So, this is it? Hello, real world!

I can't believe my time in the Mass Communication department is coming to an end. I can't believe I was blessed to be part of a winning chapter in a national competition for PRSSA. (See winning teams above) I'm blessed on multiple levels...

There's a lot on my mind, and there's so much I want to say, but I think a Top 10 things I learned is the best way to express what I'm feeling...

1. Never underestimate the power of networking. As we learned the last two years in the Mass Communication department there is nothing better than a strong professional relationship that can serve you well in future years to come.

2. Learn the power of AP style and use those skills in all your writings whether it be in the form of a flyer or a press release submitted to the media.

3. Treat your internship like it's the job you've always wanted and stay positive throughout your time there. You're bound to learn something new if you dive in head first.

4. Don't sweat the small stuff. There's going to be a time when you make a mistake. Fix it and move on. Don't dwell on the little things you cannot change.

5. Don't stay a benchwarmer for long. It's okay to watch from the crowd from time to time, but don't get stuck there. You'll never succeed if you don't go out and try it for yourself. (See number 4)

6. Learn when enough is enough. Sometimes you may have more than you can handle at a given moment. Don't be afraid to tell someone you cannot help them. It's OK!

7. Take a photography course if you can. If there's one thing I found out during my internship it was the awesome power of new skills. Take the photography course, it's a skill that will come in handy, mark my words!

8. If you've got an idea, share it! Don't be afraid if people don't understand it immediately. Take the time to explain it, and wait to see what your colleagues think. If they reject it, think of something new and move on. (See number 5)

9. Make the most of every situation. Sometimes you're going to be unhappy and you're going to work with people you don't like, and that's OK! You can be the person who gets the job done and does it with a smile on their face. It's better to be professional throughout than be a cry baby.

10. Finally, always do your best to work cohesively with your PR teammates. Thankfully, this always worked well in my PR group. I couldn't have asked for a better time these past few semesters.

I wrote a similar piece in my last opinion column for The Colonnade. Take a look here.

Oh, and one final thing: To my PR class, I am truly thankful for your friendship and the skills you have taught me. I will miss you all, but I know this is not goodbye but merely so long. So long is not goodbye as it's not infinite.

To Ging, all the LASC in the world, and thanks again for all your advising, patience, and generous support you've given us all. I truly believe with the skills you have taught us, we will all leave this school and take the PR world by storm!

LASC,

Tyler G. Bryant

Green Apple - A CSR Study

CSR Analysis:

Apple Inc.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a form of corporate
self-regulation integrated into a business model. The most beneficial CSR policies function as a built-in, self-regulating mechanism whereby business would monitor and ensure its compliance to law, ethics for the influence of environment, consumers, the employees, stakeholders, and communities. CSR is a purposeful inclusion of public interest into the corporation’s decision making, and honors a triple bottom line: people, planet and profit.

One such company following a CSR regulation is Apple Inc., one of Fortune 500’s top companies. The company was founded in Cupertino, California on April 1, 1976 and incorporated Jan. 3, 1977. The company was founded under Steve Jobs, who currently serves as the company’s CEO. For the company’s first 30 years it was known as Apple Computer, Inc., but in 2007 the “Computer” was dropped to reflect the company’s focus on personal computers. Currently Apple has about 35,000 employees worldwide and its annual sales in U.S. dollars are roughly $32.48 billion, based on 2008 figures.

Apple prides itself on its aesthetic design and distinctive advertising campaigns. The company is known for its strong consumer relations and its fan base is unlike any other, based on customer reviews and analysis. “Fortune” magazine named Apple the most admired company in the United States in 2008 and in the world in 2009.

On the subject of CSR, Apple requires suppliers to adhere to a Supplier Code of Conduct. This insists they provide safe working conditions for their employees, treat others respectfully and fairly, and use environmentally responsible manufacturing processes. The company monitors through factory audits corrective action plans, and verification measures.

Recently, however, Apple has found itself under severe criticism for its CSR implementation, and has begun an extensive experiment in improving its environmental impact on the world.

In 2007, Apple launched a new line of green products in attempt to quash shareholder requests for more corporate social responsibility. Currently Apple has a strong shareholder, with a “green” name. Al Gore, who serves as a board of director for Apple Inc. and recommended the shareholders vote against a resolution to define “sustainability” and would include a company-wide review of policies in the green initiative.

Apple’s criticism came from Greenpeace over its failure to publish information on its policies regarding the use of toxic chemicals in its products. Steve Jobs issued an apology and planned for new targets designed to phase out the use of the hazardous materials/chemicals.

This followed with the launching of the new 17” MacBook Pro laptop claiming to be “the world’s greenest family of notebooks.” The laptop is made of highly recyclable aluminum and is mercury and arsenic free. It also includes a non-removable lithium polymer battery. The claim says that the average user should get 1,000 recharge cycles before it needs replacing, three times the cycle of average batteries.

The decision to integrate the new battery technology into the laptop may attract some criticism from green groups, which have previously criticized the absence of a non-removable battery in the Apple iPhone.

The following is an evaluation of Apple’s green initiative through a SWOT analysis.

The S (Strengths) of the company’s initiative is pretty significant. Due to the threat of possible man-made global warming theories, this works well in the company’s favor. Should the theories be true, the company can pride itself in taking steps to improve both the Ozone and the environmental changes in climate. The inclusion of a lithium polymer battery that cannot be removed by the user is another added bonus for the strengths in their new green campaign. By the time the battery is dead, most users will be ready to purchase a new computer, anyway.

The W (Weaknesses) of the company’s initiative are quite slim, thankfully. However there are necessary steps to ensure the proper implementation. For example, Apple has the concern about adding a non-removable battery to its iPhone lineup and adding stronger and longer lasting polymer batteries, like used in the MacBook pro line.

The O (Opportunities) available to Apple is vast. The company now can attract a new audience and keep the old one as well. Whether or not the user believes in green initiatives, no one can argue the value in a longer lasting battery. A longer lasting battery means more use of the computer and more positive reviews from the consumer. The inclusion of the longer lasting battery may also attract new users because of its longer life.

The (T) Threats to Apple include the worry of the company wasting millions of dollars for a theory that has yet to be proven. The company may look back and wonder if the including of battery batteries and recycled material was a good idea should the theory be proven false one day.

The ROI, or the Return on Investment for Apple is significantly strongly in its favor, especially with the release of the iPhone and iPod family. The chart at the top of the page is a showcases the reasons consumers buy an iPod. Based on this data it is safe to assume Apple’s CSR is working to its benefit as the customers have remained happy for nearly 35 years.

Something to be proud of!

The Bobcat PRSSA Team, "Ladies Lawn Night" and "What's your Scandal?" took first and second place honors in the National CW Campaign. Team members in "Ladies Lawn Night" include Ann Cole, Lauren Chandley, Katie Farmer, and AE, Heather Raines. "What's your Scandal?" team members include AE, Bailey Abercrombie, Tyler Bryant, Yasmiene Davis and Claire Dykes.

Now back your regularly scheduled blog reading...

On Monday, I turned in my senior portfolio for review. Please check out my online portfolio here. While we weren't required to create an online portfolio, I know this will only help me, not hurt me. I also think it is a great way to show your work to someone when all you have is a business card with your site address and your portfolio isn't currently on hand. Check it out and feel free to leave any feedback or suggestions in a comment below.

One of the greatest ways of reaching out to other PR practitioners is through networking. On Wednesday, November 4, 2009, I attended PR Day at Georgia College & State University. I met with several of my PR classmates and also met several real-world PR gurus.

As you've probably caught on if you've read my posts before, you know I'm quite the social media lover. I love writing a weekly blog, I love fiddling with YouTube. But most of all I love creating Facebook profiles and tweeting on Twitter. One of the greatest parts of the day was a video shown to us. Social media is quickly becoming the strongest form of advertisement/PR/marketing/everything else for a business. The possibilities are not fully known as the medium has only been around a few years. This video will blow you away! Check it out and you'll see what I mean when I say, "The industry ain't dead, it's only getting better!"

We are PR - hear us ROAR!

I am a positive person, however, when I read an article like this, I begin to worry just a tad. OK, actually I begin to worry a bit more than a tad.

Although the article gives me anxiety about finding a job within the first eight months, I am hopeful the economy will turn around. Also, even if it's not turned around in the most dramatic way we need, another internship (paid or unpaid) wouldn't be so bad. I really enjoyed the experience I gained from mine at the Museum of Aviation. The possibility of working there again would only add to my growing portfolio.

I also recently received a job offer with the Houston County School System. I have given it a lot of thought and I think I will take it, at least until a more exciting job comes along. I really could use the benefits, and it would be great experience for me. The job title is a graduation coach, and I would work closely with students who have special needs. This is a great job for someone in PR, too, because it involves a lot of communication with both students and parents. I would act as an encourager and motivator for these students to stay in school, and reinforce the power of education. Sounds like a maven and connector, huh?

It's time to get that portfolio together and show off how awesomely skilled we are. I plan to highlight my skills in communication, organization of events, creative thought, and of course, my writing. Which brings me to my next point...

Even though the fundamentals of our economy aren't as strong as we'd like, there are jobs out there. It's our job as strongly prepared PR graduates to stand out from the crowded field of applicants. The days of blending in with the crowd are over. We're better than this. We have skills and it's time to show them to the world. Get off your butt and stand up! Join me! Let's wave our hands and shout it and shout it loudly -- We are PR, hear us ROAR!!!

Case Study Recap/Analysis

This past week, Bailey Abercrombie and I tackled the case study, “Big Brother is Watching: Browsing on Company Time.” This case can be found in the Employee Relations chapter in the “Cases in Public Relations Management” textbook.

ComXSoft, a computer products company, founded only a few years ago, prides itself on strong sales, fun and relaxed atmospheres at the workplace and frequently gives bonuses and salary rises because of their successes. Nelson Perry, the public relations director works closely with his employees to maintain the atmosphere in a positive manner.

That was until his assistant, Larry Meyers complained about Perry’s secretary’s Web site traffic. Meyers told Perry that his secretary spends all her time on eBay. Upon talking to his secretary, she reacted very defensively and maintained she only used eBay during non-office hours and during her lunch breaks. For the next few weeks, Perry kept a close eye on her and noticed she did in fact spend more time on eBay then she stated.

Perry then enlisted the help of the human resources director, Paul Johnson. Johnson instructed Perry to explain the differences between nonwork related material and work appropriate material.

Several months later, Johnson returned to inform Perry that his employees’ computers could be monitored through use of a surveillance technology. The study found that Perry’s secretary was not the only one guilty of looking at nonwork related Web pages. In all, 20 employees were found guilty of this dilemma.

According to Johnson, the matter was completely legal due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Perry then decided to form a plan of action to prevent this from happening in the near future.

The case outlined many issues in employee relations. If one doesn’t have employee relations done in a positive way, there is the risk of losing morale and respect within your business. There may be the ethical question of using nonwork related material on company time, but no one can be expected to adhere to this for eight straight hours. In my personal opinion, the use of nonwork related material does not infringe upon someone’s ability to do an effective job, within a limit. There must be some boundaries, but not so much that someone is completely limited from personal use of a computer. This can jeopardize both the success of the individual and the company as a whole. Basically, just cut your employees some slack.

Showing my skills

For this week's blog, I decided to make a re-post. This is a blog post I made during my internship at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Ga. The information contained in this article demonstrates my skills in writing, research, and a hint of creativity (within my writing). This article was recently published in the museum's quarterly newsletter. The newsletter has a distribution of almost 5,000 readers! I chose to make this post because this article best showcases just a few of my skills as a future PR professional. Enjoy the read!

The F-105G Thunderchief:

The Wild Weasel

The newly restored F-105G Thunderchief will soon have a new home in Hangar One at the Museum of Aviation. Members of the Restoration staff are busily working together along with Middle Georgia Technical College students to restore the aircraft back to its original camouflage coloring. According to Chief Restoration Supervisor, Dennis Oliver, the restoration process is entering the final stages now. “We’re putting the last of the markings on now,” said Oliver. “We’re dotting all the i’s and crossing all the t’s.” The decision to repaint the aircraft was due to its inappropriate color scheme for the setting because the Georgia ANG flew the F-105 from 1980-1983. The Museum is restoring the aircraft to its original glory it hasn’t seen since it flew in Southeast Asia, nearly 40 years ago.

The F-105G Thunderchief was originally designed as a supersonic strike fighter capable of delivering a tactical nuclear weapon within enemy territory. The prototype YF-105A first flew in 1955 and the first production, the F-105B entered service in 1958 with the 45th Tactical Fighter Wing. Thunderchiefs were sent into combat inSoutheast Asia where F-105 crews flew over 20,000 combat missions and accounted for nearly 75% of the bombing missions flown by the USAF during the conflict. The aircraft housed at the Museum is known as the F-105G, or the “Wild Weasel.” This model was equipped with additional avionics and radar-seeking missiles to detect and destroy enemy radar and missile sites.

Robins AFB shared close ties with the F-105G during much of its operation. The Warner Robins ALC was the primary management and repair center for the avionics, fire control and communication systems, guns and air launched missiles used on all F-105s. The Warner Robins ALC was also involved with developing and maintaining the electronic warfare system used on the F-105G.

The F-105G Thunderchief on display at the Museum of Aviation was originally built by the Republic Aviation inFarmingdale, NY. It was first assigned to the 4520th Combat Crew Training Wing, located at Nellis AFB, NV. The aircraft was retired in April 1983 and is now on permanent exhibit at the Museum of Aviation.

Five easy ways to be eco-friendly

Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change

It's no secret that I don't shy away from my political beliefs. I am an unabashed conservative, who leans libertarian. I hate government-run programs, and believe the government should only exist to fund a strong national defense and protect human life. This is it. Everything else the government handles poorly.

That's why it's up to us, as individuals to do what is necessary to keep our world as wonderful as it can and should be. While I am a global warming skeptic, I do feel it is necessary to do certain things to protect the earth and be eco-friendly.

As a young, soon-to-be public relations professional, I believe in the power of monkey see - monkey do. As an individual it's easy to have great power of persuasion by just doing what you tell others is right. If we're united in a small group, we can help create our own tipping point. This is very similar to the Law of the Few I read about in Malcom Gladwell's "The Tipping Point." It only takes a few great people, or a few great PR professionals to pave the way to a greener, more eco-friendly earth. I'm happy to be along for the ride!

Here are five areas I think are easy enough to make our world just a little bit better.

One of the most important habits we can all practice is make sure our faucets are tight and not dripping unnecessary amounts of water. While this may seem silly it's a big tactic that can save both money on our water bills, but also eliminate wasteful use of water.

Second, it's a good idea to turn off your lights when going to bed. This includes night lights and TV's giving off an unnecessary glow in the dark room. Do you really need that bathroom light on to find it? News flash: It's in the same place it was LAST night.

Third, during the day, open your blinds. Open the drapes. Open a window. "Let the sunshine in!" What I mean is, if it's daylight, there's no need for light in the home. Sure, we occasionally need an artificial light or two, but there's no need to have all your lights on in your home when it's the sunniest day.

Fourth, consider soaking your dishes instead of using your dishwasher. This one may be hard for the OCD folks, like myself, but it really does help in saving water. If you soak your dishes at night and clean them the next morning they will not only be easier to clean, but you've saved tons and tons of water you might've wasted on a dishwasher that only SOMETIMES gets your dishes clean enough.

Fifth, another option for all of us to keep the world eco-friendly is to unplug appliances we don't use on a regular basis. Maybe even unplug your computer, too when it's not being used. The fact is, even when an appliance is not plugged in you're still wasting energy.

Again, I can't say enough how it all goes back to the individual. We cannot expect the world to be changed by our government. We can, however, all take the time to help protect our world by practicing more eco-friendly habits. Join me and help make this world just a little bit better by blogging about your thoughts on climate change. Register your blog at Blog Action Day 2009.