PR

Success
Chapter Newsletter
Hugh M. Culbertson Chapter Ohio University PRSSA Winter 2010 Edition

Networking opportunities closer than students think

Jackie Bavaro networking with her
peers with help from
“Network, network, network!” This seems the Ralph and Luci
to be the underlying subliminal message at Shey Sales Centre.
many PRSSA meetings and has been ingrained Through this campus
into our restless, ever consuming brains since organization, she has
the day we stepped foot into Scripps Hall. been able to land two
Although networking is emphasized with internships: one with
attending PRSA luncheons, meeting up for the Columbus Blue
coffee with an alumnus or potential employer, Jackets and the other
or even chats with the speaker after PRSSA with the Columbus
meetings, sometimes it can be much simpler Crew. She also has
and a little less awkward. There is no need to secured a job after
waste your time alphabetizing your rolodexes she graduates with
or organizing your Twitter accounts, because TEK Systems, the
networking is as easy as hanging out at Buffalo Leading Technology
Wild Wing’s after a Monday night meeting or Staffing and Services
meeting up with your mentor/mentee at your Company in Nashville,
favorite local spot. Tennessee. Now that Cupid Shuffle PRSSA events, such as the Valentine’s Day Shuffle, provide
Jeff Hirz graduated from E.W. Scripps she has professional members with an opportunity to socialize while also giving back to the
School of Journalism in 2008. During his four experience under her community. Above, seniors Alyssa Mehling, Janelle Huelsman and Adria
years at Ohio University, he was very involved belt and connections Courtot chat while icing cookies (Photo by Devin Hughes).
and active in student organizations. He served with her former
as treasurer of PRSSA during his senior year and employers, she has
was the Student Director of Office Operations the opportunity to help her fellow peers gain the “The networking I’ve used through social
and Public Relations for the Intramural Sports internships they desire. chair has helped me to get that internship
Department. He was also the Communications “Because of my connections with the Blue because of my experience in organizing events
Coordinator for the Forensic Speech & Debate Jackets and Columbus Crew, students come up on campus and networking with students and
team. Looking back on his academic career, the to me all the time to put in a good word and pass organizations,” Buccina said.
advice he would give to students interested in their name along,” Centrone said. As young aspiring PR professionals,
obtaining connections with other students is to Dominique Buccina, a sophomore we know that networking is critical for gaining
“find a small, subset of people and forge good Broadcast Journalism major, has learned the art strong connections, impressing an employer and
deep relations with them.” It was through his of networking through her role as Social Chair ultimately landing that ideal job. However, you do
friendships on the PRSSA executive board that for the Radio Television Digital News Association not have to look too far to seek great PR advice
he was able to foster these connections and (RTDNA). Her main task is to organize and gain lasting professional connections.
life-long relationships with his best friends and educational events for journalism students and Whether it’s pursuing internships, fostering
fellow peers. she recently scored an internship focused on budding relationships, or gaining employment
Senior Marketing and Management major event coordinating because of her involvement after graduation, just remember that you can
Emily Centrone has had plenty of experience with these events. always “get by with a little help from your peers.”
 PRSuccess Winter 2010 Page 2

Corporate social responsibility: deeper dimensions of PR

events and promotional stunts, relations perspective,
Grace Naugle

T
but there can be personally know what the competition Important terms
he definition of “public satisfying ethical and moral is doing, what the world
relations” is open- dimensions in choosing to become expects, and what Cause-related marketing:
ended, meaning that a professional in this particular people are saying. As A for profit organization joins
PR practitioners are responsible field. Our generation has the the sustainability or CSR with a nonprofit and forms a
for creating and defining the opportunity to change the way officer, the question to ask mutual relationship to advocate
roles they fill in relation to their that corporations are negatively yourself is, are we doing for certain social and charitable
“job description.” Communicating affecting the world we live in today, things that fit well with the causes
with all of your publics requires socially and environmentally. world today? Philanthropy:
understanding everything about Good public relations practice CSR has been A tax-deductible monetary
the company you represent and requires ensuring your company around for more than 30 donation toward a charitable
crafting specific messages that are is doing the right thing. It is years, but recently there organization
not only accurate, but also appeal easier to promote a company has been an escalated need
to certain audiences. The goal of that practices social responsibility for it because of corporate Greenwashing:
public relations practitioners is to and is accountable for all actions misdeeds and missteps. When a company appears to
generate interest in a particular across the board. There is now an increased be environmentally conscious
subject, motivate others to take Professor Bojinka Bishop demand for transparency through marketing campaigns
action and satisfy all stakeholders. is currently teaching JOUR 492, in the business world. but in reality does not practice
To outsiders, “public relations” a journalism elective Corporate As for PR students, actual sustainable business
is often regarded as companies Social Responsibility (CSR) course there are opportunities in operations
taking surface actions solely to this quarter. She remarks that the sustainability and social
boost their public image, and has class aims to encourage students responsibility departments Sustainability:
the reputation of using spin. This to become educated and informed beyond philanthropy and Our ability to meet the
causes accusations of being face strategic thinkers. Professor cause marketing, perhaps needs of the present without
work, or “just PR” for the company. Bishop believes that, “today, beyond CSR reporting. compromising the needs of the
As a future professional there is an increased need for Today, the reputation of future
and practitioner, you will have transparency because of increased a company influences Transparency:
to understand all aspects of the communication technology buying behavior. We’re Being able to see and understand
company you represent and – employees and activists and seeing that with Toyota all aspects of a company
communicate for. In this day and journalists blog, tweet, and post right now in a significant and business operations and
age, practicing corporate social everything on YouTube.” Not way. Companies are forced procedures
responsibility has become one of everything is behind closed doors to assume accountability
those important aspects of public anymore. CSR forces companies for all actions. People
relations. A company is not just to step up to the plate and be have the opportunity to pick and and involvement that goes
selling its product; companies have responsible for their actions. choose brands, and are now taking behind the decision-making
become brands and lifestyles, and According to Professor company policies and operations processes and the strategic
the product involves all of their Bishop, in order to represent a into account. preparation. We as PR people,
actions, from start to finish. company well, you must know the Public relations should aspire to be moral and
It is easy to get caught up in current social norms. From a public professionals perform the ethical leaders in the business
role of a communications world, and step up to the role
facilitator, strategic planner, of counseling companies in
Inside this edition journalist and now, ethical socially responsible actions.
advisor. Public relations While CSR might seem like
True Life: “I’m a JSchool kid!”___________________ 3 practitioners are important a trend now, it is turning into
Members attend National Conference ____________ 3 because they are often the common practice with the
Internship spotlight ___________________________ 4 direct consultants to top influence of public relations
FTC regulates social media ____________________ 5 management and give expert agents, and it is important for
Putting together a portfolio _____________________ 6 advice for organizational us to be prepared.
Nail interviews without saying a word _____________ 7 reputation and image. -Special thanks to Bojinka
ImPRessions spotlight ________________________ 8 What many outsiders do Bishop for article contributions
not see is the planning and course lecture material
PRSuccess
CTrueolLife: u m n
“I’m a JSchool Kid”
by Maddie Stevens
Earning the title of “student” in the E.W.
Scripps School of Journalism ain’t nothin’ to
take lightly, kids.
Seriously. Only 244 out of 584 students
were enrolled into our elite group of aspiring
journalists in 2009, and an even smaller
number of admitted students were chosen to
join the ranks once the school year began.
If you don’t think you’ve accomplished
something, you’ve got a lot of things to
reconsider.
While I wholeheartedly agree that
confidence is key to your success in life, I
also believe that there is a fine line between
confidence and cockiness. As “JKids,” we
know we’re getting a phenomenal education;
we have opportunities that cannot be
matched and alumni of only the highest
caliber of professionals. We are required
to complete one professional internship
before graduation, and several more are
encouraged. This makes it is easy to “wow”
our friends and family with the expectations to
which we are held. By all means, bask in their
praises! It will be something positive to look
back on when you’re struggling through that
difficult philosophy course you’re required to
take!
But although it is important to give
yourself the credit you deserve for already
achieving so much as an undergraduate, it is
imperative to remember those manners your
parents taught you about “playing nice with
others,” and this includes remaining humble.
It is especially unbecoming of a successful
student to flaunt his or her accomplishments
in the faces of his or her peers, and it does
not bode well for his or her reputation among
fellow journalists he or she will be working
beside in the real world. I know it’s easy to
get caught up in the pride you have in your
success because it’s true that you are your
own biggest fan. But the ability to remain
Continued on page 6
Winter 2010 Page 3
Members stay classy in San Diego
Nicole bersani
to Myers, the most beneficial opportunity
Public Relations Student Society of was networking with people from different
America’s largest event is its annual National schools and companies. Huelsman agreed,
Conference. In 2009, the conference, titled noting that the people who go to National
“Creating Currents: Surfing the Waves of Conference are the ones who are committed
Change,” was held in sunny San Diego, and take PRSSA seriously.
California from November 6 to 10. Eleven pre- One professional a few OU students
professionals from the Ohio University PRSSA networked with was Ron Culp, the Partner
chapter flew more than five hours to attend the and Director of Ketchum’s North America
conference, including national PRSSA’s Vice Corporate Practice. He presented responses
President of Advocacy, Janelle Huelsman. from his peers as senior public relations
“I heard this conference was one of executives and with him, a successful junior
the smoothest and most organized PRSSA professional, Kevin Saghy, to represent the
conferences ever,” said Huelsman. young professional side as well. According
Credit can be given to California State to Culp, listening and writing skills are critical
University Fullerton and San Diego State along with “a work ethic that stretches beyond
University for the overall success of the 9-to-5.” If he could say one sentence to junior
conference and the handling of the attendence staff, he would tell them to “be current, curious
limit, which exceeded more than 1,000 students. and creative.”
“Organizing everyone to go together on Along with the “C’s” mentioned by Culp,
one flight was the most difficult part,” Ali Myers, Dr. Joseph Trahan, the President and CEO
OU PRSSA President said about her own of Trahan & Associates, had a few “C’s” of
struggles for coordinating OU students to go to his own within media relations. Control,
the conference. “But then we split up, and it all competence and concern were important in
worked out fine.” Trahan’s presentation, and along with each
No matter the difficulties, the overall “C” there needs to be preparation.
experience was a valuable one according to all Many successful PR professionals
who attended from the OU chapter. According Continued on page 6
California Dreamin’ Eleven chapter members made the trip to San Diego,
California to attend this year’s annual PRSSA National Conference. Above, the
eleven pose at the “Acadamy of PRSSA Awards Ceremony and Dinner” on the last
night of the conference (Photo courtesy of Nicole Bersani).
 PRSuccess
Paradise City The Miss Universe Pageant
give interns a chance to experience
hands-on public relations in a fast-paced
environment. Above, senior Jenn Habel
takes a short break from the craziness
(Photo courtesy of Jenn Habel).
Students turn tables with informational interview
Andrea harless
One of the most stressful situations for
a college student looking for a job or internship
can be the dreaded interview. Wouldn’t it
be nice to just turn the table and ask the
professionals questions? Well, that’s why there
are informational interviews. An informational
interview is an interview conducted to collect
information about a job, career field, industry
or company. During this interview, a student or
job seeker gets to ask all the questions to the
professional.
Senior Janelle Huelsman suggests
that students take a “casual yet professional
approach” when seeking out an interview.
Huelsman has found that asking a potential
interviewer out for coffee or just requesting a
Winter 2010
Public relations in paradise:
Habel gains experience through Miss Universe Pageant
Cori sherman
Picture this: the sun setting beyond a
glowing ocean, the Bahamian breeze blowing
through your hair. Does this sound like a typical
first internship? For one Ohio University student
it does. Senior Jenn Habel was selected for an
internship with the Miss Universe Organization
(MUO) on Paradise Island in the Bahamas last
August.
While in the Bahamas she tested her
marketing and public relations skills to help
promote the 2009 Miss Universe pageant. As
a part of the MUO staff, Habel not only assisted
with advertising and promotions for the pageant,
but for the whole country as well. This included
making sure local Bahamian sponsors were
seen during the telecasts of the event.
“There was one moment when I was
working with a local Bahamian sponsor and my
boss said, ‘go arrange this photo shoot,’’ Habel
said. “I had to hand select the women I would
have in the photo shoot and coordinate the shoot
with the photographers and the company.”
Habel learned more than just public
relations and marketing skills--she learned to
never underestimate herself. When she applied
to intern with MUO, she thought it was a long
simple phone call works best. Also, do not forget it
is your responsibility to have questions to ask and to
bring copies of your resume and business cards, if
you have them.
“I also suggest keeping in mind that you’re
asking for a professional’s precious time, so be
courteous-- always willing to work around his or her
schedule,” Huelsman said.
Preparation is key for an informational
interview. Research the person you’re meeting
with and the company. You should have a lot of
questions ready to ask, but if you run out, knowing
something about the company will be an even better
back-up tool. If you are unsure of something that
your partner is talking about, just ask. That’s what
you’re there for: to gain as much information as
possible.
Even though you are not in a technical job
Page 4
shot to have such a lofty internship. But Habel
remained confident.
“I think I was adequately prepared [for
the internship] from class and having practical
experience being involved with different
organizations on campus,” Habel said.
Being away from home was a new
experience for her. Not only was this her first
internship, it was her first time out of the country.
“It was very hands-on and very fast paced
sometimes. I learned a lot about myself and
what I was capable of handling,” She said.
Although a first internship may not be
as picture perfect as Habel’s, all lessons to be
learned remain the same.
“I had a chance to observe the best of the
best and work with the best of the best,” Habel
said.
Learning from a hands-on experience is
something everyone can and should actively
seek. Habel’s experience is the perfect example
of how to get the most out of your internship.
“You need to be confident in your abilities,”
Habel said.
After that, it’s as simple as relaxing on a
beach.
interview don’t get too comfortable.
“While you’re interviewing this professional,
they are also evaluating you. If a company isn’t
hiring, many use informational interviews as a
way to get in with an employee at the company
and impress them,” junior Devin Hughes said.
This is an advantage for potential
employees because if a position does open up,
you will already be in the mind of someone in the
company. Hughes explains that his goal for an
informational interview is to figure out more about
the job and then decipher what he could be doing
better to fit into this position.
Preparation and confidence are your best
bets to have a successful informational interview.
So, go ahead and make your move. Pick up the
phone, write an e-mail: just try. Just like mom
always says, “the worst they can do is say no.”
 PRSuccess Winter 2010 Page 5

Reading between the guidelines: FTC sets new regulations

Kellie snyder
The growing prominence of The mere fact that the FTC saw ferocity. and ensure ‘open communication
social media is rapidly changing the a need to regulate web advertising Joe Chernov, Global Director to help foster informed decision
face of the public relations industry. proves that the Internet is capable of Communications & Social making,’” said Karen Bailey, Senior
Agencies, corporations, and non- of generating major product hype. Media at Eloqua and Co-chair of Account Specialist at Fahlgrine
profit organizations are diving However, web marketing is not WOMMA Member Ethics Advisory Mortine, in a company blog, “The
head first into the digital sea as like traditional marketing, and web Panel, stated in a risk mitigation new FTC guidelines may impact

“
the traditional presentation that how I approach future blogger
forms of As PR professionals we’re already the FTC has a meet- ups, product review pitches
marketing low likelihood of and relationships with third parties,
are beginning bound by the Code of Ethics to... monitoring all blogs but it won’t stop me from continuing
to dry up. PR for compliance to incorporate social media tools
ensure ‘open communication to help

”
professionals are or placing and sponsorships into public
taking advantage foster informed decision making’ $11,000 fines relations campaigns and media
of the Internet, on independent relations strategies.”
and the Federal -Karen Bailey, Senior Account bloggers for The Internet serves as a broad
Trade Commission
has noticed. In
Specialist at Falgrine Mortine brands, agencies, and oversights. Further, only horizon in which the PR industry will
prosper regardless of FTC guides
response to the way new media is marketers are not like traditional bloggers with patterns of deception or other restrictions. The Federal
changing the game of promotion, marketers. In fact, it can be nearly are likely to be strictly scrutinized by Trade Commission’s heightened
the FTC has reformed the guidelines impossible to distinguish an the FTC. guidelines on endorsements and
governing the use of endorsements endorser from a hobbyist in blog It is hard to determine what testimonials in advertising will not
and testimonials in advertising. world. This distinction is perhaps the FTC’s new guidelines really necessarily change the public
The Federal Trade the most controversial point of the mean for the public relations relations industry, yet the guides
Commission has revised its new guidelines. industry. In fact, only time will tell will undoubtedly keep the industry
30-year-old guidelines because “While the guides discuss what implications the revision will honest.
traditional media standards hold ‘free products’ and an exchange of truly have on
no avail in the remarkable world of money, the conditions that establish communication
the web. The 81 page document an advertiser/endorser relationship s p e c i a l i s t s . The Do’s and Don’ts of Disclosure
detailing the new guides may seem are not spelled out otherwise Fortunately, the
overwhelming and complicated, yet empirically in the pronouncement. same code of Do tell about any free products or
the main message of the reformation While common sense might ethics that the payments you receive for blog work.
is simple – disclosure. Bloggers conclude that a ‘media rate’ or FTC hopes to
and other media users must ‘ham sandwich’ establishing an instill in web Don’t gush about the extraordinary
disclose any material connection advertiser/endorser relationship users with the results you witnessed after using a
they have to a good or service; is frivolous/ludicrous, I believe a new parameters product, unless you are also willing
product reviewers must disclose the conservative legal opinion could is already set to share the typical results using
“typical” results of the product they conclude the contrary,” said Dave forth for PR that product yields.
are reviewing; firms must disclose Herbst, Print Managing Editor for professionals via
any relationship they have to Disney Destinations/Walt Disney the PRSA ethics Do brag about new products your
research cited in an advertisement; World Resort, in a personal code. place of employment is releasing;
and celebrities must disclose any statement. “As PR don’t forget to make it explicitly clear
link they have to a company if they Civilians, celebrities and p r o f e s s i o n a l s that you work for that company.
endorse that company’s product on businesses alike are now required and members
a social networking site. This tell-all to disclose any and all information of PRSA, we’re Don’t discriminate: tweets, status
policy is a direct result of the way of connectivity to a product or already bound updates, and blog posts are all the
the web is emerging as a powerful client due to the Federal Trade by the Code of same in the eyes of the FTC.
tool for producer-consumer Commission’s heightened social Ethics to ‘reveal
communication; the Federal Trade media standards. This may seem the sponsors Do listen to your gut; if it feels
Commission wants to ensure this daunting, but it is disputable as to for causes wrong, then it probably is. When in
communication is as fair and decent whether or not the “blog police” will and interests doubt, disclose!
as possible. truly patrol the web with a harsh r e p r e s e n t e d ’
 PRSuccess
How to:a portfolio
Put together
Rachel Csaszar
One of the most important parts of the
interview process is showcasing your skills.
Before an employer is willing to hire you, you
must show your ability to perform, and there is
no better way to do so than by having a portfolio .
A portfolio is a collection of your best
work, and should exhibit a variety of skills that
you could bring to the position for which you are
interviewing. A portfolio should always include a
resumé, table of contents, and multiple samples
of your best work.
Michelle Honald, Assistant Professor in
the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, suggests
having more than just one type of sample. Writing
samples such as articles, press releases and PR
plans are always important, but don’t be afraid
to include graphics projects or broadcast work.
Anything that isn’t on paper can always be
included in the front pocket of the portfolio on a
disk.
“Compile things you are proud of; they
don’t necessarily have to be PR,” Honald said.
The next big question is how to organize
all of your work. Paul Matson, Assistant Account
Executive at Weber Shandwick in Chicago and
“San Diego” Continued
such as Trahan and Culp spoke at the
conference’s professional development
sessions. Overa span of five days, there
were more than fifty professionals, eight
chapter development sessions, twenty-
eight professional development sessions,
two student workshops and two general
sessions with PRSA. The events ranged
from healthcare to agency and sports to crisis
management public relations.
“For me, the entertainment sessions
were my favorite,” said Myers. “I learned that
when you are in entertainment PR, it’s not
just your career; it’s your life.”
After the conference ended, Myers and
Huelsman both admitted they did not want to
leave the 80-degree weather, the people they
Winter 2010
former PRSSA president, commented on the
process.
“Your portfolio should be set up as a story,
not a pile of work you have done. No more than
ten samples of work, displayed in an order that is
easy to follow as you explain your background,”
Matson said.
This is important advice to follow, as it
will help guide the employer to what you are
best at and what you can do for that company.
Honald also believes that it is important to have
an organized portfolio, but as a beginner, it is
perfectly acceptable to just include one sample
of everything. Then, as you progress through
school, you can make a more strategic effort to
organize.
Another option for portfolio organization
is to create an E-portfolio, which is a portfolio
accessible online. Many students take this
approach and include it with their personal
blog. E-portfolios can be impressive if you are
interviewing for a position with a heavy online
emphasis, or if the company is relatively new and
progressive. It also wouldn’t hurt to have both, as
Honald states.
met and the experiences they learned. However,
they took more home with them than what they
arrived with between the stacks of business
cards, lessons learned and numerous pages of
notes.
“It’s one thing to be among students here
at OU and Central Ohio, but to be among the best
students in the nation puts PRSSA in a bigger
perspective,” Huelsman admitted. “There are
more than 300 chapters and 10,000 members in
PRSSA.”
From PRSSA and PRSA Sessions to
new friendships and stronger bonds within their
chapter, the students who traveled to San Diego
soaked up more than just the sun. Next year, OU
students instead have about a six-hour car ride
to the east coast—the 2010 National Conference
will be held in the capital of the U.S., Washington,
D.C.
Page 6
“Both types are used…students can
choose to have both depending on what job they
are looking for,” Honald said.
Some online resources for creating an
E-portfolio include Zen Portfolio, Mahara, and
Zolio.com.
Finally, it is important to remember a
portfolio should never be the reason you earned
an interview.
“It is important to remember that a portfolio
is not an employer’s first impression of you.
Your references, resumé, and reputation should
precede you well,” Matson said.
That doesn’t mean you can relax about
your portfolio, though. It should always be neat
and organized, and use color when applicable,
according to Matson. And, as always, it is
important to get a second opinion on your
portfolio, so never hesitate to have a professional
mentor, an upperclassmen or a professor look it
over.
“True Life” continued
conscious of your achievements while
keeping a lid on how awesome your paid
internship with Jesus was is of the utmost
importance. No one likes to feel inferior to
his or her classmates, and maintaining a
comfortable atmosphere within the JSchool
is dire if we are all going to get out of here
alive.
So remember this quick formula the
next time you feel the urge to regale your
“JClass” with the sparkling recommendation
Oprah wrote for you after you assisted in the
production of her show or the great portfolio
piece you obtained from your work with the
UN’s newsletter:
Arrogance + audacity = annoying, but
conviction + confidence = character.
 PRSuccess
Non-verbal signs worth 1,000 words
Brittany balandis
Picture this: It’s your first job interview.
You walk into a room where a row of managers
sits, each holding a clipboard with your resumé
attached. You smile, trying not to appear nearly
as nervous as you really are, and politely
introduce yourself.
Little do you know, they’ve already made
up their minds about you.
According to Marc Salem, one of the
world’s foremost authorities on non-verbal
communication, 55 percent of the way you
communicate with others is through body
language. Your hand placement and posture can
send very strong signals to your interviewer. Your
body display is also very important. Interviewers
pay attention to where your head placement
is, how you’re leaning and how you cross your
legs. According to Salem, your facial expression,
posture, and gestures have 48 percent more of
an impact on others than what you actually say.
But back to your interview. You begin to
answer some basic questions about yourself;
where you’re from, where you went to school and
what you ultimately want to do in life. But choose
your words carefully. This could be the turning
point of the interview.
In Salem’s book, “The Six Keys to Unlock
and Empower Your Mind: Spot Liars & Cheats,
Negotiate Any Deal to Your Advantage, Win at
the Office, Influence Friends, & Much More,”
he warns about lying, especially in interviews.
Salem states that people can read and detect lies
through three basic mind tool areas: attention,
concentration and translation.
Salem has proven that people can identify
the difference between the truth and a lie
through facial expression, body language and
gestures. If you are telling a lie, you’re more
likely to subconsciously divert your eyes from
PRSuccess
Hugh M. Culbertson Chapter
Ohio University PRSSA
Winter 2010 Edition
Winter 2010 Page 7
Congratulations
to the newly
the people you are lying to. Your blinking may
become rapid and your hands might get sweaty.
All of these silent signals are sent involuntarily,
elected
0 11
but noticeable all the same, and they send one
2010 - 2
very strong message: you are lying.
Concentrating on the “unheard” can also
help detect a lie. Not only will tone changes reveal
that a fib is being told, but sudden changes and
silences in sentences are also giveaways. When
you are telling the truth, you are more likely to
executive board:
speak in a steady pace, but when you start
fabricating a story or event, you’re more prone to President:
sound fragmented and rushed. Kelsey Spellman
Last but not least, the translation of your Vice President
words can ultimately expose your fabrications. In
any meeting for any job, the interviewer will look Heather Farr
back at his or her notes and re-read what the CEO of ImPRessions:
interviewee said. If there are any inconsistencies Devin Hughes
at all, your secret will be discovered.
So, tell the truth in your interview. Try to Assistant Director of ImPRessions
pay attention to your body gestures. Don’t put Nicole Bersani
your hands on your hips, twist your ring, or tap
your fingers. Focus on keeping your hands VP of Finance
away from your face and hair during the entire Andrea Harless
interview. Playing with your earrings or your hair
is not only distracting, but it’s unprofessional. VP of Member Relations
Concentrate on keeping your head Molly Essell
held high. Interviewers are always looking for
someone with confidence, and even if you don’t VP of Internal Relations
feel confident during the interview, holding your Annie White
head up portrays self-assurance.
When you are asked a question, first and VP of External Relations
foremost, tell the truth. As Salem proved, you can Bethany Scott
get caught very easily. Make sure you look at the
person asking the question when you answer. VP of Public Relations
Also, never shrug your shoulders. Salem points Grace Naugle
out that shrugging sends a signal of weakness.
If you take note of Salem’s non-verbal tips, VP of Social Affairs
you should ace any interview. Just remember, Maddie Stevens
keep your head held high, don’t lean or slouch
and above all, tell the truth.
Editor-in-chief: Heather Farr
Advisor: Michelle Honald
Editors: Brittany Balandis,
Jackie Bavaro, Sam Bartlett,
Heather Bartman, Nina Bressau,
Rachel Csaszar, Andrea Harless,
Photography contributors: Kelly Hoover, Devin Hughes,
Nicole Bersani, Jenn Habel, Grace Naugle, Cori Sherman,
Devin Hughes, Morgan Lyles Ashley Showen, Annie White
 PRSuccess Winter 2010 Page 8

ImPRessions spotlight: Big Brothers Big Sisters

Brittany lambert
ImPRessions welcomed Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Athens County this fall as its newest
client in the student-run firm. According to the Big
Brothers Big Sisters, or BBBS, website, BBBS
is a mentoring program in which an adult, or a
“big,” is paired with a child, or a “little,” to spend
time together within the community. Most “bigs”
in the Athens BBBS program are Ohio University
students.
Due to drastic funding cuts, BBBS current-
ly has only one paid member in the organization.
The BBBS account has focused on promoting
fundraising events for the organization to com-
bat funding deficits and keep the organization
alive. Morgan Lyles, co-executive of the BBBS
account, explained the events BBBS has spon-
sored this year.
“A few weeks ago BBBS had a concert at
Jackie-Os called ‘Rock for Kids’ Sake,’ which Rock and Bowl Members of the Big Brothers Big Sisters ImPRessions team have
raised a couple thousand dollars, and on Febru- spent the past two months promoting Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Above (left to right) Tony
ary 28, we have an event coming up called Bowl Iori, Morgan Feindt, Jen Scott, Sarah Ahlrichs, Cara Capuano, John Marvar and Morgan
for Kids’ Sake,” Lyles said. Lyles pose at the event (Photo courtesy of Morgan Lyles).
Rock for Kids’ Sake hosted local bands
Downplay, Seventh Cycle and Five Foot Forward and are bowling to raise money as well,” Lyles Although BBBS is not currently matching
and sold 300+ tickets. The event filled Jackie- said. any more “bigs” and “littles,” there are still ways
O’s, a bar on West Union Street. The BBBS account has had great success to get involved on campus. College Book Store
BBBS’s current project, Bowl for Kids’ with the events they have hosted thus far and is selling Sibs Weekend shirts for $9.99 on be-
Sake, is a fundraising campaign which began on expect the success to continue. half of BBBS. Twenty percent of every shirt sold
Dec. 1 and ends on Feb. 28. Teams of five raise “I think this event will be successful be- will go to BBBS. “Bowl for Kid’s sake” was also
money with the goal of $1,000 and then bowl for cause we are targeting groups that BBBS hasn’t recently held.
an hour at Rollerbowl on Palmer Street. done before…we’ve formulated a fundraising let- “Without ImPRessions, BBBS targets
“We have been helping promote the event ter to send out to friends and family which tells community members more, which is good, but
by making Facebook events, reserving Baker people exactly where there money is going. This the wider the audience the more people BBBS
screens and hanging fliers and posters. We have will hopefully make people more comfortable to can affect… students targeting students is a
divided our ImPRessions account into two teams give,” Lyles said. good way to get the word out,” Lyles said.

Tips for staying plugged-in while taking time off:

Meghan Tinker
Between PRSSA meetings and
ImPRessions opportunities, keeping up on PR
is easy on campus. During breaks, however,
without a summer internship or a winter class,
it is easy to let PR mechanics slip from one’s
mind. Classes and internships are not your
only options for staying in touch with the ever-
changing world of public relations.
Blogs: OU’s PRSSA and ImPRessions both
have blogs that are updated regularly. Other
PR blogs across the Net include “eWritings”, “PR
Warrior” and “Musings of a PR Student,” each
conveying a different point of view.
Twitter: Twitter provides a location for a live
exchange. Twitter is full of both professionals
and other students willing to share what they
know and answer questions from all outlets.
E-Newsletters: Online newsletters, such as
those produced by PRSSA and PRSA
Books: As PR is growing as a career, authors
are running with the topic. “Putting the
Public Back In Public Relations”, by Deidre
Breakenridge and Brian Soils, discusses
how social media is making PR stronger
than ever. Trust Agents by Chris Brogan and
Julien Smith has a similar concept.