We hear about websites, email accounts and cloud information being hacked everyday. What should you do if this happens? Firstly, you should take a good look at who your providers are and change to one that is more secure. There is no reason why your website should be hacked at all.
For this reason, I only use the Morphogine Cloud platform, which, ("touch wood") has never been hacked and is policed daily using an advanced software program to check for rogue code and hacking attempts. All my clients use this platform for this reason.
So where does that leave you? Recently a local Charlotte web design and hosting company was so badly hacked that it left 100's of its clients without websites for days.
1. Change your passwords REGULARLY. Like every 3 months at least. And have a complicated one. There are useful sites that can manage your passwords so you don't have to keep remembering what they are.
2. Try and avoid using free email addresses like gmail, yahoo, aol etc. They are the most vulnerable. Use a URL that is linked to your website and make sure that the host of the URL is secure and checked regularly. Also using a free account for business is not recommended. If you can't be tracked to your company, it just doesn't look very good from a credibility point of view. All hackers and scammers have these email addresses for this reason.
Do your homework and research the history of the company you place your business with. Being offline for even a few hours can be devastating to your business, not to mention your search capabilities. If your email address is also hosted by them - even worse damage can occur if you clients can't get hold of you!
Here are some useful tips to help you through a nightmare experience if you suspect someone has stolen your credit card info that is stored on many websites and in your purchase history:
1. Place an initial fraud alert with ONE of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion. (The bureau you notify, will advise the others.) With an alert on your file, a business will have to verify your identity before approving any credit card purchases. This alert is free and stays on your file for 90 days.
2. Order a full Credit Report. With a fraud alert in place you will be entitled to one free report from each of the 3 bureaus. If you have had a credit card account hacked, contact the company by certified mail immediately. And call them up too.
3. File an Identity Theft Report with the FTC and print it out to use for your Identity Theft Affidavit to file a police report. Go file a Police Report. This is useful when you want to remove fraudulent information from your credit report.
And lastly, take control of your online life and business, before someone else doe sit for you!
Monday, September 8, 2014
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Oscar Pistorius in performance of his life
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| Photograph: PictureNet / Barcroft Media |
Even the small minority, some who are very wealthy and can afford expensive security and protection, just like Oscar, are not immune to this blight. But it's the very poor who suffer the most. Those who arrive home to find that their shack has been carted away - with all their worldly goods inside, or to find their child has been attacked, raped and murdered. This is the reality of daily life in the South Africa that seemingly has "everything going for it" and is, in the words heard most frequently from South Africans, that it is "Still the best place to live in the world!"
Piers Morgan interviewed some South Africans last night on his program about this crime scourge and it was amazing to me that people still don't believe this to be true. Even after Alan Dershowitz explained how this level of crime and fear is the norm in SA and not the exception, some of his guests still poo-pooed it as nonsense. All I can suggest to them is that they subscribe to a few credible online SA media outlets for a few days to see what actually happens there all the time.
This trial might even make South Africans take stock of what an utterly unnatural lifestyle they live. Whether or not Mr Pistorius intended to shoot his beautiful girlfriend with intent, the fact remains that anyone can fall prey to what happened to Oscar. It almost happened to me, or easily could have.
I awoke one night to hear noises and thought I saw movement in a section of my home that I could see from my bedroom window and balcony. I was at home alone with two very small children and I was simply terrified, in spite of the electric security fence on top of an 8 foot wall surrounding my house. Neighbors had been hijacked and shot on my street and so I wasn't taking any chances. I grabbed the gun we kept up high in the closet in our bedroom, and readied it to defend my life and those of my children. Adrenaline pumping and fear in my heart, I waited to see if anything was going to happen. I was squeezing the gun gently to activate the red laser dot to enable me to shoot straight and I accidentally discharged the firearm. Luckily there was no one on the property, and the bullet went into the swimming pool, but I was shaken for days afterwards and struggled to sleep. That is how easily this can happen to anyone living in these hideous conditions. I was not going to wait until a gang would descend upon me and deliver unspeakable acts of horror and violence on me and my children. And I had both my legs intact.
I am often saddened that South Africans insist on buying into the lie that it is still the best place to be and the best lifestyle in the world. How can that possibly be? I think I have the answer.....
South Africans are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished there in the last 25 years and believe deeply that things can be great and wonderful, and often won't hear anything about what the reality continues to be. And yes, things can be great and wonderful, but they are few and very far between. The wealthy and not so wealthy, actively cocoon themselves in a bubble of wellbeing, telling themselves repeatedly that everything will be fine and is fine, and try valiantly to live by that. They live behind massive walls and electronic gates and electric wires on high walls, cosset their children at expensive private schools to continue the "great colonial lifestyle" and look out from their expensive imported cars at the millions with no work or future, that overflow the streets everywhere.
They put up with the most appalling service, sky-high costs of living and food, lack of regular basic necessities like water and electricity, very poor public education, poor internet service and blatant corruption and theft - on a daily basis. And the never ending violent crime, that has not changed or improved in the last quarter century.
I found that when I left SA and travelled to a civilized country, I went into a funk when I got back there, as the reality was so stark and depressing. But like a lobster in a slowly boiling pot, I quickly got used to it again.
So when they get a superstar up on the international stage like Oscar, they rally even harder. But the conflict I am hearing and seeing there right now, is "was his behavior justified?" or " Is this a true reflection of what South Africans experience every day?" The answer has to be a resounding - yes.
Maybe in a strange way - this trial will bring forth a change for SA - one that is a safer, more gentle society that benefits everyone.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Educational and social media campaign needed for addiction
As tragic as the news has been these last few weeks, with an ever increasing list of famous and not so famous people dying from overdoses and addictions, what is equally alarming is the reaction to these events in the media and on social media.
Media just want to find someone to blame and comments from people on social media are horribly ignorant of the origins of addiction and the causes and symptoms. Like the AIDS epidemic of the 80's that was shrouded in secrecy and shame, so has the disease of addiction fallen foul to the same malaise.
Comments like, why would he choose to take this stuff, or why didn't she think of her children, or why didn't someone save him.......confirm my suspicions that people just don't understand this disease at all. They clearly don't know that its a largely genetic cerebral condition, completely out of the control of the addict and not something they CHOOSE to do. It chooses them and they go along unwillingly for the ride. Sufferers need intervention, real help and real treatment.
I believe that mental health issues and addiction has has for too long been ignored and swept under the carpet. Our jails are filled with mental health sufferers and addicts, who have have tried to self-medicate themselves. Family members are desperate as to how to deal with these sufferers. There just is nowhere to go, unless you are hugely wealthy and can afford longterm rehabilitation to ensure a more likely successful outcome. One month stints here and there, just don't work.
There is little or no infrastructure or safety net anywhere for ordinary people to access. Churches, Community rehab organizations and Counsellors seem to be the only resource for many. Churches who host AA and NA meetings at their facilities, are often the only option. Victims arrive at the ER at deaths' door and there is nowhere for them to go after that. Most end up on the street. Or worse.
Like the obesity issue, this issue needs to take front and center stage, through media ads, educational films and widespread assistance of how to help these people. Its a federal epidemic with national consequences and it needs a federal intervention. Maybe that would limit or even stop these violent shootings we see every few weeks, as well.
Unless you have known someone who has suffered with this illness or mental health issues, you have no business passing judgement on them.
Media just want to find someone to blame and comments from people on social media are horribly ignorant of the origins of addiction and the causes and symptoms. Like the AIDS epidemic of the 80's that was shrouded in secrecy and shame, so has the disease of addiction fallen foul to the same malaise.
Comments like, why would he choose to take this stuff, or why didn't she think of her children, or why didn't someone save him.......confirm my suspicions that people just don't understand this disease at all. They clearly don't know that its a largely genetic cerebral condition, completely out of the control of the addict and not something they CHOOSE to do. It chooses them and they go along unwillingly for the ride. Sufferers need intervention, real help and real treatment.
I believe that mental health issues and addiction has has for too long been ignored and swept under the carpet. Our jails are filled with mental health sufferers and addicts, who have have tried to self-medicate themselves. Family members are desperate as to how to deal with these sufferers. There just is nowhere to go, unless you are hugely wealthy and can afford longterm rehabilitation to ensure a more likely successful outcome. One month stints here and there, just don't work.
There is little or no infrastructure or safety net anywhere for ordinary people to access. Churches, Community rehab organizations and Counsellors seem to be the only resource for many. Churches who host AA and NA meetings at their facilities, are often the only option. Victims arrive at the ER at deaths' door and there is nowhere for them to go after that. Most end up on the street. Or worse.
Like the obesity issue, this issue needs to take front and center stage, through media ads, educational films and widespread assistance of how to help these people. Its a federal epidemic with national consequences and it needs a federal intervention. Maybe that would limit or even stop these violent shootings we see every few weeks, as well.
Unless you have known someone who has suffered with this illness or mental health issues, you have no business passing judgement on them.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Pretty Grimm if you ask me! Great lesson in how not to speak to the media.
One doesn't have to be a PR professional to know that Rep. Grimm's (R-NY) behavior towards a NY1 TV Reporter immediately after the State of the Nation on Tuesday, was ridiculous and stupid in the extreme. It will do immense harm to his media relations going forward and his poor staff will have their work cut out for them if they want anyone else to interview him anytime soon. No one wants to be threatened with bodily harm, even if this is acceptable behavior in a New York borough. Rep. Grimm's future image is grim to say the least.
My New York friends have said - ah nah, move on, its just a New York thing. Well actually, its not. It's rude and I think it will harm him a lot come re-election time. At the very least, he might need some anger management intervention if he loses his temper that easily.
Even though he apologized to the hapless reporter the following morning and it was tacitly accepted, his outburst spread around the world like wild fire. Even the UK press reported on the out of control Congressman from NY! Watch his 'performance' here. Glad I don't have to pick up those pieces.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Traffic jam in the Governors office
Watching #TrafficGate play out over the last two days, begs for some comment of how he handled this issue. Gov. Christie must be commended for his expert handling of this PR Disaster in every respect.
Firstly, he immediately held a press conference, broke all known records for one lasting 108 minutes or longer, and spoke directly and 'hopefully' honestly to a room full of media, who were transfixed by his frank and no nonsense approach.
Love him or Hate him, he did exactly what any professional PR person worth their salt, would have advised him to do, and he did it brilliantly. Many who have gone before him and mangled their PR crises, could take a leaf out of his book.
The list of political debacles and their media responses to a media outcry is legendary - Clinton, Sanford, Weiner, Spitzer, Radel, and the list goes on.........However, very few of them went straight out and admitted wrong doing or took immediate responsibility for their actions. Hence the fallout was dire and often fatal.
Christie on the other hand, came out with guns blazing. He promptly fired all the offending aides, held a marathon press conference and then drove over to see the NJ Mayor to apologize, even after the hapless Mayor said to delay this trip! This is how one deals effectively with a crisis. With Immediate Effect!
Only time will tell if the Christie teflon will protect him on his journey and his very obvious eye on the White House in 2016. One thing that sadly will affect his bid is his weight. If there is anything he can personally do to fix his image - he would be well advised to do it - and fast!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Charlie Sheen Debacle
Nothing could be a worse nightmare for a PR professional than what is currently playing out on the world stage, with Charlie Sheen. I heard that his publicist resigned last week amid all the mayhem, and I cant say I blame them.
What is most intriguing is that every few days he appears on a large network morning program and seems to be the picture of a concerned parent, totally lucid, rational and coherent. The next thing you know he has uploaded a web-cam rant, which has been shot in his kitchen with bad lighting and sound, that makes him look like he is a picnic short of a sandwich!
What's to be done with a client that appears out of control and behaving in a most erratic and destructive manner? Well, frankly nothing can be done, if they won't listen. This is a real tragedy for PR people when it does occur, as you can see the damage happening in real-time and can do absolutely nothing about it.
People and companies seem to get totally intoxicated with their own importance, fame, value, whatever they think of themselves and disregard any sensible advice given to them by people who really care, and who they forget, have their reputation inextricably tied to them as well. PR professionals only resign from a client in desperation when they believe that the client has no further trust in them and who goes off the rails while making career or personal decisions.
Why would you want to bite the hand that is helping you and has your very best interest at heart, often at the most critical time in your career? Sheen has obviously lost faith in anyone who is remotely connected to his best interests, financial future, and the very industry who has made him a wealthy man. Deciding rather to go it solo, making one gaff after another. The poor man appears mentally off the reservation at times and the world sits by and watches him self-destruct. Its terribly sad, for himself, his children and his family.
He has an enormous talent and was the highest paid TV actor per episode and yet his life is spiraling towards a crazy, if not tragic end. Medical experts are unanimous in their diagnosis about his mental and physical state and yet no one seems willing to help him. The circus is playing out and the dirty laundry is hanging out for the world to pick over. Even if as they say, he doesn't want to accept any 'help', isn't there some way that he can be gently coaxed to do the right thing? One can only hope.
But this is America, and we do so love a come-back story. Maybe Charlie regains control of his life and resumes it as 'One Whole Man' and not, as it would seem, thinking that he is actually 'Two and a Half Men!' in a world gone crazy around him.
What is most intriguing is that every few days he appears on a large network morning program and seems to be the picture of a concerned parent, totally lucid, rational and coherent. The next thing you know he has uploaded a web-cam rant, which has been shot in his kitchen with bad lighting and sound, that makes him look like he is a picnic short of a sandwich!
What's to be done with a client that appears out of control and behaving in a most erratic and destructive manner? Well, frankly nothing can be done, if they won't listen. This is a real tragedy for PR people when it does occur, as you can see the damage happening in real-time and can do absolutely nothing about it.
People and companies seem to get totally intoxicated with their own importance, fame, value, whatever they think of themselves and disregard any sensible advice given to them by people who really care, and who they forget, have their reputation inextricably tied to them as well. PR professionals only resign from a client in desperation when they believe that the client has no further trust in them and who goes off the rails while making career or personal decisions.
Why would you want to bite the hand that is helping you and has your very best interest at heart, often at the most critical time in your career? Sheen has obviously lost faith in anyone who is remotely connected to his best interests, financial future, and the very industry who has made him a wealthy man. Deciding rather to go it solo, making one gaff after another. The poor man appears mentally off the reservation at times and the world sits by and watches him self-destruct. Its terribly sad, for himself, his children and his family.
He has an enormous talent and was the highest paid TV actor per episode and yet his life is spiraling towards a crazy, if not tragic end. Medical experts are unanimous in their diagnosis about his mental and physical state and yet no one seems willing to help him. The circus is playing out and the dirty laundry is hanging out for the world to pick over. Even if as they say, he doesn't want to accept any 'help', isn't there some way that he can be gently coaxed to do the right thing? One can only hope.
But this is America, and we do so love a come-back story. Maybe Charlie regains control of his life and resumes it as 'One Whole Man' and not, as it would seem, thinking that he is actually 'Two and a Half Men!' in a world gone crazy around him.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Weighing in on the NPR Juan Williams Firing
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?
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?
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.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
He who does not believe his own PR!
For the last couple of days I have been working with clients on new websites. Being virtually illiterate at HTML, cold fusion and all other website programming languages, I am constantly amazed and grateful at the incredible program that my godson and nephew has created for me to use, and share with all my friends and clients.
I acknowledge that I have been one of his biggest fan's for the longest time, but it occurred to me yesterday that what he has created is truly incredible. The look of wonderment and amazement on my clients' faces reinforces what a gem he has built. Comments like, "I'm doing my happy dance" and "You can't be serious, it's that easy?"are fairly commonplace.
Not to get too lyrical about it all, but it enables me to populate a 'look and feel' he has designed for a client, with exactly what they want it to be - without having to go back and forth to a programmer to make the changes. It's fast, efficient and so easy to use. My thinking is, that why would anyone who has a website, want to do it any other way? The freedom of being able to make any website changes, add new menu items, new pages, upload videos, add links and pictures, manage e-blast campaigns, create e-newsletters, manage a database, can all be done in seconds, is truly priceless. I know that there are other universal Content Management Systems (CMS's) out there, but they are by comparison complex to use and rather expensive when comparing apples with apples.
I have over the years arranged some PR opportunities for him in various publications and each time I notice that he is never really fazed or affected by them. He is definitely the only person that I know who does not in the slightest manner, seem to be affected by his PR persona. He remains quietly unassuming and continues to make his creation more efficient and more perfect every day. Always on the lookout for ways to improve it and being up-to-the-minute with trends in the fast-changing world online.
I also know that one day he will be enormously successful and that he will reap the fruits of his genius, but I also feel quite certain that he will not allow the success of his business to affect the way he acts, feels or reacts to it. Having known him since he was very young, I have seen him grow into a highly skilled internet professional, who once said to me, "If you can dream it, I can build it!" and build it he can.
If you, like hundreds of happy users, too want to experience the freedom of total website management, visit Morphogine Webpresence or Digital Trooper for more info.
Sean, may you stay as grounded as you are now, Your ever-grateful Fairy Godmother.
I acknowledge that I have been one of his biggest fan's for the longest time, but it occurred to me yesterday that what he has created is truly incredible. The look of wonderment and amazement on my clients' faces reinforces what a gem he has built. Comments like, "I'm doing my happy dance" and "You can't be serious, it's that easy?"are fairly commonplace.
Not to get too lyrical about it all, but it enables me to populate a 'look and feel' he has designed for a client, with exactly what they want it to be - without having to go back and forth to a programmer to make the changes. It's fast, efficient and so easy to use. My thinking is, that why would anyone who has a website, want to do it any other way? The freedom of being able to make any website changes, add new menu items, new pages, upload videos, add links and pictures, manage e-blast campaigns, create e-newsletters, manage a database, can all be done in seconds, is truly priceless. I know that there are other universal Content Management Systems (CMS's) out there, but they are by comparison complex to use and rather expensive when comparing apples with apples.
I have over the years arranged some PR opportunities for him in various publications and each time I notice that he is never really fazed or affected by them. He is definitely the only person that I know who does not in the slightest manner, seem to be affected by his PR persona. He remains quietly unassuming and continues to make his creation more efficient and more perfect every day. Always on the lookout for ways to improve it and being up-to-the-minute with trends in the fast-changing world online.
I also know that one day he will be enormously successful and that he will reap the fruits of his genius, but I also feel quite certain that he will not allow the success of his business to affect the way he acts, feels or reacts to it. Having known him since he was very young, I have seen him grow into a highly skilled internet professional, who once said to me, "If you can dream it, I can build it!" and build it he can.
If you, like hundreds of happy users, too want to experience the freedom of total website management, visit Morphogine Webpresence or Digital Trooper for more info.
Sean, may you stay as grounded as you are now, Your ever-grateful Fairy Godmother.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Inaugural Plog
You may well ask what a Plog is, well it's a PR Blog - a Plog. In the age of coining new words, I feel no compunction but to follow suit.
The theme of this Plog will be varied, but the underlying message will be the same....'Never believe your own PR!' Something I have believed in for years and seen it happen often. With disastrous results.
I will use this Plog to comment, make you laugh, and hopefully share some interesting experiences to enrich your life, in the delicate business of managing other people's public perceptions and your own.
Every day we see what happens when you start believing and acting upon, what the media or public says, feels or perceives about you or your client. Fortunes and reputations have been made and lost in this way since time began.
2009 was a year brimming with fine examples from all quarters....Tiger, Khanye, The White House gatecrashers, Serena, Balloon Boy's parents, Shaq, the Banks, the Auto Industry, Levi Johnson, the Mortage Industry and Wall Street to name a few.
All believed their own PR. They lost complete perspective of who exactly they really were and became someone or something that was impenetrable, untouchable and often above the law. All had dismal failure. And the failure was often perpetuated by poor counsel, knee-jerk reaction and just plain stupidity.
Everyone is defined by their surroundings, reputation, social standing, education and ultimately their intelligence and self respect. However when these are stripped away, what is left?
So the mantra of this Plog will be ; 'Never, ever believe your own PR and if you do, you do so at your peril!' I endeavor to keep some perspective in these matters...see you back at this Plogspot soon.
The theme of this Plog will be varied, but the underlying message will be the same....'Never believe your own PR!' Something I have believed in for years and seen it happen often. With disastrous results.
I will use this Plog to comment, make you laugh, and hopefully share some interesting experiences to enrich your life, in the delicate business of managing other people's public perceptions and your own.
Every day we see what happens when you start believing and acting upon, what the media or public says, feels or perceives about you or your client. Fortunes and reputations have been made and lost in this way since time began.
2009 was a year brimming with fine examples from all quarters....Tiger, Khanye, The White House gatecrashers, Serena, Balloon Boy's parents, Shaq, the Banks, the Auto Industry, Levi Johnson, the Mortage Industry and Wall Street to name a few.
All believed their own PR. They lost complete perspective of who exactly they really were and became someone or something that was impenetrable, untouchable and often above the law. All had dismal failure. And the failure was often perpetuated by poor counsel, knee-jerk reaction and just plain stupidity.
Everyone is defined by their surroundings, reputation, social standing, education and ultimately their intelligence and self respect. However when these are stripped away, what is left?
So the mantra of this Plog will be ; 'Never, ever believe your own PR and if you do, you do so at your peril!' I endeavor to keep some perspective in these matters...see you back at this Plogspot soon.
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