We are expanding our office space and adding to our team with two bright and shiny interns (who will surely be dark and demented upon completing their internship in August). Wahoo! This means that I will be getting a new office space complete with a brand-spanking new desk that smells of rich mahogany and enough storage to store my many leather-bound books.

 

I’m so happy to leave my cramped quarters and stretch out my legs. I’ll even have a window to gaze out while I’m brainstorming ideas for getting coverage for my clients and thinking of blog topics (as you can tell from the direction of this blog, the lack of natural sunlight is affecting my creativity).

 

As for another expansion within our office, Meghan Howard’s “Kardashian” ripped her jeans yesterday because she stopped coming to my spinning class. I enjoy making fun of her for this because in reality she hasn’t gained any weight and she is one of the naturally thinnest people I know.

 

Why is it that people with no metabolism (like moi) really enjoy it when thin people have things like this happen? I feel like it is karma’s way of telling me to hang in there because skinny people can rip their jeans, too. Karma is a funny lady.

 

Anyways, back to the expansion—in the office, that is—I am really excited to have a tasteful and refined area to kick some “Kardashian” and take some names.

 

Stay classy, Indianapolis!

 

In my experience, marketing, advertising and public relations agencies tend to have lots of turnover.  It's not because people are unhappy or not talented, but because over time clients are lost and there's a constant shifting of positions. 

I had a friend who worked on one account at a big firm in SC -- when the account left her agency, she was let go.  Two months later the firm landed an even bigger account and she had to essentially interview to get her old job back.  Her story always frightened me and I think it had a little bit to do with me starting my career in a corporate environment instead of with an agency.

Now that I'm in agency, I'm experiencing a very different world than she did.  Part of the reason is that we're a PR firm, not the all-encompassing advertising, marketing and PR agency.  However, I think the real reason is because of our clients, team and leadership.

The last time I checked, Dittoe PR ranks as the 5th largest public relations firm in central Indiana.  I think that's fabulous - we're not the biggest but we're definitely competitive in our space.  We have great clients who stick with us for years and we're constantly growing because word is getting around about our clients' successes.

After working here for just over six months, we're already expanding into the office space next door.  This summer we're adding five more desks and all but three will be occupied.  I'm guessing that by Christmas we'll have every desk filled. 

My friend in SC can hardly believe that we're expanding with the intention of not downsizing at a later time.  Deep down inside, I think she might be a little jealous.  It's an exciting time to be working at Dittoe.  We're moving on up -- well, moving next door.

This past Saturday, I ran the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon. I had been training for 12 weeks, and I was so excited to be finished. Prior to starting my training, the furthest I had ever run at once was about six miles. So the prospect of running 13.1 miles wasn't exactly exciting to me. But I started a training program that forced me to build up my running endurance, gradually increasing the distance. There were several times during my training when I doubted whether I could run 13 miles - and that I contemplated quitting. But I stuck with it and managed to feel pretty well-prepared when race day rolled around.

Saturday morning, I woke up at 5am and was downtown, lined up for the race by 6:40. By the time it was 7:30, the race began, and 35,000 people started running together. It was such a neat feeling, being surrounded by so many other people running the race. The course also had musicians lined up along it for most of the route, providing entertainment for all the runners. Spectators lined up at different points along the course, cheering us on.

We ran from downtown, out to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, took a 2.5 mile lap around the track, then returned downtown for the finish of the race. When I reached the Speedway - about 6.5 miles and just over an hour into the race - the winners were just crossing the finish line. Kenyans Lamech Mokono and Valentine Orare tied for first place with a time of 1:02.53. That's an average of 4.77 minutes/mile! (For comparison's sake, I ran the race at a pace of 9.11 minutes/mile.)


After we had turned in our timer chips and chugged a bottle of water, volunteers handed out fruit, gatorade, and other snacks. Photographers took pictures of runners who had finished, and metals were handed out. The whole experience was really neat, besides being a great excuse to get in shape! I'll definitely consider running the Mini again next year. And I'm so used to running all the time now, that after two days of rest since the race, I'm already itching to run again. I don't think I'll run 13 miles on a whim, but 5 or 6 sounds pretty good.

Getting started with a new client always provokes a feeling of excitement, but it can also lead to some stress and anxiety. Familiarizing yourself with a client in an entirely different industry than what you’ve been exposed to in the past is always fun, interesting and a huge challenge. Nailing down a new client’s key messaging, target audience, correct verbiage, competitors, angles to pitch, etc., are all things that are developed and perfected over time.

While all of the steps to get to know a new client may seem overwhelming and incredibly time consuming, to everyone here at Dittoe, it’s just another day on the job. Spending the time to get quickly and thoroughly acquainted with a new client and their industry is just one of the great things we do at Dittoe Public Relations that sets us apart from the rest.

This week I had the pleasure of getting a new client in the field of geriatric care management—Indianapolis-based, My Health Care Manager. Dittoe PR is honored to be working with a company that is providing such a positive service for aging seniors and their families. I know from personal experience how difficult it can be as family members get older and face serious health and independence issues. I think we’ve all been there at one time or another.

With the number of Americans over age 65 expected to skyrocket from 35 million to 72 million by the year 2030, there is a HUGE need for geriatric care management services. My Health Care Manager helps adult caregivers sort through all the complexities of eldercare. Their recommendations and resources are tailored to the senior and their families’ particular situation and meant to achieve the best possible solution. 

Dittoe PR is proud to say that we’ve already lined up an interview for MHCM with one of the biggest news sources out there- the Wall Street Journal. It’s an exciting feeling to know that others can see the need and importance for this service, and the truth is, that need is only going to get bigger as time goes on. 

If you’re looking for unbiased professional guidance related to the health and independence of an aging loved one, please visit  www.myhealthcaremanager.com to find out how they can help.

This week, I had the privilege of spending time with two Indian students who were featured in the documentary Two Million Minutes. Apoorva and Rohit are both 18 years old and in their first year of university in Bangalore, India. They came over to the states for a ten-day visit, which has involved sightseeing, several discussion groups and screenings of Two Million Minutes, and the opportunity to see the U.S. for the first time. While here, they've traveled around Indianapolis as well as to Chicago and Washington, D.C. They seem to be having a great time so far and have been taking lots of pictures to help them remember their trip.

Since I work on the PR for the film, I always felt like I "knew" Apoorva and Rohit to some extent - having seen them (albeit on camera) in their homes, in school, and hanging out with their friends. Every day at work, I communicate with editors and other people about the film and these students, so they are a large part of my daily activities. This made it very exciting when they arrived in the states a week ago. Last Friday, my co-workers and I got to spend a good portion of the day with them, taking them bowling and to lunch to experience some American culture (although I'm not sure how much bowling embodies American culture).

Apoorva and Rohit were both so friendly and interesting to talk to. Despite being in a foreign country exploring unfamiliar places, being exposed to new foods and activities, and being around lots of new people, they adapted amazingly well and smoothly. Both students seemed very comfortable meeting and talking to new people and were able to socialize remarkably well for being in unfamiliar territory. Rohit even knew the names of some American music artists better than I did!

It's been very enjoyable spending time with both these students - getting to know them and being able to help show them around Indianapolis. Yesterday morning, I took them to the Indiana State Capitol Building for a tour. It was a neat experience for me too, as I had never been inside. We got to see the Supreme Court chamber, the Governor's office, and another room where legislative decisions are made. My favorite part was seeing Apoorva and Rohit take pictures of themselves standing at the podium at the front of the room where the Speaker of the House usually stands.

Overall, it's been an exciting week for me, and I know that Apoorva and Rohit have been involved in some exciting and interesting things as well. I hope they've had a good experience on their first visit to the U.S. and that they'll want to come back and visit again!

A major component of what we do each day is build relationships.  In fact, you could even argue that the majority of good public relations professionals succeed because of their existing relationships and their ability to build their contact lists into much more than just names, email addresses and phone numbers.

Over time, PR executives begin to know their clients and their media contacts as much more than just CEOs, VPs and columnists.  It's inevitable -- bonds will be formed.

I've come to understand what types of coverage each of my client views as "solid," "dream come true" or "not what we were hoping for."  Each client is different -- as are their people, stories, products and/or services.  While one may be jazzed to be featured in a online review -- the other might prefer a review to run in a specific trade publication.  It's my job to determine what's going to provide my clients with the best amount of coverage AND keep them really happy with the services I provide.

It's almost like a marriage, really.  There are challenges and hurdles to overcome every once in a while -- but usually it's pretty smooth sailing because I want to keep my clients happy and they want to provide me with what I need to do just exactly that.

Yes, some marriages fall apart.  It's inevitable.  Not every company in this world is a perfect fit for Dittoe Public Relations.  Not only do our clients research us to find out why we're so successful and how we can help them -- but we research our potential clients to make sure their goals fit with our abilities. 

So why would a company or individual need a PR firm?  Well... think of it this way:  At my previous job I handled all of the public relations, which meant I cultivated all of the relationships on top of my other duties which included business development and marketing projects.  Here, not only does each account executive cultivate their own relationships for each one of their clients but we share contacts from time to time, producing hundreds, maybe thousands, of solid contacts who recognize the name "Dittoe Public Relations" when we call or email them. 

Remember, it's who you know.  At Dittoe we focus on public relations -- that's it -- not marketing, not advertising... just PR.  It's what we do and we do it well.  We cultivate relationships with members of the press on a daily basis because in the long run, they're the ones who are going to provide the "dream come true" coverage our clients are expecting.

Most people who have never spent an extended amount of time in the midwest just don't understand how wonderful spring can be here.  Growing up in the south, our yard was green all year long and spring started in March.  By the end of April, the daffodils were gone and the azaleas were in full bloom.  

Here, in Indiana, the daffodils just opened and dogwoods are blooming in the midst of bare branches, since most of the other trees still don't have leaves yet.  I'm so excited the world around us just seems to have come alive.  After harsh winters, spring seems to be like a well-deserved present in Indiana!

So you might be thinking, "What makes spring in the midwest so great?" 

1. Baseball - We have some of the craziest baseball fans in the midwest.  Cubs, Reds, White Sox, Cards - we got 'em all! 

2. Racing - Ever heard of the Indianapolis 500?  Enough said.

3. Milder climate - It's gorgeous out but the humidity is low, for right now at least.  It's perfect weather for visiting farmer's markets or state parks.

4. Derby - OK, so it's in Kentucky -- but Louisville is right on the Ohio River so I'm counting it.  The Oaks and the Kentucky Derby are always exciting and fun to attend or watch on television.  Mint Julep, anyone?

5. Lakes - So we're landlocked... that doesn't stop anyone from getting in the water.  Some of the biggest and most beautiful lakes and resevoirs are in the midwest, and they'll be filled with boats, jet skis and sunburned bodies very soon!

I can't describe how happy I am that spring is finally here!  I am going to make a big effort to experience everything I possibly can that makes the midwest so much fun this time of year.  Seriously, it's time for me to embrace my new home.

Useful Networks' exciting application, sniff (social network integrated friend finder) is preparing for a launch in the United Kingdom very soon, with the U.S. and France to follow suit -- which means, I'm very busy these days.

International public relations can seem intimidating but it's actually really exciting and fun.  The time difference coupled with foreign accents makes for interesting late night and early morning phone calls which always bring a smile to my face.  I won't lie, it's a complete rush and I truly don't mind speaking to someone halfway around the world at 11pm on a Tuesday... as long as it means good coverage is coming soon for my client!

I've been busy researching publications and broadcast media in the U.K. and all over the world this spring.  So far, I have found it's definitely harder to find contacts overseas than it is here in the States!  Which means I'm having to get a little bit more creative... As my Aussie contacts would say, "No worries, mate!"

Who would have thought I would be on the phone or exchanging emails with people in the U.K., China and Australia from my desk in Indianapolis, Indiana?  Honestly, most people don't think "international" when they think about Indiana... the land of car racing, basketball and corn fields.

All of the hard work is paying off, though.  sniff is gaining some great exposure.  I just wish I was there to see it in person instead of having to look at it online.

I’m not one to brag (well, maybe I am) but it’s not every day you can say that you secured your client the kind of coverage we did today! Today, I can…

One after another, the issues hit my desk this morning – bam, TIME magazine!, wham, U.S. News & World Report!, slam, USA Today!

…as if that wasn't enough to make me dance around like a crazy woman, my client's face was starring back at me on the COVER of our local Indiana business magazine!

Sure, I knew it was all coming out. I'd worked for weeks to obtain it. But to see the actual stories in print -with all of their glorious color photos- and knowing that us, an Indianapolis PR agency, landed this stuff?...ah, there is just nothing like it!

Now, I’ve gotten this kind of coverage for clients in the past. National press coverage is our forte. But it's rare when it hits the on the same day and produces so much attention. My phone hasn’t stopped ringing. The client’s website is inundated with inquiries.

Days like today, clients like mine and stories like these are why I started Dittoe PR over eight years ago.

What’s creating all the buzz? Bob Compton and his little film called Two Million Minutes. It’s funny to think when he came to me four months ago and asked me to represent his ‘new film’ (note: Bob is a successful entrepreneur and VC, not a film maker!) that I told him I’d have to ‘think about it.’

After viewing the 1-hour documentary, I was not only committed to taking on this project but promised him I’d give it everything I had. As an American, a business owner and a mother of three young children, this film hit me particularly hard. I saw the eyes of my children’s competitors, and it sent shivers down my spine.

I’m a passionate person, and I’m passionate about this film. I’m thrilled that the media has agreed with me that it’s worth sharing with the rest of America. And this coverage is only the beginning; my next post will reveal what’s coming next! You won’t believe it. I’m still processing it myself…

Somebody pinch me.

Growing up outside of Boston, I was never really exposed to Nascar or anything to do with car racing. So I never thought I would ever find myself at a race car track. But that's just where I was this morning - at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It wasn't, however, for a car race - it was for a university business plan competition put on by Ball State University.

The competition, in its second year, is called the Nascent 500 Business Plan Challenge. Twelve teams of college students from across North America are selected to come to Indianapolis to compete against each other for the best entrepreneurial venture business plan. Each team presents its plan to a team of judges - all experienced entrepreneurs - in the back of a limo while traveling around the Speedway. It was really neat to be out at the track seeing all these college students so excited about their venture ideas. I could tell they had all worked hard leading up to the competition - I could see them rehearsing their presentations, going over important points with each other, and opening up data-filled spreadsheets on their laptops. They seemed overall slightly nervous but mostly excited to be participating.

I could also see the hard work and preparation that the Ball State Entrepreneurship Center had put into the event - they stuck to a tight schedule - and even utilized portable radios to coordinate activities among themselves! All participants in the competition were treated very well - on top of having the opportunity to compete for a $10,000 grand prize and a fast lap around the track!

Dittoe PR's contribution to the Nascent 500 was in bringing some media out to cover the event this morning. Specifically, some local TV stations came out and filmed the action, interviewed the organizers and students, and got to take in the excitement of the competition for themselves.

I was definitely glad to be able to make it out to the track to see such a unique and exciting competition. Who would have thought that I'd visit a race car track with one of my clients?

Spring time in Indy brings around a few VERY welcome changes...

Weather warms up...
      Trees and plants blossom....
            People crowd Broad Ripple and the trails...

But outside isn't the only place things are changing. Here at Dittoe PR, there is one more change that I'm happy to welcome... Indy Parks is BACK! 

Indy Parks has been a client of ours for a few years, and a client of mine for two.  Unlike the other clients that I work with, Indy Parks is a non-profit organization that serves the Indianapolis community with everything from festivals andcultural events to sports leagues and classes! 

They really are a lot of fun and we're so glad to have them back.  They have planned for 2008, so stay tuned!  It's going to be a great summer!!

We’re a small company here at Dittoe, but that’s how we want to keep it. With only ten public relations professionals, we’re able to give our clients the personal attention they need, and more importantly, deserve.

 

I see numerous benefits to keeping a company small for both its employees and for the clients, but what I’d like to touch upon in my blog post today is- Why a small company needs a “personality.”

 

As a young, hip and dynamic company, Dittoe makes sure that our image portrays the ‘real’ us. Here’s why I think showing a company’s ‘true’ personality is important:

 

• A company’s personality is what makes it unique and stand out from the competition  
   
• Showing your company’s personality and character helps build loyalty, establish long term relationships with customers and grow brands 
   
• While customers might come to your company based on your product or service offering, what keeps them coming back is an emotional bond 
   
• Bonding helps generate repeat sales and a long term business relationship 
   
• Land big customers.  It’s hard enough for small business to land big name customers. But show a celebrity you’ve got a ‘personality’ too, and they’ll be more apt to give you a shot. 
   
• The personality of your business actually reflects how your organization works and performs the service you are offering.

Our amazing personalities are what have helped Dittoe become the best Indianapolis PR firm- bottom line.

Have you ever sat down at your desk, started working on a new project and suddenly thought, "If I was in college right now, I'd still be in bed asleep?"  Every once in a while it hits me... usually after a conversation with a childhood friend or college classmate.  I'm getting OLD.

It really doesn't seem like that long ago I watched my Dad graduate from business school -- I remember it was after Independence Day because I fell out of a lawn chair in our driveway and scraped my head on the concrete when a firecracker went off nearby.  My lovely scab throbbed the day I watched my Dad receive his MBA.  That was 22 years ago this summer.

I remember learning how to drive a manual transmission in my Dad's convertible.  We spent hours making figure eights in a huge parking lot -- practicing shifting gears, looking out my side mirrors and his foot hitting the "brake" on the passenger side.  That was 10 years ago this summer.

Just yesterday I was in college, going to class, living in my sorority house, going to fraternity parties and playing field hockey every fall.  Seriously, my biggest concern then was an upcoming paper or who my formal date would be.  Wake up call... that was 4 years ago this summer.

Now most of my friends are married or engaged -- some are even starting families, buying houses and looking at minivans.  We've all chosen careers... some of us are doing what we always thought we'd do, others ended up in a completely different arena.  My parents talk about retirement and tell me constantly how important my 401K is instead of telling me to eat my vegetables or clean my room.  Life now is a far cry from what it used to be. 

Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing.  Everything I've experienced, good and bad, has brought me to this point.  I'm the happiest I've ever been in my adult life... it's not fair to compare my life now to kindergarten with Mrs. Frank or my roller rink birthday party.  I'm excited to think about where I'll go next and what will happen.  No doubt, Dittoe will play a big roll in this chapter of my life.

I'm sure years from now I'll think about how easy I had it "back then," when I was in my twenties, married with no children and working at the best Indianapolis PR firm.  No doubt the stress and struggles I am currently enduring are not easy, but years down the road they will seem just as petty as some of my college and high school concerns do to me now.

As nice as it is to reminisce about the good ole days, it's exciting to imagine what life with be like 5 or 10 years from now.  I'll have to try not to blink -- I don't want to miss it.

It's snowing here today, and although I hate when it snows in Indianapolis, I can safely say that I LOVED it in Telluride. "Bluebird" skies and blankets of snow were a sight for sore eyes... especially when the snow in Indianapolis has been accompanied by gray skies and gusty winds - blah! Looking out the window from Dittoe PR is not a treat today!

I left for my 6 day vacation in Telluride, Colorado last
weekend and from the time that I left to the time that I got back to Indianapolis, I was cut off- almost completely- from the media.  Being in PR, I can't remember the last time that this has happened... probably because it's pretty hard to do, but with no internet, no cable and only one radio station, it's definitely possible. It's not that I don't love staying up-to-date on the news, pop-culture or any other current events... I do, but sometimes it's nice to leave it all behind.

Telluride was amazing.  Instead of cars, there were gondolas;  instead of snow plows, there were snow cats; and, everywhere you looked people were enjoying the snow... instead of hiding inside praying for it to melt.

I only made it to the slopes once while I was there.  It was great though.  We woke up nice and early, rented my equipment and went for it! NOTE: This was my second time skiing ever (the first being when I was 14 and so uncoordinated all I could and did do was cry). This time things started off pretty well. I thought I was a pro and was SO impressed with myself... ha! 

Here's what happened next...
- While on the lift, I was so busy taking pictures of the mountain (and our skis) that I got distracted and my poles got caught underneath me when getting off the chair. I tumbled, knocked over the power supply to the lift, and landed on my butt - directly under the chair and was stuck for a few minutes.
- On one of my falls, I knocked both skis off and it took a good 40 minutes to get them back on. It's not that I'm an idiot - I'm not, but the mountain was steep, I was impatient and obviously pretty inexperienced. If I hadn't gotten the help that I did, I'd probably still be there.
Now, I know my day sounds like it's getting steadily worse and it was - but that's not close to the worst of it. 
- I was trying to get my groove back when with one swift turn left I crashed right into the mountain...  Let's just say that I was the first person to break a ski this season in Telluride...

I could go on and on about my trip, but I think I'll cut it off here.  I LOVED it there and really can't wait to get back...

Recently I had the opportunity to participate in an online forum on American education vs. education in India and China - many thanks to one of our clients, Bob Compton and his production 2 Million Minutes.

Many people, even some of my friends, don't realize that I spent three years (8th-10th grade) at an international school.  I lived in Hong Kong, before it became part of China and was still a British Territory from 1995-1998.  I was educated at a school founded by Americans, with a very similar grading system and social/athletic life...  however, my teachers were from around the world.

I don't talk about Hong Kong very much... mainly because it still seems like a dream to me.  It was so surreal.  To spend the most difficult years of my teenage life in a foreign country was peculiar, terrifying and most importantly - amazing. 

Getting back to my purpose for this post, my education in Hong Kong was superb.  My world revolved around my school, Hong Kong International School.  My teachers were phenomenal... they came from China, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and even South Africa (to name a few).  I was exposed to so much more than classes, clubs and sports -- which was unfortunately the only exposure I received when I returned to the U.S. to attend a highly renown, private school.

I'm not going to argue that one country has a better education system than another... because I simply don't know that.  I can argue that I got the most out of school when I experienced a "melting pot" of cultures.  I believe I became a better critical thinker, problem solver and listener while I attended HKIS.  Virtues I probably wouldn't have otherwise been able to cultivate.

Bottom line, my education in 1995-1998 better prepared me for college than my education from 1998 to graduation in 2000.  Without those precious three years in HK, I wouldn't have been as successful in college... and I wouldn't be in the position that I love here at Dittoe PR.

Every day I interact with international journalists and companies -- all from the confines of my desk in Indianapolis, Indiana.  I'm positive these interactions wouldn't be as interesting or productive had I not experienced ex-patriot life.

This week, I started my training for the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon in May. Until just now, I didn’t realize it was such a big event, but apparently it’s the largest half-marathon in the U.S., and overall, the eighth largest running event in America. This race will be by far the furthest distance I’ve ever run – it’s 13.1 miles long, and the furthest I’ve run is probably about six miles at a time.

While I like running and generally am able to keep a fairly good schedule for staying in shape, training for a half marathon will definitely take a good deal of discipline and a somewhat rigid schedule. I’m glad I’m starting my official training twelve weeks prior to the race, so I’ll have enough time to slowly work my way up to running longer distances than I’m used to. My training schedule involves a “long run” each Saturday – which will be the day of the race in May – which starts this week with a 4 mile run and slowly increases to 10 miles the week prior to the race. The remaining days of the week are each allocated to various shorter distance runs, some cross training, and some strength training.

One thing I think I will like about having this schedule is that I will always have a plan for my day’s workout and will know what I need to do each day to stick to the training. Working in public relations, I don’t usually have a “typical day at the office.” I have unexpected projects to work on, media opportunities, client meetings, and inquiries from people interested in our clients’ work. I think I will enjoy knowing that I have one thing that is constant and predictable each day – that being my workout. Whether I have a stressful day and am in need of a good run to clear my mind or I am tired after a long day, I will always have my workout to help get some energy back. It will also force me to stay in shape, even if there are days on which I just don’t feel like working out – I have to stick to the training schedule!

I just hope I’m prepared when race day comes – it’s May 3^rd – 79 days and counting!

On Wednesday, the bosso and I traveled afar (not really) to visit one of our clients. We were headed to Chicago for a short day trip. The goal was to finally visit one of our long time clients on their turf and to learn about some of their new and very exciting products that they will be launching in 2008. It all sounds simple enough.

 

I woke up at 5:30 a.m., which is not an easy feat for some one like me who slaps the snooze button as many times as she can possibly get away with. Begrudgingly, I dragged my tired body to a 6:00 a.m. yoga class (don’t judge, I am doing a 30 day yoga challenge- which is another story in itself.)   My overly ambitious self left class 10 minutes early and headed over to my co-worker’s house to take a shower before I had to be at my boss’s house at 7:30 a.m. Of course, I was late. That is just the unintentional way I roll.

 

On top of being late, my bosso realized that our flight actually left at 8:45 a.m. rather than 9:00 a.m. Then he threatened my employment, by saying “If I don’t get to eat breakfast before we take off, you’re toast.” Chris is a very sarcastic guy. Sometimes I can’t tell if he is joking or not….probably due to the lack of expression in his face and the lack of inflection in his voice.

 

We made it to the airport on time and Chris was able to grab a slimy turkey and bacon wrap that he kindly offered to share with me. I politely declined.

 

The flight there was a white knuckled, Hail Mary praying, nauseating flight. As we landed at O’Hare I noticed a lovely blanket of snow on the ground. Then I found out that before 6:00 p.m. we were supposed to get another 10 to 12 inches. Greeeeaaaaat.

 

We left the airport in a car with a driver named Jeb. We were facing a 50 mile drive to Woodstock, IL and the snow was a fallin’. Chris and I  used this time to figure each other out. I learned quite a bit about my ginormous boss (he is like 6’ 5” and kind of intimidating). He used to play football for the Detroit Lions and then went to Europe to play American Football over there. He has a ton of interesting and random friends. His wife, Liza, and he have been together since college. His kids all have very distinct personalities and all excel in different areas of life. They even have a well trained little dog that never pees on anything.

 

Finally, after an hour and a half in the car listening to Chris and watching Jeb drive through the endless falling snow, we made it to our client’s office. The meeting went well. I got to put some names with faces and learned quite a bit about what 2008 holds for them. All in all, it was a good meeting.

 

As we left their office, there was another ten inches of snow on the ground. We almost died in the car and on the plane. And I somehow managed to make it back to Indianapolis.

 

Have you ever started telling a story and realized that there was no point? I am sure that there is an interesting blog in here somewhere, but it is late Friday afternoon and my creativity is as abundant as my energy which seems to have gone home early today.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

 

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Personally, I don't understand why everyone makes such a big deal out of it. Rather than spending a bunch of money, I recommend doing something more thoughtful and creative for your friends or the one you love. Try thinking outside of the box, like a true public relations professional. Here’s my suggestion. It’s great for the last minute shopper too!

There’s a new web site that lets you send personal phone messages to your loved one in a way that’s cheaper than chocolates and more imaginative than flowers.
 
This year all you have to do is go online to SnappyGreetings.com, select a greeting and register to send out a personal Valentine’s message to your sweetie’s cell phone.  At the site, you can record a personal phone message for your significant other that’s coupled with a voice recording from your choice of celebrity voices, including Borat, Elvis and Bill Clinton.  There are a number of celebrity recordings to choose from, some are silly, some are sweet….and others are downright naughty! I like the naughty ones.

Hehehehehehehehehehe.

What’s cool about the technology behind Snappy Greetings is that it’s another cool way that a business is enlisting the help of Indianapolis-based Vontoo.

Go to SnappyGreetings.com today to send your lover a Valentine they’ll never forget.

This weekend I'm heading south to my alma mater, Hanover College, to participate in the Center for Business Preparation Colloquium.  The Center for Business Preparation is like a business school within the liberal arts college.  Students with any major can apply to be in the center and if selected, will gain hands-on business experience.  I wish it was available when I was in school!

My friends will be the first to tell you I'm slightly obsessed with Hanover.  I loved my four years there.  I got married on campus three years after graduation and this past fall was the first time I missed homecoming (but I did attend Coach Perry's last football game later in the season).  I feel incredibly lucky to have gone to such a great school. 

At the last colloquium I attended, a student asked me if I had any advice for him.  Even though I'm not at all wise, I do know what's important: "Write well," I told him.  If you are a poor writer, your job opportunities will be very limited.

With degrees from the Indiana University, Butler University, Notre Dame University and Hanover College, Dittoe PR is certainly comprised of a well-educated group of people.  More importantly, everyone here writes extremely well.  I am amazed at the amount of talent each account executive possesses.  Any company or individual looking for a quality PR firm to do business with will be amazed at the energy, education and talent this group has. 

On Sunday, approximately 45 Hanover students will hear five business problems and be randomly assigned one to discuss and provide a solution for in a presentation to the group.  Faculty and alumni will grade the students on how well they work with their group, the quality of their contribution and their overall participation. 

These students will one day be working in the real world and I hope they all succeed at what they do.  That’s why I’m going back to Hanover on Sunday.  Well, that and I could use a new coffee mug... maybe I can get one that says "alumni" this time.

Sadly, the hometown heroes - the Indianapolis Colts - aren't in this year's Super Bowl.  I suppose that's OK since they did win it last year.  Even if they would have squeaked by the Chargers, if they played the Patriots the way they played San Deigo they would have been killed. 

I'm excited that Eli Manning is playing for the world championship.  The Giants played the Pats better than any other team this season, and I think they have a real shot. 

Unfortunately, in the midst of their record-setting season the Pats have had some of the worst press.  The old addage that any press is good press doesn't really apply to this franchise.  The more they're in the news for their success, the more angry blog posts and comments are posted online.  Fans of the 1972 Dolphins don't want their favorite team's moment in history to be surpassed by Tom Brady and crew.  Negativity runs rampant when it comes to the Pats winning season - when it wasn't so long ago (after 9/11) that the nation celebrated when the Patriots (how symbolic) won the Super Bowl.

Belichik doesn't like the press - which only fuels the fire.  The only good press the team gets is really only publicized in the Boston area it seems - so how is the rest of the nation supposed to get to know this team and actually root for it?

I had someone from Boston tell me that the Pats aren't allowed to do commercials like the Colts - which, they argued, made them more real.  I have to disagree.  The nation has seen Peyton Manning (and his family) in various commercials and on SNL.  I have friends from SC who comment on how funny Manning is and how they like the Colts because they seem "real."  The Pats should exercise some good PR and get out there a little more - they might convert some fans.

I wish I could report I'm indifferent as to who wins Sunday's game, but I really want the Giants to win.  Why?  Because I can't stand the Pats.