Just like today, seven years ago it was a blue and sunny day in Arlington, VA., just minutes from the Pentagon, where I lived at the time. I couldn't have imagined what would unfold that day. Today, I live in Houston, and just like that day seven years ago, a storm is brewing just out of sight. Of course, this time it is Hurricane Ike that is bearing down, and again, I have no idea what to expect over the next 48 hours. Except for one thing. I know that in the aftermath of the storm, the Red Cross will be there. I have shared my read more...
PRWeek Final Four: Communication Overtones Advances with Four Excellent Blogs
A few year ago, the fairly unknown George Mason University, located in Fairfax, Va., burst on the national scene when it's basketball team made the Final Four. Commentators were stunned, people couldn't believe it. Former alums, such as myself, were excited. It's kind of how I felt this morning when I woke up to find that Communication Overtones had advanced to the final four of the read more...
Public Relations Consulting: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, 5 Things to Consider
I love my job. Still I sometimes miss being on the inside, what we agencies call the "client" side. The "Real" Job In my idealistic memory, the client of public relations held many wonders. I had a lot of control over the strategic direction of the public relations department and certainly over my projects. I usually called the shots with my bosses when it came to making the hard decisions. I was a true counselor. I was trusted and valued. Did you notice that I said it came from my "idealistic" read more...
The Three Principles of Change to Live By: Learn, Mentor, Give
I thought I would share the speech that I am giving tonight at the PRSA San Antonio annual Del Oro Awards. My peers in San Antonio were so kind as to honor me with the PR Professional of the Year award (press release). The truth is that the description of the read more...
Remembering with Twitter: Where Were You?
These days, 9-11 is a day fraught with controversy and politicization. However, before it became a soundbite, September 11 was a day like no other. I was at work in Arlington, Virginia, just a few miles from the Pentagon. The event prompted me to begin a long relationship with the Red Cross, you can read about my experience here. But this morning, I was interested in where my social network was on that day. I interviewed a few of my Twitter friends to find out, read more...