“We have a deep-seated desire to quantify the world around us so that we can understand it and control it.  But the world isn’t behaving,” said Roger Martin, Dean of the Rotman School.  “We must… consider the possibility that if we can’t measure something, it might be the very most important aspect of the problem.”

PR is more of an art than a science.  In other words, there’s no formula for successful PR.  In fact, Youngme Moon, marketing professor at Harvard Business School, indicates that there is such a fierce fight for market share, coupled with “too many well trained marketers”, that the market turns out a homogenous batch of “vanilla” as opposed to unique, dynamic and engaging products.  (Her latest book, Different: Escaping the Competitive Herd (Crown Business, 2010))

What are your thoughts on measuring the effectiveness of public relations?  Does PR add tangible value to your organization?

Measuring your Social Media ROI

PR Newswire is but one example of how organizations can mine, filter and extract useful data.  Check it out at http://biturl.net/?9sfxmm

Click to VOTE!

1. The Long Dinner
2. Reconnect and Connect
3. Get Branded
4. Wear It Right
5. Don’t Talk, Communicate!

If you forget everything, remember that in all five steps you are communicating.  The Long Dinner is setting the stage for proper communication; networking is communicating; branding is communicating… you get the idea.

Someone once said, you are ALWAYS marketing yourself.  I submit that we are always communicating something.  The boots you wear, the color of tie, even the perfume says something.

Do you carry an iPod or a Blackberry?  Do you drive a Camaro or a Hybrid?  Do you speak with an accent or a drawl?

Communication never stops.

Marketing on the other hand is wearing the loose-fitting jeans, boat shoes, t-shirt, un-tucked of course, and unkempt hair.

Marketing is wearing cuff links with slacks and dress shoes.

Marketing is selling; communicating is not.  (More on this later)

Know what to say; how to say it; and who you’re saying it to.  Be a professional communicator.  This is step 5.

As a Public Affairs Officer for the Marines, Danny is an innovative and forward-thinking executive, with a passion for leveraging effective communications to fuel employee-engagement, build community goodwill, and drive profits.

As a transitioning Marine Public Affairs Officer, I’ve found little in terms of resources geared for officers.  As such, unless you’re looking for a position as a defense contractor or to continue to serve as a civil servant, there isn’t much out there to help you make that professional transition.

While maneuvering my way through this jungle, I hope to document lessons learned and add some personal insights to help following Marines, officer or enlisted, make the right transition as efficiently as possible.

I truly believe our military retirees have strong potential in the civilian sectors of our society, yet few are willing to take that small leap of faith to hire on a military executive.  I hope to change that.

Semper fidelis and I look forward to your candid feedback.

-Danny