Sidebar: Ready for some good music? Read this…

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Maybe I’m biased, but I definitely think ReKaSte is prepared to take the world by storm. You’ve never heard a group like this before. Whether you’re into hip-hop, pop, R&B, alternative or rock, ReKaSte has a sound that pleases the most versatile ear.

In October, the group released their first sample CD, called Jambalaya. Jambalaya is an eclectic fusion of melodic pop, edgy alternative, and hard-hitting hip-hop beats.  The unique sounds found in Jambalaya will be sure to leave your ears hungry for more. The CD contains three tracks, each with their own distinctive vibe. “Blade” delivers a futuristic style and electrifying beat that will jolt you to the core, while “She Make Me Say” brings an uplifting yet sultry tune that is sure to keep heads nodding. The final track and certified club banger, “Throw It Up” is sure to make listeners jump out their seats and move to the dance floor. Download Jambalaya by clicking the CD cover below, and oh–prepare to keep this CD on repeat….

Just in time for the holiday season, the group recently released their holiday single, “Christmas Time is Here.” The song really takes you back. It’s a feel good song that makes you want to be near family and friends, celebrating the holiday together. Don’t take my word for it! Click on the cover below and hear it for yourself!

Learn more about the guys that make up trio by visiting my “Talent Spotlight” page OR http://www.rekaste.com.

2009
12/15
CATEGORY
ReKaSte
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Top 100 PR Websites and Resources of 2009

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Well, you know it’s the end of the year when the top 100 lists start coming out. Here is a list I would highly recommend reading. Liliana Dumitru-Steffens has put together a best in PR top 100 list. Today, she released her second batch. The first half was released yesterday. 

Looking for a potential employer. Check out her top 10 corporate PR sites!

PR Corporate Sites

  1. Waggener Edstrom – the second most powerful PR agency in the world (after Edelman), showcasing its image and expertise with a visually striking web presence. This is our top choice for the Studio D aspect of the site – simple, elegant and very refined. Since we reviewed the site, many things have changed for the better.
  2. Padilla Speer Beardsley is known for experienced, strategic counsel built on a research-based planning methodology, communicating for action. Now it will also be known for one of the best PR corporate websites in the world. We reviewed the site before and after the changes and we can tell you that this company is going places. Actually, we predict that in 2010 Padilla will be among the top 10 PR companies in the world. This year, in March, it occupied a honorable place 13 according to O’Dwyer PR.
  3. APCO Worldwide – redesigned in July 2009, reviewed by Everything PR soon after the re-launch. The new corporate site is better than the old version of the site, more modern, and like everything else, it needs continuous improvement. The web is a constantly evolving entity. Note that APCO is the third most powerful PR company in the world.
  4. Dan Klores – we gave them a PR Goofy award in February this year. Today we should give them an award for excellence. The new site is visually striking, perfect representation of a company that describes itself as ” being a smart, aggressive and inventive team with a wide range of public relations and marketing talent and experience serving a diverse array of clients.”
  5. Taylor – excellent usability, features, content and information. Nothing has changed since our review (some companies are unaware that they are being watched by the media, maybe they need some of the tools below?). Taylor is the “go to” lifestyle, sports and entertainment public relations agency.
  6. Alisson and Partners – also known as Allison PR – for many reasons a to site this year, our review is yet to come. A rather aggressive approach to PR, but this is what makes Allison a winner.
  7. Makovsky + Company Inc. – good aesthetics, although we did find a few things to criticize when we first reviewed the site. However Makovsky is trying hard to prove why it’s the 25th most profitable PR company in the world, and the site reflects the expertise.
  8. Ogilvy – nothing extraordinary, however the information needed by a potential customer is there, accessible, in plain view, and very relevant. Our in-depth review will follow.
  9. KCSA – another site we will be reviewing in-depth soon, visually striking through simplicity. KCSA is extremely skilled in brand marketing, and it shows. 29th at O’Dwyer.

For the complete list, click here.  A link to the first 50 PR resources can be found on that page as well.

2009
12/15
CATEGORY
PR 101
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PR 101…stay with me now…

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“If I were down to my last dollar, I’d spend it on public relations.”-Bill Gates

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his was the quote that resounded around the world…the world of public relations professionals, that is. If Microsoft mogul Bill Gates sees the value in our profession, shouldn’t all businesses who seek to emulate his success see the same?

Well, I wish I could tell you they did. Sadly, public relations is one of the most misunderstood assets to the work world. PR…it’s like marketing, right? No. Oh, well it’s just like advertising, isn’t it? No. You have to pitch, right? So, it must be like sales? Again, No.

There isn’t one cut and dry definition of public relations, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) sums it up pretty well with the following definition.

“Public relations helps an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each other.”

Although public relations has similarities to advertising, it is important to remember public relations does not generate media placement or control messages through paid placement. Results are delivered by developing mutually beneficial relations with an audience and engaging in an ongoing conversation that positions a company as a trusted resource. Here are some other things PR does:

  • Builds credibility
  • Engages and informs a brand’s audience
  • Manages brand reputation
  • Increases brand visibility
  • Generates brand awareness

You can usually find public relations professional in an agency or in-house environment. Most PR pros will advise any new pro to get their start in an agency. The agency atmosphere is very fast-paced. If you can handle strict deadlines and don’t mind juggling a few clients, then that might be the route for you. Interested in working for one specific company? Perhaps you should stick to in-house. I did.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the profession, how do you get involved? Students should contact their journalism school/department to see what resources are available. The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is a great place to start! The purpose of PRSSA is “…to cultivate a favorable and mutually advantageous relationship between students and professional public relations practitioners.” The organization gives students the opportunity to enhance their knowledge on public relations and serve the profession by developing qualified and well-developed public relations professionals.

Out of school or changing your career patch to public relations? It’s never too late to join your local chapter of PRSA. PRSA gives professionals the opportunity to network, stay on top of industry trends and accelerate their career.

So, if you are a new professional—welcome. This was your 101 course, so I hope you took good notes! If not, never fear! I’ve included links to a variety of sources that should help you on your journey. Enjoy!

Public Relations Links

2009
12/01
CATEGORY
PR 101
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