The Maranda Writes

A PR professional just beginning your career? Or a seasoned vet looking for new career opportunities? As a PR graduate I know how hard it can be to find useful career information .

Below is a list I have complied of the top PR Firms in the Atlanta area. Happy hunting!

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Nicolazzo & Associates

Nicolazzo & Associates is a Boston-based firm widely recognized for comprehensive strategic communications programs and crisis management expertise. Established in 1975, N&A has distinguished itself as one of the most prestigious counseling operations in the U.S. and abroad, providing senior management with advice that addresses communications needs and builds enterprise value. Representative clients include: Babson College, Ericsson, Inc., Boston University, Houghton Mifflin, General Motors, Ropes & Gray, Fidelity Investments, Reebok, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, Bain Capital, Sun Life of Canada, MetLife Healthcare, and John Hancock. For more information on Nicolazzo & Associates, call 800-853-6872 or visit www.nicolazzo.com

Fama PR
fama PR is the East Coast’s premier boutique PR firm for technology companies across North America. Unlike larger firms, fama PR’s account teams are comprised solely of experienced PR practitioners who apply a common sense, hands-on approach to both strategy development and tactical program execution. This staffing model has proven to deliver superior results and unmatched client service. Working closely with clients, fama PR creates customized communications programs that are directly aligned with business objectives to help increase brand awareness and drive revenue. fama PR is also the only PR firm named to the Boston Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” in both 2007 and 2008.
To contact Fama PR, call 888-495-5081

HiTechPR
HiTechPR is a knowledgeable, creative and performance-oriented organization specializing in high tech public relations. Our extensive expertise in business to business marketing communications for the electronics, telecommunications and computer industries has set us apart from other companies since our inception in 1968. Our business to consumer division also has a long history of promotional success stories.
To contact HiTechPR, call 1-800-913-8950 ext.200

Fleishman-Hillard Inc.
Communication is everything at Fleishman-Hillard. One of the leading public relations firms in the US, the company offers services ranging from public relations to marketing to reputation management. Its expertise includes graphic design, media training, market research, and story placement. Fleishman-Hillard, which is a division of advertising conglomerate Omnicom, has about 80 offices across the globe. The firm’s clients include Procter & Gamble, Dell, Nortel, and Wal-Mart. Fleishman-Hillard was founded in 1946 by Al Fleishman and Bob Hillard; it was acquired by Omnicom in 1997.

Hill & Knowlton Inc.
Public relations firm Hill & Knowlton has ridden its reputation as a straight-shooter straight to the top. The company (whose founder John W. Hill emphasized the importance of dealing honestly and openly with the press) is one of the largest PR firms in the US and a part of advertising conglomerate WPP Group. Hill & Knowlton’s services range from marketing communications to corporate reputation management to political lobbying. It caters to the technology and health industries; clients have included Microsoft and Intel. Lobbying firm Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates and Finnish unit Hill and Knowlton Finland Oy act as subsidiaries for Hill & Knowlton.

Feel free to visit the websites and use the contact information for some of the companies listed above.  Dont be afraid to research those companies that interest you .

You have the right to know

Tags: PRCA 2330

STOP!

Before you enter the public relations workforce please read the below list of the TOP 10 lessons I have learned.

1. NETWORK as much as possible. This can never be said enough. It’s all about WHO you know, not WHAT you know.
2. BLOG. Every person in PR should blog or if not know how to, and how to upload and edit content.
3. Social Media, again if you are not into social media then you need to get into it. This is PR now.
4. Make a portfolio of all the work that you have done regarding PR, whether it be paper, on a disc, or an online portfolio. Just have one!
5. Keep a Rolodex or have some place to physically keep all numbers and contact info.  Things can get lost, broken, or stolen.
6. Always follow-up on leads, this is how you will make your money.
7. Research the field.  Stay updated on new advancements in your area or PR, so you can be ahead of the game.  Also research other PR firms to see what they have done right or wrong.
8. It would not hurt to learn how to create websites.  Although you are in PR, try to learn as much as you can about the abilities that surround your field.
9. Invest in a good jump drive and reliable lap top or computer, in PR this will be what you use daily.  You will not be able to operate without it.
10. Do not give up.  There are a million PR practitioners out there, some with degree and some without.  You will get a lot of NO’s but stick in there.

You have the right to know!

Tags: PRCA 2330

Writing a news release can be tricky, thats why I have outlined 10 things that will help you the next time you sit down to write one of these pesky releases…

1. Make sure the info is newsworthy
2. Make sure the first 10 words of your release are effective, as they are the most important.
3. Avoid the unneccessary exclamation point if not necessary.
4. Make sure to get permission from companies on official information and facts.
5. Use active not passive voice.
6. Avoid fluff language, stick to  the facts in your release. Dont include extra wording, just for the purpose of adding extra space. 
7. Make certain the first paragraph includes all the vital information: the where, when, why, what and who.
8. Center these marks, ” # # #” or “-30-“, at the bottom of the page to indicate the end of your release.
9. Create a dateline – the first line of the body of your press release – that includes the city where the release is generated and the date (i.e. LOS ANGELES, CALIF. – January 1, 2000).
10. Print the words “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE” in the top left-hand margin in all caps. Follow this line with relevant contact information: name, title, address, phone number, email address.

Tags: PRCA 2330

A podcast is a (or non-streamed webcast) is a series of digital media files (either audio or video) that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication. The word usurped webcast in common vernacular, due to rising popularity of the iPod and the innovation of web feeds. (via wiki)

PR practitioners are beginning to use podcasting as a promotional tool in more than ever before.  In an age where technology is being used in place of traditional PR methods, PR practitioners are looking for news way to connect with the public.

Podcasting is one of those ways  that this is happening. 

Podcasting is when one party records a segment about any subject, without visuals, they then post the content online for others to download on their computer and listen to at any time.

Companies such as Real Networks and ESPN were some of the first companies to use podcasting in late 2004.  Although it is hard to say who “invented” podcasting, Adam Curry is said to have come up with the idea originally and use it. 

Since these pioneer companies began using podcasting, they have increased tremendously in popularity, so much so that Apple has an entire section dedicated to podcasts. 

I have created a podcast before and thought that it was one of the funnest things that I have ever done.  It was like having my own talk show..

Dont believe me, try it out!

You have the right to know!

Tags: PRCA 2330