Selecting a PR Firm: Does Size Really Matter?

A great article in PR Daily came out making the statement that in regard to hiring a PR firm, bigger isn't always better. This is music to our ears as Ant Hill Communications is a full functioning boutique PR firm. We are small and compact because we choose to be. We in turn, cater to companies that have a "start-up" mentality and recognize the importance of reaching the bottom line. This being said, we may be small but we pack a mighty punch and offer a plethora of services. Small size doesn't mean limited scope of services.

In reality, it's not about the size of an agency or firm, it's about its capabilities. In order to find a compatible match, Dorothy Crenshaw, author of this article suggests asking these questions:

1. What's the program's scope?

- This is a great question to ask. Essentially it's a "what can you do for me" question. Honestly, any business bidding for more business will tell the potential client what he or she wants to hear. That's why case studies and references are crucial when selecting a PR firm to represent your brand.

2. Is a range of services needed?

- Many times a potential client will give a firm a laundry list of to-do's to accomplish. Other times, only a few objectives need to be executed in terms of a project or a short campaign. It may not be necessary to search for a firm that operates on a large spectrum if only A, B and C objectives need to be met.

3. Are multiple offices required?

- This is pretty self-explanatory. When a service is needed on a local level, why pay a firm in a big city that will charge a big city retainer and big city hard costs?

Dorothy asks several more thought provoking questions which are sure to be advantageous when making the decision to sign on with a PR firm.

Read the article here.

Socks for America to be on CNN!

Everyone at Ant Hill is super excited today... we have big news!

We have been working really hard on the No nonsense Socks for America campaign all summer, and it is going along wonderfully. Next weekend the campaign will have get mention in a TV spot on CNN!

Two of the students traveling around giving out socks, Amanda and Shelby, were recently interviewed by CNN's Don Lemon.

Be sure to check out the interview when it airs. If you miss it, we'll post the link.

Remember to support the No nonsense Socks for America campaign by:

• Purchasing No nonsense socks! For every specially branded No nonsense three-sock pack purchased, an additional pair of socks will be donated.
• Visit the No nonsense website.
• Become a fan on facebook.

• Fun fact: For every person who "likes" the No nonsense SFA facebook page and clicks the donate button, one extra pair of socks will be donated in their name! 

• Follow the campaign on Twitter @BeNononsense @SocksforAmerica

Here are some pictures from the interview:

On the air 

Amanda getting prepped for the interview

The girls with Don Lemon of CNN

Spreading Sense with Socks

No nonsense is bringing some sense to the U.S. this summer by donating one million pairs of socks to underprivileged children all over the country.

Some little known facts:

• Socks are one of the most requested items among families in need. 
• Not only are they the most requested, but socks are also the least donated item!

So sock lovers, we present to you No nonsense's "Socks for America" tour.

Socks for America will bring attention and relief to people in need by donating just that -- socks. No nonsense plans on donating one million pairs across the U.S.

Kayser-Roth, the company that owns No nonsense, kicked off the campaign on April 11 at its manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and Tennessee. The tour officially began on July 1 when four teams of college students set off across the country to deliver socks and film their experiences.

There are eight students total, each in teams of two. The students were selected from leading film, advertising and design schools across the country. Not only will these students assist in the donation events, but they will also document the trip with films and blog posts that will profile people in our country who are taking steps to a No nonsense world.

The campaign is being run in partnership with K.I.D.S. (Kids in Distressed Situations), a wonderful organization dedicated to helping children in need. For over 25 years, K.I.D.S. has grown as a global charity of leading retailers, manufacturers and licensors of children's and youth products. In partnership with major foundations, K.I.D.S. is committed to helping improve the lives of children and their families who are ill, living in poverty or are victims of natural disasters.

All types of charitable organizations will be included in the campaign, from small homeless shelters to larger programs with the infrastructure to serve thousands.

Here is the Socks for America YouTube video:

If you would like to help, there are tons of ways to get involved:

1. Buy No nonsense socks! For every specially branded No nonsense three-sock pack purchased, an additional pair of socks will be donated.
2. Visit the No nonsense website.
   
3. Become a fan on Facebook.
• Fun fact: For every person who "likes" the No nonsense SFA Facebook page and clicks the donate button, one extra pair of socks will be donated in their name! 
4. Follow the campaign on Twitter @benononsense.

 

The Google+ Buzz is Shaking Our Social Media Foundations

As just about everyone in the digital world of social media knows, Google unveiled their new networking website, Google+, at the end of June. Google has been trying to dominate all internet enterprises for some time now, and this latest attempt seems to be a shot directed straight towards Facebook. 


While the network isn't yet available to everyone (it is still in testing stages), it has certainly caused quite a buzz around the internet. People all over the world are starting to ask questions about the future of social networking. 


Here at Ant Hill Communications, we have done our research and have a few questions/answers of our own.


For PR professionals, Google+ is really up in the air as of now. 


We are already extremely busy keeping up with Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, LinkedIn, and many more online information centers, so why not add another?


According to Adam Singer, a social media practice director for Lewis PR and blogger at TheFutureBuzz.com, we PR professionals need to dive in at first chance. 


"A vital part of being a modern PR professional includes testing, tinkering and experimenting with new communications technologies, and Google+ is no different," Singer said. 


When the gates open up, communications professionals are expected to dive in. 


Facebook has been king for so long that we have become accustomed to the way it works, making us comfortable within its network; however, it can't hurt to explore new networking technologies.


According to Google, their new Google+ network makes it easier for businesses to communicate with consumers as well as other businesses.


All in all, Google+ is a new place to monitor, track, and have a presence in social media -- and while information overload may exist on the web, there are plenty of ways to sort out the clutter.


Ant Hill Communications is proud to be tech-savvy enough to keep up with all of the online chatter!


Read more on PRdaily and at Google.

Sunglasses for the Cool Kids

We are having so much fun working with our client, Babiators. From their cute packaging to aviator-style sunglasses for kids to throwing possible celebrities into the mix, why wouldn’t promoting their brand be exciting?!

Babiators are ‘safe, durable and awesome’.

They protect kids’ eyes from UVA and UVB rays, and they’re also made without BPA, phthalates, lead or other harmful materials—meaning they are nontoxic and super safe! Unlike those hard, plastic sunglasses that you had when you were a kid (or even now), Babiators are made out of durable rubber and can stand up to teething, playground hours and so much more. They are pretty much resistant to anything your kid tries. Did we mention that they are awesome? Check out their aviator design!

Check out their Facebook page, and look for Babiators in a retailer close to you. Your kid will be looking cool too!

The Gang is Going to New York!

Well, I think it is time to brag just a little. We are going to New York! Meetings with Women’s Wear Daily, People Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Allure and Vogue (just to name a few) can only mean one thing – time to go shopping! For the next two weeks, the Ant Hill team will be taking over New York City and we need to dress to impress! So we think that we’re pretty stylish around here; however, meeting with the fashion gurus in New York sparks a little fear in the heart of our wardrobes!

Our New York Mission – successful media tours for Dr. Nabet Skincare and Mythic Paint! Ant Hill will be helping to launch a new skin care line in the United States. On a quest to find the best skincare line that improves the appearance of the skin, American women have historically looked to their European neighbors for the most innovative products. French-made Dr. Jules Nabet Skincare is no exception. A leading doctor in his specialized field of aesthetic medicines practicing in his clinics in Paris and London, Dr. Jules Nabet produces a variety of world-class, high-end skin care products. Now available for the first time ever in the United States this spring, the product categories offered are revitalization, anti-wrinkle and skin smoothing. The buzz around this skin care line is growing and we cannot wait to meet with beauty editor after beauty editor to discuss!


Not only will Ant Hill be on the prowl in New York for Dr. Nabet, but we will be meeting with several home décor magazines and publications to talk about two new lines from Mythic paint – including Elle Décor (aka “I need a new dress ASAP!”)! The new lines – Mythic Black Label and Mythic Pro are revolutionary paint products. Mythic paint, the company that changed the paint industry with its high performance, zero VOC, non-toxic, low-odor paint, is launching its new ground breaking line called Mythic Black Label. Offered in its 1,232-color palette and able to match competitors’ colors, Mythic Black Label is a completely new, ultra-premium product that delivers paint and primer without compromise. The new product contains New Color Capture Technology™ (CCT) to provide cleaner and richer colors with exceptional color retention. Mythic will also launch a new line of products made especially for the painting expert – Mythic Pro. Available in almost any color, Mythic Pro is a non-toxic, ultra-low odor, high quality paint line designed and formulated specifically for painting professionals.

These next two weeks should be a lot of fun – hailing taxies, meeting with New York fashion powerhouses, and looking fabulous! Hopefully, our wallets can handle our shopping necessities! Hey, my new wardrobe is a tax write-off for “work expenses”, right?

PR Professional is the Second Most Stressful Job in Nation

Uh-oh! Looks like job-related stress is on the rise again! Disappearing pay increases, a slow economy, lack of job certainty and extra responsibility all take a toll on your attitude, motivation levels and overall health. A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that 70% of all employees say that work is the main cause of their stress, and nearly half (49%) attribute that stress to worries about job stability.

CareerCast ranks the least and most stressful jobs annually. Considered the nation’s most stressful job of 2011 is Commercial Airline Pilots – battling dangerous weather conditions, dealing with faulty equipment, the loom of possible emergency landings and terrorist threats all add to the enormous amount of stress resting on pilots’ heavy shoulders!

While we don’t fly planes, we here at Ant Hill Communications know a thing or two about the stress felt by the #2 position! That’s right – being a PR Professional is the #2 most stressful job in the nation! CareerCast goes on to describe the difficulties of the world of PR:

“Public Relations Officers are responsible for creating and maintaining a positive image with the public for many companies and government agencies. They typically are responsible for giving presentations and making speeches, often in front of large crowds. This highly-competitive field and tight deadlines keep stress at high-levels for specialists. Some PR officers, also, are required to interact with potentially hostile members of the media.”

While we understand our work environment is stressful, it is enjoyable to work in a fast-pace, ever-evolving industry! The world of PR is never boring nor lackluster. The thrill of finding success for your brands and clients and seeing them grow and expand makes our work worthwhile! We enjoy the pressure of our job and thrive on staying up-to date with media trends and meeting deadlines. Here at Ant Hill, we gladly accept the challenge of having the #2 most stressful job in the nation! Check out the entire list at CareerCast. Now, let’s get to work!

Today I sat down with the President of Ant Hill Communications (oh no! the BOSS!) to talk about the No Nonsense launch! No Nonsense will begin a summer charity campaign called Socks for America – partnering with K.I.D.S. (Kids in Distressed Situations) to donate new socks to children and families in need.

Ant Hill will work with No Nonsense, its marketing company, Garage Branding and its ad agency, Plaid Skirt, on the marketing and communications plan for the hosiery brand’s campaign, Socks for America. Ant Hill will be managing all communications, messaging, event planning, strategies and tactics to correspond with the marketing plan for the campaign.

The staff here at Ant Hill could not be more excited about this great campaign and being able to collaborate with such creative partners! “We are absolutely thrilled to be doing work on the No nonsense account,” said Samantha Lueder, President of Ant Hill Communications. “We love everything No nonsense stands for – all its products are made in the USA and its mission to find ways to eradicate all the ‘nonsense’ in the world. We are scrappy and entrepreneurial-thinking and excited to get the word out about the Socks for America campaign, where No nonsense is helping the public help those in need in America.”

Of course I had to get the inside scoop from No Nonsense as well! And what I found – nothing but kindness! “Ant Hill was chosen for its experience, creativeness and entrepreneurial thinking,” said Andrea Angelo, Director of Marketing for No nonsense. “We are confident that we will be able to reach our target audience with the right call-to-action messaging for Socks for America. We look forward to starting work with Ant Hill, getting the public excited about our campaign and involved, as well as seeing it covered in the media.”

Looks like it is going to be a GREAT summer here in Atlanta (not to mention about 120
degrees with humidity every day – so not so GREAT for my hair)! The summer campaign will consist of student teams filming and documenting the events at several locations across America. No Nonsense has a goal of donating 1 MILLION socks to those in need during 2011-2012. As things start to heat up, Ant Hill is ready to tackle anything!

Ant Hill & Dr. Nabet Skincare

Here at Ant Hill, we have wonderful news to announce! We are now partners with the absolutely fabulous Dr. Jules Nabet and will assist with the product launch of his skincare line in the United States! Available for the first time ever in the United States this spring, the product categories offered are revitalization, anti-wrinkle and skin smoothing. Perfect gift for my mother’s upcoming birthday! Dr. Nabet’s line was created for women who feel that their skin looks tired, needs firming, moisturizing, hydrating and smoothing. So almost everyone, because honestly what woman doesn’t feel this way? My coffee may help with my lack of sleep, but it sure is not giving me flawless skin! The line is also perfect for the woman who wants to fight the visible signs of aging, revitalize her skin or promote a smoother, firmer-looking complexion. Dr. Nabet has received praise from such publications in Europe like Bazaar UK, OK! UK, Look UK, Tatler UK, French Vogue, French Elle and more International high-end fashion and beauty publications. (Needless to say, I am WAY excited for SAMPLES!) On a quest to find the best skincare line that improves the appearance of the skin, American women have historically looked to their European neighbors for the most innovative products. Those Europeans are just so trendy! And French-made Dr. Jules Nabet Skincare is no exception. A leading doctor in his specialized field of aesthetic medicines practicing in his clinics in Paris and London, Dr. Jules Nabet produces a variety of world-class, high-end skin care products. Oh, la la! So fancy! “I am thrilled to be bringing my skincare line to the States,” said Dr. Jules Nabet. “My line has had great success in Europe helping women achieve and maintain the type of complexion they desire. I am excited to finally have the ability to help American women in their quest for great, youthful-looking skin.” We are beyond exciting to be working with such a great skincare line and Dr. Nabet is wonderful! Look to Ant Hill to be on top of all things skin – and especially be on the lookout for our skincare tips for summer!

G&R Paint Company: Paint Going "Green"

Phillip Reno, owner of G&R Paint Co. in San Francisco, is one of Mythic Paint’s retailers. In an interview with PDR, Reno discusses the importance of “Going Green” in the paint industry. The article boasts of G & R Paint Co. offering Mythic’s “line of low-odor, low-VOC coatings that are free of carcinogens, ethylene and crystalline silica.” Reno’s customers are becoming more environmentally friendly and demand high-quality paint that contains zero toxins. Mythic Paint fills this void and Reno is proud to offer the line and other green products.

Reno stated, “When I first started out, I couldn’t give ‘green’ paint away, and now it’s part of every conversation. Contractors, homeowners and everybody else are pretty much interested in the VOC conversation.” Continuously educating himself and employees on environmental paint trends allows Reno to maintain expertise and offer advice to customers. The overall environmental advice Reno offers customers is to frequent independent retailers offering high-quality products, good customer service and expertise. Purchasing from discount stores often leads to the need to repaint and increases your negative impact of the environment.

For more on Mythic Paint visit the website at http://www.mythicpaint.com/ and on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/SafePaint. To read the entire “Branded by Color” article visit http://www.pdra.org/media/pdf/PDR%203-2011%20dealer%20article.pdf.

The Right PR Firm For You

Selecting the right PR firm can often be a difficult and lengthy process, but well worth the time and effort. Cheryl Gale with CommPRO.biz compares the search to shopping. When looking for the perfect dress or new pair of shoes do you head to your local Gap or Banana Republic or head out to the trendy, always fashionable boutique? Of course you choose the boutique. Who wants to be seen in last season’s dress along with countless others sporting the same ensemble? You want to be unique, distinguished, and ahead of the crowd.

When choosing a PR agency for your company, you have several options in size – large, mid-size, or boutique. Cheryl mentions that one size does not fit all and it is important to do your research by making a list of criteria the agency you choose must possess. In Cheryl’s article, she mentions the evolution of PR and gives sample questions to ask agencies.

• Are they experienced with Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin)?
• Does the agency have a company blog?
• Do they provide marketing services in conjunction with traditional PR?
• Do they offer media training?
• Do they understand how to create thought leaders?

With the growing importance of Social Media to PR, it is fundamental for an agency claiming to specialize in social-media strategies to have an online presence. After you have narrowed down your selection, Cheryl offers a few questions to ask senior management:

• How do you bill your clients?
• Will I work with a mixture of senior and junior staff?
• How do you typically report results to your clients?
• How many clients do you provide PR support for?
• Where do you see your company in 5 years?

It is important to do your research to find the firm that best fits your particular needs. Bigger agencies are not always the best option to achieve your company’s future goals. Cheryl states that, “If you prefer one-on-one attention talented, senior level PR executives, then selecting a boutique agency may be the perfect option. You can ensure that your day-to-day contact will be at the mid to senior level, with support from more junior staff. It’s also guaranteed that you’ll have visibility with the agency’s managing partner, as he/she will constantly check in with the team to discuss tactics, goals and results. Typically, boutique agencies provide a healthier balance of staff on each of their accounts too.”

To read Cheryl’s entire article, What the “Bigs” Won’t Admit: “Boutique and Unique” PR Firms are a Sign of the Times, visit CommPRO.biz at http://tinyurl.com/4httveg.

Follow Cheryl on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cagale.

PR Social Media Tools

Ant Hill Communications loves our friends over at oneforty.com. We especially enjoyed an article by Janet called 15 Essential Social Media Tools for PR Agencies. I mean PR is in the title, so of course we read it! Janet knows a thing or two about integrating social media into media outreach strategies. She suggested 15 tools to help you stay on top of your Social Media game! Here is the low down:

•Blogdash: database of bloggers that is actually ORGANIZED in an easy to use interface! This allows you to search bloggers to find those relative to your pitch.

•Argyle Social: This tool can turn social media campaigns into real business goals.

•Muck Rack: Helps you to search Twitter for Journalists.

•BuzzStream: Sort/filter results based on social media influence.

•Hootsuite: Helps multiple people to manage Twitter/Facebook accounts.

•TLists: Reach bloggers on Twitter and journalists with targeted pitches.

•Post Post: Search keywords and phrases that are being mentioned on Twitter.

•Backtype: See what is being said about your client, competitors, and industry in blog comments.

•Topsy: Track mentions of your clients on Twitter.

•Twilerts: Basically Google Alerts for Twitter.

•Nutshell Mail: Daily updates on number of followers, new followers, and Twitter progress.

•HARO: Help A Reporter Out. Identify story opportunities for your clients.

•Pitch Engine: Publish social media press release shareable on Twitter, FB, DIGG, & more.

•MPact: Identify influencers writing about your client, competitors, or industry.

•Award Sync: Search for awards and opportunities.

These wonderful tools can help you stay up to date on social media trends, information about your clients, industry news, and to keep an eye on your competitors! Thanks to Janet at oneforty.com for giving us this essential tool list. Any other recommendations?

Finding The Right Pitch

In this evolving world of Social Media, Bloggers have gained creditability and have become a great source for media coverage. We here at Ant Hill love Heather at prTini and her useful tips! Yesterday, we read a great post regarding tips on how to pitch bloggers and how to improve your techniques.

There were 7 useful tips that we picked up. Here are the 4 “Don’ts” of Pitching to Bloggers.

1.) Bloggers appreciate formality. Using hey, what’s up, and other informal greetings can infer you already have an existing relationship with the blogger. Be sure to add a dash of formality as if you were contacting a potential client for the first time.

2.) We all have goals and aspirations. Usually, in order to attain your future plans, you need the help & advice of others. Mentioning what you’d like to accomplish first and as most important is a BIG don’t in the blogosphere. Mention in your pitch how you can help the blogger reach their goals.

3.) Big tip from Heather was to KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE. A blog about makeup, fashion, and style is most likely not going to feature a guest blog about guns, hunting, and fishing. Make sure your pitch makes sense and fits in with the blog your pitching.

4.) Add some creativity and uniqueness to your pitch. Each blog and blogger is different and therefore your pitch should reflect this variety. Do not send “cookie cutter” pitches.

Then 3 “Do’s” of Pitching to Bloggers were addressed.

1.) Always do a little work and find out the bloggers name. It doesn’t take much to search the blog for typical contact information. Addressing the blogger by name shows you did your homework!

2.) In order to show your credibility to the blogger, put links in the post to your writing samples and where your work has been featured.

3.) Finally add a personal touch. Make sure your pitch is different and not forgettable. Be sure to identify what topic you hope to cover, but be open to suggestions.

These tips were great and a wonderful starting block to learn about pitching bloggers. Be sure to check out prTini for more social media help! Ant Hill is always looking to new ways for unique media coverage and blogs are a great place to start!

Blogging About Blogging

Ansley from Anthill here! Recently, Christy and I went to the PRSA Georgia monthly meeting at Maggiano's Little Italy in Buckhead to get the most up-to-date information on building a better blogger relations program. The seminar discussion was lead by Laura Scholz, an avid blogger and president of Scholz Communications. Laura, who knows a thing or two about blogger relations (okay she know a TON!) spoke to the audience about various topics from the proper method of building a blogger database to the pitfalls and challenges we as PR practitioners share when pitching to bloggers.

Some tidbits I took away with me from the seminar were:

- Blogging offers an opportunity for more dialogue and more immediate feedback than traditional news outlets do.

- Always reveal what you're doing. Disclosure is very important, especially when offering product as an incentive to a blogger.

- Getting to know the blogger first almost guarantees longevity. Although pitching your product or brand is the main objective, it comes secondary to building a relationship.

- When blogging for a client, time management is crucial. Set mini deadlines.

- When doing research, referring to the blog reel on a blog you are interested in can be a jackpot!

I stayed for the lunch to listen to the panel discussion entitled- Out of the Mouths of Bloggers: Learn How to Pitch and Work with Today's Top Bloggers.

The panel of bloggers included:

- Lorraine of Ask Wifey

- Maura Neill of 365 Atlanta

- Erika Ward of Blue Label Bungalow

All had great insight on the blogging atmosphere and how it is becoming as respected as other traditional news outlets.

Until next time!