State of Disruption

Connecting the dots between Public Relations, Marketing, Media, and Technology

[kwilsonpr]

Image via Mediabistro

Social TV is no doubt changing viewer habits so how do networks use this change in consumption to their benefit? How can they maximize viewership and revenue?  It's the multi-million dollar question (literally).

We'll discuss this in my next post.  Stay tuned...

[kwilsonpr]

NYT

The city is strutting with confidence, moving beyond its Civil War legacy and emerging as a new player on the Southern art and culinary scene.

I came across this piece on Travel | The New York Times by way of Buzzfeed. By all means it's weak, especially when you consider everything Richmond, Virginia has to offer culturally and historically. It comes across as a writer who's disgruntled his peers are visiting exotic sites such as the tropical Caribbean and scenic Dubai while he's "stuck" writing a piece on a mid-size city between the visually captivating Washington D.C. and dynamic Atlanta to appease the prestigious publication. Going through the motions, visiting a few key places he researched online or asked a local or two in passing. Finding the balance between incorporating his pessimism and enticing New Yorkers to give it a shot. Since 2009, Richmond has evolved into something grander and diverse. The city is more mainstream thanks to the popularity of the VCU Rams, tapings for shows such as MAN VS. FOOD and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and providing the backdrop for the Academy Award winning film, "Lincoln." It's given an opportunity for those who want a career at one of the city's ten Fortune 1000 companies or become a self-made entrepreneur, starting their own business such as Ledbury or Crossroads Coffee. And if they can't find more than two independent restaurants worth a mention (I mean, how many amazing new spots have opened in the past two years alone?) maybe they just lack the adventure and an adequate palate in their self-aggrandizing mind. I mean, c'mon! Richmond is "fried okra country?" Really? Maybe you haven't encountered our abundance of health conscious vegetarians and vegans who've brought fresh, local foods into our stores, restaurants, and markets. I challenge the The New York Times to bring a writer who's willing to get a feel for the heart of the city instead of allowing their predisposition to litter their piece. Spend 48 hours here and hang with the locals, learn the history, and dive into the culture. And yes, we're more of a large town than a small city. Everyone knows one another (and if they don't, they know them through someone else). Think of us as that hole-in-the-wall bar that many tend to pass but is a gem in the rough. Where wealthy conservative white politicians/businessmen and liberal multicultural college students intertwine and find a strange common ground that can only be understood over a beer and experience.

[kwilsonpr]

"Citizenville": Prequel to the Full Analysis

Image via "Citizenville" Facebook Page

I typically skip the forewards and introductions, but California  Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, author of "Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government," intrigued me with his first sentence - "This book started with a question."

Newsom spends the next few pages asking why the world is superengaged on social media platforms, communicating with family and friends and sharing infinite amounts of information while the government has, in many ways, pulled away from its own citizens.  It has become a system diminished by corrupt political and corporate agendas, often to pursue a hidden financial incentive or power play.  How do we make government accessible to the people again? How do we give America back to its citizens?

Newsom posed an interesting scenario:

We could combine the fun of a game with the social good of solving real problems.  Here's one way it could work: Let's say you live in a neighborhood of 20 blocks.  If four people there want to play the game - let's call it Citizenville - you can divide the neighborhood into four areas delineated by an interactive map on the Citizenville Web site...

While an innovative and possibly effective idea in theory, I can't help but ponder the reality: the budgeting concerns, long-term interest, and class equity.  Of course this a specific idea to discuss a broader concept - enhancing engagement between government and the people - but how do we maintain this initiative so it's effective? It's apparent that the system is breaking, but in order to incorporate technology we need to make the devices and software accessible and inclusive for all citizens.

Fortunately in America, computers and smartphones are becoming commodities (tablets are getting there) helping bring price points down giving the average American access to these products.  We must also evaluate HOW Americans use technology, breaking down the uses of mobile communication and understanding its impact (short-term and long-term) across various demographics.  Pew Research Center's most recent data** shows as of:

April 2012: 67 percent own a laptop computer. 58 percent own a desktop computer

December 2012: 87 percent own cellphones

January 2013: 13 percent own a tablet computer

Nielsen also gives insight into smartphone users, detailing how many of the world's developed countries use these devices.

And while these figures are steadily rising, there's still a percentage of the people who lack the resources to make a technical, all-inclusive government possible.  It should incorporate all constituents, not just those who can afford the technology.

How do we include communities who meet or live below the poverty line? The people of who work two or three jobs and can barely afford their rent, nonetheless the Internet or a device to utilize it.  The reality is such an initiative would still be bias against certain communities.  Would the government intervene and provide additional resources to either promote participation or monitor "sectors?" Let's be realistic - probably not.  It also strikes a political nerve when discussing big versus little government.

I'm not knocking Lt. Gov. Newsom's concept.  In fact, I totally support this idea but with the realization there are any holes would need to be "layers" for this sort of policy and engagement.

Of course all of this is an pre-analysis of a book I haven't quite dived in to.  I'm anticipating many of my questions and concerns will be answered once I read the full text although I anticipate I'll have many

**Data reflects adults 18 and over

[styleeightyseven]

Donna Karan's Aliza Licht Speaks at TEDx Times Square

[kwilsonpr]

Originally posted on WWD.com

By: Marc Karimzadeh

From: WWD Issue 04/11/2013

THE REAL GIRL: Getting a celebrity to wear a designer’s gown on the red carpet can take quite some p.r. maneuvering. As far as Aliza Licht, Donna Karan International’s senior vice president of global communications and popular DKNYPRGIRL, is concerned, it “should be a competitive sport.” Speaking at TEDx Times Square, an independently-organized TED event at The New York Times building Wednesday, Licht recalled a big red-carpet affair when a celebrity, slated to wear Donna Karan, decided against the dress at the last minute. And so, rather than sulk or be upset, DKNYPRGIRL decided to tweet the picture of the dress that wasn’t worn from the comfort of her own home. “I usually have a little red-carpet party,” she said. “My outfit is the chicest pair of pajamas you’ve seen because I host it on Twitter from my couch.” The tweet got 2,264 views in just a few minutes, and many supportive comments about how the celebrity should have stuck to her original choice. Licht also touched on her seemingly disparate personas — the Upper East Side mom of two and the tweeting downtown DKNYPRGIRL — and how she eventually stepped out from under the veil with a video documenting her work as the high-flying p.r. executive during fashion week. People who were familiar with the tone of DKNYPRGIRL’s tweets immediately related it to the real thing. “It didn’t matter,” Licht recalled.

[soxiam]

When advertising agencies tell you they want something (higher quality content, long-form content, specific demographics, lean-back content, stuff that looks like tv) it’s not our job to attempt to deliver those things. In a world where the user really does get to choose, the content created to satisfy the needs and wants of viewers (not advertisers) will always reign supreme (thankfully.)

Lessons Learned from YouTube’s $300M Hole (via soxiam)

[kwilsonpr]

Life, Rejection, & Growth.

I came upon an article written by high school senior, Marc Rinosa, on The Huffington Post describing why he framed his NYU rejection letter.  He detailed the emotional journey through the initial numbness followed by a harsh reality and lastly, acceptance.

I think it took me approximately 59 and a half minutes to truly realize the gravity of the situation. ... I tried to direct the blame to the admissions team that supposedly "regretted" their decision. Then I tried to blame my counselor, whom I devised a scenario for whereby she forgot to send everything, which of course did not happen. Ultimately I directed the blame to myself, telling myself I wasn't good enough, that I could've done better, that I should've studied harder for the SATs, or that the reason why they rejected me was because I just didn't want it as much as the others. ... I began to compare myself to how everybody else was doing, how I wasn't like the valedictorian, going to Harvard, or my friend, who got a full ride to her first-choice college. I threw a pity party attended by nobody but myself and ate a generous slice of humble pie, because I knew that this was just the first of the many major rejections I will face in life.

Winter 2011 I applied to 4 graduate programs:

Syracuse University (S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications / Whitman's School of Management): New Media Management

New York University (Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development): Media, Culture, and Communications

Boston University (College of Communication): Media Ventures

Pace University (Dyson College of Arts & Sciences): Media & Communication Arts

I wanted to learn something past the fundamentals of public relations and tap into the cultural and business shift of media.  Engage in deeper discussions about now AND the future and become a strong player in my field to become a more effective communicator and marketer.

I can relate to Marc as I was also rejected from NYU and went through the same motions.  That letter followed with a rejection from Boston University.  I suppose the blow wasn't as difficult considering I knew I was leaving Richmond for graduate school regardless and at that point, had yet to hear from my first choice.  I was accepted into my safety school, Pace...but attending my "safety" school wasn't sufficient.  I was gunning for Syracuse.  Renowned as an elite communications institution, Syracuse is usually ranked in the top three along with (in no particular order) Columbia and Northwestern.  I wanted to learn, challenge myself, and earn a degree which, to my understanding at the time, would be the key to any entry-level communications job I wanted.  If not my intelligence, then surely the notably vast 'Cuse alumni connection will get me far, right**?

Syracuse was the last to arrive.  I heard a "murmur" I was accepted, but refused to evoke excitement until I had definitive proof.  Every day for two months I rushed to the mailbox between 12 and 2 p.m. the minute the postal worker closed my mailbox.  Finally on a March afternoon I receive an textured ivory envelope. Accepted.

That year I learned probably 1/3 (I wouldn't be surprised if it's 2/3) of my graduating class had some sort of contact that bumped their application to the "preferred list." In my case, I had a contact who essentially got me in with one phone call.  That's when I learned acceptance to graduate school isn't all hard work and even in an esteemed educational setting, politics come into play.  Donors, legacies, relatives, friends, connections...right or wrong, it's the way of education, government, and corporations.  The latter I'm currently struggling to push through in a tough economy where hundreds of individuals are fighting for one position, albeit slightly worse in my field considering the glamorization of communications over the past 20 years and its rapid transition.  Many times it's not how qualified you are but who you know or other political factors that may entice a final decision.

Even through rejection, you also encounter people who buzz in your ear (more often than not, those who aren't well acquainted with you or with an ulterior motive), whispering false and/or negative assumptions and feedback, such as the former classmate who told me it would be close to impossible to be accepted into graduate school because I'd be competing with "kids who interned at NASA and overseas." (I obviously crushed this theory).  Or the irony of a PR pro with a Ph.D. who told me not to pursue a higher degree because it's "useless" for my career trajectory and I don't "need it" and borderline "irresponsible." Or the VP who told me to aim lower not because he felt I wasn't capable, but because corporate America isn't accepting of people who look like me: an African-American female.  Not to mention those who feel I'm not strong enough for certain roles lacking the understanding that I'm a chameleon who's already championed the liberal non-profit arena and the stuffy corporate office who easily understands when to channel my endearing, comedic traits and my ability to become a tough (at times, intimidating) leader to accomplish a task.  My father summed me up the best: "Your method is much like a panther.  You're quiet, listen to every word, witness every gesture and when the timing is right, you pounce."

So really, how does one define success? What specific milestones must one attain to acquire it? Marc continues with an interesting observation:

I compare myself to others in order to define how successful I am. This is perhaps my most negatively defining characteristic of myself, particularly because I am extremely adept at comparing myself to others in order to gauge how successful I am in the present moment.

I've realized through a single rejection letter that as a teenager, we are pushed and pushed and pushed to almost fit into a mold of success. No longer are we only concerned with crafting a successful social image; we are also concerned with an image of personal success in the eyes of others.

For me, success isn't measured by a 4.0 GPA but being awarded the 2011 Black History in the Making Award at my undergrad, which my professors VOTED for me to win.  Or having the confidence to be one of three students (out of a class of 20) to speak with the president of one of the largest international media corporations.  Or to beat 20,000 applicants to become one of 8 people sitting in front of five executives interviewing for a position at top media company.  Maybe the final outcome wasn't always preferable, but I've come a long way...much longer than most my age.  Just because I'm still finding the right job and it's taken longer than anticipated, don't count me out yet.  I still have many goals to achieve and people to prove wrong.  Skepticism makes me stronger.

As I continue my journey trying to find an open door, I find myself struggling with the same insecurities and fears.  The preparation, the anticipation of a response, and learning to cope with rejection after eight months of rigorous applications and interviews. It's an emotional experience no one can understand unless they've personally experienced it, especially when you've worked your ass off for years to be better, stronger, and smarter than your competition only to find even the most unmotivated, snarky, and sometimes least talented have somehow found a way inside.

And honestly, it can be a number of things: maybe I didn't perform as well in the interview as I could've, maybe I came across arrogant, maybe I don't have enough experience, maybe I have too much experience, maybe it's the color of my skin, maybe it's my gender, maybe it's my age, maybe it's an underperforming job market, maybe someone had a direct connection, maybe the company's business plan or financial situation has changed.  Hell, maybe they just didn't like me. ...maybe, maybe, maybe.

I'm still learning not to dwell. I'm staying persistent, staying confident, and optimistic, striving to be better each and every day.  Always gaining and always growing and searching for the right opportunity.  I've failed plenty of times before before and continued to find the right path.  Sometimes the alternate and longer road is better for a brighter future (just ask Mark Cuban).

In the end, I'll get there. I have faith, the intelligence, and the tenacity.  And although we have never met, Marc, I believe in you too.

**I came across a gentleman in at NBC in New York with a Syracuse hat. I smiled at him and cheered "Syracusssee!" in a moderate tone.  He glared at me, grunted, and walked the other direction.  So much for that alumni unity.

[kwilsonpr]

Appearance on "Nightly News"

On January 31, I was contacted by the crew of NBC's "Nightly News with Brian Williams" to participate in a segment titled "Mixed Signals" discussing slow job growth despite a growing economy in America.  The show's research team came across an article which I interviewed for the Richmond Times-Dispatch earlier in the month and felt my insight and experience would add the piece.

Note: What didn't air was my discussion how entry-level jobs now require 1 to 3 years of experience for new graduates, a hurdle as many have not left with experience past part-time internships.  After all, what is entry-level for?

Segment Corrections:

I graduated with my Master's degree in New Media Management from Syracuse University NOT Public Relations which I obtained during my undergraduate career at Virginia Commonwealth University.

I finished my Master's program in June, not May.  I've also been applying since February, prior to graduation (which I stated pre-interview)

The transcript misspells my name as "Kory." The correct spelling is "Koury."

[usatoday]

[kwilsonpr]

Survey conducted by USA Today.

[kwilsonpr]

2013 Kia Optima Blake Time Travels - 1997 Football

Kia Motor's brilliant new ad campaign featuring L.A. Clipper Blake Griffin who is affable (...and easy on the eyes). I love the small details especially the addition of top music of those years.  It's a smart move to combine nostalgia and humor to evoke an emotional response to the ad itself and Kia's product. LOVE!

Also part of the Kia Optima time travel campaign, check out "1995 Free Throws" and "1999 Arcade."

[kwilsonpr]

I had the wonderful privilege of guest lecturing a couple of undergraduate PR Production courses at my alma mater, Virginia Commonwealth University.

I spoke with them about developing their personal brand and the power of SEO (much like my previous blog post) and controlling their content.  We also discussed the reality of the job market for new grads and touched on some numbers between 2008 and 2012 so they can fully understand what's going in the country and tips to help improve their job prospects.

Hope to do this again soon! Very bright and intuitive students.  VCU doesn't receive enough credit for its programs.

[kwilsonpr]

Personal Branding 101

A few months ago, I promised to post an entry on the relationship between fashion PR and social media but in lieu of the launch of my portfolio website and revitalization of my social media, the topic of personal branding seemed appropriate. (Don't worry, fall/winter fashion week will be here relatively soon.  Stay tuned!)

So what exactly IS branding and how does it apply to you?

"It is the emotional and psychological relationship you have with your customers. Strong brands elicit opinions, emotions, and sometimes physiological responses from customers." - Jay Ehret, The Marketing Blog

"In one sense, perhaps the most important sense, a brand is a promise. Think of some top brands and you immediately know what they promise." - Lois Geller, Forbes

"Branding is not about getting your target market to choose you over the competition, but it is about getting your prospects to see you as the only one that provides a solution to their problem." - Laura Lake, About.com

"It’s the personification of a company. If a company were a person, it’s the personality and habits of that person." - Ryan Kulp, Under30CEO

Every PR pro understands image is VERY important.  In fact, it's vital and it's our job to manage it.  If the public doesn't favor or understand your brand, the odds of success are slim.  Of course there are those brands "people love to hate" with a strong niche that keeps them going (Sup, Herman Cain!), but more than likely you need to either develop a new marketing strategy or move on.

Step 1: Attire As a PR specialist, it's understood this doesn't only pertain to products and services, but ourselves.  This is why when you meet one of us, we're at our best: sharply dressed, clean face, white teeth, slicked back hair, and a dash of cologne or perfume.  We understand the image we portray is how our client perceives us, despite our qualifications.

Think about it - If you're looking for a representative for your company or consultant, who are you most likely to trust with your brand?:

Step 2: Physical Materials When I speak with classes, I always conduct a survey of what physical materials students are using to promote themselves.  The three things I encourage every young professional to have handy at interviews and networking functions are:

A Resume

A hard copy of a portfolio

Business cards

If people are genuinely interested in your skills, they'll want to review your experience soon, sometimes immediately, after you make your pitch (We'll get to pitches later).  It's a matter of putting your best foot forward. Also, having these handy increases your level of professionalism tenfold. Because many students and new graduates don't always have these items available, particularly business cards, it makes you stand out and shows you're thoughtful and aware.

P.S. Keep extra business cards in a wallet or business card holder.

Step 3: Managing Your Online Presence Moving your professional image online is an easy and necessary task, but may prove daunting for those with skeletons laying among forgotten Geocities pages and the dusty cosmos of search engines.

For those of us who matured alongside the Internet, many didn't take into account how our actions may affect our future in the business (Remember MySpace, anyone?). So how do you move past this and create a credible and immaculate image online?

Google yourself: Not only web results, but check photos and news.  What content emerges? Is it photo of you at that awesome party where you're near collapse, chugging a can of Miller? Is it someone with the same name who committed seven felonies? Or maybe nothing comes up at all. Note: ALL OF THIS IS BAD! First tip: Delete. Delete. Delete. Nothing truly leaves the Internet, but if you have access to that old account featuring your questionable activity, do your best making as least visible as possible.  Also, to enhance control of SEO, I suggest BrandYourself, developed after the founder discovered stories featuring a criminal with the same name were hurting his job prospects. It's free and will help raise favorable content higher in search engines.

Design: Some argue content conquers all and if a site has great content, it'll find success.  And while I agree, I do believe content is only 60 percent of the battle.  People visit a website for an experience as well as content, and there are many factors that contribute to this: ease of use, color scheme, layout, aesthetics. Providing great content is the basic function of a website, but you want your audience to enjoy the experience.  I also encourage people to create a website that reflects themselves as design can portray personality (i.e. Bright color scheme: Vivacious personality).

Producing Content: There are two categories A. Consistent Content That Isn't Annoying - This speaks for itself.  Regularly manage and update your pages, but don't overdo it.  Don't neglect your Twitter page and update once a month, but don't overwhelm followers with updates once every 15 minutes. Different platforms may encourage different timelines (Blogs tend to be updated less frequently), but the same general guidelines still apply. B. Provide valuable content. When I tweet, I have several goals: One is to provide information relating to my expertise; you'll see an abundance of information relating to public relations, social media, entrepreneurship, marketing, etc. And unless it's a news source, I'm not a fan of those who only push information and lack conversation.  In my opinion, it's a form of neglect on this platform and rides against it's initial intention: social engagement. Every social platform has its own culture, but at the end of the day they all want you to produce content AND engage.

The three basic websites I suggest you begin are: Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. And while it's work, I HIGHLY suggest building your own portfolio website which is made easier by tools such as Wix, Wordpress, and Weebly. Lastly, it doesn't hurt to use these resources as well: About.me and Flavors.me.

Step 4: Perfecting Your Pitch A pitch doesn't begin when you sell your skills, it begins the minute you initiate conversation.

You're at a conference and Mike Perlis, President/CEO of Forbes Media is standing in front of you. What do you do? Engage!  Ask questions about his position, find common interests, and lead the conversation toward your profession.

I know this strategy is effective because it's what I did. The result? He put me in contact with Forbes Media HR and I interviewed two weeks later. Granted, it turned out they didn't have any junior-level PR/marketing positions, but I still appreciate the effort Mr. Perlis put forth.  Not many people have that opportunity and despite the result, I still remain thankful to this day.

As you're speaking and lead into your career, be ready to discuss your experience (which also ties in with Step 2). And if you're attending an event, always learn who will be present ahead of time.  If there's a particular individual you're interested in connecting, learn about their company and position beforehand. Investigate current and prior campaigns and initiatives and show passion about your career path and the company.  I promise, a little initiative will take you far.

Have any more tips? Tweet me @KWilsonPR

[kwilsonpr]

Images courtesy of Solar Feeds and Twitter.com

The election has ended, yet people are still discussing how social media has changed how the dynamic of politics.  Candidates are tweeting and "Instagram"ing while constituents passionately react and discuss among one another.  Hell, even I've been to a rally live-tweeting and sharing photos and quotes to contribute to the overall conversation.

Political campaigns incorporate nationwide tours, television debates, advertisements, and radio interviews and now social media.  Today, it's mandatory that a campaign manager train their candidate to interact with the public in-person, as well as online.  It's pertinent when maximizing visibility but also addressing millennials, the newest crop of voters, many of whom don't regularly utilize forms of traditional media such as print and radio.  It's a great opportunity to use a new platform to educate this group on a candidate's stance, not to mention have a two-way conversation any time and anywhere.

President Obama's 2008 campaign revolutionized the way politicians connect with an audience.  And whether you agree with his method or not, he didn't simply run as "Barack Obama" but created the "Obama" brand tying his vision of "hope," "change," and in 2012, the idea of moving "forward" into messaging. While clear, concise, and memorable, I imagine his team's purpose of moving from a traditional slogan to one-word is simple: SEO.

Businessweek recently published an eye-opening article "The Science Behind Those Obama Campaign E-mails" discussing the campaign's widely critiqued blast of political and donor e-mails and its headlines (Spoiler alert: It was a test).  Researchers evaluated what messages are most likely to be opened and elicit a response, though I still question it's true effectiveness when compared with other methods of communication, such as televised debates and other online content.

Others such as Newark, N.J. Mayor (and renowned superhero) Cory Booker, deemed by Politico as the "first Twitter politician," are personally using social media (opposed to communications teams and PR firms) to have a frequent and direct conversations with constituents about matters aside from policy. I'm in full support of this, as long as they understand how to conduct themselves in a truthful and positive manner, as it's effective when humanizing government officials.

So what's will be the future of politics as social media and technology continue to become more sophisticated? Will politicians regularly incorporate online discussions and content, such as President Obama's Reddit AMA, into their campaigns? Okay, those are rhetorical questions but if you really have to ask...

BONUS - For good measure:

[mcuban]

There is no such thing as a bad job for a new college graduate. You have gone from paying to learn to getting paid to learn. The lessons i have learned from my worst bosses have made me as much money as the lessons I have learned from my best bosses

(via mcuban)

[kwilsonpr]

Like I always say, I love me a great advertisement which is why I NEED to share this. It's relatable (seriously, who hates pizza?), catchy, and hilarious.

THIS WINS ALL THE AWARDS. "I need some pizza...pizza...pizza...pizza..."

[kwilsonpr]

Crashing "Weekend Today"

For those who aren't aware, I conjured a PR stunt and took full advantage that Lester Holt, anchor for NBC's "Weekend Today," was on location at the University of Richmond.  What began as a joke between a friend and I quickly developed into an effort to market myself on a nationally broadcasted television show.

The plan was simple: Design an interesting sign and work my way on camera. The goal: Have an employer view my website and land an interview & job.

For those who aren't aware, I recently graduated with my Master's degree from Syracuse University's Newhouse School in new media management.  It was an educational move to supplement my public relations focus and understand how social media and new technology are changing businesses and devising business models to adapt to the change in global communications, not to mention help me become more competitive in the market.

Unfortunately I've yet to find employment.  It's a tough market and with more college students studying to become publicists and communications managers (not to mention companies looking for more advanced experience that graduates, like myself, have yet to acquire) it's been difficult.

For anyone who's been in my situation, the biggest challenge is differentiating yourself from the competition.  What skills can you offer a company that will be beneficial long-term and maximize their efforts (and revenue) that's different from everyone else? You're essentially developing a pitch, tailoring it to each organization, and selling yourself until someone makes an offer.

As far as the Today Show scheme, I always believe humor is the best way to go in these scenarios.  Everyone loves a great laugh!  I also believe using something recognizable helps strengthen the connection the audience has with a brand (in this case, myself) so I went the Carly Rae Jepsen route:

I managed to work my way behind Lester (with the help of a woman and her son who adored my sign), and had a couple minutes on-air.

The results weren't extravagant, but if you take in consideration the amount of viewers of Weekend Today (versus Today), the limited time I was on air, and the amount of viewers willing to visit the website, the effort wasn't too shabby.

(via Google Analytics)

I also had a few friends contact me and received an awesome tweet from a kind stranger who witnessed my effort live:

I'm also waiting to see if a photo of Lester Holt signing my poster will make it into the next issue of Richmond magazine.

So in the end, while I didn't attain my desired goal, I still managed to get a little free publicity and gave the world a small piece of what I have to offer in this field.  Because it's not simply designing a sign, it's the strategy behind it.  It's understanding how to execute a plan and following-up. It's the thought process and how well it relates to the audience.  So I'm giving myself a pat on the back and humbly returning to meticulously sorting through job listings and applications.

It was decent effort.

[nycgov]

Last night, Mayor Bloomberg invited the New York tech and startup community to Gracie Mansion in celebration of NYC’s thriving technology industry.  

Mayor Bloomberg:

Speaking as someone who started his own tech company before they even invented the term “tech company,” let me say: I’m your biggest fan.  

Between 2007 and 2010, the number of people working at New York City digital media companies grew by 74%. Furthermore, New York City was the only region in the nation to have an increase in venture capital funding to tech companies from 2007 to 2011. And today, the New York City metro area is number one for job growth in the mobile app industry. 

Over the course of the evening, hundreds of technology entrepreneurs, creators, thinkers and leaders filled Gracie Mansion and discussed the growing tech scene in NYC with the Mayor. Scroll through the Storify to see tweets from guests last night. 

The City would like to thank local partners Songza, Instaprint (Breakfast NY), DJs Andrew/Andrew, MakerBot, Warby Parker and Paperless Post. 

[1980plus7-old]

[kwilsonpr]

via Wikipedia

Sarnoff’s law

The value of a broadcast network is directly proportional to the number of viewers.

For example, a network with 100 members is 10 times as valuable as a network with 10 members.