Public Relations Campaigns » kelli

Fun With Focus Groups

kelli — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:54:16 +0000

As you’re getting ready to (potentially) host some focus groups, I wanted to share a few of my favorite resources with you.

Delicious links related to focus groups.

PDF Focus Group Guide (72 pgs)

Welcome to Winter Term!

kelli — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 02:47:20 +0000

You’ve made it! The last course in your public relations major. Way to go!

Now let’s get down to business.

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply the fundamentals of what they have learned over their course of study to actual client work and real world business problems.

More info:

Start the Client Relationship on the Right Foot

kelli — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 02:45:54 +0000

The start of a client relationship is crucial. Getting off on the right foot cannot be understated. Here are a few tips from professionals working in communications.

A year or so ago, my friend Leo Bottary helped my students by creating a series of posts focused on learning how to provide good client service and starting on the right foot. The initial post to that series provides an overview and you’ll find more specifics on each tip below (along with some others).

Learn everything you can about your clients’ business. Get to know (and continue to learn) your client’s business. This comes up over & over & over. As an “outsider” you have to work extra hard.
Define success with your client. If you’re not sure, don’t assume. Just ask!
Understand your client’s motivation. Why this campaign and why now? Closely tied to #2, but a lightly different approach to the problem.
Listen, listen, listen!
Never stop bringing good ideas!
Be accountable & responsible. Keep accurate records and deliver what you say you will.
Care about results! And show that you understand what that means for your client.
Details make a difference.
Work to exceed your client’s expectations. Under-promise and over-deliver!

Some stellar lessons learned about working with clients.

Want to be a better PR professional? Some final tips from Leo.

Time Tracking Tips

kelli — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 02:29:04 +0000

[This is specifically for Kelli's class]

Step 1: Set up a Google Doc spreadsheet & invite/share with all your team members and Kelli.

Step 2: On the X axis (vertical) enter: week number and team member names

Step 3: On the Y axis (horizontal) enter: time categories

Secondary Research
Primary Research
Planning/Strategy
Project Management
Writing/Editing
Meetings (in person)
Correspondence (phone, email)
Specific categories to your client (ex: design, social media, event, etc.)

Step 4: Each teammate should enter their time in 1/4 hour increments for each task every week (every day that you log time is better).

Tips:

Find a way to track time that works for you.

In the moment: Jot the time you begin a task on a sticky note, start a timer on your computer or phone. Input your time in the spreadsheet when you complete a task.
Daily: review your day’s calendar, email log and mental records and input time spent at the end of the day.

It’s human nature to underestimate how much time it takes to do a particular task and how much time you spend on it. Do not wait until the end of the week (or the end of the term!) to input your time.