- May
- 19
Posted on May 19, 2011 by Erik Hoffer
So said panelists on the media breakfast hosted by BusinessWire in Chicago last week.
Featured guest speakers included Kathryn Janicek, Daypart Manager/Executive Producer, NBC 5 Chicago; Susanna Negovan, Editor-in-Chief, Michigan Avenue Magazine; and Kathryn Born, founder and Editor-in-Chief of both TINC Magazine (Technology Industry News – Chicago) and Chicago Art Magazine.
Here are several interesting points the speakers made during the event, some of which reinforced OR/DP’s view on media relations and some of which seem to be new concepts due to ever-evolving social media outlets:
- Don’t bother leaving voicemails with media. Due to meetings and appointments throughout the day, they may only have three hours at their desk and have no interest in fielding voicemails. It was noted that some media contacts have interns check voicemails once a week at best.
- One speaker estimated that she fielded only 20% of e-mail pitches. So how do you create the one in five that gets opened? Be creative with the subject line without burying the lead for the content that is being pitched. Keep e-mail pitches to one paragraph (without attachments) if possible. When pitching by phone, don’t bother introducing yourself. Just get straight to the point of the pitch as you would with an e-mail.
- Relating to the brevity of pitches, more media contacts are accepting them via social media such as Twitter and Facebook. NBC’s Janicek even welcomed receiving creative pitches via cell phone text messages (if one is lucky enough to get her number).
- Take the time to review a publication’s content and tie it into your pitches if possible. Media contacts appreciate someone who knows their publication, news program, etc. and takes time to do the research.
- May
- 17
Posted on May 17, 2011 by John OReilly
On June 28-29, 2011, Uponor — provider of residential multipurpose plumbing and fire sprinkler systems as well as radiant heating and cooling systems — will host the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) as it presents an overview of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13 Standard to commercial fire sprinkler installers. The two-day seminar held at the Uponor Academy in Apple Valley, Minn., will cover critical elements of the NFPA 13 Standard, the most recognized building industry standard for the installation of commercial fire sprinkler systems.
Click here to read more and download the press release and hi-res images.
- May
- 11
Posted on May 11, 2011 by John OReilly
SFA Saniflo Inc. recently unveiled a newly renovated North American website, designed to make selecting the right macerating or gray water system for a particular residential or commercial application easier than ever. The new site will help a home or building owner find the correct products for their applications, while offering a variety of locations to purchase the product and even a list of qualified installers. A recap of this information is also available for printing out on a single eight-by-ten sheet of paper.
Consumers and commercial end users can also request a brochure, view lists of distributors and installers, or use a link to Saniflo’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Trade professionals can download product catalogs, installation manuals, certification information, FAQs (frequently asked questions) and even press releases. Contractors can also apply to become Saniflo Preferred Installers.
Click here for more information, including a full press release and hi-res screen grabs suitable for publication.
- May
- 5
Posted on May 5, 2011 by Nora DePalma
O’Reilly/DePalma today announced the appointment of Joel Williams as account director, where he will lead several of the marketing communications agency’s key accounts.
An award-winning writer and communications strategist, Williams has been a strategic partner of O’Reilly/DePalma for several years, performing an integral role in delivering results for the agency’s roster of B2B and B2C brands in the home and commercial building products industries.
Prior to joining O’Reilly/DePalma, Williams worked with Edelman Public Relations Worldwide, national homebuilder, KB Home, in addition to Marketing Support, Inc. where he oversaw marketing communications activities for Aristokraft Cabinetry, Black & Decker’s Hardware and Home Improvement Group, Elkay Manufacturing, Gerber Plumbing Products and In-Sink-Erator.
- May
- 4
Posted on May 4, 2011 by John OReilly
To further meet the needs of the hydronic radiant heating market, Uponor launches Radiant Ready 30E™, a complete radiant mechanical room package, and Fast Trak™ knobbed mats for radiant tubing installation. Ideal for remodels, retrofits and new construction, the Radiant Ready 30E is a complete radiant mechanical room designed in a compact, preassembled, easy-to-install panel. To accompany the panel, Fast Trak knobbed mats provide a faster, easier method for installing crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing in overpour applications for basements, recreation rooms, bathrooms or any area of a home.
“We wanted to make radiant floor heating a simple, accessible, cost-effective option for today’s homeowner and remodeler,” says Mark Hudoba, senior product manager, Residential Radiant Heating at Uponor. “These two products will make it faster and easier to install the ideal comfort and energy efficiency of radiant floor heat.”
Click here to read more and download the press release and hi-res images.
