BBC Blog
FREEDOM Let’s Celebrate
Submitted by Valerie Donati on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 20:00
Saturday is the 4th of July and it’s mostly memorable to me because it’s my mother’s birthday. I love my country, but I love my mother more. So, happy birthday, Mom! As we near this national holiday I just wanted to share some of my favorite freedom-ISMS:
- Freedom is to love people, no matter how annoying they might be at times
- Freedom is to shrug off anxiety when you consider the uncertainty of everyday life (NOTHING has EVER been certain, by the way)
- Freedom is to acknowledge that though kittens may be super cute they are not as inherently cute as little people (though babies do cry, whine and talk back on occasion)
- Freedom is to love yourself, no matter how annoying you are (to yourself)
- Freedom is to laugh at yourself because when you stop and look in the mirror it’s really just you looking back (and sometime YOU are just silly)
- Freedom is to love your country even when it does all kinds of things that totally bum you out (there’s a long list here, but not worth mentioning at this time)
Mostly, I am thankful that I am free to love the One that has made all this freedom possible. But let’s not mix church and state, ok?
Happy 4th!
We will be back in the office on Monday, so stay tuned.
Source: schlicken.blogsome.com
STRIKE WHILE THE IRON IS HOT
Submitted by Valerie Donati on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 20:00
I’ve spent the past few blogs blogging about other blogs. Today, I’m just ruminating on the basics. Obviously, if you’re reading this blog you know I run a communications business. I wanted to share an important thought when it comes to growing your business in this ever-changing economy: Strike While the Iron is Hot—because if you don’t, things can get cold pretty darn quick. I’m sure this sounds silly, and even a “no brainer,” but I’ve found it’s not such a great idea to take even the simplest concepts for granted. So, today if you get a new business call, call them back. If your employee has a new idea on how to reposition a service you offer, change it. If a client wants to rethink their strategy, take that meeting. Super simple just means super effective sometimes. Go for it!
GLIZTY, GUILTY OR JUST GUILDED Whatever Your Fashion Passion The Gilt Groupe Can Fill It!
Submitted by Valerie Donati on Mon, 06/29/2009 - 20:00
The Gilt Groupe is on fire. In fact, this site is white hot when it comes to offering opportunistic fashion deals. Now, more than ever, getting your fashion fix for the right price isn’t just smart it’s, hmmm, fashionable. And there’s much more than fashion available at this “members only” club. One of our clients was asked to participate a few years ago when the site was in its infancy. I was a bit skeptical, but they did it and the results were excellent. If you haven’t checked it out yet, go for it. This is no gilded lily!
ARE WE IN A RECESSION? Well Even If We Aren’t There is a Blog I Recommend for Those Who Want Great Advice for “Right” Priced Fashion and Beauty
Submitted by Valerie Donati on Mon, 06/29/2009 - 10:00
The recessionista is my go-to blog when I want to uncover “up-to the-minute” steals and deals on beauty and fashion. But here’s the thing, though it is dedicated to lifestyle on a budget, it always keeps the options high-end and happening. I love it! Sunday there was a
nod to Neiman Marcus and a great Lulu Guinness vanity case (recession red). Plus, you are never far from great giveaways like the current Advanced Face Firming Lotion by Dr. Perricone. It’s all there and worth a daily peek!
A SEND UP TO A NEW BLOG—Because I Can!
Submitted by Valerie Donati on Fri, 06/26/2009 - 20:00
Kendra Foley Simpson was one of our associates for a time. Now, this woman is adorable, but she has fire. With her black hair and brown eyes, porcelain skin and perfect cupid doll face, Kendra has the looks of a gal from the 50s or 40s. But don’t let those sweet looks fool you. Kendra is a woman with ideas and she loves to share them. And does this woman have style! You should have seen the invite to her wedding (baby blue and red) and many of her fab little dresses (gingham or crepe) are handmade or reinvented by Kendra herself. LOVE THEM! When I read one of her tweets (basically she was shopping for her spring wardrobe on a crazy budget) I thought: “If anyone can do it this girl can!”
So, why am I writing about Kendra? Because she has just launched a new blog that you MUST check out: www.budgetretro.com. The blog features house wares, vintage goods and crafts. And though it offers up great concepts on a budget, you never lose style in the exchange.
We love your new venture Kendra. We think everyone else will too!
HUMOR: Does it Help in Business?
Submitted by Valerie Donati on Wed, 06/24/2009 - 20:00
I had to speak recently at an event. The mood was heavy, we were talking about money and EVERYONE has been affected by this economy in some way or another. I was giving a transparent account of my giving for the year (and how tricky it was to make a charitable commitment—I did it. I believe in giving.) and I was surprised that right out of the gate I had people laughing. Now here’s the thing—that was not my intention. But sometimes the truth is funny, even when it hurts.
It got me thinking about business. In our business we do a lot of pitching, whether we are pitching a potential client, existing clients, the media or just consumers. And when we’re asking people for their money or their time it’s usually a serious business. So, how appropriate is it to inject a little humor into the proceedings? Well, I guess that depends on a few things:
- Does your “audience” have a sense of humor? If they don’t, tread lightly.
- Is your subject life or death? If it is, stay clear of jokes.
- Is the mood heavy or ambivalent? (Humor can lighten an intense room, but it can also piss people off)
- Do you really care about bumming out your audience? In other words, even if they are in a sour mood, are you willing to strike out on the humor path?
- How important is it for you to keep it light? If your natural personality leans toward “fun” will presenting a too serious side make you feel silly, or vice versa?
Personally, I think providing a light touch can always help in a meeting. Everything feels so serious these days. If there is anything this economy has shown us it is that no one has anything figured out—not really. So, stop taking yourself so seriously and laugh a little!
Source: www.moonbattery.com
FOOD: Can’t Live Without It (So Let’s Make it Good!)
Submitted by Valerie Donati on Wed, 06/24/2009 - 16:22
Our agency works with various chocolate brands so we are keyed into the food blogs. And there are some that we can’t live without!
Candy Addict Blog: This is the premier go-to blog for candy news and reviews. If you are a candy lover (and just about everybody is in some form or fashion) than you need to give this blog a spin, and fast! The writer is brilliant and sheds light on all types of tidbits that you, the candy addict, may have not ever considered as you are downing that little piece of heaven.
Chocolate Atlas: Chocophiles absolutely MUST check out this blog. If you love chocolate, have a global sensibility and a sophisticated palate (doesn’t everybody??) then this is the blog for you!
The Nibble: This gourmet food blog has a section entirely dedicated to chocolate. If you love chocolate, and I’m just not sure who doesn’t, you NEED to take a peek (or a long look). This is a great resource and you can trust that ALL the info included has been carefully considered.
Zomgcandy: Ok, the name is a bit interesting, BUT the content is fab! This top “sweet tooth” destination features taste tests (how else to distinguish between the good and the supremely good) and expertly reviews the very best of “all things sweet.”
Enjoy!
AH BEAUTY: What Would We Do Without You!
Submitted by Valerie Donati on Mon, 06/22/2009 - 17:25Beauty is apparently found in the eye of the beholder. But I can assure you, no one that I know will deny that a little blush can make all the difference in the world, no matter how empirically beautiful you just might be…
Here are some of our agency’s favorite beauty blogs:
- A Mom in Red Heels: This blog was s
tarted by Tammy, a self-professed beauty-obsessed mom. We love you Tammy and we get your obsession. Goodness knows just how easy it is to get obsessed with creams, potions and gels that can make anyone look just a little bit (if not a lot) better. This blog features products reviews and news from around the country—check it out!
- Bella Sugar: this is the beauty outpost of the famous sugar blogs. First of all, I LOVE THE NAME! It makes me feel pretty just by saying it. Try it yourself. Do you suddenly feel like your lips are graced by a luscious sugary pink glaze that says: here I am, come and get me? Give it a whirl, you may find yourself on the right end of pretty.
- Glam.com: this MAJOR fashion destination has a beauty arm: GlamBlush. The editor, India Jewel Jackson (is this really her name?), is one to watch and follow as she takes us on a beauty journey that will inspire you to experiment more (and with better results!)
- Daily Makeover: This blog caters to girls 15-25—that tender young age where so many egos are formed. This is a great resource for news and reviews and will help any young lady find her way in those saturated (and often confusing) beauty aisles/departments…
- The Domestic Diva: This tireless woman writes all day long on Twitter. She is a ton of fun to follow and has excellent tips that will encourage you. I am not a domestic gal, (though I keep a very nice 42nd floor apartment with a kick-ass view of Manhattan) but if I were she would be my guru.
Tomorrow FOOD!
BLOGS THAT MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND
Submitted by Valerie Donati on Mon, 06/22/2009 - 09:25
This week my illustrious team suggested I write about various blogs that we love to follow. I was up for the task but feeling kind of weird about it (most of them are fashion, beauty and food) after watching the news. There is the situation in Iran, more global warming trends and an extra day of the US Open to follow… In other words maybe there were more important things to consider today. And I am considering them, as I list some of our fav fashion blogs:
Garance Dore is an incredible photographer, illustrator and writer. Her blogs range from documenting street fashion all written in her characteristic style that blends sharp wit with satirical humor.
The Luxirare blog mixes fashion and food and inspires all us to get into that kitchen and try our own hand at culinary masterpieces, albeit in their gothic/punk form.
- Childhood Flames' writer is all of 15 years old! Check out her chic style as she editorializes on her fav designers. She even shares DIY projects via videos and photos…
- Model Gala Gonzalez gives us all an inside peek at the life of a muse. She documents her daily outfits (this girl has style) and gives us the run down on the various editorials she has been featured in.
The Jakandjil blog highlights the all-important street style that truly influences and impacts fashion (don’t be fooled, it does). There are images of notable fashion figures as well as random fashion-forward peeps from around the world.
Tomorrow, BEAUTY!
“HISTORY”: Important for Good PR So You Better Brush Up!
Submitted by Valerie Donati on Fri, 06/19/2009 - 13:15
There was a recent episode on a reality show that featured a young bride in her twenties that didn’t know the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” (Apparently, she was going to look a lot like Audrey Hepburn on the big day.) I mean, come on. But don’t be surprised. A lot of the young people I know don’t know anything about Elvis, the Beatles and forget about Clark Gable. So, it got me thinking. How important is “history” for good public relations… I think it’s incredibly important, especially if you specialize in the consumer sector.
Ok, I am using the word history loosely. It’s really about having a good understanding of poplar culture and that means knowing your history too. So when a fashion designer brings out a new black dress, it’s wise to understand how Chanel changed the course of fashion with her “new thinking” and how this effected everyone else around her. Or, how the “Rebel Without A Cause” era ushered in the more widespread (and accepted) use of blue jeans. If you love chocolate it might be interesting to know that the Aztecs loved this delectable treat first (though they used it as an elixir). Or maybe that it was first enjoyed as a drink in Europe long before it was converted into a bar. Or that it’s darkest form is a great antioxidant. Never mind understanding how Frank Lloyd Wright shifted popular thought around what makes good architecture thus inspiring a bestseller (“The Fountainhead”) and the art world as a whole.
What has this got to do with pr? Well, we work with chocolate brands so knowing how this treat has evolved over time helps us build relevant stories today. We work with fashion brands, positioning them as the “new classic” means we’d better know who the classics are… And the thinking goes on. So, if you’re considering making this a career, brush up on your history. It’s a must.
Source: www.tutiz.com, www.mischastyle.com
