by Susan Gosselin,

Vest Director of PR

I don’t know Michael Hyatt, the CEO of Christian Publisher Thomas Nelson, but I love him anyway.  Why?  Because he publishes one of the most prescient, interesting blogs out there on social media, leadership and publishing.  I read his blog religiously, and I feel like I understand what he is trying to accomplish in life–and it is nothing short of rewriting the rules of management for the modern, plugged-in CEO.

He has a beautifully designed blog/website that discusses everything that’s on his mind professionally, and sometimes personally.  And it’s not just self-important product rants.  He’s showing us what he believes, his hopes for the future, his philosophy of management, and where he believes his company fits in in this crazy world.  It’s a vision that’s compelling, whether you are a fan of Christian books or not.

I love Michael’s blog because it makes him:

Accessible–to all his publics, inside and outside the company

Inspirational–because he always has something positive or futuristic to say

Real–because he’s not trying to puff himself up or create some kind of sales conversion

Transparent–because he makes his motives perfectly clear to everyone

Not every CEO has the personality to do what Michael Hyatt has done.  But I think there is a lesson for every CEO in his accomplishments.  The business world would be a much better place if more leaders adopted his philosophies.  Michael, as they used to say on “Hee Haw”— SAAAALUUUTE!

by Susan Gosselin,

Vest Director of PR

If you’ve ever worked in a company that’s launching a new product, you’ve probably thought to yourself, “If people only knew all the cool stuff I do about what went into this product, they’d buy it.”  This is the kernel of the idea behind what Ford is trying to do with it’s new Ford Explorer launch, exclusively on Facebook.  It’s really corporate storytelling at its best…with some cool sweepstakes and giveaways thrown in for good measure.

I’m impressed with this approach.  Instead of the stale, auto industry show, followed by the requisite industry reviews and the inevitable barrage of cheesy dealer ads, they’ve taken their story directly to the people.  They did a constant schedule webinars, live chats, video releases and more on their Facebook page for all of July 26.  These long format videos show the designers of the car explaining the details of why the car is designed like it is.  They are showing off some of the industry first features like their one-touch control technology and seat belt airbags.  They’ve even got the very entertaining Mike Rowe, host of “Dirty Jobs”, involved. Comments are streaming in from fans and potential buyers, and Ford Execs are responding to every one.

Ford employees are looking great in these videos, because their passion is showing.  Their faces just light up with genuine pride when they talk about this vehicle.  Wouldn’t you rather buy your next car from someone like that?

Best of all, they are giving away cars!  Sign up for their sweepstakes or simply like the page, and you’ve got as good a chance as any one.  They set their goal at 30,000 fans their first day. They got more than double that, and it’s only likely to grow.  National news outlets have made this novel new launch one of the stories of the week.

This proves that social media can offer traditional companies a way to tell a lengthier, more satisfying version of their story…and people will listen.  People really want to have a conversation with your company, especially when selling a major and considered purchase like a car.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out in sales, however.  This new Explorer won’t make it to showrooms until the winter.  That’s a long time for the excitement to die down; but enough time, I suppose, for all the industry reviews to hit the stands.  Stay tuned!

By Katie Earley, Copywriter

I have a thing for fiction. I believe fiction can teach us a lot of things. And it’s nice to know that while learning from others’ mistakes in the fictional world, no one really died and no bunnies were harmed. So this starts my new Monday feature of what we learned from this week’s Mad Men. Other than the obvious fashion lessons.

1. Even Don Draper needs media coaching.
Don might seem capable of anything, but even the disgustingly handsome creative director could have used some media coaching for his Ad Age interview. You have to be careful who you let speak for your company. Even if she/he’s a pro in their niche, don’t assume they’re great at interviews too.

2. Pick your battles. Know when to say no.
Don knows he’s not a good fit with the conservative potential-client Jantzen. I don’t think Don’s yelling them out of the building for refusing to take risks was appropriate, but it’s important to stand by your work and know when to say no. Not every client’s a good fit for your agency, and that’s okay.

3. Publicity stunts aren’t billable. And bail isn’t cheap.
It got the publicity Peggy and Pete hoped for, but staging fights to build demand for your client’s product — without the client’s knowledge — is a dangerous move. Do you think Peggy and Pete’s stunt was a good idea or not?

Any other lessons you learned from the season premiere? Do share.

I found this article, and thought it would be a good follow up to my blog about World Cup marketing.  In this article, Barry Finkelstein (Vice President/Director of Public Relations of Erwin-Penland in Greenville, SC), talks about some valuable marketing lessons that we can learn from the World Cup.

Read more…

Like the Olympics, the World Cup is about bringing the World together to show national pride, athleticism and sportsmanship.  In my opinion as a soccer (football) fan, the World Cup is more intimate at bringing the world together because cheering on our home team is our common goal.  Trust me, that pun was intended.

Read more…

by Susan Gosselin, Vest Advertising Director of PR

Let me start off by saying I am a dyed in the wool, unshakable Mac loyalist. I’ve used the Mac without abatement since the first Mac Classic. I think Steve Jobs is perhaps the greatest product designer since Thomas Edison.  The way he has handled the iPhone 4 reception debacle, however, has left me a bit perplexed.  He ended up doing the right thing by customers, but complaining, blaming, belittling and shifting the subject all the way. He made himself look small, and prolonged the sordid affair for days and days longer than it should have gone. This is not the way you handle Crisis PR.  I think Steve Jobs has been loved by his customers a little too much.  When he’s not treated like the Messiah, he’s so shocked that he doesn’t handle it well.

I could go on, but this blog on CNet lays out the argument for Job’s “failing grade” so well, I’ll just let you read the real thing.  And Steve, just remember…we’re smart enough to buy your products.  So stop trying to treat us like we’re stupid.

By Katie Earley, Copywriter

About a month ago I shared some of my favorite writing and editing blogs, so I thought it was time to share some of my favorite advertising and social media blogs.

Adrants – Snarky advertising commentary.

Chris Brogan – New marketing and social media information.

The Denver Egotist – Good ads. Good commentary. Often humorous.

AdFreak – A great way to keep up with new commercials, especially during the summer television off season.

MediaBadger – Cool name and useful social media information. Lots of facts and data.

Brand New – Where you can see company branding materials go from bad to worse (or bad to good, or good to bad, or good to great…) before your very eyes.

Social Media Explorer – Jason Falls blog focuses on social media and the like, and he gets extra points for being from Louisville and I heard him speak once. It was a good time.

Mashable/Social Media – If for no other reason than their weekly recap of Twitter trending topics. This is how I learned who Justin Bieber is.

Penn Olson – Often shares infographics. I love infographics.

image: Arturo de Albornoz

By Katie Earley, Copywriter

I’m not sure I’ve heard one negative thing about this current Old Spice campaign with eye candy actor Isaiah Mustafa. It’s funny, clever, entertaining, and is getting the attention every advertiser dreams of. Yesterday I started seeing short clips with Old Spice guy addressing individuals (both famous and not) who asked him questions on Twitter. I was impressed, but even more so after seeing this ReadWriteWeb article on it.

Mustafa and a team from Old Spice’s agency Wieden + Kennedy made 87 videos yesterday in 11 hours. Wow. And then continued the next day. This project is both an astounding display of creativity and a wonderful example of connecting with consumers.

from despair.com

by Susan Gosselin,

Vest Director of PR

Most people think that p.r. people are hired to cover things up, and “pretty up” the facts. CEOs, pr flacks and corporate talking heads have done a darn good job of proving them right over the years.  Remember how Enron denied being in trouble right before the company crashed into financial oblivion?  Even parsing the facts (Clinton saying “I didn’t have sex with that woman” comes to mind) has become rampant. People have always been able to spot a liar.  But in today’s fully enabled social information age, there are hundreds of ways they can now call you on it…and publicly prove it.  The most important thing you can do as a leader is turn off your spin machine.  Here’s how.

Read more…

By Katie Earley, Copywriter

Last summer I shared the entertaining PSAs to conserve water by Denver Water. This summer they’ve come out with some clever billboards. I love their “practice what you preach” approach.

via The Denver Egotist