Oklahoma State University PRSSA

IEEW Media Intern

osuprssa — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:03:48 +0000

Organization: Founder, Terry Neese.The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women, a 501(c)3 corporation.

This position assists the Director of Media relations in all media-related activities, including: writing press releases, newsletters, articles and Web posts, maintaining and updating pages for the Web site, researching media contacts and information for articles, producing and shooting video, designing marketing materials, running social media campaigns, such as Facebook, BlipTV and Twitter accounts for the Institute. The selected intern will also assist other IEEW staff outside of media relations as needed. The internship begins in Oklahoma City, but will continue into the first part of summer in Dallas. They will cover your room and board for the time spent in Dallas.

Duties:

1. Assist in research and writing of all written materials for the Institute, including but not limited to newsletters, press releases, articles and Web posts.

2. Post items to Web site, including the newsletter and peace through business student profiles and photos.

3. Update Facebook and Twitter accounts with fresh and interesting material, including Web content, links, photos, student profiles, news items relating to peace through business, etc.

4. Post all student photos to Flickr account.

5. Copy edit all written materials.

6. Research contact information for reporters in targeted media outlets (nationwide).

7. Order back issues of stories published about or relating to the Institute.

How to apply: For any questions, you may call Becca at 405.943.4474 or e-mail resume and cover letter to Becca Colbaugh at bcolbaugh@ieew.org

Application due: Feb. 22, 2010

January 20 Meeting

osuprssa — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:17:45 +0000

OSU PRSSA welcomed back its members on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010.
Twenty-four OSU students and all four officers attended the meeting.
President Katie Butler talked about membership and officer applications and all of the officers talked about what their jobs are all about. Katie then introduced Janet Reeder with the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association who spoke about internship opportunities.
Then Bonnie Cain introduced Dustin Pyeatt, a crisis communication specialist whose first job was with DHS.
You can’t really plan for a crisis, you never know what’s going to happen, Pyeatt said. But it helps to be prepared; take crisis training.
For a “crash box” you should have phone numbers, e-mail and physical addresses for people in a laminated hard copy, copies of your annual report and type writers, he said. Keep things up to date.
The first thing you should do in a crisis is calm down, Pyeatt said. You’re paid to be calm. Next, leave your ego at the door–it just gets in the way.
If the authorities (police, federal agencies) are involved, let them take the lead.
If something happens, call the police/authorities even if they have been notified. It makes you look like you’re concerned.
During a lawsuit, don’t answer a question unless a lawyer tells you two. Work out message points with them.
Only answer questions you can answer. If it’s legal, moral and ethical you should talk. If it’s not then don’t.
Be prepared with a boilerplate statement about your organization.
Timing is everything; a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Release information in the morning, noon and evening to everyone.
Make sure the press is clear on numbers to call and Web sites.
If the military shows up and has nothing to do, tell them to dig a ditch, then fill it in. People with nothing to do will snap.
A natural disaster is considered a crime scene–keep law enforcement officials within ear shot. If a journalist goes somewhere you’ve told them not to, have them taken into custody.
Feds do things differently. You never see their PR people, only the head of the agency, speak.
During a live media conference, media will ask questions they don’t want to know for the sake of asking a question.
Don’t be goaded–be professional. Don’t let the media pit you against someone else. Don’t pick a fight with the press. If it’s that bad, take the nuclear option and cut them off from information. Don’t pick fights.
There’s no casual Friday in PR. Always dress your best. The best dressed person is the one in charge, always be the one in charge.
We’re paid to be nice in PR, but sometimes paid to not be nice. Be ready to take on any role.
Relationships matter. Build your relationships and reputation, use them when you can. Remember everyone is a person, treat every one with respect.
The press is lending credit to your stories. Never talk to 60 Minutes. They know everything and you’ll lose.
For TV interviewing, have command messages–three main points to drive home. Never answer, “What do you think about…?” “How do you feel about…?” questions. Answer with “That’s not important. This is.”
After a crisis review what went right or wrong. Bring in the media and ask how you did.
If there’s a crisis/disaster–get a Chaplin.
Who should respond to a crisis depends on the crisis.
One of the biggest mistakes during a crisis is not choosing your words carefully enough.
Pyeatt’s advice for crisis specialists are to:
–”Get a decent crisis,” intern with FEMA or Homeland Security
–PR is not an education, it’s a vocation. You learn by doing.
–The media is always late.

November 11 Meeting Minutes

osuprssa — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:44:09 +0000

Abby Fox and Megan McGuire, 2008 OSU public relations alums, joined OSU PRSSA for pizza at The Hideaway for a professional panel. Fox spends a lot of her time at work writing and got her job at the OSU Foundation because she interned with them. The hardest adjustment to working life for Fox was cubical. During her job search, she struggled because she didn’t have enough experience. She also suggested finding a mentor. McGuire works for the Oklahoma City All Sports Association where she manages events and the intern program. She says she writes a lot of press releases as well. When she applied for jobs, everyone wanted five years of experience. She thought about where she wanted to work to find a job. She suggested looking at what the client does and play to your strengths–be honest. She also said that internships are essential, volunteering and any other experiences help. A long term internship vs. a bunch of short internships doesn’t matter as much, McGuire said. Many short-term internships provides a variety. For wardrobe, Fox built hers up as she went along. McGuire and her roommate borrowed from each other for awhile. Use your contacts–if they’re doing something you want to do, keep in touch with them, McGuire said. Keep in touch with people–especially those from OSU who’ve gone through the same classes. Network as much as possible and use career services, Fox said. When negotiating a salary, have an idea of what you’re worth. When interviewing, try to get a feel for who your superior is, Fox said. Research the job, ask questions and think about basic interview questions like, “What’s your greatest weakness?” Know and realize you have weaknesses. Have confidence and it’s OK to not have the answers. Have a can-do attitude, McGuire said. For starting PR professionals, pay varies but non-profits pay less than corporations, McGuire said. Take every opportunity you can. Fox said that media tracking was kind of tedious and that writing press releases was not creative work, but her favorite part of working is managing projects and talking to people. McGuire said that things change and that to help navigate, you should ask questions and think out of the box. As for what a professional does in a day, it depends. The more writing, the more you’re out of the office, Fox said. The more managing the less you’re out. Meetings and productivity are also a challenge, but PR has a lot of fields and everyone should find what works best for him or her. During slow times, McGuire likes to brainstorm. McGuire would eventually like to get her masters. Fox doesn’t think that a master’s program is for her, but if it’s something you really want to do, you should do it. In the PR field, experience is more emphasized than education. But Fox says that in some cases people can make more money with a master’s and it’s always good to learn more and educate yourself. Both Fox and McGuire don’t do much hard news writing. McGuire said that taking feature writing and a foreign language would have been helpful. Fox thought that some creative writing classes would have helped her be more rounded. As for job searching, prepare yourself and don’t get discouraged or stressed out. In the working world, you don’t get as much feedback to know where you stand, Fox said. But do the best you can and your boss will see that and value it.

Creative Internship at Rex PR firm in Tulsa, Okla.

osuprssa — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:16:08 +0000

• Purpose

– Assist the firm staff in creative tasks like graphic design for a variety of clients.

• Qualifications

– Completion of at least one year of college studying design or a related field
– Strong creative, organizational, interpersonal and computer skills are required
– Ability to create ideas that impact
– Self-motivated
– Fluent in Photoshop, In Design, and Illustrator

• Hours

– A minimum 20 hours per week is required for associates

• Job Description

– Assist in implementing a variety of client projects. May include web design, brochure, business card, or social media.
– Participate in some client meetings.
– Provide some administrative support.
– Other duties as required by the Rex Associate Program (available upon request)

About Rex
Rex fuses creativity and an understanding of the marketplace to foster cost-effective, total solutions for communication challenges. We believe in an integrated approach that encompasses public relations, creative services, digital services and events.

To Apply
E-mail a cover letter, resume and graphic design examples to nicole@rexpr.com or send to:

Nicole Morgan
Director of Accounts and Operations

Rex
401 S. Boston Ave., Suite 2300
Tulsa, OK 74103

Questions? Call (918) 599-0029 or visit www.rexpr.com

Register for the 2009 Professional Development Seminar!

osuprssa — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:04:54 +0000

PRSA Tulsa 2009 Professional Development Seminar
8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
Oklahoma State University – Tulsa
700 N. Greenwood, North Hall

Cost: (includes breakfast & lunch)
PRSA Members: $40
Non-Members: $50
Non-Profit: $30
Students: $10

Join PRSA Tulsa for our 2009 Professional Development Seminar on Oct. 28! This half-day program features local and regional keynote speakers, break-out sessions and panels to answer your most pressing questions about navigating today’s PR landscape. Register today for this exciting event!

Main Topics:

“Making Ideas Stick” – Learn how to utilize public relations, marketing and communication strategies to build public support for your organization. Denver Peacock & Andy Moreau, Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods – Little Rock, AR
“Social Media & Customer Service: A Match Made in Heaven” – Hear how social media tools are being used to improve customer service beyond more traditional customer support channels. Brandy King, Southwest Airlines – Dallas, TX

Break-Out Sessions:

“Active Influence” – Take a detailed look inside the strategy and engagement of social media and marketing executions. Brian Kratkiewicz & Bryan Jones, Cranford Johnson Robinson Wood – Little Rock, AR
“Building a Brand on a Shoestring Budget” – Find out how to turn a personal passion into a popular brand with only a limited budget via PR, partnerships and social media. Deedra Determan & Melanie Henry, 918 Moms – Tulsa
“Back to Basics” – A local communications panel reviews the basic PR skills and knowledge that remain relevant in the age of social media. Russ Florence, Schnake Turnbo Frank | PR – Tulsa; Nellie Kelly, American Red Cross – Tulsa; and Kim MacLeod, City of Tulsa
“Momblogging 101” – Hear one blogger’s perspective on the national momblogging trend, her tips for pitching to this unique audience and how recent changes in FTC guidelines are affecting bloggers and PR pros. Melanie Norman, Blogging Basics 101 – Tulsa

Paid Internship at The Oklahoman. Deadline Dec. 4.

osuprssa — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:55:08 +0000

WHERE WILL YOU WORK? Areas such as the Local Desk, Breaking News Team, Watchdog Team, Sports, Business, Features, Niche Publications, Photography, Video, online communities, Presentation or other areas.

YOUR ADDED BENEFITS: All of the interns participate in a two-day orientation and training program, are given mentors and are involved in the paper’s training program, including our writing, editing, database or leadership coach. They also will be able to participate in special activities for interns and companywide activities, such as our outstanding fitness center. Most importantly, they will participate in work that will have a direct effect on The Oklahoman, NewsOK.com or other OPUBCO Communication Group’s initiatives.

YOUR PAY: The pay for the full-time interns will be $450 per week. We give preference to juniors, seniors and graduate students who have college and professional multimedia experience. The “stipend” interns will receive a $500 allowance and will be able to earn college credit for working in a specified area of the News and Information Center. (Other qualified candidates may be considered for part-time or credit-hour internships if they want to work in specified areas.)

INTERNSHIP LEADS TO PROMISING FUTURE: Most of our interns either have returned to The Oklahoman/NewsOK.com or now work at major market newspapers or mediums, The Associated Press or other major media-related areas.

INTERESTED AND WANT TO APPLY: Send a cover letter, resume and five to seven examples of your work to Joe Hight, Director of Information and Development, The Oklahoman/NewsOK.com, P.O. Box 25125, Oklahoma City 73125.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: DEC. 4.

Panel Discussion at Joseppi’s. October 21.

osuprssa — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:43:31 +0000

Seven public relations professionals spoke at OSU PRSSA’s professional panel meeting at Joseppi’s on Oct. 21.

· Jeremy Burton, APR, with Oral Roberts University

· Amber Remke, APR, marketing manager for Hire Right

· Lucinda Rojas, account executive with Schnake Turnbo Frank PR

· Morgan Phillips, senior account manager with Waller & Company PR

· Kristen Turley, APR, retail marketing manager with Navico

· Jami Fitche, account manager with Rex PR

·Tabbi VanHoutte, electronic marketing specialist with Allegiance Credit Union

They talked about crisis communication, PR careers, spokespeople and other subjects. For crisis communication, they recommend building and practicing a plan before a crisis. Practice plans at least once a year. It’s important to be flexible and make judgment calls; to do that, it’s important to understand your client’s business—it’s risks, regulations, etc. Be nimble and wise—know when to get help. Coordinate with legal, human resources, marketing, etc. A company can look better coming out of a crisis than it did when it went in. You also have to know when to reply to negative publicity and when replying is going to draw unnecessary attention to a problem. It’s usually not appropriate for a PR person to be interviewed; so, pick an appropriate spokesperson whom audiences will recognize, develop message points for them. Train them to stay on message, what reporters do and don’t like, what to be prepared for, cut back on verbal fillers and teach them to say their most important point in seven seconds. But don’t take it personally if things get cut. Some clients will tell you they don’t need your help, then choke. It’s your reputation, drill them! Tape them, ask them hard questions. PR professionals are expected to be ethical—get the truth out there even if it hurts because the media will find out. Clients will tell you to say things one way, to put “spin” on an issue. You have to find out the truth and get them on board with telling it. Your actions prove you out. Build genuine relationships with reporters, just call and say, “Hi,” every once in a while—get to know them but keep in mind it’s an adversarial relationship, too. As PR professional, you’re a valuable educational resource to the media, but it’s good to work on the other side, as a reporter or producer. In firms, account managers are the only people to talk to clients. They are responsible for everything the firm or department does. Every “client” is different and there may be personality conflicts. When job searching, have letters of reference and send hand written thank you cards. Put your resume out there! Send it everywhere, even if there isn’t an opening. Network and search PRSA Web sites for internships or job openings. You make your role in your firm or department—get involved, take responsibility. Become essential.

Thanks to our professionals and to everyone who came.

The Tulsa Public Relations Society of America is offering a $1,500 scholarship to juniors and seniors for the spring semester of 2010

osuprssa — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:14:21 +0000

The application deadline is Nov. 1, 2009.

To be eligible for the Tulsa PRSA’s Chuck Schnake Memorial Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in at least 12 undergraduate hours at an accredited four-year Oklahoma institution and pursuing a degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a closely related area.

In addition to the financial assistance, the scholarship recipient will also receive free attendance at the Tulsa PRSA’s monthly membership meetings during 2010. The recipient will be recognized at the Tulsa PRSA’s annual awards banquet in June 2010 in front of a captive audience filled with Tulsa’s leading communications professionals and employers.

The application deadline is Nov. 1, 2009. To apply, students may complete the application and follow the instructions to submit it by mail.

In addition to the completed application form, we also request that applicants include a copy of an official sealed transcript, a resume and a 400-500 word essay describing how the Chuck Schnake Memorial Scholarship will assist them in achieving their academic and career goals.

For an attachment with the scholarship application, e-mail chapter president, Katie Butler: katie.butler@okstate.edu

Minutes from September 29 Meeting on Social Media Reputation

osuprssa — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:09:09 +0000

Bonnie Ann Cain-Woods and Valerie Trammell joined OSU PRSSA on Sept. 29 for a Social Media Makeover, or how you’re perceived online based on content shared, etc.
Future and current employers, coworkers, clients, colleagues and media could be watching your media.
They search for you through Google, social networks (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and open records (OSCN.net).
They’re looking to fact-check your resume (job title, start and end dates); what you’re saying about them, about their competition, etc.–always be positive; they’re looking at your writng samples and personality traits. Pick three traits that you’d like to portray you and strive to include them in your social media and online presence.
Case study: Marissa Chaves.
Google yourself, go back at least 10 pages and try different keywords.
Clean up your Facebook pictures, about me, groups, etc. If you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see it, take it off or untag yourself. If you’re tagged in an inappropriate pitcure in someone else’s album, untag it and any other photos in the album.
Twitter, be professional but express some of your interests. Have a variety and include people in your conversations with @ replys and hashtags #.
Future employers use this as an informal resume check–make sure your job history and information is consistant across the board.
Don’t inflate your salary–open books will give you away every time.
Check OSCN and open records. Be aware of what’s there and be prepared to talk about it. “It was poor judgment,” is a good reply.
Establish your reputation–from www.chrisbrogan.com/tag/reputation –take a decent photo of yourself (100×100 pixils are best), add photos and a location to your social media. Participate in blogging–create a wordpress.com or Blogger accout–you don’t necessarily have to blog; commenting is great, too. On Facebook be yourself, but professional. Get YouTube, Gmail and LinkedIn accounts. Add professional content.
Monitor yourself on Google–try different searches like news, blogs, Web, images, etc. Search Twitter. Create and keep up with search feeds. Watch conversations and where others tag you. Be responsive.
Maintain your reputation; keep it clean; watch out for controversial topics; point people where you want them to go through links, hyperlinks, etc.; be honest, thorough, active and interactive.
Don’t post photos with underwear showing or with sexual connotations, don’t look drunk and keep the booze out of the picture.
Stay way from awkward groups or topics like prolife, extreme views, drug use, civil disobediance, -isms, personal ads.
Don’t get comfortable with privacy settings. Expect what you’ve added online to be available to anyone. If you’re not comfortable showing it to the whole world–don’t put it online.
Just because you can delete something, doesn’t mean it’s gone from the Web. The Way Back Machine on Google has Web sites archives from the beginning of the Internet.
Thanks to Bonnie Ann Cain-Woods, Valerie Trammell, Marissa Chaves, Chris Brogan and everyone who attended.

Meeting Today- “A Social Media Makeover”

osuprssa — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:55:46 +0000

When: September 29 at 5:30

Where: JB 208

What: We will be looking at positive and negative images and comments on a social media Web site that employers watch for.

FREE SUBWAY