School's out for summer

Greetings blogosphere!

We are packing up for the summer! Thank you so much for reading our blog this semester, and we hope you continue to follow us in the fall. We have a great new team lined up for next semester and we hope to see you right back here in August!

Thank you again,

The TGC team

Buzz Marketing

By Megan Pouliot, Editorial Assistant

Secrets don’t make friends.

Unless of course you’re talking about Three Sixty Ecotique— the best kept secret in all of Chico—which in that case would make us BFFs.

A little late to catch on to this secret, my first visit to Three Sixty Ecotique occurred last Thursday and let me just tell you, I thought I had died and gone to vintage heaven.

From the moment I walked in, my eyes were jumping from rack to rack. Dresses. Blouses. Crop Tops. Coats. Belts. Bags. You name it, I wanted it.

Of course before I got too excited and began stripping the racks, I knew it was time for that pesky price check—the usual deal breaker. I figured I would start with this gorgeous, black, sequined cropped coat, one similar to those I’ve seen at other vintage stores, which usually ran close to about $50—a price steeper than my college budget can climb. As I lifted it from the rack, I anxiously peeked inside to check the price as if I were sneaking into an early Christmas present.

Written on the dainty, recycled price tag was an equally dainty price of $28; a price I cannot only climb, but I can sprint to the top.

In less than 20 minutes, I had filled almost two dressing rooms, leaving the racks almost as empty as my wallet upon leaving the store.

From the time it took me to drive from the downtown boutique to my house, I had already tweeted a storm, added the location to my Foursquare and told all of my closest friends—and everyone else I came in contact with for the next four days.

Since my shopping spree at the eco-friendly boutique, I know of at least three pals that have frequented the shop. This trend seems to come to life in small towns like Chico, where businesses rely on word-of-mouth by college students. This kind of buzz, which is the result of the human need to spread the latest gossip, markets companies without any allotted advertising funds.

I left Ecotique that day with a hefty brown sack, which I’m sure was made from recycled paper, and a newfound knowledge in the impact of buzz marketing. Secrets may not make friends, but friends sure make secrets.

What Tehama Group Communications taught me about life

By Caitlin Wallace, Social Media Director

Everything I know about the real world I learned from Tehama Group

You’ve seen those shirts, right?

“Everything I need to know about life I learned from my cat...” Stuff like that.

Well, I’m here to say that after the culmination of six years, two schools, two study abroad programs and countless classes, the real thing that prepared me for life post graduation, was Tehama Group.

Here’s my top four:

1. How to work with a team. Like, for real.

I know, I know, everyone loves a Chico grad because we are so social. But working on a group project for a teacher is a totally different ball game from working with a team that truly wants to be there, is qualified for the job and is working for a paying client. Sure, you sill have to deal with missed deadlines and over-scheduled consultants, but the work is quality and you can rest assured the whole project won’t fall on you.

2. How to manage time.

And with that goes how to not manage your time. Taking on too much is something I am classically known for, and this semester has been no exception. Learning to say no is a talent I have yet to master, but it’s something I know is applicable in the work place. For this semester I can successfully say: lesson learned.

3. How to be a better communicator.

I am professional communicator, so how could I need help? Trust me, I did...and I still do. I have always been the group leader and so learning to work on a team where I was simply a consultant was part relief, part balancing act. I had to learn how to “communicate up,” which basically means keeping my account lead informed on all my movements concerning our account. Since I was used to being the one who was communicated to, this was a lesson in learning to keep my team leader updated.

4.How to be a creative problem solver.

When you are in class, your future is up to you, so far as your grade is concerned. You can always turn to your teacher for guidance and ask if something is right or wrong. However, being plopped in front of clients and being expected to produce something that is worth their time and money is a different ball game. Knowing how to quickly field questions and think on your feet requires preparation, knowledge and a general ability to perform under pressure.

So there you have it folks. My life lessons, learned in the four walls of Tehama 310.

My dream apps

By Skylar Young, Account Executive

I have never used my iPhone so much until I joined Tehama Group Communications.

I find myself checking my email every five minutes and I have come to discover that in this agency, email is the new text. I depend one my iPhone so much that there is no way I could go back to using a regular phone.

I have recently organized all my applications into folders. For example, my Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and LinkedIn are under “social” while my camera, Photoshop Express and Instagram are filed in “photography.”

My latest folder edition is called “dreams.” This is where I keep my theater and public relations apps.

Just recently I discovered an app called Proton PR 007, specially made to help PR people’s lives easier. CEO Sean Fitzpatrick said it was like a Swiss Army knife of applications for PR people, according to theprcoach.com.

The application includes:

Spelling and Grammar Checker: So we won’t have another press release where adviser is spelled advisor.

Buzzword Manager: So we can scan news releases and blog posts instantly with our phone.

New Hook Detector: It scans and identifies news hooks to help us research the latest trends or breaking news.

Press Release Writer: It automatically creates a headline and lead paragraph so your press release will be catchy and news worthy.

Media Database: This database holds up to 50,000 contacts and you can instantly email pitches to everyone.

Online Influencer Evaluator: So we can see who has the most Klout influence by choosing from an updated list.

PowerPoint Projector: So we can present a pitch that will fit in our pocket! Your elevator pitch can now include a PowerPoint presentation.

Note Taker: So we can record phone calls and interviews.

Social Media Maximizer: I know how we all like to run for mayor on Foursquare. This app organizes all of your favorite social mediums.

This app does not come cheap, but I would not mind it in my “dreams” folder one day. Any app that can help me come up with an amazing headlines, spell check my press releases and let me give a PowerPoint presentation anywhere is my kind app.

Teamwork at its finest

By Sevie Michl, Account Executive

When people first think of public relations, many come to the conclusion that to succeed in the profession all you need is the ability to write and communicate well with others.

After having multiple internships, and especially in my current TGC internship, I have come to realize how much more is involved with being in public relations.

What people don’t usually realize—including myself before TGC—is how working with other professions outside of PR is vital to completing tasks asked of you by clients.

For example, there are the photographers. Through TGC I have learned the importance of being able to effectively communicate with a photographer on your team. Before this internship I didn't realize I would ever work with a photographer. What I have learned is that PR professionals communicate with photographers for their stories, websites, blogs and whatever else they may need photos or videos for. I had never really thought about the role a photographer would play in my profession, but am grateful for the work that they provide.

Just like with having photographers there is a heavy design aspect in PR. For instance, one of my clients is a nonprofit organization and it is my team’s job to help market their upcoming fundraising event. After my team writes the material for the event we give it to the designer to make “aesthetically pleasing” material like posters, postcards, banners, etc., that will grab public attention so people read the important information. Being able to work and communicate with a designer is vital throughout the entire PR process.

Yes, I have some skills in InDesign and photography, but nowhere near the skills my designer and photographer have. My team relies on them and their skills to help successfully do our jobs.

Having my internship with TGC has really opened my eyes to what it is like to be involved in a public relations agency. When I thought of PR before now I never really considered what was going on “behind the scenes” and how exactly everything worked. I had never worked with a designer or photographer before and I have to say, the experience has been enlightening and rewarding. My advice to future PR professionals is to not fight the process of working with other professions, but embrace the challenge and process of it all!

Spinning the moral compass with social media

By Naubil Oropeza, Account Executive

Last year, Nestlé spun the moral compass with social media. Greenpeace spoke against Nestlé for unethical practices associated with the production and manufacturing of its chocolate products. As a devoted chocolate lover, I was disheartened when I heard the news.

Greenpeace launched a shock ad campaign against Nestlé hoping to encourage a boycott of the company’s goods. Customers and fans alike were outraged after the YouTube video surfaced, which had over 90,000 views, exposing Nestlé for its deforestation practices and criticizing its small attempt at green practices with the Fairtrade Kit Kat.

Angry comments and pictures on Nestlé’s Facebook and Twitter then followed, from criticizing Nestlé’s business model to altering the Nestlé logo to reflect the company’s practices. A Nestlé intern in charge of the company’s corporate fan page responded rudely on Facebook, deleting these messages and making questionable comments. This was a counter-productive effort by Nestlé and disrespected its consumers.

The main issue in this case is the social networking crisis that Nestlé found itself in. Nestlé’s website states that the company is “conscious of the fact that the success of a corporation is a reflection of the professionalism, conduct and the responsible attitude of its management and employees,” but the recent disaster shows that Nestlé needs to control its online presence.

Marshall Strategy, a well-known firm in San Francisco, knows the importance of managing these networks.

“Without clear corporate and brand strategies, companies risk diffracting their message and weakening their corporate or brand image with every blog, tweet or posting,” said Philip Durbrow, CEO of Marshall Strategy.

By deleting comments and responding negatively to fans online, Nestlé has found itself in this vulnerable state and has been accused of hiding behind “PR spin.”

While social media is still a concept that businesses are trying to incorporate, this is a great example of how companies need to learn how to use it to benefit their company and how to regulate it. Companies that have not yet utilized the social media tool should take this as a cautionary tale, showing that the implementation of policies for online conduct is crucial.

Don't tweet drunk

By Megan McCourt, General Manager

Some of the things my fellow college students post on Facebook astound me. Half-naked pictures, incoherent status updates, snaps of people double-fisting drinks or passed out on the floor.

I don’t care what you do on the weekend, but your future employer might.

With scarcely two months until we walk across the stage, flip our tassels and start careers, it might be a good time to start thinking about doing some PR for yourself. Where to begin?

Facebook: Clean up your act. Start with restrictive privacy settings so that people can’t snoop too much. Go through all your pictures and un-tag yourself from any pictures you wouldn’t want your grandma or potential boss to see. Don’t write angry rants about work, especially if you’re friends with coworkers. Follow companies you are interested in working for and stop following “I Love Beer Pong.”

Twitter: This is an invaluable resource for those looking to join the working world, but you have to watch what you say since everything is public (check out Sony’s recent Twitter flub in which the company accidentally retweeted the root code that unlocks the PS3). Keep your tweets industry related while still letting some of your personality sparkle through. Don’t tweet drunk (here’s looking at you, Red Cross), as nothing ever really disappears from Twitter.

Resume and cover letter: Brand yourself with colors and a personal logo to set you apart from the pack. Don’t go overboard — pick one, maybe two colors that you can sprinkle in sparingly for impact. Get familiar with Adobe Photoshop or InDesign and craft a simple logo for yourself using these logo tips. Use your logo on your cover letter, resume and website, along with your color scheme.

New media: If you can’t beat them, beat them to it. If you want a position in the PR world, you need to be ahead of the curve when it comes to social media. Get out your smartphone and post on Tumblr, Quora and Storify. Check-in everywhere you go on Foursquare, Gowalla or SCVGNR. Build yourself a LinkedIn, VisualCV or a Wix site. Post videos on Vimeo, Veoh or Dailymotion. Whatever you do, do it online.

Now log in, polish up your online presence and start posting the right way!