TrizCom

Cultivating the Relationship

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Managing expectations is a critical component of the agency-client relationship at TrizCom PR. We often begin a new business development meeting by simply asking why they are interested in a public relations campaign. Some have replied that they just want to see their name in the paper, but most are using it as a marketing tool to secure incremental business for their businesses. They believe—and are often proven correct—that earned media equals credibility in the marketplace.

Another caveat we explain in exploratory meetings is that PR is a marathon, not a sprint. It can take months of careful planning, pitching and execution before a client begins to see worthwhile results. We also never guarantee anything. PR firms that promise instant stardom for a client shouldn’t be considered true partners. That being said, we will work our tails off to ensure success, we just don’t promise it from the outset. Our proof points are the client newsrooms we maintain on our website, showcasing earned media wins for each of our existing and former clients.

If the image in their head doesn’t materialize into their version of reality, we encourage an extremely open and honest dialogue with clients. All PR plans are signed off on by clients before we begin campaigns. Each includes objectives, strategies, tactics and most important—how will success be judged by the client? If we can prove we’ve met that standard of success and they’re still not happy, then something changed. We find out what it is, adjust our plan accordingly and continue working.

A Meaningful Experience

Excuse me while I take a moment to brag on the Intern Program at TrizCom PR. Headed up by my colleague, Katie Mudd, it’s a culture-driven credit to our organization as a whole. For several years, TrizCom has instituted a semester-oriented program for current university students and recent graduates. We run a five-month program in the spring, a three-month program in the summer and a five-month program in the fall.

I think we’re coming off one of our best classes ever. This summer, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting Rebecca Ellis and Amanda Brown, both of Texas Tech. These two remarkable young ladies have made significant contributions to the earned media wins of our clients, and we’ll be sad to see them go.

So what exactly makes a good intern program?

Many moons ago (I won’t say how many moons), I was in my final semester of college when it dawned on me that I might want to seek an internship to have something to put on my resume other than University of Texas Student Union Marketing Committee. I think I went to one meeting, sat in the back, and then later claimed I ran the whole show. I doubted it would fly when the real job interview process began.

I found a suitable intern program at an Austin-based ad agency (name redacted). I was one of 12 picked to participate, and I can still remember my dad on the phone asking incredulously, “What do you mean it’s unpaid? Can they do that?” I thought I was lucky enough to have landed somewhere. It didn’t take long for me to get a sense of what an internship was like.

On the second day, one of the girls in the program quit because they asked her to sit up front and answer the phones. I was busy working on real-world advertising business such as making copies for a meeting that my bosses had no intention of inviting me to attend. I stayed at it, however, and after the internship ended, they asked me to stay on full time. For minimum wage. Six months later they laid me off, so I got an early taste of what downsizing meant.

Looking back, the internship program at that agency was terrible. And I can say from my experience at TrizCom over the last three years, internships have come a long way. Let me tell you why ours is both different and meaningful. We’re committed to making sure that our interns are valued. If you intern with us, you’ll be in our weekly staff meeting. You’ll be in client meetings. You’ll go to media interviews. You’ll pitch stories. You’ll write talking points. You’ll be an integral part of account planning and PR campaigns. And it’s paid work.

Most of all—you’ll get the credit you earn. We pride ourselves on creating a real-world atmosphere at TrizCom so that you’ll be prepared for real public relations down the road. And that’s if we don’t offer you a job. Our program is specifically designed to promote from within. You show us what you can do, and we have the business to support you as a full-time employee, and you’re in.

Our fall internship program is currently underway, and we’re looking for the next Rebecca Ellis and Amanda Brown. If you desire a place where your opinion and hard work are valued, check out TrizCom PR.

A Bittersweet Goodbye to TrizCom

By Maelyn Schramm, TrizCom PR Intern

Maelyn in a completely casual, totally candid, hard at work shot.

Maelyn in a completely casual, totally candid, hard at work shot.

My time at TrizCom PR is about to come to an end. As the sun sets on the month of May, I will bid adieu to my nook in the little office that I made my workspace. It truly is a bittersweet moment.

Firstly, it’s bitter. I love working alongside such creative, like-minded individuals who have a passion for storytelling and a dedication to produce excellent work. I will miss playing – and ultimately losing – Yahtzee during lunch, and I will miss popping my head into Katie and Dana’s office to ask them about their weekends. I will miss hearing all of Jeff’s crazy stories and catching up with Jen about what her adorable family is up to. I will miss how Jo surprises us with sweet treats to reward us for our work. In many places, it’s hard to find a boss who acknowledges 1) interns and 2) your sacrificial efforts to complete tasks and meet deadlines. She says “thank you” at the end of every day, and as someone who cherishes words of affirmation, it means the world to me.

Secondly, it’s sweet. Over the past four(ish) months, I’ve experienced such exponential growth as a creative storyteller and human being. TrizCom pushes me to exert 100 percent of my energy and passion into every project I produce – this includes reports, releases, social media outlines and blogs. TrizCom equipped me to write stories about any and everything, with assignments ranging from Heroes for Children – a nonprofit that benefits families who have children battling cancer – to Healthway Education Systems, a medical marijuana continuing education program. TrizCom gave me an idea of what I’m looking for in future employers – to find companionship, to test my limits, to receive respect from my peers and superiors alike.

I’m about to leave, but this is not a permanent goodbye. I plan to stay in touch with every person I’ve connected with, to hear about TrizCom’s incoming intern class, and to shriek with excitement on the word of new clients. To leave behind an era of so much growth and refinement is bittersweet, but my time at TrizCom was nothing but sweet.

Why Heroes For Children Is My Passion - In Honor Of National Childhood Cancer Month

Why Heroes For Children Is My Passion - In Honor Of National Childhood Cancer Month

Discover the heartfelt passion of Jo Trizila, President & CEO of TrizCom Public Relations, as she shares her personal connection to Heroes for Children during National Childhood Cancer Month. Gain insights into the powerful impact of nonprofit partnerships and the importance of supporting families facing childhood cancer. Explore the transformative role of storytelling in public relations and how TrizCom PR embraces the art of storytelling to elevate clients' stories. Join the journey of hope, compassion, and the fight against childhood cancer with Heroes for Children and TrizCom PR.

The Art of the Brag - The Power of Company Awards

The Art of the Brag - The Power of Company Awards

Discover how company awards can serve as powerful third-party endorsements, establishing credibility in today's crowded information landscape. Learn effective strategies to achieve JD Power-type attention without coming across as a self-promoter. From asking for feedback to positioning yourself as an industry leader and seizing media opportunities, explore the art of the brag. Amplify your achievements through social media and leverage the reach of implied third-party endorsements. Join TrizCom PR, a multi-award-winning firm, as we showcase the impact of accolades such as the PRSA Pegasus Award and recognition on the Dallas Business Journal's Largest PR Firms list. Witness the undeniable proof of the power of company awards and elevate your brand's reputation.

The 4 C’s of College Internships

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Internships provide college students with invaluable opportunities to gain practical experience in their chosen field. However, not all internships are created equal, and it's essential for students to consider key factors when selecting a program. In this blog, we explore the 4 C's that students should keep in mind: culture, career development, coaching, and connections. Discover the importance of finding an internship with a compatible corporate culture, relevant career development opportunities, supportive coaching and mentorship, and the potential to build a strong professional network. At TrizCom, we offer internship positions throughout the year, providing detail-oriented and creative candidates with a chance to contribute to impactful public relations campaigns while enjoying a rewarding experience.

What to Look for in College Internships

The best way for college students to get a taste of their major in the working world is through internships. However, not all internships are created equal. When selecting an internship program to apply to, it’s important to keep the 4 C’s in mind: culture, career development, coaching and connections.

Culture

When seeking internship opportunities, you should have an understanding of what kind of corporate culture and work environment will best suit your ability to learn. Some work environments are full of energy and fast-paced, while others may be more predictable and provide a conservative work atmosphere. Whatever your preference is, determine what type of culture and workplace environment will be most conducive to your internship experience.

Career Development

It’s important to seek an internship that is relevant to your area of study to enhance your learning experience. The end goal is to gain experience and knowledge of your field as a full-time career before you enter the working world. To ensure you are selecting an internship that is appropriate to your field of study, use your interview opportunity as a way to gather information about the specific duties that are required for the position. This is a great way to discover whether or not the internship program aligns with your career path.

Coaching

A good internship should provide interns with strong leadership and mentors who will help guide young professionals as they start their careers. Most established internship programs provide interns with a supervisor they should feel comfortable talking to. Interns should feel free to ask their supervisor or team members for advice to help make the internship experience productive and fun.

Connections

In the working world, it’s all about who you know that determines where you will go with your career. Internships allow students to gain professional experience while building their network. Interns should take advantage of every opportunity available to them to meet people during their internship, whether it’s an after-hours event or grabbing lunch with the team. Most organizations hire within their intern pool or recommend their interns to other members of their industry – but usually, this only happens with interns who have taken the time to get to know their team.

In conclusion, internships serve as a bridge between the academic and professional worlds, offering students a firsthand glimpse into their future careers. By prioritizing the 4 C's—culture, career development, coaching, and connections—students can make informed decisions when selecting an internship program. Finding a supportive work environment, gaining relevant industry experience, receiving guidance from mentors, and building a network can greatly contribute to a successful internship experience. At TrizCom, we recognize the value of internships and welcome candidates who are passionate, detail-oriented, and creative to join us in crafting impactful public relations campaigns. Embrace the opportunities that internships provide, and seize the chance to lay a solid foundation for your future career.

TrizCom hires interns throughout the year to help develop successful public relations campaigns for local, national and international clients. The ideal candidate should be detail-oriented, creative and passionate about crafting the perfect media pitch while having tons of fun!

Interested in a college internship at TrizCom PR? Get in touch. We are always looking for great talent. https://www.trizcom.com/public-relations-internships.