Crash and burn...

My presentation tip for this week?  Don't do any of this!

Power Yourself Up For Powerpoint

   The PFR&P course finish line is glimmering on the horizon. We all have fared well so far with learning things we haven't encountered or before.  Now, we're coming down to the final stretch: Assignment 10 and the final PR project. Both undertakings hinge on our Powerpoint presentation skills. The question is, what if you have little or no experience with Powerpoint?  The answer is relax, you have plenty of help at your disposal.
 The Internet is loaded with Powerpoint tutorials and websites on the topic. You Tube alone has a number of videos that illustrate the slideshow creation program's functions.
 Two guides you should check out are Powerpoint For Beginners, and Making Your First Powerpoint. I think both are very informational and useful for people with little or no previous Powerpoint background. Check both videos out below.

   

                Moreover, one good Powerpoint instruction webpage can be found at www.electricteacher.com/tutorial2.  Once there, click on Powerpoint Tutorial. At that site, you can find information grouped under headings. They include Creating A New And Opening An Existing Presentation,  Powerpoint Basic Tasks, Templates, and Graphics.
               By the way, if you need Powerpoint images, you can get a lot of mileage from istockphoto.com. Just go to the web page's search engine and type in what you are looking for. You'll find many pictures, and the best part is you can download and save them for free. 
               And remember, if you are still at sea with Powerpoint, don't be afraid to ask questions to your classmates, your friends, your loved ones, or your course instructor. After all, the PFR&P class, among many other things, is about reaching out to others for advice when you need help. This is a valuable tip to remember for the real world when your performance, reputation, and career are on the line.
            That said, there is absolutely no need to fret. You have a lot the wherewithal to make good presentations for Assigment 10 and the final project. So go power yourselves up for Powerpoint!

Everyone Smiles in the Same Language

(This is the Week 10 official PRFandP post)

Everything that you wanted to know about smiling -- and then some. Why do PRFandP'ers care?

1. This is a great presentation.
2. Visual storytelling makes the content even more compelling.
3. It's an example of focusing on one small topoic (i.e.a smile ) and making that one small topic big and important.
4. Simple presentation tip: Smile at your audience.

 This week it's all about the presentation. Create a post and share your own presentation tip.

Joe Harrell Concludes the PRFandP Guest Speaker Series

As if visual storytelling and a final presentation isn't enough, let's add one more piece to the mix: Not-for-Profit Communications, with a dash of modern-day technology, just for the fun of it. 

Joe is looking forward to meeting you all on Monday night.

Joe Harrell has been involved in digital product management, marketing and communications for nine years. He is currently Director of Online Product Management at WNET, as well as principal of the multi-platform marketing agency, Zeke Digital Group. In his position at WNET, he is responsible for the product life cycle of NYC ARTS (NYC-ARTS.org), as well as integration of NYC ARTS across all platforms of existing arts-focused WNET media properties.

As principal of Zeke Digital Group, Harrell helps businesses and nonprofit organizations decide how best to represent themselves and achieve their objectives in today’s complex and hyper-dynamic marketing world.

Previously, as Director of Marketing and Product Management at Alliance for the Arts, Harrell was responsible for the product life cycle of NYC ARTS and all other programs at the Alliance. While there, he was responsible for all off- and online communications and marketing initiatives, including marketing and communications with the general public, constituent and prospective cultural organizations, as well as with government and other thought leaders and policy makers. Primary outputs included market research, marketing analytics, online content, technology road map, brand strategy, and sponsorship revenue.

Before that, as Director, Corporate Communications at Time Warner Inc., Joe was responsible for Time Warner Corporate’s new media communications, including its corporate website, TimeWarner.com, and online employee communications.

Joe currently serves as Account Director for Taproot Foundation.

He earned Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of Michigan.

Cyber Monday Mayhem

Did you hear what happened to online retailer Bonobos on Cyber Monday? I'm not going to write it, but this headline says it all. 

I know it's not PRFandP Crisis Week, but this is a newsworthy example of how one company successfully handled an "epic fail."

Bonobos is currently in proactive fix-it mode, and they've been using the integrated communications approach to make sure their customers know where things stand.

This afternoon, I've received various communications from CEO & Co-Founder Andy Dunn via email, Facebook and Twitter, all leading to this well-crafted message on the Bonobos blog.

Green Magazine: Blog Pick

 

Covering such topics as home energy efficiency, smart-grid appliances and how to get the most out of your Utility providers, The GreenHive Blog really is Honeywell’s Smart Technology Hub. 

Whether you’re an environmentally conscious consumer, a tech-head into all things digital or someone who simply wants to find ways to maximize savings – this blog comes highly recommended. 

And p.s..... the staff here at Green Magazine were most enthusiastic over The GreenHive Blog's current rebate promotion... see here for full details

 --- Editor, Green Magazine Online

Big Blue Nation, Grandma is callin’ you out!

An old fashion favorite has left chocolate making in the hands of Grandma Blue, a sweet but sassy chocolatier with a passion for Kentucky athletics. Old Kentucky Chocolates presents Kentucky Blue: Grandma’s Favorite Candy:

http://kentuckybluegrandmasfavoritecandy.blogspot.com/.

Join Grandma after every game as she discusses the highs (and lows) of Kentucky Athletics. Grandma loves a Wildcat win, but Grandma does not take losing lightly!

Grandma will challenge any Kentucky athlete(s) to a box of her fine Kentucky Blue Chocolates (which she refuses to share with others) in an effort to sharpen their skills. In the words of Grandma Blue, “They only get better when they play the best, and that’s me!”

Kentucky Blue: Grandma’s Favorite Candy. So good, Grandma will play ya for it!

Release Your Inner Adventurer

If you like reading the Blackbook Nightlife section, you will love Bacardi OakHeart's blog.

Bacardi Ltd., recently launched their first spiced rum, Bacardi OakHeart. Along with the launch of this prize-worthy rum comes the launch of their blog, Taste Makers: For The Modern Day Adventurer. 

This blog will provide consumers with the latest recipes, trends and cocktail bars. Consumers will also be able to participate in many online competitions that offer adventurous prizes. For mixologists, who Bacardi OakHeart has dubbed Taste Makers, this blog will act as a forum where bartenders, bar owners and mixologists will be able to share industry secrets, participate in online and live mixology competitions as well as a chance at winning awesome adventurous prizes.

After checking out Taste Makers, it is evident that Bacardi OakHeart is not only dedicated to developing cocktail culture but they are also passionate about adventure.

We expect big things from this blog!

(This is a fictional  blog post for Bacardi OakHeart.  This post was created by NYU-SCPS students as part of an Integrated Marketing Communications assignment)   

Greenberry's From The Brim Of The Cup Blog Is Heating Up

(This is a mock blog exercise being done for a NYU-SCPS public relations course. The event is fictional and being done strictly for educational purposes) 

 Greenberry's Coffee And Tea Company announces its new coffee lifestyle blog: From The Brim Of The Cup. The blog revolves around the various encounters of Greenberry's coffee customers at its 14 cafes in Virgina, New Jersey,  and Louisiana. Blog followers will learn about the happy occasions that arise from having quality java in a congenial environment. Some examples are friends meeting long lost pals, marriage proposals, job offers, formation of new clubs, and the start of community crusades. Readers will see how people of all ages, and from all walks of life, are touched by the socially bonding experiences that begin with a cup of coffee.
 In addition, From The Brim Of The Cup will keep people posted on Greenberry's coffee promotions, and news of incoming brews. The blog will run features about coffee from different angles. Just a few are preparation techniques, history, popularity, and its role in public relations, the media and Hollywood.
 And let's not forget that Greenberry's keeps its scene sizzling aside from serving hot stuff.   Did you know our franchises spearhead charity drives, civic group get-togethers, and entertainent events? Greenberry's also hosts open mike nights, live bands, instrumentalist solos, poetry/literature recitals, and acting showcases. You'll discover more about these activities in From The Brim Of The Cup.
 Writ large: There's much more to the coffee experience than simply sipping a good cup. Check out the new blog at http://fromthebrimofthecup.blogspot.com. You will get the warm feeling that comes with sharing a word or two over coffee.

iD – Iconic Denim : Armani’s digital brand integration at its peak

After an amazing and successful year for the Armani group, the newest brand - Armani Jeans - is leading the way. Their online communication strategy seems complete now. While their website is impeccable, the Experience section offers us all the latest news from their famous ad campaigns, using various types of media like photos and videos. Also, in addition to an innovative branded game “The Room” which has been developed in 2010, staring Megan Fox and soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, the brand has finally decided to offer us iD-Iconic Denim, the new blog signed by Armani Jeans.

On the blog, you will feel the iconic and mystic brand attributes of Armani Jeans denim. The team is valorising conversations by sharing content with their audiences. Photos, videos, short-films, news, and contests are some of the content offered to all of us. Perhaps, I bet you will be interested in their upcoming contest: Show off your denim iD. All you need is a picture of yourself wearing your fav’ AJ denim and you could win a chance to assist to the filming of the new ad campaign in New York City! Ready, set, find your coolest denim!

Oh and talking about it, here is a preview of the not-yet-but-predictably famous ad campaign...did you guess who will be the new Armani Jeans faces this winter? These shots will be enough to get you excited for the launch of iD on January 6^th...it’s a rendez-vous!

Posted by Elisabeth von Thurn, for Vogue USA

(iD is a fictive blog template created for a NYU course project)

BLOGGING DEVA'S

Devachan, the salon that revolutionized dry hair cutting for curls is getting into blogging!  Curly girls and those who love a good spa deal will be interested in visiting their page at Deva'sLanding.  

Lorraine Massey, cofounder of the salon, introduced me and many others to the "no poo" method of washing without shampoo and I can't wait to hear what else she has in store.  Are you excited about Devachan's new blog?  What do you think she should cover?

POSTED BY MELISSA RODRIGUEZ OF NATURALLYCURLY.COM 
(actually, this is an NYU assignment and unaffiliated with Devachan or naturallycurly.com)

MACY'S MARIONETTES

I know as a NY'er I can get pretty jaded about crowds and window gawking around the holidays.

But when I saw Macy's, it was just beautiful.  I had to stop, and for a NY'er that's a big feat.  The puppets and music are so whimsical, it makes you pause to take it all in.  If you get a chance, take a look at the 6th avenue 34th street side and make sure it's dark out.

Oh, and it benefits the Make a Wish Foundation.  Nice to see someone get the true meaning of Christmas :)

The video doesn't do it justice but just so you catch a preview:

POSTED BY MELISSA (disregard my signature for now)

Skinny Cow introduces a great new blog

Look what we found, Women's Health Magazine readers...
The Skinny Cow Brand Launched a new blog this week called "Skinny Cow Dreamy Clusters: Have your candy.  And eat it too."  Skinny Cow is known for producing delicious, low calorie ice cream and candy.

Skinny the cow welcomes blog readers with "Hi!  I'm Skinny, a.ka. the goddess of all things delicious and indulgent".  Love the opening.

Join us in reading this new blog, that promises to provide content about happy, healthy, fun living, with a focus on those decadent dreamy clusters.

What do you think of the new "Skinny Cow Dreamy Clusters:  Have your candy.  And eat it too" blog?  Write below, and check out the blog at http://scdclusters.blogspot.com/.

(This is a fictional Women's Health Magazine blog post for Skinny Cow.  The post was created by NYU-SCPS students as part of an Integrated Marketing Communications assignment)