Student Perspectives from the Annual Conference

Molly Nurczyk, President, FGCU FPRA Student Chapter

Junior, Florida Gulf Coast University

As president of the FGCU FPRA Student Chapter, I found the 76^th Annual Conference extremely beneficial not only for me, but for my board members and my club in general. From the numerous guest speakers to the delicious “Think FPRA” themed desert, I simply had a blast at the Annual Conference this past August. The conference made me appreciate the PR industry even more than I already do. Additionally, this experience made me grateful that I was able to so easily pick the perfect profession for my future career. I can’t thank the professional chapter enough for the scholarship and opportunity to attend the conference. Below are my top three favorite parts of this year’s Annual Conference.

No. 3:  Swag.  “Think FPRA” themed portfolio, bag and stylus pen that lights up

As a college student, it felt great to receive such a useful gift that I can use in the future for all my meetings, my future internships, and for my first job. Most college students don’t think to invest in a portfolio, much less receive one for free at a conference.

No. 2:  Amazing guest speakers and topics

Unfortunately, because PR is only a concentration and not a major at my university, I only get to learn PR through six different classes. Because of this, I try my very best as president of our student chapter to get as many useful topics as possible at our meetings that we normally don’t get to cover in class (such as graphic design, social media, and crisis communication). I was extremely grateful that there were so many topics and great guest speakers at the conference. My only complaint was that I wish I could’ve sat in on multiple topics that were being presented at the same time.  

No. 1:  Networking

I spent the majority of my summer in my hometown in Sarasota, Florida. Sadly, this meant that I couldn’t really network with the professional chapter over the summer. Thanks to the FPRA          Annual Conference, I was able to meet and network with almost all of the professional chapter            members that were at the conference. (I even got lucky and sat next to one friendly member during the first general session on Monday when I didn’t know anyone.) I had members of the           professional chapter seek me out, which felt incredible. I often tell my executive board members and members of our club about this experience because it goes to show that great opportunities await you through involvement with FPRA.

Because of this wonderful experience, I am trying my best as president to get funding to help pay for hotel expenses, food, and gas so that more students from FGCU can attend the Annual Conference next summer.

                

Amanda Brown, Professional Liaison FGCU FPRA Student Chapter

Senior, Florida Gulf Coast University

Going to 2014 FPRA conference was a life changing experience. I am so grateful; this experience is something I will not forget for the rest of my life.

Listed below are the top five things I learned from the guest speakers. The knowledge I learned is something I will keep for the rest of my life.

1.     Every interaction is an opportunity.

      - Renee Wilson

2.   You don't have to have a title to be a leader

      - Sarah Robinson

3.   The key to good writing is brevity

      - Dan Farkas

4.   Life is about reaction, capture the moments

      - Dan Farkas

5.   Branding is the single most valuable asset

      - Steve McKee

My top experience was having breakfast with the current state president and two previous state presidents. It was an amazing experience to learn about their expertise, careers and why they love FPRA. Every person I met was so welcoming and willing to help my career.

By the end if this experience I met individuals willing to help me with finding a job after graduation, editing my resume and mentoring me throughout my public relations career. I would not have had these opportunities without the scholarship I received. The Southwest Florida chapter is amazing and I really appreciate this association for offering me the opportunity to better my future.

FPRA 2014-2015 Sponsorships

Platinum Sponsor Level $1,500

·       Logo on Home Page of chapter website

·       Business featured in one issue of monthly newsletter with an article of 500 words or less and photo

·       Logo, link and 50 word company description on dedicated Sponsor Page of chapter website

·       Verbal acknowledgment of sponsorship at each meeting/event

Includes event sponsorship for all five of the Chapter’s annual special events:

·       Pro-Bono Day

·       PRU professional development seminar

·       Media Breakfast

·       Local Image Awards

·       Merry Mixer

Consisting of:

·       Acknowledgment in news releases distributed regarding the event

·       Logo on all printed and/or electronic collateral promoting the event       

·       Opportunity to place promotional material in attendees’ swag bags

·       Two (2) complimentary admissions to each event – must register representatives online

·       Opportunity to display materials at a special table at the event

·       Opportunity to address attendees of each annual special event for 3 minutes

Includes monthly luncheon sponsorship of one of eight regularly scheduled business meetings consisting of:   

·       Acknowledgment in all news releases distributed for meeting (does not guarantee placement in media)

·       Logo included on registration page for that particular meeting

·       Four (4) complimentary admissions to the event – must register representatives online

·       Opportunity to display materials at a special table at the event

·       Opportunity to address members for 3 minutes

Premium Sponsor Level $1,000

·       Logo on Home Page of chapter website

·       Business featured in one issue of monthly newsletter with an article of 500 words or less and photo

·       Logo, link and 50 word company description on dedicated Sponsor Page of chapter website

·       Verbal acknowledgment of sponsorship at each meeting/event

Includes event sponsorship for three of the Chapter’s annual special events:

·       Pro-Bono Day

·       PRU professional development seminar

·       Media Breakfast

Consisting of:

·       Acknowledgment in all news releases distributed regarding the event

·       Logo on all printed and/or electronic collateral promoting the event       

·       Opportunity to place promotional material in attendees’ swag bags

·       One (1) complimentary admission to each event – must register online

·       Opportunity to display materials at a special table at the event

·       Opportunity to address attendees of each annual special event for 3 minutes

Includes monthly luncheon sponsorship of one of eight regularly scheduled business meetings consisting of:   

·       Acknowledgment in all news releases distributed for meeting (does not guarantee placement in media)

·       Logo included on registration page for that particular meeting

·       Three (3) complimentary admissions to the event – must register online

·       Opportunity to display materials at a special table at the event

·       Opportunity to address members for 3 minutes

Deluxe Sponsor Level $750

·       Logo and 50 word company description on dedicated Sponsor Page of website

·       Verbal acknowledgment of sponsorship at each meeting/event

Includes event sponsorship for two of the Chapter’s annual special events as follows:

·       Pro-Bono Day

·       Media Breakfast

Consisting of:            

·       Logo on printed and electronic collateral promoting the event

·       Opportunity to place promotional material in attendees’ swag bags

·       One (1) complimentary admission to each annual event - must register representatives online

Includes monthly luncheon sponsorship of one of eight regularly scheduled business meetings consisting of:   

·       Acknowledgment in all news releases distributed for meeting (does not guarantee placement in media)

·       Logo included on registration page for that particular meeting

·       Two (2) complimentary admissions to the event – must register online

·       Opportunity to display materials at a special table at the event

·       Opportunity to address members for 3 minutes

Standard Sponsor Level $500

·       Logo and 50 word company description on dedicated Sponsor Page of website

·       Verbal acknowledgment of sponsorship at each meeting/event

Includes event sponsorship for one of the Chapter’s annual special events as follows:

·       Pro-Bono Day

Consisting of:

·       Logo on printed and electronic collateral promoting the event      

·       Opportunity to place promotional material in attendees’ swag bags

·       One (1) complimentary admission to the event  - must register representative online

Includes monthly luncheon sponsorship of one of eight regularly scheduled business meetings consisting of:   

·       Acknowledgment in all news releases distributed for meeting (does not guarantee placement in media)

·       Logo and link included on registration page for that particular meeting

·       One (1) complimentary admission to the event - must register representatives online

·       Opportunity to display materials at a special table at the event

·       Opportunity to address members for 3 minutes

Lunch Sponsorship Level $250

Sponsorship of one of eight regularly scheduled business meetings consisting of:

·       Acknowledgment in all news releases distributed for meeting (does not guarantee placement in media)

·       Logo and link included on registration page for that particular meeting

·       Two (2) complimentary admissions to the event – must register representatives online

·       Opportunity to display materials at a special table at the event

·       Opportunity to address members for 3 minutes

#Hashtags and #PR

We all have those friends that are #hashtagcrazy, but those little hashtags in the marketing and public relations world can pack quite a punch. Before you start going #hashtagcrazy, be sure you know what they are and how to use them effectively.

What is a hashtag? To put it simply, it is a word or phrase with a number sign (#) in front of it that you add to your social media updates. The hashtag then becomes a link that you can click on to see more posts with that hashtag. While the hashtag initially became popular on Twitter, it is now being used on other social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

The point of using hashtags as a PR professional is to gain more exposure for your employer, client or event on social media. There are so many great articles on this topic, but there’s a very straightforward explanation on Socialmediaexaminer.com. They discuss four easy steps for choosing a successful hashtag:

1.     Choose Something Unique: The goal is to reach people with the use of hashtags and have others join in the conversation. If you choose a common hashtag the post will get lost among thousands of others, but if you choose something unique to your company or event the posts will all standout and be streamlined into one group. Of course you can add additional hashtags to reach a larger audience, but creating one unique hashtag is imperative. 

2.     Choose Something Easy to Remember: Making sure your hashtag is easy to remember is important. Choosing something that is simple to spell and read is key. If it is too long, it will take up too much space in a tweet and chances are it will be misspelled, so keep it short.

3.     Use the Hashtag on Multiple Social Media Channels: It is going to be tough to get your hashtag to catch on, so be sure you’re giving it as much exposure as possible. The more people see it, the more they will remember it, and the more they will use it.

4.     Search for the Hashtag Before You Use It: You do not want to choose a hashtag and roll out a social media campaign with something that is already being used, especially if it is being used in a negative manor. Always research and find out what, if anything, is being talked about with that hashtag.

These are just a few tips to ensure you are using hashtags in a positive and effective way. Using multiple and generic hashtags on social media platforms is okay too, but always be sure the words or phrases you are using are appropriate and will benefit the exposure of your company, client or event.

Announcing our newest APR, Deborah Jonsson!

Deborah Jonsson, APR, of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association

(FPRA) and Gulf Coast Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) recently earned professional public relations accreditation, and received the designation of Accredited in Public Relations (APR).

Jonsson joins the more than 4,300 active public relations professionals worldwide who represent an elite group of highly skilled professionals committed to practicing with exemplary ethical standards, including 29 in southwest Florida.

Jonsson is the public relations manager at Avow, a nonprofit organization serving Collier County residents suffering from serious and terminal illness and loss. She is an active member of both FPRA and PRSA. She has served on the Gulf Coast Chapter PRSA board since 2012 and will assume the role of president in 2015. She prepared for the APR exam through FPRA student sessions. Jonsson studied fine arts at Nazareth College of Rochester and earned a Certificate in Public Relations from Rochester Institute of Technology.

To earn accreditation, candidates must pass an oral presentation and rigorous written examination administered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), which is an alliance of eight national and statewide professional associations dedicated to furthering the field of public relations and the development of public relations professionals. FPRA is a member of the UAB.

About the Florida Public Relations Association

The Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida.  For more information on the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, visit www.fpraswfl.org.

About the Public Relations Society of America

Chartered in 1947, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the world’s largest and foremost organization of public relations professionals. PRSA provides professional development, sets standards of excellence and upholds principles of ethics for its members and, more broadly, the multi-billion dollar global public relations profession. We also advocate for greater understanding and adoption of public relations services. For more information on the Gulf Coast Chapter of Public Relations Society of America, visit: www.gulfcoastprsa.org

Announcing our newest APR, Holly Boldrin!

Holly Boldrin, APR, of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) recently earned professional public relations accreditation, and received the designation of Accredited in Public Relations (APR).

 

Boldrin joins the more than 4,300 active public relations professionals worldwide who represent an elite group of highly skilled professionals committed to practicing with exemplary ethical standards, including 32 in southwest Florida.

Boldrin has 22 years of communications experience and is the public relations manager for Priority Marketing of Southwest Florida. In addition to previous positions in the public relations industry, Boldrin worked for more than 10 years in television news. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of South Florida. Boldrin is active in the local community, including volunteer service as a Cub Scout leader, board member with the Pine Manor Improvement Association and communications chair for the Cypress Lake United Methodist Church.

To earn accreditation, candidates must pass an oral presentation and rigorous written examination administered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), which is an alliance of eight national and statewide professional associations dedicated to furthering the field of public relations and the development of public relations professionals. FPRA is a member of the UAB.

About the Florida Public Relations Association

The Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida.  For more information on the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, visit www.fpraswfl.org.

President's Word

From Heidi Taulman, APR

Well, hello their FPRA champions!  I am humbled and honored to be the new President of the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA – the 3^rd largest in the State I might add! I'm excited to start this journey together with you and the terrific team of professionals on the leadership team.  I encourage you to take a look at the Board and Leadership team members and get to know them. We are lucky to have such a dynamic group.  I also encourage you to reach out to me if you have questions and just to say Hello!

This year’s theme will be about superheroes and we hope you will use the tagline #findyourPRsuperhero throughout the year to congratulate others on their work, share great tips with others and encourage your FPRA team to develop professionally. As this year’s State President of FPRA, Rachel Smith, APR, CPRC, says “Accelerate your career at light speed with FPRA.”

 I encourage you to take a look at the excerpt from Jason Nazar about Superheroes’ traits in the newsletter.  I like all of these traits, but this one stands out for me and FPRA – Superheroes can do it by themselves but are more powerful in teams… (www.JasonNazar.com)  The Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA is a team of superheroes working towards the betterment of you and your profession.  Thanks for being part of that team!

Don’t miss out on your first superhero mission – Attend PRU on Oct. 10^th.  It is truly going to be a great educational opportunity you won’t want to miss!

I appreciate all of you, your ongoing support and look forward to working with you!

#FindyourPRsuperhero

-Heidi Taulman, APR

Traits of a Superhero

A superhero is a type of hero or savior possessing extraordinary talents, supernatural phenomena, or superhuman powers and dedicated to protecting the public.

1.    Superheroes never give up.

2.    Superheroes always get the job done.

3.    Superheroes are the best at what they do.

4.    Superheroes are crystal clear of their purpose.

5.    Superheroes are NOT flawless.

6.    Superheroes do not seek glory…but they get it anyway.

7.    Superheroes help others.

8.    Superheroes can do it by themselves but are more powerful in teams.

9.    Superheroes’ true strength comes from their character.

10. Superheroes accomplish huge feats.

**Ten Lessons Start-ups can learn from Superheroes – www.JasonNazar.com

FGCU Internship Fair

PARTICIPATE IN FGCU PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERNSHIP FAIR

FGCU public relations students and communications students will hold an Internship Fair on October 7th from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m in the Cohen Center Ballroom located on FGCU Campus.  If your company is interested in participating in the fair, please contact Molly Nurcyzk, FGCU Florida Public Relations Association Student Chapter President, at menurczyk1826@eagle.fgcu.edu.

Social Media and Your Brain

Do you ever check the clock and wonder how you wasted away hours of your day on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter? Ragan Social Media breaks down what's happened to our brains over the last 14 years with the constant use of social media. Is social media your brain's favorite drug or is it still that morning cup of caffeine? Click the infographic below to visit Ragan.com and learn more.

In 2000, a person's average attention span was 12 seconds.

In 2013, that dwindled down to 8 seconds.

Here's the humbling part: The attention span of a goldfish is 9 seconds.

With this (horrifying) statistic and others, an infographic from TollFreeForwarding.com explains how social media affects our brains. Here are a few insights:

• Tweeting for 10 minutes can raise your oxytocin level (the hormone that reduces anxiety) as much as 13 percent.
• A majority of 18-to-85-year-olds found social media is harder to resist than smoking, drinking, spending money, sleeping and sex.
• Facebook users are on the social network for an average of 81 hours per year.
• People switch between devices an average of 21 times per hour.

Take a look at the infographic and let us know: Do you think social media is good for the brain?

Leadership Corner - by Mike Jackson, APR

Public Relations is the glue that connects an organization to its publics; and it is often the catalyst that helps organizations overcome their internal silos.

You’d think that such an important function would be held in high esteem.

Yet, in the latest US News & World Report survey of 100 best jobs, “Public Relations” ranks #85 (behind teaching, sales and phlebotomy; but ahead of real estate agent and landscaper)!

So PR has some image work to do!

I think we start with us. We must continue our efforts to transform PR from a “job,” to a “profession.” That professionalism is driven by growing our body of knowledge and building momentum for certifications that bring our reality to life.

PR is not an art-form. It is a social science. PR Practitioners are not carnival barkers: they are information, image and reputation managers who rely on research tools, technology and the human touch to make good things happen.

Like all professionals, individual PR professionals don’t hold the franchise on wisdom. The profession grows when professionals share their ideas and experiences; and when they band together in pursuit of higher aspirations.

There is no better place for that annealing to occur than FPRA. It is the place where we define our profession and create our future.

***

Mike Jackson, APR, is program co-chair. Mike is a former Chicago TV newscaster, corporate communications consultant, and economic development director in Ohio and Cape Coral FL. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University