5 Mistakes Companies Make When Using Social Media

Social media is a very powerful tool for companies to use, but only if it’s used correctly. Having a great social media presence can be a great advantage for companies not only with building brand equity but also with helping to boost sales. Here are 5 common mistakes that business make when using social media. If you avoid these mistakes then your company will be on its way to using social media to it’s full potential!

1.) Just using a platform because you think it’s the most popular or feel like you have to utilize it. Only create a social media profile on the platforms that are going to be the most useful for your business. Make sure the platforms are aligned with the marketing goals of the company and their initiatives and are going to reach the correct customer demographics and cater to their needs.

2) Forgetting to plan. Having a schedule and social media plan is critical to the success of your social media campaign. If you don’t plan ahead, you will feel overwhelmed when busy season comes and you’ll be scrambling to figure out what to post. Also trying to just “wing it” will not turn out well in the end. By developing a plan beforehand, it will make the campaign easier to manage as well as keeping consistent across platforms. Some helpful sites that can help you organize your social media plans are SproutSocial (https://sproutsocial.com/ ) and HootSuite. (https://hootsuite.com/ ).

3) Not catering the post to the platform. Social media sites are all used in different ways and they all have their own specific “language.” When you are posting on each of the platforms, make sure that the information you are writing in is in the specific language of that social media site. For example, you wouldn’t use Facebook and Instagram to necessarily convey the same message. All of the platforms have different features to them that can be used to reach different audiences.

4) Talking @ people instead of talking with them. The main reason social media is so great is because it’s interactive and you can really engage with your audience instead of just telling them information. By having conversations on social media, you are able to ask questions and are able to learn more about your demographics’ needs and wants. Asking questions on social media is a great way to generate conversation.

5) Forgetting to proofread. The worst mistake a company can do is to forget to proofread their posts and information that they put out there in the social media world. It looks unprofessional and puts a damper on the company’s reputation, which no one wants! Remember to have more than just one person proofread the post before it’s put on out there on your profiles.

Written by Kathleen Lawson of Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Tis the season: Use the holidays to give your social media presence a boost!

It's the most, wonderful time of the year! The holidays are coming up quickly, and these next few weeks are the perfect time to get that extra boost online presence for your business. Social media is an ever changing and constantly updating ways to interact with your customers and fans. Get into the holiday spirit by following these tips on how to use social  for the holiday season!

1. Show your holiday spirit!
This time of year is a great excuse to change up the look of your Facebook and Twitter pages! Update your cover photo to include a message of Seasons Greetings or Happy Holidays to remind your followers that you are in the holiday mood as much as they are! 

This cover photo is from the Sephora Facebook page. It is a clever way to promote the holiday season, without even using words! The caption on the photo is "This season, everything is a gift and everyone is gift-worthy. We invite you to get in the spirit." This can be done the same way on your Twitter page; post a cover photo and tweet it out to your followers.

2. Seasonal statuses and tweets keep the fun going!

Now that your page is decked out in your new holiday pictures, take the opportunity to create seasonal content! If you have a Fun Fact Friday, make your content relatable to your company and throw in some holiday knowledge along with it! This keeps your followers and fans learning about new things, while also giving it a fun holiday twist.  

Another way to get a conversation starting on social media is by using action words like "post, comment, like or tell us" in your Facebook statuses and tweets. These words have been proven to increase status engagement. Combine these words or phrases with relevant topics about the holidays create fun seasonal statuses! Look at this example on the DSW Facebook page; they combine the holiday shopping season with action words to create engagement with their fans.

3. Win those holiday gifts with Pinterest

Pinterest is a great social media tool, especially when you're promoting your own products! Having pinning contests amongst your followers for a special gift is a great way to get your company more coverage and promotions across the Pinterest website, as well as help your company gain new followers.

This is a current Pinterest giveaway contest being put on by the jewelry company Alex and Ani. This engages your followers and allows them to get wrapped up in the holiday spirit (and who doesn't like to win?). Contests like these can also be done on Facebook and Twitter pages. For example, "The 100th like on this photo wins free shipping!" or "If we reach 100 retweets, we will make all of our merchandise 20% for the rest of the weekend!" Especially around the holidays, everyone is looking for the best deal on their holiday shopping. If your business can incorporate this in with their social media presence, both the company and your customers win!

What kinds of ideas have you done in the past with your social media around the holidays?  Have any more tips and tricks? Let us know and post in the comments below! Happy holidays everyone!

Written by Lauren Cafarell from Rebecca Adele PR and Events.

Where I’m going, what I’ll be doing, how this internship will help, what I’ll take away from this internship

I can’t believe my last week at Rebecca Adele PR & Events is already here. As much as I wish I could stay, I’m leaving for a great reason! A few weeks ago, I was offered a full-time position being an event planner’s assistant at Buckeye Event Center in Dalton, Ohio. I’ll be working as the right-hand woman for the owner, who plans and does set-up for events like trade shows, banquets, and wedding receptions.

This internship is one of the main reasons why I was offered the job. When I explained that we did a lot of PR and social media work, along with helping to set up and run Becki’s art and craft shows, Sandy, the owner, was visibly impressed. She mentioned that my knowledge and experience with social media and PR would be a great asset for her future assistant to have.

I’ll be using the skills I learned from this internship to keep up with the social media sites Buckeye Event Center uses. There’s also a possibility that I’ll be able to start writing press releases for the vendors that participate in the shows. I’ll also be helping out with event set-up and managing the events and any problems that arise. Although I’ll only have worked two of Becki’s shows by the time I leave, I’ve already learned plenty of useful tips and tricks about running a successful event, and I can bring that knowledge to my new job.

What I’ll take away the most from this internship is that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be successful. Not only does this apply to my career, but to life in general. Becki’s success in starting her own business proves that if you’re determined and you believe you can do something great, you can make it happen one way or another. I hope to be that successful some day.

I’m going to miss everyone at this internship and I’m bummed that I didn’t get to know everyone better. I’m also going to miss the environment of the internship. I’ve had so much fun in my short time here and I know I won’t forget anything about it!

Written by Molly Carpenter from Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Greek Life to Real Life, Pledging Your Way to Professional Success

I hear the stereotypes all the time; “so, do you like pay for your friends?” “Do you guys party all of the time?” Obviously my answer to both is “absolutely not!”  Shaking off all of the stereotypes and media depictions aside looking back on my years in being in a sorority, I realized I have learned more than I ever could have imagined. More than I ever thought when I pledged 2 years ago.  Yes of course being in a sorority is fun and exciting, but through all of that, us sorority women learn something along the way. Who knew that my sorority would help me with my future endeavors? Here is a quick list of some ways being in a sorority has prepared me for the real world after college:

    Rushing AKA Interviewing 101

You don’t think about it while you are doing it, but going through recruitment for a sorority is basically going on tons of interviews! You need to shine through all of the other women that this girl is going to talk to today, and show what an amazing of a person you are! Keeping eye contact, actively listening to what she has to say, and being able to keep a conversation flowing, are all aspects of interviewing for a job in the future. If you can’t speak to someone without being able to establish some kind of eye contact, an employer won’t think you are as qualified, skilled or trustworthy!

Chapter Meetings- What to Wear to Work
When you get into the real world, you are going to have to put aside that comfy sweatshirt and jeans when you have to go to work (unless you work for someone that’s cool like Becki!). Having to dress up every week for sorority business meetings, extended my wardrobe to include stylish and professional pieces that I can use at internships and a future job. Since most college students rely on jeans, t-shirts and yoga pants to go to class, having a professional wardrobe already in place is a time saver later on! 

Networking Opportunities

When you join a sorority, you are joining an organization that has thousands of members all across the country. I am a part of my sorority’s LinkedIn group, and I get emails every day with postings of different jobs and opportunities. The best part is that  I get to utilize these opportunities to further my career. Plus, if I ever need helping making a connection or learning about job opportunities in a new city, I know that there is a sister out there that can help me! 

I never knew the benefits I would get out of being in a sorority until I joined one! I will always recommend it to someone, not only because I have made amazing friends, but also I've learned it can help you on your path to becoming a successful career woman!

Written by Lauren Cafarell from Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Day One to Last Day: What I Learned This Summer

I will never forget my first day as an intern at Rebecca Adele PR & Events. It was my first day as an intern, period.  Having just finished my second year of college, I was jumping head first into a field with which I had little to no experience beyond intro college classes. I was nervous, inexperienced, and had no idea what was in store.

Now, as my summer draws to a close, and my internship with it, I cannot believe how much I have learned. I feel like a completely different person; more experienced, more grown up, and more confident – and I have Becki to thank!

From the moment I sat down at my desk on day one, I was given real work to do. From social media plans to press releases, Becki gave me countless opportunities to write and create; giving me guidance, but at the same time allowing me to learn things myself. 

My first social media plan seemed like it took forever, but now I can crank one out in no time! I learned from watching Becki in action that PR is fast-paced, exciting, and requires constant dedication and hard work. Not everything will be perfect, and you will make mistakes, but producing something that is received well by a client makes it all worth it.

I could not have asked for a better internship experience. I learned invaluable things about not only my aspiring career field, but life as well. Working with Becki every week was more like hanging out with a friend. From blasting Fiddler on the Roof while pounding out work at the office, to spending the day at the East Side Summer Avant-Garde show, every day was a fun learning experience.

Becki recognizes and invests in the strengths of each of her interns, and gives us work that will display the best of our skills. I have always loved writing, and now have a portfolio full of social media plans, press releases, and blog posts to show potential employers. This internship has only solidified my desire to become a copywriter, and Becki has done so much to encourage and strengthen this. Becki is truly an inspiration, and living proof that the only thing between you and your dream is hard work and dedication.

This internship has forced me out of my comfort zone, and taught me to be more confident, outgoing, and disciplined. I am extremely lucky to leave Rebecca Adele PR & Events with invaluable experience, a portfolio full of work, and a friend and mentor whom I will continue to email incessantly for career advice!

Written by Kate Glending from Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Life Lessons, Obstacles, and Life-Long Friendships as a Public Relations Intern

Starting off as a Public Relations intern for Rebecca Adele PR & Events, I expected to be stuck in an office for long hours and dress up every day. However, when I met with Becki for the first time in an interview, my summer took a turn for the better.

My first day on the job I realized that everyone I worked with was super laid-back. When you have a lot of things to get done in one day, one thing that helps is to be comfortable. Being able to come in to work in sweats in a relaxed environment makes for a productive day. I love to be able to listen to music and take a break with some girl-talk or play with the pets (Google is my favorite) when I get writer’s block.

Becki is not your ordinary boss. She not only taught me so much about my career and what it takes to be successful, but she turned out to be a role model, a mentor, and a friend. I can come to her with career or even life advice. I can truly say after a full summer internship with Becki that she is one of the most inspiring individuals I have ever met.

As an intern at Rebecca Adele PR & Events, I not only learned so much about but I learned so much about myself and what kind of career path I want to go into. With Public Relations being an extremely broad field, being exposed to all different types of related fields allowed me to find out what kind of niche I really wanted to get into. I learned that I love social media and writing plans for clients, but I am not a big fan on writing press releases. As embarrassing as it may be to see, I have also learned that I do not have much common sense, although it has gotten better after my internship.

The advice I would give to any Public Relations intern would be:

§       Ask LOTS of questions—The most valuable career advice I received was from conversations I have had with my supervisor in down time.

§       Take things one step at a time— When you have a lot of things on your plate, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Take a deep breath, make a list, and take things one at a time.

§       Practice Practice Practice— In Public Relations and any type of career path you choose, writing is a great skill to have. The only way to get good at writing is to practice! Creating a blog and posting regularly is a great place to start.

As I am finishing up with my internship and searching for a full-time job post-graduation, I am thankful that I have this wonderful experience under my belt and that I have acquired a lifelong friend. Thank you for everything, Becki!

Written by Rachel Ausperk from Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Today is My Last Day!

Today is my last day at Rebecca Adele PR & Events! I can’t believe how fast summer has flown by! I start my senior year at John Carroll University in a few weeks, so I obviously have a mix of emotions. I’m sad to leave my summer internships, I’m excited to start class and see my friends, and of course, I’m terrified to graduate and enter the real world.

Despite my anxiety, I’m feeling more confident about finding my first job after this experience. There’s so much I can talk about in an interview! I can now use HootSuite and SproutSocial. I love writing and Becki gave me ample opportunities to capitalize on this. My portfolio has doubled in size within these three months! It’s now full of press releases, social media plans, and blogs. Witnessing Becki work with clients was very enlightening, too. I learned little tips that I wouldn’t have picked up in a classroom.  And hey, playing with Google, Ollie, Jack, and Geraci was a pretty great perk!

As I reflect on my summer, I’ve realized that I’ve learned more in these past few months than I have in my past three years of school. You just can’t beat experience at a real company. I couldn’t be more grateful for this experience or to have Becki as a mentor. I look forward to picking her brain in the months and years to come. :)

Written By Maura Stewart from Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Clean Up Your Online Act: The First Step for the Burgeoning Young Professional

You’ve heard all the cringe-worthy horror stories. A sorority sister whose psychotic email was leaked online; an employee who posted a profanity-ridden Facebook status about her boss, forgetting she had added him as a friend. Our lives are increasingly public because of social media, and it is easy to overexpose yourself, making your career path much rockier than it needs to be.

Transitioning to a presentable and relevant online presence is often an ominous task for college students about to enter the workforce. It is especially important for students, like myself, who find themselves in PR internships, a field that makes social media prowess a top priority. It is important to present yourself as an intelligent, active social media user, free of self-indulgent, embarrassing, or potentially illegal posts.

The first step to clean up your act online is to do a quick Google search of yourself. You want to make sure what people see when they search for you is appropriate and a good representation of who you are. You don’t want friends, family members, or potential employers to be able to find the American Idol blog you had in fifth grade…

Next, start posting content with actual value on your social media accounts. That means nixing those pointless “what I’m having for dinner” tweets, and deleting pictures of you bonging beers at a frat party. Engage in interesting conversations, share though-provoking articles, and share insights that people might find funny, relatable, or valuable. To borrow a phrase from Bill O’Reilly, “keep it pithy.”  

The best way to keep your online presence in line is to work under the mantra that less is more. I have decided that a few years before I graduate is a good time to build on this; to make sure my social media is purged of questionable content and full of valuable posts. That way, when I’m on the hunt for a job after graduation, I have had time to build a strong, reputable online presence!

Written by: Kate Glending from Rebecca Adele PR & Events 

The Internship That Never Sleeps

It is hard to believe that summer is almost over and I will be returning to Kent State to finish up my undergrad! My time at Rebecca Adele PR & Events has gone by so fast and I truly am going to miss working here every week! Becki has been such a positive role model and I am eager to apply everything I learned this summer to the real working world. Rebecca Adele PR & Events has opened a door of ideas for me and I have Becki to thank for that!

Coming into this internship I did not know what to expect at all! I’ve had previous internships before but I knew this internship would be much different than the rest! The excitement about working at Rebecca Adele is the fast pace work environment. When you came to work, you had no choice but to work! Becki is a one-woman show and everything we do goes directly to her. It’s amazing to see how well she multi-tasks throughout the day and then still manages to stay on top of the work she gives interns. In the office, we are all treated equal and we all help each other out when needed! Working in such an intimate environment with a few people helped all of us get the one-on-one attention we needed to grow.

It’s exciting to see how much more confident I am as a writer and how I have progressed over the past few months. In the office, we are the writers of blogs, press releases, social media plans and much more. I’ve learned more about my writing skills during this internship than I have the past few years of college. This internship has challenged me to go outside of my comfort zone and write about things I would never choose to write about. It’s also been an accomplishment to see public feedback on my own words.

At the beginning of the summer, I was still asking myself what I wanted to be when I grew up. Working with Rebecca Adele PR & Events I was able to get a little taste of everything. Working the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows, to sitting in on client meetings, to even writing social media plans! I can say I have a better outlook on what I want my future to look like now. I know that event planning is the direction I want my career to go after this summer. The excitement of putting together an event and being able to see the outcome is a great feeling! Having people satisfied with an event you put on is an accomplishment in itself. I was able to see how PR and social media play a huge part in the success of an event and how every aspect is important. I have a lot of hard work until I reach the end result, but I am excited for the ride!

Working with Becki has given a new meaning to the word “work ethic.” Becki is awesome at what she does and it’s because she works hard at it! It’s inspiring to see someone so young already accomplish so much. I am so thankful I was able to be a part of Rebecca Adele PR & Events this summer because it has been nothing less than a positive experience. Even though I have two more semesters of college, I will take what I learned this summer and apply it in years to come. Thanks for a great summer Becki and I can’t wait to see where your business takes you!

Written by Katie Woods from Rebecca Adele PR & Events

The great debate: Education vs. Experience

The end of summer is approaching and the most recent 2013 grads have found a job and have settled into their new lives. While others have taken the summer off and will begin the job hunt now. Like most graduates, reflecting on the last four years is a popular thing to do and coming to the realization that time goes by way too fast. With those thoughts also comes the anxious idea of starting a new journey and leaving behind the best four years of your life. A popular conversation amongst my friends has been our education the past four years versus work experience. My eclectic group of friends ranges from straight “A” students, to the internship queen, to others who have put school on hold for a few years. So when this topic is brought up, we all have a lot to say but a whole lot of nothing to say at the same time.

So the question remains... What is more important, education or work experience? We think about all the young entrepreneurs that dropped out of school to follow their dreams; Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg to name a few. Did these people have the niche? Were they in the right place at the right time? Who is to pass judgment...they are the billionaires right?

There is no doubt in my mind that a college degree is the new high school diploma, but at the same time are we wasting money on classes I will never use again toward my future career? I have always been a career oriented person and always prided myself on my past internships and travel experience. The question is, do I do this to excuse my not so scholarly grades, or the fact that my university didn't make Forbes list for top 100 colleges of 2013?

So what is the answer? Entrepreneurs, business professionals and students will continue to have their own opinion. Let’s face it, competition is tough out there! There might always be someone that is more qualified for the job, but gaining the most education and the most experience always puts you one step closer. The variables to landing “that dream job” are endless, because at the end of the day, everything seems to play a factor in the real world. The unsettling question on my mind is did I do enough these past four years?

You can never stop learning, and in the perfect world gaining that “A” grade would amount to retaining most of the information a teacher presents and then being able to recite that information in a practical way. The problem with the classroom setting is that students spend one night cramming copious amounts of information for an exam, retain little amounts of information, and then pass the test with a satisfactory grade. At a college level, that shouldn’t be the standard of learning. Receiving an education means something, and leaving college, students should have a wealth of knowledge in many different fields, but this isn’t always the case. The reason that so many students and employers focus more on real world experience versus college education is because students aren’t learning, and what they do retain they don’t use in a practical manner.

I am a believer that school and experience play an equal role and one can only help the other. Getting the experience of college helps you grow and adapt to different work environments. Everyone is going to have strengths and weaknesses. The biggest thing is what they can offer at the end of the day. It's my opinion, I truly think that all just depends on the type of person you are. What's your take on the issue?

Written by Katie Woods from Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Real Beauty: A Campaign From Marketing Heaven

“When did you stop thinking you’re beautiful?”

That’s the newest question Dove is posing for women in their new ad, "Camera Shy." (below) The first section features women trying desperately to escape the camera, while the second section features little girls dancing and gazing happily at their reflection. The ad challenges women to confront the reasons they hide behind their hands, books, blankets, and pillows. Since the Real Beauty campaign launched in 2004, Dove has forced us to rethink the definition of beauty.

It's really no surprise that the campaign has been wildly successful. (The "Real Beauty Sketches" Youtube video has over 55 million hits.) Dove has capitalized on two things. First, they're challenging traditional beauty standards and moving the advertising industry in a positive direction. They're asking women why they accept these standards as a realistic view of beauty. By placing people with real beauty in their ads, they are sending subliminal messages about beauty to the entire world. It may sound too easy, but over time, those messages will sink in and start to become truth. Everyone is beautiful. That's a pretty awesome message. 

Second, Dove is giving the public what they want, in the best way possible. Most women are sick of being told they are too fat, too skinny, too wrinkly, too pale, too dark, too tall, or too short to be beautiful. We're tired of seeing unnaturally skinny and beautiful women on shampoo bottles, magazine covers, and department store posters. So, of course, people can't get enough of these ads. It makes the rest of us, (women who aren't perfectly toned, tan, and gorgeous) feel beautiful. Apart from making a positive social change, the Real Beauty campaign is totally brilliant marketing.

So whether you think it's just a ploy or that they really care about improving the body image of millions of women, there's no arguing that Dove has changed the advertising game. As a woman, I couldn't be happier.

Written by Maura Stewart from Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Order Up! How Working in a Restaurant is Like Working at an Agency

Most people think that working in a restaurant is awful. There are rude customers, long hours on your feet, and of course, you have to deal with food. Although there are plenty of reasons why people hate working in a restaurant, being a server is very similar to working at an agency.

First, taking an order for a customer is a lot like taking on a work order. The customer will tell you exactly what they want, and it is your job as the server to make sure that they get what they ordered. At an agency, a client will tell whoever is in charge what they are looking for, and it is their job to make sure they are getting what they asked for.

The creative team is like the team of cooks in the restaurant. The server will give you a food order, and it is your job to prepare it that way. Working at agency is comparable because your boss will give you the work order, and it is your duty to give them what they asked for under budget constraints.

Teamwork experience is valuable in both the restaurant and agency settings. You need to know how to work together with your co-workers to get the best results. If you need help, just ask! It is not always best to do everything yourself.

Working at a restaurant gives you time-management skills because you are usually doing a million things at once. Likewise, in any agency job, it is likely that you will have to manage more than one project at a time. To be a successful in both a restaurant and at agency, you have got to be able to multitask and think on your feet.

Another part of being able to multitask is the ability to stay calm under pressure. Whether you are busy with multiple tables at once at a restaurant or swamped with several projects at an agency, take a minute to relax. Make a list of everything that needs to be done so you don’t forget anything, and take things one step at a time.

Finally, maintaining customer loyalty is the same in a restaurant as it is at an agency. If you give the customer or client exactly what they are looking for, then they are likely to keep coming back. As a server, giving a customer a great experience will result in better tips and the possibility that they will come back and request you again next time. If you give your client their money’s worth, it will provide your agency with credibility, positive word-of-mouth, and the possibility that the client will choose your agency again for its next project.

Written By: Rachel Ausperk from Rebecca Adele PR & Events

The Kardashian Effect: Building a Brand Out of Thin Air

Kim Kardashian and her raven-haired clan get a lot of heat for being untalented, famous for being famous, and addicted to the limelight. Business ventures, style, and scandals aside, the Kardashian Empire seemed to come out of nowhere and onto our TV screens, magazine covers, department stores, and... pretty much everything else. We sympathize with Bruce Jenner in an episode of one of their many reality shows when, looking at Kim on a magazine cover in his Dentist’s office, he says, “I can’t get away from these people.” Either can we, Bruce. Either can we.

What exactly makes the Kardashians have this unprecedented staying power? What caused them to be welded permanently into our brains, water-cooler conversations, and pop culture with no end in sight? A unique mix of craziness, Ryan Seacrest, and phenomenal PR.

Kim Kardashian can’t sing or act. We have her stint on Dancing With The Stars to remind us that she can’t dance either. What she lacks in traditional talent that typically wields her kind of celebrity and notoriety, she makes up for with “momager” Kris Jenner. In 2007, Kim was moderately known for being friends with heiress and socialite Paris Hilton. Then her 2003 home video with Ray-J went viral, and she was well on her way to becoming a household name for all the wrong reasons, never able to shake the stigma of her past mistakes.

Enter Kris Jenner. With the help of her mom, Kim was able to sue the company who distributed the video, resulting in a $5 million settlement in April 2007. In October of that same year, the Kardashian family premiered their reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Jenner took advantage of the momentum from the lawsuit and their new reality show to launch Kim and her sisters Kourtney and Khloé into the world as bona fide celebrities.

Never missing the chance to stamp the name Kardashian on a product, Jenner almost single-handedly created an empire of epic proportions, tirelessly promoting the Kardashian brand, and leaving no rock unturned. The Kardashians have their name on several television shows, boutiques, perfume, nail polish, and clothing lines. They maintain an engaging presence on nearly all forms of social media. They have completely revolutionized the reality show format and the pathway to fame, and demonstrate daily the sheer power of technology and social media.

Through dedicated PR and promotion, as well as unparalleled business savvy, Kris Jenner and her family created and monetized their public personas, building a brand with international influence and true staying power. They have proved time and time again that that the Kardashians are dedicated, real, and here to stay.

The Kardashians are living proof of the phrase “There is no such thing as bad publicity.” They may be the butt of many jokes, but with a collective net worth somewhere near $80 million, the Kardashians are having the last laugh. 

Written By: Kate Glending from Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Disney Princess Merida’s Makeover Receives Public Criticism

We all know that the media has heavy influence on our perception of beauty, but to what extent? Well, if you’ve seen the Disney movie “Brave,” then you’ll be surprised to hear about Princess Merida’s makeover.

The Merida we all know and love from the movie underwent several alterations on Disney’s website. First, they switched her outfit from a functional dress that was appropriate for her outdoor adventures to a much brighter and frillier low-cut dress. Apparently her bow and arrows were not feminine enough, so those were removed. 

Then comes the changes to the Princess’ previously young, girl-like figure. Her waist had been cinched and her bust area was clearly increased. As if that wasn’t enough, they gave her longer eyelashes, rosier cheeks, and her young, excited smile was replaced by a sultry smirk. For a movie targeted at the younger age crowd, no wonder the public lashed out!

The Princess Merida that should be a character to which young girls could relate and look up to was transformed into an over-sexualized woman. I completely understand why Disney got so much backlash over the makeover because it just proves how the media tries to promote unhealthy and often times unrealistic versions of what women should strive to look like. It’s no wonder why so many women struggle with body image issues!

Although Disney quietly replaced the image with the Pixar original after all of the negative criticism it received, I think this incident is just a part of an even bigger problem of body image in the media that needs to be addressed. Disney should take this backlash into consideration from now on when deciding how to create the characters in their movies and other companies in the media should take note. 

Written by Rachel Ausperk from Rebecca Adele PR & Events

The New Crisis Response Team

Social media saves lives.

Now there’s something you probably haven’t heard before. But, it’s true.

The faster emergency aid can be delivered during a disaster, the lower the death toll. Fortunately, speed is among social media’s best qualities. Victims can send a tweet and within seconds, the entire Twittersphere knows that that victim is caught under rubble on Main Street. 

Social media also raises money, reunites families, and helps to locate pets and items lost during natural disasters. After the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, residents created a Facebook page to find their lost documents and photos. Currently, over 12,000 people have joined. Photos like the one below litter the page, along with posts about volunteering and donation sites.

Many used social media to check on friends and family. Even more sent their condolences, like Oklahoma-raised celebrities Toby Keith, Reba McEntire, and Carrie Underwood.

Another example of social media in crisis situations is the Haiti Earthquake. Forty-eight hours after the Red Cross launched it’s $10 donation campaign, it had raised $32 million dollars. Most of this success was due to Twitter. The tweet announcing the initiative was retweeted 2.3 million times.

Despite the inevitable dark side of social media, the benefits are growing by the day. The face of crisis communication has been forever changed.  Natural disasters are devastating, but now, the whole world has become the response team. 

By: Maura Stewart from Rebecca Adele PR & Events