At LANE PR we love it when The Pew Internet & American Life Project comes out with a new report.  The latest, “Understanding the Participatory News Consumer,” reports that while television is still the biggest source of news, the Internet is now number two, ahead of print and radio. 

This is big news.  The rapid rise of mobile technologies, broadband access and social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have created a news kaleidoscope that shifts in real time.  As the report says, this kaleidoscope is “Portable, personalized and participatory.” 

I encourage anyone involved in marketing or driving sales for a business to read the report and consider how these shifts in the making and sharing of news are impacting your business today, and how they might in the future. 

Key stats from the report:
1. TV is still the biggest source of news (78% of Americans say they get news from a local TV station), Internet sits at second place (61% of users get news online), ahead of radio and newspapers.
2. Three fourths of the people (75%) who find news online get it either forwarded through e-mail or posts on social networking sites.
3. Half of them (52%) forward the news through those means.
4. 59% of those surveyed get news from a combination of online and offline sources.
5. Nearly half of Americans (46%) claim they get news from four to six media platforms on a typical day.
6. Only 17% — claim they read news in a national newspaper such as The New York Times or USA Today
7. Very few people nowadays (7%) are getting information from a single media platform.
8. Thirty-three percent of cell phone owners now access news on their phones
9. 28% use personalized news, meaning they have a customized page that includes news from sources they’ve chosen.
10. News consumers today participate in the creation of news; 37% have contributed to news creation, commented on news or shared it via social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter. 

For the full report, click here.

A massive online movement has taken place over the past 24 hours via Facebook, Twitter and other social forums where people shared their opinions on the Leno vs. Conan vs. NBC controversy.  The media is reporting that tens of thousands of people took part in this online movement yesterday afternoon alone.

Just as the volume of this online activity reached its height yesterday, we were hit with the news of the devastation that occurred in Haiti. It was an instant reality check for all of us. A reminder of the life and death issues facing the world that are much more important than the future of our late night TV.

The family of a dear friend of mine is in Haiti. She has only been able to reach a few of these family members over the past 24 hours. The fate of some of her loved ones is unknown as I write this post.

If everyone that took the time to voice their “O’Brien vs. Leno” opinion now took a moment to donate to the rescue effort in Haiti, we would be able to make a small dent in the tremendous need for resources that now exists in Haiti.

If you are looking for a way to help and are able to do so, here are some links to organizations through which you can make a donation online:

https://www.imcworldwide.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=878

http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.1a019a978f421296e81ec89e43181aa0/?vgnextoid=a8712721ea326210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD

https://my.care.org/site/Donation2?5000.donation=form1&df_id=5000

Growing up, my father loved nothing more than to scare the wits out of my little sister and me by jumping out from behind things.  Much to our dismay, he has continued this tradition in to our adult life.  This time of year, swarms of people flock to scary movies and haunted houses and pay to be scared.  I will admit, scaring can be fun for the person who is doing the scaring, I just don’t see how it’s at all enjoyable for the person being scared.

Another case in point – the Heathman Hotel.  Did you know it’s haunted?  For years, room 703 has experienced many mysterious incidents. Guests who leave a clean room return to find a towel used, glass of water out or desk chair moved. According to legend, many years ago, a guest checked into the Heathman and never checked out. As a result, every year guests and the media flock to the Heathman, each clamoring to stay in room 703 on October 31.  Again, not my cup of tea!  Frankly, I would rather stay as far away from that room as possible!  Maybe the Andy Warhol suite on the 8th floor instead?

If you enjoy being scared, then I wish you a spooky, scream-filled Halloween.  As for me, I will be hard at work, steering clear of my father who, most likely, will be lingering behind closed doors just waiting to jump out and watch me hit the ceiling!

 Happy Halloween!

I admit it; I am a sucker for designer garb.  Shoes, purses, clothes, accessories… the list goes on and on.  While I do indulge occasionally, my closet certainly isn’t filled with the latest offerings of Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton. 

However, thanks to a website I recently discovered, I can fulfill my secret joy.  The site http://www.ideeli.com/events/coming_soon features weekly sales, generally on high-end designer clothing and accessories. Emails are daily and supplies are limited so you must shop fast.  My first indulgence was a beautiful pair of Oscar de la Renta platform shoes that I “stole” for more than 70% off the asking price.  They are beautiful, although I have yet to wear them.  I suppose I am waiting for a special occasion (of which there aren’t many in casual Portland, Oregon). 

In my opinion, the site is genius.  Not only is it a vehicle for designers to unload extra merchandise, but it’s also an opportunity for up–and-coming designers to increase exposure among a captive audience. Shortly after I purchased the de la Renta shoes, I acquired a ring from a designer I had never heard of, but now seek out.  Getting your product in front of a captive audience can make a big impression and lead to new sales, whatever the demographic.

Who doesn’t love a vacation? Pool + good book + frozen cocktail = uninterrupted joy.  I have come to learn that each of us have a different interpretation of a relaxing week off.  For some, it’s what I described above (me included!) For others, it’s setting up camp deep in the woods. For others still, it’s giving back and doing something valuable with their time off.

For fans of the latter, the Heathman Hotel  recently launched a Volunteer Vacation package  chocked full of ways to do good during your time off.  The package includes a three-hour, hands on volunteer experience in Forest Park , the nation’s premier urban park, as well as transportation to and from the park and an educational walking tour immediately following your work session.  When you purchase the package, $100 is donated by the Heathman directly back to FPC. As an added bonus, Forest Park Conservancy  will recognize you for your donation.  The package can be added to any current room rate.  What better way to get in your volunteer hours?

My 10-year-old daughter, Hanna, is suddenly obsessed with pencil toppers.  She can’t get enough of them.  Everywhere we go, she is on the lookout for one.  She recently found a website that sells the toppers and, needless to say, was ecstatic!  She saved her allowance for two weeks to get the selection of toppers she had her eye on – in this case, they featured barnyard animals. 

I asked her the other day how this initial fascination came about. She explained to me that Alexa in her class had a collection that she brought to school one day. Soon all of the girls, and a few of the boys, were collecting them as well.  The chatter became so disruptive that the teacher had to temporarily ban all pencil topper sharing in the classroom.  The website Hanna found quickly sold out of their limited supply due to her classmate’s numerous orders.

Whether you are 10 or 100, word of mouth is powerful stuff. Who hasn’t run out to get the latest and greatest make-up a friend can’t live without, or the new snack chips a co-worker said they can’t get enough of?  Conversely, who has refused to buy a particular treadmill because their mother’s best friend’s cousin said it broke the first time they used it?  Your best spokesperson is a happy customer, and your worst… an unhappy one.

Pay attention to your purchases, especially those that relate to a new product.  Why are you interested in the product? Did you hear someone talking about it?  Did you see a story featuring the product?  Did one of your Facebook friends become a fan?   Either way, it led you to purchase the product.  Powerful, huh?

How many people get to help a dog celebrate her birthday at the Heathman Hotel for their job? Not many - and the guestlist will be just as select this May 1, when the Heathman Hotel will celebrate its pet friendly amenities with a birthday party/fashion show for one of America’s most beloved dogs, Zelda.

The bulldog behind Zelda Wisdom, whose iconic costumed images grace cards, calendars, and books and more (with one liners dreamed up by her ex-ad exec owner, Carol Gardner) is turning 13. Zelda has been on Good Morning America and Oprah. But she will share both the limelight and her wardrobe for her birthday, when local celebs bring their own precious pooches to join in the fun.

Together, Zelda and her guests will eat “cake,” “sing” happy birthday, and parade through the Heathman’s Tea Court in Zelda’s famous costumes. Party proceeds will benefit Banfield Pet Hospital, which has just launched a new pet hospice program.

Tickets for Zelda’s Birthday are $100 and available through Banfield Pet Hospital.

There is a burrito cart that I can see from my office window.  This particular cart used to be around the corner and out of site.  I have to admit, I did visit the cart once or twice when it was in the previous location.  I never had to wait in line – just walked right up and gave my order. 

Since the move, the line is often 10 – 15 deep.  Why?  Did he employ a fabulous PR firm? Did he purchase a billboard on 217?  Did he develop a Facebook page, which now boasts 500 “friends?” As you can imagine, the answer to all of these questions is most likely - no.

So why the sudden spike in business?  Location, location, location.  The cart is now within eyeshot of Lincoln High School.  While he still gets a trickling of local business people looking for a quick lunch, the bulk of his new clientele includes the 14 – 18-year-old crowd, clamoring for a big burrito.  A simple move from one corner to another increased his business substantially. 

If people can’t find you, they can’t purchase your product.  This goes for physical location as well as web- based location.  The easier you can make it for a potential customer to find you the better.  From search engine optimization to a targeted social media campaign, making yourself seen is the key to success.

We all know that, when used correctly, social networking sites (like Facebook) and microblogging services (such as Twitter) can be an excellent means of promoting new products or services and even building brand loyalty.  I am always listening for good examples of how this is being done in the real world, and yesterday, I heard one. A woman was shopping at a local clothier for vacation attire.  As she was ringing up her purchases, the salesperson asked her if she was going somewhere fun.  When she replied “Costa Rica,” the salesperson handed her a card inscribed with the store’s Facebook page and Flickr account. “When you get there, take pictures of yourself in your new clothes and post them to our sites!”  Assuming the woman takes the retailer up on the offer, this clever tactic serves several purposes:

1. The retailer gains greater reach by adding the woman to the retailer’s group of “friends.”  By doing so, the woman has essentially given her permission to receive special offers, messages and news from the retailer.
2. The retailer earns a third party endorsement. 
3. The retailer gives emphasis to its position as a lifestyle brand for jet setters.
4. The retailer has an instant ad campaign without paying travel costs, model and photographer fees.

Another thing the retailer could have done to gain greater involvement?  Incent shoppers to post their photos by holding a monthly drawing for an all-expense paid trip to another exotic locale.

I am getting into Twitter more every day.  It’s exciting to see which companies and brands are using Twitter and how they’re using it to promote their business and/or product.  Last week I went to Voicebox (www.voiceboxpdx.com), a new karaoke hot spot in Portland.  It’s not a typical karaoke bar; you rent private rooms for 10-12 people.  When we arrived, an employee promptly got us set up in our private room and took our drink orders.  He announced that if we were on Twitter and started “following” @voiceboxpdx on Twitter, or even just gave them a shout out, we would receive two-for-one drinks for the entire evening. 

I thought it was a genius idea. Voicebox makes instant Twitter followers with every group that comes in.  And because I now follow @voiceboxpdx on Twitter, I am privy to Friday tweet specials.  Last week’s special was the first two groups to “tweet” that evening got a private room for 18 people at half the cost. If you’re on Twitter, check them out.

We just wrapped up a PR/community relations campaign for Save-A-Lot Food Stores (www.save-a-lot.com).  This is the second time we’ve had the opportunity to work with Save-A-Lot; the LANE PR team introduced the company’s first Pac NW stores in 2006. 

On Feb. 28, all Save-A-Lot grocery stores in Oregon and Washington held “Fuel Your Family for Free” events where customers were given free groceries – all the makings for a spaghetti meal.  During such a tough economic time, this was a way Save-A-Lot could reach out to their local communities and give a helping hand – and needless to say, it was well received!  They also made a matching donation to local food banks, furthering their reputation as a true community partner.

We were challenged with a very short deadline (two weeks in total – and only one to actually promote to the media) and a wide range of tasks, including coordinating street teams, outreach to local food banks and community organizations, scheduling live radio remotes for the events, and of course a fast-and-furious media campaign.  It was a lot of work but we had a blast getting the word out on such a great – and timely – promotion!

Each store opened its doors first thing in the morning to a long line of eager customers.  Hugs, thank you’s and smiles were in abundance all day as people passed through the store to pick up their free groceries from the friendly Save-A-Lot staff.  It was a heartwarming experience. 

And the results of the campaign spoke for themselves…  In just one week, more than 150 media stories were placed; nearly 9,000 meals were given out to customers, as well as 9,000 meals donated to local food banks - an overall success for the client and wonderful project for the LANE PR team to be a part of!