Articles
Notes from the field
Pieces on communications, PR, productivity, and a little fiction — written between deadlines since 2013.
Mar 23, 2023Full Sail Ahead: Crafting My Comms Compass for Smooth SailingFull Sail gave me invaluable knowledge and confidence for navigating the ever-evolving communications landscape, emphasizing the importance of understanding our impact and staying current with emerging trends and technologies.Mar 15, 2023American Legion: Final Presentation DevelopmentThe American Legion's social media campaign was successful in attracting younger audiences while still engaging existing members. The campaign resulted in a significant increase in website traffic and social media engagement, as well as a more positive perception of the American Legion among potential members.Mar 8, 2023American Legion: ResearchPrimary research with surveys and focus groups revealed how the American Legion can modernize its communication and social media presence to attract new members while serving its existing membership.Mar 1, 2023American Legion: Client Background & Swot AnalysisAn introduction to the American Legion's background and a SWOT analysis laying the groundwork for a social media campaign to grow membership and combat the perception that the organization is out of touch.Feb 25, 2023How the American Legion is Using Social Media to Connect with Veterans and Build a CommunityA look at how the American Legion uses Twitter, YouTube, live streaming, analytics, and social media advertising to engage veterans, attract younger generations, and build a community.Feb 25, 2023Mastering Online Media Rooms: Latest Trends, Best Practices, & More for PR ProfessionalsAs a PR professional and graduate student, I know online media rooms are vital for effective communication. In this blog, I discuss their benefits, essential elements for graduate education, best practices, building credibility, content strategy, marketing tactics, and ethical considerations including crisis management.Feb 12, 2023Maximizing Impact: The American Legion's Social Media Campaign StrategyThe American Legion is launching a comprehensive social media campaign to increase brand awareness, build relationships with its followers, and promote its programs and services.Jan 29, 2023The Evolution of Reputation Management Strategies in Educational Settings: A Disappointing RealityUnderstanding the importance of modern analytics, digital communication, and social business practices is crucial for effective communication planning.Dec 10, 2022Building a Support Network After ServingBuilding a Support Network After Serving aims to assist veterans in transitioning to civilian life by providing valuable information and tools for building a support network.Dec 10, 2022Why Event Marketing is a Must-Have for Building Trust and Strengthening Customer RelationshipsTo ensure teaching event marketing is genuinely effective, graduate-level courses need to focus on more than just the basics, including data and analytics, technology, social media, influencer marketing, and other emerging trends and techniques to stay ahead of the curve.Nov 20, 202220+ Years in Communication: How Grad School is Failing MeGraduate public relations programs fail to prepare students for the job market by not teaching current, applicable skills and focusing on outdated methods.Oct 23, 2022Why Are Colleges Setting Students Up for Failure: Teach Real World Use Cases Not How to Generate Another APA-Style ReportColleges and universities are not preparing graduates for the job market by teaching outdated skills and emphasizing report writing, causing a gap between employers' needs and graduates' abilities in marketing and public relations.Sep 25, 2022What I Learned from the Social Media Metrics and ROI CourseThe course on social media metrics provided some insight but did not meet the writer's expectations as it focused too much on fundamentals and not enough on real-world usage, using metrics to identify patterns and trends, and presenting information to clients.Aug 27, 2022Public Relations Tools and Resources: How to Stay Ahead of the CurveThe future of public relations in a digital world requires professionals to be creative and use new online tools to connect with people, as traditional methods are no longer sufficient.Aug 21, 2022Notion: The Best Free App for Public Relations ProfessionalsNotion is a project management and note-taking application that improves efficiency and productivity and is an ideal solution for public relations professionals.Jul 23, 2022How to Push the Boundaries of Communications Without Breaking the LawAs a communication professional, it is important to prioritize ethical behavior, be truthful and transparent, and engage in clear communication.Jun 26, 2022Writing for Interactive Media: Lessons LearnedWriting for interactive media requires connecting with your audience, grabbing their attention, and constantly improving as a writer.May 29, 2022Public Relations in a Digital WorldA well-written press release can make all the difference in how an organization is perceived by journalists, media outlets, investors, and different audiences.May 15, 2022One Too Many: Veteran Suicide Prevention PSAA public service announcement script and storyboard for a veteran suicide prevention campaign, reminding us that every veteran lost to suicide is one too many.Apr 21, 2022LinkedIn – Professional NetworkA walkthrough of my LinkedIn professional profile, including my main profile, interests, and complete profile views.Apr 18, 2022Inspiration: Never Give UpAn inspirational reflection on the personal expectation to never give up, because nothing is promised and nothing is given.Apr 18, 2022Intention StatementA statement of intention outlining leadership philosophies focused on serving service members and their families through engagement, innovation, and continuous improvement.Apr 10, 2022Journey TimelineA six-step Instagram story mapping the journey from Full Sail graduation to launching The Motech Group's air show marketing services.Aug 15, 2021Bitcoin is Dead: The UK's Failed Attempt at Promoting CryptocurrencyA review of the UK's advertising campaign and shift adjustments based on Cialdini's six principles of persuasion.Jun 12, 2021Portfolios: Why it Doesn't MatterShowcasing your work product is defunct, and isn't valid tool to getting your next gig.Nov 13, 2020The Emptiness InsideDeciding what type of impact your daily struggles imposes is sometimes out of your control. And that's okay. There are solutions that can help.Sep 11, 2020Briar RoseThe mind deceives, the soul prepares, and the heart survives.Aug 28, 2020Analysis: Stock ImageryStock footage is a path to laziness and creative flair––if used correctly.Jul 18, 2020Creating SSH KeysGenerate custom SSH key pairs to remotely connect – safely.Jul 7, 2020Content StrategyYou get as much as you give when pursuing your eductation. Developing the right strategy is key to developing your own success.Jul 4, 2020AI on Digital Media CreativityWill Smith might not be able to paint a masterpiece, but AI can write your articles. Here's its take on Digital Media Creativity.Jul 4, 2020I Somewhat MatterThe weight of why has me listing. It has developed intelligence that readily adapts, countering my will. I have been parried and pummeled synchronous to the beat of my heart. I am waning.Jul 4, 2020Taking Notes on TuesdayPicking your productivity tool is a personal adventure – one that's full of second-guessing and failed attempts. No worries, it's normal.Jul 4, 2020Write Right to be WrongWhen it's all been done, being original to myself might be the new trend I'm more than happy to start!Jan 27, 2020Analysis: Businesses & The Visual WebWhen it comes to social business, and businesses implementing its social media campaign, the enduser has the advantage.Jul 27, 2019Analysis: Businesses & BlogsTake the time to check out what others are doing when it comes to their blogs. You'd be surprised at the inspiration available.Sep 27, 2015Analysis: Designing Data Gathering ToolsTechnological advancements have evolved in recent years, but the medium content that composes a survey has failed to adhere to the same evolution.Jun 27, 2015Crowdfunding & What's Right For MeHere's a quick breakdown of two sites that may provide a crowdsource solution to funding my project.Jul 28, 2014Evernote & MeYour GTD tools should work for you––not the other way around.Jun 21, 2014Font Awesome Black Tie – "Who's Your Daddy?"Dave Gandy's launched a new Kickstarter for his Font Awesome expansion – Black Tie.Jun 16, 2014My GTD Is Bigger Than Yours – Wanna See?Think your GTD solution is bigger and better than mine? Let's compare.Jun 15, 2014Font Awesome Ain't Your Daddy's FontCreative tools evolve—what once felt out of reach now shapes bold, reusable design systems across web and desktop, like Font Awesome in action.Jun 27, 2013Simple Steps to Produce a Travel ShowBroadcast & digital media production expert: from full‑length documentaries, ENG, radio packages, travel shows & live multi‑camera events to podcasts & press conferences. Skilled in lighting, audio, live streaming & end‑to‑end post‑production (Premiere, Final Cut, Avid).