The world of public relations is an ever changing business and staying aware of new trends and technology is essential to stay on top. Currently, one of the fastest emerging trends in PR is the use of social media. It’s almost to the point where things like blogging, tweeting and Facebook posting are essential in a public relations campaign. Here, at Image Marketing Consultants we’ve taken this movement in stride and always stress the importance of social media on our clients.
Now, Facebook is not a new trend by any means, as it has become one of the most recognized brands in the marketplace, if you say the word “Facebook” people know exactly what you’re talking about. However, Facebook and various other social media outlets like Twitter, Youtube and LinkedIn have now become valuable tools for business, especially in the realm of public relations and marketing.
Blogging is another emerging trend, and one that is also important in the creation of a public relations campaign. Blogs offer PR professionals another outlet to pitch stories to. As more and more people look to blogs for news and information, this outlet becomes increasingly valuable.
Much like any other tool in public relations, the effective use of social media outlets and blogs is a learned skill. Sure, you can create a Twitter account for your business or write a blog, but you’re not maximizing your PR potential unless you’re interacting with the right people and posting the right things. The emergence of social media and blogging in the business world has given us an extremely valuable public relations tool, one that if used correctly can open doors that would be otherwise jammed shut.
Contact us today to find out how we have adapted to the new age of public relat
At Image Marketing Consultants we’ve been busy planning, and managing upcoming holiday events, parties, and promotions for a number of different clients, as well as for ourselves. We wanted to take the time to share some of our tips for a fabulous 2011 corporate holiday party!
Long gone are the days where a corporate holiday party consists of frumpy co-workers huddling around a punch bowl counting down the minutes until an appropriate time to scoot on out. Companies are becoming more creative in their party planning efforts to ensure that their annual holiday bash is more of an event to look forward to than it is an uncomfortably anticipated one.
Read on for our Top 5 tips to consider for your company holiday party:
1) Choose a unique location- away from the office! Consider mixing things up, it may be cold outside, but use that as inspiration. We proposed an outdoor event in December for a client. A heated, glass, clear or windowed tent is so gorgeous in the snow and will add a naturally beautiful element to the evening!
2) Consider a theme! Whether you opt to partner with a charitable organization, or throw a masquerade ball- it is fun to engage guests in something other than another typical holiday themed event.
3) Serve a signature cocktail! Get your employees involved in the planning for this- select 3-5 different specialty drinks and send a mass e-mail through the office with a poll that allows everyone to vote for their favorite drink! It’s nice when others feel like they have a say- and everyone will be excited to see which drink is the office fave!
4) Avoid extra costs and awkward seating charts by opting out of a sit down dinner. Instead, have stationary and passed hors d’œuvres making their rounds all night (most of the time guests enjoy the hors d’œuvres more than the meals anyway)! Have a great dessert table; chocolate fountains, ice cream or gelato bars and candy bars are on a whole new level! These typically childish treats have re-entered the adult world to incorporate a fun, interactive, and delicious treat to serve at events! Consider having servers pass milk and cookies at the very end of the night as well.
5) Book a photo booth or photographer to document the night. Everyone loves to see photos after an event they’ve attended. Use them on your blog, monthly newsletter, or Facebook page. Your employees are all professionals, but should a neck tie end up around the forehead of the director of marketing…consider keeping those images under wraps 😉
And a bonus tip: just have fun! Take this opportunity to engage with your co-workers, and their families. Make the most your night out. Social events are a great opportunity to interact with co-workers in a different atmosphere where they can relax, let loose a little bit and build new relationships that will only enhance the atmosphere in the office and increase overall moral.
While it is late in the season to begin planning holiday events, Image Marketing Consultants does have staff available to help you or your company with the planning, preparation, or coordination of your holiday party this season!
On behalf of Image Marketing Consultants I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween! However, make sure to pay attention to the weather this weekend. It is predicted that there will be a significant winter storm in Connecticut on Saturday starting mid-day. The storm has the potential for 6 to 12 inches of snow accumulation in the Hartford area with 3 to 6 inches in New Haven.
According to NBC Connecticut the greatest October snow storm in the Hartford area in October was 1.7 inches on Oct 10, 1979. If the storm is as big as predicted it will be rewriting the record books!
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and the perfect time to indulge in some creative, out of the ordinary, entertaining! While everyone is preparing for their frightful festivities this weekend we wanted to share some tricks and treats that will surely wow your guests and ensure a memorable event.
Nothing gets a party going like a tasty adult beverage! When playing host/hostess you want to spend as much time with your guests as possible- pre-mixing a large bowl of punch is the easiest way to ensure that you won’t be playing bartender all night. This punch recipe is super easy, and perfect for any Halloween bash!
2 gallons orange-flavored drink
2 (46 fluid ounce) cans fruit punch
4 quarts pink lemonade
4 quarts pineapple and orange juice blend
4 (750 milliliter) bottles vodka
2 (750 milliliter) bottles white rum
Mix all ingredients together, pour into a large punch bowl and add some fun and spooky ice cubes…
Consider adding dry ice for special effect! (See video below on how to properly use)
With a delicious glass of punch in hand, your guests will be ready to eat! The number of Halloween inspired treats is endless, when choosing what to make, be sure to build a well rounded selection of appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. I’ve come across so many cute and creepy, but still easy to make Halloween snacks- check them out below!
One of the most important aspects to consider when planning a themed event is the atmosphere. I believe it is truly impossible to over-decorate for Halloween; the spookier the better! Cobwebs, pumpkins, and skeletons should all be on site; try to avoid turning on any overhead lights, surround the room with dozens of candles. Check out these easy to make bloody candles!
A successful party is all about good food, good friends, and good fun! Halloween is the one night of the year where anything goes! Show up in an outrageous costume, consume ridiculous amounts of chocolate and be sure to celebrate with all of your favorite people.
Fall is officially in full swing and while most of us have overdosed on all things apple (Lord knows I have….
…it’s safe to say I’ve indulged in all of the above) those who attended the Fall Open House at La Petite France Bakery this past Thursday had the opportunity to step away from the fall foods and enjoy some authentic French delicacies!
We helped Alexandra Litor, the owner of La Petite France coordinate an open house for her regular customers as well as residents unfamiliar with the bakery. With a little PR, and local newspapers and bloggers spreading the word, we had an incredible turn out.
Early guests were lucky enough to snag samples of a variety of authentic French pastries ranging from mini-éclairs to croissant sandwiches, to raspberry tartlets. In addition to the regular menu items, there were sample sheets of cake and icing combinations, courtesy of the new in-house cake baker- Katie Gray.
It is safe to say that all in attendance had a good time, nothing better than a little event marketing and free food!
Visit the La Petite France Facebook page to see tons of photos from the event.
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La Petite France has a wonderful reputation in the West Hartford community; however, many people don’t know that they offer catering platters- customers can create their very own trays of breakfast pastries, lunch sandwiches, or traditional desserts. Their tasty platters are perfect for nearly any occasion- especially the holidays.
With that said, La Petite has an incredible Thanksgiving offer right now- they are taking 20% off your entire Thanksgiving purchase! That includes pies, pastries, and platters! You can contact the bakery directly for more information 860-231-9255.
*And a heads up for crepe lovers…the weekend of November 12th and 13th, La Petite France will be celebrating their two-year anniversary with a Crepe Weekend! Visit their website or Facebook page to find more details about that.
La Petite France Bakery is located at 967 Farmington Avenue
