Create an Opportunity

Last week I traveled to Washington DC for a client - ZiptoGreen. This client has a wonderful new website that helps homeowners become more energy efficient. I've worked with this messaging for about five years and know that it takes something amazing, shocking or newsworthy to cut through the clutter.

ZiptoGreen has assembled a terrific team of marketing pros to create opportunities to grab attention for the company. We are thinking outside the box & bulb when it comes to this client.

While in DC we took the ZiptoGreen Zip Zappers around the city and asked people to sign a pledge to be more energy efficient. Of course our sleek green people with Watts Wands and electric meters around their necks attracted much attention. While in front of the White House a photographer from Roll Call newspaper snapped a few shots which appeared in the newspaper the next day. The newspaper is the official newspaper of Capitol Hill - a target market for ZiptoGreen.

Later that day we launched ZiptoGreen nationally at the National Press Club. The energy and excitement generated by the minds in the room was enough to light a city. Great minds and people all coming together with a common cause - reduce energy consumption.

In DC we created something - started a movement - used our creative energies to launch a company. Check out http://www.ziptogreen.com and create your own energy efficiency plan. Look for more great things to come.

Social Media - It Works Folks

I still hear those social media doubters from time to time complaining that Facebook, Twitter, Linked In etc. are just great time wasters. As a communications professional I've never doubted any tool or tactic that enables you to control your message and distribute it to the masses. I'd like to share my recent social media experience with a client The 57th Fighter Group Restaurant. This restaurant is reopening after approximately three years of being closed. It was a neighborhood favorite and beloved by many through out Atlanta. Rumors about the reopening were flying about, reports on the internet, calls to the local airport (next to the restaurant), people stopping by asking for updates. It was total confusion. About five weeks ago I started a Facebook Fan page for the 57th Fighter Group Restaurant - invited my friends, posted info on the reopening and link on neighborhood and related pages, etc. I've posted an update every 4-5 days on the Fan page. I've posted pics, comments, and even a video I made from the Taste of Chamblee. The restaurant now has more than 500 fans...and it hasn't even opened yet. People are sharing their memories and pictures of the past. Some fans are making special food requests, booking events, and rallying their friends to hit the dance floor the minute the restaurant opens. (Which we all hope is soon.) Last Friday I tweeted that I was headed to the restaurant for a "pre-opening" food tasting. It was retweeted by a few others. The phone at the restaurant started ringing with people wanting to reserve a table. They had seen my posting on Twitter. Hey folks...social media works. Yes, it can be a time waster if you don't have anything of substance to post, tweet or like. Give me a call to find out how social media can be incorporated into your marketing plan.

Thinking outside the box - or power meter

CoreComm PR has a new client with a message that's important but one that people just don't want to hear --- energy efficiency. I've been working with this topic for five years now. I've learned that people really want to know what's in it for them. In this case they can save money - saving energy is the secondary message.

At the Zip to Green (www.ziptogreen.com) launch party last night the crack marketing team comprised of CoreComm PR, Tin Roof Advertising and Design Coup unveiled a team of characters to help keep energy efficiency top of mind --- The Zip Zappers. The idea is that they zap people who aren't using energy wisely and they remind people that energy efficiency is important.

Over the next few weeks we will be polishing up the Zip Zappers before they take to the streets of Washington DC. We have big things planned for our nation's capitol - including a press conference at the National Press Club on Oct. 6.

More info to come.

Still in Love after all these Years

First, I can't believe its been so long since I last blogged. It feels like I just did one last week. Probably with all the Tweeting, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. it just feels like I'm out there all the time. And I guess I am.

I'm in Love. In love with my work after all these years.

A friend commented last week that my Tweets have been really gushing about my work. They have. I still love what I do and I'm eager to get to work each day. I feel like I am one of the luckiest people in the world. I know I'm in the right job.

Part of what makes me so excited each day are my clients. They provide me an opportunity to learn new things, meet new people and constantly use my mind. They challenge me and I love it.

This week I've written a strategic plan, written & distributed press releases, delivererd some pretty creative press kits (see attachment), created and actually put in place some new media ops .... and much more.

If you want to keep up with my craziness follow me on Twitter at BethhawksPR. Talk with ya soon.

It all comes together

Nothing is better than seeing all of your hard work come together.

Today CoreComm PR launched a new website, look and branding for Storm Water Systems. For the past 9 months we have been working closely with SWS executives to develop key messages, logo, look, feel, press materials, collateral materials, and much more. It is just the best feeling to see it out there for the world to see. It doesn't hurt that the client is happy as well.

Be sure to visit www.stormwatersystems.com to see our work
.

They also have wonderful products that can actually help save the world.

The only thing better than seeing your work live....having the work actually make a difference in the world.

Open Doors

All the hoopla these past few days with the inauguration and alike has been a reaffirmation for me that doors are open everywhere you look. I know I'm an optimistic by nature. If I wasn't, I couldn't be in PR.

These open doors aren't just on television or happening to someone else. Opportunities are out there. I have clients whose business is taking off. They happen to have a great idea at the right time.

We'll soon launch the new brand identity for an environmental client. We all feel that this new look, feel and language will propel them forward. There is no looking backward.

These are the types of people who I love to surround myself with everyday. Positive attitudes. Action oriented. Risk takers. People who see open doors everywhere they go.

With this in mind I recently updated the CoreComm PR website. Take a look at our new information - especially the Our Work page that features some of our recent work samples. More will be coming soon. www.corecommpr.com

I'll let you know when the client launches their brand. Keep looking for the open doors. They are there.