Be a Good One.

Abraham Lincoln famously once said, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” Good advice, don’t you think? As young professionals we often have lofty goals we strive for, which are great, but sometimes it can hinder our focus on being the best we can in this moment.

Instead of focusing so much on who we want to be, it can be helpful to focus on who we are right now. So what does that mean? It means to put your best effort into the task at hand, no matter how “mindless” it may seem. That is, concentrate on doing your best work even if you are just stuffing envelopes.

Recently, I was given the opportunity for a client event to brainstorm some topic suggestions and was able to use all the tools I’ve learned to come up with relevant ideas that my team loved! An opportunity like that won’t come around unless you’re constantly putting your best foot forward.

So go the extra mile and voice your ideas – even if they aren’t actually taken at least it’ll show you’re thinking creatively. By focusing on not only the big tasks but also the small ones, it shows how diligent you are – and by then, who wouldn’t want to give you that promotion you want?

It’s important that no matter what position we hold, whether that’s the intern or the president, we are striving to be the very best. There’s no way you can make it all the way to your dream position unless you can perfect the art of those mundane tasks, like compiling media lists. So next time you’re lacking some motivation, try just being “a good one” – whatever that may be right now. 

The Pillars of Our Firm

There’s a lot to learn as an intern at Eisbrenner Public Relations, from developing client strategy to the tedious-yet-necessary task of assembling a media list. But the most important things to learn, understand and demonstrate at Eisbrenner PR, or any company for that matter, are the core values of the organization.

At Eisbrenner PR, our core values define our culture. All of our actions and decisions are guided by these five core values:

Use individual curiosity to spur innovation
Work hard and have fun
Treat the world with respect
Be motivated to discover what’s next
Find the positive in everything we do

Two months into my internship, I’ve learned when people around here speak of our core values, they mean what they say. They are the essence of our agency. They are what drive us to go above and beyond for our clients. They are why we get out of bed in the morning and why we love coming to work (well, most days).

When working in a collaborative environment, sharing a common vision and attitude is not only important, it is crucial to the team’s success. Here are three ways you can integrate your company’s values into your everyday work life.

Know them
Even though our core values are on display on the pillars in our office and on company business cards, I still printed them out and tacked them to the wall at my desk, always within view. It serves as a daily reminder of why I am here and what I am here to do.

Incorporate them
Find your own unique way to incorporate your organization’s core values into daily activities. For example, one of the recurring tasks for Eisbrenner PR interns is to update the message boards outside the breakout rooms with the week’s meetings and quotations. The quotes I include generally are related to one of our five core values (thank you, Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations).

Believe in them
Core values are devoid of meaning if they are not appreciated and respected by employees. In the end, it is the people who are the true pillars of Eisbrenner PR.

Our core values are the pillar of Eisbrenner PR - literally!

(Left) My daily reminder of what Eisbrenner PR is all about. (Right) My defensive measures against intermittent koosh-ball-shellings, one example of how we work hard and have fun.

A New Journey

Hello! I'm Jessica Postema, the other summer intern at Eisbrenner Public Relations.

I recently graduated from Michigan State University, home of the almighty Spartans (GO GREEN!) with a Bachelor of Arts in communication and specialization in public relations. Prior to joining Eisbrenner PR, I interned with Mittenberry, Triterra and CRT Medical Systems in various public relations and communication positions. Throughout my internships, I have learned how much I enjoy working in public relations, in particular, the media relations and writing components. They also have helped prepare me for the busy-ness, and sometimes craziness of agency life!

Outside of my education and experience, I'm an avid baker (particularly known for my red velvet cupcakes), dog lover and aspiring marathon runner (although I'm a long way from it). I love traveling the world (hoping to visit Greece and South Africa next), spending time with my friends and now that I've graduated, having time to read something other than textbooks; which currently is "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett.

So far, my internship at Eisbrenner PR has been great! They work hard, but definitely know how to have a good time. My co-workers have been so welcoming and willing to go above and beyond to ensure Greg and I have a good experience.

Well, that's a short introduction about me, more about my new journey as an Eisbrenner PR intern to follow. Stay tuned!

Pull Up A Stool

My first official pic at Eisbrenner PR

My name is Greg Melvin and I’m one of the new interns at Eisbrenner Public Relations. I will be your ‘tender for the evening. Not too long ago I was sitting on that side of the bar. I am a long-time reader, first-time writer of the SpeakEasy, and I couldn’t be more excited.

First, a little bit about myself. I am a recent graduate of Wayne State University, where I majored in public relations. During my senior year I served as chapter president of the James S. Measell Chapter of PRSSA, a position that allowed me to hone my ability to multitask and work in a team-oriented environment, both essential to agency life.

Getting goofy at The Henry Ford

Before coming to Eisbrenner PR, I spent eight months as the media and film relations intern at The Henry Ford. My experiences there were as fun as they were valuable – from giving media tours of Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit, to HOUR magazine photo shoots, to the Trevor Bayne vehicle dedication and everything in between. 

The Driving America ribbon
 cutting ceremony

I interned while the museum was opening the new automotive exhibit, Driving America. Working on press materials for Driving America is what initially piqued my interest in the American automobile and how it has and continues to impact our lives. It was a good introduction to life at Eisbrenner, whose clientele is around 60 percent automotive.

My first month at Eisbrenner PR has been great! Sure, I had a Kevin McAllister moment or two that first week – there is a lot of new information to absorb and a learning curve with any new place. But when your first week includes a hula-hoop contest, a game of office baseball and Koosh ball fights (plural), you know it’s a cool place to work.

Outside the Book, Eisbrenner PR’s intern program, is designed for you to succeed as an intern, and everybody – from my OTB “buddy” to the firm’s president – is happy and willing to help you find success. Plus, I’m not alone on this crazy ride – this semester Eisbrenner PR has two interns! You’ll meet Jessica Postema soon.

Well, that’s a little background on me. I look forward to sharing more of my internship experiences at the SpeakEasy in the coming months. So pull up a stool – I’ll start your tab

Nailing the Interview

“Interview.” The word alone can spread fear through your body. It can make your face and neck turn red, your voice shake, your mouth dry and your hands sweat. But it doesn’t have to! With the proper preparation, research and confidence, interviews can be nearly painless – just take it from Eisbrenner Public Relations’ staff, somehow, we all passed the interview!


Research - Hit the company’s website. Get to know its customers, culture and capabilities and do a search for past news articles. We’re taking time to interview you, so be prepared to show you’ve taken time to make it a valuable meeting.

Prepare Questions - When we ask candidates if they have any questions about the internship or the firm, we’ve actually heard the response, “Dude, I don’t think so.” Wrong! Have a few thoughtful questions prepared. What are the company’s growth goals? How many former interns are now full-time? You should be interviewing us nearly as much as we’re interviewing you – you don’t want to end up at a miserable place or one that’s not a good fit; and we certainly don’t want to hire the wrong candidate.

Prepare for Questions - You’re going to interview with several people. And yes, you’re bound to be asked some stumpers. We’re not Google, so don’t prepare for –“you’re running for President. What’s your campaign slogan?” But have something ready for the dreaded ones. “So tell me about yourself.” “What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?” “What do you think you will be able to add to our firm?” “Where do you see yourself in five years?” “Describe a challenge you’ve overcome.”

Confirm the Appointment - Call or email the day before your interview to make sure it’s still on, verify directions and ask any questions you may have. This shows enthusiasm. Preparedness. Anticipation. Thoughtfulness. Geez, when can you start?

What to Wear - Lose the Uggs and cover the navel ring. Got a suit? Wear it. Basically, leave the Thursday night bar gear in the closet and dig out the professional attire.

 What to Bring - Your smile, voice, enthusiasm and AP Stylebook.

Arrive on Time - Early isn’t a bad idea either.

And last, but not least – RELAX - Smile. Shake hands firmly. Have fun with it. Ask questions. Breathe. Be yourself. And don’t be nervous – we’re not scary, we swear! Oh, and don’t forget to send a personal and thoughtful thank you card or email. You don’t want to miss this final opportunity to stand apart from your competition.

Interning Ain't Easy

Well here it is, folks – the blog post you all have been waiting for! I filmed this little ditty before Christmas and looking back on it, I forgot how silly I look. However, it being my last day at Eisbrenner Public Relations, I think it’s only appropriate everyone gets to enjoy this insightful, delightful, all-around eyeful of awesome. I’ve learned a lot at Eisbrenner PR and I wasn’t just an intern; I was a part of the team. This one’s for all you Eisbrites! Enjoy!

Ode to Interns

What do I do all day in my cube?

You think because I'm an intern

I'm just a know-nothing noob

But I promise you this

My dear friend

I'm much more than a noob

On me, many depend

I don't say this because I'm conceited

If that's what you think

You better just beat it!

My typical day is rather full

I write bios and releases

and that's no bull

If you need a media list

Just stop on by

I'll hook you up

With one on the fly

I research like a grad student

But spending that much time

Would definitely not be prudent

You have to be fast when you intern here

Switching clients and tasks

I'm checkin 'em out like a cashier

So the next time you're thinking'

Interns only handle the fluff

Stop by my cube

I'll call your bluff

Because a world without interns

Would be a sorry world indeeed

Who else could do what interns do

That's my intern creed!

From Textbook to Practice

I can see the lead on the press release now…

“TROY, Mich. – Recent college graduate, Lindsay Karpinskas, embarks on a new journey as Eisbrenner Public Relations’ newest intern.”

I have all the basics of public relations down; everything from AP style to writing an opening lead for a press release, but how well can I write a blog entry?

Here with my first post for the SPEAKeasy blog, I guess we’re about to find out. Having just earned a degree in public relations, I’m sure I can manage. I’ve taken the courses, attended the conferences and even discussed the mechanics with current public relations practitioners. Now comes the tricky part…applying what I’ve learned to the real world.

Before I get too far ahead, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Lindsay Karpinskas, a Troy, Mich. native and proud graduate of Grand Valley State University. While in school, I was an active member of my sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and the ski team.

During my sophomore year of college, I discovered an interest in communications and a growing curiosity for public relations. This curiosity was explored during my internship in the City of Troy’s Community Affairs Department. Through this experience, I began to see the true power of public relations. I found it holds the potential to build and strengthen a community. It was this realization and many others made during my undergraduate studies that have led me to where I am today.

Now I’m excited to learn more as I start my internship here at Eisbrenner PR. I’m eager to see how well my skills transfer to the real world and what new things I’ll learn along the way. So come join me in my journey from textbook to practice as I share these lessons with you!

2010 Intern Resolutions

The potato head and I’ve made it through 2009, and we’re excited for 2010. Over the last several months we improved our skills, but realize we still have room to grow.

Check out a few resolutions we’ve made for 2010.




Time is money

If you’ve ever worked at an agency for even a short period of time, you know keeping record of your time is vital. Every 15 minutes is documented to ensure efficiency and proper billing. Writing down where I spent my time in 2009 helped me realize how inefficient I can be. In 2010, I’d like to improve my time management skills, both personally and professionally. I plan to accomplish this through looking back to see where I spent the most time, and trying to think of ways that I can speed up the process, while still doing my best work.

Follow up and follow through

My parents used to tell me not to start something I couldn’t finish. This childhood lesson carries over into the professional world.

In 2009, I found myself passing on a finished project to the next person for review and crossing it off my list. I’d become frustrated because I didn’t hear back about how it went. So for 2010, I plan to track my work through the editing process. First, I’ll write the name of the project, then set a date for when it’s due. I’ll place a slash through it when it’s completed, and make it an x when I know it was delivered to the client. A few days later, I’ll check to be sure the client was satisfied, and finally cross it off my list.

This process may seem a bit tedious, but it’ll help me meet my deadlines and keep open lines of communication with my teams.

Speed is good, but accuracy is better

I wouldn’t say public relations is about rushing, but there are definitely times where it seems that way. Clients often request a project on the spur of the moment, which makes you write under pressure. What I learned in 2009 was just because they need it quickly, doesn’t mean you sacrifice quality.

I’ve found the projects I rush to finish only make their way back to my desk for extra editing, but if had I taken a little more time at the beginning to be accurate, it would’ve finished much more quickly. In 2010, I’m going to focus on becoming much more attentive to my work, this way I can save myself from looking foolish with a bunch of simple mistakes.

These are just a few things I’m focusing on this year. Can you think of anything I should add? What’s on your list of resolutions?

Part three: The PR elevator speech

What is an elevator speech?

The elevator speech is the idea that in the short time spent going from one floor to the next, a person can share the important highlights of their company, product or service.

Let’s practice by creating a public relations elevator speech.

As I look back at the last couple posts, and read discussions across the Web, there are a few key words that repeat: communicate; trust; relevancy; organizations; and publics.

When I put them together, I came up with this statement:

“Public relations communicates relevant information for organizations to build trust with the groups that are important to its success. This trust creates relationships that promote understanding between the company and those who interact with it.”

This statement is still a lot to swallow. I think adding clarifiers that fit the context of a conversation help it work more smoothly.

For example: “Public relations communicates information about new products and management changes, to build trust or confidence with a company’s investors, employees and customers that will promote understanding between these groups and the company’s decision makers.”

What do you think? I plan to try it over the holidays with family and friends. I’m hoping they might finally understand what I do.

Staying competitive in the job market

The public relations industry has always been competitive, but it may be now more than ever. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “[the] employment of public relations specialists is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than average for all occupations.”

Don’t let this statistic fool you! The report followed up by saying “keen competition likely will continue for entry-level public relations jobs, as the number of qualified applicants is expected to exceed the number of job openings.”

What does this mean for students and recent college graduates? Two words: get busy!

Here are few things I focused on that I feel have helped me stay competitive:

Lead - Employers are looking for more than just four years in a college classroom. Start leading in campus and community organizations. I served as president of Wayne State University’s PRSSA Chapter, and I gained experience I couldn’t have received anywhere else. I learned how to manage projects, hold meetings and build relationships.

Write - You’ve heard this over and over again, but writing is the absolute, most important skill to have for your career. To gain experience, I wrote for our PRSSA newsletter, guest posted on blogs, drafted press releases for local companies and wrote essays for scholarships. Each of these different writing styles have helped me improve my writing.

Read - You may be thinking you have enough to read with your textbooks, but it’s important to spend time reading outside the classroom. A broad reading list has helped me to stay on top of changes in the world and the industry. I like reading the New York Times, Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Mashable, CNET and PRWeek. And, when I have extra time I add in a book, like The New Rules of Marketing and PR.

Build Relationships - Ever heard the phrase “it’s not what you know, but it’s who you know?” This is partially true. The relationships I’ve built with past employers, classmates and professors have proved extremely beneficial. I continue to build relationships by attending tweetups, conferences and PRSA Detroit events.

Nothing about getting an internship or job is scientific or fool proof, but you have to work hard if you want to be the best candidate. What things are you doing to stay competitive?

When it rains, it pours

I love storms, especially those that involve bright lightning and loud thunder. However, the storms I love the most are brainstorms. There’s something exciting about pouring every thought you have about a topic on paper and turning it into a cohesive, masterful idea. This excitement for fresh and creative thinking is something Eisbrenner and I have in common.

I recently participated in an exciting naming brainstorm for one of our clients who is looking for a name that is more reflective of who they are. Eisbrenner came to the rescue, and before Mr. Potato and I knew it, we were in the thick of an idea downpour.

I’ve never been in a more creative and passionate atmosphere. It was clear the new name would need to be equal to the task of representing the environment of the organization, as it did the programs it implemented. Our first step toward a new name required a focused look at what this group wanted to accomplish, and the goals and relationships that made them successful.

Following this discussion, we each wrote down five words that we believed described the organization, and then drenched the white board with our ideas. However, the storm wasn’t over; it was time to decide on a name.

Naming an organization is much like naming a child. We wanted something original, but classy. It had to fit with the mission like a first name fits a last. We had to consider nicknames that might develop as a result. Things I never thought about became important, like who had a similar name, what reputation the company had, and was the website name available?

After much deliberation we finally settled on one. Who would’ve thought renaming could be so hard?

Its days like these that the potato head and I realize why we chose public relations. It allows us to help passionate people communicate important messages!

Let’s try a little brainstorming here. Let me know what you want to hear about by writing your ideas in the comment section.

Google is your friend

The last several days have been terrific. I feel as though I’m becoming a vital part of the Eisbrenner team. This internship has made me realize how much I love what I do, and it has opened my eyes to what it takes to be successful, such as good writing skills, team work and the ability to research well.

Note: When your professor tells you to know how to write - they aren’t kidding!

One important factor I didn’t calculate was the importance of research. I can’t count the number of times this week I’ve heard, “we’ll need to do more research.” Every written piece requires compiling information acquired from reading countless articles and studies. Not doing research could result in an inaccurate or failed project hurting you and your company’s reputation.

During my classes at Wayne State, I was excited about the creative ideas I had developed for an event or pitch, but I highly underestimated the need to research those elements to ensure the event was a hit or the pitch was a success. I am learning there are a variety of resources available, and I encourage you to learn how to use them, too.

One of the tools I’ve used the most so far is Google. Google is your friend. If I didn’t believe it before, I do now. With all the time I was spending on Google, I thought I would check the web for some tips. I found this post on HubSpot on how to search efficiently. It makes Google so easy even a potato could do it.

Google seems to do everything, even math. Try it, I promise it works!

Finish Line in Sight

Who would’ve thought time would fly by so quickly? I’m already in my second week as an intern at Eisbrenner and I’m definitely learning a lot. I spent some time last week learning about public relations. I attended a client meeting last Wednesday, which was a great experience. Now it was time to see some of the staff in action. This morning, I attended another staff meeting. The staff was cracking jokes, which at 9 a.m. sure is a nice way to wake up!

I continued receiving tasks and assignments. Yesterday, my assignment was to look up a massive list of journalists and their profiles. Although this took quite a long time, I was able to become familiar with many writers from the area.

Today, I was given the opportunity to write some more. I drafted my first press release! However, I had to research how press releases were written before I could actually get started. But once I did that, I was off to the races!

Tomorrow is my last day as an intern. It has been a nice two weeks learning about public relations and being able to contribute to Eisbrenner.

I’ll be spending tonight preparing myself mentally for my tennis match versus Steve. He should do the same…

Work, Work, Work!

On my official second day as an intern at Eisbrenner, we had a staff meeting in the morning where we discussed company priorities and current statuses with clients. I learned a lot, especially that the staff here has a great sense of humor!

Following the staff meeting, I received my very first assignments. My first task was to research potential article topics for a newsletter the company would be creating. The difficult thing about this was that the newsletter would be released in September. A lot can happen in two months. I searched countless sites for interesting information on new and developing products. Finally, when I came across a few articles that I knew could be potential candidates, I submitted my topics to my mentor and she approved. I felt a wave of satisfaction fall over me. Little did I know, this assignment was not over yet.

After I finished my first assignment, it was lunchtime. Regardless of what anyone thinks, I still believe lunch is the best part of the day!

As the day carried on I received another assignment and continued to learn more about the company and public relations. Social media is a progressively expanding aspect of public relations. My job was to find local journalists on twitter that Eisbrenner could follow. I’d never used Twitter before so this was a great opportunity to become familiar with the site.

As I neared the end of the day, I was informed that tomorrow I’d be writing a small article on one of the topics I researched today for the newsletter. All that work in college was going to pay off and I couldn’t wait to start writing!

There's a First Time for Everything

My name is Angela Chupa and I’m a new intern at Eisbrenner Public Relations. I will be a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin – Madison this coming school year. I’m also on the women’s varsity tennis team. Many think playing sports at the collegiate level is very fun and exciting, which it is, but some people don’t realize that being rewarded in this way takes a lot of hard work, patience and sacrifices. Not to mention my oscillating stress level! Being a student athlete has not only helped me learn how to manage my time, but it has taught me a lot about teamwork and how important it is for success. I’m excited to apply my college learning experiences to my future responsibilities.

Today I started my first internship ever, and I was definitely nervous! I was unsure of what to expect on my first day at Eisbrenner. The last thing I wanted to do was to arrive late, so I left my house about 45 minutes too early. Instead of going into the office early, I decided to drive around town for about 30 minutes to waste time. However when I finally entered the office, I felt much more comfortable once I got settled in and started meeting people.

My first day of work consisted of meeting the staff and learning about the company and what they do. Everyone here is very friendly and easy to communicate with. I was able to ask a lot of questions throughout the day to get a better understanding of what public relations is all about. I didn’t receive any work today, but I’ve been informed I’ll receive some tomorrow.

I’m very thankful for this opportunity to work with the team and start developing useful skills for my future. I can’t wait to get started on my assignments!

When Grades Don’t Matter

Many students aren’t unlike myself and pass through their courses in college by doing what is listed on the syllabus and not much more. I’m not one to deny the fact that I have written a term paper the hour before it’s due, which left me with very little time to edit my paper and to actually put some real thought into it. However, I would receive a passing grade and most likely an A, which allowed me to get into the habit of doing the bare minimum.

This has trained me to just get the assignment accomplished on the due date and not actually put a lot of effort into making it perfect. At Eisbrenner, I have learned this isn’t the right attitude to have. It’s important to look at every piece of work you turn in and really figure out why you are working on the assignment, because it’s no longer for a grade, but for a client. Clients expect your work to be perfect and why shouldn’t they since they’re paying for your services.

The work I’m doing isn’t about just turning it in on a due date to get the check mark in the grade book, but it’s about using my skills and knowledge to make the end product the best it could possibly be.

So, the lesson for today is to realize the importance of the work you do and how important it is to insist excellence in everything you do, even if you think it’s menial.

The Times Are A-Changin'

I woke up this morning with the perfect fall chill in my bedroom. It was the type of morning where the blankets felt just right and the thought of lifting the covers and hopping out of bed might just be the worst moment of the day. As I lay there wishing I didn’t have to get up, I remembered that I get to go to Eisbrenner for my first full week as their intern and from that moment getting out of bed wasn’t so hard.

I had an amazing introduction to Eisbrenner last week! I am so pumped to learn everything I possibly can about the agency, my co-workers, the field of public relations and most importantly to get a firsthand take on what life will be like once I graduate in April.

Wait, how rude of me! I haven’t even introduced myself yet. My name is Holly Myles and I’m a senior at Eastern Michigan University studying public relations and political science. I’m what many call the crazy busy bee that rarely takes down time.

I’m the secretary of the EMU’s Eleanor Wright Public Relations Student Society of America, which we are co-hosting the 2008 National PRSSA Conference with Wayne State University. The conference is going to be an amazing experience and I’m so fortunate to be able to be involved with some of the prep work, as well as some of the event management for the week.

Along with PRSSA, I’m the account executive at EMU’s student-run firm, ExPRessions public relations. Also, I’m the new program director of Toys for Tweens and Teens and the Student-to-Student Higher Learning Initiative, which is a charity focusing on foster children. Finally, I coach the Redford Union High School dance team. The busy life it is for me and I wouldn’t want it any other way. These activities provide me great opportunities and lifelong friendships.

Back to work it’s for me. Thank goodness I didn’t let the fall chill keep me in bed because it is going to be a great day at Eisbrenner. In fact, I’m positive the next couple of months are going to be an amazing ride, so jump aboard and follow my journey!