tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274306119411300612024-03-13T05:16:36.732-05:00A 20-something's PerspectiveA 20-something's Perspective's main focus is on the PR, advertising and media industries. The contents of this blog reflect my own personal thoughts and opinions. In no way do they reflect those of my employer.Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-22798825641350259092011-02-07T17:54:00.006-06:002011-02-07T18:27:03.320-06:00My Top 3 Super Bowl Ads<strong>Doritos: The Best Part<br /></strong><object width="512" height="288"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/embed/V8iC_hPhitAuwlmtxMx3nA"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.hulu.com/embed/V8iC_hPhitAuwlmtxMx3nA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="288" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />While the Doritos: House Sitting ad was very good, there was something about this one that just made me laugh. Perhaps it was the absurdity of it all? As a person who licks the bottom of her ice cream bowl when no one's looking, I could certainly relate.<br /><br /><strong>Volkswagon: The Force<br /></strong><object width="512" height="288"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/embed/RWZOl8Dg037PpPx46KbaTQ"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.hulu.com/embed/RWZOl8Dg037PpPx46KbaTQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="288" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />Maybe it's just because I'm dating a geek, but I thought this ad was adorable as well as effective. My boyfriend doesn't care much for advertising, but the sometime in the next 5-10 years Dad related to this ad. And so did I.<br /><br /><strong>Chrysler: Imported From Detroit<br /></strong><object width="512" height="288"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/embed/nP9rEwfKT-RLeCm6zNyz6g"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.hulu.com/embed/nP9rEwfKT-RLeCm6zNyz6g" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="288" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />What a wonderful ad for Detroit, and Chrysler, too. Even though I've never been to Detroit, I've had a tendency to view it as a broken, blue collar city with a high crime rate. That said, you have to admire the pride that this ad inspires. If I was in the market for a car, it would make me take a look at Chrysler. And it certainly made me hope for Detroit.<br /><br /><strong>Honorable Mentions:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.hulu.com/adzone2011#50120607">NFL Super Bowl Celebration</a><br /><a href="http://www.hulu.com/adzone2011#50120564">Pepsi: Love Hurts</a>Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-27895579463281885422010-11-07T14:48:00.004-06:002010-11-07T15:07:33.371-06:00The First-Timers Guide to Surviving a Trade Show<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MwQP9vuCMMIrns0AIETOOwpSGfj2-UMp6pGkuFnvdrwVbjUh4UclDAZusiHUdYiN_CCnHNzeujeJKXp3YQxDGtxtWgsKbEkuPibLHF0xj1LkhxLPEl27_Lq7JoQhMpBg9UVWMBiHh9Xe/s1600/2010SEMA.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536915959783367826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MwQP9vuCMMIrns0AIETOOwpSGfj2-UMp6pGkuFnvdrwVbjUh4UclDAZusiHUdYiN_CCnHNzeujeJKXp3YQxDGtxtWgsKbEkuPibLHF0xj1LkhxLPEl27_Lq7JoQhMpBg9UVWMBiHh9Xe/s320/2010SEMA.jpg" /></a>This past Thursday I returned from my first and one of the biggest trade shows: SEMA. SEMA, otherwise known as the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association, is held each year in Las Vegas. As the biggest show for the auto aftermarket industry, I have helped clients prepare but have never been able to attend.<br /><br />Getting ready for the show was a bit stressful as I wasn’t sure how to pack or what to expect. I’m here to pass on my wisdom (little as it may be), so you can be a bit more prepared for your first trade show.<br /><ol><li><strong>Bring a backpack or some type of bag on wheels</strong><br />I thought I was covered by bringing a large purse that could hold my laptop. I was wrong. When you’re at a trade show you’ll likely need to carry your laptop, laptop charger, cell and cell charger, briefing binder, print outs, etc. No matter how big the purse, you’ll want to have something else with you, if for no other reason than to save your shoulders. </li><br /><li><strong>Bring appropriate colored tennis shoes</strong><br />We were told to wear black shoes in our booth. I brought a pair of black flats that I survived in, but when you’re standing for eight or more hours a day tennis shoes are your safest bet. Don’t worry if they don’t go the best with your outfit. Everyone who’s been to a trade show knows the drill, and they won’t think you’re underdressed. </li><br /><li><strong>Always carry water</strong><br />Perhaps part of it was Vegas, but those huge convention halls are really dry. Add that to the fact that you’ll be doing a lot more talking than you’re used to, and you’re bound to get a bit horse. You probably won’t be allowed to eat and drink in the booth, but having a bottle of water stashed in your backpack will allow you to sneak a drink every so often. Trust me, it helps. </li><br /><li><strong>Keep your cell phone charger with you, you never know when you’ll get a chance to plug in</strong><br />There are a lot of logistics to keep track of while you’re on the floor. Chances are you’ll be using your phone. A lot. If you have an iPhone like me, you know how fast the battery drains. Always bring your charger. There will most likely be somewhere in the booth where you can plug-in for a couple minutes. If you can’t find an outlet, you can always use your laptop. </li><br /><li><strong>When in doubt, fly in a day early</strong><br />Originally I was going to fly in the afternoon before the show started. I’m really glad we decided to fly in a night earlier. There are always last minute adjustments and fires to put out, and it’s better to have extra time as opposed to running around like crazy the first day of the show. </li><br /><li><strong>Ship everything to the business center and keep your tracking numbers!</strong><br />Not only will this save you tons of money in bag fees at the airport, but it makes things so much easier! If you’re staying at a hotel that deals with conventions they will be well equipped to handle last minute requests and packages. Just remember to keep your tracking numbers in case something goes wrong. It will also help you check off your list, to make sure you’ve received everything. </li><br /><li><strong>Do whatever you can to print out materials in advance</strong><br />This is something I could have done a better job of. There’s nothing worse than running to the business center at 8 a.m. to e-mail and print off 50 copies of your news release 30 minutes before your press conference. Save yourself the headache, and try to do as much of that as possible at the office. Remember, you can always ship it to the hotel. </li><br /><li><strong>Bring transitional clothing</strong><br />One of the hardest parts was figuring out what to pack. My advice: pack clothing that you can mix and match. You need to be able to go from work to client dinner to drinks pretty seamlessly. When in doubt, a lot of black pieces are always a safe bet. And, of course, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. </li><br /><li><strong>Have fun, but not too much fun</strong><br />You’re in Vegas, baby, or some other fun city. You should try to go out and enjoy it. Chances are you’ll probably be taking clients out at least one night. Have fun, but keep it professional and don’t overdo it with drinks. Some people will tell you not to drink at all. I think that’s silly. By now you’re a grown up. You know your limits and when you’re feeling tipsy. Pace yourself and stop drinking if you think you’re getting to the breaking point. There’s no shame in ordering a diet Coke. It’s OK for a client to show up hung over the next day. It’s not OK for you. </li><br /><li><strong>Sleep as much as possible</strong><br />From my experience, there’s one thing missing from trade shows. Sleep. You have to wake up early in the morning, stay on your feet all day and often don’t get to bed until late. So, if you have an opportunity to go to bed at a reasonable hour, take it. You’ll thank yourself as the week wears on.</li></ol><p>That’s it. Good luck! And happy trade show going. </p>Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-76419529912090385402010-10-20T21:41:00.005-05:002010-10-20T22:28:48.614-05:00Why I'm taking a leave of absence<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NJ7yEvTT3OjLU3Eji_jwnbeTDvQ6iKSwrrmOrREhr8QCjYJhbewdwYl4j5VW47kVjYIi8eQERnh-0Qf9ONuyDLvWiNdYDeCZ3WEa2dKeTZx6om1j8FaoOGFowBgp1jVOStwPtCN7hUha/s1600/change-management1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530335363828629010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NJ7yEvTT3OjLU3Eji_jwnbeTDvQ6iKSwrrmOrREhr8QCjYJhbewdwYl4j5VW47kVjYIi8eQERnh-0Qf9ONuyDLvWiNdYDeCZ3WEa2dKeTZx6om1j8FaoOGFowBgp1jVOStwPtCN7hUha/s320/change-management1.jpg" /></a>Why, hello there. It's been awhile. A lot has happened since we last spoke. In the last couple of months I have moved to Chicago, started a new job and sold my car. The change has been fantastic.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I was leading a good life in Milwaukee, but I was beginning to feel stagnant. Now, I didn't exactly sell all my worldly possessions and move half way around the world, but I think we can all agree that I've had an exciting couple of months.<br /><br />This brings me to the topic of this post. While all of these changes have been wonderful, it has left me with much less time to focus on other things like this blog and even, gasp!, Twitter.<br /><br />You see, now that I've made these changes, I want to take some time to revel in them. I want to concentrate on my new position, explore the city and spend some time with friends I haven't seen much of the last couple of years.<br /><br />I hope you'll forgive me while I'm away. My intent is to start blogging regularly again in the summer. However, that is not to say that I won't post throughout the year when the mood strikes.<br /><br />Here's hoping you're able to tell me about your own big life changes the next time we chat.<br /><br />-SarahSarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-76434128004529630962010-08-04T11:41:00.002-05:002010-08-04T11:47:45.411-05:00Is Authenticity Dead Already?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHH7RJ7FgQIaQySnttJYW1l9A2HuNa30dH2fXElcpIHsa8vP2gcGKcREjGCNm9t5kKjc4bk545ox_SPdLzYpAnuDLMqtZ-Gt7VvUSIFgIDA4TRf8yhnGCzrG0C4sNB-PCFXHIG3m3EAE5X/s1600/SpiritAir_lr.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHH7RJ7FgQIaQySnttJYW1l9A2HuNa30dH2fXElcpIHsa8vP2gcGKcREjGCNm9t5kKjc4bk545ox_SPdLzYpAnuDLMqtZ-Gt7VvUSIFgIDA4TRf8yhnGCzrG0C4sNB-PCFXHIG3m3EAE5X/s320/SpiritAir_lr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501596664451771170" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cssoczka%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">I came across a very interesting piece of travel-related information via my Twitter feed this morning. While most airlines have been making drastic cuts and passing many costs to consumers, it appears Spirit Airlines is taking it to a whole new level.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">According to <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/blogs/carry-on/2010/8/4/spirit-air-money-talks-and-talking-costs-money">Travel + Leisure</a>, Spirit Airlines began charging $45 for carry-on bags Aug. 1. Yikes. How much do they charge to check? But wait, it gets worse. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The airline is also considering charging customers to talk to a Spirit Airlines employee at the check-in counter.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I hope Spirit Airlines does not decide to move forward with this idea. While more and more people are becoming increasingly comfortable with technology and operating self-check kiosks at grocery stores and airports, there is still a need for face-to-face interaction.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">What happens if your check-in kiosk breaks down or malfunctions? Will you still have to pay an outrageous fee to talk to someone behind the counter?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">While technology can certainly be very helpful and speedy nothing can replace a quality employee. Strong, positive interactions between Spirit Airlines’ employees and customers will help strengthen the brand and keep it from becoming a faceless, low-budget airline.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">What are your thoughts? Is Spirit Airlines simply adjusting to the new economic climate? Or are they damaging their brand and reputation by being ballsy enough to charge people for talking to them?</p> Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-29587653875597402142010-07-15T15:27:00.003-05:002010-07-15T15:37:30.102-05:00Old Spice Social Media CampaignIn an effort to keep this blog updated more regularly, I have decided to share insightful and relevant content from other sites from time to time. Let me know if you like it, love it or think I'm a cop-out for not writing all my own content.<br /><br />Today Mashable posted one of the best case studies I've seen about the Old Spice campaign. (Hey, maybe this blog post will get me my own Old Spice video!)<br /><br />So here it is: <a href="http://mashable.com/2010/07/15/old-spice-stats/">The Old Spice Social Media Campaign by the Numbers</a>.<br /><br />Enjoy.<br /><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/owGykVbfgUE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/owGykVbfgUE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="385" width="640"></embed></object>Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-79063161548765137942010-07-05T13:10:00.003-05:002010-07-05T13:15:54.567-05:00Facebook: Then and Now<p>Remember when Facebook was hip and cool? When only you and your 10 best college friends from that Fourth of July kegger had access? Yeah, me too...<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MRsRLZiyH20&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MRsRLZiyH20&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></p><p>Video is courtesy of <a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/agencyspy/news/tuesday_morning_stir_166122.asp?c=rss">AgencySpy</a>.</p>Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-14241504053445082592010-07-05T12:52:00.005-05:002010-07-05T12:58:27.132-05:00Everything You Need to Know About Foursquare<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgss1TMqY728csMCWM3lOGUDpO_3M2fc6msb_fKFDTcMCQZs-AZJIk39bKe9GXLMc7wTWJKwE6ygOIWQc50-Y1ra1-fo8lsCiqJ0JTOZQMS-7eJRJ56zxNLHg3Ri2p3LdJOpEhBepIjqYjl/s1600/foursquare.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 123px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490482480935285570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgss1TMqY728csMCWM3lOGUDpO_3M2fc6msb_fKFDTcMCQZs-AZJIk39bKe9GXLMc7wTWJKwE6ygOIWQc50-Y1ra1-fo8lsCiqJ0JTOZQMS-7eJRJ56zxNLHg3Ri2p3LdJOpEhBepIjqYjl/s320/foursquare.jpg" /></a>A link to the article I wrote for the latest Boelter + Lincoln newsletter. Keep in mind that this piece was written for Milwaukee area businesses that have varying levels of social media knowledge. Enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.boelterlincoln.com/site/newsletter/everything-you-need-to-know-about-foursquare/">Everything You Need to Know About Foursquare</a></div>Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-62088724519209224342010-06-22T21:21:00.008-05:002010-06-22T21:39:46.294-05:00Sexism in America. Yes, it does exist.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SvMVGf_dDVHuu8U7FfGbw6EXH4uX-1BeFePOjhsDlNaIHyR8gFJZXtJfadtnm-jrUK_k99TkoZYGM1c5siaWwU-7NrYebgKlNkOE7ZLaPs-o4j8Rw0Dkfy9Ob3UgeMBBwn6UqqU05yDS/s1600/sexism.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485790427857616130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SvMVGf_dDVHuu8U7FfGbw6EXH4uX-1BeFePOjhsDlNaIHyR8gFJZXtJfadtnm-jrUK_k99TkoZYGM1c5siaWwU-7NrYebgKlNkOE7ZLaPs-o4j8Rw0Dkfy9Ob3UgeMBBwn6UqqU05yDS/s320/sexism.gif" /></a>It’s 2010. Ninety years ago American women won the right to vote. In 1973, women won the right to choose via Roe v. Wade. In 1984, the first woman, Geraldine Ferraro, received a vice presidential nomination from a major political party. In 2007, Nancy Pelosi was elected the first female Speaker of the House. And finally, in 2008 the U.S. received its first realistic female candidate for president, Hillary Clinton.<br /><br />Yes, it’s 2010, and despite all these accomplishments,<strong> I’m here to say sexism is alive and well in America.</strong><br /><br />How do I know this?<br /><br />I know this because despite the fact that <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36663479/ns/us_news-census_2010/">35 percent of women between the ages of 25 and 29 have a bachelor’s degree</a>, compared to 27 percent of men the same age, <a href="http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/01/wage_gap_numbers.html">women still make 78 cents to every dollar men make</a>. I know this because despite <a href="http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/tables/10s0008.pdf">women making up over half the U.S. population </a>only <a href="http://www.cawp.rutgers.edu/fast_facts/levels_of_office/documents/cong.pdf">17 percent of the U.S. Senate </a>is made up of women. And I know this because despite the rise of stay-at-home dads, women continue to do <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/06/17/housework.relationships/">70 percent of housework</a>. But perhaps, more importantly, I know this because a few years ago a drunken relative “humorously” said to me, “Sarah, you can be senator, but you can’t be president.”<br /><br />Despite all these statistics and accolades, I know there are many who disagree with me. There are many who say women don’t make as much as men because they choose to take time off from work. To those I offer the following recent news stories:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/16/fashion/16cougar.html?partner=rss&emc=rss">Google Tells Sites for ‘Cougars’ to Go Prowl Elsewhere </a><br />This <em>New York Times</em> article explains that Google has banned dating sites like CougarLife.com (a site that caters to older women looking for younger men) from appearing as sponsored links or other types of Google advertising. However, Google continues to allow sites “like DateAMillionaire.com, which assures its clients they can meet sugar babies” to advertise.<br /><br /><a href="http://abovethelaw.com/2010/06/kl-gates-closed-to-associate-mothers/">K&L Gates: Closed to Associate Mothers? </a><br />This article discusses how the large New York law firm, K&L Gates, somehow finds a way to get rid of their female staffers once they have children.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-06-01/news/is-this-woman-too-hot-to-work-in-a-bank/1">Is This Woman Too Hot To Be a Banker?</a><br />A single mom was allegedly fired from her job at Citibank because “her bosses told her they couldn’t concentrate on their work because her appearance was too distracting.”<br /><br />Do you think blatant sexism is a myth? Please feel free to share your thoughts and stories.Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-71475234737580144112010-06-10T16:38:00.006-05:002010-06-10T16:50:29.742-05:00The Fight Over Personal Branding<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJF0eBtE9j3CTKWiQt8SoDe-T440MSWB_1j2SrYmQKvWOmCgJctNtcmx4KyF_yWz8cTAdX0bd7Zc_0pJKAUEkMkIlwp-KjSCnUFg9whka8vOdO1EYSYSSoth3Cw5fAP-YWEWV7gVAzhk5D/s1600/tug-o-war1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 583px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJF0eBtE9j3CTKWiQt8SoDe-T440MSWB_1j2SrYmQKvWOmCgJctNtcmx4KyF_yWz8cTAdX0bd7Zc_0pJKAUEkMkIlwp-KjSCnUFg9whka8vOdO1EYSYSSoth3Cw5fAP-YWEWV7gVAzhk5D/s320/tug-o-war1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481263728842704434" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cssoczka%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">There is one argument as a PR professional that I am forever having with my tech-obsessed boyfriend. That is the idea of personal branding. The argument goes like this:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me:</span> Everything you do is branding. Even if it’s not your intent. When you post things on Twitter you are adding to your image, people’s idea of who you are. In other words, your brand.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Him:</span> I am not a brand. I don’t care how other people see me. I’m going to do and say what I like. If people don’t like it, (expletive) them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me:</span> And that’s your personal brand!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I will leave the rest of the argument to your imagination.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cssoczka%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:";font-size:100%;" >My point? Today the tech-obsessed boyfriend (who I love dearly) passed along a <a href="http://www.maureenjohnsonbooks.com/2010/06/08/manifesto/">great post </a></span><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cssoczka%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><a href="http://www.maureenjohnsonbooks.com/2010/06/08/manifesto/">on personal branding by author Maureen Johnson.</a> She has developed her own manifesto on the subject:</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cssoczka%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">“The internet is made of people. People matter. This includes you. Stop trying to sell everything about yourself to everyone. Don’t just hammer away and repeat and talk at people—talk TO people. It’s organic. Make stuff for the internet that matters to you, even if it seems stupid. Do it because it’s good and feels important. Put up more cat pictures. Make more songs. Show your doodles. Give things away and take things that are free. Look at what other people are doing, not to compete, imitate, or compare . . . but because you enjoy looking at the things other people make. Don’t shove yourself into that tiny, airless box called a brand—tiny, airless boxes are for trinkets and dead people.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cssoczka%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal">If you haven’t guessed, she agrees with my boyfriend. But I have to say, I don’t really disagree with her statement. The Internet <i style="">is</i> made up of people, and when I talk to others about social media I try to make it a point to say it’s a two-way street. Yes, company XYZ, you will need to log-on several times a day and actually <i style="">talk </i>to people. After all, social media is about building relationships.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The term “personal branding” has gotten a bad rap among those who don’t work in marketing. It’s the same as the term “networking.” Ugh. Networking. Who wants to be forced to talk to a bunch of strangers and push business cards? Tweet-ups are much more attractive. At a tweet-up I get to have a few drinks, and meet new people!</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s all a case of you say tomato, I say to-mah-to. In fact, I encourage people to post Lolcats photos, join causes and produce wacky videos. Just make sure the things you’re sharing, and the image you’re putting forth is one you’re OK with having. If that’s the image of someone who doesn’t care what anyone else thinks, more power to you.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p>
<br />Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-75188206191392627972010-05-04T22:21:00.003-05:002010-05-04T22:27:28.452-05:00How do you communicate?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjHGy7cUMasCc2QMFM9kMvJHBM-BxggJ5N8ueZP31uCk2fen2GuV0x6_tnS28zbJbtKgk353cxYvcMlN49W8vZdDQt0C7tje28DJHJQj_moxs4dA8F_WdM7Ud4E_71cz7rCWezLMJFOU_/s1600/communication.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 215px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467621992514355106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjHGy7cUMasCc2QMFM9kMvJHBM-BxggJ5N8ueZP31uCk2fen2GuV0x6_tnS28zbJbtKgk353cxYvcMlN49W8vZdDQt0C7tje28DJHJQj_moxs4dA8F_WdM7Ud4E_71cz7rCWezLMJFOU_/s320/communication.jpg" /></a>I’m in PR. I cater to people every day. I call or e-mail clients and journalists based on their personal preference, print out documents for those who like hard copies and use Twitter and Facebook to enhance my relationships. When I’m finally the client, the one to be catered to, is it too much to ask for people to communicate with me the way I prefer?<br /><br />I recently e-mailed my personal banker with a question about one of my accounts. The response? A voicemail on my cell phone. I hate voicemail. I didn’t send my banker an e-mail because I wanted to talk on the phone. Weeks have gone by. I still haven’t called, and let’s just say his follow-up has been less than stellar. Meanwhile my questions are unanswered, and I am left with a less than perfect impression of my somewhat new bank.<br /><br />There are a lot of different ways to communicate, and we all have our preferences. However, when you’re dealing with clients and other business professionals it’s important to take the time to cater your communication style to them.<br /><br /><strong>A good rule of thumb: respond using the same communication method they used.</strong><br /><br />So if you’re wondering why I haven’t returned your voicemail, try sending an e-mail.Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-46667679349270752010-03-16T14:51:00.004-05:002010-03-16T15:01:13.754-05:00Victoria’s Secret Kills Brewers Dreams<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx86QBiTjrlvXmQWUTlUvAn3jv0oXOprZN1i2hUoeDAUJR6NPvXQnpI7BwGx851-MPP1eNRHqucRRPniH7sCLPZlaTLDZCq8snYJYN02GeadKZHIHgnfN8ALO75iZJ7BMm8a-VLsNwWCH/s1600-h/cubs-shirt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx86QBiTjrlvXmQWUTlUvAn3jv0oXOprZN1i2hUoeDAUJR6NPvXQnpI7BwGx851-MPP1eNRHqucRRPniH7sCLPZlaTLDZCq8snYJYN02GeadKZHIHgnfN8ALO75iZJ7BMm8a-VLsNwWCH/s320/cubs-shirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449323346784502898" border="0" /></a>Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration. But for all the female Brewers fans out there, I have some bad news. Doris Hajewski (<a href="http://twitter.com/dhajewski">@dhajewski</a>) of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/87812067.html">reporting</a> that the Brewers <span style="font-weight: bold;">did not</span> make the cut for a new Victoria’s Secret line of Major League Baseball inspired clothing. Here’s a <a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/victorias-secret-pink-and-major-league-baseball-properties-announce-new-co-branded-collection-87663702.html">link</a> to the official release.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Who was chosen?</span><br /><br />For the most part the “beautiful” cities:<br /><ul><li>Chicago Cubs</li></ul><ul><li>Chicago White Sox</li></ul><ul><li>Boston Red Sox</li></ul><ul><li>Los Angeles Angels</li></ul><ul><li>Los Angeles Dodgers</li></ul><ul><li>New York Mets</li></ul><ul><li>New York Yankees</li></ul><ul><li>San Diego Padres</li></ul><br />Sure, there were a few oddballs - like the Minnesota Twins, St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies – but all the cities are in larger DMAs with a seemingly larger selection of “beautiful” women.<br /><br />I’m not sure what Victoria’s Secret criteria was for picking MLB cities, but it seems to me that they should have included fan loyalty in their decision-making process. Sure, L.A. is a huge market, but how many females really care about the Angels or Dodgers?<br /><br />On the other hand, the women of Milwaukee (and the entire state of Wisconsin for that matter) are pretty fanatical about the Brewers. I’d wager that Milwaukee women would at the very least match the sales of the two L.A. teams. Heck, we’d probably wear the apparel more too.<br /><br />What do you think? Am I out of touch with the female baseball-lovin fans of L.A.? Maybe I’m just blinded by my Brewer pride?<br /><br />As one JSOnline commenter said, “Like I want panties with the Cubs logo on them. Then again, a well placed Cubs logo could be a great expression of the disdain I feel for them or the Yanks.”<br /><br />Better luck next time, Milwaukee.Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-4268194331617351632010-03-08T23:24:00.002-06:002010-03-08T23:30:32.997-06:00Epiphany MomentThis post has been a bit delayed, but I wanted to tell you about a project I’m involved in that launched just last week. It all started when I saw a tweet about six months ago from one of my favorite Gen-Y bloggers, Matt Cheuvront (<a href="http://twitter.com/mattchevy">@mattchevy</a>) asking for a few volunteers. A week later I was recording a video of myself describing my own “epiphany moment.”<br /><br />For those who don’t know Matt, he is a highly motivated, Chicago-based, Gen-Y blogger and Web designer among other things. I encourage you to check him out at his blog, <a href="http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/">lifewithoutpants.com</a> or his personal Web site, <a href="http://www.mattchevy.com/">mattchevy.com</a>.<br /><br />With a little help from his friends, Matt has put together well over 20 videos of people describing their epiphany moments. The videos are meant to inspire and encourage you to upload your own epiphany moment.<br /><br />A teaser trailer of the project is posted below. I hope you’ll check it out. What is my <a href="http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/epiphany/">epiphany moment</a>? Well, I guess there is only one way to find out…<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zRC-wq84ndA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zRC-wq84ndA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-78908706847813417872010-03-04T13:19:00.003-06:002010-03-04T13:25:47.023-06:00The Rules of Foursquare According to Me<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAysDdO9myP370wh3ybq5GsnIkBt0zUPaIie3qOmiDFMwcAWNZatDabUJ4wPKfsgxu38fjq5zMO9XF4aqOd4HPanwSVpR05xlR1uGxP1QwC8mgwqSOPJxEWQOB_vz_qxOPSqJm_6VJ2YPX/s1600-h/four-square-badges.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 115px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444861840054885522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAysDdO9myP370wh3ybq5GsnIkBt0zUPaIie3qOmiDFMwcAWNZatDabUJ4wPKfsgxu38fjq5zMO9XF4aqOd4HPanwSVpR05xlR1uGxP1QwC8mgwqSOPJxEWQOB_vz_qxOPSqJm_6VJ2YPX/s320/four-square-badges.jpg" /></a> While you won’t find any official rules at Foursquare.com, I feel there are some unspoken rules the Foursquare community has embraced. While I haven’t followed all of these rules to the letter, this is my interpretation of how the game should be played.<br /><br /><ol><li><strong>No checking in at a drive-thru</strong><br />If you’re going through a drive-thru you aren’t at a venue. You’re in your car. How long are you going to be there? Five minutes? </li><br /><li><strong>No checking in after you leave a venue<br /></strong>This rule is pretty self-explanatory. The one exception? Celebrities with stalkers and crowds to worry about. </li><br /><li><strong>No checking in at home or work<br /></strong>Checking in at places you go to everyday is cheating. Also, no one cares if you’re at work. We do care if you’re at a hip new bar. </li><br /><li><strong>Do leave tips and to-dos<br /></strong>Tips and to-dos are great, and very helpful when checking out a new restaurant. </li><br /><li><strong>Do encourage all your friends to join<br /></strong>The more friends you play with the more fun the game is! </li><br /><li><strong>Do fight for your mayorship</strong><br />Mayorship is a source of Foursquare pride. It is perfectly acceptable to visit your local pub to reclaim your throne on a Tuesday night. Not to mention the deals you can get when you do! </li><br /><li><strong>No checking in when you’re sitting on the couch watching Lost</strong><br />Again. Cheating. </li><br /><li><strong>Do not friend request people multiple times<br /></strong>I understand that everyone uses social media tools in different ways. Maybe you’re using Foursquare to increase your social network. However, I’m not, and requesting my friendship over and over is not going to change the fact that I don’t want unknown people stalking me. </li><br /><li><strong>Do go on weekend badge crusades<br /></strong>Laugh at me if you will, but weekend badge crusades are a fun, cheap way to spend the weekend. </li><br /><li><strong>Do not share your check-ins on Facebook and Twitter<br /></strong>Remember, we all use social media tools differently, and not everyone on Twitter and Facebook are into the whole Foursquare thing. Unless it’s a special occasion (Ex. You’re at an event, conference, traveling to a new place) my Twitter and Facebook feeds do not need to be clogged by your check-ins. Please keep that to your Foursquare friends.</li></ol><p><br />So there you have it, the rules of Foursquare according to me. What are your Foursquare rules, policies, dos and don’ts? </p>Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-86431320363461339252010-02-19T13:16:00.006-06:002010-02-19T13:42:56.998-06:00Putting the Cart Before the Horse<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYQsjINWhHsuuNp8jTtadB-eEFDLej-xyI_B4deNIGB0QyI7H5tgyf-TmWWg6PHLjr9t7WVcFZV36_ZHUr8voQWZyPB0vRqBegPK402RSB5ilghY51fK_le-4f6dLtyhDOE2PqYBsYaSh/s1600-h/cart-before-horse-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYQsjINWhHsuuNp8jTtadB-eEFDLej-xyI_B4deNIGB0QyI7H5tgyf-TmWWg6PHLjr9t7WVcFZV36_ZHUr8voQWZyPB0vRqBegPK402RSB5ilghY51fK_le-4f6dLtyhDOE2PqYBsYaSh/s320/cart-before-horse-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440040369512545218" border="0" /></a>
<br /><equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cssoczka%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --</style><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Recently I've had discussions with a lot of different PR professionals about how they conduct media relations, and it has boiled down to one question. <span style="font-weight: bold;">
<br />
<br />Is it okay to pitch media without talking to your client first?
<br />
<br /></span>I'm curious to hear from PR professionals and journalists. Is it okay to put the cart before the horse?
<br />
<br />
<br />Here are the pros and cons as I see them:
<br />
<br />Pros</span>
<br /></span><ul style="font-family: arial;"><li>Opportunity to look like a hero</li><li>Better chance of being timely
<br /></li><li>No unreasonable client expectations going into the pitch</li></ul><span style="font-family:arial;">Cons</span>
<br /><ul><li style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">If the client can't come through </span><span style="font-size:100%;">your</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> reputation is damaged</span></li><li style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">If the client can't come through </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >their</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> reputation is damaged</span></li><li style="font-family: arial;">Client may not approve of the pitch topic</li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Unreasonable client expectations may result</span>
<br /></li></ul></equiv="content-type">Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-83220963778366364512010-02-09T15:27:00.005-06:002010-02-09T15:49:35.751-06:002010 Super Bowl AdsMany people will tell you this year’s Super Bowl (or as Twitter has deemed it #BrandBowl) was a disappointment. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEDmZPx-FMg">The Who sucked</a> and so did a lot of the ads. In fact, many of the ads have been labeled sexist, misogynistic and emasculating.<br /><br />While I tend to agree, I would also argue that some people need to lighten up. Here are a few of the ads I enjoyed. What were your favorites? Which ones rubbed you the wrong way?<br /><br />Google: Search On<br /><object width="512" height="296"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/edp/http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ehulu%2Ecom%2F/embed/8z9bNW8xz8a5FR2Ty9y4nA"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.hulu.com/edp/http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ehulu%2Ecom%2F/embed/8z9bNW8xz8a5FR2Ty9y4nA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="296" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />Intel: Lunchroom Boast<br /><object width="512" height="296"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/edp/http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ehulu%2Ecom%2F/embed/FC0YFh_wKlDLqqzfapAdmg"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.hulu.com/edp/http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ehulu%2Ecom%2F/embed/FC0YFh_wKlDLqqzfapAdmg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="296" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />Snickers: You're Not You When You're Hungry<br /><object width="512" height="296"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/edp/http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ehulu%2Ecom%2F/embed/ncd6W5JSV_xxCNecEVULmw"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.hulu.com/edp/http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ehulu%2Ecom%2F/embed/ncd6W5JSV_xxCNecEVULmw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="296" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />Chrysler: Dodge Charger<br /><object width="512" height="296"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/edp/http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ehulu%2Ecom%2F/embed/RJ1kZtLMBDZ3btxf7EjvSg"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.hulu.com/edp/http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ehulu%2Ecom%2F/embed/RJ1kZtLMBDZ3btxf7EjvSg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="296" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />Kia: Big Game<br /><object width="512" height="296"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/edp/http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ehulu%2Ecom%2F/embed/X6M4O4yzmkQKtQ8vmVcMXg"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.hulu.com/edp/http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ehulu%2Ecom%2F/embed/X6M4O4yzmkQKtQ8vmVcMXg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="296" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />Mullen and <a href="http://www.radian6.com/">Radian6</a> teamed monitored the Twittersphere to uncover the public's vote for best ads. Doritos, Google and Focus on the Family have the top three spots. If you'd like to see where the other ads rank visit <a href="http://brandbowl2010.com/">http://brandbowl2010.com/</a>.Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-17622037493799034572010-02-01T21:46:00.004-06:002010-02-01T21:55:50.814-06:00Embrace LifeI'm a little behind on my Google Reader, so I just caught <a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/agencyspy/campaigns/finally_a_wear_your_seatbelt_psa_that_makes_us_cry_150478.asp?c=rss">this post</a> from AgencySpy.<br /><br />If we're being honest, the majority of PSAs aren't that good. They're low budget and often times that leads to low creativity. The following PSA is the exception to this rule. I challenge you to watch it without a shred of feeling.<br /><br />This one's for you, Dad. Please. Buckle up.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/h-8PBx7isoM&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_GB&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/h-8PBx7isoM&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_GB&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-65849042789731731922010-01-31T22:24:00.007-06:002010-02-01T13:24:33.788-06:00Is Foursquare and Bravo TV a good match?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3S7Z1LIpLpAx_kWfXQNrWthc4qN7uTPTJH_RcoxZesdvYbB2DyDJUkRbNcjdZi4PCBAvCAGT3d_zQFTXYBM63wqOUnvO7uW8jyIyHqcQDdVjHSF78ZuZgWi0-niExtnElwsG4F52Scr1/s1600-h/blogSpan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; float: left; height: 222px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433128623757289042" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3S7Z1LIpLpAx_kWfXQNrWthc4qN7uTPTJH_RcoxZesdvYbB2DyDJUkRbNcjdZi4PCBAvCAGT3d_zQFTXYBM63wqOUnvO7uW8jyIyHqcQDdVjHSF78ZuZgWi0-niExtnElwsG4F52Scr1/s320/blogSpan.jpg" border="0" /></a>An article in today’s <a href="http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/31/foursquare-partners-with-bravo-tv/?partner=rss&emc=rss"><em>New York Times</em> </a>announced a new partnership between <a href="http://foursquare.com/">Foursquare</a> (the growing, location-based online game) and <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/">Bravo TV</a>. According to the article, the partnership, which begins tomorrow, will allow Foursquare players to receive Bravo badges after checking in at any of the 500 plus Bravo locations.<br /><br />Potential pros and cons:<br /><br />Pros<br /><ul><li>How cool would it be to get a <em>Top Chef</em> badge?</li><li>The partnership will raise awareness for Foursquare and increase users.</li><li>It could create more brand evangelists for Bravo as long as the badges are closely tied to specific shows.</li></ul><p>Cons</p><ul><li>What kind of badge could <em>The Real Housewives</em> offer?</li><li>For some reason the idea of a TV network partnering with Foursquare rubs me the wrong way. I'd rather see a company like TGI Friday's, Target, Chase or Southwest Airlines partner. I can visit a restaurant, retail outlet, bank or airline. A TV network? Not so much.</li></ul><p><br />What do you think? Is this a good move for Bravo and Foursquare? Do you want a Bravo TV badge?</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">UPDATE:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Mashable has </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://mashable.com/2010/01/31/bravo-foursquare-snags-a-tv-partnership/">posted an article</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> on the partnership that outlines a few more specifics.</span><br /></p>Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-74300614010373552132010-01-28T23:29:00.007-06:002010-01-28T23:52:40.950-06:00It's all about relationships<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRS53AMEyfWax5V5can2Ca9XhxUXUiddT_jkVoF3a9tX9Mgr5iS1Fahq4LuLMOYr3Kz2HVMjUN6qYswLvJfrI4Gpi9ZtWh6WJPU57Bm3H9DbspXinTCi14NS_cxl28-jpMK8ZmwxSndrV/s1600-h/scrubs.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432033078013406562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRS53AMEyfWax5V5can2Ca9XhxUXUiddT_jkVoF3a9tX9Mgr5iS1Fahq4LuLMOYr3Kz2HVMjUN6qYswLvJfrI4Gpi9ZtWh6WJPU57Bm3H9DbspXinTCi14NS_cxl28-jpMK8ZmwxSndrV/s320/scrubs.png" /></a>As some of you may know, the <a href="http://boelterlincoln.com/">company I work </a>for hosted <a href="http://www.chrisbrogan.com/">Chris Brogan </a>at a tweet-up yesterday, and I was fortunate enough to spend some time with him.<br /><br />Naturally he spoke about building relationships, but he also demonstrated the importance of making people feel comfortable and important. (Note: I do not mean important in an ego-boosting way. I mean important as in feeling like you matter, like you are someone worth getting to know.)<br /><br />How many business opportunities are blown each day by people acting rude, dismissive and cold? How many times would a simple smile and “How are you?” be enough to have a lasting positive impact?<br /><br />I was reminded of this while touring <a href="http://www.ballyfitness.com/discover-bally/our-clubs/club-amenities-hours/club710-16.aspx">Bally Total Fitness </a>on Milwaukee’s lower east side tonight. I walked in with my boyfriend for our 6 p.m. appointment and asked for Derrick (who I had spoken to Monday). Derrick did not seem to remember our conversation, but he was happy to show us around.<br /><br />The tour ended and we went upstairs to talk about rates. Here’s where the relationship started to deteriorate. Derrick brings out his fancy, lamented pricing sheet and shows us the options. It’s going to cost over $70/person upfront and $23/month after that.<br /><br />Now $23/month isn’t bad considering the place has a pool, sauna, racquet ball court and classes that are included with your membership. However, it’s a tad more than I wanted to spend, so I mention other gyms are offering lower rates and I have a few friends with better rates at Bally. Any chance he would be willing to work with us? Here’s where it turned ugly.<br /><br /><em>“We don’t negotiate rates. We’re a national chain. Anyone who told you they got a deal is lying.”<br /></em><br />Whoa. Calm down Voldermort. I’m suddenly rethinking our friendship.<br /><br />Instead of getting defensive Derrick should have said, “I’m sorry. We are a national chain, so I am not able to negotiate rates. However, we do run promotions from time to time. In fact, next month we are introducing “X” promotion."<br /><br />If the conversation had gone that way I would not have walked away feeling cheap and unimportant. I would have felt valued, and there’s a real possibility I would have signed up for the full rate.<br /><br />Long story short, I might join Bally, but I will look at other fitness centers too. Maybe I will have a more positive experience. I’ll see you Saturday, <a href="http://www.snapfitness.com/eastside/Home/RedirectRoute/Corporate/RedirectName/Club-Locator/">Snap Fitness</a>.<br /><br />What kinds of relationship building experiences have influenced your buying decisions? Have you chosen a product or service based on how the company made you feel?Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-49036464183741519252010-01-04T18:42:00.004-06:002010-01-04T19:01:36.954-06:00Young Pros Need Love Too<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmSmv4wtzZyGCpcIRFMdWjGXspp-aPo3d3vWYtqrEffvqzYj99VP0sXp205NVk_qbc3mSA4sNBKBfeTv8S1R8DBajMWQy5yZSQ9uXcUo3a5Cpz0GkN5ZpILJ-cDIw_loEPE2yeb-f2mJc/s1600-h/money.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmSmv4wtzZyGCpcIRFMdWjGXspp-aPo3d3vWYtqrEffvqzYj99VP0sXp205NVk_qbc3mSA4sNBKBfeTv8S1R8DBajMWQy5yZSQ9uXcUo3a5Cpz0GkN5ZpILJ-cDIw_loEPE2yeb-f2mJc/s320/money.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423050321691400850" border="0" /></a>If you're a recent college grad (read: out of school for five years or less) there's a good chance that you're broke, living with mom and dad or both. Unless you had the foresight to major in engineering, computer science, economics or finance you've probably been left to wonder, "Aren't I supposed to be making the big bucks now? I could make almost as much as I do now at my 9-to-5 bartending, and I wouldn't have to wake up till noon!".<br /><br />Most of us understand that our measly salaries will not always be so meager, and our education will soon pay off once we are promoted and have paid our dues. After all, America can't afford millionaire CEOs if they are paying the grunts more than $30K a year, but I digress...<br /><br />To help young professionals in their first few years I'm proposing brands acknowledge this economic hardship. <span style="font-weight: bold;">I ask you, where is our Young Professional discount?</span> Seniors get them. Students get them. Why not us?<br /><br />It's no secret that many young pros are already taking advantage of some of these discounts by way of our old student IDs, but not all of us feel great about it.<br /><br />Offering a young pro discount is a great way to encourage young pros to become brand advocates early on. While many 20-somethings are already brand loyal to Coke versus Pepsi and Apple versus PC, we don't hold many loyalties to banks, health care organizations or accountants. We are just starting to figure these things out, and a brand that talks directly to us will certainly become a winner. For instance, banks could offer young pros a slightly better rate on savings accounts, credit cards and/or loans. A bank that is willing to work with me, is a bank I'm going to stick with for a very long time.<br /><br />This approach would also work well for the arts community. In college I had some money to burn. It was enough that I was able to see a couple shows at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts each year. Now that I'm a working gal I can't afford that luxury, but I get a call each year asking if I'd like to purchase a pack of tickets. If the Marcus Center offered a discounted package for young pros I would be much more likely to return, recruit friends, promote events and become a lifetime supporter. In short, the Marcus Center would become my performance venue of choice. Professional organizations are another group that could really benefit from this idea.<br /><br />What do you think? Do you see the value in providing young pros with special discounts? Young pros, is this something you would be interested in?Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-5097097748603257212010-01-03T22:13:00.003-06:002010-01-03T22:20:11.720-06:00Accepting Friend RequestsEveryone has a different policy about "friending" people online. Some will accept any request, while others are a bit more selective. The duck in this video reminds us to take a second to think before we hit "accept."<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9LPRaiu0Y8M&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9LPRaiu0Y8M&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />What is your policy on following, fanning and friending online?Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-43557046103807683872009-12-22T00:08:00.006-06:002009-12-28T22:50:35.062-06:00New Year Resolutions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15kIpHGgRbK065ZhZmIfvYuX_8Fyg0HqYrlCD57r03n2K-4TYNc8Pg7OgWfzW7fAzJY-gDqSSK3I67E2LQYWZMMO1ssAKkRiJ2ofque1oSD4vXY5DbnEiHtvzvac7DfSpXjBkqW-akI67/s1600-h/NYE.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 309px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417939329995527682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15kIpHGgRbK065ZhZmIfvYuX_8Fyg0HqYrlCD57r03n2K-4TYNc8Pg7OgWfzW7fAzJY-gDqSSK3I67E2LQYWZMMO1ssAKkRiJ2ofque1oSD4vXY5DbnEiHtvzvac7DfSpXjBkqW-akI67/s320/NYE.bmp" /></a>Making New Year resolutions are easy. It’s owning up to them that’s hard. In fact, ExpertClick.com claims 97 percent of New Year resolutions are broken. So, it is with a little courage, and yes, a pinch of fear, that I share mine.<br /><br /><strong>My New Year Resolutions for 2010<br /></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Travel<br /></strong>Traveling is something I always wish I could do more of, and this year I want to make it happen. A trip to NYC to visit my BFF and at least one trip to Chicago is a must. I’d also like to take some kind of mini-adventure once a quarter, even if it’s only to visit a small town 30 miles away.<br /><br /><strong>Money</strong><br />Like most 20-somethings, I need to take better care of my finances. This year I want to make significant progress in paying off some debt.<br /><br /><strong>Movies<br /></strong>I LOVE movies. I love them so much I worked at a movie theater throughout high school and some of college. However, there are a lot of things I haven’t seen. This year I want to cross <em>The Godfather</em> movies and <em>An American Werewolf in London </em>off my list.<br /><br /><strong>Lifestyle</strong><br />I’m turning a quarter of a century year old this year, and while I appreciate the hand-me-downs that kept me afloat during college, it would be nice to start transitioning into a more grown-up style of living. This year I want to find a nicer apartment and purchase my own bedding. Maybe I’ll even throw a dinner party or two.<br /><br /><strong>Image<br /></strong>While this is the most cliché resolution, it’s one I’m hoping to stick to. It’s been over two years since I graduated college, and I still haven’t managed to lose that Freshman 15. A lot of my friends have been able to lead healthier lives in 2009, there’s no reason I can’t jump on that bandwagon. I’ve also decided to go red this year. I’ve been a blond for almost my entire life. It’s time for a change. This spring I’m jumping in head first. Both of my brothers are red heads. How bad can it be?<br /><br /><strong>Professional<br /></strong>I want to grow my network this year. Once you’ve been somewhere for awhile you develop a comfort zone, and pretty soon you’re talking to the same three people at every luncheon. This year I want to make some new long-lasting relationships. I also hope to complete (or should I say start and finish) my Web site, sarahsoczka.com.<br /><br />That’s it. The goals I hope to achieve by the time we ring in 2011. Aggressive? Yes. Impossible? No. What do you want to accomplish?Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-56365009166141824442009-10-26T13:08:00.007-05:002009-10-28T19:47:36.261-05:00When newspapers die, do they go to heaven?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc34ZyVJU5dRXfq2GOMxJbxobNe19CmszI0z5rKmJ8V7PrG-qA49NUMkGyFO2QRlUcRm-EZsKHPSbtr-L0UywERxD4RqN7st270JPp66F8Dn_ZfpBuqGOJEgUSyQwR6NSwnvJN_9nt72Z2/s1600-h/online-news.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396977524556798434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc34ZyVJU5dRXfq2GOMxJbxobNe19CmszI0z5rKmJ8V7PrG-qA49NUMkGyFO2QRlUcRm-EZsKHPSbtr-L0UywERxD4RqN7st270JPp66F8Dn_ZfpBuqGOJEgUSyQwR6NSwnvJN_9nt72Z2/s320/online-news.jpg" /></a>I really hope the <i>Rocky Mountain News</i>, <i>Baltimore Examiner</i> and <i>New York Sun</i> have all gone to a better place; a place where there are millions of smart, informed readers, exciting, breaking news, world class journalists, and of course, many high-paying advertisers. At least that’s the kind of newspaper heaven I envision. <i>(Feel free to leave your own versions of newspaper heaven below.)</i><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p><br /></o:p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" class="MsoNormal">Today I read about another <a href="http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20091024/WDH0101/910240602/1981&located=rss">newspaper that is shutting down</a> and will switch to a semi-annual magazine format. Which newspaper? Why it’s none other than my hometown’s award-winning <i>Warrior’s Word</i> high school newspaper. </p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" class="MsoNormal">I understand the problems that caused <i>Warrior’s Word</i> to “adjust” are a bit different than those of the <i>Minneapolis Star-Tribune</i>, but if the economy and budgets are so bad that a high school newspaper is closing, we have to ask ourselves: What’s the solution?</p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" class="MsoNormal">It’s no secret that blogs and online news videos are entertaining, informative and can provide a surprisingly high level of journalism. Hell, sometimes I’d rather read Gawker, The Huffington Post or watch Philly D. than read an article in the <i>New York Times</i>, but that doesn’t change how important newspapers are to our society.</p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" class="MsoNormal">We need professional journalists and news organizations that have the resources to uncover scheming politicians, and the column inches to educate people about tough issues like health care. We need journalists who report the news accurately and fairly, despite their personal views and opinions. In short, we need the type of in depth, professional reporting our newspapers currently provide.</p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" class="MsoNormal">So, what’s the solution? </p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" class="MsoNormal">While there are a lot of people who love ink stained fingers, the “paper” in “newspaper” may have to go. If newspapers cut the cost of a printed product they will have more money to invest in their online product. <i>The Capitol Times</i> in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Madison</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Wis.</st1:state></st1:place> <a href="http://newspapermeltdown.com/?cat=12">switched </a>to a twice weekly tabloid and online-only product in April 2008, and so far it seems to be working.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" class="MsoNormal">Moving the focus entirely online gives newspapers the opportunity to bring their content to another level. Here are a few things newspapers could do to enhance their online content:</p><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Show full video interviews to supplement stories</span></li></ul><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Award a local blogger the chance to write a story every month </span></li></ul><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Increase investigative reporting</span></li></ul><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Create hyper-localized text message offerings. Is the power out in your neighborhood? Wouldn’t it be great if you could sign-up for text message alerts (which include a link to a story) that tell you this type of news?</span></li></ul><ul style="font-family:arial;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Hire news staff to be on the clock 24/7. The harsh reality is newspapers are competing with all media outlets. When news breaks on Twitter you want readers to go to JSOnline.com, not WISN-TV or WISN.com.</span></li></ul><p style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" class="MsoNormal">Better and more diverse online content will continue to increase online visitors, not to mention the increase in web traffic from people who used to read the “paper” version (let’s be honest, 99 percent of them are online anyway).This all increases ad revenue and eventually profit. </p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" class="MsoNormal">I know these few ideas are probably not going to save our newspaper industry, but it’s a start. After all, if Perez Hilton can sustain over 2 million unique visitors a month, our newspapers should be able to do the same, if not better.</p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" class="MsoNormal">What are your thoughts? Where do you see the newspaper industry going?</p>Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-21313080601205761252009-10-21T22:47:00.004-05:002009-10-21T22:58:38.340-05:00The Agency-Client RelationshipI first saw this video on Todd Defren's blog, <a href="http://www.pr-squared.com/">PR Squared</a>.* I'm sure a lot of you have seen it, but I think it deserves another view. It's a satirical take on the agency-client relationship. 'Nuff said.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/R2a8TRSgzZY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/R2a8TRSgzZY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><em>*PR Squared is one of my favorite industry blogs. Defren provides valuable insights on social media, public relations and what working in an agency is really all about. I highly recommend you check it out.</em>Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-41233399527376417702009-10-15T22:13:00.007-05:002009-10-18T18:07:21.075-05:00PR + Social Media Summit RecapYesterday was the big day. The PR + Social Media Summit at UW-Whitewater. Apologies to all my Twitter followers who were annoyed by my frequent <a href="http://twitter.com/replies#search?q=%23PRSMS">#PRSMS</a> updates.<br /><br />Overall, I thought the summit was very informative and provided some great networking opportunities. My one recommendation for next year is to supply extension cords and power strips throughout the conference rooms. Those of us using laptops were forced to either drain our batteries, or sit on the edges of the room in search of an outlet.<br /><br />My favorite presentation of the day was from <a href="http://twitter.com/paulaberg">Paula Berg</a> of Southwest Airlines. Paula told the story of Southwest’s journey into social media and provided some very valuable case studies. Here are a few takeaways from Paula’s presentation:<br /><ul><li>Where social media is concerned your first job is to listen, second is to engage and third is to address criticism.</li><li>Southwest started the “<a href="http://www.blogsouthwest.com/">Nuts About Southwest</a>” blog by handpicking 30+ employees from all different departments. Southwest let their employees blog as often as they wanted and encouraged them to blog about things they were passionate about.</li><li>Once Southwest added more valuable content to their blog (photos, news, podcasts) page views rose.</li><li>Southwest's blog proved to be a great resource for conducting focus groups. A blog post about their <a href="http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/a-message-from-our-ceo-open-season-on-assigned-seating">open seating policy </a>resulted in hundreds of comments. Most praised the company for its policy and gave them the courage to stick it.</li><li>Rapping flight attendant video resulted in coverage on Oprah, CNN, Tonight Show, etc.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pZBgHEl4S_c&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pZBgHEl4S_c&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></li></ul><br />A little while later it was my turn to speak. I must admit, I was a bit nervous because it was my first opportunity to speak to a group that large, but thankfully it went well. (Thanks to Al Krueger and Ann Knabe for inviting me to speak.)<br /><br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393034022220090962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qf_ApszKY5aRIpYV9PGvIS2dEtQ1OcQrmtP5c2TL2Th48DFH4wvjrdy7lZ8j20RgrWRVjTUiJCrhOTTnAUbe7ruz3ScLsw23uXJ85ubzkBYdJVLV4tkWV2vMuom-ZSl_HSIRxACsqva7/s320/36103857.jpg" /><em>*Photo courtesy of Abigail Lynn (@</em><a href="http://twitter.com/justabs06"><em>justabs06</em></a><em>)</em></p><p align="left">During my presentation I discussed ways to create a successful online brand by merging your professional and personal identities. And yes, I also discussed my brief moment of so-called "fame" from February.</p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; WIDTH: 425px" id="__ss_2221538"><a style="MARGIN: 12px 0px 3px; DISPLAY: block; FONT: 14px Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" title="PR + Social Media Summit 10.14.09" href="http://www.slideshare.net/sarahsoczka/socialmediasummit-101409">PR + Social Media Summit 10.14.09</a><object style="MARGIN: 0px" width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=socialmediasummit101409-12555340125366-phpapp02&stripped_title=socialmediasummit-101409"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=socialmediasummit101409-12555340125366-phpapp02&stripped_title=socialmediasummit-101409" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div style="FONT-FAMILY: tahoma,arial; HEIGHT: 26px; FONT-SIZE: 11px; PADDING-TOP: 2px">View more <a style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://www.slideshare.net/sarahsoczka">Sarah Soczka</a>.</div></div><br /><p>Other great presentations from yesterday include: </p><ul><li><strong>Bringing it all together for PR + Social Media Success</strong>, Al Krueger and Sara Meaney of Comet Branding </li><li><strong>How Social Media is Impacting Job Search</strong>, Jeff Carrigan of Big Shoes Network, Abby Gutowski of VisualCV.com, Joyce O’Brien of Laughlin Constable and Briana Rygg </li><li><strong>How Harley is Revving up Engagement with Social Media</strong>, Randy Sprenger of Harley-Davidson </li></ul><p><br />I am told all the presentations will be posted online within the next couple weeks. (I will link to them once they’re up.) If you are interested in learning more about the PR + Social Media Summit, Abby Gutowski has also posted an overview <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/s/#18hP95/blog.weidert.com/2009/10/social-media-tips-in-140-characters.html/">here</a>.</p><p>What were your thoughts on the summit?</p><br /><p> </p><p><strong>EDIT:</strong> To view photos of #PRSMS visit <a href="http://bit.ly/c3DQs">http://bit.ly/c3DQs</a>. To download videos and audio of Southwest Airlines and Harley-Davidson's presentations visit <a href="http://itunes.uww.edu/">http://itunes.uww.edu</a>.</p>Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227430611941130061.post-68620850480484268292009-10-08T22:13:00.003-05:002009-10-08T22:24:03.837-05:00Hillshire Farm: GO MEAT!I've been spending a lot of time preparing for the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=155684638344&index=1">PR + Social Media Summit </a>at UW-Whitewater this coming Wednesday. I have been invited to speak about personal and professional online brands. I hope you'll come to my breakout session.<br /><br />Until then, I wanted to share this adorable TV spot from Hillshire Farm. It's part of their "GO MEAT!" campaign. Enjoy!<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jqOXWljSFL4&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jqOXWljSFL4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Sarah Soczkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586431598363646773noreply@blogger.com0