Tag: technology

Posted in Ad & PR

Changing Media in the Ad & PR Industry

Posted on by samasoklis

The world of Advertising and Public Relations is a rapidly changing industry that evolves as society changes and grows. As the industry changes, we, as professionals, adapt to these changes to help make the industry intact with current trends. Over the couple decades, we have seen these adaptations made in the Ad & P.R. world. The usage of technology within different companies has skyrocketed since the latest inventions of the internet became available to users across the United States. Since adjusting to the usage in our everyday lives, professionals have made it possible to be innovative and creative to use these tools given to us in their daily profession.

The way in which Ad & P.R. professionals incorporate visuals in the industry has truly changed the way in which one can do their job. With such advanced technology that we use on a daily basis, it has allowed professionals to reach across to numerous consumers to relay a message to one. Through the innovative technology that we use, it has allowed us to display content to viewers that was never thought possible. In reference to do todays society, a prime example is news casters that bring up various polls and graphs that show the viewer valuable information from a look of a graphic.

Not only has technology advanced overall, but us as individuals that changed too. We have learned to adapt to media and how we interpret it from our own perspective. This has allowed our minds to be able to process information seen in visuals a lot quicker in comparison to when technology of this nature was being introduced. The inventions that has brought us up to the point we are in today has allowed us to understand the true concept of visuals in everyday society. For example, the addition of color to television brought great comprehension for the human mind to attract and intrigue interest. In addition, greater visuals and higher quality has allowed for a stronger interpretation on how we see and gather information.

In researching this topic, I came across an interesting article that I thought I would bring up. Cheryl Conner got in touch with Serena Ehrlich to find out the facts behind visuals in the Ad & P.R. industry. A fact from the data collected found that “visuals are processed 60K faster than text (meaning a visual is worth 60,000 words)”. This goes to prove that visuals are the upcoming focus as we progress in society and into the future. A later fact states that “One minute of video is more powerful than 1.8 million words” and “Multimedia adds feeling to facts”. I’m shocked to find out that video is more powerful than words, but then I think about the fact more and it makes sense. The way in which information and programs are displayed to users is only going to advance for those who are to come in the future.

As technology continues to advance, the Ad & P.R. industry must continue to keep up with its vigor that society continues to provide. I hope as a future individual in the career field that I can also keep with the future innovations that will be displayed to users.

Posted in Ad & PR

The Evolution of Collaboration

Posted on by samasoklis

Collaboration within a workplace is very important for a company to have a successful business. It has been something that has taken place since businesses where first beginning. Whether it be with your co-workers, your boss, or even you peers, working together within a career is something that should be cherished and used to the best of its ability. Over the last decade, our changing society has altered the way in which collaboration works within the workplace. This is something that come with many pros and cons that help make up what we are facing right now in our current world.

In previous decades, collaboration within the workplace was very different. When working with others, many people just used the old fashion face to face communication to help create a plan and address how all the team members will work together. This usually entailed assigning different tasks to the members throughout the group. This way was very effective and is usually the easiest way to get something done even in todays world. Face to face communication has been proven to be the strongest form in which we interact with one another.

In todays society, working together with one another can come in many different forms. Through technology, it has allowed us to create many different channels that allows for one to work as a whole. Platforms such as GroupMe, WhatsApp, and many other group commuictaion networks have allowed us to work as a team within a workplace without actually having an in person conversation to get the job done. This has become easily accessible to coworkers, as many have their own smartphone for communication. From this advancement, different businesses and companies can work towards a task or goal though this platforms to work with each other and create ideas in which they will accomplish the assigned task.

With new forms of collaboration, it brings many challenges that workplace’s have to face on a day to day basis. From lack of communication, to misinterpretations it has become challenging for some who use todays advanced technology. The classic use of face-to-face interactions has alway been the clearest route that allows one to get the job done with others. With that, most businesses use modern day technology to make this process a bit easier. The personal interactions with others allow for straight connection and understanding with a business. It becomes tricky when using todays technology, allowing for miscommunication that sometime can hurt the team as a whole. It is important when using modern technology to make sure that the points are clear the tasks are done properly as these issues can occur.

Overall, collaboration has always played a main role in companies and how they execute tasks within the workplace. With using todays modern technology, it is important to be aware of the issues that may arise from it. It is up to us as people, working in an ever-changing society, to make sure we stay on top of issues that may cause a stigma in communication. Communication is a main force that can make or break a business if it’s not used properly, for it will hurt those companies/businesses working together to collaborate many different vital tasks to be successful.

Posted in Ad & PR

Possible Careers with Technology in the PR World!

Posted on by samasoklis
  • Marketing & Brand Ambassador
  • Company: Happi Foodi Local Market Specialist
  • Link: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=brand%20ambassador&l=Grand%20Rapids%2C%20MI&advn=7908161043461490&vjk=9c7a9ec34c167750
  • Skills: Socially Savvy
    In-the-know and Trend Friendly
    Natural Networker
    Excellent Communicator
    Willing to roll up your sleeves
    Professional Attitude
    Organized Executor
  • Requirements: Brand Ambassador: 2 years (Preferred)
    Marketing: 2 years (Preferred)
  • I think it would be helpful for this me to improve in this job with the “In-the-know and Trend Friendly” because I lack knowing everything that’s trending as I don’t check social media as much as others. I will work on keeping myself in the loop and checking social media daily to see what’s trending.
  • Content Manager
  • Company: Wolverine Worldwide
  • Link: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=content%20manager&l=Grand%20Rapids%2C%20MI&vjk=89b82c88ff218065
  • Skills/Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, preferably in Marketing.
    3-4 years of marketing experience, preferably online/consumer direct.
    Ability to organize and prioritize multiple goals and projects under tight deadlines.
    Strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
    Understanding of e-mail marketing best practices.
    Hands-on project management experience.
    Advanced Excel skills/experience a plus.
    Experience with content management systems and blogging tools a plus.
    Working understanding of basic HTML a plus.
    Experience with web analytics tools such as Omniture a plus.
    Strong copywriting skills a plus.
  • To improve my abilities for this job, I plan on taking six different marketing courses before graduation to get more background in this field. As P.R. & Marketing share many of the same requirements, this job would be good suited for my degree as long as improvement is shown in the Marketing aspect. I also need to work on learning Excel more as I have been taught the Google version “sheets” most of my life.
  • Community Relations Manager
  • Company: Providence Life Services
  • Link: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=director%20of%20public%20relations&l=Grand%20Rapids%2C%20MI&vjk=e8301a75c95550cc
  • Skills/Requirements: A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university or equivalent preferred. Must possess three to five years sales experience, preferably in health care services. Must possess a thorough knowledge of principles of effective communication, mass media, advertising, policies, education, community relations, demonstration, organization structure, social and activity services, government relations etc., as they relate to senior living. Must possess the ability to plan, organize and effectively present ideas and concepts to community groups/agencies. Must possess the ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing. Must possess the ability to assimilate information from a variety of sources, analyze information and make recommendations to the Community Manager. Must possess the ability to establish, implement, and maintain effective working public relations. Must be able to push, pull, move and/or lift a minimum of 50 pounds to a minimum height of 3 feet.
  • In order to qualify as a strong candidate for this business, I would need to become aquanted to working in sales and get some prior experience. This could be done by finding a company to possibly internship or work with to understand the sales world.
  • Executive Assistant
  • Company: Confidential Finance
  • Link: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=executive%20assistant&l=Grand%20Rapids%2C%20MI&vjk=1ab9abdc555be881&advn=1666661064971113
  • Requirements/Skills: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, Strong organizational skills, Passion for taking care of client’s needs, Ability to train on multiple tasks and understand the larger scope of each task, Friendly and professional demeanor, Excellent attention to detail, Extreme focus on follow through, Demonstrate and utilization of an emotionally mature and political approach within the workplace, Bachelor’s Degree, 3+ years’ experience in a similar role, Microsoft Office skills, with an ability to become familiar with industry specific software, Event planning experience desired.
  • In order to qualify for this position, I would have to find more background on the software used and how to use it. I would then work to research it and try to train myself prior so I could have some knowledge.
  • Consumer Service Manager
  • Company: OXX Inc.
  • Link: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/OXX/jobs/Consumer-Service-Manager-0b20a1c1d219c5f6?sjdu=QwrRXKrqZ3CNX5W-O9jEvaXdIxxPyblfgao1RdhqtD_Ewb1TXEThuBkCRI-UdA-6NZBqqwBQ3701i8DvuvVtZy-hMfTqqMvP3bx-a07TamI&tk=1d4g8lvsqa3gk802&adid=267231155&vjs=3
  • Requirements/Skills: High School Diploma, Three to five years of experience minimum in consumer and customer support roles, m Possess electromechanical interest and ability to support minor repair work on the appliances, Computer fluency, including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, Experience with Zendesk, a plus, Exquisite phone communication skills and presence — positive, outgoing, and understanding, Sense of urgency in solving problems, Thrives in an independent and high-speed work environment, Able to apply basic accounting and financial principles, Strong attention to detail, follow up, multi-tasking, and documentation (i.e. well organized), Experience with small parcel shipments (UPS, USPS, and FedEx)
  • To improve myself for this position I would need to become accustomed to Zendesk in which I could take courses to teach myself. On top of that I would have to start using shipping services more so it becomes an easy process for me.
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Company: Bethany Christian Services
  • Link: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=54ba20cbb0f96bf5&tk=1d4g9kmsu19t9000&from=serp&vjs=3&advn=8343086041108031&adid=12462077&sjdu=uV-ReZTo88KYRp-cry8LOBE5IMD7uNJyk0otBnlXf1_fpJEpJOoLNgyoxQjkQ9xbRPcC-Zmz0fZvTd_bfaqM9094ogtUQYZWf0xVArDWJbJibj1uVsx-g6Hk6EHvl7tX
  • Requirements/Skills: Bachelor’s level degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications or related field of study from an accredited college;
    At least three (3) years of prior experience in journalism or communications;
    Prior experience in child/family welfare agency, a plus;
    Strong attention to detail and highly organized;
    Must be creative and inspiring with work product;
    Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
    Must be reliable with time sensitive deadlines and tasks;
    Exercise a high level of confidentiality and integrity;
    Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
    Proven experience working in an evolving environment, while building the appropriate public relations infrastructure;
    Demonstrated ability with communicating an organization’s message in a compassionate, clear and compelling way;
    Enthusiastic belief in serving vulnerable children, bringing families together and keeping families together;
    Self-motivating personality with the ability to work independently, if needed;
    Demonstrated ability to track and respond quickly to news stories that require a comment on behalf of Bethany Christian Services;
    Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Google Drive products;
    Possess a general understanding of state and federal government and politics;
    Have an ability to work in a fast-paced environment, that may require working nights and weekends;
    Possess an ability to multi-task and effectively prioritize tasks in order of importance;
    Must be a team-player and be willing to help other departments during organizational events and campaigns;
    Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
    Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Cultural Diversity Commitment.
  • In order to qualify for this position, I would need to understand the practice religion more often than I normally do. I would have to become accustomed to the practices and how to properly display P.R. techniques for the company in a positive and uplifting manner.
  • Public Engagement Specialist
  • Company: Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan
  • Link: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/The-Healthy-Homes-Coalition-of-West-Michigan/jobs/Public-Engagement-Specialist-353a834d8ee7a991?q=public+relations&vjs=3
  • Requirements/Skills: Demonstrated understanding of public relations.
    Passion and commitment to healthier housing for children.
    A commitment to equity and a strong ability to work cross-culturally.
    Strong writing ability.Able to write passionately, clearly, and in a manner that motivates others to act. Strong grammar skills.
    Successful experience supporting or leading communications or public relations efforts or generating a significant amount of high-quality content (may include student work, internships).
    Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
    Demonstrated teaming abilities. Ability to be an effective member of a team—focused on achieving specified outcomes.
    Strong organizational skills. Very detail oriented. Able to maintain detailed records.
    Able to prioritize. Must be flexible and able to manage multiple tasks at one time and deliver tasks on time.
    Proficiency with MicroSoft Office products and relational database software. Must be comfortable with technology.
    Highly cooperative. Must work well with a variety of personalities.
    Self-motivated and ability to be self-directed. APR-certified, or demonstration of consistent progress towards APR certification if not certified. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish)
  • To be a strong candidate for this position, I would need to take courses throughout my degree that teach Spanish in order to be a good fit. This position would use these skills to help promote the company and reach audiences that may not have English as their first language. To do this, I would add a couple courses in my junior/senior year that would help me advance in bi-lingual studies.
  • Administration Assistant
  • Company: Lambert
  • Link: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Lambert-&-CO./jobs/Administrative-Assistant-28104f33c5ec3107?q=public+relations+assistant&vjs=3
  • Requirements/Skills: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
    Excellent written and oral communication skills
    Strong writing and proofreading skills
    Attention to detail and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously without losing sight of the organization’s goals
    Experience with internal financial processes, such as accounts payables/receivables and invoicing
  • To be strong in the position, I would want to make sure I improve my proofreading skills. I would accomplish this by taking the English based required by Grand Valley along with even taking an extra course with my elective spaces. This will not only help me with this certain position, but any position as proofreading skills are essential.
  • Application Specialist
  • Company: Rapid Engineering
  • Link: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Rapid-Engineering/jobs/Application-Specialist-44e8d6cff86d4275?sjdu=QwrRXKrqZ3CNX5W-O9jEvcvGFVQdRoYacCfHlxqkIgya2wvHmONJqbII0CLupe6E-HI1CpvI8IT7IT-ITafv0Yh_5iTmrk6_U3Drykfx6ts&tk=1d4grcq26a3gk804&adid=228800687&vjs=3
  • Requirements/Skills: Varies based on educational background. Customer service experience preferred. Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Communication & P.R. – Have excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as be fluent in the use of various computer programs. The responsibilities of this position can be accomplished while working in a normal office environment. Occasionally, standing for extended periods of one hour or more, while delivering training presentations is required.
  • In order to be a strong candidate for this position, I would need to become more fluent in computer programs that the P.R. industry works with. Over there next couple years, I believe my courses I need will help me get a basic understanding of these programs. On top of that, I would like to receive more certifications that would make me proficient in such softwares needed.
  • Marketing and Communications Specialist
  • Company: Arbor Circle
  • Link: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Arbor-Circle/jobs/Marketing-Communication-Specialist-f78ecffa5a7be819?q=public+relations+specialist&vjs=3
  • Requirements/Skills: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, Graphic Design or Communications or related field
    2+ years progressive experience in marketing and communications
    Excellent project management and organizational skills
    Excellent verbal & written communications skills
    Ability to present on behalf of the organization in a variety internal and external settings
    Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop / InDesign), Microsoft Office & paid marketing channels and technologies, content management systems (Word Press)
    Proven success in digital marketing
    Proven success in creating and promoting written and visual content.
    Experience working with marketing budgets and forecasting/reporting results.
    Valid and current Driver’s License and clean driving record
    Experience in nonprofit setting a plus.
  • In order to be a strong candidate for this position I would need to have more background in marketing. I will obtain this because I am taking six different courses to specialize Marketing as my minor. In addition, I will gain knowledge and experience in this field.
Posted in Ad & PR

“Social Media”: Podcast by Sarah, The Functional Minimalist

Posted on by samasoklis

Ever since I was younger, I have had this application called “Podcasts” pre-installed on my iPhone. Not paying much attention to this application previously, I would make sure that it was placed in a folder in the back of my phone where it wouldn’t be in my way. I never paid attention to what this actually entailed, knowing that it was just a speaker recording themselves on different issues or topics that they chose to talk about. Since the last year or so, I had the opportunity to dive into this application and listen to what some speakers had to say. Just recently, I was able to tune into a podcast by the speaker, Sarah who really opened my mind up to they way in which social media can be positive and effective in such a negative world.

In this podcast, she touches on many subjects that help us enlighten the sometimes “dark” and negative ways in which social media effects us individually. I thought that she did a very good job in the way that she demonstrated each of her main points in this podcast. She was able to take the aspects in which sometimes tear people away from social media, and look at the positives and how we can adjust.

One main point of Sarah’s podcast that stood out to me is the feeling of dissatisfaction that some get from social media. Many people in todays society feel as if they always have to be involved with media 24/7, creating a fear in ones mind of not being “in” with what’s trending today. I find this very important as those tend to focus on that aspect, rather than looking at the positives that social media truly brings. There is a way to be involved and use media to its advantage as we all know, for it has changed the way in which we function from day to day.

In the Ad & P.R. world, some of the main tips that Sarah shared can relate to the way in which big businesses display themselves on social media as well. She talked about the presence that we as people have on social media and how to control it without being overwhelmed or feeling left out. Businesses in todays society want to make sure that their product is being displayed efficiently and that they are still maintaining this presence. Without a doubt, I have seen many media sites that display or brand themselves with much effort trying to get across to their viewers. Although this is a positive aspect to help a create and promote themselves, it tends to be quite overwhelming to some viewers who don’t care to see as much as they do from a companies social media account.

Sarah discusses the way in which as individuals can cleanse themselves by getting rid of some of this in ones life. Although the Ad & P.R. world relies on those who browse social media and catch the viewers attention, it is up to you as viewer to decide what you want to see in your media feed. You are in control of what you see on a day to day basis, and this is powerful because if you find something that is not in YOUR interest, then why even have it? I personally find it super important to manage what you do and do not want displayed to you, as sometimes this can affect the way in which you feel personally.

Although social media in todays society has been a major advancement for us as humans in the 21st century, it is up to you how you want to use it. I thought Sarah’s podcast was very interesting and definitely will use some of her tips in my future endeavors throughout the social media world. I would find it quite interesting to listen to another podcast by her that dives even deeper into social media’s impact and how accounts influence or sway our thoughts as viewers.

Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/social-media/id1118822483?i=1000377909649&mt=2

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apple-podcasts/id525463029

 

Posted in Ad & PR

Social Media’s Impact on YOU and Society

Posted on by samasoklis

When you think of what social media is, many people come to think of Snapchat, Facebook, and all the other platforms that we interact with on a day to day basis. This access to easy communication has allowed for many individuals to build themselves and their business on different platforms. Many of us have came accustomed to the everyday usage of these social media sites allowing us to find out new information, post our feelings, and hear about others. With all of this on the rise, it has became a vital part to todays society and how it is used to benefit us as a community.

When using social media personally, I know that I tend to indulge more than I should. It has became such a regular part of my daily routine allowing for easy access to almost anything that I am interested in seeing, This has made a major impact on how I communicate in person versus through a platform of social media that we have. Social media in many peoples lives have created a channel in which allows communication that is nonverbal. This nonverbal communication is very beneficial, but sometimes not in the best interest of all. The verbal communication that is lacking has became less and less through advancements with social media.

Within large businesses and corporations, social media has became a necessity in today society. This has allowed for companies to reach out to consumers and make them feel as if they are connecting to them. This personal connection that is made with pages like these increases the social media presence and how popular they become. When a business has an upbeat and engaging profile, it typically allows for communication within the business to be much more enjoyable as they have a strong media presence. Personally, I have had a company reply to me about a tweet that I was posted on disappointment in their company. Immediately after that, I felt satisfied with company as they made an effort to reach out and make things better. This kind of presence allows for consumer reliability to a company and its product.

Over the years, the platforms that are considered to be social media have made major rise and falls in the industry. At one point in time, the most prominent application was MySpace in which many of todays society don’t even know about. Many of these phases have allowed platforms to have their fame. The struggle of this is trying to keep their users happy and entertained with what they’re using. In the past few years, it has became a competition to many sites that have been on the rise. With todays media, competitors like Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram have been pushing to make their company the “best”. With these companies pushing to make the top, Snapchat has made significant gain in todays society. Having a profile and showing others what you are up to has been very prominent in recent times. Over the next few years, it will be hard to determine which platforms will stay in the game and which won’t. But overall, there will always be new companies that are trying to make their way in the industry.

Social Media has shaped the way in which we live our lives and in future, it will only continue to grow. As it progresses, it is up to us a society to use it to the best of its ability to help us advance as humans. Using these platforms to grow as an individual and as a company, will help to shape the way in which our society grows for the future. Despite the struggles we may experience as we adapt to these changes, it is crucial to make them the best they can be!

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessedamiani/2018/08/01/facebook-and-instagram-just-introduced-a-time-tracking-feature/#5bb45af7e3c6

 

Posted in Ad & PR

Discovering the Way

Posted on by samasoklis

In the Advertising and Public Relations world, there is so much that one can explore. The field can range from promoting a new product, to communicating with others about the product, to even creating a reason to why a product should be bought by the consumer. Overall, the industry is big and its only growing with the power of the people and technology. Personally – in my future career – I am looking incorporate my social skills to work with companies and create a good image with the public and the people within.

Since I was young, I alway strived as an individual to make the best interaction when communicating with others. This personally trait has truly made a strong impact in my lifetime thus far, knowing that I am confident in the person I am and what I say to others. From this, I have held many responsibilities throughout my educational career to make sure that proper communication and interaction was a strong suit of mine. With this, I decided to pursue my education to study the field.

Over the years, I have watched the industry grow as we advance as humans. It’s very exciting to me to see how fast technology has grown over the last decade to where it is now. Within the P.R. world, you are trying to create this “image” for the public to see. This allows for others to base their opinions on what they’re seeing and what they know about your company. Through recent technological advancements, the P.R. world had evolved for the good and the bad in my opinion. Throughout these advancements, we have entered our society into communicating and voicing their opinions on different social media platforms. This has definitely helped the industry gain confidence from consumers in a way that shows the credibility and reliability. In spite of that, technology is only going to become more advanced as we grow older. The negative image that is created on social media for companies is what technology has hurt the industry the most. When something negative is done or said about a company, the public goes to these sources to create a sense of belief and trust. When this happens, the advertising and P.R. world must work harder to support their company and create an image to reflect what their company stands for.

Although technology has been harder to deal with in the field, it has brought great advancements that companies can take advantage of to promote the positive image that is desired. I’m looking forward to what the future brings of this field, for the rapid change, and for new adaptations to how we do things in our everyday life. I can only imagine what ten years would be like from now, knowing that we have come this far today. By no means are we going to have the “perfect” image with the consumer, but working towards bettering the way in which humans take information from sources is going to be key as we advance technology wise. The future is what we are going to make it in this field, and we must work to discover the ways in how we will create the desired image that is wanted by society and by us!