Disqus - Latest Comments for valeriesimon

Re: Top PR, Marketing Women to Follow on Twitter

valeriesimon — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:52:09 -0000

You found the perfect description for Stephanie!! She is truly an online "ray of sunshine"! Thanks for including me in such great company!

Re: The Post Wedding Name Debate – To Change or Not to Change?

valeriesimon — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:33:08 -0000

And therein lies the secret... consider the many options, but do what is right for you and your new family. What feels right IS right :)

Re: The Post Wedding Name Debate – To Change or Not to Change?

valeriesimon — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:16:52 -0000

Been there, struggled with that! My last name was Merahn. And though it was terrible to spell and pronounce (easy however to Google), it was me. And my parents and mostly my beloved grandfather. But in uniting with my husband, and already thinking of our future kids, I decided to officially change my middle name to Merahn. So Valerie Lisa Merahn became Valerie Merahn Simon. No hyphen. But it is still there. And while I initially used my full name in every signature, six years later it seems I do so less and less. I am Valerie Simon. But it is nice to know the Merahn is still there :)

Re: Help me write my first book

valeriesimon — Wed, 04 May 2011 20:46:13 -0000

Arik very exciting! One of the most important stories I think you have already written (though perhaps yet put in writing... well in book form, anyway) is the story of how to use conversation to build relationships and community that yields business results. Communications Conversations... Lots of people talk, but you understand the art of conversation and how to evoke interest and passion and create tight-knit communities. The age of "broadcast" (one way) communication is over. And those who are looking to communicate must understand the art of conversation and how to inspire a community to champion your messages... Just a thought. Cannot wait to buy the book, but I do want a signed copy :)

Re: Where’s Home?

valeriesimon — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:33:33 -0000

It will be a home. Whatever is on the walls, the floors etc. You will walk in the door as a family and all of you will instantly be home. How special and wonderful that all three of you will start this home together. It will no doubt be hectic and crazy and messy, but umm... well, welcome to parenthood :)

Re: 8 things I know now I wish I knew in college

valeriesimon — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 14:14:58 -0000

Great list-- I especially think that the value of relationships cannot be emphasized enought. It is easy to take relationships for granted. The other thing I would add is the value of being a team player. Leadership is important, but it is also important to know how to step back and play a supporting role.

Re: From #SXSW: Elevate Your Pitch

valeriesimon — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 13:58:05 -0000

Great tips Mike! Thanks for bringing a bit of SXSW to the rest of us :) To answer your question, the only thing I would add to this list is "Don't forget the ask". What next? What is the action you hope the person you are pitching to takes? Be sure to clearly communicate the specific action you wish them to take and set a time frame for follow up.

Re: APR vs. MBA: Which letters matter more?

valeriesimon — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:05:47 -0000

Personally, I think that after serious contemplation (and I love pro/con lists Arik!) whether you say APR or MBA; neither, or both you are... right. You need to consider your long term goals and limited resources (money, time and yes, energy!)

For different people, the right answer will be different. And at different times in your life, that answer will change. I wrote an article about a year ago interviewing numerous APR's on the value of accreditation and was very impressed to find everyone who had invested the time, found the experience to be very much worthwhile. Likewise, as you point out, without an MBA you may be shut out of many marketing and business leadership roles.For those considering, I would recommend making a list and then talking to successful PR pros who have earned their APR (like you) or MBA (like Deirdre Breakenridge)

I would also add that while those limited resources (Time, Money, etc) may keep you from earning a formal degree/designation, a lack of resources doesn't mean you cannot continue on with your professional development. Build your own syllabus, find your own "teachers", attend networking events and build great relationships with your peers... and whatever decision you make, be sure that you do say "yes" to continued learning.

Re: HAPPO Event Recap & Important Resume Advice

valeriesimon — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:57:34 -0000

Looks like such a great event Nikki! Great advice. Stacy's comment about having someone else proof your resume is so important. Not only will they be able to pick up any typos/grammatical errors, but they may be able to point out items that are confusing. And don't forget to proof any cover letter or follow up emails.

Re: Cheers: #HAPPO's a Year Old | Flack Me

valeriesimon — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:53:21 -0000

Thanks for the good wishes Doug:)

Re: My Name is Mike.

valeriesimon — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:21:15 -0000

Congratulations to you and Marisa! I know this blog will be filled with exciting and wonderful posts and I cannot wait to follow along this latest journey....

Re: PR lessons from the Minneapolis Public School District closings

valeriesimon — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:42:45 -0000

Arik- As a working parent, I really appreciate your frustration. Households with 2 working parents are inherently challenged by our school systems. In Berkeley Heights, NJ we rely on an instant alert system (http://www.bhpsnj.org/files... ) AND we have a superintendant who understands the importance of good communication. Of course like any administration, they struggle with when to release information... making sure all the correct parties are in agreement and informed before they can announce a decision.

There definitely IS a better process in place than what you described above. And a better way to communicate it to parents. I especially like your comment to consider the audience and perhaps make note that "we hope this message finds you and your family well/safe."

I like your assessment (and you know I am extremely conservative when it comes to public ranting! I hope that the MPS School system AND other school systems read and take note.

Re: Social Media Thanksgiving 2

valeriesimon — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:31:46 -0000

Happy Thanksgiving Mike!

Re: HAPPO events scheduled for December, January

valeriesimon — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:17:46 -0000

Excited to help some friends make new connections- whether you are looking for a job in PR, need to fill a position, or simply want to pay it forward, I hope you'll join us!

Re: 4 networking lessons I learned at BlogWorld

valeriesimon — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 20:48:52 -0000

Sounds like such a good time... and very good advice. Really wish I could have been there with you!

Re: Why Customers Don’t Care About Your Corporate Values

valeriesimon — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:15:32 -0000

Very much agree Arik "printing the values and posting them is almost useless by itself." Stories, actions, that put meaning behind the values is essential. It's easy to say you are a company that values family, teamwork and integrity (or efficiency, quality and affordability)but a company who can demonstrate that they live those values will give those words meaning and even value

Re: Why Customers Don’t Care About Your Corporate Values

valeriesimon — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:01:34 -0000

Really interesting post Arik. While living the company values is far more important than talking about them, I don't see the two as mutually exclusive. By sharing the company values at every opportunity, you challenge employees to live up to the ideals you have set and help set expectations for current and potential employees, suppliers, customers and investors. I believe that companies who have clear core values and truly live those values (which I do think includes sharing those values proudly) will create opportunities to develop new beneficial relationships with like minded partners. Just ask Tony Hsieh ;)

Re: TRENDS 2011: New Little Black Dress is the Mobile Phone You Can Wear

valeriesimon — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:23:28 -0000

Love it!

Re: An Exercise in Customer Service

valeriesimon — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:08:53 -0000

Really hope to hear some interesting stories/comments. My own experience with truly "knock your socks off' service occurred in the midst of a heat wave this summer. It was actually 4th of July weekend and we came home from a day at the pool to find our air conditioning broke. 100+ degrees plus 2 children under four and friends scheduled to arrive... well, lets just say I was a little bit cranky. We called Weltman Home services and a repairman (nicest guy ever) arrived in an hour. Oh, and just before he arrived, I received the following email on my blackberry (yes, I saved it and I intend to share at any/every chance I get!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi, I'm Kevin Smith, and I'm part of the professional team of installers and technicians at Weltman Home Services.
Before I arrive in your home, I want you to know a little bit about me, and what to expect.
I'll treat you and your home with complete respect.
I have the entire Weltman team to back me up should I require any support during my visit to your home.
Once I arrive, I'll look things over and explain what's needed to do the job correctly.
I'll answer all your questions.
If you like, I can have a look around to see if any other repair issues might be brewing.
I'll give you a guaranteed upfront price and, even if the job is more complicated than expected, you won't pay one dime more.
I'll leave the work area as clean (or cleaner!) than I found it.
Oh, and in case you're interested, my favorite movie of all time is Ironman, my favorite sports team is the New York Giants, and I'm passionate about my home and family!

On behalf of all of us at Weltman Home Services, thank you for allowing us to serve you today. I know you had other choices, which means my goal is to make you glad you chose us!

------------------------------------------------------------------

Pretty awesome, huh? And if you can imagine, Kevin was even nicer, more professional and helpful than the email!

Re: Back in Black

valeriesimon — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:00:52 -0000

oooh- I've had that fantasy ! But with the heels. Because I am only 5'4" (and a half... on a good day )and the pain is well worth the power that another 3or 4 inches offers.

Re: Got Sleep?

valeriesimon — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:55:16 -0000

Hope your knee is feeling better!! I have a lovely childproofing/ table thingy that may be just the perfect solution for the marble coffee table at Devries. I think it would fit in so well in an elegant lobby :)

In desperation I just lay down the law at daycare- no more naps for the 4 yr old. He has been passing out in exhaustion at 8:30pm (compared to 10:30 pm... and he is too tired to get up and invade our bed) but I miss that time between 8-10pm (he can be so darn cute when he is trying to get away with staying up late) The thing is >sleep = <awake time.="" i="" am="" not="" sure="" how="" i="" feel="" about="" the="" trade="" off...="">

Re: The PR Readers’ Choice Award Winners!

valeriesimon — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:19:24 -0000

Congrats all...

Re: Why headline writing is so important in social media

valeriesimon — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:22:31 -0000

Good advice Arik. Your point about considering SEO is so important... Sometimes a clever headline is not the best way to get your post in front of the readers who will appreciate it. Of course if you have a large subscription base, or are writing specifically to subscribers, a clever headline can help to distinguish your post from others as you point out above. I think an ideal headline is engaging, keyword driven and short (easily retweetable), and considers/respects the community you have built (not simply linkbait)

Re: PR Readers’ Choice Finalists set!

valeriesimon — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:43:08 -0000

There's still time ;)

For the record, I did vote, but in certain categories it did not feel right to choose a favorite. Different blogs offer different experiences. Not always a "better/worse' sort of thing.

Now are you ready to come sit down for circle time?

Re: Uncertainty

valeriesimon — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:11:44 -0000

Missed your posts. Glad your back. As always your posts speak to me in a way you could not have possibly intended. Fortunately it is easier to see the truth in others. And you my friend, are so far from that wall. Not sure where your career will take you but am certain of one thing... you've only just begun. Just keep taking us along with you.