Posted on Thu, Mar 11, 2010
By Ben
The reductive nature of reality television certainly does not provide the best forum in which to portray solid business operations. Viewers look for drama and blunders, and they find a bevy in “Kell on Earth.” Bravo’s new show chronicles the inner workings of Kelly Cutrone’s PR firm, People’s Revolution, which represents international fashion houses. Operating from a multi-story New York compound, which serves as a work and living space for Cutrone, the show gives viewers a 360-degree view of the business and Cutrone, a single mother.
Each episode consists of a barrage of drama. Dejected interns are expelled from the office after creating hack-job gift bags going to major design editors. The entire team is in a flurry for hours over a spreadsheet that could not be printed, which ultimately leads to the loss of an account. A new assistant is hired and quickly fired after tweeting about her new job. With such constant chaos and endless miscommunication, the entire business comes off as a lackadaisical farce.
While viewers may flock to Bravo to get the latest fix of this frenzy, are they getting the reality? When you introduce cameras and cut a 12-hour work day to 44 minutes, a lot is lost. Of course, the reality format prompts producers to focus in on the squabble, the lost client or the fight between interns. This makes it easy to forget that People’s Revolution is still the leading PR and branding firm for the fashion industry. Overlooked are the years Cutrone spent fostering relationships, the countless client success stories and the deep focus Cutrone places on mentorship and career development. Or the success of her newly penned book, If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You, offering empowering career guidance.
While we may love the drama, we lose a lot with the editing. Quality PR is built on a series of seamless interactions requiring countless hours of detail management. Building databases, trending news, reading and all of the other daily, detail-oriented tasks certainly make boring TV, yet it’s what makes PR firms successful -- Including People’s Revolution. This passionate commitment to the actual work is cut from “Kell on Earth” and we are left with interns fighting over stamps.
I don’t think real PR makes good TV. The compulsory commitment to jobs with long lead times and too many hours in front of the laptop would leave viewers in the doldrums -- hence, Bravo’s hyper focus on the explosive. While it would be easy to dismiss Kelly and her gaggle as guilty pleasure TV, we have to remember what gets cut. Ironically, it’s where the true success of her business lies.
Posted on Wed, Mar 03, 2010
By Cathy
If you have spent longer than one or two years living in New England, you learn how to live and work through the long, cold winters. You make extra time to get up, warm up the car, wear layers, etc., but even the most winter-tested individual is challenged when Mother Nature takes an unexpected turn and the phrases“ disaster area” and “National State of Emergency” start popping up hourly in your vernacular.
While Metis is based in the South End of Boston, I live and commute into the city from Southern New Hampshire. One of my favorite blogs, Workshifting, pretty much sums up how I operate on a daily basis. Last Thursday I experienced one hell of a windstorm, along with the rest of Northern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire and Southern Maine. As of today, we still don’t have power. Not only did we lose power at the house, the entire town and all the surrounding towns for 150 miles lost power. In total, more than 250,000 people were sitting in the dark. Imagine that many people without gas, credit cards, heat, hot water or cell phones, and you can expect that the phrase “all hell broke loose” comes next.
This was a powerful weather event that stopped life as we know it for several days and left people scrambling for alternate ways of doing the things we take for granted each day. It was a forceful storm -- not one that moved the earth, tore down cities or left thousands homeless, but a near-hurricane that significantly shook up the way you view the reliability of the tools you rely on to keep your business moving.
Losing complete connectivity last week taught me some valuable lessons in how to really work SHIFT.
Here are five lessons I relearned during the 2010 New Hampshire Windstorm:
1. You are only as strong as the network that supports you – my team jumped in and helped out with everything I was working on and helped me shift assignments to ensure that our clients wouldn’t be affected by my absence. Life and work definitely goes on without you, so set yourself up to be as replaceable as possible.
2. Plan for the worst and expect the best – Create a contingency plan. If you don’t have a team, then work with partners that can easily help you if needed. I learned some valuable lessons about being better prepared for the future, and am implementing them now to ensure that when the next natural disaster comes my way, I am even more prepared.
3. Be upfront about your personal needs – I was in a complete state of shock. We had trees down everywhere and neighbors in need. I had to be honest with myself and my team to help them understand exactly what I was facing. Not having power at the house is a total nuisance. The entire town(s) or an entire region not having power is truly a different matter.
4. Create a true workshifting environment – being able to work anywhere at anytime is really lip service unless you act on it. I learned that I was not as prepared for workshifting as I had thought, so I am setting myself up with the right technologies – extra batteries, new generator, satellite phone, etc. – along with the other applications I use (Box.net, Carbonite, Google Wave and more) and processes (updated phone lists, calendar updates, etc.).
5. You can always disconnect, even when you feel you “can’t” – Receiving such a forced disconnect was shocking to my system, but taught me a valuable lesson that it’s good for me to get “off the grid” more often. Being available 24x7 or on-demand for my team, clients and partners takes its toll. You always promise yourself that you’ll take a break but it’s easier said than done. The realization that taking off for five days is not the end of the world, especially during a natural disaster.
Posted on Mon, Feb 22, 2010
By Ben
In rolling out its 2011 plan to begin charging online users, The New York Times makes a grand call-to-action to other industry leaders. While the need for increased revenue is clear, the success of this plan requires a major undertaking: shifting the way readers view media content. This is not an easy paradigm to break. Readers want their Web-based news to be high-caliber, bountiful and, above all, free. Until this point, they’ve gotten it. The Web is synonymous with free content. If you charge, they will go somewhere else. The New York Times can’t go this one alone. They need buy-in from other major newspapers. Even if The Times rallies wide support for its new pay-per-play model, is it enough to shift consumer mindset?
Arthur Sulzberger Jr., chairman of the New York Times, frames this intent perfectly: “This is more about where we think the Web is going.” In his predictive statement, Sulzberger lays out the future of Web-based content. In its position of power, it is perhaps The Times that can make this prediction a reality. Yet, the paper is working against a stubborn readership base steeped in a Web culture of “free and now.” A 2009 Forrester study states 80 percent of Americans would go somewhere else if charged for content. Furthermore, a recent Nielsen survey of individuals in 52 countries finds nearly eight out of 10 would no longer use a Web site which charges for content. The aggregates’ unwillingness to pay for content – in the context of a blogosphere brimming with rich, nuanced information -- raises the question: is this just an outmoded model?
On one level, we can’t continue to expect and demand high-quality content at no cost. It’s just not sustainable. Over the past year, the Times alone has been forced to take out a $250 million private loan, sell off major real estate assets and cut numerous jobs. Also, let’s not overlook the countless reporters who, in many cases, risk their lives in remote areas of the world to bring us coverage. While these financial realities and personal risks by reporters should compel individual readers to pick up the tab, it’s evident that the majority will not. Even if major publications unite in a joint plan to charge for content, will this be enough to shift the power of the blogosphere?
Blogs are able to offer extraordinary content on limited budgets, oftentimes pulling information directly from citizen journalists living the story in real time before hitting major outlets, all at no cost to the reader. The increasing validity of such non-traditional forms of news delivery was highlighted last week when a prestigious Polk Award in Journalism was bestowed upon the “anonymous individuals responsible for recording the shooting death of 26-year-old Neda Agha-Soltan at a June protest in Tehran, Iran.” The video, widely distributed via Twitter, YouTube and other internet sources, was later covered by established news outlets. The recognition of these unknown videographers as award-winning citizen journalists raises plenty of thorny questions about the future of the media beyond the pay-per-view model proposed by The New York Times.
And the reality remains; there are operating models to which readers are responding. Regardless of the success or failure of The Times’ content-charging plan, such an announcement is sure to stir up discussion on how to further create quality-content on a shoestring.
Posted on Thu, Feb 11, 2010
by Melissa
Do you hear that pounding? It’s social media banging down advertising’s door. Old school metrics are getting knocked down and new methods for measuring the value of media campaigns are rising.
Bang. Good-bye to the practice of counting eyeballs as the number one indicator of successful PR. Bang, bang. Farewell to valuing number of hits above all other metrics. Bang, bang, bang. See ya later, advertising value equivalents (AVEs). Of course, this is targeted at media relations, as we know that PR runs much deeper than what most folks think when they think of "PR."
At a seminar led by Katie Paine of KDPaine & Partners, last week, we heard some hard numbers to back up the guidance we’ve been giving our clients, namely, that there is significant return-on-investment to be gained from in-depth social media campaigns.
Paine convincingly illustrated the power of social media:
- 78 percent of consumers trust peer recommendations, only 14 percent trust advertisements.
- 48 percent of respondents to a PRWeek study said they were moving money out of advertising budgets into social media.
- Procter & Gamble is now paying for engagement, not eyeballs.
- IBM receives more leads, sales and exposure from a $500 podcast than it does from an ad.
In searching for ROI from social media activity, Paine advocates clearly defining the “R” and understanding that successful campaigns require real time and money for the “I.” While the door may be closing on the dominance of “old media,” it is opening wide for those ready to harness the influence, engagement and advocacy opportunities presented by social media networks.
Posted on Tue, Sep 22, 2009
by Sully
An interesting study was recently released about the world’s next emerging market: women. While men’s total worldwide income still doubles women’s ($23.4 trillion vs. $10.5 trillion), the market gap is decreasing with less gender disparity between wages and an influx in the number of women who are finding jobs. Ideally, gender in the workforce (similar to race, religion, etc.) is not a factor or detail… it is not even an afterthought. Ideally, we will reach a point where a gender descriptor in front of an executive’s title is not necessary or important to note.
We are in an awkward transitional period right now; women are succeeding and pulling their weight with men. It should be commended - after all, we’ve come a long way since the women labor unions were formed in 1844 - but there is a fine line between commending achievements and defining those achievements by gender.
Keeping that balance in perspective, a recent Newsweek article states that women’s success will help drive the current post-recession world economy, representing “the biggest emerging market in the history of the planet-more than twice the size of the two hottest developing markets, India and China, combined.” Partly because female spending is focused on the right stuff (health, education and children), women are now the “economic engine of the future.”
Some other statistics from the article that stood out to me:
- Women control $12trillion of the world’s $18.4 trillion in annual consumer spending
- Literacy rates for young women are almost universally within a single digit percentage of men’s
- 70 percent of women in developing countries, like China and Vietnam, work
- Women’s earned income is growing at 8.1 percent versus 5.8 percent for men
From an IT industry perspective, the number of women executives continues to decline. According to the WomenWhoTech Web site, only 26 percent of women held professional positions in the IT industry in 2006 and women only account for 28 percent of the workforce in proprietary software. Currently, women in the technology industry are rarely quoted by mainstream media and blogs, and are not chosen nearly as much as their male counterparts to present on panels at technology conferences. Our society still feels the need to make note of gender when a successful IT executive is not a man. As women, we root for the success and cheer on other Type A women who are succeeding as “minorities” in the market, but ultimately, we strive to reach the ideal point where we can honor a successful industry expert without feeling the need to clarify her gender.
Women In Technology recently surveyed 167 female technologists and discovered that a quarter of respondents found being a woman irrelevant to their success. One woman’s response to the survey: “There will always be stumbling blocks, but it’s more your own determination and motivation that contributes to your success.”
This mindset is invaluable. We will continue to grow if women view their successes - and failures - as a product of themselves, not their gender.
Read the full Newsweek article here. Learn more about the Boston Consulting Group’s research survey and book, “Women Want More: How to Capture Your Share of the World’s Largest, Fastest-Growing Market.”
Posted on Tue, Sep 08, 2009
by Melissa
I just got home from 48 hours of chaos at VMworld in San Francisco. After talking to a few attendees about their trips, I concluded that we all share similar thoughts about the West Coast being a little "different" from the East Coast. For example, when riding up an elevator, it takes twice as long to open the door when you reach the floor you picked. You are left standing there wondering (only if you're from the East Coast) if you are stuck and you should press the alarm button. Then, all of a sudden, the door opens. After you get off the elevator, you walk to your hotel room to put the card key in the door and the green light takes three seconds longer than it does on the East Coast.
These two examples might sound crazy and target me as an impatient person (which I am), so we'll use another example. Apparently, there are signs everywhere on the West Coast telling people to report the use of illegal limos. These are limos that drive around charging visitors an arm and a leg for rides. However, the hotel staff ignores the signs and tries to force patrons into these cars when they are more expensive and, most importantly, ILLEGAL. Then, if you do not take the limo, the hotel staff fights with you about why you NEED to take this car instead of taking a cab. They do not back down. (Usually, this does not happen on the East Coast because if people you do not know sense anger, they back away). From a PR perspective, I'm sure they could find another way to "sell" their services with a lot less attitude and physical aggression. But, if you do push the hotel limo hailer out of the way and grab a cab, you face risking a very stressful situation with schizophrenic drivers. These are drivers who talk to you constantly about nothing, screaming at you and stressing you out after 48 hours of meeting with clients, getting less than five hours of sleep, walking the tradeshow floor and schmoozing.
So, after I returned home and regained my energy, I looked back on the strange happenings during my visit at VMworld in San Francisco. Don't get me wrong; the show, restaurants and meetings were worthwhile, but something I will not forget was the strange San Francisco chaos I experienced. Good luck to all you East Coasters who frequently visit California on business. You can only pray for more patience.
Posted on Fri, Sep 04, 2009
by
Sully
This week Vermont joins states including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa and others, allowing same-sex couples to wed legally. In fact, Vermont’s first gay marriage happened at midnight Tuesday, just one minute after the law took effect.
Ben & Jerry’s, a brand that is closely tied to its home state, announced that it supports Vermont and “celebrates the beginning of the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian couples in Vermont with the symbolic renaming of its well-known ice cream flavor ‘Chubby Hubby’ to ‘Hubby Hubby’.”
Some call the campaign a bold move for the internationally sold and marketed brand. Partnering with Freedom to Marry, the company stands behind its mantra that social justice and freedom is deserved for all people, and rebranding the ice cream for the month of September is one way to participate in the conversation around gay marriage, and to celebrate peace and equality.
Numerous companies and celebrity figures support gay marriage, especially when faced with California’s decision to uphold Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in the state. Some view endorsements of the movement as purposefully controversial in order to gain press -whether it is positive or not.
Far-right conservatives find companies’ support of gay marriage as unnecessary and immoral business initiatives. Brands with large and widespread consumer followings, from all areas and demographics of the world, risk the loss of potential customers and fans.
For Ben & Jerry’s, it seems that the statement is less of a “PR move” and more of a celebration of something in which its founders believe. Long supporting many missions - social, product and economic — the company aims to be sustainable, responsible and respectful through the actions of its business.
Other companies can take a lesson from Ben & Jerry’s: Regardless of social stigmas attached to beliefs, demographics, etc., companies can always choose authenticity. Freedom of speech gives us the ability to stand behind what we believe, and that is a powerful thing. Standing behind a mission takes courage at times, but companies that consistently display this level of integrity find that this perception emanates from all aspects of their business.
Posted on Fri, Sep 04, 2009
by Mariana
Earlier this month, Colombian superstar, Juanes, announced his upcoming “Paz Sin Fronteras” (Peace without Borders) concert. It is a concert advocating global peace and human rights. Its location is the Plaza de la Revolución in Havana, Cuba. When he announced the location, it instantly caused controversy all over Latin America and among the Cuban community in the United States.
Those opposed to the show say that it is a form of propaganda for the Castro regime. Famous Cuban artists have publicly voiced their opposition, saying that a concert about peace in Cuba is an oxymoron and nothing but a publicity stunt for both Juanes and the Cuban government. Juanes, who is an active Twitter user (he posts updates on the concert regularly), has received numerous threats.
However, not everyone is opposed to the concert. There is a line-up of other popular Latin artists scheduled to perform, including Cuban folk singer Silvio Rodriguez and Spaniards’ Enrique Iglesias and Miguel Bose.
Paz Sin Fronteras is Juanes’ second peace concert. Last year, tens of thousands of Colombians and Venezuelans gathered on their border, dressed in white, to hear Juanes’ free show, which also included guest appearances from other mega stars. The purpose of this concert was to heal tensions after Colombia had launched a commando raid into neighboring Ecuador, resulting in numerous deaths. The concert brought people together and was a success.
Juanes, “The Bono of Latin America,” said about the concert:
“It’s time to start knocking down our own mental walls, to not judge anyone for their way of thinking, their social class or their politics… Our Cuban brothers need us and we need them. I’m talking about a peace concert on Sept. 20… raise your voice, and let’s put aside our ideological differences.”
Juanes has even started planning a third peace concert for next summer on the U.S.-Mexican border (between Juarez, Mexico and El Paso, Texas), where countless people have died as a result of ongoing drug wars and conflicts.
Whatever your opinion is on the concert, Juanes’ determination and willingness deserves respect. The concert will take place on September 20.
Posted on Thu, Aug 27, 2009
by Courtney
We lost a true statesman this week. As Time Magazine said, Senator Edward Kennedy is “…one of the greatest legislators in American history.” Every form of media is covering his passing, recapturing his iconic life as a Kennedy in all its glory and controversy. For the next week much will be said about his life – Facts given and opinions shared on all his professional and personal strides and stumbles.
Of all his accomplishments that will be highlighted, it is Kennedy’s overall approach to work and life that has impacted and inspired me the most. Professionally, Senator Kennedy had a thorough, three-phased approach to problem solving. When addressing an issue, he would gather a group of experts and listen to them discuss the issue from every angle. He would sit there silently, taking it all in but not making any comments until they were finished. At that point, he would begin a grueling question and answer session where he would sharpen his knowledge and begin to shape his opinion. This was Phase 1. In Phase 2, he would begin his political maneuvering, meticulously researching, influencing and assembling his diverse group of supporters. Then, in Phase 3 he would map out and execute his strategy. Simple, effective and impactful.
Personally, it is the simple things that I most admire about Ted Kennedy. He was known as a dear friend, loving uncle and compassionate person who sent “thank you” notes within 24 hours, usually on hand-painted cards. I respected and appreciated that whenever I would see him sailing in Hyannis harbor on his beloved “Mya” (which was his brother’s, President John F. Kennedy), he would always wave. He did not know who we were. He had nothing to gain by taking the time and effort to wave. But he did, to every boat that passed. Genuine, kind and influential.
Rest in peace, Senator Kennedy.
Posted on Mon, Aug 24, 2009
Marco Queral, a South American photographer, released some amazing photos last week of a beautiful humpback whale and a diver. Check out these inspiring photos at the Telegraph.