Suspects Can't Evade Social Media's Dragnet

Still not convinced in the power of social media? Consider this. The FBI used social media on Thursday afternoon, asking people to share photos of two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombings. That a federal law enforcement agency turned to Facebook and Twitter to broadcast images and look to these mediums for new leads in the case is a testament itself to the power of new media. But just a few hours after releasing those images, the suspects were involved...

Work friends can be real friends…. and nine other things I learned at LPP

Ten years ago, I started at Lois Paul and Partners in Austin as a bright eyed, yet terrified, account rep. One of my first assignments was to fax a press release and keep track of “clippings” to build a clip book for the client. The list of trade publications was endless, and I remember tracking speaking opportunities kept me busy all week. How things have changed! While we might not be faxing anymore, I learned so much in those first...

Focus on Leadership Issues, Not Gender Issues

Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook's new tome about the need for women to "lean in" to realize their full potential is yet another example of a successful leader who happens to be a woman building her leadership message around women's issues rather than about human issues. Few topics guarantee a ton of negative reaction and commentary like a successful, wealthy executive woman playing the woman card, and the reaction to Sandberg's message is no exception. Sandberg's premise is pretty simple: We...

Times to Sell Globe, or Are They Just Crying Wolf, Again?

The New York Times Co. said Wednesday it is looking to sell the country's 23rd largest newspaper, The Boston Globe, as well as "other New England properties." In addition to the Globe, which the Times bought in 1993 for $1.1 billion, the Times owns BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Telegram.com and direct mail firm GlobeDirect. The Times also owns a 49 percent stake in Metro Boston, which is also up for sale. The Times last said it would sell...

More Water in the Watering Hole Please

It’s been a sad few days for any bourbon aficionado. Ever since Maker’s Mark announced the watering down of their trademark red-wax whisky, fans have not shied away from expressing their anger, and media outlets have not stopped criticizing. Initially, Maker’s Mark Chief Operating Officer Rob Samuels made the announcement via email to all brand ambassadors. Due to product shortages from high demand, the new plan was to water down their famous whisky without having to increase the price. This...

Penn State's THON Is #FTK

Allison Kreider is a 2012 graduate of Penn State University and current intern at Lois Paul & Partners. This is the fourth part of a four-part series covering the many angles of the sex scandal at Penn State from a first-person account and PR perspective. From how the football team, the same football program that was at the heart of the scandal, surpassed all expectations during the 2012 season in light of a new coaching staff and shaken up starting...

Penn State PR - One Year Later Part III

Allison Kreider is a 2012 graduate of Penn State University and current intern at Lois Paul & Partners. This is the third part of a four-part series covering the many angles of the sex scandal at Penn State from a first-person account and PR perspective. From how the football team, the same football program that was at the heart of the scandal, surpassed all expectations during the 2012 season in light of a new coaching staff and shaken up starting...

Penn State: Then, Now and Football Throughout

Allison Kreider is a 2012 graduate of Penn State University and current intern at Lois Paul & Partners. This is the second part of a four part series covering the many angles of the sex scandal at Penn State from a first-person and PR perspective. From how the football team, the same football program that was at the heart of the scandal, surpassed all expectations during the 2012 season in light of a new coaching staff and shaken up starting...

Penn State PR - One Year Later

Allison Kreider is a 2012 graduate of Penn State University and current intern at Lois Paul & Partners. In this four part series – she will cover all angles of the sex scandal at Penn State from a first-person and PR perspective. From how the football team, the same football program that was at the heart of the scandal, surpassed all expectations during the 2012 season in light of a new coaching staff and shaken up starting roster, to hidden...

What's Going on With Our Heroes?

No surprise. Like I am sure is happening in many companies today, the conversation is hot and heavy around Lance Armstrong’s interview this evening with Oprah Winfrey and the brewing controversy around Manti Te’o’s fictional/non-fictional girlfriend. Like most companies, opinions, humor and fascination abound at LPP. Which led to this blog. “What’s going on with our 'heroes'?" I still fondly remember the summer of 1998, when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa were chasing the heralded Roger Maris home run record....