We all get frustrated at work. Even if you have the perfect career, it's normal to hit speed bumps along the way. Maybe you had a conversation with your boss that ended on a snarky note. Or you're way over that co-worker who always gets away with being late for staff meeting. Sometimes, you're just... Continue Reading →
Gulf Coast: We MUST do a better job teaching the public about deadly rip currents
In Florida and Alabama, we are blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Thousands of tourists flock here each year to enjoy this little piece of paradise. Families come to make memories, build sand castles, play a round of cornhole, collect seashells and splash in the salty, turquoise water. But we... Continue Reading →
Take off my cape: I’m a working mom who sucks at doing it all
When I was a teenager, I had a very clear vision for my life. I would be a career woman at the top of the food chain. I would be married and have the perfect kids. I would easily be able to manage both career and family. At work, I'd be a go-getter. I'd run... Continue Reading →
Are moderators of online forums taking themselves too seriously?
Be forewarned. I am writing an opinion that is most likely not very popular. But I just had to get this off my chest. I have recently joined two online communities. One is a Facebook group dedicated to fans of Disney World. The other is Reddit, which is a virtual online world with multiple sub-groups... Continue Reading →
Why won’t the media cover my #$%!* story? Well, there might be a few reasons.
You feel your head is ready to explode. This is the third press release you've sent out this month, and not one single reporter has reached out to cover your story. You check your messages. But no one has called. You review your press release just in case you left out the proper contact information. ... Continue Reading →
Earning My APR: Stumbling on the Road to Success
When I decided to make the transition from broadcast journalist to public relations practitioner, I thought I had it in the bag. After all, my main job was to answer to the media, right? Nope! Not even close. I learned quickly that public relations entailed much more than just writing press releases. My job was... Continue Reading →
What my hometown priest taught me about public relations
By Denise Rowell This year, a cool new Irish pub is opening in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. What’s even cooler about an Irish pub in the ‘burg is the story of the man behind Conway's Family Pub. Father Tommy Conway was born in Galway, Ireland from a family of 13. After becoming an ordained priest, his first... Continue Reading →
Not so fast with the delete button: how blocking and deleting comments on your social media can backfire
Sometimes, managing your work's Facebook page requires some restraint. We don't have a lot of overly-critical followers on our U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service account. But every now and then, one will pop up. When that happens, I drink one big cup of "suck it up," and respond appropriately. Our followers are very, very... Continue Reading →
Effectively communicating with an angry audience
Earlier this month, I had the absolute privilege of taking a science communication course presented by the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science (AACCS). It's perhaps one of the most enlightening courses I have ever taken! For PR peeps, the phrases key messages and knowing your audience are thrown around quite often, and rightly so. Our... Continue Reading →
Thank you for sharing my story of anxiety!
Earlier this month, I wrote a blog post detailing a nasty panic attack I endured at the dentist office. I am absolutely overwhelmed by the messages of support I received! Many of you reached out to me with similar experiences dealing with anxiety. I have made many new friends since publishing that post, and my... Continue Reading →