Local First Springfield & Innovate Springfield collaborate on training for businesses

So many of our clients ask ‘what can I do to grow my business?’ We often tell them to get involved with the community and to collaborate with other businesses. There are lots of examples of organizations collaborating successfully. Only the other day I attended the first Mindful Mornings in Springfield at Engrained Brewery & Restaurant, where the room was packed with people that want to do good – and – collaborate in order to achieve this.

Local First Springfield is an organization we as a business are involved in – and so too are many of our clients because they, like us, see the benefit in supporting other like-minded, local, small and large companies and organizations that want to see our city and surrounding area prosper. We love Springfield and we want it to be the best city to live in – for all.

Our friend and master collaborator, Katie Davison, of Innovate Springfield, is leading the next Local First training session on Thursday (March 8 – funnily enough that’s International Women’s Day – go ladies!) on business collaboration: Fostering a Business Ecosystem. During the 90-minute class, Katie will explain the benefits and importance of business collaboration, as evidenced by Springfield’s growing business ecosystem. Basically, a business ecosystem is the interconnected web of business owners, innovators, and entrepreneurs that create relationships with one another to not only make their own businesses more successful but also recognize opportunities for all involved. In order to demonstrate the power of business collaboration, Katie will describe some of the great examples happening in our community right now.

There are two sessions, one at 9am (not too early and perfect timing for a mug of Custom Cup Coffee) and the other at 3.30pm (for those of us that prefer an afternoon class). This is not only an opportunity to learn to work together but to meet fellow business owners and entrepreneurs. The class, open to Local First Springfield members and nonmembers, is just $30.

This is the second class in a yearlong series organized by Local First Springfield, which is being led by a different member each month.

You can register for the class here.

In-house training

As the success of our PR & Media Toolkit classes continues to grow we have decided to expand our services by offering in-house training to companies, and their staff, that want to brush up on their social media skills, improve their writing techniques, and seek out more rewarding sponsorship deals.

 
We are working with small, medium, and large businesses to develop classes for their PR, marketing, communications and admin staff. We are also working with a number of nonprofits that have limited funds and want to maximize opportunities to communicate their message to the public and fundraise.
 
The classes being offered in-house are based on the PR & Media Tool Kit series currently being taught on Tuesday evenings at Gem PR & Media HQ. However, changes are made for each business or nonprofit to meet their needs and interests.
 
We believe strongly that equipped with the latest information, the most up-to-date tools, and a different perspective on social media, writing for promotion, sponsorship and creating PR plans, you and your teams, businesses, or nonprofits will work more efficiently, be able to measure the success of your campaigns, and meet your goals. 

If you would like more information please email Gemma@GemPRMedia.com 

The bigger picture

I‘ve been thinking a lot recently about how we can add value to our clients. And I’ve come to the conclusion that the bigger picture means including the little things. As well as doing a good job it’s important to remain connected with clients. One way to do this is to stay abreast of issues or trends in their industry. This takes time of course, but it can be as simple as setting up Google alerts and subscribing to industry websites. If we do not manage a client’s social media we always like, follow, and engage with their platforms so that we remain up to date with their daily activity.

 
I’m also a great believer in bringing different clients together to create meaningful professional relationships. If I see an opportunity to introduce one client to another I will make the effort to do so. My clients know this too – and appreciate it.

We are often asked by clients if we are interested in writing an article for Eighteen21.com about an organization they are involved with, such as a nonprofit or association. It may even be that they have a client that has a story or is involved in a nonprofit that would appreciate the coverage, exposure, and opportunity to share content on their social media platforms – and website. 

I recently also launched a PR & Media Tool Kit and am offering discounts to organizations we are involved with, such as Illinois Women in Leadership, Business Networking International, and Central Illinois Networking Group – as well as nonprofits. May of our clients are members of or involved in such organizations – therefore they enjoy the discount.

If we are not managing a client’s social media platforms, but we are in fact creating content for them through Eighteen21.com, and we believe we can add value by providing training on the platforms, we will do so free of charge. It’s important for our clients that they gain value from any work we do. If we are creating content we want them to be able to social it out, provide links to our site from their website, and help improve their SEO or Google rankings. Taking time to support their other PR and marketing activities is a solid investment for them and us. 

At the end of the day, we want our clients to be successful because as their businesses grow so will ours. 

PR & Media Toolkit

So often we are approached by small to medium business owners that have a Facebook business page, Linkedin account, or Instagram but simply do not have the time or resources to manage these platforms effectively. They know that they need to better communicate with their audience, update their website more regularly, and get more from sponsorship activities but don’t have the tools at hand to do so.

 
Well, we have created a four-part toolkit with classes on social media, events, sponsorship and crowdfunding, creating a PR and media plan, and writing to promote for any business owners, or those responsible for marketing their organization, that feel they need help getting their message out to the right audience in order to help it grow, recruit, or fundraise.

Our plan is to hold 90-minute classes on Tuesday evenings (cookies and coffee included) at Gem PR & Media, either immediately after work or a little later. Each class is $50 or $175 for all four. There are 12 spaces. We are looking to kick this off on July 11 but will delay until the end of the month/beginning of August if those interested need to organize their calendars. If you have any questions or would like further information please email team@gemprmedia.com

Redundant vocabulary

I love proofing articles.  One of the most common issues, in addition to poor grammar and punctuation, is the use of redundant vocabulary. 

Some of the most common redundant vocabulary currently in use includes: 

• Really/very unique – Something is unique or it isn’t – it can’t be really unique. 
• Empty out – Empty is all you need. 
• End result – The result comes at the end.
• Frozen ice – Ice is frozen water.
• He died from fatal injuries – It's obvious his injuries were fatal if he died.
• Local residents – Avoid the word local in news stories at all costs.  How do you define local?
• A new innovation - If something is innovative it’s generally new. 
• Past experience - If you’ve experienced something it happened in the past. 
• Sum total - The sum or the total will do, no need for both. 
• Never before - Never makes it pretty clear.
• Added bonus – The bonus is the addition of something. 
• At the present time - At this time or the present work perfectly well. 
• Collaborate together - Collaborate means together. 
• Filled to capacity – One or the other, please.
• Final conclusion - A conclusion means the end. 

The next time you’ve been asked to write an article, post or blog have a read through and make sure you’re not making any of the mistakes above. 

10 tips for a press release

When I began drafting press releases more than a decade ago there was really only one consideration – how would the information appear in the newspaper? That may sound a little harsh, but often when it comes to TV or radio the news editor wants a sound bite from the spokesperson you are representing they don’t want to read from your press release. Now, you’re not just writing for print, but you’re also writing for online content too – and that’s a whole other ballgame. The headline you write for a newspaper will be significantly different to the one you write for the web, for example. 

So, how do you combat this? Well, when I launched Gem PR & Media three years ago I began writing content for individual media outlets, whether radio, TV, print or online. A few tweaks here or there can make all the difference. This is definitely something to think about. 
If you’re a complete novice, or it’s been a while since you drafted a press release, here are 10 things to take into consideration.

1. Make sure you cover the who, what, when, where, why and how of the story 
2. Provide a title – ensure you adapt it for different media 
3. Write a great intro  
4. Provide contact info for the company’s spokesperson (and yourself) 
5. Don’t bury the lead – that never works 
6. If you need a sponsor included in the published version weave this into the quote (from your spokesperson) 
7. Don’t use jargon - Joe Blogs on the street needs to be able to understand what it is you are saying 
8. Don’t cap up job titles or roles - the only people that deserve caps are the Queen, the President, and the Prime Minister 
9. Include a release date 
10. There’s no need to rewrite War and Peace – a press release should be clear and concise – I try to keep mine to 300/350 words

When drafting and issuing a press release make sure you are a) writing for individual media platforms, b) providing all of the salient details and, c) communicating clearly with your audience. 

What makes a good story?

One of the first things you discuss as a journalism student or newbie journalist is ‘what makes a good story?’ Something that public relations professionals also face on a daily basis. 
Sometimes your client thinks they have a great story, but really it’s just the promotion of a new service or product – and you’re the one that has to tell them it’s a no go. On the other hand, clients, who understandably are busy in their day job, often miss the signs of a great story – so it’s your job to seek out the good stories by asking the right questions and staying abreast of the issues. 

If you know you have a good story, you must now consider whose interest it will pique. Is it a news story? Does this have feature written all over it? Do you need to speak to the sports editor? Is there a special section of the newspaper or magazine where your client’s story will feature more prominently? Is there a radio program that features topics such as this? Is there room for an interview? Could you organize or offer photos to accompany the story? If you find the right slot for your client’s story and the editor or journalist bites then you’re golden. 
Another thing to consider is timing. Sometimes it’s worth holding onto a good story, which will gain increased traction at a certain time of the year or on a certain date. 

I talk about the need for corporate social responsibility often, however, when it comes to the media, this market is becoming saturated so you need to look at alternative ways to gain exposure for your clients. I have turned to blogs and online newsletters where I know I have a decent story to tell for my client, but at the same time know that I’m almost certainly wasting my time and my client’s money when it comes to the daily newspaper. 

I’d also consider, in this day of 24-hour news, how your story will play out online – including social media – and at what time of day you might want to release it to the media – if you know they will want to run with it a.s.a.p. 

Also, do you want to provide an exclusive to ensure coverage versus a blanket approach?  This may not gain the exposure you were hoping for. 

And finally, if you’re approaching an editor or journalist make sure you can quickly and easily provide them with a synopsis of the story and/or the who, what, when, where, why and how. Oh, and don’t pitch to them as they are approaching deadline wait until they have time to listen to your idea. 

Social Media for Non-Profits

At Gem PR & Media we’re always eager to share our knowledge and experience with those who need it most, but cannot afford consultancy fees, such as non-profits and charitable organizations.

One of the ways we are able to do this is through teaching classes at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois. Our next class is Social Media for Non-Profits – and it’s only $15 for two hours. We’ll be teaching some of the tricks and tools we’ve learnt over the years whilst managing numerous social media accounts.

Social media can be a minefield for anyone, not least non-profits that are already under-staffed and have little resources or time, for that matter. But social media is a great tool to get your message out there to the masses. Whether promoting a fundraiser or requesting donations for raffle prizes, the way in which you approach posting, such as the inclusion of an interesting photo or the times at which you engage with your audience, all make a difference.

We support a number of clients in the US, Channel Islands and UK that have the capacity to engage in advertising, but we also work with a number of non-profits that do not have the finances available for social media advertising. So, we have developed a toolkit for those organizations that want to engage with their audience online, but need to be thrifty about it. Our next class is on November 10th between 11am and 1pm at Lincoln Land Community College.

We will also be teaching classes next spring, which will provide non-profits and businesses an opportunity to learn about PR and marketing planning, crowdfunding and how to develop media relations. If you are interested in any of the above please visit http://www.llcc.edu or ping us an email at hello@gemprmedia.com and we’ll point you in the right direction.

PechaKucha!

On Thursday evening I took part in Springfield’s 20th volume of PechaKucha 20 x 20. PechaKucha involves a simple presentation format where you show 20 images, each for 20 seconds. 

It was created by two architects in Tokyo in 2003 because architects (according to the organizers) talk too much. The idea is, that if you give someone just 20 slides and 20 seconds to talk about each slide they will be forced to present in a comprehensive, but succinct fashion.

So, I had a go. My topics was, of course, Guernsey. In the US the easiest way to explain Guernsey’s location is ‘a British island, near France’ so that was the title of my presentation. 

Castle Cornet and a cruise Ship

I want to say a massive thank you to Guernsey photographer Chris George who supplied us with high resolution images and to my pal Zoe Ash of Visit Guernsey. I talked about our beautiful island, its rich history and the part it plays in the finance world. 

I’m telling you all this because wouldn't it be something to have a PechaKucha night in Guernsey or Jersey? It’s a great opportunity to promote your business or interests in front of a group of people from all walks of life. At Gem PR & Media we’re always looking for PR opportunities for our clients and we aim to lead by example. So, Guernsey, Jersey let us know if you would like more information about PechaKucha. 

Gemma discussing Guernsey Cows

Social Media Top Tips

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• Post at five minutes to and five minutes after the hour. This is when people are checking their phones for emails and updates on their way to and from meetings, the office, lunch or home. 
• If you are having trouble tagging a person or business in a Facebook post use the @ symbol and a capital letter at the beginning of the name. 
• Use hashtags to increase the profile of your social media activity; especially when you’re mentioning trending topics. 
• Add videos, photos and links to your posts to increase their visibility.
• Post regularly, but make sure you’re posting material that is relevant to your target audience. 
• If you’re pursuing an aggressive campaign post four-to-five times a day on Facebook. 
• If you want all of your followers to read your tweet make sure you place a character ahead of a @username otherwise the post will go to the @username only. 
• Make sure you regularly update your profile on Linkedin and make new connections. 
• Support your fellow followers on Twitter by participating in #FollowFriday/#FF. This will also encourage others to include you in #FFs and attract new followers. 
• Engage with Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram users; social media is about two-way interaction. 
• If you receive a complaint on social media deal with it promptly by acknowledging and, if necessary, taking the conversation offline in order to resolve the matter. 

A Trail Not a Trial

We have worked on a range of public relations campaigns since the launch of Gem PR & Media in 2013, but most recently we were involved in a congressional campaign in Illinois, USA. We learnt a lot during this campaign, from conception to completion; we helped create a strategy, messaging and managed media relations, but most importantly we developed a candidate. 

Our job was to guide him through the political maze, which includes the electorate and the media. It was one of the most challenging public relations campaigns we have ever worked on, but also one of the most rewarding. In a congressional campaign where the district covers numerous counties there’s plenty of travel involved, the media is widespread and so are the many meetings, rallies and parades. 

In a political campaign, a key to success is fundraising. Fundraising events are crucial, but also one of our favorite aspects because the support the candidate receives from friends, family, colleagues and proponents encourages them - it reminds them why they are doing this in the first place. 

We had the opportunity to work with intelligent, well-informed and passionate individuals including, people working on the campaign, supporters and journalists. We are excited about Gem PR & Media’s next political adventure. Watch this space.

Me. University. Media.

Dannie Jones

Dannie Jones first interned with Gem PR & Media in Easter 2014 – since then she’s provided support with social media campaigns and copywriting for various titles through our press service. Dannie has just completed her second year at university and is about to start a summer programme in Guernsey with Specsavers’ creative team. She took a few minutes out of her busy schedule to tell us what the last year has been like – while she’s thrown herself into media life (as well as hockey).

My Skype meeting with the new Loughborough Student Union’s Media senate just finished and so the task of writing up the minutes will soon be underway.

The senate consists of 10 members (of which I am one) whom run under the vice president of media. Loughborough students elect the vice presidents and president after a competitive campaigning period. Those elected make up the union executive team. They run our union; unique due to the fact the students actually own the premises.

And where do I fit in? In the academic year of 2014/15 I became the union magazine – Label – head of marketing. My application was spurred on by spending a month at Gem PR & Media. I had enjoyed my first year of university, living up to Loughborough’s sporting reputation and involving myself in the hockey team, but in second year I got stuck in with LSU media also.

Loughborough Student’s Media consists of four sections. LSUTV, LCR, Label and Lens. There are also hall media representatives that proudly showcase their campus living hall. There’s a chance for volunteers, like myself, to receive training with cameras and editing software. We’ve also made visits to the BBC and ITN. More than anything, there are plenty of opportunities; you could run your own radio show, write articles for the magazine, create television scripts or learn to take great photos and videos. 

The rapid pace at which Gem PR & Media is growing is down to one thing: contacts.

We work hard to build a strong network of contacts around the globe. It’s not a coincidence that we’ve lived in three continents in 10 years. Training and working as a journalist in Guernsey, the UK, and Australia and now also living in and writing for publications in the US, it’s hard not to build relationships and connections with the public and media.

Gem PR & Media is, and those that represent our company are, a member of several organizations, which allow us to connect with individuals from all walks of life. I am a member of, and have been for years, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, I’m also a Rotarian, a Jaycee, attend weekly BNI meetings and I’m involved in a number of other charitable organizations. Chris and I often volunteer at charity fundraisers in order to give back to the communities in which we operate and strengthen our existing connections.

The other important thing to remember is, once you’ve made a connection, to remain connected. Friends, family and colleagues will tell you that I make a real effort to keep in touch either through letters and cards, emails and texts, Facebook and Twitter or Skype and calls. I work in the media and communications industry so it comes natural to me that I want to be in constant communication with my personal and professional network. What’s also important is that, with having a business spread across two continents, I remain in front of people. I do this through the media: writing articles about the PR and media industry – and Gem PR & Media of course. I’m also active on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Once you build a strong network around you, it’ll only have room to grow. Organic growth is key. Warren Buffet said: ‘It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.’ Isn’t building a network about building a reputation? If you think about it that way you’ll really start to value the network around you and continue to grow it.