Recent Articles From EvanCarmichael.com http://www.evancarmichael.com/ http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/Getting-Started-in-Corporate-Philanthropy.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/Getting-Started-in-Corporate-Philanthropy.html Business guru Charles Handy, writing in Harvard Business Review, summarized the value of philanthropic businesses by saying, “A good business is a community with a purpose.”  Here are six steps to setting up a corporate philanthropy program. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/NEWS-RELEASE-QUIZ8232.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/NEWS-RELEASE-QUIZ8232.html Today, thanks to the Internet, everything we’ve learned about writing press releases has changed. Here's a short quiz to see if you have changed with the times. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/Ten-Tips-for-Cell-Phone-Courtesy.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/Ten-Tips-for-Cell-Phone-Courtesy.html I have owned a cell phone since the early eighties. Given my decades of experience and the prevalence of cell phones today, I offer the following ten tips on how to avoid annoying others. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/Its-A-Crisis-If-Theres-No-Plan.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/Its-A-Crisis-If-Theres-No-Plan.html We all understand the importance of perception. The line between perception and reality is often quite thin. Actions taken by a communicator during the first moments of a crisis can affect perceptions of an individual or company well after the crisis is resolved. The following seven steps should guide you in preparing a basic plan so that you can communicate efficiently, effectively, and forthrightly at the moment an emergency hits your organization http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/Media-Relationships.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/Media-Relationships.html Media relations is the art of building relationships of trust and mutual interest with reporters. It’s a step up from publicity for your product, service or event, or asking reporters and editors to do your marketing for you. Remember, reporters don’t work for you (or me) - they work for their editors, readers, and viewers. Try an approach that builds better relationships with give and take, generating more call-backs, and ensuring that your calls are returned down the road. How? Position your organization as a resource to the press. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/The-Importance-of-Community-Relations.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/The-Importance-of-Community-Relations.html There are some powerful relationship realities between various community groups and organizations. Corporations and institutions must prove their validity, honesty, and trustworthiness every day. Community relationships are effectively maintained primarily through engagement with various publics and audiences within the community and your organization. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/EFFECTIVE-MEDIA-LEAD-TIMES.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/EFFECTIVE-MEDIA-LEAD-TIMES.html I am often asked when a news release should be sent about an upcoming special event. Here is a table that can help you plan your coverage. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/10-Ways-To-Better-Use-Voice-Mail.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/10-Ways-To-Better-Use-Voice-Mail.html Given everyone’s busy schedule, leaving voice mail messages is an unavoidable business practice. However, voice mail is a tool. Despite its widespread use among companies, government agencies and private residences, callers often are not prepared to leave a coherent, concise message. Many times the beep impels callers to prattle and digress. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/Negotiating-a-Special-Event-Contract.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/Negotiating-a-Special-Event-Contract.html You can no longer rely on a handshake to seal your agreement with a venue for your special event. According to Exhibitor Magazine, the best way to negotiate a good hospitality deal is to sit down with a facility representative and discuss your options. You should come prepared with the following information: · Budget. Know the limit of what you can spend. · Agenda. Know what you want from the facility. · History. Know what happened at your last event. · Dates. Flexibility can lower your costs. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/Ten-Secrets-for-Organizing-Successful-Special-Events.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/216/Ten-Secrets-for-Organizing-Successful-Special-Events.html I taught a graduate course at Emerson College on Special Events Management. I would like to offer ten secrets that I shared with my classes to help ensure a successful special event.