What Weddings and PR Have in Common

By Amber Whiteside, Social Media Director
Yes, it is true, most women are obsessed with fantasizing about their wedding day. Pinterest has contributed to the hype for planning an “imaginary” wedding.  
However, my love for weddings is at a whole new level since deciding I want to involve wedding planning in my profession. As I currently plan my sister’s wedding, I am constantly reminded of basic public relations principles that can be applied to weddings:
1. Always listen to what the client wants. 
Suggestions have their place, but ultimately your job is to make your client happy. Make sure you listen to their needs. Discuss strategy with them and propose your own. It is important for them to be on board with everything you are about to produce and create.
2. Stay organized. 
Make to-do lists, put reminders in your phone, and always make sure to update your client on what you are working on.
3. Risk management. 
Event planners are considered risk managers in a sense, but it is important for public relations practitioners as well. Be ready for a disaster at any moment. It is better to prevent chaos, than to deal with the aftermath.
4. Utilize social media and mobile apps. 
With social media becoming increasingly popular, there are new ways to enhance your client’s presence on the web. Do some research and find out what apps and social media might benefit your client. This applies for wedding planning too. The new app, Wedding Party, directly uploads your guests’ photos to one collaborative Facebook album.
So yes, I may spend most of my time browsing through wedding blogs and magazines and tearing up while I watch wedding videos, but I am also helping myself get that much closer to reaching my dreams.
Think about your hobbies and interests. Don’t all experiences help you learn? The answer is yes. So pay close attention, there are PR lessons in our everyday lives that we may not fully understand from just learning them in the classroom.

Where Will Textbooks Take Us Next?

By Shelby Hudak, Account Executive
I can remember just three years ago when I was purchasing my textbooks for my first semester at college. And now, just three years later, it fascinates me how buying textbooks has changed.
Back in 2009, my freshman year,  I wasn’t even aware textbooks were available to rent online. I remember the A.S. bookstore being jam-packed with students and the “TextLink” pick-up line being extremely long. 
My second semester of freshman year I overheard people talking about a book rental site called Chegg, but I was not convinced enough to try it.
Now as a senior, I look back on my freshman year and tell myself how crazy I was for spending $100 on a textbook from the bookstore, when I could have rented it for $30 or $40 at an online book rental site such as bookrenter.com or half.com.
In my opinion, renting textbooks online is the most popular way students are getting their textbooks. I don’t think this will be the case forever, or even in the next five to 10 years. I believe there will be another huge shift in the textbook industry and students’ buying habits will shift to e-books. 
Forbes says students are in no hurry to follow the e-book trend. My prediction, however, is that textbook publishing companies will adapt and create e-books that students actually want to use, and the industry of e-books will flourish. 
We live in an exciting and evolving world that makes me eager about what technology will bring for future textbooks.

How to Avoid Becoming a Boomerang Kid

By Stephanie Burke, Social Media Assistant and Account Executive
Recently, many of my friends have graduated and none of them are completely thrilled about it. When they come back to visit their friends still attending school, they say things like “Don’t leave Chico, stay here as long as you can!” 
My personal opinion about why they aren’t happy is because they are currently sleeping at their parent’s house in their old twin-size bed. No one wants to go from complete freedom to checking in with your parents before you leave the house. So why go back? Before you graduate, take some time to figure out how you can get a job and move into an apartment right after graduation. Here are some helpful tips to make it happen.
1. Make a Plan
Write down your goals. David Kohl, a professor at Virginia Tech University, says people who write down their goals on a regular basis can earn nine times more in their lifetime than people who don’t. Include in these goals where you would like to live, what job you would like to have, and what company you would like to work for. Writing down goals will help you realize what’s important to you in life and how you must allocate your time and money in order to succeed.
2. Internships, Internships, Internships
Not only do internships give you experience, but they also expand your network. Jeff McGuire of Collegeview.com says, “In today’s competitive job market it’s not just what you know, it’s what you know and who you know that often makes the difference.” Having quality internships will help you get that dream job much faster.
3. Avoid Debt and Save Money
If you know you won’t be responsible with a credit card, don’t get one. Unfortunately, many college students already come out of college with a large amount of debt because of high tuition, living expenses, etc. Save money any way you can. Make coffee at home, eat out only when you’re celebrating special occasions, and if you can, get a part-time job. 
4. Calculate How Much You Owe for Student Loans
Like stated before, many students have student loans, but also aren’t quite sure how much it’s going to cost them to pay the money back. Figure it out now before you graduate so you know what type of expense you’re in for. 
And finally, the most important thing to remember as a student is, it’s never too early to start thinking about your future.

Fall, the Best Season of All

By Mandie Niklowitz, Online Communications Director

It may be 95 degrees outside right now, but in a few weeks the weather will cool off, the leaves will start to change, and it will be my favorite season of all, fall!

Chico is beautiful in the fall. The city transforms as the trees become bright with red, orange and yellow leaves. The temperature finally drops and walking to class no longer feels like crossing the Sahara Desert. I can’t wait to wear leggings, a baggy sweater and a scarf to class everyday. It’s not just comfortable, but it’s cute too.
I can only think of one thing that makes crunching through the leaves on the walk to class better; a Pumpkin Spice Latte in a red holiday cup from Starbucks. It might sound cheesy, but there’s something about those red cups that make you feel cozy and at home.
If you’re a broke college student like me, trying to get your fix of Pumpkin Spice Lattes before the seasons change can get expensive. But now thanks to Pinterest, this has all changed. After seeing a recipe for a homemade Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino, I got curious and began searching for a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe.
The easiest recipe I found comes from the blog Confections of a Foodie Bride. Her recipe was very simple and didn’t require a fancy coffee machine. The final product was delicious, even if it wasn’t exactly like the one from Starbucks.
The latte took me about 30 minutes to make, which would be impossible during my rushed mornings. But I found if you double or triple the recipe, there’s enough to reheat and drink later.
Right now it feels like the temperature will never drop below 90 degrees, but believe it or not fall is just around the corner. So get your coffee pot ready, and keep an eye out for red holiday cups!

#RememberBrettOlson


By Colby Smith, PR Director

Heartache, sadness, frustration. 

These are the emotions that flowed through my veins when I opened up the Chico Enterprise-Record article confirming Brett Olson’s death. 
The 20-year-old Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student had been missing since Sunday Sept. 2. He was last seen midafternoon at Beer Can Beach among the thousands of people who participated in the Labor Day float. His body was discovered a week later, Sept. 9, by fishermen downstream of Beer Can Beach.
All week people were posting to a Facebook group titled “Let’s Bring Brett Home”. Posts on the site included possible sightings of Brett, organized search parties of students and volunteers, and shared tweets from celebrities on Twitter using the hashtag  #findbrettolson. His brother and parents even posted on the page, thanking the Facebook community for all its support. 
It was a jaw-dropping experience to see people all over the nation come together on Facebook to do everything humanly possible to find him. The group reached 90,000 members in only five days, a perfect example of how powerful social media can be. 
It warmed my soul to see the Chico community respond to Brett’s disappearance with warmth, hope and action.
But for some reason, I feel personally responsible as a Chico State student. I feel like I should have prevented this from happening somehow. Even though I am not a float participant or advocate, I feel guilty. Unfortunately, I couldn’t have personally done anything differently to prevent this tragedy. 
Chico State President Paul Zingg sent an email to students explaining that last year a bill was proposed to ban alcohol on the river for summer holidays, but was not passed by the needed four-fifths vote. He said that he believes this law should be looked at again, and I agree. 
A lot of people are blaming this tragedy on the fact Brett was not from Chico, implying visitors can’t handle Chico and so on. But what it comes down to, is that this could have happened to anyone on the river that day. Brett could have just as easily been your classmate, your friend, or your sibling.
Speaking from experience, it’s a horrible, deep, gut-wrenching, unfair, dark and indescribable feeling when a friend dies.  Now is the time to take action to protect our friends. 
Thousands of people, a strong river current, and alcohol have proven to be a fatal combination. We should do everything we can to ban alcohol from the river on Labor Day weekend to prevent a catastrophe like this from ever happening again. 
My heart goes out to friends and family of Brett Olson. Chico will forever be sending love your way. 
Video: Candlelight Vigil held in Brett’s hometown, Lafayette, CA 
Twitter: #rememberbrettolson

First Impressions

By Gregory Bloom, General Manager

Hello everyone and welcome back to a brand new semester. I hope the summer was either as action packed or uneventful as you desired.

Whatever the warm summer months might have brought you, a new school year is upon us as well as an opportunity to step up your game as a professional.

Whether you are a public relations student or a graduate taking your first step into the professional world, here are some important tips to keep in mind when meeting business clients for the first time.

-BUSINESS CASUAL, BUSINESS CASUAL, BUSINESS CASUAL!
Not to sound uptight, but first impressions mean everything in this business. Do your best to make the most positive first impression possible by dressing like a professional. For men, this means IRONED khakis, a button-up shirt, dress shoes, a good haircut and either be clean-shaven or have a well-trimmed beard. A sloppy appearance will make it difficult for a client to respect your abilities. If you can’t make yourself look good, how are you going to make your client look good? According to this survey conducted by MSNBC.com, good looking bosses are considered more competent than their less attractive colleagues. Shallow? Maybe. But why shoot yourself in the foot when it comes to respect in the office?

It’s about your client, not necessarily you.
Remember this might be the first time your client has worked with a public relations team before. Make sure you get them comfortable communicating their needs with you.  Creating good rapport with your client will help you down the road when things get hectic. This article from eHow.com lists some great ways to instantly create relationships with people you meet.

-Create a working relationship with your team
After meeting your client, discuss with your team how each team member will contribute. Be clear on each team member’s expectations and hold each other accountable.

With these tips in mind, your efforts to create a working relationship with your client will come easier.

You might well remember that nothing can bring you success but yourself.” – Napoleon Hill. 

Fun in the Sun

By Shelby Hudak, Assistant Account Executive
 

There is something about warm weather that brings out the best in everyone. Chico goes from temperature lows to temperature highs in a matter of days. Springtime is here and summer is just around the corner. We can finally put our pea coats and UGG boots in the back of our closets and bring forward the flip-flops and tank tops.

My all time favorite summer activities are boating and wakeboarding, whether it be at Folsom Lake in my hometown or Lake Oroville, which is just about a 30-minute drive from Chico. Boating is such a relaxing yet exhilarating activity. Hanging on to a rope attached to a boat while my feet are strapped into a wakeboard is one of the best feelings.


Another great thing about summertime approaching is that many towns, including Chico, have weekly markets. These markets include numerous vendors selling various items such as produce, art and handmade jewelry. Chico has the Thursday Night Market which helps bring the community together.

When I think of summer, one of the first things that comes to mind is barbecue. In the summer the days stay lighter for longer; It will still be light until at least around 8 p.m. This makes for great outdoor get-togethers with family and friends where people have fire pits and barbecue.

Camping is a popular family vacation in the summer. Students have around a two to three month break from school for summer, and many parents take their vacation time during the summer. This equals a recipe for family vacations.

I love warm weather and all the fun activities that warm weather brings. Summer is my favorite season and time of year.

My Favorite Time of Day

By Adam Prieto,
Photographer/Videographer
  

As the season shifts and the spring weather is in the air, I usually have to wait for my favorite time of the day. Once 7 p.m. hits you can usually find me out and about in my own little world. The sun has about another hour left in its day until it proceeds to its slow diminishing act. This is the time of the day that I’m usually waiting for. The lighting is low and warm, and the deep shadows create abstract objects. Everything in sight is slightly more beautiful. One of my most favorite things about photography is how easy you can get up and just go.  I pop in my headphones and captivate my ear canals with soft, relaxing music. All of a sudden, things in front of me become still. External noises are eliminated and I’m in a therapeutic sense of meditation. 
  

 

The most fascinating thing about going out and just shooting is you never know what that thing is going to be that draws you in. You just let it happen. It seems odd, but it’s almost like letting your self be seduced a little bit every day. This is the real joy of it. To go out and be part of the world you’re in. To see it, to keep your eyes open, to really relate and react to what you’re seeing. I don’t think, “is this in the moment enough or beautiful enough?” I’m just reacting, reacting to the moment. Life is a series of moments, and photography allows me to capture and share them – to capture a little piece of the universe and sustain it one picture at a time.  It is now 7:35 p.m. 


“For the world is movement, and you cannot be stationary in your attitude toward something that is moving. Sometimes you light upon the picture in seconds; it may also require hours or days. But there is no standard plan, no pattern from which to work. You must be on the alert with the brain, the eye; and have a suppleness of body.” – Henri Cartier-Bresson.

Truth-Room Sessions & Frenemies

By Christina Rafael, Photographer/Videographer

In elementary school she ditched you at recess. In junior high she stole your boyfriend. And in high school she blamed you when the teacher caught her cheating. As an adult, well, she’s the friend that you’ve been in a silent fight with for the last three months.
Back in easier times one could choose to just find new friends, move on and better yourself. In the adult world, one where you must network constantly, you’ll need better tactics.
So what do you do when a fight that has been simmering blows up in your face? Well, ladies, you handle your words like a PR professional.
When journalism Professor Morris Brown taught “Introduction to Public Relations,” he gave a simple list of question to answer when introduced to a PR crisis.
What is the problem?
Why is there a problem?
What are the probable causes of the problem?
How serious is the problem?
Who is affected by the problem?
What has been done to solve the problem?
This situation analysis is useful when identifying issues, figuring out if they’re worth fighting over and assessing how you’ve done so far. When dealing with women, it’s best to choose your battles and often admit wrong doing for problems not worth an escalation.
If there is a problem which you’ve personally caused, it’s best to own up to said problem by following a basic to-do list from gigaom.com:
Confess. State what you did. Own up to it. Be clear and candid. Give enough details.
Apologize. Say, “I apologize” — not just, “I’m sorry” — for whatever it is you did.
Rectify. How will you make the current situation better? What are the short-term and reactive measures?
Prevention/Reformation.
What are the long-term and preemptive steps that will assure this doesn’t happen again — ever?
Seek forgiveness. This is important. Don’t forget to ask for forgiveness from those impacted.
If a situation is not your fault yet becomes thrust upon you, it’s best to tread lightly but stand your ground. Remember that every word can be like stepping in a minefield; you never know what will cause an explosion.
It’s best to approach the offender in a neutral space, like a coffee shop, where things have less ability to reach epic proportions. Once you are able to sit down, have what the industry calls a “truth-room session” with the friend.
During a traditional truth-room session, a consultant tells a client something that’s probably true, but not flattering. In a frenemy truth-room session, you’ll need to lay all cards on the table and confront with as little assumptions as possible.
Although these tips help solve most arguments, there comes a time when a friendship has run its course and you must cut ties with the friend. As a PR professional, cutting ties and rebranding is part of the industry and sometimes the best solution after a crisis has been addressed.
Dealing with your frenemy as a PR professional is the best way to keep arguments as classy as possible, leave little backlash to you and the best way to take the high road.
Below are some helpful articles about handling professional or personal crisis management situations.