Curbing the Coffee

by Kim Nielsen

I’m a coffee drinker. I have to admit that I struggle to go a day without coffee. So, when I first heard about Tuesday’s 3 ½ hour Starbucks closures, I thought ‘wow, this is going to make for some disappointed people.’ The closing of nearly all Starbucks stores (with the exception of those in malls, airports, etc.) certainly prompted both talk and media coverage. 

Although the stores were closed for additional training – something Starbucks identified as an employee need – the closures did far more than allow for employee training, they also got people talking (something I’m sure Starbucks anticipated). I’ve heard from people who feel this shutdown highlighted Starbucks weaknesses. Personally, I think the buzz, not to mention the wide spread media coverage, probably did more harm than good. What are your thoughts?

Being the Front Runner in the Digital World

by Sam Sova

As a young professional you have a distinct advantage in the workforce when it comes to the digital world – YOU get it. You grew up in a world revolved around technology and the Internet. If you need to find an answer to something – you Google it. If you want to find the basics of a topic you go to Wikipedia. Want to connect with college and highschool classmates, go to Facebook and find out what they are doing – you no longer have to wait for the reunions. 

When it comes to most organizations you have a distinct advantage in leading them in the right direction in communicating with clients in the digital world. Telling your clients how great you are ONLY through traditional methods of press releases, tradeshows, brochures, etc. no longer cuts it. To get your message deeper you have to hit them in the new ways of Web 2.0. This means by seeing what is being said about you in blogs, taking opportunities to participate in podcasts, and advertising on the Web. 

While some of your co-workers are still struggling with the basics of Microsoft Office – like embedding video in a PowerPoint presentation – you have the advantage of your basic knowledge to excel in your company’s progression in the digital age. We are a generation of participators. If you don’t know how to blog, start reading blogs and even start your own – like we did with this one! Find out what are good podcasts and find ways that your company could do it. Learn the basics of Web 2.0 by participating and JOINING THE CONVERSATION. In doing so you will learn a ton about helping your company succeed in the digital world.   

Happy Cows Come From Where?

by Sarah Nohr

So here’s what I don’t understand: What were their media buyers thinking when they decided to run these commercials in the Wisconsin market? I get that these commercials get us Wisconsinites all riled up – but how in the h*ll is that increasing market share/sales? I’m assuming this is part of an image campaign – but I see running this in Wisconsin/Minnesota as a waste of money. Why would you want to tick off your target market? What’s the strategy here?

Honestly. Happy cows come from California. I’m so sick of these. Maybe they should do a commercial for tourism, too. “Happy people come from California.” It’s pretty obvious that the 96″ of snow here has put me in a slightly cynical mood…

I suppose we’ll be battling this one out till the cows come home …

Innovation

by Erica Zipp

 

I am finally beginning to understand how technology will affect future generations. While out to dinner a few nights ago, my husband and I were amazed at how quite the baby next to us was. When I looked over to see what was keeping this child so content, I noticed the baby was watching a movie on an iPhone. The child was smiling and perfectly content being entertained by a device that was too big to fit in a normal size purse a few years ago.

 

Things sure have changed since I was a kid. I’m pretty sure I was given the car keys to play with when I needed entertainment at a restaurant. Not the safest toy in the world, but we survived.

Starting Your Network, Advancing Your Career with PRSA Young Pros

By Laurie Peterson 

The PRSA Young Pros (YP) group was developed in 2007 to help connect new and seasoned public relations professionals in the metro-Milwaukee area.  Now in its second year, YP plans to extend its outreach, improve its programs and continue to help young professionals build their networks and advance their careers. 

Whether you are new to the profession, just out of college or a experienced professional looking to meet fresh talent in the city, YP invites you to its upcoming events and socials to help foster and broaden your professional network.  

Here is a sneak peek at YP’s 2008 programming:

§       Networking at Bayshore’s iPic

§       A Newsroom Tour – Insider Tips to News Releases & Pitching

§       Speed Networking – Making Quick Connections

§       Brewery Tour – Promoting A Milwaukee Tradition 

§       Jazz in the Park – Organizing Summer Fun 

Be sure to visit PRSA’s Web site throughout the year to learn more about these upcoming events.  

 

YouTube Video Made By Sam

Check out the video. It was made for a friend of mine to try in an attempt “sell” himself. The project was based on his senses and after viewing hopefully you want to contact me to see how to hang out with this cool kid.