Topic of the week #4 – A big NO to Government

1 MORE WEEK!!!

I can’t believe that the moment I could only dream about last year is finally arriving. As school is wrapping up and we all have our heads in our books until the early morning, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. School is almost over. It started off shaky. I was scared and nervous of going back to school after taking a 10 year break, unsure of what to expect, and wondering if I were cut out for it. One year ago, I was lost and not sure how I wanted to advance my career. Growing up, my ideal dream job must have changed about a dozen times. First I wanted to be a star on stage singing my heart out, but that was quickly shot down once I realized I have absolutely no singing talent. Then I wanted to be a vet. I wanted to work with animals, as I love them so much. But 10 years of school was not an attractive feature. The list went on from a fashion designer, to lawyer, then a surgeon, and lastly a nurse. I was thinking not objectively, but more just spur of the moment, whatever trend or TV show I was into that sparked my next vision.

Then I finally took the next big step and met with the University. I needed to figure out what I can do that I am good at, but I will also enjoy for years to come. Upon doing my research, speaking with academic advisors and taking numerous personality tests, I discovered I love people. I may not show that lately, as I have been living off minimal sleep and no income for the past 13 months. That can make anyone a little crabby sometimes. I was encouraged to take the Public Relations and Marketing program at the U of W. I was a little apprehensive, as I wasn’t sure what job opportunities there are after the program, but I decided to take a chance.

Am I ever glad I did. I didn’t realize all the different aspects of PR there were. There is media, crisis communications, strategic planning, and more.
What I loved was the options. Since I was always changing my mind on what I wanted to do as my career, it was calming to know that there were numerous back up plans available. There are also different industries in which you can practice public relations. First there is corporate, which is an industry I would like to get into one day, once I get a little more experience under my belt. There is also not for profit, which is an organization that has a warm environment that allows flexibility, and freedom. An inviting atmosphere full of individuals who all share the same goal, to better the community.

Lastly, there is government. The one that scares me, and bores me at the same time. I do not live under a rock. I try my best to keep up to date with politics, especially when it will be affecting me, such as our upcoming elections, but other than that, I stay far away. I do not follow every last word, and fall for every promise or new campaign that is launched. I would definitely struggle in a career in government.

There are many challenges that have made me come to this conclusion. Government is a very by the books job, where every move is under scrutiny and you are constantly being observed. This already makes me anxious, as growing up as an only child, I have grown to love some alone time. I also have my own preconceived notions about government, and how difficult it would be to put a positive spin on every aspect that gets questioned. I know that person could not be me. I am very blunt and honest at times, so to make statements that I don’t always agree with could get me in some hot water eventually. I am best to just stay out, and focus on what I know I can really shine at. Helping a cause or corporation I am truly passionate about.

Topic of the week # 2 – Love Has NO Labels

To end bias, we need to become aware of it.

As the world evolves, and we strive to make the world a better, fairer place for everyone, we still face the issues of prejudice and discrimination.

Upon first viewing the Love has no labels campaign, my first reaction was surprising. It brought on a stream of emotions, from happiness, and appreciation, to sadness and regret. I have always thought of myself to be very open minded and easy going. I respect all cultures and welcome diversity. Many people, despite best efforts to change the world, still feel discriminated against. Discrimination comes in all forms, from age, religion and cultures, to gender, disabilities and sexuality.

We all have probably made a quick judgement on someone, based on our first impression, or what we see. I know I have. And it has been completely unintentional. We have these thoughts subconsciously, without even realizing we are making these assumptions.

Have you ever characterized someone by their race, when it isn’t even necessary? Have you ever described someone as a black hairdresser, or an Asian chef? Or assumed that someone was not good at a specific activity based on their culture or gender, such as a female driver, or a white basketball player. These are all forms of hidden biases.

Love has No Labels did a great job at captivating attention, and encouraging a change through audience analysis. The ad incorporates self-interest and delivering a clear message with a call to action.

This campaign opened up my eyes to how often we make these assumptions each day. In order to make a change, we need to educate ourselves and be more mindful when these situations arise. I know that this video has urged me to think a little differently, and open up my mind and not to be so quick to judge, as we are human. I hope after watching, it has inspired you to do the same.

So let’s embrace diversity, and help make this world a better place for everyone.

NO FARE – Final PR Fundamentals Presentation

Please click the link below to see my Strategic PR Plan.

NO FARE!

Awesomeness to me is……………

• Wearing clothes right out of the dryer
• Backstreet Boys Concerts
• New Bed Sheets
• First stretch of the morning
• Smell of freshly brewed coffee while still in bed
• Snuggles with my little peanut
• Comfy high heels
• A good hair day
• Sleeping in
• Flipping your pillow over to the cold side
• Surprisingly feeling great after a night out drinking
• Getting into your freshly detailed car
• Bubble Wrap
• Lazy days in pajamas
• Last day of school
• Finding the perfect dress
• Bonfires with friends
• Puppies
• Waking up in a great mood
• Winning

TOW #4 SHI* MY PANT RIGHT HERE??

https://youtu.be/B8VMFlx80sA

“SHIP ME PANTS? SHIP MY PANTS RIGHT HERE???”

What can I say? I am guilty of forwarding and sharing this ad, and laughing hysterically over and over again. To me, thats what makes a video successful. About a year ago I saw a post on Facebook for Kmart. Now usually I would skim right through any Kmart commercials, as I never shop there and neither do most people I know. If I ever need something I would head to Walmart, and if that fails then Target. But I saw a catchy headline with a ton of comments and a ridiculous amount of likes, so I knew I had to at least spend the extra minute and see what its all about. Boy, was I in for a surprise. I was not expecting a edgy, comedic commercial from a boring department store. What did they do?

Strategy: 

To increase traffic and internet sales, while boosting their public image by creating a memorable campaign.

Tactics:

Use humor and insinuations. Use a phrase that people will laugh at and remember. And Share

The message was simple. They were simply advertising that Kmart offered free shipping on any product right to your home. I’m not even sure they expected their ad to become so viral. But it is. Within a week they had reached over 10 million views. Since then they have created a series of hilarious commercials.

And now they are on my radar, which is exactly what their strategy was. I call that success

The Storm Is Coming

After 19 Long years, We’ve finally made it. The moment Winnipeg has been waiting anxiously for, PLAYOFFS BABY!!

What Does that mean to me?
As a huge hockey fan and a passionate, loyal Jets fan, this brings the brightest smile to my face.

Winnipeg is a Hockey city. We live it, we breathe it, and 19 years ago, our beloved Jets team was taken away. They were traded to Phoenix and renamed the Phoenix Coyotes. This was a very very sad day for Winnipeg. I was only 9 years old at the time, but still remember how it felt to watch them live, as my dad was a huge fan and took me along to games. The city was devastated, so much so that even grown men were crying.

After 15 years, our dreams came true and the Winnipeg Jets 2.0 returned.
I have never felt the city so alive. We celebrated for weeks, months even.
One thing I know for sure, the Jets have the most passionate, excited, dedicated fans in the NHL. Over the next 4 years, the Jets have gone through their ups and downs, still trying to find their own way and build up their team. After a lot of hard work and drive, The Winnipeg Jets have grown into a team that not only deserves to be in the play offs, but have proved that we have the talent to make it.

Now we all prepare for a crazy run, whatever the outcome. Winnipeg needs this. And I am so proud.

Whiteout Anyone???

We Can Make A Difference

Every year over 2 million cats & dogs, who we love and value as pets, are brutally tortured & skinned for their fur

This is a common practice in China, Thailand, The Philippines & South East Asia. This is a million dollar market because of the world-wide demand for fur, and due to the fact that they run a very deceiving practice of mislabeling fur.

Cat & dog fur is almost Never labelled as that. You’re probably not even aware of the possibilities that hats or gloves marked “made w/ rabbit fur” should actually be labelled “cat”. It is a marketing trick to lie and mislabel in order to be allowed to be imported globally. Even items marked “faux fur” can be a ploy to sell.

Their fur is used for a variety of items such as hats, blankets, lining for gloves & boots, and trim on jackets. It takes up to 12 dogs and 24 cats to make a coat. They are made regularly and are sold as commonly as minx or fox. They are dyed and arranged to be nearly impossible to ell apart from any other animal, and intentionally mislabeled before selling and shipping.

China is the largest exporter of fur in the world. They have no animal welfare laws in place. There are dog & cat breeders across China that hold up to hundreds of animals, all for the sole purpose of fur & meat.

                      

They are unsanitary and do not adequately feed the animals so they will be weak. They are held in packed enclosures, and breeders are more commonly located in the northern part where the colder weather means a thicker coat. Majority of the dogs are ill, weak and are crying or have gone insane from confinement. Most of these animals are strays or stolen, and are killed by many inhumane ways.

In 2000, The United States passed the Dog & Cat Protection Act, which blocks all imported products made with dog or cat fur from entering the country. Many other countries such as Italy, France, Denmark, Greece, Belgium and Australia soon followed and passed regulations to block fur from crossing their borders. However, in Canada it is still perfectly legal to import cat and dog fur.

           

Imagine your own beloved pet being stolen and killed for their fur. We don’t just see cats and dogs as just an animal, we see them as companions, best friends and family members. They have a forgiving nature and look at you with trust in their eyes. They have a way of brightening your day with a wag of their tail or kisses and cuddles. They have hearts of gold who love unconditionally. People who can truly appreciate these amazing traits must take a stand.

*** Petition to support Bill C-296, an act to amend the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act and the Textile Labeling Act, to ban all imports of all products that contain dog and cat fur.

We are the only developed country without such a ban.
We Can Make A Difference

Where I’m From……………

I am from sprinklers, from Nintendo and pic-a-pop.
I am from the sand in my homemade sandbox (glistening, smooth and smells like rain).
I am from the lilac trees overflowing in the garden, the sweet smell that lingers through our windows.
I am from Yahtzee and cook offs, from Randy and Donna and Nick.
I am from the sarcasm and team work.
From “Hurry Up” and “Im proud of you”.
I am from Roman Catholic, and the many choir songs I sang on Sunday.
I’m from Canada and Ukraine, milkshakes and pancakes.
From the ankle my dad sprained at beach volleyball which we all played at the family picnic, and the country music videos and tea with my gran in her kitchen.
I am from boxes and albums of family snapshots. Memories are kept close and laughter and smiles were captured. My treasure.

“Where I’m from” (from poem by George Ella Lyon)

I am from ________(specific ordinary item), from ________(product name) and ____________.
I am from the _______ (home description… adjective, adjective, sensory detail).
I am from the _______ (plant, flower, natural item), the _______ (plant, flower, natural detail)
I am from _______ (family tradition) and _______ (family trait), from _______ (name of family member) and _______ (another family name) and _______ (family name).
I am from the _______ (description of family tendency) and _______ (another one).
From _______ (something you were told as a child) and _______ (another).
I am from (representation of religion, or lack of it). Further description.
I’m from _______ (place of birth and family ancestry), _______ (two food items representing your family).
From the _______ (specific family story about a specific person and detail), the _______ (another detail, and the _______ (another detail about another family member).
I am from _______ (location of family pictures, mementos, archives and several more lines indicating their worth).

TOW #3 How to Win the R.A.C.E.

We all want to win. We all want to succeed. Its just a matter of how determined we are, and how hard we plan to work to achieve our goals and win the race.

I and among millions on earth who wake up every day hoping to conquer the world and gain personal achievement.We all dream of becoming happy and successful and finding total fulfillment, but the trick is figuring out how.

In order to do so, I went back to school this past fall to learn all the skills I need to confidently take on any task that my future dream job holds. I love people, and building relationships while I make a difference in society. In entering this course, I have been challenged and pushed to my max, trying to find time, motivation and space in my brain to cram ever bit of knowledge our instructors share with us.

I am very interested in taking on a role in PR when the course finishes, and I am trying to absorb everything. In doing so, an easy way for me to do so is to relate the lessons to life. We have learnt a lot about a formula that is essential for successful Public Relations. I am referring to R.A.C.E. , which stands for Research, Assessment, Communication & Evaluation

Research

During he research phase, we must gather information, measure their understandings in target groups, track issues and evaluate changes in perception

Assessment

When it comes time to assess, you must identify the problem and figure out what is contributing to the problems. Next, we must figure out solutions and figure out a stategic plan

Communication

When its time to communicate, you must select a tactic strategy. The How??
Establish who your audience is, determine what your key messages are, and decide hat strategies you will use in order to achieve goals and get your message across

Evaluation

This is the time where you see if all your efforts paid off. You collect all your data and then report whether or not you achieved your goal.

TOW #2 Why Change A Good Thing???

As spring approaches and the snow starts to melt, I begin to look forward to warmer days, what seems like longer nights, and more sunshine. Day Light Savings time is near.

Recently I have heard some debate on whether we should keep daylight savings time, or abolish it. I understand both sides and can agree with points from each perspective, but I wonder, why even go through the hassle of voting on something so small and pointless. I like daylight Savings Time. Why change it?

In spring we set our clocks forward an hour in order to gain an extra hour of sunlight. One major plus. I have always loved that. Winters here can be so long and draining. For most of us, we end up couped up in doors until spring, as its cold, dark and snowy. When Day Light Savings time approaches, its always a happy reminder that summer is on its way. Yes I know, we technically lose an hour of sleep due to springing forward, but who cares. Its one hour. I do not see how people can begin to complain that losing one measily hour of sleep for one night, on a weekend. For me, I look at the positive, we can enjoy one extra hour on the patio with a drink in hand enjoying the sun. That is way more important to me, than one hour of sleep. I get to reap the benefits of that time change for months.

I think that there are too many positives to ever vote against. Here are a few:

• More natural light conserves energy otherwise spent of lighting. This not only saves money, but resources
• Our bodies obtain Vitamin C through the suns rays. Vitamin C aids in the growth of bones and string teeth. Vitamin C also has an effect on depression. When we do not receive vitamin D through sun rays, we have an increased chance of feeling blue.
• Having more natural light reduces the amount of road collisions, as drivers will have more light during high traffic times.
• Crime rates are lower when there is light. Crime generally happens at night when it is dark and areas are not well lit. By having extra light, we reduce the amount of peak hours for crime
• A change is always refreshing. Springing forward allows us more sunlight, and when we fall back we get to enjoy an extra hour to sleep in.