partnerships and its in-house production team. He maintains K-C-Chiefs.com and plays a role in the club’s marketing initiatives. Robert Alberino spent 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, during which time he was nominated for 140 Regional Emmys and was honored as the winner of 38 Emmys. The Connecticut native also received more than 100 national Telly Awards and many regional accolades for his work with the Eagles Television Network, which he pioneered in his first year with the team. He was also a filmmaker for NFL Films, where he served as a writer/director for HBO’s Emmy Award-winning program, “Inside the NFL.” Ladies and gentlemen, Robert Alberino…

 

[John Clark

Sports Anchor

NBC 10]

 

John Clark joined NBC10 in 2001 as a weekend sports anchor. John has earned several Mid-Atlantic Emmy nominations for his reports, and in 2004 he won an Emmy for “Outstanding Individual Achievement for Sports Reporting.” John has covered some of the biggest stories in Philadelphia sports history, including the Eagles appearance in Super Bowl 39 and the 2006 NFL Hall of Fame Game. From WCAU-TV, NBC 10, John Clark…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[William “Speedy” Morris

Retired Head Basketball Coach

La Salle University]

 

William “Speedy” Morris was head coach at La Salle University from 1986 to 2001. He led the Explorers to four NCAA tournament appearances. His 238 wins are the most in school history. He is best known for his 1989-1990 team—led by Lionel Simmons and Doug Overton—which posted a 30-2 record and finished 12th in both major polls. After eight straight losing seasons, Speedy left LaSalle. But, as they say, a door closes and a window opens. Speedy was hired at Saint Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia. He is still there, and on February 7th, 2011 he earned his 561st win in the Philadelphia Catholic League, the most of any coach in league history. Please welcome, Coach Speedy Morris…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s time for our SECOND LIVE AUCTION item…

 

Comcast SportsNet Luxury Suite
     One lucky bidder will win 4 luxury suite tickets to a 76ers game courtesy of Comcast SportsNet. You and your guests will be invited to a Sixers home game during their impressive 2011-12 season. Complimentary food and beverages are also provided. The date of the game must be mutually agreed upon between the bidder and Comcast SportsNet.

Who would like to open the bidding at $250…a real “steal.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Merrill Reese

Philadelphia Eagles Announcer

VP & Gen. Manager WBCB Radio]

 

Merrill Reese is the radio voice of the Philadelphia Eagles on 94WIP. He has been our eyes and ears for Eagles’ games since 1977. After graduating from Temple University, Merrill began his career as a newscaster and sportscaster at WHAT and its FM companion, WWDB. In addition to his play-by-play radio coverage of the Eagles, Merrill hosts an interview show on WIP the day following Eagles’ games with Coach Andy Reid, Eagles players and other guests. Merrill is co-owner of 1490 WBCB (AM) in Levittown, Bucks County. Merrill’s autobiography, It’s Gooooood!, was published in 1998. Please welcome long-time Philadelphia sports broadcaster, Merrill Reese…

 

 

 

[Gregory Luzinski

Former Philadelphia Phillies Left Fielder]

Greg “The Bull” Luzinski is a former left fielder who spent most of his career with the Phillies, but retired with the Chicago White Sox. While not known for his speed…or…defense, Greg was considered a homerun slugger, hitting .300 or better for three consecutive seasons… during what was considered the prime of his career. After spending 10 years with the Phillies, Greg was traded to the White Sox, where he would finish his major league career playing in Chicago from 1980 and 1984. While playing for the Sox, he was chosen Designated Hitter of the Year in 1981 and 1983. In 1983, he set a record for most homeruns in a season by a designated hitter. Fortunately for Greg, by the time he got to the White Sox, they were no longer wearing shorts with very high stockings to play their games. That would have been a sight to behold, seeing Greg in that uniform on a Topp’s baseball card?

After retiring, he served as head football and baseball coach at Holy Cross High School in Delran, Burlington County, and now spends his time as a Phillies ambassador at “Bull’s Barbecue” in Citizens Bank Park.

Ladies and gentlemen, an all-time Phillies favorite, Number 19, Greg “The Bull” Luzinski…

 

[Dave Montgomery

President

Philadelphia Phillies]

David Montgomery is part-owner, general partner, president and chief executive officer of the Phillies. Dave began his tenure with the Phillies in 1971 as a member of the team’s sales department. He worked his way up to director of sales and marketing by the mid-1970s…and as head of the business department by the early 1980s. He also spent a short time as the team’s scoreboard operator. When Bill Giles formed a group to purchase the Phillies from the Carpenter family in the spring of 1981, Dave was named the team’s executive vice president. When Mr. Giles stepped away from the team presidency to become the chairman, he recommended David to take the position president of the Philadelphia Phillies. Dave grew up in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, graduated from Penn Charter and…I am proud to say…you and my son have something in common…because both are graduates of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business. Dave has his Bachelor’s in history and an MBA. I stress Dave being born and raised in Philadelphia because he is the first native Philadelphian to run the ball club in more than six decades. Ladies and gentlemen, one Dan Baker’s bosses, the Phillies, David Montgomery…

David intros Dan

 

After Dan…

THIRD LIVE AUCTION ITEM…

The Dan Baker Experience

 

Tonight’s highest bidder will get the unique opportunity to spend a day at the ballpark with Dan Baker. Hang out with Dan as he makes his rounds at Citizens Bank Park, including a trip down to the playing field where Dan handles his pre-game announcements, and a pre-game meal in the Press Club. Then, once the game begins, you’ll see first-hand just how Dan does his job as you join him for an entire game in the “Scoreboard Room” at the ballpark. You’ll get a true behind-the-scenes feel for what it takes to put on the entire presentation of a Phillies game. And after the game, you’ll get the VIP tour, visiting several key places throughout the ballpark. In addition, Dan will also provide you with 4 tickets to the game for you to give to family/friends. The value of this opportunity is priceless. The starting bid will be…$250

 

Read winners of Silent Auction…

 

Thank you all for joining us for this wonderful evening that establishes the Dan Baker Broadcasting Scholarship at Rowan University. Drive home safely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Cracked Egg Persuasion Model — Perfect for Rowan-Rutgers strategic plan

To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com. See The Public Relations Practitioner’s Playbook or The ABCs of Strategic Communication for illustration.

Cracked Egg (Persuasion) Model – Also known as Public Opinion Formation Model.

Rowan students should be thinking THIS model as well as the MAC Triad Plus and Two-Way model as they approach the pros and cons of the Rowan-Rutgers merger. All information is available in the above books.

Cracked Egg Illustration

It is an eight-step process whose purpose is to shape
or change public opinion:
1. Mass Sentiment - morals/values;
2. Incident/Issue - interrupts morals;
3. Publics Pro/Con;
4. Debate -PR people and advertisers come in and try to change peoples’ attitudes
to agree with theirs;
5. Time (opinions marinate) - very important or
you do not have a true public opinion;
6. Public Opinion - the accumulated
opinion of many individuals on an important topic in public
debate affecting the lives of people (need all these elements or you do
not have public opinion);
7. Social Action - new law, or action, is taken
against people. Society could be so traumatized that it goes overboard;
8. Mass Sentiment - Society gets a certain attitude/moral/values due to
the social action. Society becomes very sensitized.
To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com
Posted on

PRSA considering NEW definition for public relations

Do you have a choice: [To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

 

The Public Relations Society of America unveiled the three candidates for the definition of public relations.  Here they are (from the PR Defined website):
Definition No. 1: Public relations is the management function of researching, engaging, communicating, and collaborating with stakeholders in an ethical manner to build mutually-beneficial relationships and achieve results.
Definition No. 2: Public relations is a strategic communication process that develops and maintains mutually-beneficial relationships between organizations and their key publics.

Definition No. 3: Public relations is the engagement between organizations and individuals to achieve mutual understanding and realize strategic goals.
[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

 

Posted on

33 (more) signs you work in PR

To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com

From PR Daily:

Editor’s note: As many readers know, this isn’t the first story PR Daily has published on signs you work in PR. Though there is some overlap with this rendition and other versions, we have a feeling readers can relate to many of the items listed below.

Public relations is a notoriously stressful career.

This year it earned the rank of seventh-most stressful job in America, a drop from last year when it was No. 2—ahead of airline pilots. To which I beg to differ. Lives are not in our hands, after all.

Of course, PR can be stressful. We are, for the most part, at the mercy of forces beyond our control. The right pitch has to edge up against the right timing and the right reporter for any great placement to happen.

It takes a certain kind of personality to thrive in public relations. Read any PR job listing, and you’ll see requirements such as: detail-oriented, excellent writing skills, multitasker, organized, energetic, blah blah blah…

Yes, PR people must embody these traits, but excelling at PR requires a number of intangibles. It’s a gut feeling we’re looking for when we interview candidates; it just cannot be quantified in a job posting.

To provide a better sense of what those intangibles are, here’s a list of 33 signs that you work in public social media and PR:

1. The five scariest words you fear all day are, “Why aren’t we in this?” (from the hilarious @lmokaba)

2. In grade school, your teachers noted that you were a “social butterfly” on your report cards (not in a good way).

3. You’ve disabled all your notifications on your mobile devices and your computer. You don’t need them. You know you have at least 50 emails, five direct messages on Twitter, and 10 texts.

4. When you see a great story in the press, your first thought is, “Who placed that story?”

5. You scrutinize every word you write. Yes, there is a difference between “over” and “more than!” (Just ask Steve.)

6. You’d never buy a gift for a reporter, but you would retweet him or her to show that you are paying attention.

7. You’re surprised to hear that people still use desktops.

8. When the iPhone first came out you sacrificed function for image. Yes, you had to figure out a new way to manage your tasks because they no longer synced the way they had on your BlackBerry, but it was worth it.

9. You know what a “muscular verb” is.

10. A “day off” means only checking email every 15 minutes while you are physically out of the office.

11. In your personal life, when people try to help you stuff invitations, assemble gift bags, etc., you take over the project because you can do it more quickly.

12. When a friend tells you an amazing story over drinks about how she saved a lost dog or saw an ostrich along the side of the highway, you say, “I could get that on TV.”

13. Your grandmother wants to know when your article will be published in The New York Times. You just tell her “soon.”

14. Your friends ask you to compose their apology letters.

15. You can identify people at meetings, tradeshows, and on the street based solely on their Twitter avatar photos (h/t @lmokaba).

16. People assume you attend parties and meet celebrities for a living (and you let them think so, because it’s better than the reality of being chained to your phone and laptop).

17. You could easily hold the record for the most lists on Twitter, but there’s no formal way to measure that yet.

18. You still have Google alerts set up for past clients just to see what type of coverage they are getting (again, h/t @lmokaba).

19. You might use terms such as “boilerplate” and “hashtag” during happy hour conversation.

20. Caffeine and alcohol, in that order.

21. You have a running list of jargon that you ban from all writing. And you judge others who use those terms.

22. You are perfectly capable of writing a press release while tweeting, updating Facebook, and watching “Mad Men” at the same time.

23. You justify new clothing and accessories by telling yourself and others that you are “in the image business.”

24. You believe that all customer service reps will give you what you want if you approach the conversation the proper way. If that doesn’t work, there’s always Twitter.

25. You use Google+ because it increases the SEO for your content and all of the reporters you work with are on there—not because you like it (at least not yet).

26. If you are unable to find a piece of information, it’s not findable.

27. You take pride in finding typos in the novels you read (and you consider notifying the publisher).

28. You know and use proofing marks.

29. You have entire conversations with your colleagues using buzzwords just to crack each other up (another great one from @lmokaba)

30. You sleep with your iPhone.

31. Your answer to most questions that begin with, “Do you think it’s possible to…” is “yes.”

32. You write headlines in 140 characters (actually, 120 is ideal—to leave room for retweets).

33. “Speechless” is a foreign word.

Beth Monaghan is a principal and co-founder of InkHouse Media + Marketing. You can follow her on Twitter at @bamonaghan. A version of this story first appeared on the InkHouse blog.

To comment:  larry@larrylitwin.com

Posted on

How to date a PR professional

(Reprinted from Ragan’s PR Daily)

By Laetitia Redbond | Posted: January 13, 2012

To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com

With a nod to Tom Chambers’s post on five things to know before dating a journalist, here’s a similar guide to embarking on a relationship with a PR professional.

Here are four things you should know about dating a PR pro:

Our relationships are our top priority.

Because our job involves satisfying the needs of multiple people, we’re good at relationships. We’re good at mediating, moderating, and making things happen. “Fantastic,” you’re thinking, “this all sounds lovely.”

Oh, wait, did you think we meant our “relationship” with you? Oh, goodness, no. We have vast networks of contacts; we have more “relationships” than Richard Branson has islands. (Actually, that’s a rubbish comparison—he has only one.)

The fact is, we are people people, inherently social, and we will undoubtedly know at least three times more people in the bar than you do.

We’re very positive.

Come to us with a problem, and we will always give you a solution. We like turning situations around—so much so that sometimes you might forget how things actually were in the first place.

Some people call this spin, but we don’t. We prefer to think of ourselves as incredible storytellers; there will never be an awkward silence over dinner when we’re around, ever.

We know what’s hot and what’s not.

We are very much on the ball in terms of what’s hot or not. We work six months in advance, so we live that way. Early adopters, some might say.

When you think something’s cool, chances are we’ve been there and done that—most likely at an industry event. Some of these industry events require us to exist on a diet of champagne and the odd canapé, normally handed out at the latest “unbookable” restaurant. We can be a little tricky to wow at dinner.

We’re incredibly efficient.

Returning to the “everybody” of my first point, we have a lot of people to stay in touch with, so we are rather good at organization.

However, this makes for an incredibly packed schedule, so you could find yourself being allocated a time in the ever-present BlackBerry calendar, possibly as a weekend or evening activity.

You could also find dinner interrupted by the red flash of the BlackBerry, alerting us to an essential social media checking appointment. Please just allow us to ensure each of our social networks is up to speed; it won’t take a minute. The world could end if you prevent us from doing this.

With that, you are fully briefed on what to expect from your other-half—the good, the bad, and the sometimes-baffling traits of PR people. Treat us well, and you’ll become like a favorite client: We’ll want to spend all our time with you.

Anything to add?

Laetitia Redbond is an account executive at Flagship Consulting in London. A version of this story first appeared on the company’s blog.

 

To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com

Posted on

Philly Sports Dinner – 108th – on January 30

To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com

In early November, when the sports world turned an eye toward Philadelphia to say goodbye to iconic heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, it seemed a fitting tribute to the man who defeated Muhammad Ali in the most publicized boxing match of all time. But, true to their passion for their sports heroes, Philadelphians have demanded more in the way of a salute to the man they called Smokin’ Joe.

On Monday, Jan. 30, a special tribute to Frazier will be the centerpiece of the 108th Philadelphia Sports Writers Association banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. A collage of famous Frazier photos will grace the cover of the special commemorative program book. A large feature story recounts his career, focusing on his life in Montgomery County and son Marvis and daughter Jackie — both graduates of Plymouth Whitemarsh High School — will be on hand to accept the tribute.

In addition to the tribute to Frazier, there will be a special remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the night that Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points against the New York Knicks in a game in Hershey. Legendary announcer Bill Campbell will recount details of that night, and Campbell’s original radio call of the 100th point will be played.

In addition to the two special tributes, the traditional awards will be presented and the recipients will be on hand to accept: Philadelphia Pro Athlete, Flyers’ Claude Giroux; Amateur Athlete of the Year, two-time Villanova NCAA women’s cross country champion Sheila Reid; Good Guy, Phillies’ Hunter Pence; Team of the Year, Phillies, accepted by GM Ruben Amaro; Humanitarian, Villanova football coach Andy Talley and Living Legend, Philadelphia University basketball coach Herb Magee.

Special Achievement awards will be given to Phillies manager Charlie Manuel (career Phillies managerial wins record), college football coaching legend Bill Manlove and Villanova women’s basketball coach Harry Perretta.

A Special Achievement award also will be given to all involved in the creation of the movie “Mighty Macs”, about the storied women’s national basketball championships won by tiny Immaculata University in the 1970s. The movie, written by Cardinal O’Hara and University of Pennsylvania grad Tim Chambers, chronicled the uphill struggle of young coach Cathy Rush and her unheralded team. Both Chambers and Rush will be in attendance. The wholesome, family movie inspired the country upon its release last year. Flyers’ ambassador and Hall of Fame goalie Bernie Parent, Winter Classic Alumni Game Most valuable Player will receive his award at the dinner.

Another Montgomery County (pa.) product, Steve Javie, will be honored for his years of excellence as an NBA official. The recently retired Javie was a graduate of LaSalle High and Temple University, where he played baseball.

Tickets for the event, priced at $95 are available online at www.pswa.org or by sending a check payable to PSWA to Robbie Kenney, Ticket Chairman, 110 Harrogate Dr., Lumberton, NJ 08048. For more info, visit PSWA.org.

To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com

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Eight Steps to Giving an Effective Speech

For the entire The Philadelphia Inquirer Nov. 7, 2011 “Marketplace” tip, mail: larry@larrylitwin.com. It will be mailed to you. To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com. You are also invited to check out Chapter 13 – Speeches – in The Public Relations Practitioner’s Playbook.

At some point in your career, you are likely to be asked to give a speech – whether it’s to co-workers, managers, industry colleagues or clients.

Let’s be honest (says The Philadelphia Inquirer), “Only a few people actually enjoy speaking in public. For all of the rest of us, here are eight tips on making the experience not nightmare-inducing. Perhaps, it can even be fun.

  1. Loosen up.
  2. Kindle their interest.
  3. Don’t be long-winded.
  4. Avoid reading your speech.
  5. Pay attention to your pace, tone and emphasis.
  6. Shoot for compelling and real.
  7. Incorporate some interactivity.
  8. Summarize.
To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com.

 

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Good Interviews – Get Down to the Basics

According to Tribune Media Services: “Good interviews aren’t always based on basics – less obvious action can help raise your profile.”  To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com

When interviewing for a job, it’s important to speak clearly and to be honest about your past

and potential. It’s also essential to research the company beforehand so you’ll be able to successfully navigate the interviewer’s specific questions about the company’s industry. But not all jobs are won or lost by following the most obvious of interview rules. Here are five secrets of a successful interview:

1. Don’t turn down a glass of water or cup of coffee if offered. It puts you on a more personal level with your interviewer and gives you a minute or two to scope out the office for possible clues on talking points, as well as a chance to regain your composure. Also, the cup or glass will give you something to do with your hands during awkward quiet moments. And, you will be able to attack that dry-mouth more effectively if a drink is nearby.

2. Ask questions, but don’t insult the interviewer. In other words, you won’t need to tell your interviewer the obvious with thinly veiled questions like, “Why are there so many open positions?” Questions about the company’s performance should be handled Carefully, as well. Consider asking, “How will this new hire be able to contribute to the company’s future growth?” is more subtle and effective than, “Are you guys still losing money?”

3. Whenever possible, give specific examples of the ways the company or company’s product already has impacted your life or how it will impact it in the future. If you’re interviewing for a position with a grocery store or department store chain (WawaTarget, Walmart, etc.), mention your weekly trips to one of their store locations. If you’re courting a furniture company, mention how you’re looking forward to decorating your new home with a specific couch or table. (Get the idea? Work your personal experiences into the interview – but do NOT overdo it.)

4. Don’t rush. Most interviewers block out at least an hour of time for each person they speak with. Don’t feel the need to tell your life story in the first 10 minutes. Instead, find ways to attach important pieces of information about yourself with various answers. You won’t lose points by taking your interviewer on occasional detours. In fact, he/she may be more interested in your explanation of how you learned the importance of personal responsibility when you worked your way through college than your routine answer as to whether or not you prefer to work in a team setting or alone.

5. Give your interviewer something to remember you by. At this point in the candidate selection process, most job seekers are fairly similar, considering they’ve all been called in for an interview based on separate resumes. Your interview is your chance to stand out. Mention something exciting you did over the weekend or ask about a photo or object on your interviewer’s desk. Aside from striking a personal note, you’ll be able to reference this in your Thank-You Letter — something as simple as, “Hope you’re able to catch another large-mouth bass this weekend.” This gives your interviewer something to remember you by, hopefully further separating you from the others that he interviewed for the job.