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...
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
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...
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
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.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Showing my skills
The F-105G Thunderchief:
The Wild Weasel
The newly restored F-105G Thunderchief will soon have a new home in Hangar One at the
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
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Five easy ways to be eco-friendly
Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change
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!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
"What's your Scandal?"
Recently, my PR team: Bailey Abercrombie, Yasmiene Davis and Claire Dykes worked on a campaign with the CW network to help increase viewership for two of their prime time shows, Melrose Place and 90210.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Growing up Bryant
As I look at the ethics that have been instilled in my life, I am reminded of how my parents raised me. My parents took a firm hand to me when it came to certain ethics they expected us to follow. Among them include: never tell a lie; if it needs to be done, DO IT!; listen first; and the classic, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. While these are personal values, I think they all can and will transcend into my professional life. Many of these have also been further magnified as I have understood the ethics of a PR professional, from classes and as a member of PRSSA.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Kanye West: An Expert at PR? Or is he just an idiot?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Public Relations: Teaching you how to juggle
Mirror, mirror on the wall, just what are my finest skills of them all? My PR adviser/professor recently stumbled across this article about the 14 Key Skills and Attributes for New Public Relations Professionals. After a look at the list I have determined the skills I feel most confident I possess. This article can be found at here, part of Davefleet.com
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The Before and After Effect
I’m going to refer to this post as the “Before and After” effect. I have come a long way since attending GCSU beginning in the Fall of ’07. As I look back at my time as an undergrad in the Mass Communication department I am reminded of many things I wish I had known before I was accepted.
1. Never, ever underestimate the wonderful power of networking.
Networking yourself is probably the best way to get noticed in the business world, school life, personal life, etc. Throw yourself out there, and tell your potential employers why they can’t live without you on their team. I learned this the hard way during my internship. At first I was extremely intimidated by my bosses at the Museum of Aviation. I found, however, that these bosses I was scared of would possibly lead me to another job in the future. Once I let go of my inhibitions, I was able to get to know them and succeeded in impressing my higher ups. This has potentially left open the door for future careers.
2. Always have a plan of action.
One of the things I quickly understood when getting into the public relations concentration was that I needed to always have a plan and not just “wing it” as I had done for the previous two years. PR is not a type of career you can just “wing it” because it requires thorough planning on your part and your team’s part. The decisions you make can effect not only you but your entire team. This is why I’m glad I now understand the importance of timelines for deadlines. Never underestimate how amazing writing things down can be. Don’t just plan to remember an important date or due date. WRITE it down!
3. Be flexible.
This sounds really easy, but unfortunately it’s not. Never get too comfortable where you currently sit. Tomorrow that seat could be taken and you might need to find a new place. Don’t be afraid to wear another hat if your time permits it. Find your skills and use one at a time, because tomorrow you might not need it, but you may need the others. If you allow yourself to be moved around and experience different areas of PR, you’ll have a more well-rounded experience.
4. Write until your hand hurts!
I love writing! But I hate, HATE AP style. I have found, however, that AP style is probably the hardest thing to get down but the most beneficial skills in any media career. During my internship I wrote a zillion (okay, more like twelve) press releases. I am thankful, because it allowed me to study the style more and keep it fresh in my mind. I can now say I can write press releases in my head. I know what an effective lead looks like, how to include the 5 W’s, and where quotes are necessary. Simply put, don’t be afraid of writing. Write until your hand hurts because only then will you truly begin to understand anything about AP style.
5. Take photography classes! Or rather, never be afraid to develop new skills!
Finally, I would recommend taking a photography class if your class schedule permits. During my summer internship I found that photography would greatly enhance my ability as PR professional. During the summer internship, I submitted a press release inviting the media to cover a big event. Well, guess what? No one showed up! Why? Michael Jackson had died and this was more newsworthy than an article concerning the Museum. I found that if I could take my own photos and include them in a press release, the media’s work would have already been done. They could run my article (pictures and all) in their next issue. Unfortunately, my photography skills were limited to saying “Say Cheese!”
There you have it. Those are just a few things I wish I knew back when I was a pre-public relations student/major. I wish all new public relations students all the best. Make this major/career all you can make it. As I said before, get your hands and feet dirty! Then dive in head first! Most of all have the time of your life. College is far too short.