The Science of Facebook Marketing

Yesterday, Dan Zarrella, a social media scientist at Hubspot, hosted a webinar on Facebook marketing. Despite some technical difficulties at the beginning, Zarrella seemed to cover the ins and outs of reaching and targeting an audience on the most popular social networking site, Facebook.

His presentation came complete with "tweetable" takeaways and unforgettable advice about profiles vs. pages. If you've been practicing Facebook marketing for years and using it in your personal life, you pretty much could have caught on to much of what he presented. However for those of us who are always interested in learning more and may not consider ourselves experts, there was some key takeaways from his presentation.

By age:
1. To reach a younger audience, focus on the social aspect of Facebook.
2. To reach an older audience, focus on targeting interests, hobbies and likes.

By gender:
1. Women describe themselves more fully on Facebook than men.
2. Women tend to have more wall posts than men.
3. More women are in relationships on Facebook than men. (More men are listed as single than women)

By medium:
1. Twitter is for marketing/journalist geeks (like us) and is quick (140 characters or less)
2. Video sharing is more effective on Facebook

By linguistics:
1. The most shared content is "sex" (surprising?) More importantly, the second most is positive
2. The least shared content is negative
*People want to share positive content, not negative.

Bottom line is that Facebook is mainstream, so think mainstream when using it as a marketing tool. Twitter is not mainstream and LinkedIn is professional. Most likely a large portion of your target audience is on Facebook if they use the Internet. As always, keep your message simple, but interesting, and know your audience.

Who's in your network?

So we all know about social networking and the value of connecting with important people online. This is great, but in reality, nothing can really replace the one-on-one interaction of real networking. Social networking sites can only aid in the connections, but it's not the same as meeting someone in person.

Recently, a very respected Tweeter, Valerie Simon, posted a blog about how she's networking for the T3PR conference this week. She's talks about how she's researching what attendees are saying and how social networking is helping her prepare and will help her keep in touch with the people she meets. (more can be read here: Integrating Social and Real-Life Networking)

The point of my blog is to expand on Valerie's advice by adding how students and recent graduates can find useful networking opportunities and how social media can help them find valuable and useful connections.

Where can you find opportunities?
There are many discussions available on Twitter weekly that act as a catalyst to connecting mentors with mentees. For instance, during the first HAPPO discussion, I connected with several recruiting managers and senior vice presidents at prominent PR agencies. From there, I set up phone informational interviews, which allowed me to create a more personable relationship with the people I met. Participating in discussions like PR 2.0 Chat, PRStudChat and HAPPO are the easiest way to make connections and learn what real PR professionals are practicing and discussing.

As a recent graduate from Penn State, I got a one-year free with the Penn State Alumni Association. There are chapters across the nation that hold networking events weekly, monthly and annually. These are great opportunities to meet people at a variety of companies. Plus, since they are from the same Alma Mater, they will be more than willing to do whatever they can to help you.

In addition, there are several more formal clubs such as PRSSA, PRSA and the Social Media Club that offer opportunities to meet PR professionals. In addition, there are an endless number of conferences and workshops offered through PRSSA and PRSA that Valerie's advice can directly help with. Research speakers and attendees, connect with them on social media and meet them at the conference to build long-lasting relationships.

Location, location, location.

Many companies are still very unsure of how to effectively use social media to target their audience. With the constantly changing viral world, it's important to not lose sight of your company's objectives and goals. Every social media site cannot be used to effectively reach your audience unless your audience is literally everyone. It's all about location.

From blogging to YouTube, there are many ways to communicate with your consumers. The key is to find where your consumers already are. Social media is truly a way to enhance the two-way communication, but you need to find the right location before you join the discussion.

So when I talk about "joining the discussion" I mean just that. Every social media site out there has a different discussion about different industries. Think of what your company has to offer and make that the topic of your discussion. But also listen to your consumers to and reflect upon what they want. Think about a discussion with your friends. You may talk some, but you spend a lot of time listening, too.

Just remember, it's about the location. Find the consumers and find the discussion. Join the discussion on the same level as the consumers. Give advice, but take it, too.

Will you play FourSquare?

Monday morning I walked into work and was faced with the question, "What is FourSquare?" It dawned on me that, yeah, I know you can check in on FourSquare, link it to Twitter, earn badges, become a mayor, connect with friends, make to do lists, etc. etc. But, how can a business benefit from participating in FourSquare?

Through a some research, I learned that there are some easy things businesses can do to show their presence on FourSquare.

1. Define a manage of your business-Do this by clicking "Are you the manager of this business?" under the business name and address.

2. Suggest a badge related to your business-Do this by visiting http://foursquare.com/suggest_badge and filling out the four questions about your idea for a badge and how to unlock it.

3. Brainstorm specials or promotions to offer-After you become manager, you can add specials based on mayorship, frequency of check-in, count-based check-ins, or a "wildcard" special.

FourSquare is still very new to many people. This is an ongoing blog- as I learn more information, I will create new posts describing the benefits of FourSquare. Please feel free to comment if you have any suggestions on things to add.

How to learn each day

I realized that I always say that I love to learn, but never really showed it. As a recent graduate entering the public relations world, I know that learning can help me succeed in life. But, how do find the information to learn? Better yet, how do I apply it to my every day life?

It's important to find your nitch. For me, I love learning about social media, emerging technology and anything about the PR industry in general (which tends to be majority of the news out there). I think it's important to be well rounded and knowledgeable about the current issues and trends around the world.

Each day, I begin by reading the headlines on my iGoogle feed and searching new blog entries recommended on Twitter. However, these are just the traditional ways of learning. Often, I learn the most beneficial information from simple observation. I go into work each day with a fresh attitude and always try to understand the most important question of everything I do, "why is this important?" In addition, I participate in live discussions on Twitter.

People get their information in a variety of different ways. These methods are what works for me. By asking the question "Why?" you will be able to understand the fundamentals of the business and ultimately be successful. Knowledge can get you far in life, so now's the time to start learning.

The value of LinkedIn

I used to think that LinkedIn was just a place to post your resume and connect with friends and colleagues. However, more recently, I have taken the time to learn the ins and outs of what LinkedIn has to offer companies. With the recent addition of following companies on LinkedIn, LinkedIn has become another place to create a brand community (and with time, it may become quite successful).

Currently, I work at the Bryce Jordan Center as a marketing assistant. Recently, I was faced with the questions: "What are the benefits of being on LinkedIn?" and "How do we make it effective?"

As PR professionals, we are always faced with using the right vehicle to communicate with our target public(s). Typically, LinkedIn reaches a middle-aged, professional public compared to Facebook or Twitter, which have a younger demographic. LinkedIn allows companies to make profiles that people can follow and employees can link their title to. This allows companies to manage their number one public--their employees--as well as potentially connect with other publics.

In addition to company profiles, companies can create groups to generate discussion. These are similar to Facebook's groups and allow people to share company and industry news, post jobs and communicate with others in the group.

During tonight's PR 2.0 Chat, we discussed LinkedIn's company profiles. It seemed that many who knew how to use them, thought there were some disadvantages to company profiles. For one, @JGoldborough pointed out that since there is no owner (like in groups) you can't really "talk" to it. In addition, even many PR professionals participating in the discussion were not sure about LinkedIn and expressed much uncertainty.

So, that leads us to the real question: how active are the members on LinkedIn? I have yet to find an answer to this, but I am constantly looking for more statistics about LinkedIn users. Yeah, someone might update their profile every so often, but do they seek out groups and company profiles that they like? Several great points were made during the PR 2.0 Chat about LinkedIn being considered a social network, but it not being very social.

In conclusion, LinkedIn has many good ideas to become more social, while remaining a professional social network, but it hasn't quite reached the point of truly being effective. For now, HR will continue to effectively use LinkedIn to seek out future employees, but it might be a while before the PR industry finds effective ways to use the network.

Graduation Day

"Be the one on your team that is always willing to learn and you will stand out"

As I sit on my sofa the day of graduation, I can't help but to feel anxious about the last three hours of my graduation, fear of what the future has to hold with a dash of excitement about being finished with formal schooling--at least for now.

Yesterday, I sat through the Penn State College of Engineering commencement where the speaker, Thomas Roell, had many words of wisdom for the graduates as they enter their careers.

"Be realistic and accurate about your strengths and weaknesses"

Roell's speech reigned true for all future graduates. Not only do you have to be willing to learn everyday for the rest of your life, but you have to be true to yourself and know exactly who you are before you can even begin to think you are successful.

"Know that one's greatest strength can sometimes be one's greatest weakness-and vice versa"

So as I sit her on my sofa leading up to the last three hours of my college career, I just want to say congratulations to the class of 2010--We did it! PS I will always miss U

(note: all quotes are from Thomas Roell during his commencement speech on 5/14/2010)

Use it, don't lose it

Graduation is only two days away and many college students (including myself) are still jobless. Regardless of having a job, it is important to keep networking and actively practicing public relations in your everyday life.

Growing up, I was always told "if you don't use it you lose it." I feel the same reigns true with public relations. It's only been a week or two since all my writing in classes ended, I transitioned new chairs into my current leadership positions and one of my internships ended. I noticed that my writing has cut down significantly and missing the constant writing I was forced to do during school.

Solution: Blogging.

Blogging provides opportunities to reflect on current trends and issues, as well as provides a space to market myself for a future career using social media. I think the most important thing, is it provides and opportunity to practice writing skills used every day in the public relations industry.

Who couldn't use another smile in the office?

Optimism is my way of life. I always look at the glass half full and figure out ways to fill it more. It allows me to never take no for an answer and to always view setbacks as opportunities.

In addition, I am very passionate about what I do and I loved to get involved. I have had five internships and four leadership positions in clubs around campus. But without a good attitude, I will never be successful.

As a soon-to-be college graduate at the Penn State University, I find that now is not the time to be discouraged by the job market. There are always ways to reach out, network and make connections. As a result, I begin each day with a smile because I never know what the day has to bring.

I am the best person for you because I not only have the experience, but I have a great attitude and will always try to keep spirits high in the office. If you're interested, check out my LinkedIn profile!

Just on a fun note, here's my personal mnemonic device for HAPPO:

Honest
Adept
Personable
Professional
Outgoing

Remember: Be HAPPO!

Success in the City

New York City (n.) -- A place that thousands of public relations students and professionals dream to work in the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced public relations industry.

For many, it stays a dream, but for a few lucky ones, it becomes reality. Penn State College of Communications helps make it reality for hundreds of Communications students through its annual "Success in the City" career fair. On Friday, April 9, hundreds of students traveled to the Time Warner Center in New York City to make as many contacts as possible in five short hours.

The career fair was less than successful for most PR students looking for traditional or interactive social media. There was tons of contacts for potential future jobs, but the most relevant current jobs were in sales. Yeah, I know I have experience cold calling media, working with business professionals and networking on a daily basis, but sales is completely different.

None the less, NYC is always a great place to visit and the College of Communications created a great opportunity for most of its students. Who knows, a contact made yesterday, may actually follow through with a job in the near future. For the next two days, I will be sending more than 15 follow up e-mails to contacts I met at "Success in the City" in hopes of finding that perfect job.

Celebrating the 2010 Census

Yesterday, my colleagues and I set out to make the most of hte nice weather on campus by creating a "Census Party" at the very popular Allen Street gates. Not knowing what to expect, we piled up boxes of T-shirts and colorful hats that promoting participating in the census. The idea was to inform everyone who came on or off campus 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. about the importance of census participation. So, we did just that.

Around noon, foot traffic began to drastically increase and before we knew it, we had lines of people waiting to get free shirts and hats. But it wasn't just handing out free gifts. While students drooled over our ever so popular stuff, we made them pledge to fill out the census by initialing on a slip of paper. Eventually that slip of paper was linked with all of the other slips and before we knew it, we had more than 500 pledges to fill out the 2010 census form--all linked in a chain.

A sight for eyes? You bet it was.

A hunt for the perfect job

Juggling two internships, classes and extracurricular activities is not always easy, especially when the idea of finding a job is thrown into the mix. Since spring break, I have traveled to Pittsburgh twice and attended a career fair in search for that perfect post-graduation job. But it's much more than finding the "perfect" job, it's making the relationships and creating a network of contacts.

The last year, we have all heard about the bad economy and more recently, we've heard that it's getting better. Although people still have mixed reviews on the economy, there are many resources that can help soon-to-be graduates land their first job:

1. Participate in conversations on Twitter like @PRStudChat and @Helpaprproout, ask questions, meet professionals, make the contacts.

2. Take advantage of past internships. Past employers or current are always willing to help you out because they want to see you succeed.

3. Seek out professionals in the are of PR you are interested in and ask the right questions.

I know I'm just a college student in search for a job, but the things I have learned along the way have helped me tremendously. You can't be afraid to put yourself out there and you have to know how to sell yourself.

A PR Affair

Monday morning I woke up bright and early to attend a PRSSA workshop at PNC Park in downtown Pittsburgh about starting student-run PR firms. Not knowing what to expect, I sat down and began listening to the first remarks by the Cal U professors and faculty--supportive, direct, motivational. This was a good start to a full day of information, discussion and learning. The program consisted of three general sessions and two breakout sessions focusing on different aspects of student-run firms and working in an agency setting.

Off to an engaging start for most senior, public relations majors, the workshop began with "Making the Transition from Student to Professional; A Firm Landing" that focused on the transition from the classroom into an agency. The discussion covered major adjustments for recent graduates, assignments and responsibilities for entry-level employees, advice on standing out as an entry-level employee and advice for new employees that "stumble" early in their career.

This workshop was by far, the most engaging part of the workshop for me. The panel consisted of three public relations professionals that range in years and type of experience--Lisa Tristano Martin, Senior Account Supervisor for MARC USA; Thomas Meinert, Managing Partner for William J. Green & Associates; and Marissa Doyle, Public Relations Specialist for KMA Public Relations. I had three major takeaways from this session.

First, social media is our (soon-to-be or recent graduates') best asset when interviewing. Highlight it, let the employers know that you can apply social media to help their company and clients reach out and maintain relationships. Many agencies are just now beginning to catch on to full-on social media campaigns, which gives us opportunities to help agencies out.

Second, always be confident in a professional manner. All too often, new employees are either constantly second guessing themselves or come across as "too cocky." Don't be afraid to ask questions or participate suggestions during team meetings, but know the balance between being open-minded and knowing it all. Be able to take criticism and have a thick skin--criticism is meant to help you improve, not to put you down.

Last, read the news, continue to seek out new opportunities for clients and your agency. Present your new ideas to your boss and during account team meetings. This is a good way to stand out as a new employee and bring a fresh look to a client.

In the end, the workshop offered much insight into PR agencies by hosting representatives from firms small and large. From Ketchum and Burson-Marteller to Markowitz Communications and KMA Public Relations, there was something for everyone.

Spring Break in Sin City

For the last week or so I've been on spring break. For most, that means warm weather and beaches, but for my friends and me that means visiting Las Vegas. Now, this wasn't my first time visiting, but it was the first time I visited and didn't feel like a typical tourist. I had seen most of the sights and participated in most of the tourists attractions. This time was my chance to explore it on a personal level.

Although I stayed on the strip at the Luxor, I played roulette and blackjack with many locals and familiar gamblers, while most of our group played it "safe" with the slot machines. As tourists screamed and hollered at other tables, we sat there quietly laughing about their obnoxious behaviors. 

Las Vegas is always a fun time. Whether you go there to gamble, party or just to sight-see, you will find a good time. If you haven't go, GO...if you have gone, GO AGAIN. Because no matter how many times you have been to Las Vegas, there's bound to be something new.

Where will I be in 2 months?

As February comes to a close and March becomes well on its way, my post-graduation job search begins. I find myself often wondering where I'll be in the next few months.

Until now, my life has been fairly planned out destination wise. I always knew I was going to live in Fairfax Station until I went to college and I knew I was going to Penn State a good 8 months before I started classes.

But, real life isn't like that. In fact, most people aren't hiring 2010 graduates until mid March or April. As I begin putting my applications together, it's important to imagine myself living in the destination of the application. What is the culture like? How many opportunities are there? Will I ever get bored? Is it a place I can fall in love with?

Although I won't know about the atmosphere and opportunities until I'm fully emerged, I still look forward to moving to a great city. I'm open to everything and always looking for a fun and unique time!

Everything happens for a reason and then life continues

February 23 was a typical Monday evening. Around 5:15 p.m., I had just finished making dinner and preparing for a long night at Research B to work on grants for EcoCAR when my phone suddenly rang. To my surprise it was the State College Community Planner. A bit confused as to why I was getting this phone call after normal business hours, I picked up the phone and began my conversation. The State College Borough had decided to introduce a resolution to the Centre Region Government that evening to motion for March to officially become Census Awareness Month. One problem--the meeting was in two hours and we were expected to make a speech.

Many people would say to themselves, "I already have plans, is it really that important?" As a public relations professional, I  know the importance of devotion to all of the campaigns you are working on. Although, finishing my grants was relatively important, it was more important to finish the last week of Count Centre County's 2010 Census campaign very strong. I quickly hung up the phone and called my colleagues to inform them of the opportunity as I frantically sprinted to my closet to find a business casual outfit I could quickly change into.

Dressed and ready to go, I ran out of my apartment to make it to my 5:45 meeting to merely tell them I had to leave by 6:30 p.m. Knowing I still had to dig my car out of the snow before I could actually leave. At the Centre Region Government meeting, myself and Laura Peck, Director of Technology, spoke about the importance of the census and passing the resolution. After a quick question and answer session, the board passed it unanimously.

When an opportunity presents itself, it is important to take advantage of it because you never know what could happen. Without the ability to think on my toes and be extremely organized with my schedule, I would not have been able to take advantage of this chance. In my opinion, a public relations professional should be ready for anything that is thrown his or her way. After all, everything happens for a reason and then life continues.

No Sitting or Sleeping: For the Kids

This past weekend was quite a weekend of making a difference. But, for students at Penn State, it was nothing more than the 37th annual THON. Each year, PSU students set out to raise money to help beat pediatric cancer. In fact, it is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. This year 708 students were chosen to "dance" at THON. In other words, they can't sleep, sit or have caffeine for 46 hours straight. Why? All to celebrate the amount of money we raised for the kids.

I was not one of these dancers, but I decided to dance in the stands with the rest of the crowd. After an early start Friday morning at 7 a.m., I hoped I would have a chance to get a short nap before heading to THON, which began at 4 p.m. Unfortunately, I didn't get that chance, so I danced for 46 hours, plus spent another 11 or so awake. To most people, this might seem unreal, but the energy and the experience of giving back is enough to thrive on to make it through.

This year we raised $7,838,054.36.  In all, we have raised more than $68 million for the Four Diamonds Fund. It is truly a celebration and I'm so happy to be a part of it. FTK

Things I learned:

• Eating every 3 hours helps, but after 40 hours you begin to forget--lession: Always have someone there to remind you.
• Don't take advantage of foot massages too often--you become dependent and your feet begin hurting more
• Keep your feet moving and your blood flowing--walking helps significantly
• Cold air (aka going outside) doesn't always wake you up--when you come back in you feel that much warmer, which usually makes you tired
• When you start having disillusions and everything becomes a blur--Don't text or call people because it's probably the middle of the night
• Fruit is a very powerful item to consume
• Don't think you're going to be even a smidge productive during THON (even at the beginning) or after THON.

Why Me?

Graduation is less than three months away and I am ready to get up and go. This puts me in a great position. First, I can move just about anywhere because I have no ties to any one area. Second, public relations is useful for every single person, brand and organization.

This morning was the first time I was connected with Gini Dietrich. Just a few minutes after my connection, she posted a blog about some interesting jobs in the Chicago area. From internships to vice president positions, there's something for everyone. So, I must fit in somewhere, right?

I am obsessively organized and thrive in fast paced environments. I have always thought that developing my resume is an important quality, however, it is more important that I not only do PR, but I do PR effectively (and efficiently). This is what I have dedicated myself to throughout my college career.

Earlier today, I blogged about some of my more specific qualifications. The thing to take away from that is that I don't want to sit back and watch life happen. In addition, I don't want to have just any old job, but I want to have a career.

That being said, I am the person for you. I have held four internships, been a founding member of two organizations and held leadership positions in many campus organizations including the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Vole (the Penn State Ballet Club), Penn State EcoCAR, Happy Valley Communications (PR firm) and Count Centre County (2010 Census Awareness).

I have done everything from fundraiser and applying to grants to developing full PR campaigns. I am always willing to learn and am able to pick new things up fast.

Thanks to HAPPO, I have countless opportunities and more.

Completing Your Circle in the PR World

Today, more than ever it is important to be a well-rounded public relations professional. From displaying strong writing skills to developing creative marketing campaigns, a rounded PR specialist has it all. As an advertising and public relations major with a double minor in business and psychology at the Pennsylvania State University, I have all of that and more.

I am a leader on campus in five organizations and have had four internships throughout my college career. Needless to say, I don't like to sit still and thrive on a fast paced environment. I assist in managing four Twitter accounts and five Facebook fan pages. In addition, I write blogs for Happy Valley Communications, Count Centre County as well as maintain my personal blog and online portfolio. Moreover, I am working on redesigning Vole, the Penn State Ballet Club's Web site.

During the fall 2009 semester, I help establish Count Centre County to raise awareness for the 2010 Census and Happy Valley Communications, the first independent, student-run public relations firm at Penn State. I am very self motivated and good at multitasking.


Five reasons to choose me as your next hire...
1. I love public relations and writing
2. I never want to stop learning or get stuck in a daily routine
3. I am self motivated and often take initiative
4. I thrive on fast paced environments
5. I am a very loyal and dedicated hard worker who won't give up


I am ready to start the next chapter in my life. Let me know if you can help!

It's a Community Thing...

Our team works very hard on the census and informing students about the importance of filling it out, but in reality, students are just a very small population of the entire Centre County region. Another thing is that it is important to get to know your audience before you can effectively reach your audience. As many of you may or may not know, our primary target market is college students, but our secondary market is low income rural residence.

Today, four of us had the eye opening experience of volunteering at the State College Area Food Bank. As we toured the facility, we learned many heart wrenching facts about the increasing numbers of residence and the harsh realities of poverty. Each year, clients are allocated eight visits to the food bank. If you’re doing the math like we were, that’s approximately once every six weeks.

The Volunteer Coordinator was kind enough to give us a tour and describe the process to us. After she was finished, it was time for us to get hands on. We wanted to interact with the clients and let them know the importance of filling out the census form. We emphasized that filling out the form can directly benefit the food bank and give them more money to operate.

At the launch of our campaign, we decided that the census is about a community coming together to work towards a common goal. No matter how big, small, rich or poor someone is, everyone counts in the census and everyone deserves the benefits. It’s experiences like today that can take you out of your world and back to reality.

Save Your Tax Dollars!

As Count Centre County approaches its half way point to its 2010 Census campaign, it occurred to us that people aren’t taking the 2010 Census seriously. This motivated me to think more abstractly about census facts.

Since the U.S. Census is federally mandated and mentioned in the constitution (as well as part of the Department of Commerce”) I realized that my tax dollars will go towards paying U.S. census workers. I thought about the cost benefit analysis of the 2010 Census and realized that we have the power to save our tax dollars.

Many people don’t realize that their tax dollars will be used to pay employees to go from house to house to every single residence that did not return the census form. In Centre County, Census Takers are paid $11.75 per hour to go door to door after people neglect to fill out the census. However, we can do something to help minimize cost so our tax dollars can be used towards necessary funds (i.e. schools, roads, hospitals, etc.) All you have to do is fill out the census form and return it by April 1. It doesn’t cost anything to return the census on time.

In addition, many people would like to have a better say in where their personal tax dollars are allocated. As a result of the 2000 Census, Pennsylvania lost two House of Representatives in Congress. This will allow Pennsylvania to be a more powerful state in presidential elections, as well as bring better representation to the state.

To sum this up, your tax dollars are being used to pay census works. It costs nothing to send your census form back, but if you don’t that’s 10-20 minutes of a Census Taker’s salary you are paying with your tax dollars. In addition, you will have more control over where your money is allocated if you fill out the census because it could bring more congressional representation to Pennsylvania. So, don’t forget to participate in the 2010 Census and tell all of your friends. You have the power to make the change and save tax dollars. What’s your choice?

2010 Census February Kick off

After months and months of hard work and dedication, the Penn State Bateman team kicked off its 2010 census campaign today (Feb. 1). During the month of February, the Penn State Bateman team plans to surprise students and Centre County residents with their outreach plan.

It's hard to believe that the last census was conducted 10 years ago and I was in elementary school. Not only that, but the 2010 census data will affect my life until I am 32 years old. Whether you remember participating in the census when you were little or it's your first time--make sure you fill out the form! It's 10 questions and takes less than 10 minutes. Plus, it's required by law.

During the 2000 census, Pennsylvania lost two House of Representatives in Congress. This year is the year we can make a difference. Participating in the 2010 census is our way, as students, to give back to Centre County for the residents have been more than welcoming over our four years at Penn State. It doesn't matter if you're financially dependent on your parents, an international student or renting your apartment--you still need to fill out the census.

Remember: Census Day is April 1, 2010!

Promoting the 2010 Census

Yesterday was quite a day for the Penn State Bateman team. We were confirmed to hold events at Rotelli, Schlow Library and The State Theatre in State College, Pa. Rotelli was kind enough to let us hold a trivia night and give us a special of $1 pizza and 40 cent wings--a special they are famous for during Penguin games. In addition, Rick Buck agreed to speak about the importance of participating in the 2010 Census. With two events completely ready, we are still have tons of work to solidify two panels at the library.

As Director of Corporate Relations, I am responsible for planning event logistics and relaying information to the Census Bureau. At times, this can be fairly stressful (and now is one of those times), but the relationships I am forming with the businesses is priceless to the success of this campaign. I am beyond excited for our campaign to kick off on February 1! Keep a look out for upcoming events, links, and more to our fabulous February campaign!

Rascal Flatts at BJC

So far, I haven't done a whole lot with my new internship, but what I have done has given me true insight in what it really means to be creative when marketing events. The first event the Bryce Jordan Center hosted was last Friday's Rascal Flatts concert. For the last two weeks, the marketing department has been going insane trying to please Live Nation--the promoter of Rascal Flatts. As a result, the interns hit the ground running from the first day of classes.

One thing I really enjoyed brainstorming was where to take our 6-foot cut out of Rascal Flatts. The interns and "Rascal Flatts" went to countless places to take those priceless photos and promote the event. Some of these places included, the Penn State Football Office, a cow farm on the side of the road and in Penn State's largest classroom-100 Thomas. In the end, the BJC promoted the event as best (and creatively) as possible. It's only a matter of time before the interns make their next big move!