Being a PR professional who interacts with many members of the media on a regular basis, I feel compelled to weigh in on the recent firing of Juan Williams from NPR's news department for stating his "opinion" and "feeling" about traditionally dressed Muslims on aircraft.
At the outset, the fact that he worked for two very different news organizations simultaneously, must be mentioned and this in itself was poor judgment on all sides, for two such diametrically opposed news outlets to be sharing a contributor. Also relevant to this is that he served NPR for 10 years and they were well aware that he was moonlighting for the Fox News Channel every so often, over the last few years.
I believe that when all is said and done, NPR will discover that it has made some serious errors in this unceremonious firing of someone who on the surface, seems to be a respectable, honorable and honest journalist, who holds his profession in high esteem and upholds its tenets more than most.
Regardless of what was said or how NPR chose to interpret the comment, the manner in which he was terminated was reprehensible. I have some experience in this area, when I was escorted from my office for a trifling reason, a few weeks AFTER I had submitted my resignation to an employer. So incensed was my new incumbent boss, that her only lifeline in the department who could help her complete her duties, was abandoning her and leaving her to fend for herself, that she was determined to get rid of me in the most embarrassing way possible. After much wrangling I got what was due to me, but I could have sued and walked away wealthy. I chose to be more dignified than that and I wasn't working in a country obsessed with litigation either.
Not quite the route taken by NPR. Being escorted from a building is one thing, but being fired by cellphone and email two days after the 'offensive' comment, is clearly cowardice. No exit interview, no discussion and certainly no direct apology from NPR has been forthcoming for Mr Williams for this treatment yet. Not only did the CEO openly discuss his firing at a public venue the very next day, but she slandered him in the process, by referring to his "personal opinion" as a matter between him and his therapist or publicist!
At this point, I have a confession to make. A week after 9/11, my husband and I were New York-bound, on a small plane and seated next to me was a very nervous, sweating and non-English speaking Muslim man aged about 30, clutching a large backpack on his lap, who refused anything to eat or drink and who would not let go of his bag. Under normal circumstances, I would not have paid him any mind, but after the carnage of the previous week, I was on high alert. I was also very aware that the country was still trying to process the horrific event in their minds and so were not paying him much attention either. People were in denial, mostly ignorant about the ramifications of what had actually happened to their country. I remember whispering to my husband, "If he moves and tries to do anything violent - get him!" It was a harrowing journey and something I would rather forget about. I now realize that this was over-reactionary, but the experience had a profound effect on me - and obviously I was not alone in this perception, whichever way I try to rationalize it now.
Juan only shared what millions of travelers the world over think about when they travel by air these days. This is the reality of the situation. Any traumatic experience stays with one for years after the event, no matter how much we would want to forget it and move on. We all know that all Muslims are not terrorists, but that doesn't make the fear any easier to discard. I still have the fear of being almost killed by a driver hitting me from behind 26 years ago, every time a car comes up fast behind me. No drivers are out to kill me, but the memory and fear still persists. And 9/11 hasn't been a one-off event either. Muslim extremists have continued to sow terror all over the world since then and will no doubt continue to do so.
NPR argues that they cannot and will not accept their news staff, sharing their personal views on any level. It would be an interesting exercise to audit NPR programs and presenters to see if in fact, all concerned adhere to this so-called indifferent and non-partisan behavior.
This brings me to the issue of the right to an opinion. It is my understanding that the Constitution of the United States' Bill of Rights and Amendments, is very clear about Freedom of Speech for all its citizens: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press..... (I guess that includes radio & TV as it hadn't been invented at that stage!) and I wonder how this plays out in the contract that NPR had with Mr Williams. When are we going to be able to discuss all of the racial, religious, political issues facing us in a rational and non reactionary way. Its about being grown up. I recall reading once that the US could be regarded as the "teenagers" of the world. Maybe its time to put on our big-girl / big-boy panties and move forward. Enough with every single issue being a non-mentionable subject. Only when we are able to face our deep seated guilt and ignorance of the past, can we begin to grow up. No one dares make a political joke or comment about anything for fear of 'offending' someone's delicate sensibilities. This is the land of the free. Lets keep it that way. And be grown-up about it.
If the media is going to actively censure its news departments from sharing their "feelings", could this not be a slippery slope towards censorship in the future?
Friday, October 22, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tribute to the one and only Grande Lady of PR in South Africa
I recently received the news that someone who had a very important career and personal influence on my life, had passed away suddenly in June 2010 at a young 77. She was none other than the Doyen and Queen of Public Relations and Marketing in South Africa, Adele Lucas, who took me under her wing at 23 and taught me more than I care to remember about my chosen field. I went to work for her company, Adele Lucas Promotions,(ALP) in Johannesburg in 1983 and loved every frantic minute of it.
I worked directly for her sister, Diane Valentine who mentored me and taught me a whole new career of the 'how to' in the world of PR. We worked on exciting projects like The Soweto Homemakers Festival, (when no white person would be seen dead or alive in the riot-wracked township south of Johannesburg in the dark days of Apartheid SA), but Adele was determined to bring a bright light of normalcy to the residents of this violence-ridden area. This event still runs in Soweto today.
She was a trailblazer all her life and earned the respect of all who knew her. She was one of the first to purchase a grand old Saxonwold home on busy Oxford Road and turn it into her corporate headquarters. Many a fabulous party was held on the spacious front lawns with French doors leading from her office into the festivities.
She worked with some of the best in the world, including Sol Kerzner, before anyone knew who he was and who is now the international hotel magnate and creator of Atlantis in the Bahamas, The Lost City at Sun City, Dubai Atlantis and the highly exclusive One and Only group of hotels. Sol was recently knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. Adele would be proud. She always quoted Sir Kerzner as saying, "No publicity is bad publicity" and I still believe that today. "It's when they stop talking about you, that you need to get worried."
My time at ALP also included Anglo American's property launch for the new Fourways Gardens development - where we delivered live Olive Trees in large pots to the press as an invitation! I learned first-hand from both of them, how challenging, frustrating and exhilarating the world of PR could and would be. Both women gave me skills and tools that were universal and many of which I still use on a daily basis.
They encouraged me to start my own business and were always supportive and caring of me through the years - something that was unusual then and now - and I remained friends throughout all that time and still remain in contact with Diane in South Africa now. I share in her grief and disbelief at the loss of such a wonderful and bright light in our lives. It was them who gave me the name "Dy", so as not to be confused with all the other Di's in the company!
Other projects that come to mind are the launch of a ritzy new night club called 'Jagger's' which drew about 600 of Johannesburg's most stylish people and front page press of the Sunday paper of Sol and Miss World Anneline Kriel .....and also some rather dodgy restaurants that were eager to work with us!
Adele was well-known for her signature red hats and red lipstick and she would light up a room with her laugh. I will always remember the huge oil portrait of her by Richard Cutttler in the reception area of the house in signature hat and lipstick with her gorgeous bob of blond hair. She could enthuse even the most dour client with excitement for an event or launch she was planning.
Long before it was fashionable, she provided a full cooked meal for all her staff in the boardroom every day - a time to discuss clients, brainstorm new ideas for a project and generally relax - it was a grand place to work. Mary cooked us a fine meal everyday and we devoured it all. Cooking smells would permeate the whole house each morning and drive us mad.
I have often dreamed of re-creating such a place of my own and may even be inspired to do it soon! Hambe Gahle, Adele! Go well, and see you soon at the big party when we all meet again.
Adele in her heyday at ALP's offices
I worked directly for her sister, Diane Valentine who mentored me and taught me a whole new career of the 'how to' in the world of PR. We worked on exciting projects like The Soweto Homemakers Festival, (when no white person would be seen dead or alive in the riot-wracked township south of Johannesburg in the dark days of Apartheid SA), but Adele was determined to bring a bright light of normalcy to the residents of this violence-ridden area. This event still runs in Soweto today.
She was a trailblazer all her life and earned the respect of all who knew her. She was one of the first to purchase a grand old Saxonwold home on busy Oxford Road and turn it into her corporate headquarters. Many a fabulous party was held on the spacious front lawns with French doors leading from her office into the festivities.
She worked with some of the best in the world, including Sol Kerzner, before anyone knew who he was and who is now the international hotel magnate and creator of Atlantis in the Bahamas, The Lost City at Sun City, Dubai Atlantis and the highly exclusive One and Only group of hotels. Sol was recently knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. Adele would be proud. She always quoted Sir Kerzner as saying, "No publicity is bad publicity" and I still believe that today. "It's when they stop talking about you, that you need to get worried."
My time at ALP also included Anglo American's property launch for the new Fourways Gardens development - where we delivered live Olive Trees in large pots to the press as an invitation! I learned first-hand from both of them, how challenging, frustrating and exhilarating the world of PR could and would be. Both women gave me skills and tools that were universal and many of which I still use on a daily basis.
They encouraged me to start my own business and were always supportive and caring of me through the years - something that was unusual then and now - and I remained friends throughout all that time and still remain in contact with Diane in South Africa now. I share in her grief and disbelief at the loss of such a wonderful and bright light in our lives. It was them who gave me the name "Dy", so as not to be confused with all the other Di's in the company!
Other projects that come to mind are the launch of a ritzy new night club called 'Jagger's' which drew about 600 of Johannesburg's most stylish people and front page press of the Sunday paper of Sol and Miss World Anneline Kriel .....and also some rather dodgy restaurants that were eager to work with us!
Adele was well-known for her signature red hats and red lipstick and she would light up a room with her laugh. I will always remember the huge oil portrait of her by Richard Cutttler in the reception area of the house in signature hat and lipstick with her gorgeous bob of blond hair. She could enthuse even the most dour client with excitement for an event or launch she was planning.
Long before it was fashionable, she provided a full cooked meal for all her staff in the boardroom every day - a time to discuss clients, brainstorm new ideas for a project and generally relax - it was a grand place to work. Mary cooked us a fine meal everyday and we devoured it all. Cooking smells would permeate the whole house each morning and drive us mad.
I have often dreamed of re-creating such a place of my own and may even be inspired to do it soon! Hambe Gahle, Adele! Go well, and see you soon at the big party when we all meet again.
Diane Valentine and Adele Lucas recently in South Africa
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Beware of the Trademark!
I recently had the misfortune of working with a client who briefed us to design a logo incorporating their name and a specific image motif, and then, when challenged for trade-mark infringement by a competitor with an almost identical company name and image motif, tried to accuse us of copying their competitor's logo! The client was terminated immediately and given a full refund.
After almost a quarter century in this business you would imagine that we would know about the rules of trademark and copyright. We most certainly do, but getting into a mess with a client who has no clue about what the law says, is best avoided before you get mired in a messy legal situation. This Plog is a warning of unseen pitfalls, for those who think they may know it all.
Rule #1
Google a new client extensively, check out the industry, similar named companies and their logos.
Our experience : In spite of us doing this and mentioning that there was a similarly named company in another state, the client still said "It was no problem". It turned out to be a HUGE problem. Incredibly, I still don't believe they think it to actually be a problem, as evidenced by their name and logo up on the web today without any regard for their clear infringement on another company's name and logo. I should have used my years of experience in these matters and my better judgment and challenged it there and then. But as things often turn out, you tend to want to trust your client to have done at least some due diligence on their name and logo, especially if they have been using the name and logo design for some time, have a ™ sign on their existing logo and are doing business under this name openly in the marketplace.
Rule #2
Do a trademark check on any new logo that you are working on, before you place it anywhere in the public domain. Go to http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks Even, as in this case, if the client insists on you placing it on the web at very short notice, and before it was ever finalized. Best to lose the client than misuse another registered trademark.
Rule #3
Rules concerning using the ™ and the ® symbols.
You MAY use the ™ sign on all logos if you want to show the public that you are claiming right to this design and that you may intend to register and retain this image and logo in the future. You do not have to have the logo registered with the USPTO in order to use it anywhere. It is however, recommended that you get a trademark attorney to register it for you, once you have decided that it's what you want to use long term, and you have satisfied yourself that it's not similar to any other logo out there - regardless of the nature of business. What you may NOT do, is use the ® symbol until the trademark is registered and protected with the USPTO. See here for the rules of these symbols http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/register.jsp
Rule #4
Get all instructions from a client IN WRITING, before, during and subsequent to the design process.
Clients often call you up and give you instructions on the phone. If this is impossible to avoid, send them an email confirming what they just instructed you to do and get them to acknowledge it immediately. We all work to stringent deadlines, and this discipline can sometimes get lost in the business of getting the job done. Taking instructions from a client to do something that may implicate you later is best to have in writing!
Rule #5
Have all clients sign a contract for all work upfront, before work commences.
In our case, we did have a signed contract with this client , but it always helps to have extra work not covered by the initial contract, added to it as you proceed, as extra work may become necessary during the project, that is not specifically mentioned in the initial contract.
Rule #6
If possible, do a business and personal credit check on new clients.
Alternatively, ask for some business references. Clients who speak and act like tycoons and say they are "running a multi- million $ company" sometimes aren't!
Rule #7
Do not give clients credit unless they have a long and sound relationship with you.
Get them to pay upfront for all work - a minimum of 50% deposit to get the work started. Especially if they are unknown and new to you. And even more so, if they are in a different city.
Rule # 8
Protect the copyright of all work you do - until it's paid for by the client.
No formal registration with the Copyright Office or other action is required to secure a copyright. Copyright is secured automatically when a work is fixed in a copy for the first time.
For works published on or after March 1, 1989, inclusion of a copyright notice is optional. Use of notice is recommended, however, because if the work is infringed, the defendant will not be able to claim that he is an "innocent infringer." The copyright notice has three parts: the word "Copyright," or the letter C in a circle or the abbreviation "Copr."; the year of the first publication; and the name of the copyright owner. This copyright notice will ordinarily protect the work for a specified period of time.
The copyright owner cannot collect damages for copyright infringement merely because she placed a copyright notice on a work. Copyright registration is a prerequisite to bringing a lawsuit in federal court to protect owners' rights. Registering the work with the Copyright Office also makes it easier for people to find out who owns the work and where they can reach the owner to obtain permission to use it.
Hopefully this hands-on advice may protect you from falling prey to a clients' activities and instructions, who just doesn't share your sense of business responsibility or adherence to the law, as you do.
After almost a quarter century in this business you would imagine that we would know about the rules of trademark and copyright. We most certainly do, but getting into a mess with a client who has no clue about what the law says, is best avoided before you get mired in a messy legal situation. This Plog is a warning of unseen pitfalls, for those who think they may know it all.
Rule #1
Google a new client extensively, check out the industry, similar named companies and their logos.
Our experience : In spite of us doing this and mentioning that there was a similarly named company in another state, the client still said "It was no problem". It turned out to be a HUGE problem. Incredibly, I still don't believe they think it to actually be a problem, as evidenced by their name and logo up on the web today without any regard for their clear infringement on another company's name and logo. I should have used my years of experience in these matters and my better judgment and challenged it there and then. But as things often turn out, you tend to want to trust your client to have done at least some due diligence on their name and logo, especially if they have been using the name and logo design for some time, have a ™ sign on their existing logo and are doing business under this name openly in the marketplace.
Rule #2
Do a trademark check on any new logo that you are working on, before you place it anywhere in the public domain. Go to http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks Even, as in this case, if the client insists on you placing it on the web at very short notice, and before it was ever finalized. Best to lose the client than misuse another registered trademark.
Rule #3
Rules concerning using the ™ and the ® symbols.
You MAY use the ™ sign on all logos if you want to show the public that you are claiming right to this design and that you may intend to register and retain this image and logo in the future. You do not have to have the logo registered with the USPTO in order to use it anywhere. It is however, recommended that you get a trademark attorney to register it for you, once you have decided that it's what you want to use long term, and you have satisfied yourself that it's not similar to any other logo out there - regardless of the nature of business. What you may NOT do, is use the ® symbol until the trademark is registered and protected with the USPTO. See here for the rules of these symbols http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/register.jsp
Rule #4
Get all instructions from a client IN WRITING, before, during and subsequent to the design process.
Clients often call you up and give you instructions on the phone. If this is impossible to avoid, send them an email confirming what they just instructed you to do and get them to acknowledge it immediately. We all work to stringent deadlines, and this discipline can sometimes get lost in the business of getting the job done. Taking instructions from a client to do something that may implicate you later is best to have in writing!
Rule #5
Have all clients sign a contract for all work upfront, before work commences.
In our case, we did have a signed contract with this client , but it always helps to have extra work not covered by the initial contract, added to it as you proceed, as extra work may become necessary during the project, that is not specifically mentioned in the initial contract.
Rule #6
If possible, do a business and personal credit check on new clients.
Alternatively, ask for some business references. Clients who speak and act like tycoons and say they are "running a multi- million $ company" sometimes aren't!
Rule #7
Do not give clients credit unless they have a long and sound relationship with you.
Get them to pay upfront for all work - a minimum of 50% deposit to get the work started. Especially if they are unknown and new to you. And even more so, if they are in a different city.
Rule # 8
Protect the copyright of all work you do - until it's paid for by the client.
No formal registration with the Copyright Office or other action is required to secure a copyright. Copyright is secured automatically when a work is fixed in a copy for the first time.
For works published on or after March 1, 1989, inclusion of a copyright notice is optional. Use of notice is recommended, however, because if the work is infringed, the defendant will not be able to claim that he is an "innocent infringer." The copyright notice has three parts: the word "Copyright," or the letter C in a circle or the abbreviation "Copr."; the year of the first publication; and the name of the copyright owner. This copyright notice will ordinarily protect the work for a specified period of time.
The copyright owner cannot collect damages for copyright infringement merely because she placed a copyright notice on a work. Copyright registration is a prerequisite to bringing a lawsuit in federal court to protect owners' rights. Registering the work with the Copyright Office also makes it easier for people to find out who owns the work and where they can reach the owner to obtain permission to use it.
Hopefully this hands-on advice may protect you from falling prey to a clients' activities and instructions, who just doesn't share your sense of business responsibility or adherence to the law, as you do.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Networking Tips for Great Results
Networking groups have become the place to be seen and heard. Its where you can convert "cyberspace to, face to face". A great place to find new business, meet interesting people and spout your 30 second 'Elevator Speech'.
However, there are guidelines that you need to be aware of to make this experience the best it can be for you. When I first arrived in the US 10 years ago, I left behind my 20 year old network in South Africa and internationally, so had to re-create it from scratch. Networking groups became my lifeline to a new culture, new business environment and new friends. I hope you enjoy these tips I learned along the way.
However, there are guidelines that you need to be aware of to make this experience the best it can be for you. When I first arrived in the US 10 years ago, I left behind my 20 year old network in South Africa and internationally, so had to re-create it from scratch. Networking groups became my lifeline to a new culture, new business environment and new friends. I hope you enjoy these tips I learned along the way.
- Know what kind of people are going to be there before you show up - some networking groups may not be the right fit for your business
- Networking groups fall into many different categories: B2B, consumer products and services, specific interest groups, women's groups etc
- Know what you want to achieve before you go and why- if you are fishing for potential clients, know who you want to connect with and choose the group carefully
- Do your homework as to how professionally the group is run and what caliber members it attracts. Good networking groups will have a website listing their members that you can peruse before you go.
- The networking market is filled with every kind of demographic imaginable - just take a look at the long lists of groups on your local business journal pages or business section of your local paper. Research the groups online before you decide which are good fits for you.
- Networking is a great way to meet folks if you are new to the area
- Networking can become a full time job, so be careful before you commit yourself to too many groups that you can't maintain your attendance at. This shows lack of commitment and can damage your reputation.
- Regularly assess what your expense is to attend these events, from both your time and financial perspectives, and if you are winning at the game. Be ruthless. Networking groups are not for your social entertainment, they need to be worthwhile and form part of your marketing strategy. Your time is expensive. Many are free with a food or drink charge.
- When collecting business cards make sure you make a note of who they are, where you met them and why you need to contact them, on the card.
- If its a contact you want to develop, enter this information in your database and work it from there.
- Send an email or hand-written card after you meet someone to formalize the contact, if they are important to you.
- Connect them to your social networking sites like LinkedIn, facebook, twitter or Plaxo.
- 90% of people who collect business cards at networking meetings never follow up on the contacts they make.
- Move around the room fast . Don't be tempted to stand with the same person for more than a few minutes. You can always schedule a longer conversation with them later. You are there to make the contact - not develop it. That comes after.
- Fine tune your 'elevator speech' so you can let people know immediately what you do when they ask, in less than 30 seconds. Ask first what the other person does - this will endear you to them immediately. Let them talk more.
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