New Professionals September 2009 Newsletter
Letter from the Chair–Changes in Your New Pros Section
Call for PRSA New Professionals Section Leadership Nominees
Get to Know the Face(book) of New Pros
New Pros BlogRoll
PRSA 2009 International Conference, November 7-10, 2009
Other Upcoming Events: New York
PRSA-LA Young Professionals (YP’s)
Other Regional Events
Articles of Interest
Member Spotlight
We Want to Hear From You!
Letter from the Chair–Changes in Your New Pros Section
Fall is often a time of transition in many organizations and that also holds true for our Section. Unfortunately, Michele Sawka has resigned as Section chair.
First and foremost, we would like to thank Michele for her service to PRSA. Her successful efforts to shift New Professionals from an Affinity Group to a Section will herald a wealth of professional growth opportunities for current and future members.
Secondly, during this time of transition, I want to reiterate my and the executive committee’s desire to provide you with:
Value in the specialized practice areas.
The best professional development learning opportunities.
Resources and tools to succeed both professionally and personally.
Recognition for outstanding work.
Finally, I’d like to pose a question to you. Are you interested in serving as a leader of the New Professionals Section next year? By volunteering to be a Section leader, you’ll help ensure that our activities address our members’ professional development needs and interests. You’ll also reap many personal and professional rewards.
The expected time commitment of a Section leader is minimal. We hold hour-long monthly conference calls to discuss progress toward our budget and strategic goals. I hope you’ll consider this opportunity to become part of our Section leadership.
It’s my pleasure to serve you, this Section and this organization.
Looking forward to greater things,
Jacob Day
Chair, PRSA New Professionals
(214) 725-5513
Call for PRSA New Professionals Section Leadership Nominees
Jacob Day, Chair, PRSA New Professionals
Are you interested in serving on the Section’s executive committee next year? We’re now accepting nominations (including self-nominations) for the following 2010 positions:
Secretary/Treasurer
Communications co-chair
Mentorship/Chapter relations/sponsorship chair
Programming chair
Director of section relationships
Section account representatives (3)
Members-at-Large
The time commitment? One hour a month for meetings via conference call and a few hours per week for your specified position.
The most rewarding part of volunteering with the group is:
Helping shape the direction of our field as it grows in stature and respect.
Helping build momentum by identifying member interests and adding benefits as interests/budgets allow.
If you are interested in getting more involved with PRSA and providing leadership to our Section, send a brief biography (100 words or less) that outlines your background no later than Oct. 1, 2009 to Denise Mojica. Denise and I will prepare a ballot and distribute it to all members for voting. Results are expected in November.
Questions? Please email Jacob Day.
Get to Know the Face(book) of New Pros
Janet Krenn, Communications Co-Chair, PRSA New Professionals
What good is a hammer if what you really need is a wrench? If you don't have and use the right tools, you can't get the job done. This is as true in carpentry as it is for the PRSA New Professionals Section.
In the case of the New Professionals Section, I'm not talking about hammers and wrenches. I'm referring to Facebook group pages and Facebook fan pages. In “Facebook Group v. Fan Pages: Never build a Group Page,” we saw how the two are different and why fan pages are always superior.
Group pages and fan pages are not created, nor can they be made equal. Believe me, over the course of this year, your New Professionals Section has tried to give our group page the functionality and usability of a fan page. When that didn't work, we knew we needed to start over.
That is why we have relaunched the New Pros Facebook efforts this month. Moving forward, we'll use a Facebook fan page. Unlike the previous group page, the new fan page will post updates to your Facebook homepage and enable you to actually find the information you want, whether you're looking to discuss a new public relations strategy or you want to hear more about an upcoming event.
Several New Professionals have already become fans of the New Professionals page since we launched on Sept. 1. Now it's time for you to join.
Know that we will endeavor to make the New Professionals Facebook page a resource that provides a space for you to mingle, share information and stay updated, while respecting your Facebook space. I look forward to seeing you there!
Become a fan of the New Pros Facebook group now!
New Pros BlogRoll
If you've been away from the New Pros Blog, here's what you've missed in July and Aug.
August
“Case Study in Building Community Trust”—Sara Cullin
“10 Steps to Starting a Local New Pros PR Group”—Crystal Olig
“The Dangers of Social Media Marketing”—Travis K. Kircher
July
“Using Facebook to Execute the Quick PR Campaign”—Janet Krenn
“15 Great Twitter Apps for PR Pros”—Janet Krenn
We always welcome new writers to the New Pros Blog. Whether you have article ideas or need help brainstorming, if you're interested in writing a post, please contact Communications Co-Chair Janet Krenn.
PRSA 2009 International Conference, November 7-10, 2009
Make yourself and your organization indispensible by attending the PRSA 2009 International Conference, November 7-10, in beautiful San Diego. This year's conference will feature several events geared specifically to the new professional.
Help Spread the Word About This Year's Conference.
Click here to use our "Invite-a-Peer" tool and help contribute to the largest yearly gathering of public relations professionals. Online registration is now open. Register here by the Sept.25 Saver Rate deadline and save $200!
Breakout sessions of interest:
View From the Top: How Young Talent Can Stand Out
Tuesday, November 10, 9:30–10:45 a.m.
Sponsored by the PRSA New Professionals Section
How do you keep your boss informed of your successes (without being obnoxious)? How do you get help from management in reaching your goals? Learn what senior leaders of the public relations profession recommend in order for young practitioners to succeed. Get recommendations from top agency and corporate leaders, and hear from young professionals who are progressing well in their public relations careers.
How to Build Your Public Relations Career in a Challenging Economy
Tuesday, Nov.10, 11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Sponsored by the PRSA Jobcenter
Discover what it takes to stand out and get hired in this competitive job market. Learn career-building techniques that will help you build your resume and win over potential employers. A panel of career experts will provide you with the insights you need to help ensure a successful professional future.
Your Best Bet for PR Success — Navigating the Accreditation Process
Sunday, Nov. 8, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Sponsored by: Universal Accreditation Board (UAB)
Take the mystery out of how to prepare for the Readiness Review. This 90-minute session will offer you a first-hand look at how a candidate moves through the Accreditation in Public Relations process. You will gain insight through a mock panel who will show you how the Readiness Review questionnaire and the Readiness Review portfolio come together. Learn the necessary steps for candidates who are interested in Accreditation. Also, find out how the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) is expanding the reach of Accreditation to strengthen its position in the public relations profession — all to make your Accreditation efforts more valuable.
NEW! Meet the Experts
Monday, Nov. 9, 12:45–1:45 p.m; Tuesday, Nov. 10, 8–9 a.m.
This is your opportunity to speak one-on-one with industry gurus. Join in free-flowing roundtable conversations with the brightest minds in the business. It's a full hour of face-to-face networking with those who have the inside track on the hottest topics — including social media, sustainability and brand building. Career counselors will also be on hand to answer questions and offer job search tips.
New Professionals Networking Luncheon
Monday, Nov. 9, 11:45 a.m.–1:45 p.m.
Rockin' Baja, 310 5th Avenue
You've never had seafood quite like this. Experience the "ritualistic" way of preparing lobster delicacies, discovered by the fisherman of the Baja Coast. Add a funky tweak to the historic ambience and the result is a fun-filled dining experience that allows you to experiment with every seafood delicacy available on Rockin' Baja's diverse menu. Don't miss the "baja buckets" filled with multiple choices of local seafood. The restaurant oozes the warmth of the West Coast and offers a unique combination of Mexican platters with traditional Baja cuisine. Tickets are $30. Sign up on the conference registration form.
Other Upcoming Events: New York
PRSA-NY's September Soiree,
September 29, 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Latitude Bar & Grill, 783 8th Ave. (nr. 47th St.)
Sponsored by Visceral Media, LLC, a PRSA-NY Chapter professional partner
We're back! Based on an overwhelming number of requests to offer more opportunities to get together in a fun, relaxing atmosphere, PRSA-NY and Visceral Media invite you to wrap up the summer and kick off the fall by joining members and friends for the first after-work networking event of the season. Best of all, admission is FREE and so is the first drink, plus appetizers. Raise a toast or even play a little pool in a relaxed, yet stimulating environment that's perfect for establishing and sustaining meaningful relationships. And while you're there, get up to speed on the latest media trend — Internet Radio. Learn how to use it to reach targeted audiences on the Web.
Nonmembers are also welcome. No registration is required. We look forward to seeing you there. For more information, click here.
“Digital Immersion Workshop: Social Media for PR and Marketing Professionals”
Oct. 6, 2009, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
PRSA National Headquarters, 33 Maiden Lane, 11th Floor
Presented by: Sandra Fathi, president and founder, Affect Strategies
This is a half-day workshop on all aspects of social media for public relations and marketing professionals. This on-site course includes hands-on learning as well as formal presentation material. The workshop is designed to provide the participant team with working knowledge of the most popular social media platforms and tools as well as how to leverage these mediums for business purposes. For more information and to register, click here.
The course will focus on how to leverage social media to
Distribute company news.
Drive traffic to websites and blogs.
Enhance event participation and promotion.
Foster customer loyalty.
Generate awareness.
Generate revenue.
Identify customer evangelists and dissidents.
Manage reputations.
Monitor news and trends.
Promote products and services.
Recruit employees.
Seek/create media opportunities.
Social Media for blogger and media relations.
Source experts.
The course will cover these social media topics:
PR meets Web: PR 2.0
Blogs, blogging and commenting
Microblogging
Actively listening and monitoring
Social networks
Video and photo sharing
Bookmarking, tagging and recommendations
Media Post’s The Future of Media Forum
Sept. 23, The Times Center
Spend the morning with experts as they travel to the future and review where media is headed in the future. The day will begin with a keynote presentation from a media icon and be followed by a "no holds barred" roundtable of media moguls who will dissect media and consider future innovations. For more information and to register, click here.
PRSA-LA Young Professionals (YP’s)
“Save the Date” for these Upcoming Events!
October 21: Sports PR, Details TBC
November 18: Corporate Communications, Details TBC
December 16: Mixer, Details TBC
For more information, please contact membership chair, Deanna Talamantez. You can also follow PRSA-LA Young Professionals on the Web at PRSA-LA and Young Professionals of PRSA-LA
Other Regional Events
IzeaFest
October 1–4, Sea World
Orlando, FL
IZEAFest is an interactive event designed to educate, inform and connect social media enthusiasts. Meet the world's foremost social media experts in a collaborative, fun and open setting. Learn how to grow your traffic, build your brand and make more money online. Speakers include social media influencers including: Robert Scoble, Chris Brogan, Sarah Evans, Aaron Brazell and more! For more information and to register, click here.
2009 Blogworld and New Media Expo
October 15–17
Las Vegas Convention Center
The 2009 BlogWorld and New Media Expo is the first and only industry-wide trade show, conference and media event dedicated to the dynamic business of blogging and new media. Combining BlogWorld and the New Media Expo in one event for the first time, three days of all things social media kicks off with the Social Media Business Summit on October 15 and continues with the conference and expo proper from October 16–17, including both a thought-provoking conference and extensive exhibit hall. BlogWorld is a one stop shop for the most eager minds in social media and marketing to come together to collaborate and learn from industry gurus, as well as one another. For more information and to register click here.
Articles of Interest
“Bold Tactics Don’t Always Get the Job” by Dana Mattioli, The Wall Street Journal
“Are You Just ‘Working’ – or Achieving Leadership in Your Career?” by Dan Moran, Albany Times-Union
“Q&A: Kevin Eyres of LinkedIn” by Graham Charlton, EConsultancy
“New Survey Reveals Social Media's Impact on Radio Newsrooms: Nearly Half Supplement Audio Broadcasts with Twitter and Facebook,” Bulldog Reporter
Member Spotlight
Each month, we feature a member of the PRSA New Professionals Section. This month, we are featuring Sarah Cassella.
Sarah Cassella
Management Associate–Public Affairs, U. S. Steel
Type(s) of work performed: Research, write and layout monthly employee newsletter; research and write articles for the quarterly employee newsletter; coordinate ad placement for community event programs; serve as public affairs representative for corporate United Way campaign.
Specializations or areas of interest: Internal communications, health care and political affairs.
Educational background: 2008 graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University; B.A. in Public Relations and Political Science
Hobbies: Running, yoga, cooking, attempting to finish the scrapbook of my semester in Madrid that I've been working on for two years.
Community service or other extracurricular actitivities: IABC Pittsburgh, Gamma Phi Beta Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter
Would you like to be in a future Member Spotlight? Send an email to PRSA New Professionals Newsletter Chair Alyson Campbell. Include a headshot and the areas highlighted above for consideration.
We Want to Hear from You!
The newsletter committee welcomes content for its newsletters and monthly e-blasts. Consider submitting information about recent and upcoming events, career tips, feature spotlights (Chapter, member and mentor) and any other ideas. Send your questions and/or recommendations to the PRSA New Professionals Newsletter Chair, Alyson Campbell.
