We’ve all heard these famous quotes many, many times. “An eye for an eye.” “Necessity is the mother of invention.” “Put your best foot forward.” “Blood, sweat and tears.” “Money is the root of all evil.” One problem. They’re all wrong, points out William W. Craig of Tisdall Clark and Partners, Ltd. of Toronto. “An [...]
Read more →A 1985 survey of principals and teachers in Chicago-area high schools produced this list of the top 10 books educators felt every high school student should read. Plays by William Shakespeare (various titles) “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain The Bible “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne “The Odyssey” by Homer “The Grapes [...]
Read more →Dr. William Jurma, a speech communication professor at Texas Christian University, once conducted a study of offices in Fort Worth, Texas. Here’s a summary of his findings. Wooden desks are a must. Forget metal or chrome. In and out boxes are out. A dark-colored phone is best. Beige is acceptable. A clean desk is not [...]
Read more →Here’s a creative job application we’ve always loved. It landed the applicant a job at McDonald’s in Florida. Name: Greg Bulmash Sex: Not yet. Still waiting for the right person. Desired position: Company’s president or vice president. But seriously, whatever’s available. If I was in a position to be picky, I wouldn’t be applying here [...]
Read more →Some years back, legendary PR guy Keith Moore conducted a national survey of public relations managers in higher education. We thought some of the responses to the question, “What advice would you give to a new manager?” were thoughtful and fascinating. “Listen, coach, guide—direct, look slightly up to everyone, be patient, don’t be afraid to [...]
Read more →Our thanks to a great former colleague, Peggy Neely, for this list of resolutions for editors and creative folks. I will never, ever use a “grip-and-grin” photo in any publication or Web site (unless my job depends on it…and even then, I’ll put up a fight). I will organize my files at least once a [...]
Read more →Bill Tyson, president of Morrison and Tyson Communications in Walpole, N.H., is one of the nation’s leading experts on national media relations. For more than a quarter century Bill has focused on helping colleges and universities get their stories told in the national news media. We’ve always appreciated Bill’s sound and well reasoned advice, so [...]
Read more →From an Internet compilation, here are some signs and slogans businesses use to connect with their customers: Plumber: We repair what your husband fixed. Pizza shop: Seven days without pizza makes one weak. Tire shop: Invite us to your next blowout. Plastic surgeon: Hello, can we pick your nose? Towing company: We don’t charge an [...]
Read more →Here are some newspaper headlines (circa 2000) for stories we really wanted to read: Include Your Children When Baking Cookies Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Experts Say Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers Drunks Get Nine Months in Violin Case Iraqi Head Seeks Arms Prostitutes Appeal to Pope Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes [...]
Read more →For years, Don Hale has been one of higher education PR’s most insightful, candid, and informed practitioners. His willingness to share his observations, opinions, and analyses with colleagues is one of our field’s most bountiful gifts. Roland King, APR, Fellow PRSA Vice President for Public Affairs National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
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