Category Archives: WWPR
Mark your calendars for these August events, DC communicators!
Think nothing happens in DC in August? Think again! There are plenty of educational and networking events coming up this month for communicators, and people interested in learning more about PR, marketing, and social media!
Click each event for registration information.
Tuesday, August 2nd, 6 pm – 8 pm “Second Annual PR Community Mini-Golf Tournament”
Sponsored by: PR Community (and you know who)
Where: Jefferson Falls Miniature Golf Course, 7900 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA
Fees: Self-pay ($6/game). Call (571) 269-7559 if you want a $5 Red Hot & Blue BBQ platter (Pork BBQ sandwich, cole slaw, red-skinned potato salad, pickle and sweet or unsweet iced tea)
Wednesday, August 3, 12 Noon – 2 pm “Executive Communicators Summer Idea Swap – Discovering Solutions to Your Biggest Challenges”
Sponsored by: Washington Women in Public Relations
Where: Hager Sharp, 1030 15th St., Suite 600E, Washington, DC
Fees: Free for WWPR and PRSA members; $15 for non-members. Bring a bag lunch.
Tuesday, August 9, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. “Top Tech Trends PR Professionals Need to Consider”
Sponsored by: Public Relations Society of America, National Capital Chapter
Where: Microsoft Innovation and Policy Center, 901 K Street NW, 11th floor, Washington, DC
Fees: $35 for PRSA and WWPR members; $55 for non-members; $10 for students and retirees
Tuesday, August 9, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. “After Hours Mixer”
Sponsored by: DC Ad Club
Where: Jackie’s Restaurant, 8081 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD
Fees: Free. Buy your own drinks.
Wednesday, August 10th, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m “Monitoring and Analytics” (breakfast and presentation)
Sponsored by: The Association for Women in Communications-DC Chapter and Burson-Marsteller Digital
Where: 1110 Vermont Avenue N.W., 12th floor, Washington, DC
Fees: $25 for members of AWC, WWPR, BPR and CPC; $35 for
non-members.
Thursday, August 25, 12 Noon – 2 p.m. Brown Bag Seminar: Presentation by Tammy Gordon, Social Media strategist for AARP
Sponsored by: Washington Women in Public Relations
Where: TBD
Fees: Free for WWPR and PRSA members; $15 for non-members. Bring a lunch.
Related articles
- Look for me at WWPR’s Emerging Leaders Awards, July 26 (fletcher-prince.com)
- Educational Happy Hour? (theprsanccblog.wordpress.com)
- Meet the WWPR #ELA2011 Finalists! (flackrabbit.com)
Look for me at WWPR’s Emerging Leaders Awards, July 26
Mary Fletcher Jones
Have you ever heard the expression “Good things happen in threes?”
Well, I’m not superstitious, but three good things did happen to me recently. First of all, after a long blog hiatus, I’m feeling better and blogging again, which feels wonderful. Secondly, I was asked to join the ADDYs committee. And now, I’ve been invited by my PRofessional Solutions client to attend WWPR’s Emerging Leaders Awards on July 26.
I am so pleased and flattered to be invited by Kate Perrin and Melanie Jordan of PRofessional Solutions. They have not only been a wonderful client to work with, but they have also provided me with two very interesting public relations assignments in the past two years.
And talk about inspiring: Kate has supported WWPR since its inception, not to mention her support of and work with PRSA-NCC, AWC-DC, and IABC-DC and now serves on the Dress for Success board. If you have temporary public relations staffing needs, or are seeking a temporary or permanent public relations position, you should talk to Kate and Melanie. They are the best!
Thanks very much for the invitation, Kate and Melanie! I look forward to seeing you Tuesday, July 26. If you see me there, please say hello. And if you have not yet registered for this event, visit Washington Women in Public Relations online.
Related articles
- Meet the WWPR #ELA2011 Finalists! (flackrabbit.com)
Mark your calendars for these May events
Mary Fletcher Jones
May is turning out to be an interesting month, full of great events! Look for me at these highly recommended communications presentations and panel discussions around the DC area.
TIVA-DC “Meet the Film Offices” Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Hear from the DC, Maryland, andVirginia Film Offices about new tax incentives that will bring new film and video business to the region, what you need to do to secure permits, discover location scouting resources or get yourself listed in their production guides. If you’re a filmmaker, a producer, or a crew member, this is an event not to be missed.
COST: Members: $10, Non-Members: $20
Student members: $5, AU students: free, Student non-members: $10
WWPR “When Click Thru Rates Are Not Enough” Thursday, May 19, 12 Noon – 2 p.m.
Johna Burke, Senior Vice President, BurrellesLuce, will discuss the challenges of social media measurement, and will present solutions for public relations professionals
Cost: WWPR and PRSA-NCC members, free. Non-members, $15.
DC Podcaster Alliance “Connecting Audio and Video to Twitter” Saturday, May 21, 12:30 p.m.
Learn how to use Twitter to promote and redistribute your podcasts.
Cost: Free
Entrepreneur Magazine “Enchant and Engage with Social Media” Thursday, May 26, 8 a.m. – Noon
Guy Kawasaki leads sessions on how small businesses can use social media.
Cost: Free
WWPR “Social Media and Crisis Communication” Thursday, May 26, Noon – 2 p.m.
Rachel Henderson moderates a panel discussion of local communicators.
Cost: WWPR and PRSA-NCC members, free. Non-members, $15.
Related articles
- Schedule of Upcoming Luncheons at the National Press Club (prnewswire.com)
Mark your calendars for these February communications events
Look for Mary at these Fletcher Prince-approved communications events this month!
Dick Keil, managing director of Purple Strategies, is presenting on crisis relations at the Independent Public Relations Alliance monthly luncheon this Thursday, February 3, 11:30 a.m. in Tysons Corner, VA.
Work in video? Looking for your next gig? Maybe you should check out the TIVA-DC meeting this month on Thursday, February 3, 6:30 p.m. in Arlington, VA.
Interested in getting started with YouTube video? Become a fan of Fletcher Prince on Facebook and join me for lunch on Tuesday, February 8 to talk about your YouTube video ideas for your business. Visit the Fletcher Prince Facebook Event announcement to register.
The National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America will present a panel discussion on using Facebook to promote your business, association, government agency, or nonprofit on Thursday, February 10, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Washington, DC. U.S. Navy Memorial & Heritage Center.
Monday, February 14 is Valentine’s Day — Your friends at Fletcher Prince love Facebook ♥ Page Fans! Happy Valentine’s Day!
The topic of the Washington Women in Public Relations Brown Bag lunch on Thursday, February 17 is “Starting Growing and Optimizing Your Business in 2011,” a panel discussion moderated by fave Fletcher Prince client Kate Perrin of PRofessional Solutions.
Among the featured panelists will be Carrie Fox of C. Fox Communications, an award-winning agency that elects not to pay their interns. Hopefully, they will change that policy in 2011!
Join PRONet (a committee affiliated with PRSA-NCC) for Happy Hour and network with communicators on Wednesday, February 23 at Piola in Arlington. Happy hour events will be held throughout the area on the fourth Wednesday of the month, each month through October 2011. $10 in advance; $15 cash at the door, includes drink and appetizers.
January 2011 marketing events and get-togethers in DC area
Did you resolve to market smart in 2011? Me, too! I plan to attend a number of marketing events in 2011. Join me and learn new techniques and approaches, and find inspiration. (The events in green are Fletcher Prince-sponsored events).
Check back each month for new event announcements, and send your event information to mary@fletcherprince.com
January
January 11
Need a once-over of your marketing plan? Need some quick advice as you get started with social media? If you are a Fletcher Prince Facebook Fan, you can join me for lunch to discuss your year’s marketing plan at Tuesday, January 11. Click here for details.
January 15
Interested in audio or video podcasting? The DC Podcaster Alliance is having their kick-off meeting for 2011 on Saturday, January 15 at 2:00 p.m. This is a free group that meets almost monthly in Falls Church; friendly bunch of folks.
January 19
Got the night off on Wednesday, January 19? Join Ad 2 DC and the DC Ad Club at CDIA-BU for a presentation on tips and tricks for being the best creative professional you can be. Down the hall, you’ll find the folks from TIVA-DC talking about what it takes to win a video competition.
January 20
Then sign up to have lunch with Washington Women in Public Relations on January 20 to hear Shashi Bellamkonda speak on social media. I would love to have you sit with me at lunch!
January 26
Wednesday, January 26 is the first “Watercooler Wednesday” sponsored by Ad2DC and the DC Ad Club. The networking event (geared toward younger advertising professionals, but all ages welcome) is free and is held each month at a different location.
The same night, the Social Media Club (DC chapter) is having a free event in Arlington about how social media and technology is used in the entertainment industry. Starts at 6 p.m.
January 28
Have a drink with some amazing creative professionals in advertising who are traveling here to judge the DC ADDYs on Friday, January 28. More details forthcoming from the DC Ad Club.
Fletcher Prince 2010 Annual Report (plus video)
As we bid farewell to 2010, let’s take a look at what Fletcher Prince accomplished this year. For a tiny marketing communications company of two people, we sure do manage to keep busy! Thank you for watching our light-hearted retrospective video, and check out this report on our year’s activities.
We worked hard this year, and our clients saw results. Social media development and video production continued to be strong earning areas for Fletcher Prince.
Here’s what we accomplished in 2010…
By the numbers…
David Hyson adjusting the camera for a video with Susan Rink
YouTube Video. We created 9 new YouTube Channels for clients in 2010, to result in a total of 16 Channels total on YouTube. Our 250 YouTube videos have more than 140,000 views (not counting additional iTunes podcast views and Facebook views). Our most popular video is a Fletcher Prince production on graphic design with more than 20,000 views.
Blogs, and more blogs. We administer 10 blogs and have coached clients on the development of several others. The blogs we write for have more than 35,000 views, not counting Examiner.com articles and Facebook feeds.
Facebook. We have created more than 16 Facebook Pages for clients and ourselves, and have coached others on their Facebook Page development efforts. The Facebook Pages we have created include businesses involved in real estate, restaurants, and professional services, as well as nonprofits.
Twitter. We continue to develop customized Twitter profiles and coach managers on how to use Twitter effectively. There are more than a dozen customized Twitter profiles in our portfolio.
Happy clients. In 2010, we earned 7 more LinkedIn testimonials, bringing the total number of LinkedIn testimonials for our work to 26. Here’s just one of them…
“Mary has provided our company with valuable tools to promote our business and reach our client base. Technology is so fast paced and can be overwhelming to a small business. It is essential to be connected to people online and Mary has equipped us with the skills we need. We will continue to reach out to Mary for her consultation and I recommend her to any individuals or small businesses who wish to grow their online presence.” — Laura Fall, Fall Properties
Fletcher Prince Client Work in 2010
David Hyson and Heathere Evans-Keenan at WWPR's Washington PR Woman of the Year Award
In 2010, we worked on a variety of exciting marketing projects with our beloved existing clients Rink Strategic Communications, Dominion Mechanical, and Fall Properties. Projects included everything from media relations to email newsletters, from website design to YouTube video production, and more.
We were also delighted to work with new clients Cosmopolitan Photography, Keenan PR, The Hannon Group, ASQ Communications, and PRofessional Solutions.
David and I were especially gratified to be brought on as partners on amazing projects on a subcontracted basis, including work for Timberline Bank, Howard University, NeighborWorks America, and Deloitte Touche. We would like to thank our colleagues for their faith in us, and welcome more opportunities like this in 2011.
Fletcher Prince Pro Bono Work in 2010
At Fletcher Prince, we continue to complete pro bono projects on behalf of communications organizations.
DC Ad Club. We joined the ADDYs planning committee and provided public relations consultation for that effort in 2010, including
- Developing a public relations and social media content development plan.
- Writing and pitching a media release announcing the call for entries.
- Creating a new DC Ad Club blog.
- Producing nine YouTube videos.
Conversations in Public Relations Blog and YouTube Videos. As a service to the Washington, DC area professional communications community, Fletcher Prince continues to produce videos for the YouTube series “Conversations in Public Relations,” featuring interviews with local communicators and association leaders. We produced 20 additional videos in 2010, bringing the total to more than 100 videos.
Washington Women in Public Relations. Fletcher Prince donated a video makeup kit to the benefit raffle for the Washington PR Woman of the Year event. In addition, the lucky winner won complimentary YouTube consultation and video recording services. Marilynn Deane Mendell won the prize, and we set up a Channel and new videos for her company, WinSpinCIC.
Fletcher Prince Self-Promotional Efforts in 2010
We continue to be grateful to our supporters. Our Facebook Fans topped 76 this year, and our Twitter followers climbed to 900.
This year, we produced 18 YouTube videos for Fletcher Prince. While we continued to produce informative videos highlighting our subject matter expertise (Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube tips), we also experimented with fun promotional videos and event reports.
We also created three brochures for our business, and exhibited at the Virginia Film Office State of the Industry event.
In other Fletcher Prince news this year…
-
Mary Fletcher Jones recording a video for Howard University
Mary served as one of the judges for a public relations competition for a national trade association.
- We organized a mini-golf tournament for area communicators.
- As a special thank you, we offered our clients complimentary holiday greeting videos, one of which was featured in the Capitol Communicator.
- Mary group-trained five communicators on the basics of social media.
- Mary presented a talk at a TIVA-DC meeting on using social media.
- Mary presented a workshop on blogging at the Government Video Expo.
Thanks for reading. We look forward to working with you in 2011. Happy New Year!
Four can’t miss PR holiday parties this week
If you are a DC communicator and thought you could put away your party shoes after The ONE Party at the beginning of this month, you are sadly mistaken. There are four holiday parties for communicators this week. There’s something right for everyone, so let the networking begin!
MONDAY, December 13
Who: PRSA-NCC (The National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America)
Where: One Lounge, 1606 20th Street NW, Washington, DC (Dupont Circle Metr0)
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost: $35 PRSA and WWPR members; $55 non-members
Details: PRSA always puts out a nice spread for their elegant holiday parties. Their holiday event is most meaningful for PR professionals who are involved in some way with the Chapter. Most attendees are seasoned professionals (20+ years of experience), with a few younger people also attending. The recipients of PRSA-NCC’s Young Professional Award and the Diamond Award will be recognized. Cash contributions to the Salvation Army or to Goodwill Industries will be encouraged. Light fare and refreshments will be served.
TUESDAY, December 14
Who: WWPR (Washington Women in Public Relations)
Where: Hudson Restaurant and Lounge Restaurant and Lounge, 2030 M Street NW, Washington, DC (Metro: Dupont Circle or Farragut West)
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost: $25 WWPR members; $35 non-members
Details: WWPR holiday events tend to be low-key and right for networking (not noisy, not a huge crowd). Expect a 80/20 female/male ratio, with ages skewing to 20s and 30s, but men are welcome to attend, and women of all ages belong to WWPR. Ticket includes one drink and appetizers. WWPR is collecting gift cards in $10 denominations to grocery stores, Target or Payless, and gently used and new toys and books for all ages, for their charity, Children’s Law Center.
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Who: AMADC (American Marketing Association )
Where: Cure Bar & Bistro, 1000 H Street Northwest, Washington, DC
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost: $25 members; $35 non-members
Details: Includes one drink or wine tasting and appetizers. There will be a silent auction. AMADC is collecting toys and books at the event to donate to local charities. AMADC events tend to draw a diverse crowd (different occupations and experience levels).
WEDNESDAY, December 15
Who: SMC-DC (Social Media Club of Washington, DC)
Where: Elephant and Castle, 900 19th St., Washington, DC (Metro: Farragut West)
Time: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: Free; buy your own beer
Details: SMC-DC will have a designated area at the bar at this fun happy hour event skewed toward younger professionals, many of whom work in tech. There will be karaoke. Expect a big crowd of Millenials, plenty of noise, and beer.
Partying…With a Purpose (plus videos!)
Mary Fletcher Jones with PR buddies at The One Party (photo: Metromix)
David and I have been hitting the holiday parties this week (and probably next week, as well). This week, we networked and socialized at The One Party and the IPRA Holiday Luncheon.
Still to come: PRSA-NCC’s Holiday Celebration (Public Relations Society of America, National Capital Chapter) on Monday, December 13, the WWPR Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 14 (Washington Women in Public Relations), The Social Media Club of DC Happy Hour (with karaoke!) on Wednesday, December 15, and of course, the Fletcher Prince Holiday Open House on December 22.
Networking at holiday parties is a fun and funny thing. First of all, the parties are often quite crowded and loud. You see so many people you want to talk to, but you can often do only quick hits. You would think that nothing of any business use would happen, or that networking with your colleagues (which some people might call competitors) makes less sense than networking in your own industry. With the costs involved, you might be tempted to skip it (often around $50 a piece, plus sitters, clothes, and transportation).
But that would be a big mistake. It would be a big mistake for any business owneror manager, regardless of their industry to pass on these events.
Because, in my experience, in addition to just the fun part of connecting, the parties are really quite a useful investment, so it’s quite important to put in an appearance. I have obtained a few clients as a result of connections I made at these events.
What’s key to these events? Is it having an elevator speech all ready? No, not really. The important thing is to bring a big smile for pictures, because they will published. Everywhere. Facebook. Industry blogs.
The other thing I would emphasize (which I can always improve on) is being a good listener. You don’t really have to talk about your business at all IF you have done your homework all year! And by that, you have dedicated sufficient time to making your brand visible and memorable. And by that I mean,
- You have a Facebook Page that you update frequently.
- You have YouTube video.
- You have an outstanding website/blog.
- You commented on other blogs of colleagues.
- You at least have a presence on Twitter and LinkedIn.
- You took pictures all year round, and talked about your business.
If you have done those things all year, you can relax at the holiday party and listen to other people talk about their business…or their kids…or the appetizers. Which of course, makes you a much more desirable companion at a party or luncheon. Sometimes the way to get business for your business is not to talk much about your business! 
Listening is good.
It may seem superficial, but it may also help to wear something that stands out, so people remember you. I’m not talking about reindeer antlers! But at a crowded event, you may not get a chance to speak to everyone, and you do want people to remember you were there. From the One Party, I remember Paul Dunning in his black velvet jacket and Eric Frost in a beautiful suit. I know both of them well, but they looked outstanding that night. And at the IPRA party, Sandra Remey wore this beautiful winter white suit. It was unexpected and gorgeous on her, which made her memorable at the luncheon. Image makes an impression! Whatever you do, don’t wear a little black dress to these things (especially if you are a guy, that just wouldn’t look right).
What’s the must-have accessory (besides a cool business card) for a holiday event? A CAMERA. Everybody kills themselves to look good and almost no one brings a camera. You should take pictures and especially track down any professional photographer at these events and BEG them to take your picture! I cannot tell you how much my online photos have opened doors for me. Also if you are feeling shy, or you feel like you have no one to talk to (I get shyness attacks all the times), then you can whip out your camera and start taking pictures of everything. You are never bored with a camera.
One last tip, have fun
Here are some highlights from The One Party we attended this week…
Win this at the WWPR Raffle! Plus Makeup Tips for Video
Fletcher Prince Video Survival Kit
As you know, Washington Women in Public Relations is presenting the Washington PR Woman of the Year Award on Wednesday, November 10, a must-attend event for DC-area communicators, and one of the highlights of the year.
We’re donating a prize for the event’s benefit raffle. A portion of the proceeds from the raffle will be donated to D.C.’s Children’s Law Center. So, purchase lots of raffle tickets next week and keep your fingers crossed that you win the Fletcher Prince gift set! It includes
- Fletcher Prince Video Survival Kit – a train case filled with makeup essentials appropriate for any complexion, selected for video appearances…
- YouTube consultation* to help you make the most of marketing and public relations opportunities associated with branded YouTube Channels…
- Video recording session* with Fletcher Prince. How fun is that?
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s inside the kit…
- Revlon PhotoReady Translucent Powder – this is also good for men on video
- L’Oreal Studio Secrets Primer – reduces shine and helps makeup stay on longer
- Sonia Kashuk Concealer Palette – a variety of colors for all complexions
- Sonia Kashuk Brow Kit – a variety of tones for all complexions
- Maybelline Great Lash Mascara – the #1 rated mascara of makeup pros
- N.Y.C. Kiss Gloss – to bring just a little attention to the mouth
- Two lipsticks, two blushes, two nail polish colors, and six eyeshadows
- Makeup remover wipes
- Frizz Ease Hair Spray
- Nexxus Volumnizing Mousse
- Assorted makeup brushes, including large powder brush
- Foam wedges and cotton swabs – for perfectly even foundation application
- Eyelash curler and eyebrow tweezers
- Mirror
- Comb and Brush
- Lint Roller
- Chocolate Kisses – a little magic trick that helps dispel pre-video jitters
Here’s a terrific makeup application video from Sonia Kashuk
HOW TO: MAKEUP FOR THE MODERN WOMAN from Sonia Kashuk on Vimeo.
And here’s my video, talking about what’s in the kit, and how to use it…
*Please contact Mary Fletcher Jones (571) 269-7559 to redeem your non-transferable prizes of complimentary consultation and video recording sessions by the expiration date of December 31, 2010.
Like this:
On Excellence in Public Relations, and the Washington PR Woman of the Year Award
Every year, Washington Women in Public Relations honors three women and awards one female public relations professional the prestigious Washington PR Woman of the Year Award. It is always an inspiring event for me, and I’m sure, for all the attendees.
The awards luncheon is taking place Wednesday, November 10 at the fabulous Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, DC, and I am thrilled that both David Hyson and I will be attending (we’re also donating a gift for the benefit raffle, but more about that later this week). If you want to go — and of course, you do! you can learn all the details and register here.
Thinking about this award got me to pondering this week: what does excellence in public relations mean to you? I decided to ask some female public relations professionals I know (they also happen to be Fletcher Prince clients).
Heathere Evans-Keenan
Heathere Evans-Keenan, President of Keenan PR, Inc., an award winning public relations and marketing firm based in the Greater Washington D.C. area, was honored by Washington Women in Public Relations and had this to say on the subject of excellence in the practice of public relations –
“Too often practitioners forget to do the upfront research and “listening” required to develop truly excellent campaigns. Best practices in public relations always begins first with listening to the market and finding out what problem you are trying to solve with your public relations program. Once you have either uncovered or validated the true issue(s) at hand, following up with a solid plan that can be implemented and evaluated at key intervals is the recipe for success.”
Susan Rink
Susan Rink of Rink Strategic Communications (also the incoming 2011 IPRA President) specializes in employee communications. She offered this wisdom:
“In the world of employee communications, excellence is less about flash and dazzle and is defined by authenticity. Employee communicators look for ways to help employees form an emotional connection with their company.
So, the best employee communications create a reaction, and drive employees to take action to benefit their company.
Tone and voice are also very important when communicating to employees, and companies that find ways to infuse their employee communications with the voice of their brand and culture are most likely to create an environment of brand ambassadors within their workforce.”
Do you work in public relations? Or do you work with people who work in public relations? If you do, I would love to hear what your thoughts are about excellence in the practice of public relations. Feel free to leave your comments below.
