I Wanted Real-world PR Application; Lauren’s Start as an Intern at Anglin PR

Lauren writes:

I came to the University of Oklahoma to pursue a career in fashion public relations, with the goal of ending up in New York. I knew I liked to write, I knew I was creative, and I knew I liked the business/marketing aspect that public relations promised. That is about all I really knew of public relations, most of my preconceived notions coming from what I saw on TV.

Even though, looking back, it’s clear I didn’t have a full understanding of what public relations really was before starting college, this field has been a great fit. But with this new understanding of the industry, my interests have really started to change and expand beyond the fashion public relations world.

Through my participation in OU’s chapter of PRSSA and the student-operated public relations and advertising agency, Lindsey+Asp, my current career goal is to work at a public relations agency after graduation. The fast-pace, juggling many clients at one time, atmosphere that an agency provides really suits me; I like to be kept on my toes! I also like the freedom to be creative, often found at an agency; to come up with new and big ideas and implement them.

That is why I chose to intern at Anglin, and I feel so lucky to be afforded the opportunity to do so. I wanted to experience firsthand how a public relations agency that’s not student-operated, runs. I wanted some real-world application of the communication tactics and strategies I’ve been learning in my courses. I wanted to see how working at an agency differs from the experiences I’ve had working at a non-profit and at a student-operated agency.

I am so excited to learn from the seven talented women around me and I can’t wait to take advantage of this opportunity to grow as a young professional. It’ll be interesting to see if my preconceived notions of agency life are right, or how working at an agency differs from the way I imagined it. Either way, I’m just thrilled to be here and excited to start this new chapter in my life as a young professional!

The Advancement of Science & Technology…in Oklahoma? YES!

Lori writes:

Oklahoma is known for its oil pumping jacks, volatile weather and football. But we have other important treasures in the state that I think get overshadowed by the above mentioned.  One of those is the advancement of science and technology.  I recently attended an autonomous aerial vehicle (aka drone or flying robot) contest for K-12 students.  Held by the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics and the OU College of Engineering, it is the first time in the U.S. that middle and high school students had the chance to compete in this arena.  This high level engineering and programming is typically reserved for college students, and only a handful of colleges hold competitions. The fact that OU and KIPR believed young students were not only up to the challenge, but also devised a competition, is one example of how Oklahoma is forging the way in STEM advancement for the rest of the country.

By the way, the kids did a fantastic job. All of the AAV’s were flying, completing tasks such as landing on a moving object and retrieving objects from a land robot. A couple of students even designed new ways to complete the challenges—a glimpse at the minds who will be engineering our future.

Before I recently joined the Anglin PR team, I worked at the Universityof Oklahoma’s K20 Center. It is an educational and professional development center for K-12 schools. One of the programs the K20 Center developed was a suite of games based on digital game based learning. The first game, McLarin’s Adventures, challenged nearly 1,500 ninth grade students to solve math, engineering and life science problems in a race to advance their avatar through an uninhabited island. The game platform motivated students to convert text knowledge to problem solving in order to win the game.

When I would mention the program to organizations located in more high profile parts of the country, the typical first response was, “…in Oklahoma?” To which I would reply, “Sure, Oklahoma. Definitely, Oklahoma.”

We all want our children to be able to compete in whatever field in whatever part of the country, or world, they desire. Oklahoma’s forward thinking in STEM areas such as AAV and digital game-based learning are just a few examples of how our state is preparing them to succeed.  To think that this (along with oil wells and football) is in our backyard and available to our children is another great treasure that should be identified with Oklahoma.

Anglin PR Welcomes Lori Johnson, Account Executive

Lori writes:

It’s cliché, but true – it is a small world—and I am yet another example of that.  I met Debbie Anglin in 1994 when I was working as the public relations coordinator for the Oklahoma County, American Red Cross. I was headed off to Atlanta, Georgia, with my husband and new baby to be a part of the 1996 summer Olympics.  (Technically, it was my husband working with the Georgia weather forecasting office who was part of the Olympics.  I was just along for the adventure.) Debbie was the person who would take my position at the Red Cross. We always joked that working in public relations for the fast-paced, disaster response organization was like drinking water from a fire hose.  Little did she know, or any Oklahoman, what strength, resilience, and compassion would be required of her less than six months on the job.

Over the years, and two more children, I have continued to work in public relations or some aspect of it. When I was in Georgia, I was a freelance writer for a publishing company that focused primarily on health magazines and books. After returning to Oklahoma I worked in public relations for two education institutions, Moore Norman Technology Center and the University of Oklahoma. I have also worked as a freelance public relations consultant, writer and graphic artist over the past 20 years. I worked closely in the business, technology, medical, commercial development and education sectors, and in crisis management. 

 I enjoy the complexity of working with multiple clients in different industries, which is why I am thrilled to be working at Anglin Public Relations. I get to work in an engaging workplace with coworkers who bring energy and different sets of experience to the projects.  It also seems kismet to be working for Debbie.  After many years of being on different public relations career paths we are once again working in the same company.  Only this time she is the veteran and I am the new employee.  So yes, it is cliché, which is something  public relations professionals strive to avoid, but in this case “it’s a small world”  is a an example of a good cliché.

Anglin PR Welcomes Erin Page, Account Executive

Erin writes:

I happened into the public relations field quite by accident. I was an 18-year-old pre-med student at Oklahoma State University when, after my first semester, I decided I didn’t think another seven to 10  years of school was for me. One of my girlfriends had just transferred to the journalism school, and she told me several of our other friends were doing the same. So, not a very impressive start to my public relations career, but once I started taking classes, I was hooked.

There were some indicators in my childhood that a career of writing and editing was for me. I taught myself to read (only possible, of course, because my parents spent years reading to me every day) a few weeks before kindergarten because I wanted to be ahead of the other students. My mom instilled in me from a young age a proficiency with wielding a red pen. I loved to write “books” to share with my teachers and friends. I edited the church bulletin, wedding and event programs, and sometimes even the newspaper.

Though writing and editing remain close to my heart, I have graduated to appreciate other communications skills as well. In my first job as an account executive at an agency, I learned crisis communications skills and the importance of integrated marketing campaigns. I also found the real-world value in combining my PR and business training from Oklahoma State to help my clients understand how public relations impacted them from a business standpoint. My second career as a one-woman communications and marketing department for a non-profit added the skills of strategic planning, rebranding and media relations to my repertoire. I also gained an appreciation for stretching small budgets to make a big impact.

I’ve also had the benefit of honing my public relations skills through volunteer efforts. I am a lifelong champion of Infant Crisis Services, for which I began volunteering at age 13, and spent five years on the board. While on the board and leading the organization’s public relations committee, I had the privilege of working with a team from Anglin PR and seeing firsthand how much value they bring to their clients. I have been involved with the OKC chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for seven years and most recently was humbled to serve the chapter as president. One of the biggest accomplishments in my professional career was earning my accreditation in public relations through PRSA.

I am looking forward to my new role at Anglin PR. I hope to use the skills I’ve learned throughout my career to benefit our clients, and I hope to learn a lot along the way.

Communication Effectiveness

This blog is part of a series to address what is being discussed in public relations classes today. The series is a response to questions posed to public relations professionals by students in Juan Meng’s strategic communications management class at Oklahoma State University.

What does “communication effectiveness” mean to you?

Kelsie – Communicating effectively is conveying the desired message to the correct audience and having them respond to that message in the intended way. It sounds like a simple formula but it can get tricky!

Mindy – It means the positive buzz that develops through communication efforts that brings more awareness and/or business to a company or industry. Also, when a consistent message is driven it should become second nature. When everyone is on the same page, using a consistent message, you’ve accomplished effective communication.

Kinsey – To me, communication effectiveness is the classic two way communication model. Not only is the sender pushing out a message, but the receiver is also communicating back with the sender. Ideally the message is understood and the receiver responds as the sender intended; but we don’t live in an ideal world, do we? So I still consider it effective if the receiver responds in a way that the original sender didn’t intend. This allows the original sender to change their approach and adapt their message so that it is understood.

Lori – Communication effectiveness is the ultimate goal in public relations. It is not the process of message and sender, but rather the engagement of all persons communicating. A person not only receives and understands the message but is also motivated to sustain a conversation with the sender.  This encourages a mutually beneficial relationship for everyone involved in conversation and maximizes communication effectiveness.

Want to be Inspired?

Kelsie writes: 

As I’ve worked with the OU Women’s Philanthropy Network this fall, I’ve been encouraged by their message to women – don’t wait until later in life to give of your time and talents. Pursue your philanthropic purpose now!

There are many worthwhile organizations but I’ve found my philanthropic calling in life with the Alzheimer’s Association. My grandmother was a victim of this cruel disease and recently passed away at the age of 74. This life experience has fired me up to help with the Alzheimer’s Association’s fundraising efforts and awareness campaigns. This picture is from the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” event this past September in Bricktown. Our team had over 50 members and we raised thousands of dollars.

It was fulfilling to actively help fund Alzheimer’s research and support the individuals affected by the disease. A world without Alzheimer’s would be a better world, indeed.

If you want to become an active leader in charitable giving but don’t know where to start, I suggest you attend the Women and Philanthropy Symposium on Nov. 3. This year’s theme “You Get What You Give; Finding Your Philanthropic Purpose Now” highlights the fact that charitable giving does not depend on wealth or age. This event will empower women at all stages of life to become participants in the giving process.

Joi Gordon will deliver the keynote address that will focus on her role as CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide, a nonprofit organization that assists low-income women who are seeking employment and self-sufficiency. Other speakers will address the topics of women’s philanthropy, including breaking barriers in politics, athletics and communities.

The symposium is Nov. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Oklahoma Memorial Union. Tickets are $25. If you want to check out the full agenda or register online, visit www.ou.edu/women. 

Whether you’re passionate about brain health, animal welfare, child advocacy or assisting disadvantaged women, your time and talents can be used so don’t wait!

My philanthropic calling is ending Alzheimer’s…what’s yours?

Thoughts on Important Issues in PR and Communication Management

This blog is part of a series to address what is being discussed in public relations classes today. The series is a response to questions posed to public relations professionals by students in Juan Meng’s strategic communications management class at Oklahoma State University.

The most important issue in public relations and communication management that you are dealing with today—the one with which you are most concerned.

Mindy: I’d say the most important issue in PR and communications management today is preparation in crisis management. There appears to be a lack of preparation on the part of leadership when a crisis breaks for a celebrity, politician or business, today. I think it’s important for everyone to have a plan for the “what ifs” in life. I’m concerned that so many do not and when confronted with the questions of  “why” or “how” did a particular situation or business decision go wrong, all we hear is a clumsy “I’m sorry.”

Christopher Lehane who served as a lawyer and spokesperson in the Clinton White House, is a partner in the crisis communication firm of Fabiani & Lehane, recently wrote an article on Washingtonpost.com titled “From Netflix to Berlusconi: When ‘I’m sorry’ is a sign of the times.” The article explains crisis management; how “I’m sorry” is a sign of the times and how an image, today, can be saved through honesty and credibility.

Lori: The most important issue in public relations for me is ethics. People can update skills or master new communication tools, but the inner rudder that guides the profession should remain steadfast throughout your career. Whether a person works in a nonprofit, corporation, agency or education arena, there will be times that the practioner will be faced with ethical dilemmas. It would be easier, flashier, or generate more coverage to cut a corner here or not fully disclose there. But public relations is about building relationships with stakeholders and that shouldn’t be built on deception. It can be difficult, but is crucial that public relations practioners maintain integrity for the organization and themselves. PRSA has a code of ethics on their website that is a good reference for all public relations practioners, new and experienced.

Kelsie: Google+, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Tumblr, WordPress, Blogspot, Linkedin, Delicious, Digg, Flikr, Youtube, Reddit, Stumbleupon, Ning, Tagged, Squidoo, Friendster… The list goes on and on! How in the world am I supposed to stay on top of the latest social media craze? Every public relations professional is scratching their head and asking that very same question. According to the 2011 Neilson Social Media Report, “In the U.S., social networks and blogs reach nearly 80 percent of active U.S.Internet users and represent the majority of American’s time online.” Based on the sheer number ofInternet users, it’s obvious that it’s a great communication vehicle to reach a client’s target audience. However, in order to advise a client which sites to use, how to strategically use them, when to use them, etc., we have to know the basics first. That can be a daunting task with the ever-changing social media world.

Debbie: The way we get most of our news and updates from around the world is coming to us from fewer and fewer true journalists, those who take a balanced approach and care above all about the integrity of their facts.  And while we’ve seen reduced numbers of  journalists since 2007, that alarming trend appears to be halting.  Meanwhile, there are more than 150 million blogs and growing.  Few of them with editors or fact checkers.  Most news blogs are reacting to material first reported by the mainstream media.  What does the combination of fewer journalists and more news sources result in?  Stronger perspectives without the balance of the “other side” of an issue; blurriness between fact and opinion, inaccuracies, proliferation of myths and half-truths.  Now and in the future, how does the public determine if a site is credible or reference-worthy?

The WestTown Wonder

Kelsie writes:

The Homeless Alliance hosted the grand opening of the WestTown Homeless Resource Campus in September and Anglin PR was blessed to be a part of it. More than 200 community members celebrated the momentous occasion. The support from local citizens, businesses, political leaders and nonprofits was impressive. As a new Oklahoma resident, it warmed my heart to see how close the Oklahoma City community is with one another.

WestTown is a service agency “campus” for low-income and homeless individuals and families. The campus includes theWestTown Homeless Resource Center, a nonprofit “one-stop-shop” for social services with multiple agencies co-located on site designed to help people move back into secure housing. The campus also houses a mobile medical and dental clinic and the city’s only day shelter which serves as a safe, warm, dry place for our street population to go.

The WestTown Homeless Resource Campus is a prime example of one vision and the whole city rallying behind it to make it into a reality. Although a few other large cities have similar service agency campuses for their homeless populations, the Oklahoma City resource center program is the only one of its kind in the nation. That is a big deal! The Homeless Alliance has created a model for the rest of the nation to follow.

The types of services provided at the campus include a medical and dental clinic, counseling, housing assistance, employment training, job placement and other vital services often needed by homeless people. The day shelter will have showers, lockers, a computer lab, barber, quiet spaces and a library and will contract with day labor and staffing firms to provide job placement for those at the shelter. The day shelter will also serve breakfast and lunch.

It might seem far fetched to completely eradicate homelessness but with developments like the WestTown Homeless Resource Campus, and the collaboration of caring agencies, individuals and our corporate community, I really do believe it’s possible. One of my favorite Dr. Seuss quotes says, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” The people of Oklahoma City do care and are making a huge difference for our fellow friends in need.

Seeing is believing. Check out the video and pictures below so you can see for yourself just how fabulous the new WestTown Homeless Resource Campus is.

http://www.foundcauses.com/episodes.php?episode=9

The crowd at the grand opening. Standing room only!

Deborah Naylor, Steve Newell, Dan Straughan, executive director of the Homeless Alliance and Debbie Anglin.

Willa Johnson, District 1 Oklahoma County Commissioner, on a tour of the pristine facilities.

The chic waiting area, complete with outdoor and indoor playgrounds for children

Learning to Improvise

Improv is a word commonly associated with acting. But have you considered how the art of improvisation can be used to enhance creativity and build teamwork in the office?

Improvisation is a dynamic process that can improve creativity, flexibility and communication. Through improvisation, participants think on their feet, listen attentively and cooperate with each other to successfully make the scenario work.

The Oklahoma City Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America has a great opportunity to sharpen your improv skills – and you don’t have to be in PR to attend!

PRSA OKC’s August workshop, the “Art of Improv,” is a happy hour interactive workshop on Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 5 p.m. The facilitators are Twinprov, a nationally-recognized, one-of-a-kind comedy troupe made up of two-of-a-kind twin brothers Buck and Clint Vraze.

The event will be held at Istvan Gallery, 1218 N. Western. The price for this event is $18 and includes the interactive workshop, appetizers from Mickey Mantle’s and one drink ticket good for a beverage of your choice. There will also be a cash bar.

Consider using an improv exercise at your next creative meeting. For ideas, visit ImprovEncyclopedia.org/games. Hope to see you at the workshop!

Why a PR Firm Should Compete for Gaddafi’s Business

According to reports, Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi is shopping for a PR firm to help him clean up his image.  And yet, the solicitation hasn’t found any takers.  Why would anyone want to represent a homicidal maniac?  I can find several good reasons:

1. The public loves a turnaround story.  Gaddafi claims to want to bring peace to his country and “get on with business.”  We cheer when Robert Downey, Jr., Hugh Grant and Lindsay Lohan dust themselves off and move on.  We all deserve second chances.
2. Every story has two sides.  Gaddafi claims the NATO attacks resulted from bad spin.  We should hear him out.
3. Client drama keeps your staff engaged.  No one hates inertia more than talented PR professionals.  An account that moves along smoothly, hitting all the goals?  Boooring.  People like a challenge.
4. If you can head off a civil war, you’ve contributed in a small way to world peace.  A tenant of the public relations code of ethics is to uphold the interests of the public good.
5. You’d be in a good position to negotiate a portion of the movie rights.