July 2009

I am a big fan of David Henderson and look forward to his blog posts. He wrote a piece recently that stimulated some strong discussion here at AHA and pretty much everywhere I have brought it up. With the headline The Very Broken PR Agency Model, you know right away that David is going to touch some nerves. In his post, he says that the agency business is singularly about billable hours and that the focus of most PR agencies isn’t on the work or the client.

I think he has some valid points and I strongly believe that as an industry, PR is in a time of huge change and the world we live in is now different. Not everyone is embracing this evolution and I think that some agencies are going to suffer because of it. David does admit that there are exceptions and that there are some generally smaller to mid-sized PR shops that “are flourishing because they are darn good at what they do.” He also says that is “the exception, unfortunately, in a large industry dominated by the money hungry big agencies.”

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Let’s hear from Maryse Cardin, Communications Strategist/Writer, on the get to know you questions.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m motivated, grateful and excited about my life and the opportunities that are forever presenting themselves to me. I’m a lifetime student, always learning, always growing. I love to work with people and help them succeed.

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There is an excellent post on the PR Channel blog about how to effectively use video in public relations. More and more at AHA, we are making use of video as a communications tool for our clients. It is one of the reasons that we wanted to have a video producer as a part of the crew. (And we were lucky to get Scott to join us, he’s exceptional.)

Five years ago creating a video was a huge deal. It took big budgets, a great deal of planning and the video came out looking very corporate and slick. Today, no one wants that. For video today, while production value is still very important, it’s not about the slick look. It’s about good lighting, sound and the story.

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Today we’re asking the get to know the AHA Crew questions to Paul Holman, Principal.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I admit, I am a bit of a workaholic (probably because I love my job) who also enjoys spending lots of time with Ruth and our two dogs. I really like spending Saturdays with them. We hit garage sales, go to the beach, and work in our garden.

What do you see as your communications strengths?

I listen and pay attention to the details. From brainstorming a campaign concept to writing and editing to media outreach, everything at AHA is well thought out.

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We thought we would have some fun and introduce you to some of the AHA Crew over the next couple of weeks. We asked everyone on the crew (including Paul and myself) a few questions. First up, our Toronto-based Account Executive/Writer Lori Simeunovic’s responses.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m married with a 6-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter. I moved out east from Calgary in 2001 (going against the grain of most people, but we love it out here). I can also read tarot cards.

What do you see as your communications strength?

Adaptability – my clients have included high fashion, air shows, horse shows, luxury resorts and telecom (to name a few!) and I’ve not been an expert in any of those areas prior to working with them. I love learning about new industries.

What interested you in joining AHA?

The corporate culture, forward thinking mentality and the great client list.

What five words describe you professionally? Personally?

Same for both – outgoing, adaptable, professional, creative and thorough.

What kind of beverage do you drink first thing in the a.m.?

Water. The only coffee I’ve ever tried in my life was Turkish, when I had my grounds read by some psychic lady. In university, a can of diet coke could keep me up for days…

Who do you think you were in a past life?

An oracle.

What makes you laugh out loud?

The things my 6-year-old son says to me. (i.e. “If a mommy and a daddy make a baby together, does the daddy have to go to a skin store so the baby can be made?”)

When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?

Cher.

What five people living or dead would you invite to a dinner party?

I would keep this one to family, past and present, since everyone is scattered around the world…kind of boring, I know, but what the heck, I am going to say to Jesus or Einstein over salad???

What’s in your refrigerator right now?

A slab of salmon, a roast chicken, a head (bulb?) of fennel, lots of fruit/veggies and a bunch herbs/condiments. This early in the week, things are still looking good in there (by Saturday it’s a different story).

What five CDs would you take with you to a desert island?

The soundtrack for Love Actually, anything by Blue Rodeo, Puccini’s La Boheme, Soundtrack for Motorcycle Diaries and Sharon, Lois & Bram (for the kids, who I’d also take with me!).

What question do you wish someone would ask you?

What can I make you for dinner tonight?

What’s your answer?

Roast beef, please.

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