While 90% of BOCA's business is PR - we actually do a lot more than PR - specifically for our client Devicescape.
I just got off a call with eg3.com - a very relevant online entity within the engineering world. Devicescape will be working with eg3 to sponsor, host and participate in a Webinar. The Webinar will be great and the content will be very thought provoking.
BOCA worked side-by-side Devicescape to develop thoughtful questions about the hotspt/wi-Fi market. We will delve into Deviescape's member and customer base to uncover all sorts of interesting nuggets of information and we will then unveil the data vis a vis a Webinar. This is much more than PR. We are talking about the following:
- Developing thoughtful questions
- Tapping into survey company to uncover relevant data
- compiling data into a formal report (think Yankee Group or In-Stat); literally this is a formal report of third party data relevant to Devicescape's customers/industry.
- Develop member communications
- Develop customer communications
- Create landing pages
- Deliver a Webinar
Hence - much more than PR and a lot of work. But, at the end of it all - it is so wonderful to see a program like this executed. Especially - when it really does help sales. Marketing is not just to market - marketing (and PR) is to assist with brand credibility, lead generation and general company awareness.
Off to work on this project...
Kathleen
Friday, May 22, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Just Admit it - I like Networking
Yes...it is officially my dirty little secret. I go through moments where I hate networking...and I don't want to be that PR person all up in someone's face. But, I am not that person because that is just not my personality.
So - here it is. I had an awesome time at the DEMO event last night. And, I saw old friends and I put reporter faces to names.
The reality is - I run the company and work on the corporate/product planning with the CEOs/CMOs/VP of Products. I sit with them and figure out how best to promote - beyond PR. Email member communications to B2B customer communications to Webinars to Thought Leadership initiatives.
In step Michael Lindenberger and Ashley Wilkinson - rock stars that work with BOCA Communications. Michael is our VP of Media out of NYC and they guy knows reporters. But - one better - he thinks like a reporter. He knows how to develop and create a story. And - he is a fantastic writer.
Ashley - our newest addition - is awesome. She knows everybody and she is just super cool and so fashionable.
Me - I've been way too trapped behind the office of the CEO. I love that place - but I grew up as a media person. I used to be that gal that knew everyone. That said - I am running and company so Michael, Ashley, Jennifer and Susannah are the people that help me. But - there is nothing like shaking the hands of cool people - both reporters and just tech enthusiasts like myself.
And - I think Chris Shipley is cool. I love, love, love DEMO. Our client Devicescape launched there a few years ago and it was AWESOME. The energy is amazing. Sadly _ I don't have a client that needs to launch at that venue. But, oh I wish I did...
Kathleen (BOCA) - I love BOCA...
Thursday, May 14, 2009
How Living on a Boat Exhibits BOCA Attributes
Yes - I live on a boat. I don't share a lot about my personal life on this blog b/c it does run off of the official BOCA website. But, I started to think - there are many aspects to my life (like living on a boat) that are parallels to BOCA Communications.
18 months ago I woke up and said - I want to live a different life and I want to run a different kind of PR firm. I don't want to be one of those firms trapped in horrible old attorney like office setting that lacks character, essence, living...Even though I don't think the site exhibits this now (site will be modified soon) we are hip, young (yet seasoned) at heart, amazing, smart, savvy and fun.
Boat people are fun. Regardless of their age or economics…just good old fun smart people that like the water. Much like the BOCA peeps.
How does this relate to living on a boat? Living on a boat totally freed my mind of clutter. When I moved from my beautiful Cole Valley Edwardian 1900 square foot flat to a 34 foot boat - my life changed. I got rid of everything I didn't need. I focused on quality versus quantity. I became flexible, adaptable and I think more strategic too. These are all qualities that BOCA possesses.
While I never talk about me being the founder of BOCA - the reality is I am the founder. I talk about BOCA in third person all the time b/c I want BOCA to be a brand essence. I want every person that works for BOCA to be free in their mind and heart so they too can be creative, fun and not trapped from the “right way people are suppose to do things.” We are about thinking different. Boat people think differently – we like unconventional.
I worked at a lot of agencies that allowed clients to be rude, over bearing and hurtful to team members. Boaters don’t think that way. Boaters are team members. From the Captain to the Skipper – respect is critical. At BOCA we have respect and trust.
I don’t know why I felt to have this tangent – but I did. I love BOCA and I love the people that work for BOCA. I too – love our clients. B/c if I didn’t or a BOCA member didn't – they wouldn’t be a BOCA client.
Food for thought…Kathleen
18 months ago I woke up and said - I want to live a different life and I want to run a different kind of PR firm. I don't want to be one of those firms trapped in horrible old attorney like office setting that lacks character, essence, living...Even though I don't think the site exhibits this now (site will be modified soon) we are hip, young (yet seasoned) at heart, amazing, smart, savvy and fun.
Boat people are fun. Regardless of their age or economics…just good old fun smart people that like the water. Much like the BOCA peeps.
How does this relate to living on a boat? Living on a boat totally freed my mind of clutter. When I moved from my beautiful Cole Valley Edwardian 1900 square foot flat to a 34 foot boat - my life changed. I got rid of everything I didn't need. I focused on quality versus quantity. I became flexible, adaptable and I think more strategic too. These are all qualities that BOCA possesses.
While I never talk about me being the founder of BOCA - the reality is I am the founder. I talk about BOCA in third person all the time b/c I want BOCA to be a brand essence. I want every person that works for BOCA to be free in their mind and heart so they too can be creative, fun and not trapped from the “right way people are suppose to do things.” We are about thinking different. Boat people think differently – we like unconventional.
I worked at a lot of agencies that allowed clients to be rude, over bearing and hurtful to team members. Boaters don’t think that way. Boaters are team members. From the Captain to the Skipper – respect is critical. At BOCA we have respect and trust.
I don’t know why I felt to have this tangent – but I did. I love BOCA and I love the people that work for BOCA. I too – love our clients. B/c if I didn’t or a BOCA member didn't – they wouldn’t be a BOCA client.
Food for thought…Kathleen
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
One Week Later - My Thoughts on Monday Networking
My ongoing gripe with content – not my clients – not the industry – but me. I do love having a blog and expressing myself – but it is hard to keep in mind that I should keep it fresh regularly as I do have a day job.
So – now – one week and a day later – I am blogging.
First – my thoughts to last Monday. I hit up Frost & Sullivan’s Go Mobile. My dear friend – also in PR – had a client attending. Very nice people. The conference appeared interesting – but bland. Not to be rude – it was just another enterprise focused, analyst conference with minimal sex appeal. I did meet a few interesting companies that would be wonderful additions to the BOCA client roster – specifically Proxim…yes – I do plan to follow up with you. Literally – perfect fit with the BOCA group.
Next up – Mobile Monday. The net/net – a group of people looking to make money off of App Stores. And, yes – more than just Apple. There were apps for Android and Windows Mobile. I actually thought the applications (some of them) seemed fun. Sure – if I am out and about town I would love to know where friends are and other party goers.
Moreover, I think people can make money off their apps – if they are interesting, different and targeted. Maybe a million or pocket change - but money is money.
I took a very long sabbatical from networking. I just don’t want to be another PR person hustling for clients. But, I think that is not the way to think about it. I listened, I learned and I had fun. At the end of the day – I’ve been in tech for 15 years, I’ve made it though several recessions now and it is all about being in this together – the great, the good, the bad and the ugly.
Not sure about networking at evening events this week. I need to find out if there is anything of interest out there before I commit. Until then…I will work during the day and play with friends and family at night.
Kathleen
So – now – one week and a day later – I am blogging.
First – my thoughts to last Monday. I hit up Frost & Sullivan’s Go Mobile. My dear friend – also in PR – had a client attending. Very nice people. The conference appeared interesting – but bland. Not to be rude – it was just another enterprise focused, analyst conference with minimal sex appeal. I did meet a few interesting companies that would be wonderful additions to the BOCA client roster – specifically Proxim…yes – I do plan to follow up with you. Literally – perfect fit with the BOCA group.
Next up – Mobile Monday. The net/net – a group of people looking to make money off of App Stores. And, yes – more than just Apple. There were apps for Android and Windows Mobile. I actually thought the applications (some of them) seemed fun. Sure – if I am out and about town I would love to know where friends are and other party goers.
Moreover, I think people can make money off their apps – if they are interesting, different and targeted. Maybe a million or pocket change - but money is money.
I took a very long sabbatical from networking. I just don’t want to be another PR person hustling for clients. But, I think that is not the way to think about it. I listened, I learned and I had fun. At the end of the day – I’ve been in tech for 15 years, I’ve made it though several recessions now and it is all about being in this together – the great, the good, the bad and the ugly.
Not sure about networking at evening events this week. I need to find out if there is anything of interest out there before I commit. Until then…I will work during the day and play with friends and family at night.
Kathleen
Monday, May 4, 2009
Mobile Monday - Networking Events In General
When I first started BOCA I attended so many networking events - that I officially burned out. Well - I am going to get back in the game and start tonight with Mobile Monday. I pretty much love anything to do with mobile technology. So - I will leverage this to A) meet like minded people, B) learn as learning is always good and C) just get out there again...
So - let's see what happens but I am looking forward to it...
Kathleen S.
So - let's see what happens but I am looking forward to it...
Kathleen S.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Walt Mossberg Likes Devicescape Easy Wi-Fi
I wanted to share that Devicescape’s Easy Wi-Fi application for the iPhone made Walt Mossberg’s list of top applications for the iPhone.
Some Favorite Apps That Make iPhone Worth the Price
http://online.wsj.com/article/personal_technology.html
Several years back, we approached Mossberg about Devicescape and the technology. It was a tough meeting, but we made it through the questions and walked out exhausted. We continued to liaise with this consumer technology pundit, but we treaded lightly. We knew when to approach and when to scale back. We sent him information we knew he would only care about; rather than sending him every release, we sent extremely focused, targeted communication.
Today our soft-touch strategy (along with a great product) paid off. Now, it is time to go viral…
I am very proud of this pro-active, thoughtful PR “long-term” strategy that finally paid off. I am also proud that we helped re-define a techie, embedded Wi-Fi component into a mainstream name with critical media pundits.
Regards,
Kathleen S.
Some Favorite Apps That Make iPhone Worth the Price
http://online.wsj.com/article/personal_technology.html
Several years back, we approached Mossberg about Devicescape and the technology. It was a tough meeting, but we made it through the questions and walked out exhausted. We continued to liaise with this consumer technology pundit, but we treaded lightly. We knew when to approach and when to scale back. We sent him information we knew he would only care about; rather than sending him every release, we sent extremely focused, targeted communication.
Today our soft-touch strategy (along with a great product) paid off. Now, it is time to go viral…
I am very proud of this pro-active, thoughtful PR “long-term” strategy that finally paid off. I am also proud that we helped re-define a techie, embedded Wi-Fi component into a mainstream name with critical media pundits.
Regards,
Kathleen S.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Anatomy of a Feature Story
Sometimes it all comes together.
This morning, The San Jose Mercury News ran a page 1 story about Silicon Valley tech companies that sell their products overseas at http://www.mercurynews.com/topstories/ci_11765129. Why do I mention this? Because, naturally, one of our clients was featured!
We recently began work with Sunnyvale-based, mobile TV chip company, Telegent Systems. Telegent is literally the first (and only) company to successfully engineer a chip for the reception of free, over-the-air analog TV. Think “bunny ears” on your mobile phone. As we recently learned, there are over 20 million mobile TV phones – all used outside the U.S. – that have shipped with Telegent’s TV receiver. However, because these chips aren’t available yet in devices sold here, we’ve worked with Telegent to uncover potential stories that go beyond just the wonders of the product itself.
Interestingly, though a local paper, the San Jose Merc has devoted some of its best resources to reporting technology developments outside the U.S. that directly affect Silicon Valley. (The Merc also produces online-video documentary on this subject, which, as with its writing, competes favorably with anything produced by the national business press.)
With that in mind, we made sure to let the Merc know about some of the novel things that Telegent has done to penetrate markets outside the U.S. As the paper noted “Telegent Systems, which began shipping its power-sipping chips in April 2007, has so far supplied more than 20 million mobile phones worldwide - including 5 million in China - with its technology. CEO Yun claimed that while other companies battle over digital standards, his company is the first to provide the technological backbone for mobile analog TV, which snatches free programming off the airwaves. He first looked to Asia because that region is the world's trendsetter when it comes to cell phones.”
While it may sound obvious, one of our principal roles as PR practitioners is to help unearth both our clients’ “untold stories” as well identify the journalists for whom these narratives have the most resonance.
This morning, The San Jose Mercury News ran a page 1 story about Silicon Valley tech companies that sell their products overseas at http://www.mercurynews.com/topstories/ci_11765129. Why do I mention this? Because, naturally, one of our clients was featured!
We recently began work with Sunnyvale-based, mobile TV chip company, Telegent Systems. Telegent is literally the first (and only) company to successfully engineer a chip for the reception of free, over-the-air analog TV. Think “bunny ears” on your mobile phone. As we recently learned, there are over 20 million mobile TV phones – all used outside the U.S. – that have shipped with Telegent’s TV receiver. However, because these chips aren’t available yet in devices sold here, we’ve worked with Telegent to uncover potential stories that go beyond just the wonders of the product itself.
Interestingly, though a local paper, the San Jose Merc has devoted some of its best resources to reporting technology developments outside the U.S. that directly affect Silicon Valley. (The Merc also produces online-video documentary on this subject, which, as with its writing, competes favorably with anything produced by the national business press.)
With that in mind, we made sure to let the Merc know about some of the novel things that Telegent has done to penetrate markets outside the U.S. As the paper noted “Telegent Systems, which began shipping its power-sipping chips in April 2007, has so far supplied more than 20 million mobile phones worldwide - including 5 million in China - with its technology. CEO Yun claimed that while other companies battle over digital standards, his company is the first to provide the technological backbone for mobile analog TV, which snatches free programming off the airwaves. He first looked to Asia because that region is the world's trendsetter when it comes to cell phones.”
While it may sound obvious, one of our principal roles as PR practitioners is to help unearth both our clients’ “untold stories” as well identify the journalists for whom these narratives have the most resonance.
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