July 20th, 2010 by Eric
“So you’re crossing over to the dark side?”
It’s a question I’ve heard several times over the past few weeks since announcing to friends and colleagues my decision to leave journalism for public relations. “The dark side,” a term (mostly) jokingly used by journalists, is the other side of the news desk—PR.
Back on the other side, I was an editor and reporter for Community Impact Newspaper and, before that, the Bossier Press-Tribune in my home state of Louisiana.
While images of journalistic Obi-Wan Kenobis such as Edward R. Murrow or Woodward and Bernstein paint a romantic picture of “the light side,” the reality is that making it as a journalist in a post-Google era can be trying to say the least. Finding a full-time gig can often be next to impossible and there’s typically a major emphasis on the “free” in freelance writing. It’s a bit funny then that journalists still refer to PR as the dark side: As the media wrestles with expenses and keeping staffs lean in the everything-for-nothing digital age, this dark side may start looking a little brighter.
Still, even with the occasional headache, I wouldn’t change a thing about my time spent as a reporter.
Although the media is often criticized for delivering a constant barrage of bad news, rather than make me negative, I feel the experience has made me less cynical. When you actually get to talk to the people behind the headlines, it becomes clear that, like most of us, they’re just trying to do the best they can. Read more »
Tags: career changes, journalism, PR
Posted in Clients, Ketner Group News | No Comments »
June 7th, 2010 by Catherine
Ever since I started my career in public relations, friends and family members will often ask me, “Wouldn’t it be neat to do PR for XYZ company or person?” Heck, I even choose the path of PR when I was a sophomore in college because of a dream job – PR for Sea World.
As PR representatives, we are tasked with working with all sorts of clients. It is our job to make the best out of every situation, to deal with the good as well as the bad, and to never back away from a challenge. But there is also that fine line of whether or not to keep your own morals and beliefs on the “DL” at the risk of offending or losing your job or client. During my eight-year tenure at Ketner Group, we’ve only had to officially “let go” of two clients. The first was due to a lack of budget coming our way and because their competitor had actually offered to hire us and pay us more. Not exactly a bad situation. The second, well, let’s just say that we flat out kicked these guys to the curb due to very unprofessional, uncalled for behavior and treatment toward the agency team — AKA a nightmare client.
So, who would you or wouldn’t you add to your client roster? Of course, this is all in fun and jest, but nonetheless, very interesting to think about. So goes my list of the top three “nightmare” companies or persons that I would never do PR for, and my list of top three “dream” companies and persons that I would jump at the chance to represent. Drum roll, please!
Read more »
Tags: dream clients, nightmare clients, public relations
Posted in Clients, PR and Marketing | No Comments »
May 27th, 2010 by Valerie
The time has come for us to expand our team — we’re so excited, and we can’t wait to find just the right person. If you know anyone in Austin looking for a PR job that fits the below requirements, please pass this along! To apply for the position, please email resume and portfolio or writing samples to Brittany@ketnergroup.com, and please read the requirements thoroughly before applying. We look forward to meeting some of you.
Open Position: Account Executive
Start Date: Mid-June
Type of Job: Full-time, salaried
Salary: Based upon experience, please include requirements
Job Requirements
This position requires three to five years full-time agency experience and extremely strong technology and marketing writing skills. As a public relations and marketing communications agency specializing in high-tech clients (as well as other industries), the ability to distill technical jargon into a compelling message is absolutely essential. The ideal candidate must have strong experience in account management and media and analyst relations, including excellent pitching skills and the ability to build strong relationships with media and analysts. The position is ideal for a self-starter who can successfully multi-task, who possesses excellent interpersonal skills and is fluent in AP style. Candidates must have project coordination experience and the ability to work well with all levels of staff, as well as outside clients and vendors. Consumer and/or high tech PR experience is a plus. We are looking for someone with a passion for organization, detail and planning – and strengths in both strategy and execution.
This position will be probationary for 90 days, at which point, upon satisfactory review, a permanent offer will be made.
We are a tight-knit office with an upbeat, fun, and friendly culture and are seeking someone like-minded.
Primary Responsibilities for Account Executive:
- Team and project management:
—maintaining client communication
—media pitching, as well as handling any incoming media inquiries
—preparing regular client reports and attending client meetings
- Heavy copywriting and marketing communications
—researching, writing and distributing press releases to targeted media
—researching, writing and placing white papers and other technical collateral
—developing and writing promotional collateral and web copy
- Development of creative tactical ideas and strategic planning, from traditional components to new media and social media
- New business development, specifically undertaking research for new business proposals and presenting to potential new clients
Benefits:
- Medical/Health Insurance
- IRA program with employer matching
- Paid vacation
- Competitive salary
- Wonderful work environment with a true emphasis on an enjoyable work/life balance
Tags: careers, job opening, PR job
Posted in Ketner Group News | No Comments »
