Tweetup Fundraiser a Success

Thanks to everyone who came out to #detroitprtu in Royal Oak, and to those who contributed to the funds to send @courtneycurran to @PRevolution2010. Follow some of the great people who helped make the effort a success!

@Kayleehawkins
@jfisette
@michaelsavoni
@hollymyles
@DaveMurr
@jessicabhowel
@estrellabella10
@sostephaniesays
@ThatGirl11
@rockinrita
@jjferlito
@ericafinley
@Mmetzke
@Schanel
@DHSTV
@BmorePRGuy
@ThatWould
@DetroitPR
@nullspace
@wibkekraemer
@ericaalexander
@susie_johnston
@Bchesnutt
@andreabtrapani
@JMurninghan
@jwendz
@jrdbryan

Core Values: More than just words

The core values of Eisbrenner PR have intrigued me since I visited the office last year with Wayne State University’s PRSSA Chapter. I used to think the term core values was a “pie in the sky” idea – a goal companies pushed for, but didn’t ever achieve. I thought it was strange when the president, Tom Eisbrenner, talked about being the Disney of PR. The office was definitely fun, but needed some work if it was going to be a theme park.

After some explanation, it started to make sense – they wanted to exceed client expectations and have a blast doing it. At the time I wasn’t sure it was possible. Now, I have no doubt.

I thought I’d share the core values that make this place tick, and the reason why clients stop by the office just to hang out and chat:

1. Individual curiosity spurs innovation ­- ask questions and learn something new. In fact, be so curious you help others learn something, too.
2. Emphasize the positive in everything - look at everything as an opportunity to change and make a difference. Yes, things happen we don’t like, but thinking positively will drive you to success.
3. Be motivated to discover what’s next - Celebrate success, but don’t be so caught up you forget there’s more right around the corner.
4. Treat the world with respect - respect others, respect the environment and respect yourself. Think the golden rule on this one.
5. Work hard and have fun - put in your best effort everyday and enjoy it. Sometimes you’ll need a rubber band gun or Kooshball fight to break up the day, but that’s what it’s all about, right?

There they are, the driving forces behind client work, the Facebook page, this blog and everything else at Eisbrenner PR.

And, if you thought I was kidding about the fun, check out what happened on April fool’s in 2009, I can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeves for this year!

Questioning your way through the learning curve

One of my biggest fears about working in public relations was not knowing how to do everything I’d be asked to do. I heard there was a large learning curve between graduation and entering the professional world, and I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to adjust.

I’ve truly appreciated Eisbrenner PR’s encouragement to ask questions and learn. In fact, I was provided basic questions to ask for every project, which helped eliminate my nervousness and fear of the curve.

I thought I’d share the questions with you, so when you’re interning or taking your first steps as a professional, you can overcome your fear, too. Here are three questions you can ask for each project.

What is the purpose of the project?

Understanding the purpose of the project will help you better meet your client’s expectations, allowing you to critically think about the strategy and approach of the assignment. The purpose helps you define the audience, medium, style and formatting. A 300-word newsletter article for employees will be much different from a 300-word press release for a major news publication, and knowing that from the beginning will keep you from spending time making changes you could’ve avoided.

How long should this project take?

I’ve talked about tracking time before, so I won’t cover it again, but being aware of budget and time will keep you on track. Knowing how long a project should take helps organize your schedule by blocking out enough time to complete longer projects, or completing shorter projects first to make sure you meet your deadlines.

When is this project due?

At Eisbrenner PR, you work on a variety of teams - each may have you working on several projects. Due dates help you know the teams expectations, and provide a way to prioritize your work.

Sometimes asking questions can cause anxiety, but they’re imperative to making sure your work is done right. You won’t overcome the learning curve without asking questions. So, go ahead, ask me anything, I love to share what I’m learning.