Updates from Previous Post/GPaul Wins By a Margin

The verdict is in and my personal brand name is, drum roll please............................ GPaul. 

GPaul is easy to say, easy to remember and easy to type and it's catchy, which is also an important trait in a personal brand, according to Bonnie Ann Cain, OSU Library Communications. 

I couldn't agree with you more Bonnie. Even family members and friends love the sound of GPaul. Regardless, if my name is unique in the social media world "GPaul" sounds unique. 

Quick update on the life of GPaul: 

My client issue is resolved after not only speaking with professor, Bill Handy, but also my client and realizing we can accomplish the goals and objectives of the client through multiple means of communication without being sold on a specific tactic. For more background information, check out the post "Sold on a Tactic When Research Shows Otherwise." 

Regarding my senior thesis, research is well underway and is almost complete. I will meet with professor, Gina Nobel, to finalize our action plan when contacting fellow PRSA members nationwide. 

My resume is updated and ready for revisions. I'll be contacting many of my fellow blog readers to offer suggestions. 

Also, VisualCV is having a "best of the best" VisualCV for students. I plan on entering my VisualCV within the next two weeks. I was contacted by the account executive, Katrina, about the "best of the best" student section for VisualCV. She thought I would be a great source and a great way for professionals to view my VisualCV in the field of public relations. Understanding the value of mutually beneficial relationships is key. Gotta Love It!

Until next time, 

GPaul 

Branding Your Name to Market Yourself

Last week, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) - OSU Chapter, hosted a social media interactive workshop with PR pro and social media advocate, Sam Sims. Sam discussed the power of social media and the different social media Web sites such as Twitter, my personal favorite, Wordpress and Facebook. 

Sam not only showed us a virtual tour of his Twitter account, but also mentioned other ways to find his blog, Facebook and etc. Sam mentioned that his name is his brand, which everyone in the social media world, knows Sam as "samsims." 

This made me stop and think, how can I brand my name so it can be not only marketable but also recognizable? 

I've brainstormed multiple names, for those of you who follow me on Twitter I've changed my name about twenty times now; however, it's difficult to develop a name because I have two first names. 

It's not uncommon for someone to mistake my last name as my first name and my first name as my last name, which I politely say, "My name is Germaine, not Paul." It happens. When I first started school, my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Andrews, called me by my last name for about a week. Yes, I have a great memory. 

All of last week, I've been thinking about a name. The one that rings a bell is "GPaul," the name was created by the former Daily O'Collegian editor in chief, Jenny Redden.  I like it a lot. However, it still adds to the confusion of Paul being my first name. 

Then, I thought, "GP," initials are OK, but I do not think it's a good marketing tool for me. 

Or I could simply go by "GermaineP." 

I know this may sound ridiculous, but this is very important. Everyone brands their name. I want people to be able to recognize me in the social media world. 

So my question to all of my blog readers, what do you think my brand name should be? I'm conducting a poll. 

Until next time, 

GPaul, which might be subject to change depending on the response I receive from you all. 

Sold on a Tactic When Research Shows Otherwise

"Understanding the difference among goals, objectives and tactics is important to your successful as a public relations practitioner," said OSU public relations professor, Bill Handy. 

Now, I understand why. 

Bill mentioned most public relations practitioners want to jump right into tactics instead of establishing goals and objectives, which we're all guilty of committing (it's not a crime, but it can effect the outcome of your campaign). 

As the account team leader for our capstone course within the public relations sequence, Research and Campaigns, we have a client who has a need and our job is to establish the goals, objectives and tactics for our client as well as how to implement the campaign to achieve the client's goals and objectives. Easy enough right? 

Our client would like to reduce the number of Frequently Asked Questions and raise awareness about their Web site, which the answers to the FAQ's will be answered. Also, leading to less one-on-one encounters with students. 

Our team has completed the research, which shows that the Web site isn't the most effective way to communicate to current students. However, our research shows one-on-one encounters with students who are highly trained in the requirements for their specific program would be the most beneficial, especially among prospective students. 

Our client does not want an ambassador program. They WANT THE WEB SITE! Research shows that no one visits the Web site or believes it's beneficial. They're sold on the tactic, which is frustrating. 

Students rather receive their information via e-mail, listserv and from current students with experience in the requirements for their program. Hence, having the Web site as a supplement to all of the latter would make sense, but our client doesn't understand the concept and is very reluctant to the idea. 

So what does our team do? Do we continue to do what the client wants even though in the future it will not solve their problem? Or do we go against our client and do what the research proves and they can decide whether to implement the campaign or not? 

Such a real-world situation. 

Advice would be appreciated. I will keep everyone posted on how the situation turns out. 

Until next time, 

GPaul 

PRSSA-OSU Understands the Importance of Social Media

PRSSA Interactive Social Media Workshop Tonight!

Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. 

JB 101 

Sam Sims, senior account director at Jones Public Relations, Inc. and PRSA OKC Web site Chair, is our special guest. Come learn about the power of social media and network with such a prominent public relations professional. 

The Power of Social Media Unfolds

It's been almost a month since I posted my first blog entry and entered the social media world.  The comments and responses to my blog have been outstanding. Receiving feedback from professionals in the field of public relations and also from my peers has encouraged me to continue blogging. Plus, it's a great way to express myself and avoid studying, which many can relate. 

However, I did not realize the power of such a medium until I received an e-mail from an account executive from VisualCv, which was the company mentioned on my last post. Check it out! She viewed my blog and contact immediately eager to discuss my senior thesis and wanting to offer her assistance on this process. 

This is where the land of opportunity lies. Katrina, the account executive, would like to view the final product i.e., my thesis to serve the niche markets and find out what professionals are wanting in resumes and portfolios to effect the company's bottom line. This could turn into something great. 

I've established a relationship with an account executive and someone who I can learn from. It's what public relations is all about learning from one another and evaluating. She sees my drive and determination as a student. This is what I like to call an mutually beneficial relationship, which could lead to job opportunities and expanding my network. 

I'm still in awe about the situation and I would like to say thank you to all of those who view my blog and to continue reading. 

Each day something happens, but when reality hits, am I ready? 

Until next time. 

GPaul 

Resumes and Portfolios Gone Web 2.0

As my senior year of college is underway, I'm constantly thinking about job searching, creating an outstanding cover letter, resume and portfolio. It never stops. So I say to myself "How could I explain to a potential employer why I'm the best person for the job and also more about me?" Well, thanks to the new social media craze and OSU professor, Bill Handy, I'm able to do latter. Market myself VisualCV style!

VisualCV is an Internet-based resume that allows professional to build and manage an online career portfolio that comes alive with informational keyword pop-ups, video, pictures and social media networking. 

Having an Internet-based resume and portfolio allows potential employers to view your work before and after the interview. You'll become more accessible and on the employers mind when making the final decision to hire you or someone else.  VisualCV offers you a chance to upload a 2 minute video of yourself discussing your experiences. 

It's innovative and fresh. I envision the industry going paperless and moving toward this form of media, which leads me into my senior thesis. 

For my thesis, I plan to contact PRSA members nationwide from all sectors of public relations and ask what do they look for in a portfolio and resume, what they expect to see in a resume and portfolio, and their thoughts regarding digital resumes and portfolios. 

Sounds great! Doesn't? 

If you're reading my blog entry. Stop! and visit VisualCV's Web site at http://www.visualcv.com. 

Best, 

GPaul

My Dad Finally Gets It.

If you were to walk up to the average American and ask them "What's their definition of public relations?" or better "What's public relations?" The typical response would either be "they relate to the public," as my father likes to say, or "they're the people who speak for the company when things go bad." Even though the average American might be somewhat wrong about what public relations is, but they're right to a certain extent. 

My father is a material coordinator for the largest electric company in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, TXU. He organizes teams of electricians to fix power outages whether it be in Texas or Oklahoma. And sometimes out-of-state. When there were power outages, tornadoes, hurricanes or storms, it wasn't common for me and my siblings not to see him for two weeks depending on the severity of the storm. 

Currently, my dad is in New Orleans, La., working to restore power to the rural areas of the state due to Hurricane Gustav. He's been gone for about two weeks now. I was finally able to speak with him for the first time since he left. My dad informed me that the Mayor of Louisiana did an excellent job in communicating with the people of New Orleans to get out while they could. He also mentioned how the city communicated effectively. Yes, my dad said "communicated effectively" to other surrounding states that people from Louisiana would be arriving and to be prepared. 

What made this conversation so breath taking was that he said, "This is what you want to do right in public relations? " My response was of course "Yes!" But for the first time he finally gets what PR is, well better than the average American, and he knows I want to do work in crisis communications. I never told a day like this would happen.

Before I thought, parents just don't understand. They'll never understand the value of public relations to an organization and internships. But in time, they do and will. 

Best, 

GPaul

Build Your Network on LinkedIn

The first week of class, a classmate and good friend of mine, Evan Black told me about a great Web site that would not only increase my blog readership, but also network with key professionals in the field of public relations. 

I thought to myself, "maybe I should check the Web site out, it couldn't hurt." 

If you want to tailor your resume, build a network with key professionals in the field of public relations, find classmates and search for jobs in your specific field. LinkedIn is for YOU! 

What's so great about LinkedIn, is your ability to see what professionals has viewed your profile and you can easily add them to your network initially building mutually beneficial relationship. That's what PR is all about! Within the last 5 days, I've had senior account executives, human resource and marketing managers viewing my profile. 

As I mentioned before, it's your resume in an electronic format for professionals viewing pleasure 24 hours a day. Several OSU students who graduated last year are on LinkedIn and  they've already given me great contacts. 

Check out LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com and add me to your network. 

Best, 

GPaul