To: Ben Zaritsky
From: Jon Bingham
Date: December 8, 2009
Subject: Online Reputation
Doing a Google search for “Ben Zaritsky” doesn’t come back with many useful results. The most popular one is the blog you created on Blogger called The Lobbyist Papers. It has many of your PR writings and also has a small bio on who you are. The bio states that you are studying PR and are interested in lobbying.
The second most common link with your name in it is from a Spanish Fork City Council Meeting that was held on Nov. 5, 2002. You were in attendance.
Finally, a white pages style website pulled up some basic facts about you. Your full name is Benjamin Taylor Zaritsky, you’re 23 years old and from Salem, Utah. Your parents are Mark, age 63, and Suzanne, age 61, and you have an older sister named Megan, age 29.
Other than this very basic information, your online identity is pretty bleak. If that’s what you want, then good work, and your alias is still a mystery to anyone Googling your name.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
2310-Presentation Draft
Presentation Draft
Introduce SAAVI and the Men Can Stop Rape program
Give a brief history
Explain that the purpose of the campaign is to change the mentality of men and create a culture free from violence.
We’re seeking private sponsors, Jon M. Huntsman and his foundation in particular
We’re looking for a donation of $15,000 to cover multiple expenses
The program is currently under funded and lacks university awareness
With the $15,000 donation we can create two PSA’s and hold three events that will increase the awareness of our program
Go into detail about the budget and how it will be spent:
Radio PSA-$2,500
Video PSA-$2,500
Classes/Teachers-$5,000
Events/Programs-$5,000
State how we can make a difference with this budget for our program
Give contact information, Rachel Brighton, 435-797-RAPE or email
Introduce SAAVI and the Men Can Stop Rape program
Give a brief history
Explain that the purpose of the campaign is to change the mentality of men and create a culture free from violence.
We’re seeking private sponsors, Jon M. Huntsman and his foundation in particular
We’re looking for a donation of $15,000 to cover multiple expenses
The program is currently under funded and lacks university awareness
With the $15,000 donation we can create two PSA’s and hold three events that will increase the awareness of our program
Go into detail about the budget and how it will be spent:
Radio PSA-$2,500
Video PSA-$2,500
Classes/Teachers-$5,000
Events/Programs-$5,000
State how we can make a difference with this budget for our program
Give contact information, Rachel Brighton, 435-797-RAPE or email
Monday, October 26, 2009
2310-Press Release 4 Final: Jimmy John's
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2009
Jimmy John’s
Nate Richards
General Manager
1482 N. Main St., Logan, UT 84321
435-787-8299
www.jimmyjohns.com
Jimmy John’s kicking off grand opening in Logan
Grand opening planned for Thursday, Nov. 5
LOGAN, Utah- If you hadn’t noticed yet, you will soon. Jimmy John’s is now in Logan and they’re celebrating with a grand opening on Nov. 5. The store is located at 1482 N. Main St. and has been open since Aug. 17.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, Jimmy John’s will be selling their $4.50 gourmet subs for $1. “We’re selling them for cheap because we want everyone to know how amazing they are,” said General Manager Nate Richards.
If you haven’t been to a Jimmy John’s before, you’ll be glad you stopped in to try one. They are unlike any other sandwich shop in town with sandwiches made on homemade French bread, fresh, natural meats, and vegetables that are sliced daily. The sandwiches even have unique names, like the Big John, J.J. Gargantuan, and Italian Night Club.
The store is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and also has a delivery service as well as catering.
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shop was founded in 1983 by 19-year-old Jimmy John Liautaud in a converted garage in Charleston, Ill. In just 22 years, the company has grown to more than 760 corporate and franchised locations in more than 35 states and two countries. The company is known for its obsession with fresh, quality products and high-speed execution. For more information, visit www.jimmyjohns.com.
Media Contact Information:
Jon Bingham
801-710-8031
jonrbing@gmail.com
October 26, 2009
Jimmy John’s
Nate Richards
General Manager
1482 N. Main St., Logan, UT 84321
435-787-8299
www.jimmyjohns.com
Jimmy John’s kicking off grand opening in Logan
Grand opening planned for Thursday, Nov. 5
LOGAN, Utah- If you hadn’t noticed yet, you will soon. Jimmy John’s is now in Logan and they’re celebrating with a grand opening on Nov. 5. The store is located at 1482 N. Main St. and has been open since Aug. 17.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, Jimmy John’s will be selling their $4.50 gourmet subs for $1. “We’re selling them for cheap because we want everyone to know how amazing they are,” said General Manager Nate Richards.
If you haven’t been to a Jimmy John’s before, you’ll be glad you stopped in to try one. They are unlike any other sandwich shop in town with sandwiches made on homemade French bread, fresh, natural meats, and vegetables that are sliced daily. The sandwiches even have unique names, like the Big John, J.J. Gargantuan, and Italian Night Club.
The store is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and also has a delivery service as well as catering.
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shop was founded in 1983 by 19-year-old Jimmy John Liautaud in a converted garage in Charleston, Ill. In just 22 years, the company has grown to more than 760 corporate and franchised locations in more than 35 states and two countries. The company is known for its obsession with fresh, quality products and high-speed execution. For more information, visit www.jimmyjohns.com.
Media Contact Information:
Jon Bingham
801-710-8031
jonrbing@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
2310-Media Pitch Final: CVAIA
Cache Valley Group Founded to Help Locals Gain Financial Independence
Dear Bob,
I believe this group is exactly what your readers are looking for in the financial column of your newspaper. The group is called Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) and they’re trying to teach people how to increase their passive income and lower their expenses.
Preston Parker founded the group in August 2007. The idea behind CVAIA is that people should be able to spend their time doing something they love, not working to survive. The also believe that education nullifies the risks of investing.
CVAIA meets every other Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Cache Chamber of Commerce Building. There is no cost to join CVAIA, which is open to new members who want to participate in attaining financial independence. CVAIA continues to grow in members and networks.
If you would like, I would be glad to set up an interview with Preston Parker. If you have any other questions or need additional material, feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Jon Bingham
801-710-8031
jonrbing@gmail.com
Dear Bob,
I believe this group is exactly what your readers are looking for in the financial column of your newspaper. The group is called Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) and they’re trying to teach people how to increase their passive income and lower their expenses.
Preston Parker founded the group in August 2007. The idea behind CVAIA is that people should be able to spend their time doing something they love, not working to survive. The also believe that education nullifies the risks of investing.
CVAIA meets every other Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Cache Chamber of Commerce Building. There is no cost to join CVAIA, which is open to new members who want to participate in attaining financial independence. CVAIA continues to grow in members and networks.
If you would like, I would be glad to set up an interview with Preston Parker. If you have any other questions or need additional material, feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Jon Bingham
801-710-8031
jonrbing@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
2310-Media Pitch Draft: CVAIA
Cache Valley Group Founded to Help Locals Achieve Financial Independence
Dear Bob,
I believe this group is exactly what your readers are looking for in your financial column. The group is called Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) and they’re trying to teach people how to increase their passive income and lower their expenses.
Preston Parker founded the group in August 2007. The idea behind CVAIA is that people should be able to spend their time doing something they love, not working to survive. They practice methods found in books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Automatic Millionaire, and the Secret, as well as many others. The group believes that education nullifies the risks of investing.
CVAIA meets every other Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Cache Chamber of Commerce Building. There is no cost to join CVAIA, which is open to new members who want to participate in attaining financial independence. CVAIA continues to grow in members and networks.
If you would like, I would be glad to set up an interview with Preston Parker. If you have any other questions or need additional material, feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Jon Bingham
801-710-8031
jonrbing@gmail.com
Dear Bob,
I believe this group is exactly what your readers are looking for in your financial column. The group is called Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) and they’re trying to teach people how to increase their passive income and lower their expenses.
Preston Parker founded the group in August 2007. The idea behind CVAIA is that people should be able to spend their time doing something they love, not working to survive. They practice methods found in books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Automatic Millionaire, and the Secret, as well as many others. The group believes that education nullifies the risks of investing.
CVAIA meets every other Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Cache Chamber of Commerce Building. There is no cost to join CVAIA, which is open to new members who want to participate in attaining financial independence. CVAIA continues to grow in members and networks.
If you would like, I would be glad to set up an interview with Preston Parker. If you have any other questions or need additional material, feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Jon Bingham
801-710-8031
jonrbing@gmail.com
2310-Press Release 4 Draft: Jimmy John's
October 13, 2009
Jimmy John’s
Nate Richards, General Manager
1482 N. Main St., Logan, UT 84321
435-787-8299
www.jimmyjohns.com
Jimmy John’s kicking off grand opening in Logan
Grand opening planned for Thursday, Nov. 5
Logan, Utah- If you hadn’t noticed yet, you will soon. Jimmy John’s is now in Logan and they’re celebrating with a grand opening on Nov. 5. The store is located at 1482 N. Main St., just south of Wal-Mart.
Throughout the daylong event, Jimmy John’s will be selling its gourmet subs for $1. “We’re selling them for cheap because we want everyone to know how amazing they are,” said General Manager Nate Richards.
If you haven’t been to a Jimmy John’s before, you’ll be glad you stopped in to try one. They are unlike any other sandwich shop in town with sandwiches made on home made French bread, fresh, natural meats, and vegetables that are sliced daily. The sandwiches even have unique names, like the Big John, J.J. Gargantuan, and Italian Night Club.
The store is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and also has a delivery service as well as catering.
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops was founded in 1983 by 19-year-old Jimmy John Liautaud in a converted garage in Charleston, Ill. In just 22 years, the company has grown to more than 760 corporate and franchised locations in more than 35 states and two countries. The company is known for its obsession with fresh, quality products and high-speed execution. For more information, visit www.jimmyjohns.com.
Media Contact Information:
Jon Bingham
801-710-8031
jonrbing@gmail.com
Jimmy John’s
Nate Richards, General Manager
1482 N. Main St., Logan, UT 84321
435-787-8299
www.jimmyjohns.com
Jimmy John’s kicking off grand opening in Logan
Grand opening planned for Thursday, Nov. 5
Logan, Utah- If you hadn’t noticed yet, you will soon. Jimmy John’s is now in Logan and they’re celebrating with a grand opening on Nov. 5. The store is located at 1482 N. Main St., just south of Wal-Mart.
Throughout the daylong event, Jimmy John’s will be selling its gourmet subs for $1. “We’re selling them for cheap because we want everyone to know how amazing they are,” said General Manager Nate Richards.
If you haven’t been to a Jimmy John’s before, you’ll be glad you stopped in to try one. They are unlike any other sandwich shop in town with sandwiches made on home made French bread, fresh, natural meats, and vegetables that are sliced daily. The sandwiches even have unique names, like the Big John, J.J. Gargantuan, and Italian Night Club.
The store is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and also has a delivery service as well as catering.
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops was founded in 1983 by 19-year-old Jimmy John Liautaud in a converted garage in Charleston, Ill. In just 22 years, the company has grown to more than 760 corporate and franchised locations in more than 35 states and two countries. The company is known for its obsession with fresh, quality products and high-speed execution. For more information, visit www.jimmyjohns.com.
Media Contact Information:
Jon Bingham
801-710-8031
jonrbing@gmail.com
Thursday, October 1, 2009
2310-Press Release 3 Final: Cause Promotion
Oct. 1, 2009
Cache Valley Area Investors Association
160 N. Main St.
Logan, UT 84321
http://www.cvaia.com/
Local organization helping individuals with money management
Trying to help people understand their finances in a down economy
Logan, Utah-A local group named Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is trying to teach people how to increase their passive income and lower their expenses. The idea behind CVAIA is that people should be able to spend their time doing something they love, not working to survive.
President Preston Parker founded the group in August 2007. “I began this organization to have a formal way to help people with money management,” he says. In these current times of financial crisis, a group like CVAIA can help people learn what they can do to improve their financial situation.
The theory behind CVAIA is that education nullifies the risks of investing. The group practices methods found in books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Automatic Millionaire, and The Secret, along with many others. The group embraces the Law of Attraction, Law of Abundance, and Law of Exchange.
"I want people to be happy, to have jobs they love, and to be financially independent," says Parker. "Creating an atmosphere where people actually want to go to work may end up making the world a better place."
CVAIA will next meet on Oct. 1, 2009. Guest speaker Michael Waters will be speaking about “Hard Money Lending and Real Estate Investing.”
CVAIA meets every other Thursday at 7 pm at the Cache Chamber of Commerce Building. There is no cost to join CVAIA, which is open to new members who want to participate in attaining financial independence. CVAIA continues to grow in members and networks. If you are interested in joining CVAIA, send a request to: join@cvaia.com
Media Contact:
Jon Bingham
1234 W. 5678 S.
Logan, UT 84321
(801) 987-6543
-END-
Thursday, September 24, 2009
2310-Press Release 3: Cause Promotion
Sept. 24, 2009
Cache Valley Area Investors Association
160 N. Main St.
Logan, UT 84321
http://www.cvaia.com/
Cache Valley Area Investors Association
Organization helping individuals with money management
Logan, Utah-Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is an organization that teaches people how to increase their passive income and lower their expenses. The idea behind CVAIA is that people should be able to spend their time doing something they love.
President Preston Parker founded the group in August 2007. “I began this organization to have a formal way to help people with money management,” he says. The group has now grown and has members from many geographical locations.
The theory behind CVAIA is that education nullifies the risks of investing. The group practices methods found in books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Automatic Millionaire, and The Secret, along with many others. The group embraces the Law of Attraction, Law of Abundance, and Law of Exchange.
"I want people to be happy, to have jobs they love and to be financially independent," said Parker. "Creating an atmosphere where people actually want to go to work may end up making the world a better place."
CVAIA will next meet on Oct. 1, 2009. Guest speaker Michael Waters will be speaking about “Hard Money Lending and Real Estate Investing.”
CVAIA meets every other Thursday at 7 pm at the Cache Chamber of Commerce Building. There is no cost to join CVAIA, which is open to new members who want to participate in attaining financial independence. CVAIA continues to grow in members and networks. If you are interested in joining CVAIA, send a request to: join@cvaia.com
Media Contact:
Jon Bingham
1234 W. 5678 S.
Logan, UT 84321
(801) 987-6543
-END-
Cache Valley Area Investors Association
160 N. Main St.
Logan, UT 84321
http://www.cvaia.com/
Cache Valley Area Investors Association
Organization helping individuals with money management
Logan, Utah-Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is an organization that teaches people how to increase their passive income and lower their expenses. The idea behind CVAIA is that people should be able to spend their time doing something they love.
President Preston Parker founded the group in August 2007. “I began this organization to have a formal way to help people with money management,” he says. The group has now grown and has members from many geographical locations.
The theory behind CVAIA is that education nullifies the risks of investing. The group practices methods found in books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Automatic Millionaire, and The Secret, along with many others. The group embraces the Law of Attraction, Law of Abundance, and Law of Exchange.
"I want people to be happy, to have jobs they love and to be financially independent," said Parker. "Creating an atmosphere where people actually want to go to work may end up making the world a better place."
CVAIA will next meet on Oct. 1, 2009. Guest speaker Michael Waters will be speaking about “Hard Money Lending and Real Estate Investing.”
CVAIA meets every other Thursday at 7 pm at the Cache Chamber of Commerce Building. There is no cost to join CVAIA, which is open to new members who want to participate in attaining financial independence. CVAIA continues to grow in members and networks. If you are interested in joining CVAIA, send a request to: join@cvaia.com
Media Contact:
Jon Bingham
1234 W. 5678 S.
Logan, UT 84321
(801) 987-6543
-END-
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
2310-Final Press Release 2: Image Management
Sept. 23, 2009
Burger Planet
Mr. James E. Muellenbach III, CEO
1229 W. 1750 S., Gary, IN 46402
(219) 555-4951
Burger Planet Unveils New, Healthier Options
Jayne Petersen and Burger Planet working together to fight obesity
GARY, Ind.- Burger Planet and Jayne Petersen have teamed up to fight obesity. The famous trainer that helped Opal Whitcomb lose over 75 pounds has decided to help Burger Planet add more healthy options to their burger menu.
"Burger Planet believes in encouraging customers to live healthier, active lifestyles and I have spent my life trying to teach women that lesson," says Petersen.
In the past year, Burger Planet has added white meat chicken breasts to their menu as well as many other healthy options. Customers can also choose to have the chicken wrapped in lettuce rather than on a bun. They have also added five different types of fruit packets that can be added to any meal as well as a new line of gourmet salads. No other competitor of Burger Planet offers similar options.
“I emphasize a message of moderation. Women can have a burger and fries now and then as long as they are active and also try some of Burger Planet’s exciting new menu choices, such as the fruit packets,” says Petersen.
In addition to aiding with the new menu options, Jayne Petersen will also be visiting various malls and Burger Planet locations around the country to provide nutritional packets and advice to consumers. The fitness guru will also create tray liners that contain nutritional advice.
“Burger Planet is committed to offering healthy choices on its menu and Jayne Petersen is another building block in our commitment to healthy lifestyles,” says James E. Muellenbach III, CEO of Burger Planet.
Burger Planet is headquartered in Gary, Ind. and was founded in 1934 by James E. Muellenbach I. The company currently has 8,921 franchises in all 50 states and also 17 countries. Burger Planet employs over 48,000 people and has served over 52 billion customers.
Media Contact:
Jon Bingham
1229 W. 1750 S., Gary, IN 46402
(801) 555-8031
-END-
Sunday, September 20, 2009
2310-Draft Press Release 2: Image Management
Sept. 19, 2009
Burger Planet
Mr. James E. Muellenbach III, CEO
1229 W. 1750 S., Gary, IN 46402
(219) 555-4951
Burger Planet Unveils New Healthy Options
Jayne Petersen and Burger Planet working together to fight obesity
GARY, Ind.- Burger Planet and Jayne Petersen have teamed up to fight obesity. The famous trainer for Opal Whitcomb has decided to help Burger Planet add more healthy options to the burger menu.
"Burger Planet has been a leader in the Quick Service Restaurant industry in offering healthy menu choices. The company believes in encouraging customers to live healthier, active lifestyles and I have spent my life trying to teach women that lesson," says Petersen.
In the past year, Burger Planet has added white meat chicken breasts to their menu. Customers can also choose to have the chicken wrapped in lettuce rather than on a bun. They have also added five different types of fruit packets that can be added to any meal as well as a new line of gourmet salads. No other competitors of Burger Planet offer similar options.
“I emphasize a message of moderation. Women can have a burger and fries now and then as long as they are active and also try some of Burger Planet’s exciting new menu choices, such as the fruit packets,” says Petersen.
Aside from aiding with the new menu options, Jayne Petersen will also be visiting various malls and Burger Planet locations around the country to provide nutritional packets and advice to consumers. She is also developing new tray liners that offer nutritional advice.
“Burger Planet is committed to offering healthy choices on its menu and Jayne Petersen is another building block in our commitment to healthy lifestyles,” says James E. Muellenbach III, CEO of Burger Planet.
Burger Planet is headquartered in Gary, Ind. and was founded in 1934 by James E. Muellenbach I. They currently have 8,921 franchises in all 50 states and also17 countries. Burger Planet employs over 48,000 people and has served over 52 billion customers.
For more information, contact:
Jon Bingham
1229 W. 1750 S., Gary, IN 46402
(801) 555-8031
-END-
Monday, September 14, 2009
2310-Press Release 1: Announcement Final
Sept. 14, 2009
Social Media Club of Cache Valley (SMCCV)
851 N. Main St., Logan UT 84321
(661)772-7537
Global Social Media Club continues to grow
Cache Valley chapter of Global Social Media Club formed
Logan, UT- The Social Media Club of Cache Valley (SMCCV) officially began last month in Logan, Utah. The chapter comes from the Global Social Media Club located in Silicon Valley, CA that was started three years ago. The club just became global a few weeks ago.
SMCCV currently consists of 26 members that meet on the second Thursday of every month. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and usually consist of a guest speaker or panel discussion. The meeting place of the club changes each month and this month it will be featured at Club New York. Blogger Loralee Choate will be the guest speaker and will be talking about the success she has had with her blog.
Six board members lead the Cache Valley chapter of Social Media Club. The club was formed to educate people on social media and help them to use it better. They also hope to create a network and support system for those who enjoy social media.
“No where else can you learn to use social media than at the social media club,” says Preston Parker, president of the organization.
The Social Media Club of Cache Valley was created in June of 2009. For more information about the club, visit their website at www.smccv.net.
Jon Bingham
-END-
Social Media Club of Cache Valley (SMCCV)
851 N. Main St., Logan UT 84321
(661)772-7537
Global Social Media Club continues to grow
Cache Valley chapter of Global Social Media Club formed
Logan, UT- The Social Media Club of Cache Valley (SMCCV) officially began last month in Logan, Utah. The chapter comes from the Global Social Media Club located in Silicon Valley, CA that was started three years ago. The club just became global a few weeks ago.
SMCCV currently consists of 26 members that meet on the second Thursday of every month. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and usually consist of a guest speaker or panel discussion. The meeting place of the club changes each month and this month it will be featured at Club New York. Blogger Loralee Choate will be the guest speaker and will be talking about the success she has had with her blog.
Six board members lead the Cache Valley chapter of Social Media Club. The club was formed to educate people on social media and help them to use it better. They also hope to create a network and support system for those who enjoy social media.
“No where else can you learn to use social media than at the social media club,” says Preston Parker, president of the organization.
The Social Media Club of Cache Valley was created in June of 2009. For more information about the club, visit their website at www.smccv.net.
Jon Bingham
-END-
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Press Release 1: Announcement
Press Release 1: Announcement
Sept. 8, 2009
Social Media Club of Cache Valley (SMCCV)
851 N. Main St., Logan UT 84321
661-772-7537
Social Media Club in Cache Valley
Cache Valley chapter of Global Social Media Club formed
Logan, UT- The Social Media Club of Cache Valley (SMCCV) officially began meeting on Aug. 13, 2009 in Logan, UT. The chapter comes from the Global Social Media Club located in Silicon Valley, CA that was started three years ago. SMCCV currently consists of 26 members that meet on the second Thursday of every month. Meetings begin at 6:30 PM and usually consist of a guest speaker or panel discussion.
The Cache Valley chapter is led by six board members. The club was formed to educate people on social media and help them to use it better. They also hope to create a network and support system for those who enjoy social media. “No where else can you learn to use social media than at the social media club,” says Preston Parker, president of the organization.
The Social Media Club of Cache Valley was created in June of 2009 and currently consists of 26 members. They meet every second Thursday at 6:00 PM.
Jon Bingham
-END-
Sept. 8, 2009
Social Media Club of Cache Valley (SMCCV)
851 N. Main St., Logan UT 84321
661-772-7537
Social Media Club in Cache Valley
Cache Valley chapter of Global Social Media Club formed
Logan, UT- The Social Media Club of Cache Valley (SMCCV) officially began meeting on Aug. 13, 2009 in Logan, UT. The chapter comes from the Global Social Media Club located in Silicon Valley, CA that was started three years ago. SMCCV currently consists of 26 members that meet on the second Thursday of every month. Meetings begin at 6:30 PM and usually consist of a guest speaker or panel discussion.
The Cache Valley chapter is led by six board members. The club was formed to educate people on social media and help them to use it better. They also hope to create a network and support system for those who enjoy social media. “No where else can you learn to use social media than at the social media club,” says Preston Parker, president of the organization.
The Social Media Club of Cache Valley was created in June of 2009 and currently consists of 26 members. They meet every second Thursday at 6:00 PM.
Jon Bingham
-END-
Thursday, September 3, 2009
2310-United Breaks Guitars
After reading what David Carroll had to go through with United Airlines, I’m happy that he’s finally gotten some closure, even though it was self-generated. Anyone that has ever had problems with an airline that needed to be resolved through a hotline knows that you’re not going to get anywhere and you’re just going to be even more frustrated than you already were. The instant you dial the number, it becomes a game of hot potato, seeing how quickly each representative can pass you off to someone else that has no idea why they are talking to you. What’s even worse is the fact that many large corporations outsource their service hotlines to India, where they not only can’t help you, but also can’t understand you either.
Reading David’s account on his website, I felt like I was reading a horror novel. I can only imagine the frustration and anger he felt after nine months of phone calls and faxes and filling out forms and so on. All he asked was that they pay for the damages that they had clearly made, and they flat out refused. It shows how unjust companies like United can be, looking at their customers as dollars and not humans. If I were in the same situation as David, I believe I would have given up and eaten the loss, as hard as that might be.
David however, went about with a much smarter approach, using the popularity of social media to his advantage. The initial threat, I imagine, sounded rather childish to United and probably wasn’t much of a scare. It also took some courage on Mr. Carroll’s part. Had the songs been a flop, United would have simply pointed their finger and laughed at the angry customer trying to get what was rightfully his. But the songs weren’t a flop, and they caught the attention of United Airlines and over 5 million other viewers.
While I’m not fully convinced that the $180 million that was said to be lost was all due to this viral video, I’m sure that a majority of it was. The way airlines have been going up and down in stock over the past decade, I could see this loss as part of a normal fluctuation that was bound to happen, but that got a big shove from “United Breaks Guitars.” Still, replacing his guitar like he had asked would have definitely saved them some money and many PR headaches.
Watching the two videos, the tone of the second one was much lighter and less aggressive towards United. David has even released a statement apologizing for all the negative feedback that Ms. Irlweg has received, stating that she was a helpful employee and was just doing her job. It’s obvious that David is a very nice guy and didn’t mean any harm to United; he just wanted them to know that what they did was wrong. Knowing this, if I were on the United PR team, I would quickly befriend David before he releases his third and final video. The smart thing to do would be to get on David’s good side, possibly by donating the money he was owed plus much more, to a charity like he had asked. I would also come up with a new policy on the handling of musical equipment and other fragile cargo, one that protects the customer. Once the two sides have patched their problems, help him create and produce the third video, a story about how United goes out of their way to right their wrongs and how valued their customers truly are to them.
The worst thing United can do is to continue to ignore David and his claim. Hopefully their PR team will jump on this opportunity and help steer their company back in the right direction.
Monday, August 31, 2009
2310-What is PR?
Kyle,
I wanted to get back with you on that question you had for me last week. We were talking about school and what I am studying and you asked me what PR was. Sorry I didn’t have time to talk much about it then, all I really told you was that it stands for public relations.
To put it simply, public relations is when you try to cast a positive image to the public about a certain product, company, service, or even other person. I know you’ve heard of advertising and that’s basically what PR is, but you’re advertising a positive image to the public or the consumers.
There are many ways this positive image is projected too. You might read about something charitable that a celebrity did in the newspaper or a magazine. There could be a commercial on TV about a toxic waste company trying to be more environmental. PR is just creating goodwill for a person or product.
An excellent example of public relations would be Michael Vick. He was in jail for two years for his involvement in dog fighting. Now he is out of jail and wants to play in the NFL again. Many teams were weary of signing him to play because they were afraid of what their fans would think. Tons of people are outraged with Vick because of what he did to those dogs and the NFL teams knew that if he was on their team, they would receive a lot of hatred from those people and they would potentially lose a lot of fans.
In order to boost his public image, Vick hired a PR team to help reverse the way people felt about him. To tell his story, he had an interview on “60 Minutes”, explaining why he did what he did, how prison changed him, and what he wants to do with his future. He is also trying to make a deal with the Humane Society to help stop dog fighting. Those are just a couple of things he did that came from his public relations team, trying to change the way people perceive him.
Public relations is an ever-changing career and can be lots of fun. I hope I answered your question clearly and if there’s anything else you’d like to know, just ask.
Thanks,
Jon
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
