What the Future Might Hold…

By: Jessica Donaldson, TrizCom PR Intern

I am a senior public relations student in the Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas. I have already taken some awesome classes that have taught me the building blocks of PR. As the treasurer for UNT’s chapter of PRSSA, I’ve been given some great opportunities to learn about my career field. My experience with the Mayborn School has been excellent, but there truly are some things you can only learn on the job.

For my last semester before graduation, I was fortunate enough to land an account coordinator internship with TrizCom Public Relations. This is my first real job in public relations, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect coming in.

I have heard from other students that they did a lot of busywork such as making copies, checking emails, taking notes, making coffee, etc. at some of their PR internships. While those are tasks that need to be done, they are certainly not what being an intern at TrizCom is all about. On my first day I was already doing research for a client and writing a media alert. By Day Two I was using technology I had never heard of to compile media lists and keep track of local new opportunities. I have been here a week now, and I already feel more equipped to work in PR than ever before.

I think being an intern at TrizCom is a unique opportunity because of the professional staff here. Not only are staff members experts at what they do, but they genuinely want to share their knowledge with me. Just like a typical internship, I have learned a lot simply from watching how TrizCom’ s account executives interact with clients, create content and conduct research. What makes working at TrizCom different is that the account executives ask me to help them with their work, they give me assignments that actually matter, and they are always willing to assist me if I have questions.

So far TrizCom seems like a great place to work, and I am excited to see what the rest of the semester holds.

Clutch Names TrizCom PR as a 2017 Global Leader in Public Relations

Clutch recently announced the best digital and traditional service providers on their platform, amongst which TrizCom PR was named a Global Leader in public relations for 2017.

With over thousands of traditional service providers participating on Clutch’s ratings and reviews platform, it’s incredibly challenging to stand out amongst the rest as a top agency, especially for public relations which is one of their fastest-growing research segments.

For many years, TrizCom PR has been distinguished for our strength in forging strong connections between our clients and the media, communicating their messages in ways that get them close to their goals. Our communications expertise, along with our commitment to delivering PR campaigns that drive success for our partners, is what has contributed to our ranking on Clutch.

The biggest component to our Clutch ranking, however, is our client reviews. What makes Clutch different from other reviews sites is they take the time to connect with our clients over the phone to gather thorough and meaningful feedback on what it’s like partnering with our firm. Their reviews, all of which can be found on our Clutch profile, have given the TrizCom team even more reason to be proud of what we’ve accomplished so far as a company:

We’d like to thank our clients for sharing their feedback with Clutch and for being such supportive partners over the years. TrizCom is fully ready to continuing delivering quality PR work that makes our clients proud, and that drives up our placement on Clutch.

Giving Thanks

TrizCom Public Relations

Happy Thanksgiving, All!

Some of you are clients (past, present and future), some associates, some colleagues, and all of you are friends to us at TrizCom. We are all very grateful for you. Brainstorming and creating, helping you tell your stories and sharing your missions – thank you for letting us support you as you have supported us. We want to take a moment to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving and share with you what we’re thankful for as we enter this holiday season. We invite you to leave us a comment on any of our social media pages with your own gratitudes! Have a lovely holiday weekend. And thank you.

Jeff Cheatham, senior account manager – I am thankful to have both a peaceful home life and an office full of wonderful co-workers. As I’ve learned in the past, it’s awfully hard to attain both.

Dana Cobb, director of business development & senior account executive – I am thankful for my family: the ones I was born with, the ones who I chose and the ones who chose me. Every year sees a passing of milestones, relationships changing, kiddos growing, tender moments shared. I am always thankful for the ability to love the ones I’m with, especially during the holidays!

Katie Mudd, account executive – I am grateful for my awesome husband Chris and our two adorable pups Heidi and Coco. Paired with the awesome clients we work with at TrizCom, there’s never a dull moment that isn’t full of adventures – whether it's chowing down on tacos, filling up on barbecue, cuddling adorable pets, chatting up celebrities or checking out the biggest boats!!!

Jennifer Kuenzer, digital specialist – I am thankful for my family and friends, a warm and loving home, and the ability to help (in some capacity) where ever my help may be needed. I am thankful for the wonderful opportunities I’ve had this year to follow my passions, take more chances and to learn new things.

Jo Trizila, president & CEO – Things I’m thankful for: journalists who love our stories, iPhones, email clutter sorting, unsubscribe buttons, productive meetings, call forwarding, above the fold placements, doing the right thing, endorsements, challenging opportunities, grand openings, slow news days, our awesome clients, Taco Charlton, clean mammograms, health insurance, gold, platinum, silver, helping kiddos with cancer, outliving yourself, puppies, safe places, sports protection, pain free backs, children’s theater, celebrity infatuations, powerboats, having the best public relations campaign in DFW, prospects,  the best darn barbecue ribs in the nation, influencer outreach tools, journalists who are on social media and – more over – journalists who are on my personal pages, the diversity of our clients’ brands, data, branding, embargoes, feature stories, partnerships, being named the best PR firm, referrals agency partners and 9.5 years of TrizCom PR....

Looking back on an incredibly busy and, at times, challenging year, I'm most thankful for the campaigns we have launched that truly made a difference.

I’m beyond grateful for having a talented and dedicated team of professionals who have never lost their focus, passion or commitment, and for our many clients who put their trust in our hands – day in and day out.

Gen Z

By Ashley Stults, TrizCom PR Intern

Abhijit Bhaduri via Flickr under Creative Commons

Open any magazine or newspaper today and chances are you’ll see an article about millennials. One group, however, is slowly taking over the millennial fixation. Generation Z, the generation born after 1995, is taking the marketing industry by storm.

With Gen Z often being described as “digital natives,” this group grew up with technology and spends a majority of their time online. According to a study conducted by IBM where 15,000 consumers aged 13 to 21 from 16 countries participated, 74 percent of respondents spend their free time online, estimating five hours or more a day, and 73 percent use mobile devices to text and chat socially with family and friends. This study noted that Gen Z is also looking to have in-depth conversations regarding brand relationships, with 42 percent saying they would participate in an online game for a campaign and 43 percent would participate in a product review.

So what does this mean for brands?

1.   Gen Z wants to be engaged.

• The study found that Gen Z cares about product quality and availability, but participation and engagement is what they truly cherish in a long-term brand relationship.

2.   Be quick.

• Gen Z doesn’t like to wait. Roughly 50 percent of Gen Z members surveyed said the most important thing to them when shopping is being able to find things fast, and more than 60 percent said they will not use an app or website that is hard to navigate or slow to load.

3.    Walk the walk.

• Don’t just say you’re a good company; prove it. Gen Z wants to see leaders practicing what they preach and being transparent.

4.   Gen Z is accepting.

• According to Forbes, Gen Z expects to see diversity in marketing. Take Dove’s “Real Beauty” campaign, for example. Women of all kinds were featured in the campaign, and it was a hit. Gen Z wants to see acceptance and diversity in a brand’s marketing efforts.

Gen Z has high expectations of brands and expects them to deliver. In an ever-changing marketing culture, brands must adapt to the transparent environment that this powerful generation demands.

Words are Important. I have the best words. Believe me.

Leonard Stein, one of the original founders of Mad-libs, said that the iconic ad-lib inspiration notepad was directly linked to his inability to spell “hyperbole” in a seventh-grade spelling bee. Humiliated and embarrassed beyond words, he ran home to take refuge in the family dictionary, determined to learn the correct spelling and exact meaning of as many words as humanly possible.

Words are important; they are the most valuable tools in spoken language.

Misuse of these words can backfire on the deliverer in monumental ways.

My biggest peeve is the exchange of moot versus mute in conversation. For the record, a moot point can be either an issue open for debate or a matter of no practical value or importance because it’s hypothetical. The word mute means “silent; refraining from speech or utterance,” and the pairing mute point has no canonized meaning in standard English.

Following is a quiz. Take it and see how you score. I scored perfectly because I have the best words.

http://www.playbuzz.com/toddbv10/can-you-correctly-use-these-commonly-misused-words#eightieth4

Event Recap: Heart of Gold 5K Run for the Children Benefiting Heroes for Children and Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer

Team TrizCom, pictured here with Heroes for Children’s Co-founder Larissa Linton (in red)

One of the things I love most about working at TrizCom is our work with nonprofits. Giving back to the community is an important part of Jo’s life that she has built into her business, and the best example of this is when we all come together to support one of our nonprofit clients as a team. We had the opportunity to do that on Saturday at the Heart of Gold 5K Run for the Children Benefiting Heroes for Children (our client) and Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer.

Heroes for Children is a unique nonprofit organization that provides social and financial assistance to families battling childhood cancer. For this event, they partnered with Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer, which raises awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research on a national level. The 2017 Heart of Gold 5K was a blast – fun for the entire family, with a DJ, games, activities and food, as well moments and spaces to remember children affected by cancer, the reason we were all there that day. There was a commemorative balloon release, representing the families of Heroes for Children, right before the big race. I managed to get a few photos from the event on Saturday.

The balloon release! It was moving, seeing how many families have been helped by Heroes for Children and their mission.

Face painting was a big draw for the kids.

It was packed, and everyone was in great spirits.

Yes, everyone’s a winner, though there was special recognition and medals awarded to those with the best time in their age groups. It was a race for avid runners (like our own Jeff Cheatham – who achieved a personal best) and, well, the rest of us! My family and I were so proud to be part of Team TrizCom and look forward to next year’s event.

Dear Wonder Woman, Thank You. We’ve Been Waiting for You.

Movie goers across the nation have been flocking to theaters this summer to watch DC Comic’s newest superhero movie – but there’s something different this time. This time, young girls are filling the seats of the theater in anticipation (some even dressed in costume), excited to witness the first ever, female-led superhero movie.

Wonder Woman, starring Gal Gadot as the titular character and directed by Patty Jenkins, has grossed over $400 million in North American box office sales since premiering in theaters on June 2nd. Critics and audiences everywhere are raving about the first superhero movie that features a female as the leading character, but one question still stands to be asked: Why did this take so long?

Since franchising their iconic characters into movies in 2008, DC Comics and Marvel combined have created a total of 19 male-led superhero movies and one female-led. And while no one is arguing the cinematic quality of The Dark Knight trilogy, the importance of female-led superhero movies should not be underestimated.

Here’s why Wonder Woman is important.

1.      Girls need a STRONG female role model.

Too often, girls are taught that the most important thing they can be is pretty. There is an alarming lack of strong female role models in the media that aren’t entirely characterized by their physical features, and it influences youth. The gender gap in youth participation in sports is, though decreasing, still there. In fact, by the age of 14, girls are twice as likely to drop out of sports than boys. While the country has made significant strides (such as Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in federally-funded educational programs), there is still no state in the country that has equal participation between genders in high school sports. From intense fighting on the forefront of war to unyielding courage and perseverance, Wonder Woman is teaching young girls that being strong is more important than being pretty (although Gadot does a pretty nice job of being both).

2.      Girls need a SMART female role model.

The dishwasher. Windshield wipers. Disposable diapers. Underwater telescopes. Fire escapes. All of these are inventions created by women. So why do women make up half of the college-educated workforce in the United States, but only 29 percent of the science and engineering workforce? Encouragement for girls in math and science fields after elementary education is lacking, so much so that the number of girls in engineering and computer science programs is comparably lower than the number of boys. In the film, the knowledge of the Amazons is unmatched, a fact that is proven when Wonder Woman is the only person in a room filled with a political war council that can read Sumerian and decipher essential enemy knowledge. When she stood up and said “Surely someone else in this room knew that” to a room full of dumbstruck men, every girl who has ever remained silent when they knew the answer felt a surge of pride and satisfaction.

3.      Strong, smart GIRLS grow up to be strong, smart WOMEN.

The number of women-owned businesses in the United States increased more than 45 percent between 2007 and 2016, meaning it grew five times the rate of the national average. Companies like TrizCom PR, a Certified Woman Owned Business Corporation, are paving the way for young girls everywhere. In fact, the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in America is African American women. Kids watch. Kids listen. Kids do. Movies like Wonder Woman – that feature a central female character whose accomplishments are reflective of her abilities, not her love interests’ – teach kids that a woman can be just as much of a hero as a man can.

So, thank you Gal Gadot, Patty Jenkins, Warner Bros., DC Comics and everyone involved in the creation of Wonder Woman for giving girls their own superhero. It’s about time.

Need an Internship This Semester?

Because if you do, Dallas-based TrizCom PR has a deal for you.
Answer these few questions to help gauge your interest level. Do you…

…desire to eat discounted—and possibly free—food at Taco Bueno?
…want to nerd-out at Comic-Con’s FAN EXPO for free?
…like boats?
…have a deep and abiding love for dogs and cats?
…like to eat BBQ?
…enjoy soccer and football?

If you answered yes to any (or all) of the questions above, we’d like to hear from you. 

For the past five years TrizCom PR has hosted over a dozen special interns in our program and we take pride in making it an experience, not just a job. As a TrizCom intern, not only will you be paid for your time ($10 per hour, 15-20 hours/week), you’ll be an integral part of our firm. School credit available as well as flexible schedules. No exclusion from meetings or client-facing work. You’ll be on the front lines right beside us. You’ll be paired one-on-one with a TrizCom staffer who will be in charge of your growth and instruction. 

We want you to apply your academic knowledge into real-world writing, media relations, marketing and promotions scenarios. Duties may include writing PR materials including press releases, website copy, blog copy, managing PR archives and photo resources, preparing media kits, planning special events or promotions, working with account managers to improve communication efforts, interacting with outside vendors and members of the media, assisting with social media outreach efforts with possible opportunities for filming, interviewing and editing video, and collecting research and assisting TrizCom’s overall marketing and PR campaigns.

Still not convinced? Here’s two things you’ll never do:
1.    Make coffee
2.    Make copies

Hear what other interns have said about us. 
 

TrizCom PR: The Ultimate Intern Experience

By Amanda Brown, TrizCom PR Intern

As I head into the last weeks of August, my time at TrizCom PR is coming to an end. In a few short days, I will be saying goodbye to my co-intern, Rebecca; my cozy office; and the entire TrizCom staff. Though I am sad to say goodbye, this internship program has been nothing short of the ultimate experience.

My supervisor, Jeff Cheatham, recently wrote a blog highlighting the TrizCom internship program (if you haven’t read it yet, you should). Now I am writing to share my experience as well as write about why you should become an intern.

As an intern, my first fear is always the one where I spend my time making coffee runs or just doing grunt work. Well, I am here to tell you that in this internship program, that was not the case.

During my time at TrizCom, I worked closely with Jeff helping him research, write press releases, make pitches and create media lists. Everything I created or assisted with, he gave me credit. If I created a press release or a pitch for a client, Jeff would either say “great job” or tell me what I could have done differently. Here, they want their interns to succeed, and they mean that.

Another great thing about this program and company were all of the “field trips” they let the interns go on. At TrizCom, they wanted us to have the full experience of what an everyday PR professional does. If there was an opportunity to visit a client, they made sure Rebecca and I joined. I was a part of client brainstorm meetings, television interviews and got to go on the set of a client’s photo shoot.

Finally, the best part of this internship is the company culture. At TrizCom, there is no such thing as a “closed” door (unless they are on the phone). Every morning I was greeted with a “hello” or “good morning” and left every night with a “thank you for all of your help” or “we appreciate you.” I never felt or was treated like an intern – more like a junior account executive. The office was always a fun place to be if there was a birthday or special occasion. As an office we took lunch trips, celebrated TrizCom’s ninth birthday and shared stories every Monday about our weekends. The perfect word to describe the company culture would be family.

Even though I am about to leave, I know that this is not actually goodbye. The people I met, the connections I made with the staff and clients, will never be forgotten. To every person at TrizCom, thank you. I had the best summer interning for such a wonderful company. I am leaving not only with a full portfolio filled with material, but appreciation and knowledge of what public relations professionals do. I am excited to see what the future holds for TrizCom, the next interns and me.

So if you are a student or recent graduate looking to grow your knowledge of the PR industry, and work for an awesome company, then look no further. To get the ultimate PR experience, send your resume and cover letter to Katie Mudd. I promise you will not regret it.

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.

Ten Days, Ten Lessons Learned from Former White House Director of Communications, Anthony Scaramucci

Lesson #1: Do not, under any circumstances, initiate a telephone call with a journalist, assuming your conversation will not be printed, especially if the conversation includes cussing against your colleagues, who work with you on a daily basis and then hope to keep your job.

Lessons #2-10: See Lesson One.

Mooch out. #themooch #themoochisloose (via giphy)

What does Off the Record Mean?

The phrase "off the record" is commonly used to describe a situation where an individual shares information unofficially without expecting it to be publicly disclosed or attributed to them. It is often associated with confidence, allowing team members or business partners to exchange candid views or sensitive details without repercussions. However, relying on this approach may have risks, as trust must be established between parties involved in off-the-record discussions. Understanding the dynamics and implications of off-the-record conversations is pivotal when considering new strategies or making informed decisions based on confidential information.

Why Nothing is EVER Off The Record

In today's fast-paced digitized world of journalism, trust is a fragile commodity that both parties, journalists and their sources, must handle with care. Many believe that by insisting a conversation is "off the record," they can protect themselves from unwanted exposure, but this mindset can be a dangerous game to play. The inherent nature of a journalist's profession is to seek out newsworthy material that often thrives on a story's unpredictable and revealing aspects. With media houses competing fiercely for exclusive scoops, there is always a risk that what was formerly agreed upon as "off the record" information becomes irresistible fodder for a breaking story. Navigating the complex boundaries of media ethics and the ever-evolving landscape of news reporting further complicates the matter, making it vital for individuals to approach conversations with journalists with caution, discernment, and the understanding that nothing is EVER truly off the record.

Times You Should NEVER reach out to a journalist

When reaching out to a journalist, certain circumstances may be counterproductive or even damaging to your business or organization. One such instance is when you need a newsworthy story or announcement to share, as this may be perceived as a waste of the journalist's time and, consequently, could harm your professional relationship with them. It would help if you also thought twice about contacting a journalist when you have confidential or off-the-record information, as this can lead to mistrust and jeopardize your credibility. And finally, if there is an ongoing legal dispute or sensitive internal matter related to your company, refrain from contacting media professionals, as it may result in unfavorable publicity or exacerbate the situation. Maintaining a positive and respectful rapport with journalists is crucial for effective media relations, so be mindful of appropriate timing and context when initiating contact.

Ready to grow your business with the help of media relations?

At TrizCom Public Relations, we want to ensure you get the best earned media coverage possible. We know how hard it can be to craft an effective press release or to know what you can and cannot say to a journalist. So with our experienced team of professionals, we'll work with you and provide support every step so you can tell your stories to the world. From media training sessions to PR services like strategic media placement, stories will be heard about your brand in ways never thought of before.

Don't settle for anything less than stellar — increase visibility and sales through tailored publicity tools from us at TrizCom Public Relations. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that all conversations go through our management first - no surprises here! Our team is always one step ahead regarding avoidance tactics and bridging, so that's one less worry off your plate. 

Get started today – call 972-247-1369 for a free consultation or visit https://www.trizcom.com/public-relations-services for more information.