PR ob 11

The Fall semester of my third year at USU is coming to a close. And this semester I will be able to say that I have done so much more than any previuos semester. Yes, the previuos semesters I was an engineering student, so I'm not discrediting engineering - but with PR I feel like I'm actually going places and doing things.

So as this semester comes to a close, I'd like to think back to a few of the things that I've been a part of.

• Research for the PR department regarding the future of PR at USU


• Organization of the service committee, and service week including the service fair, as a board member


• Helped organize the Utah Attorney General, Mark Shurtleff's visit to USU.


• Created a PR crisis management plan for the Sports Academy & Racquet Club.

Those were just a few of the main bits off the top of my head. Other news includes I found a new job, found new housing, worked for ESPN during their USU visit. And so much more. Oh, let's not forget, I created a blog.

This PR field keeps me busy in the things that I love!

PR ob 10: Yesss!!!

I heard the news just the other day, so I went to the closest grocer, Lee's Marketplace, searched and I found nothing. So I stopped the store manager mid-conversation with another employee, and said "Do you know if Tim Tams are here?" He replied, "Well, the Pepperidge Farm guy was having trouble getting them to us, let me see if they're on the shelf yet." After a short walk we found them and he said "Oh, they must have just gotten here."

My love for Tim Tams has been rekindled. I tell my friends, from a 1 to 5 on the scale of goodness, 5 being the best thing you've ever had - this is a 5. Now I'm writing Pepperidge Farm a thank you letter, making it my facebook status, and

Pepperidge Farm has done what every company wants to have done, making the customer the advertiser. I am all of my friends most credible source, and so are your friends your most credible source. This is the hardest thing to do as a company, and Pepperidge Farm achieved it only by virtue of providing an amazing product.

And to their credit, they've done an outstanding PR job. They have America's top chef endorsing the product. And I hate to bring it up, but they are only selling it between October to March. This is smart. Why? Because come every October I will make my initial purchases, hold a Tim Tam slam party, then come March I will stock up for the summer.
PR Job
Press Release

PS Fun

Can't get enough of photoshop today. It was a simple process, just time consuming. I created four different layers, one for the sky, the ground, the car, and myself. After doing that, I played with the color balance on each one, and we have a tripppy new world.

Spooky Haunted Pumpkin Castle

Another fun quick job, in basically 2 steps.
1: Add both images, making sure the pumpkin layer is on top.
2: Choose the blending options, and find one that works best for you. I chose the linear dodge option.

Pop Can

This was a fun quick photoshop job.
1: Duplicate layer
2: Color overlay, play around with which overalay setting you like the most.
3: Delete the top of the lid.
Wa-la.

There were 4 easy steps to change this picture.
1: Color balance - I removed most of the yellow.
2: I duplicated the layer, and cut myself out of the duplicated layer.
3: I then increased the darkness and contrast to make myself less washed out.
4: Dodged the dark areas and burned the bright areas to give it less of the flash effect, but only so much could be done.

This was me being the first person to sit in the governors chair at the capitol. Jon Huntsman thought he was first... nope!

PR ob 9: Cherryholmes

Yesterday Cherryholmes, a bluegrass group came into town. Bluegrass, like any other form of music, is influenced from other music and art forms making it constantly evolve. Cherryholmes considers their music "Bluegrass on steroids."

I went to the concert with a PR and Marketing mentality. How was this promoted: before, during and after? I found out from it because of USU, and unless I was lucky enough to be taking USU 1330, Creative Arts, I would have never found out about Cherryholmes, or ever had an appreciation for the music. During the show they invited us to their web-site. Other than that, there is a PR laps. I feel like I should have known more! Infact, I've been to several performances in Cache Valley that people just don't know about.

Are these publishes in the papers? Did you know they have been nominated for 4 grammys? There isn't a follow-up article today. What about the social media? There was no event invitation on facebook. I'm not on myspace, and don't have a twitter (yet?).

But on a not pr note. It was fun! The oldest child in the band is named Cia, I asked her to marry me, she said. Her parents were skeptical of my financial state, but Cia assured them she is independantly wealthy. Fun times at Ellen Eccles! I really want to actually see them again and take her out. Sounds weird? But hey, she was cute and talented. Who hasn't had a celebrity crush?

PR ob 8

PRSA Luncheon part 2:

The job offer was a highlight, but there's so much more. I am happier than ever with PR because I got to sit with those who have committed their educations to this degree, and continue to pursue it in their lives. These people were like me, outgoing and involved. I felt like I was in the right place and with the right people.

Some of the situations these people involved themselves in were incredible. Back in 1993 there was a hostage situation with IHC at their Alta Hospital. The man at my table was the PR specialist for them at the time he had only been there for three days! I hope to not have something that intense in my first three days on the job, and I don't know what kind of training will prepare me for that. But regardless, I'm excited and confident about PR with more and more of the exposure that I get to it.

I've also noticed while being here at USU, that most of those deeply involved with PR are females. This begins to level out in the actual work force, which makes me happy in both situations.

Final Press Release 4: Salisbury Photography

Oct. 18, 2009
For Immediate Release

[SALISBURY PHOTOGRAPHY]
Contact [Clark Salisbury]
Business Phone [435.752.6665]
Address [671 E. 2160 N., North Logan, UT 84341]

--- Salisbury Photography reached new heights ---

Taking pictures from the sky, or "aerial photography", Clark Salisbury has perfected a new method in development and distribution of pictures from the sky. These pictures are available to private and public institutions as well as homes or businesses.

Taking flight by either airplane or helicopter, Salisbury is able to capture a scene which holds a moment of time and sentimental value. These pictures have also been of value to construction projects, local farmers, and institutions such as Utah State University.

To maximize their quality, picture taking is planned for each building according to time of day, with specific weather conditions to maximize the usage of the sun on proper building angles. The camera used is a Nikon D3X which is the latest in technology from Nikon, and according to Salisbury, "The Nikon D3X is the nicest camera on the market. It shoots a picture at 25 million pixels, and so a photograph can be blown up to 72" by 48" without any pixelization. These photos are incredible."

Salisbury Photography is privately and independently owned and run by Clark Salisbury since the 1980's. Salisbury Photography's mission is to provide the highest quality of photo at the lowest price. Photography include a variety of styles, including weddings, sports, individuals, teams, aerial, scenic, and many others. Call 435-752-6665 for questions and scheduling.

For further information, please contact me.
Media Contact [Kirk Salisbury]
E-mail [Kirk.S@aggiemail.usu.edu]
###

PR ob 7 - Lunch in SLC

I got a job offer!

Recently, the PRSA of Greater Salt Lake invited the PRSSA of Utah State to attend their luncheon. I missed the dress memo, and seeing this was at Squatters in Salt Lake, I thought it would be pretty casual. Squatters is a bar of sorts. I felt like a fish out of water, but didn't let it show.

The meeting began, and I made friendly conversation with those around me. I put away with any cocky personality which would display "I'm the newest greatest thing that ever hit this place..." and I just asked some humble honest questions. "I really don't know what to expect here" was the question that broke the ice. At that point professionals became approachable friendly people.

One woman in particular arrived late, she sat next to me, and I did my best to make her feel comfortable. I filled her in on what had taken place so far, assured her she hadn't missed anything, got her eating utensils, offered to fill her glass. We made small talk and shortly after she gave me her card and said "Talk to me afterwards about a job." I said "absolutely!"

After the meeting she said "We have a PR opening with ARUP. How much school do you have left?" I replied "A year and a half." At that point we saw that it wouldn't be a fit for me take the position. Before I move to the professional world, I want my piece of paper that says I am a professional. But I felt very honored to recieve immediate consideration in a professional job.

PR ob 6

Mark Shurtleff, the attorney general of that state of Utah recently visited Utah State University. Nobody came to see him.

According to his PR specialist, he made sufficient effort to advertise this, and it was a the fault of the local media that nobody came. Trying to place the blame elsewhere is a PR mistake. In doing so, he effectively creates enemies and people who are unwilling to work with him in the future.

The attorney general is returning to Utah State University, and USU students are now taking the opportunity to show that we can do this better than the paid professionals.

This is getting me excited for PR future! I already have confidence in the work I'm going to be able to do.

PR ob 5

http://www.pr.com/press-release/183564

Maybe it was just me, but everytime I see a dateline from these online press releases, I feel like they are doing it wrong.

I was skeptical about a press release for a new hire, and in my skepticism I was looking for things that would turn me off. But as I read on with a critical eye, every point in my mind that I thought they wouldn't approach correctly they did. This press release included proper introduction of the new hire, the qualifications, and then capped it with what Andres Loeffler will bring to the Oregon based team ActionCOACH.

With every press release I read, I am continually more impressed on the positive feel they gave. This was simply a new hire announcement, but I'm happy for the future and growth of this company with what they are doing. The best comparison I can make is how Cache Valley has become enthusiastic with the Utah State football program over the hire of the new coach, Gary Anderson.

PR ob: 4

http://www.pr.com/press-release/183516

I'm turned off by the dateline. I know better than to give the state its postal abbreviation in the dateline.

Beyond that, this release created a very positive image of Balfour Beatty Construction. It showed that they accomplished a very high-risk move, preparing for any contingency that may take place (though none were needed). 20 people, which included volunteers, moved 15 high-risk mothers, and 68 fragile infants without any bumps.

Within a single press release, they wove into it emotion, success, and progress in construction and method. All of that, combines to give the positive image of Balfour Beatty Construction.

Press Release 4: Salisbury Photography

Oct. 5, 2009
For Immediate Release

[SALISBURY PHOTOGRAPHY]
Contact [Clark Salisbury]
Business Phone [435.752.6665]
Address [671 E. 2160 N., North Logan, UT 84341]

--- Salisbury Photography reached new heights ---

Taking pictures from the sky, or "aerial photography", Clark Salisbury is providing local businesses, homes, and institutions with a unique view of their property. Taking flight by either airplane or helicopter, Salisbury is able to capture a scene which holds a moment of time and sentimental value. These pictures have also been of value to construction projects, local farmers, and Utah State University.

To maximize their quality, picture taking is planned for each building according to time of day, with specific weather conditions to maximize the usage of the sun on proper building angles. The camera used is a Nikon D3X which is the latest in technology from Nikon, and according to Salisbury, "The Nikon D3X is the nicest camera on the market. It shoots a picture at 25 million pixels, and so a photograph can be blown up to 72" by 48" without any pixelation. These photos are incredible."

Salisbury Photography is privately and independently owned and run by Clark Salisbury since the 1980's. Salisbury Photography's mission is to provide the highest quality of photo at the lowest price. Photography include a variety of styles, including weddings, sports, individuals, teams, aerial, scenic, and many others. Call 435-752-6665 for questions and scheduling.

For further information, please contact me.
Media Contact [Kirk Salisbury]
E-mail [Kirk.S@aggiemail.usu.edu]
###

Final Press Release 3: Cause Promotion

Sept. 30, 2009
For Immediate Release

[CVAIA]

Contact [Preston Parker]

Cell Phone [661.772.7537]

Address [851 N Main St., Logan UT 84321]

--- Cache Valley Area Investors Association ---

Gathering to make career searching and financial concerns part of the past

LOGAN, Utah -- Take opportunity to find and make money where you never before realized. Being educated on where this money is, how to find it, and how to take it is the key. President of Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA), Preston Parker said “we started an organization to help people and create a formal way of educating others with financing and money management.” CVAIA teaches and embraces the Law of Attraction, Law of Abundance, and Law of Exchange.

"We believe people should be able to spend their time doing something they love, not just a job that provides an income. Passive income largely makes that possible,” said Parker. The idea of raising passive income and lowering expenses is used by several authors including Suze Orman and Clark Howard. Concepts are also applied in several best-selling books including The Millionaire Next Door, Atlas Shrugged, and The Secret.

CVAIA meets every other Thursday in the Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce at 7 pm. Anyone is welcome to attend, and membership is free.

Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) teaches people how to increase passive income. CVAIA embraces the Law of Attraction, Law of Abundance, and Law of Exchange. They practice the methods found in the ideologies of books including Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Wealthy Barber, The Millionaire Next Door, Atlas Shrugged, The Automatic Millionaire, and The Secret. CVAIA began in August 2007 and now has members from many geographical locations and from all walks of life. The members come together with the same belief: that education mitigates the risks of investing.

For further information, please contact me.

Media Contact [Kirk Salisbury]

E-mail [Kirk.S@aggiemail.usu.edu]

###

Draft Press Release 3: Cause Promotion

Sept. 24, 2009
[CVAIA]

Contact: [Preston Parker]
For Immediate Release
Address: [851 N Main St., Logan UT 84321]
Cell Phone: [661.772.7537]
CVAIA

--- Cache Valley Area Investors Association ---
Gathering to make career searching and financial concerns part of the past

Take opportunity to find and make money where you never before realized. Being educated on where this money is, how to find it, and how to take it is the key. Speakers such as Robert Kiyosaki, Suze Orman, and Clark Howard, gather and lecture to educate on passive income. President of CVAIA, Preston Parker said “we started an organization to help people and create a formal way of educating others with financing and money management.”
CVAIA meets every other Thursday in the Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce at 7 pm.

Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) teaches people how to increase passive income. CVAIA embraces the Law of Attraction, Law of Abundance, and Law of Exchange. They practice the methods found in the ideologies of books including Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Wealthy Barber, The Millionaire Next Door, Atlas Shrugged, The Automatic Millionaire, and The Secret. CVAIA began in August 2007 and now has members from many geographical locations and from all walks of life. The members come together with the same belief: that education mitigates the risks of investing.


For further information, please contact me.Media Contact: Kirk Salisbury
E-mail: Kirk.S@aggiemail.usu.edu

###

PR ob: 3

The heading reads: "Remote Computer Hacking is a Thing of the Past - MOBBAL Technology for Keyboards is Launched" - PR.com

And the press release further states "Expect their MOBBAL technology to become synonymous with keyboards just as Intel is with computer chips."

All I can think is -- this is the most creative and promising press release I have read yet. I feel as though this is the most promising product on the market this month, and I haven't seen any results. The public relations firm or agent for MOBBAL did such a fantastic job, he has created enthusiasm in me for a product that I barely understand. This person did it all in one paragraph.

Fantastic use of valuable lead real-estate.

Online Etiquette

E-mail etiquette. What a jewel. We could all go for a read of "E-mail Etiquette" and "Rules of Etiquette". Nearly every one of these is common-sense, and at the same time they just need to be said.

A few examples from "E-mail Etiquette":

#1: "Be concise and to the point."
I'm a busy person, and I skim when I read; if there are several points in an e-mail besides the point, I may lose interest and never catch what the actual message is.

#3: "Use proper spelling and grammar."
When a message is sent in all seriousness with language such as "I h8 2 do this 2 u, but c/ya l8r..." I cringe, I cannot take that seriously. Spell words out. Spell words correctly.

#4: "Make it personal."
My name is not "Hey!" or "Whom It May Concern". My name is Kirk. I like my name, so call me by it, show me you can be personal.

#11: "Don’t leave out the message thread."
This helps keep us all organized.

#19: "Do not forward chain letters."
I laugh it needed to be said. However, I receive these all the time from people who know better. People, you know better, stop it.

#27: "Avoid long sentences."
I like it.

Those are a few of my favorite gems, now go check it out.

PR ob: 2

My involvement in the PRSSA recently led me to recruiting volunteers and volunteering to help build the Adventure Playground. This new playground is being built just behind the Whittier Center here in Logan, and is being done 100% by volunteers and donated funds.



Being a part of the board that planned the Service Fair that happened Monday, I also had a table organized for the Whittier Center. The fair took place in a commons area here at USU, and I quickly realized students were skeptical of the Service Fair, and most would avoid eye contact and continue to walk on by. So I stepped up my enthusiasm, and began calling out to students, asking them to come over and volunteer. I then got another helper at my table, so I left the table and went into the hallways and encouraged crowds of people to become involved. So many people began getting involved, that I was approached by those in charge at the CAPSA table and was told, "We have been keeping our eye on you, and we need you in CAPSA. You would be perfect. You have that energy, and positive attitude, the kids need a male role model just like you."

The volunteering itself was also a great experience. I noticed that most of the volunteers were other PR students. It showed to me that those involved in PR are so often the people that are actively involved and willing in the community. I really like being part of this outstanding group.

PR ob: 1

PR has been keeping me busy lately. I'm beginning to forget the days where I would have a moment of free time in my life. Seeing that PR is a profession of networking, I've begin to put myself out there way outside of my comfort zone. I'm beginning to feel that instead of being "outside of my comfort zone" it is more my zone - my element, my chance to come through.

I have a friend that is running the Service Fair next week, and I saw this as opportunity. I took on board helping with the brainstorming process on how to make this work, and then took the opportunity to find people who would sponsor prizes for the service fair. We feel as though that wok will really put the icing on the cake for the service fair.

I have also signed up for the PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America). We are organizing fund-raising, our regional conference, and a trip to San Diego in November for national conference.

I'm seeing that these opportunities have increased my networking. I brought both of those up, because the service fair led me to the managing coordinator of the Quickstop, Marketplace, and Hub here at USU. That connetion will help the fundraising for the PRSSA.

So I'm feeling good about PR.

Press Release 1: Announcement

9/8/2009

New Global Social Club
Social Media Club of Cache Valley

President: Preston Parker

Address: 851 N. Main St., Logan UT

Phone: 661-772-7537

LOGAN, UT – Social Media Club establishes local chapter in Cache Valley. The club meets once a month at varying locations with a mission to educate people on how to use social media. This is a new non-profit orginization. According to Preston Parker, President of SMCCV, “Social media is how you get jobs. The best jobs don’t get posted in newspapers, the best jobs are 'do you know someone who can do this….' This will get you jobs, positions, opportunites, you can contribute much easier to society.” Group membership is growing quickly and meetings are free.

The Social Media Club began in San Francisco in August, 2006. The organization has reached global status. The Cache Valley chapter currently has 26 members, and first gathered in August 2009.

For further information, please contact me.
Media Contact: Kirk Salisbury

Phone: 435-232-1097
-30-

The Power of YouTube 2310

After his guitar was broken during a flight with United Airlines, singer/songwriter Dave Carroll sought $3500 compensation for his damaged guitar. When United Airlines refused Carroll warned that he would write a song about his experience and post it to the popular video sharing website YouTube. United Airlines refused and Carroll created a song which was posted in early July, and has since that posting his video has reached over 5 million viewings. In response, stockholders have since been selling their shares, and United Airlines has lost over $180 million.

The story is all explained in Carroll’s song “United Breaks Guitars”, and at his website. According to Carroll, he tried for several months to be compensated for his damaged guitar and after months of empty leads and tries, he stated “At that moment it occurred to me that I had been fighting a losing battle all this time and that fighting over this at all was a waste of time.” Carroll then says that the experience gave him a musical outlet and inspiration for his songwriting. He then decided to create three videos of the experience with a goal of reaching one million collective hits.

He did that in two days with his first video.

Way to go Dave Carroll. He launched his musical career to another level. He served revenge to United Airlines for a negative experience which they hosted. It is my tendency to feel bad for United Airlines, even Carroll himself has addressed that he worked with people that were trying their best to do their jobs and stand for United Airlines’ policies. But again, this is business, and if a positive experience is not provided to a customer, then positive feedback won’t be provided.

Now my thoughts in United Airlines favor: What a time to be in Public Relations for United! In an attempt to restore a positive image, they offered to compensate Carroll for his guitar, but Carroll said it came to late. Carroll has stated that he has yet to write a third song, and for this song, United Airlines is still at his mercy. In an Interview with the CBS Morning Show, Carroll said this third song may even become a love story between the two. Now just as United Airlines gave Dave Carroll an outlet for his musical ability, Carroll is now giving United Airlines a great opportunity. Because of this experience, United Airlines has been put into the spotlight of the airline industry. Their mishandling of the situation with Carroll in the first place was a strike, but this may be an opportunity for a home run. If United Airlines embraces this already public embarrassment, make it a learning example, and publicly show improvement, United Airlines can become the peoples’ hero. The stage has been set, people are in their seats, now what will United Airlines do?

Cousin Chris, it's been a while! 2310

Last year I was doing my engineering courses, and I was doing alright with the concepts, but I was hating my schooling. When I applied myself I did well at the never-ending physics and calculus, but different subjects were much more interesting. I realized I loved to write and share things such as "the worst experience of my life" in my English classes. I realized it was time for an overhaul in the direction I was taking my higher education , and I needed to find the shoe that fits.

I began by asking others what they thought of me and what major they could visualize me in. I would even approach complete strangers and ask, "judging by your first impression of me within the last five seconds, what would you think my major is?" Most often I got the reply "public relations." Honestly, I had no idea what it meant, but I liked the sound of it. I had the impression that it was simply to relate to the public. I observed my skills in sales, team leading, motivating, and networking, and realized all these skills made up the core of what I am, and what the public relations profession is. So I made the switch to PR, and over the last year I have realized that the shoe fits perfectly.

In my professional career I will be the man who helps organize public events, coordinate with marketing campaigns, and make public statements as a spokesperson. I will assist in creating the overall image of a company that the public will perceive. I'm excited, anxious, feeling ambitious, and this career will be fun! This career will give me opportunity to meet executives, officials, and many different areas of the media.

I'm already taking the training into my life. I have developed skills of getting people and organizations involved in public events. September 15 is the Service Fair here at USU, and we are going to have a raffle to promote student participation. I have been the person who helped develop ideas and outlines for the service fair, and I did all the footwork in obtaining the sponsors for our raffle prizes. That was a new experience that built my confidence because I was the one calling owners and managers of business's and getting them to work with me.

I hope to hear from you soon,
Kirk

I'm here ...

... and in school. Let me tell you, it's exciting. PR (public relations) is feeling more and more like the shoe that fits! I'll keep you posted. I've got a feeling, the next little while is going to be a ride.