If We're Being Honest...

There is a website/blog I recently started following called Honest Slogans, where they have literally what the title implies – honest slogans. They post a name brand company and where the company's normal slogan would be, there is a new, honest slogan.

One of my favorites is for Levi's Jeans: wearable napkins. I also liked The North Face: for outdoor activities across school campuses. I liked them because they were pretty honest. I wipe my dirty hands across my jeans all the time after dinner.

I wanted to bring this up because in the past book "Measure What Matters" the author talked about visibility of a brand. As well as what people think about you effects multiple aspects of success, one of which being how well your company will survive a crisis. If your brand is adequately represented and key publics know your brand’s character in a positive way, the more likely a company will survive a crisis with minor damage.

I thought that this website was a good example of the informal character analysis people give to companies every day with or without the companies’ approval or knowledge. In PR, it is a company’s responsibility to monitor this sentiment and try to change it if it is negative.

Brand Ambassador and Proud!

I have finally found out what I am a brand ambassador for: Disney World and Pink by Victoria's Secret. I love both of these brands with all my heart and would recommend them to someone in a heartbeat. Since it is Christmas time and I have been shopping at Pink, both for myself and friends, I have to talk about how wonderful they are.

Pink by Victoria's Secret has expanded their brand so much within the past few years. They go above and beyond just a ladies underwear store that they have been known for in the past. Their line of lounge wear is so popular now and it is quality made. They also know where their target audience is:  college campuses. College-aged young ladies usually have their own money to buy, the somewhat expensive, loungewear and Pink knows that college kids want to be comfortable while sitting in class. I love Pink clothes, they are so soft and the colors and patterns can appeal to almost everyone.  What I also love about this brand is that they stay loyal to those who are loyal to them. They do not give all their best deals to just new customers. As a member of the "Pink Nation" I get exclusive coupons and deals that those outside of the "Nation" do not have access to, and to be honest it makes me feel special and rewarded for staying loyal to the brand. I would highly recommend Pink appeal to everyone, and also become a member of the "Pink Nation" by downloading the app from your Google Play store. Once, you slip on their amazing leggings or fleece hoodies you will know what I am talking about.

Moving on to Disney World, they just know how to reach that child inside everyone. Disney World is a timeless place (like Neverland) that makes you happy. I have been to Disney World in Orlando, Florida twice and counting. Disney not only makes the five parks, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Downtown Disney, interactive and fun they make the Disney Universe outside the parks magical. I mean have you ever wondered why "Frozen" is so popular? Not only does the brand give a positive message it connects people, whether it be family or total strangers, everyone can rock out to "Let It Go." And to be honest, I love anyone who tells me I can still be a princess, mermaid or ice queen.

I encourage you to check these two brands out. I promise it will be worth your time and the companies will make your experience memorable.

Pop Tarts and Flashlights, Who Knew?

If I have learned anything from Katie Payne’s book “Measure What Matters” it is that measuring is not an option. A company, no matter what it does, needs to measure, analyze, gain insight and direction from that analysis, makes changes then measure again. This measuring may be in different aspects for example non-profits measure volunteer levels and sentiment while for profit organizations may measure bottom line and employee buy-in  whatever the case may be measuring must occur or the business will go belly-up. Measuring also helps learn something about campaigns; the fact that 79 percent of organizations do not measure their social media campaigns at all is astonishing. Why invest time and money in a campaign if you do not even know if it is working?

This year in PRSSA a speaker from InfoTrust, a web analytics company, said that Wal-Marts in Florida sold an astounding number of flashlights and Pop Tarts during hurricane season. So they moved the Pop Tarts next to the flashlight aisle and got an exponential jump in sales. How would you know flashlights and Pop Tarts, of all things, were usually sold together when hurricane season arrived other than to measure and analyze sales? The answer is you wouldn’t know and this is what Payne is stressing. These are the things measuring can help with that can boost your bottom line.

In the long run, measuring is essential is what this book is all about. Katie Payne stresses measuring isn’t supposed to be a punishment. By measuring we can all gain insight and facts into a company t make sure it is in favor of the public and a crisis isn’t sneaking up and instead of relying on “gut feelings” measuring will give hard facts that can be presented to the rest of the company to justifying goals and future campaigns that will actually be effective.