From the Desk of a PR Intern

…a blog series by Anthony Cogswell

Get a good night’s sleep. Eat a healthy breakfast in the morning. Grab a cup of coffee on your way into the office. Dress well, work well. Do your best. Don’t forget to smile.

These are all things that people tell you before your first day at a new internship. And all of this advice feels encouraging, right up until the elevator doors open on your floor and you come to the unsettling realization that after all the effort you’ve put into college and gathering experience, you still wonder if you know enough.

My name is Anthony and I am the newest intern at The Fearey Group. I am a 22-year-old recent graduate with a BA in Public Relations. After completing my major and three college internships, I believed I had a complete understanding of the field of public relations.

I was wrong.

Sure, I can develop an effective communication plan and draft a press release, but after only a week interning at this agency it’s clear to me that there’s a lot more to it than that. Although my experience and education have given me a strong overall foundation in this field, I can tell that PR in an agency setting is a whole different animal. I have a lot to learn.

But the truth is, I don’t think I’m alone in my search to redefine my understanding of public relations. Even professionals who have been in the industry for years have trouble putting their finger on exactly how it works today. This is because PR has become a business of endless reinvention and progress.

The advent of digital technology and the way that it continually changes how we communicate is just one example of the many factors that contribute to the shifting definition of public relations.  I think the only way to really know what this industry is all about is to actively learn, then adapt and evolve.

So here I am at the beginning of my journey. I have a long way to go. I have the opportunity to learn and grow in one of the most established agencies in Seattle. Over the next twelve weeks, I will record my experiences and insights as I learn the ropes and develop an understanding of what it means to practice public relations in an agency. It may have been three years or thirty years since you stood in my shoes, but it never hurts to take a look at where you started, how far you’ve come, and remember there’s always more to learn. Check back every Tuesday to see the world of public relations through an intern’s eyes.

Media Monday: Connie Adams, Seattle DINING!

Each Monday, we’re giving readers a chance to get to know the media a little better.

With a little flair.

Our goal is to give readers some insight into the work and work style of area journalists, and get to know a little bit about the person behind the byline. Start your week off with an online networking opportunity through our Media Monday blog post.

This Week: Connie Adams Seattle DINING! 

Connie AdamsConnie has been writing about the restaurant industry since 1999 when she jumped in head first and wrote nearly 2,000 restaurant descriptions for menus.com. Since then she has written for chowbaby.com, foodline.com, Wine Press Northwest and local newspapers. In 2004, she joined Mixed Media as the editor and marketing/promotions director of Seattle DINING!, an online magazine about food and beverage in the Northwest. In addition, she assists as editor of Sound RIDER!, Mixed Media’s online magazine about motorcycling in the Northwest. Connie also co-created and manages the fundraiser Cooking with Class, now in its twelfth year.

Q: What’s your favorite story you’ve done in the last week?

A: Chef Lisa Nakamura of allium on Orcas Island. I’ve interviewed her twice before, so it’s fascinating to see the changes she’s gone through, lessons learned through her jobs and how she’s ended up owning her own place. That’s what I like: the personal story.

Q: What skills do new journalists need?

A: An interest in everything around them, great listening skills, the desire and ability to tell a great story—finding that piece of information that will hook the reader.

Q: If you weren’t working at your current job, what would you be doing?

A: I’d find another place to write. I also do an annual fundraiser, so I might do more events.

Q: Finish this sentence: “A good PR person is …”

A: … able to tell the story of their client in a way that makes everyone want to get closer to them.

Q: What hidden talent or skill do you have that readers don’t know about you?

A: I ride a motorcycle (although I just sold mine last month).

The PR Pro Takeaway: Great advice to other PR Pros that a pitch needs a story and the story needs to be compelling. Connie has great experience but her focus is centered on food so keep that in mind when pitching her. Another hint is to offer her a very fast ride!

Climate Solutions

by Laura Ray Climate Change

“If 97 percent of doctors told you that you had cancer, would you wait around for the other 3 percent to agree before doing something about it?” So began Monday morning at the Climate Solutions 5th Annual Breakfast. Tom Steyer, billionaire and co-founder of Next Generation, is not afraid to raise eyebrows. His cancer analogy was in reference to political action (or rather, lack therefor of) to global warming — although 97% of climate scientists agree in global warming, some in D.C. want to wait until the other 3 percent agree before doing anything about it. But not in THIS Washington.

Everyone in the room that morning, in some way, was part of the movement toward finding solutions to what he proclaimed as one of the most significant issues facing our world today. Global warming, as he explained, is not just about the weather — it’s about food and water sources, and how intricately connected these things are to each other. But not all politicians are green naysayers. Jay Inslee, perhaps the greenest Governor in the nation, attended the event, urging the need for continued public policy. He and Steyer both agreed that the solution lay with the partnership between business and clean energy.

Talks of biofuel-powered airplanes and “poop-powered” dairy farms (did you know that ethanol form animal waste is more harmful to the world than CO2 emissions from cars?) were shared as examples of green solutions driving economy in our region. Actually using the waste from industry to power the industry itself. Companies like Boeing, Vulcan Inc. and McKinstry, and public entities such as Community Power Works, Seattle City Light and Sound Transit all participated in Monday’s breakfast — together working toward business solutions that will protect the environment as well as the economy.

Reasons to Attend a Conference Outside of Your Industry

Today I find myself attending the Oregon Healthcare Financial Management Association’s Spring Meeting at Salishan along the Oregon coast. It is a step outside of the traditional norm -we typically attend a public relations or social media conference. As a firm, we have a very strong healthcare practice. With the major changes that are occurring in the healthcare industry, this meeting will give us a new perspective to bring back to our healthcare clients. 

It also gives us an advantage in our market. No other communications professional is here – guaranteed.  Challenge yourself. Think fearlessly. Attend a conference or a meeting outside of your industry.

Media Monday: Tim Booth, Associated Press

Each Monday, we’re giving readers a chance to get to know the media a little better.

With a little flair.

Our goal is to give readers some insight into the work and work style of area journalists, and get to know a little bit about the person behind the byline. Start your week off with an online networking opportunity through our Media Monday blog post.

This Week: Tim Booth, Associated Press

Tim Booth

Tim Booth is a Seattle-based Sports Writer/Editor for the Associated Press. Although he started with the AP in 2004, he became a full-time writer in 2007 and he’s been their lone sports writer for the state of Washington Since 2010.

He covers the Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders, University of Washington and monitors contributing coverage of Washington State University, Gonzaga and Boise State. Booth graduated from Central Washington University in 2000. He has two kids.

Q: What’s your favorite kind of story?

A: I love to do profiles when I have the time to really delve into the story. When I have the time to talk with a number of different sources and really get a chance to provide a comprehensive look at a person or a topic. The kind of story I like is the one that makes people think and talk.

Q: If you could have someone else’s job, what would it be?

A: I would love to work at a golf course. You’d get to be outside and maybe get a little free golf.

Q: Finish this sentence: “A good PR person is …”

A: One who is willing to work with a journalist rather than constantly being a road block. I understand there are times when they can’t talk about a topic, but it’s another thing to be in the position of being combative and standoffish. A good PR person understands the back and forth relationship with the media and helps how they can, where they can.

Q: What skills do new journalists need?

A: You’ve got to be able to do a little of everything now. You can no longer just be a writer or an editor. You’ve got to be able to write fast, and most importantly accurately, take photos, take video, have a presence on social media and it helps to be able to speak well in case you need to do radio or TV spots. I think we’re at the point where all journalists need to understand the title “multimedia journalist.”

Q: What hidden talent or skill do you have that viewers/readers don’t know about you?

A: I don’t know if this counts, but I worked as a lifeguard/children’s swim instructor through college.

The PR Pro Takeaway: Tim Booth must be a jack of all trades covering multiple sports spanning collegiate and professional. His advice to new journalists gives a hint at how extensive his coverage can be. Keep that in mind when pitching him, make it straight forward and get down to business. Curious that he didn’t mention his golf game as his hidden talent…

Media Monday, Brandie Ahlgren, CityDog Magazine

Each Monday, we’re giving readers a chance to get to know the media a little better.

With a little flair.

Our goal is to give readers some insight into the work and work style of area journalists, and get to know a little bit about the person behind the byline. Start your week off with an online networking opportunity through our Media Monday blog post.

This Week: Brandie Ahlgren, CityDog Magazine

Brandie AhlgrenEleven years ago, Brandie Ahlgren, founder and editor of Seattle-based CityDog magazine, was introduced to an entirely new universe when Scout, an eight-week-old boxer puppy entered her life. Brandie says she’s living proof of how a dog can change your life.

The world of puppy parenting, dog-park etiquette and puppy kindergarten was a whole new experience since she didn’t grow up with dogs. Most of her information came through word-of-mouth at the dog park but she was missing a go-to resource with fresh, up-to-date content. So she developed the concept for CityDog magazine. Brandie and her team of dog-loving editors dig up the best places to sit, stay and play for you and your furry, four-legged friends.

She resides in West Seattle with her two dogs, Scout and Ziggy, and can often be found hanging out at Westcrest Dog Park.

Q: What’s the best thing about being in the Seattle media scene?

A: It’s the endless amount of stories available to share with CityDog readers. Nine years after launching, there is still no shortage of story ideas, from dog-friendly getaways to cool products to wellness and behavior tips. Plus, Seattle has a fantastic pool of freelance writers and photographers to draw from, providing the magazine with rich content and beautiful photography.

Q: How has social media changed what you do?

A: Social media is incorporated into almost everything we do, from sharing articles with readers to increasing traffic to our website. It is also an incredible tool for engaging with readers, opening a two-way dialogue versus one-way with traditional print.

Q: If you could have someone else’s job, what would it be?

A: This is tough, because I love my job, but if I had to choose, it would probably be a producer for Evening Magazine or Screaming Flea. Like publishing, video production is constantly changing, with new story ideas and fresh content. Perhaps someday there will be “CityDog TV!”

Q: Press releases: Love them or hate them?

A: Love them and definitely rely on them. However, I’m amazed at how many press releases I receive that have no relation to CityDog. It shows me that the PR person issuing the release did not bother to research the magazine — it’s a pet peeve of mine (no pun intended). I especially appreciate when a PR person takes the time to learn about CityDog, tailoring their pitches accordingly.

Q: What hidden talent or skill do you have that viewers/readers don’t know about you?

A: I’m a Scrabble junkie and quite good at finding those obscure two-letter words that rack up a bunch of points on a triple-letter square (Qi!).

The PR Pro Takeaway: Brandie is living a dog-lover’s dream, and living it well. She has launched her need for information into a viable resource. She gives great advice, and one commonly voiced on Media Monday posts; know who you’re pitching. If it doesn’t pertain to dogs, in other words if Scout and Ziggy wouldn’t care, neither would Brandie.

Media Monday: Rachel Gallaher, GRAY Magazine

Each Monday, we’re giving readers a chance to get to know the media a little better.

With a little flair.

Our goal is to give readers some insight into the work and work style of area journalists, and get to know a little bit about the person behind the byline. Start your week off with an online networking opportunity through our Media Monday blog post.

This Week: Rachel Gallaher, GRAY Magazine

Rachel Gallaher graduated from the University of Washington with distinction in the Fiction track of the English Department. She joined the publishing industry after college with an internship at Seattle Homes & Lifestyles. Rachel has written for various publications throughout the city, covering local arts, fashion, design and weddings. She joined the GRAY team with the first issue as a freelance writer, and has held various positions including regular contributor and Assistant Editor. She is now the editor of GRAY.

Rachel GallaherQ: What’s your favorite story you’ve done recently?

A: It’s hard to choose because we cover such a broad scope of Pacific Northwest design, but I have to say that I absolutely loved the article about Q Nightclub in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. I didn’t write the story, but I think it did an excellent job of showcasing the young, edgy side of design that we’re seeing more now.

Q: What skills do new journalists need?

A: There are a lot of great skills to have, but the top two in my book are organization and tenacity. You HAVE to be organized if you’re going to hit deadlines, and that’s one of the biggest things you can do to make an editor happy.  As far as tenacity goes, I can’t even tell you how many jobs I didn’t get, how many story pitches were turned down, how frustrated I got when I started out. But with each disappointment my resolve grew stronger and I just kept hitting away at meetings and submissions. That really paid off–people noticed and gave me chances.

Q: If you weren’t working at your current job, what would you be doing?

A: I would probably be in grad school working towards my doctorate in literature or getting an MFA in fiction writing.

Q: Finish this sentence: “A good PR person is …”

A: … someone who knows how to tell a story in a way that is interesting and engaging. I get dozens of press releases daily, and the ones that stand out are always unique. They go beyond just trying to “sell me” on something.

Q: What hidden talent or skill do you have that viewers/readers don’t know about you?

A: I’m really good at darts!

The PR Pro Takeaway: Great advice to new journalists from a fairly new journalist. Gallaher has come a long way fast and is a force to be reckoned with both in the design publication field, and in a game of darts.