Free Swag for Celebs at the Oscars

Posted in Giveaways tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , at 3:26 am by rawrelations

Thanks to the recent end to the writers’ strike, the 80th Annual Academy Awards did not suffer the same fate as the SAG Awards earlier this year. Make-up artists, limousine drivers, event planners and the like had plenty of work to do, and stars a red carpet to stroll down.

What would an awards show be without the already-rich-and-famous receiving loads of free stuff they can already afford? Public relations practitioners at many businesses hope stars will be photographed with their products and end up in one (or more) tabloid magazines, entertainment news shows, or popular blogs – and with good reason.

Our society is obsessed with celebrity culture, making celebrity gifting a popular practice.

“Americans see famous faces and get wide-eyed, weak-kneed and extraordinarily loose in the wallet,” according to Jaimee Rose of the Arizona Republic.

Honestly, I’m glad I’m not one of them – why pay more for some high-end brand that is just going to help the designer live in a ridiculously bigger & better house and me with credit card debt? Although I realize this is not always the case, and do not judge those that do. (On a related note, I’m not for paying ridiculously low prices if it means supporting “sweatshops” either. See here and here).

Who am I to get in the way of those who can and do to wish to purchase such items?

To be considered for inclusion in gift suites, bags and baskets during OSCAR time and others, companies often pay steep fees and prepare bids at least six months in advance.

A few of the items given out this year include:Swarovski crystal dog collar
* Swarovski crystal dog collar
* Spoil Me Spa service
* Glo To Sleep mask
* Skull and crossbones dog collar charm
* Personalized Motorola phones

Some companies, like Backstage Creations and On3 Productions specialize in connecting clients’ products with celebrities; holding “retreats” and “gift lounges” at celebrity events. Newly formed Ms. Public Relations held a pre-Oscar gifting suite at the Four Seasons Hotel, and featured products from Ferrari, Blue Tattoo Denim, Tigerlight and many others.

I have to commend GBK Productions, which donated more than $20,000 from the profits of its annual OSCAR Gift Suite, to five charities and invited visiting celebrities to contribute as well.

For those hoping to see one of their products in the hands of or on the backs of celebrities, MarketingSherpa offers tips on how to get items included in celebrity gift bags.

So what does this have to do with emerging PR practitioners? One, it is a method of promotion to think about. Secondly, I think there is a bit of an issue with the “Honesty” and “Disclosure of Information” sections of the PRSA Code of Ethics whenever gifts are involved. On the other hand, it can be excellent exposure for a product.

Let’s examine. The code states:

“To build trust with the public by revealing all information needed for responsible decision making.”

I think most people are aware that celebrities receive hand-outs, but how is the public supposed to differentiate between what was purchased by the celebrity and what was received as a gift? Do you think it matters?

I’d love to read your input!


Related interesting link:
“Give Your Business An Oscar Moment”
An article on why and how to earn awards for your business

02.18.08

Who Are the Happiest People On Earth?

Posted in relationships tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , at 11:55 am by rawrelations

So we all know Walt Disney World (my former place of work) is the happiest place on earth, but who are considered the happiest people?

Well, according to a scientific survey of international happiness carried out by Leicester University in England, the Danes carry the number one spot. Americans rank at a distant 23rd.

There was a report on CBS News’ 60 Minutes this weekend, and it was quite fascinating to hear the Danes’ outlook on life (in general). For one, expectations aren’t set so high, so when something out-of-the-ordinary happens, like the national soccer team winning the European championship, a state of euphoria kicks in.

This isn’t to say they don’t have ambition: “I think that we have very high hopes. Just like any other people who, we just don’t get so disappointed when we don’t see them through,” a man in a focus group explained (italics are mine).

The piece also stated that 94 percent of U.S. college students are stressed and overwhelmed (sound familiar?) as a result of all the pressure to succeed.

“The number one predictor of well-being is close friendships and close relationships in general, which includes of course, family relationships. Much better predictor of well-being than affluence is,” said Psychology lecturer Tal Ben-Shahar.

The Danish students in the focus group shown said Americans put too much importance in stuff and accumulating material wealth.

Asked what he would advise Americans to do, a student said, “Well, okay. I have an advice. Don’t depend too much on the American dream. Yeah. I think you might get disappointed.”

This reminds me of a discussion we had in my Spanish class. My professor brought up the point that in our society “we spend how many hours a day at and commuting to/from work?” Minus time spent sleeping, showering, exercising, etc… from the 24-hour day, and how much do we actually spend with our family (whoever this is for you, not necessarily biological)…plus, for the usual work day, it’s not our “best hours” (its evening, you’re tired). Then, we don’t have a lot of free time until we retire (the Danes have 6 weeks of vacation a year), and by then, relationships may not have been nourished as much as they could have…and honestly, those aren’t necessarily the best years of our lives in terms of health.

So I hope that wasn’t too depressing. My point is, that even though we are running around a million miles a minute and stressing out about school work – especially where to find a job – stop for a second. Take time to call your mom for no reason, send your grandpa a card just to say “Hello!” Even just a text message to your brother to say “Good luck on your exam!” I know this isn’t entirely PR-related, but PR is about relationships, right? And what relationships are more important than those with the ones you love and who love you? I think we all know this at some level, but the way our society is, its not always the utmost priority.

In no way am I saying one particular way of life is better than the other. We, as a nation, have achieved so much in such a short time, and it is due to the strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and intellect of the people. I’m just saying, my advice is not to get too caught up in material happiness and to take some time every day to enhance a relationship with a loved one.

What makes YOU happy?

If you want a few tips to help “make the world a better place,” which, in turn, could make you happy, Click Here

What’s your take on how Danes view the “American Dream?”

02.17.08

Let’s Get it Started – The Job Search

Posted in Jobs tagged , , , , , at 12:11 pm by rawrelations

Huh, so this is what my first blog would be like? Cool.
Instead of rehashing my About section to introduce myself, I’ll just let you know I am graduating in May 2008 with a bachelor’s in public relations (journalism minor). There are so many things to think about as someone in this situation, which I know many of you are or will be soon. So, I thought I would share my experience and hopefully help others out in the process.

“So what are you going to do when you graduate?”

Never read the book, but liked the title

Don’t you just love that question? I know sometimes it is just a conversation filler, but it still makes me cringe each time I hear it. The inquiry carries so many implications:

  • You’re about to be in the “real world” – are you ready?
  • There are so many opportunities out there, haven’t you researched them?
  • Among the opportunities, which could possibly be what I’m “meant to do?”
  • Departing the comfort of college – yes, a lot of us may be eager to graduate, but for some, losing the familiar environment of learning and socializing college affords, may not be completely satisfying.

I didn’t really even know where to start. Last semester I began scouring the internet – Googling “public relations jobs for recent graduates,” “entry-level pr” and the like.
I once shadowed at a large firm, but have never interned at an agency or at a corporation. My focus turned to those and the ones that offer paid programs or internships for college students and recent graduates. Below is the result of my exhaustive search.
What has helped me is creating a file for each possibility, as well as a main page which lists them by deadline and requirements (essays, transcripts, recommendations, etc…)

I’m not planning on applying for all of them, in fact, for some, the deadline has already passed, but hopefully a majority will hear from me. I’ve been told to just apply to as many as possible and see what turns up.

This is perfectly logical, but I can’t help but think, “If I put as much effort as I would like into each application (many of which require essays), that would be a full-time job.” With all my other activities consuming a great chunk of time, I couldn’t possibly create each up to my personal standards. So then would I have to “settle” for something I didn’t want as much because I didn’t spend as much time as I should have on the places I most want to work for? OR maybe I shouldn’t place so much emphasis on where I think I would rather go, because a higher power (yes, I’m putting it out there, I believe in God) has plans for me elsewhere? And if so, WHERE IS THAT?

I’ve decided to be completely open, and potential employers should not assume a lack of interest in their particular organization when looking at the results of my vast search.

One more thing… no, I don’t see this as “helping the competition.” I believe I will go where I’m supposed to go and because I’m qualified, no one can hurt my chances but me.

But I digress. I hope the following list of sites and internships (in no particular order) is helpful to you in your job search. If you have any questions for me, or if you know anything about these internships, or someone who has participated, please don’t hesitate to comment or contact me! Of course, contact familiar companies/agencies you know about to see what they offer. Also, if you know what city you want to work in, research what there is there, and contact anything that perks your interest.

FIRMS/AGENCIES:

CORPORATE/Nonprofit/Other:

OTHER Helpful Sites:

And who knows, maybe I’ll be offered a job at my current internship or something else around town, I am eager to secure a summer position, and no matter where I go I will give my all.

Wow, someone’s actually read this! I sincerely thank you :-) Please give me feedback – on the content, design, broken links, whether or not links should open into new windows – anything!

Oh, and most importantly, I encourage you to please add to this list, or share your experience, where you hope to be after college, etc…
Thanks much,

*~Cheryl~*