Final Draft of Proposal

Borders Group Inc.

100 Phoenix Drive

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

April 19, 2010

 

Joseph Saunders

Chief Executive Officer

Visa Inc.

PO Box 8999

San Francisco, CA 94128-8999

 

 

 

The following proposal has been prepared by Borders Group Inc. and contains information about Borders current family promotional campaign, "Bringing Families Together". It incorporates Borders promotional needs and the benefits to the Visa Company as a supporter.

 

In an effort to promote Borders vision of creating richer, more satisfying lives through knowledge and entertainment we'd like to launch our Bringing Families Together campaign. With the wide variety of material that Borders offers, it is our goal to have something for every member of the family. With children's books, magazines, romance novels, sports literature, music of all kinds, and our coffee, we hope to make everyone's Borders experience a successful and positive one.

 

Visa has a corporate responsibility to "recognizes the importance of supporting the local communities and neighborhoods in which we all live and work. They do this by partnering with organizations…that make a difference in improving our communities." Supporting our "Bringing Families Together" campaign will help further Visa's contribution in sustaining local neighborhoods and communities.

 

Borders Group Inc. is proposing the creation of a Borders Visa card that will allow users to earn points based on the amount of money they spend on books at Borders. Visa will receive two percent of all the sales made with the Borders Visa card. Customers will be earning points towards a free six day five night family vacation. Borders Group Inc. wants to encourage family members to spend time together through learning and reading and offer the family vacation as a stepping stone in the right direction.

 

Borders Group Inc. is on a mission to promote the importance of "family time" in the United States and we propose that Visa Company, the most recognized financial services brand in the world, donate $25 million to the Borders "Bringing Families Together" campaign. The donated amount will go towards the creation, design, and marketing of the Borders Visa card as well as the advertisements, press releases, and other media outlets for the Borders family campaign.

Rough Draft Speech Outline

1. Summary Slide – Tori Welsh
   
   1. Borders is launching a new campaign, "Bringing Families Together," that exposes the world of imagination that exists through reading and encourages families to spend quality time together through wholesome activities such a reading. We are looking for support from
      
2. Background Information – Courtney Rhodes
   
   1. The campaign idea was a thought up by our new CEO. The idea was to start family orienting the Borders Group to help make us more competitive within our market.
      
   2. We wanted to make our company more personable and this is the direction we have chosen.
      
3. Budget Information – Kade Delis
   
   1. The entire campaign should cost approximately $700,000 which includes commercials, press releases, and other media outlets.
      
   2. We are asking your company for $200,000 to help sponsor our new campaign.
      
4. Summary/Thank You/ Questions – Megan Mitchell
   
   1. Summarize what was said
      
   2. Thank the audience for their attention
      
   3. Ask for any questions

Online Reputation

Memo

To: Rachelle Nielson

From: Courtney Rhodes

CC: Preston Parker

Date: 18 April 2010

Subject: Online Reputation Assignment

In searching the Internet for your name I found very little information. The information I did find however, came mostly from your sister Lisa's blog. http://brighamandlisa.blogspot.com/. From her blog I found out that she is married with a baby named Gracie who turned one in January. Also I saw pictures of your bridal shower which was held on Dec. 12. You went to the Phoenix zoo and science museum in October. From your facebook I learned a little more about you, but because I am not your friend I could not access your entire account. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/rachelle.champlin?ref=ts. This link shows all the information that is available to people who you have not approved to be your friends. I learned that you married a man named Jordan Nielson at the Logan Temple in January 2010. Your maiden name is Champlin. You went to Sky View High School and graduated in '08. From your pictures on facebook I found that you went to Kauai with your sister in July 2008 and you went to a Mae concert with your friend Sierra. That is all of the information I was able to find on your facebook, but as a side note I wanted to tell you that in a presentation given by Tim Brown, President of Public Relations at Richter 7, he said that everyone who comes in to interview for a position with the company he has them approve him as a friend on facebook. Even though I was not able to access a lot of information, a future employer may ask you to do what Tim Brown does, so you want to be careful what your "friends" have access to as well. From your blog http://www.rachellechamp.blogspot.com/ I only found one piece of information and that was where you went on your honeymoon. You took a cruise on the Caribbean Princess to Cozumel, Mexico. I also found a link to your other blog, for the love of food, which is dedicated to recipes and cooking. http://therachelleproject.blogspot.com/. I did not find any real information about you on this blog other than you have tried all the recipes. Overall, finding information about you was rather difficult and I had to dig really deep to find anything of real consequence. You have done a great job to keep your online reputation unblemished.

Sincerely,

Courtney Rhodes

courtney.rhodes@aggiemail.usu.edu

Proposal Draft

April 8, 2010

Dear ______________:

Borders is launching a new campaign that exposes the world of imagination that exists through reading and encourages families to spend quality time together through wholesome activities such a reading. We are seeking after the support of your publishing company because we recognize the quality and wide variety of books your company publishes. We would like to offer your books as part of a family package and offer them at a discounted rate.

With the packaging of several books for individual age and interests groups, Borders believes that we will be able to increase the sales of your books as well as make your company more widely known. Through this your company will be seen as a supporter of imagination and quality family time. Customers can buy books at great deals from Borders but will recieve discounted rates when purchasing pre-packaged book collections that are for several members of the family.

We at Borders are proud to be working on several commercials, PSA's and brochures that show our endeavors and goals in our "Bringing Families Together" campaign. With the release of these, we hope to display your company's logo so people can recognize the support you have in this campaign.

It is estimated that through the launch of this campaign, our overall revenue will increase $3,000 a month and bring families into Border's to participate in activities specific for highlighted books. Books published through your company will be shown extra attention and will be in advertisements in store and through commercials, PSA's and brochures.

After reading our proposal we hope your company agrees that this agreement will be benefical for both companies as well as a way to give back to the community.

Sincerely,

BORDERS

Photoshop Jcom 2160

Final: Position Paper

Burger Planet

Getting in Shape with Our New Active Menu at Burger Planet.

In recent years, Burger Planet has seen a decline in its' primary customers: women between the ages of 30 and 50. These women have children and earn an income below $75,000. Even though Burger Planet is the easiest choice for busy mothers on a budget it may not be the healthiest and Burger Planet's customers are starting to realize this. Burger Planet's research department recently went on a nationwide quest to find out what our customers are looking for in a fast food restaurant. The department found that our customers wanted to see healthier options on the menu. Many suggested grilled chicken, fruit, vegetables, and bun substitutes as options for those not interested in our classic French fries and milkshakes.

Burger Planet cannot afford to lose its customer base, which is why we are proposing to add healthier items to our menu. In a recent study published by marketresearch.com they found that the health food market is estimated at $14.7 billion and expected to grow 12 percent annually. If we add healthier options to our menu we will not only keep our original customer base, but also have the potential to grow 12 percent each year.

In promoting our new menu options we would like to use our mascot, Corny the Clown, because he is clearly identifiable with the Burger Planet name and can help children get excited about the new healthier changes. We would also like to get support from the parents by using a professional from the nutrition industry that can easily be recognized. We have contacted fitness guru Jayne Petersen who has agreed to help support our changes and advise the chef with the new menu options.

Customers may be adverse to the new changes we make, but with the support from within and without the company we may see the benefits of our labors. Although statistics greatly support the large consumption of fast food the trend to eating healthy still remains in effect. The research we have found supports our movement into the heath food sector. Billions of dollars are being made through this sector and now is a prime opportunity for our company to earn a percentage of that. The following is the research we found:

According to Mario Levi Mendias owner of Myfit.com:

Fifty million people in the US are dependent on fast food.

Eighty percent of people eat fast food out of convenience.

Americans spend over $110 billion for different types of fast food.

According to Jim Smithson, owner of Lifestyle Magazine:

Twenty-five percent of Americans eat fast food every day.

Americans spend more money on fast food than on education, personal computers, and new cars combined.

After concluding our research we're determined to appeal to both the fast-food lovers and the health-conscious. Over the next six-month period we hope that our new menu will increase sales by 12 percent. Through a number of press releases and TV advertisements we hope to get the word out about Burger Planet's endeavors to promote a healthy lifestyle for our customers.

Position Paper: Draft

BURGER PLANET LOGO GOES HERE

Burger Planet

Getting in Shape with Burger Planet

Burger Planet is on a quest to provide healthier options to its customers and encourage them to live healthier lifestyles.  With a shared commitment to health we join teams with celebrity fitness guru Jayne Petersen.  Petersen met with Burger Planet's head chef and they discussed new menu items that customers can feel good about choosing.  With existing low-carb options and fruit sides, Burger Planet has also created a line of gourmet salads of only 300 calories.  Burger Planet has provided convenient meal options since 1934.

"The key to a successful franchise is uniformity.  Franchises and chain stores strive to offer exactly the same product or service at numerous locations.  Customers are drawn to familiar brands by an instinct to avoid the unknown."  - Eric Schlosser (New York Times)

Although statistics greatly support the large consumption of fast food the trend to eating healthy still remains in effect. The research we have found supports our movement into the heath food sector. Billions of dollars are being made through this sector and now is a prime opportunity for our company to earn a percentage of that.

According to Myfit:

Fifty million people in the US are dependent on fast food.

Eighty percent of people eat fast food out of convenience.

Americans spend over $110 billion for different types of fast food.

Marketresearch.com says:

The health food market is estimated at $14.7 billion and expected to grow 12 percent annually.

Thirty-two percent of people say calorie listing doesn't make them eat better.

According to Jim Smithson, owner of Lifestyle Magazine:

Twenty-five percent of Americans eat fast food every day.

Americans spend more money on fast food than on education, personal computers, and new cars combined.

Final: Media Pitch

March 8, 2010

Mrs. Kim Burgess

Business Staff Writer

Local Business Helps Achieve Dreams Beyond Cache Valley

Dear Mrs. Burgess,

In Aug. 2007, Preston Parker founded Cache Valley Area Investors Association, CVAIA, never dreaming that his association would have the ability to reach beyond the confines of the local area.

Over 60 percent of CVAIA members are located outside of the Cache Valley area and 20 percent of members are located outside of the state of Utah.

"Our members come from many geographical locations and from all walks of life: seasoned investors, young entrepreneurs, small business owners, real estate experts, students, blue collar workers, white collar professionals and the self-employed." said Parker.

I think that a story in the Herald Journal on CVAIA would be well received by your readers. During these economic troubles, people are constantly looking for new ways to save money and a story on a company who is offering free financial advice would make a wonderful piece.

CVAIA focuses on education and networking to help people understand that they can be happy through financial independence. They have founded themselves on the foundation that money does not buy happiness. Staying true to their foundation, CVAIA does not cost anything to join. Parker wanted to create a company that freely helped people to become more satisfied with their work and lives.

I think your readers, especially those who avidly read the business section, will find the story of CVAIA a real inspiration.

Sincerely,

Courtney Rhodes

Public Relations Director

Photoshopped Art Work for JCOM 2160

Press Release 4: Draft

March 4, 2010

For Immediate Release

Sacramento SPCA

Karrie Underwood, Director of Events & Programs

6201 Florin-Perkins Road

Sacramento, Ca 95828

17^th Annual Doggy Dash

Sacramento SPCA sponsors a run to raise money to help the animals they care for

On June 5, 2010 one of the biggest dog events in the Sacramento area will take place at William Land Park. An estimated 4,000 animal enthusiasts will gather both with and without their canine companions to raise funds for the Sacramento SPCA animal shelter.

In addition to the Doggy Dash event, the Bark at the Park festival will be held after the run. The festival will include the Pup Show, the high-flying disc contest, and the fourth annual Pug races. Pet-related businesses and rescue organizations will also be on site.

Sponsored by Science Diet dog food and VCA Animal Hospitals, the SPCA hopes to raise $250,000 this year to help the animals in their care. The Sacramento SPCA will care for more than 13,000 animals in 2010 and will perform more than 14,000 lifesaving spay/neuter surgeries in its high-volume clinic.

Register online for one of the three Doggy Dash races; a 5k run, 5k walk, or 2k walk. Online registration is open until June 2, 2010 but on-site registration will also be available. Registration is $25 for individuals until May 28 and $30 per person for teams until May 28. After May 28, registration will increase $5.

For more information on the Doggy Dash event or to request an interview with Karrie Underwood, please contact Courtney Rhodes, Assistant Director of Public Relations, at c.rhodes@sspca.org.

END

Draft: Media Pitch

Email Tagline: Local Business Helps Acheive Dreams Beyond Cache Valley

March 2, 2010

Mrs. Kim Burgess

Business Staff Writer

75 West 500 South

Logan, Utah 84321

Dear Mrs. Burgess,

In Aug. 2007, Preston Parker founded Cache Valley Area Investors Association, CVAIA, never dreaming that his association would have the ability to reach beyond the confines of the local area.

Over 60 percent of CVAIA members are located outside of the Cache Valley area and 20 percent of members are located outside of the state of Utah.

"Our members come from many geographical locations and from all walks of life: seasoned investors, young entrepreneurs, small business owners, real estate experts, students, blue collar workers, white collar professionals and the self-employed." said Parker.

CVAIA focuses on education and networking to help people understand that they can be happy through financial independence. They have founded themselves on the foundation that money does not buy happiness. Staying true to their foundation, CVAIA does not cost anything to join. Parker wanted to create a company that freely helped people to become more satisfied with their work and lives.

"We believe people should be able to spend their time doing something they love, not just taking a job that provides an income," Parker said.

CVAIA holds regular meetings every other Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Cache Chamber of Commerce building. All meetings have a discussion or presentation that shows members the steps to financial independence.

We think your readers, especially those who avidly read the business section, will find the story of CVAIA a real inspiration.

Sincerely,

Courtney Rhodes

Public Relations Director

c.rhodes@gmail. com

Final Press Release 3: Cause Promotion

February 20, 2010

For Immediate Release

Cache Valley Area Investors Association

Preston Parker, President and Founder

Cache Chamber of Commerce

160 N. Main St.

Logan, Utah 84321

preston@cvaia.com

PEOPLE CAN BE HAPPY THROUGH FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

True Wealth Comes By How Long You Can Last Without Earned Income

People can be happy through financial independence by learning how to manage money early and acknowledging money does not buy happiness.

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) focuses on education and networking to help people achieve the seven basic foundations for financial independence. Those foundations are self, real-estate, commodities, collectible, securities, businesses, and intellectual properties.

"These foundations help people to achieve true wealth," President Parker said. "True wealth is how long you can last without earned income and where independence begins with passive income."

Earned income is the paycheck that Robert Kiyosaki says is what keeps most people in the "rat race", the cycle of dependence on your job. CVAIA tries to teach people how to get passive income or investments above expenses.

"If people learn the right mentality and approaches to investing, they can all be successful in what they desire," said Nathan Johnson, Communications Director.

People should be able to spend time doing something they love, not just a job that provides an income. Passive income largely makes this possible. Parker said, "Financial independence allows you to not rely on your job for money. There are enough jobs in the United States that everyone could and should love what they do."

The members come together with the same belief that education mitigates the risks of investing. CVAIA began in August 2007 and now has members from many geographical locations and from all walks of life. CVAIA holds regular meetings every other Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Cache Chamber of Commerce building. All meetings have a discussion or presentation and on Feb. 18 they will be having a presentation on coupons, the forgotten investment.

For more information please contact Courtney Rhodes, Director of Public Relations at 654-9834 or visit the CVAIA website at www.cvaia.com

END

Draft Press Release 3: Cause Promotion

February 17, 2010

For Immediate Release

 

Cache Valley Area Investors Association

Preston Parker, President and Founder

Cache Chamber of Commerce

160 N. Main St.

Logan, Utah 84321

preston@cvaia.com

 

PEOPLE CAN BE HAPPY THROUGH FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

True Wealth Comes By How Long You Can Last Without Earned Income

 

People can be happy through financial independence by learning how to manage money early and acknowledging money does not buy happiness. The Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) focuses on education and networking to help people achieve the seven basic foundations for financial independence. Those foundations are self, real-estate, commodities, collectible, securities, businesses, and intellectual properties.

"These foundations help people to achieve true wealth," President Parker said. "True wealth is how long you can last without earned income and where independence begins with passive income." Earned income is the paycheck that Robert Kiyosaki says is what keeps most people in the "rat race", the cycle of dependence on your job. CVAIA tries to teach people how to get passive income or investments above expenses.

"If people learn the right mentality and approaches to investing, they can all be successful in what they desire," said Nathan Johnson, Communications Director. People should be able to spend time doing something they love, not just a job that provides an income. Passive income largely makes this possible.

The members come together with the same belief that education mitigates the risks of investing. CVAIA began in August 2007 and now has members from many geographical locations and from all walks of life. CVAIA holds regular meetings every other Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Cache Chamber of Commerce building. All meetings have a discussion or presentation and on Feb. 18 they will be having a presentation on coupons, the forgotten investment.

For more information please contact Courtney Rhodes, Director of Public Relations at 654-9834 or visit the CVAIA website at www.cvaia.com

END

 

Final Draft of Press Release 2 : Image Management

February 16, 2010

For Immediate Release

Burger Planet

James E. Muellenbach III, CEO

1600 Penn Ave., Logan CA 87456

989-685-8475

CORNY THE CLOWN GETTING IN SHAPE WITH JANYE PETERSEN

Burger Planet Adds Healthier Items to Menu

Corny the Clown, Burger Planet's mascot, is teaming up with fitness guru, Jayne Petersen, to get into shape. Corny the Clown and Jayne Petersen will appear together at Burger Planet in Times Square New York City at noon on May 12 to launch their new healthy choice menu items. Along with the traditional menu items Burger Planet offers, customers will now be able to choose from calorie conscious salads or substitute fries for fruit packages that include peaches, pineapples, grapes, bananas, or apples. Customers can also order white meat chicken breast or they can order items without a bun, wrapped in lettuce, to make it a low-carb meal.

Along with new menu items the Burger Planet team has also invited Jayne Petersen to work with Burger Planet's chefs to make sure that new offerings are as healthy as possible. She is developing a new adult Burger Planet Smiley Meal that will include an ankle weight, the fruit packages, and the white meat Chicken entrée. She is also developing new tray liners that will offer nutritional advice.

"I emphasize a message of moderation. People can have a burger and fries now and then as long as they are active and also try some of Burger Planet's exciting new menu choices, such as the fruit packages," said Jayne Petersen.

Burger Planet and Jayne Petersen have teamed up together to promote healthy living. Customers can come to Burger Planet and have a choice and live a lifestyle of moderation in the manner Petersen promotes.

"Burger Planet cares about its customers. For more than seven decades, the company has succeeded because it put customers first. We listen to our customers. And our customers desire healthy choices," said James E. Muellenbach III, CEO of Burger Planet.

Look for Corny the Clown and Jayne Petersen at your local Burger Planet throughout the month of June as they make a nationwide tour to promote the new healthy choice menu options.

Founded in 1934 Burger Planet has served over 52 billion customers and has over 8,921 franchises in every state and in 17 different countries. Headquartered in Indiana the company employs 48,272 people.

For more information contact Courtney Rhodes, Public Relations Manager, at 989-485-4950 or at crhodes@gmail.com.

END

Daft Press Release 2: Image Management

February 9, 2010

For Immediate Release

 

Burger Planet

James E. Muellenbach III, CEO

1600 Penn Ave., Logan CA 87456

989-685-8475

CORNY THE CLOWN GETTING IN SHAPE WITH JANYE PETERSEN

Burger Planet Adds Healthier Items to Menu

 

Corny the Clown, Burger Planet's mascot, is teaming up with fitness guru, Jayne Petersen, to get into shape. Corny the Clown and Jayne Petersen will appear together at Burger Planet in Times Square New York City at noon on May 12 to launch their new healthy choice menu items. Along with the traditional menu items Burger Planet offers, customers will now be able to choose from calorie conscious salads or substitute fries for fruit packages that include peaches, pineapples, grapes, bananas, or apples. Customers can also order white meat chicken breast or they can order items without a bun, wrapped in lettuce, to make it a low-carb meal.

Along with new menu items the Burger Planet team has also invited Jayne Petersen to work with Burger Planet's chefs to make sure that new offerings are as healthy as possible. She is developing a new adult Burger Planet Smiley Meal that will include an ankle weight, the fruit packages, and the white meat Chicken entrée. She is also developing new tray liners that will offer nutritional advice.

"I emphasize a message of moderation. People can have a burger and fries now and then as long as they are active and also try some of Burger Planet's exciting new menu choices, such as the fruit packages," said Jayne Petersen.

Founded in 1934 Burger Planet has served over 52 billion customers and has over 8,921 franchises in every state and in 17 different countries. Headquartered in Indiana the company employs 48,272 people.

"Burger Planet cares about its customers. For more than seven decades, the company has succeeded because it put customers first. We listen to our customers. And our customers desire healthy choices," said James E. Muellenbach III, CEO of Burger Planet.

Look for Corny the Clown and Jayne Petersen at your local Burger Planet throughout the month of June as they make a nationwide tour to promote the new healthy choice menu options.

For more information contact Courtney Rhodes, Public Relations Manager, at 989-485-4950 or at crhodes@gmail.com.

 

END

Resume 2.0

In a world that is now based on technology, it is no wonder that simple things like the resume are starting to adapt to that change. Resumes can be emailed, hyperlinked and created into a HTML. Even though hiring organizations tend to restrict resumes to a maximum of one page, with the advances of technology a person can really fit a lot onto that one page. A person can hyperlink their blog, Facebook, Twitter accounts to their resume which doesn't take up space but invites employers to look dive deeper into a persons history and their present.

However, no matter the advances in technology there are still mistakes that can be made. A resume is an opportunity to market one's achievements, it is not a personality contest. A persons resume should be inviting yet professional at the same time. You want to make sure that your most important aspects are listed and space is not wasted on unimportant past times. Most employers spend less than a minute per resume, so make sure its polished and shining.

Revised Press Release #1

Feb. 2, 2010

Social Media Club of Cache Valley

President Preston Parker

851 N. Main St., Logan Ut 84321

661-772-7537

WELCOMING THE SOCIAL MEDIA CLUB TO CACHE VALLEY

A New Club of Social Media Enthusiasts

 Social media is a new way of interacting with others through the internet. This evolutionary experience has come through the rising generation and has brought to the surface the power of YouTube, tweeting, Facebook, and blogging.     

The Social Media Club of Cache Valley (SMCCV) is new chapter of the national social media organization headquartered out of San Francisco, California. The club is run by President Preston Parker who was elected to his position in July 2009 when the club was organized. Parker is aided by a board of six members.

"The SMCCV was originally organized for one purpose, to have a location where people can learn from each other," said President Parker.

The SMCCV's 60 active members gather every second Tuesday at various locations throughout Cache Valley. This month on February 9 members are meeting at Borders to listen to a Government official speak about using social media. The club also meets every third month for a tweet-up held at Café Sabor. The tweet-ups allow for members to interact, share what they have learned with each other and also invite new members interested in the club.

To learn more about SMCCV and their activities please visit their website at smccv.com or follow their tweeter feeds at @smcotcv. Also become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/smccv or become a member at smccv.net.

 

END

Proper Etiquette in a Faceless World

Online Etiquette

    Having never blogged in my life I had no idea there was etiquette for online usage. In my online journalism class my professor has required readings that we must read every week. The readings for this week were four articles on proper internet etiquette. After reading these articles I found that the same etiquette you use every day is applied to online conversation. However, there are a few new rules that must be taken into consideration because there is no face to face contact and you must be careful how you state things.

    In the social media world you can be whoever you want to be, but that does not give someone the right to act in ways they wouldn't act in public. Everyone is human and whether or not the person you're in contact with is a friend or someone you have never seen in your life they are entitled to some respect. If you are respectful to others they will be respectful to you and proper online etiquette just falls in naturally when you act in that manner.

My first press release ever; done in class in 15 minutes

Jan. 27, 2010

Social Media Club of Cache Valley

President Preston Parker

851 N. Main St., Logan Ut 84321

661-772-7537

Welcoming the Social Media Club to Cache Valley

Introducing the newly formed Social Media Club of Cache Valley

    Social media is a new way of interacting with others through the internet. This evolutionary experience has come through the rising generation and has brought to the surface the power of YouTube, tweeting, Facebook, and blogging.     

The Social Media Club of Cache Valley is new chapter of the national social media organization headquartered out of San Francisco, California. The club is run by President Preston Parker who was elected to his position in July 2009 when the club was organized. Parker is aided by a board of six members.

United Breaks Guitars

Dave Carroll vs. United Airlines

    With over 7 million hits on you tube, Dave Carroll and his music video "United Breaks Guitars" is a prime example of the power of social networking. In my opinion this was the best thing that Carroll could have done. After being bounced around by United and finding no answers he brought his story to the general public. He even warned United before he posted his video, but neither United nor Carroll new the impact his $150 video would have. Carroll's video went viral within five days and to the great surprise of United a simple disgruntled customer became a national problem for them. United watched as their stock dropped $300 million within a week of the video release. Now instead of handling the matter privately they had the entire country watching every move they made.

    In my opinion Dave Carroll followed all the procedures that anyone else in his situation would have done. He was probably polite to an extent and he made no outlandish threats to the company. All Carroll wanted was for United to pay for the damages to his $3,500 guitar, instead United kept him going in circles without any answers. I feel that he appealed to the public because he wasn't angry or mean with his video, but just simply stated what had happened and how he was treated.

    United on the other hand couldn't have handled this any worse. I am sure they get many threats from disgruntled passengers and they could not have known the impact this video would have on them, but not offering anything in exchange for the damage is just simply bad customer service. Once they had realized the impact of Carroll's video however, they still couldn't do the right thing. United tried to buy off Carroll, this didn't help the situation at all. The one thing United did do correctly was to comply with Carroll's wishes and donate the money to a charity; even then United's reputation was below retrieval.

    I think the reason the situation hit national scale in the manner that it did was because everyone has had that bad experience with an airline, but this publicized event was a way people could make the airline held accountable through one person. Dave Carroll was honest and up-front with everything that had happened to him and everything United was doing. United mishandled the entire situation and paid the price for it in their stocks. Carroll made sure to put himself in good light with public by being honest and frank, while United came across as shady and deceiving. The public wants honesty and if United had simply stated what was going on and what they were doing to make it better, the situation for them would have been less harsh.

Letter to Cousin

Dear Kelli,

I know you have asked me many times what public relations is and I have simply answered that it is relations with the public, but I have decided to explain to you what it is exactly that I am studying in school. In official terms public relations is defined as a leadership and management function that helps achieve organizational objectives, define philosophy, and facilitate organizational change. Professionals in the public relations field help others establish and maintain effective relationships with third parties. However, the very nature of public relations is constantly changing and adapting to the needs of society which make it difficult to create a standardized definition.

Public relations may sound like a new term or a new position that has been created within the cooperate world, but public relations has been used for thousands of years in one form or another. Plato was a rhetorician, the forerunner to modern-day public relations, who wrote speeches for important government officials and helped to form public opinion over Greek matters. The Crusades, the actions of Martin Luther, and the quest of the conquistadores seeking El Dorado have all been examples of ancient public relations.

Public relations involves a wide range of disciplines that include research, fund-raising, multicultural affairs, issue management, media relations, community relations, employee relations, publicity, and promotion. A public relations professional has to be urgent, flexible and an analytical problem solver. The position demands a lot out of one person. A professional must be good in writing and editing press releases, planning special events, and public speaking. Communication is the foundation of public relations so a professional must be able to communicate a message to all kinds of people in every type of media effectively.

This is the profession I want to go into and that is why I am studying it. It is a profession that demands a wide knowledge of how to communicate effectively and I believe I can learn how to do that. The job may be high pressure, but I believe it is something that I can handle. It is a profession that allows you to work hard and reward you by letting you see the fruits of your labor.

 

Sincerely,

Courtney

First Blog Ever

Hello world of blogs, bloggers, and social networking!

As part of a public relations class I have to take, my professor required all the students to create a blog of our very own. Having never created a blog or ever read a blog for that matter I thought this task would be a daunting assignment. To my great surprise it took only two steps to get one started and I found the most difficult part to be picking the background I wanted for my blog.

So far in this blogging process I have found it utterly enjoyable, even if I don't have anyone reading what I write. It's nice to write what I feel and send it into the great wide wonder of the internet. I like to think of it as a message in a bottle. You write what you want, bottle it up and throw it in the ocean, knowing no one will probably ever find it, but it's the thought that some part of you is out there just waiting to be found that I find most wonderful.