Celebrating the Wisdom of Dads This Father’s Day

Last year, BOCA shared valuable wisdom from our mothers in honor of Mother’s Day. Now it’s time to celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday with a few treasured gems our fathers have given us over the years. We’ve collected some of our father’s quotes and advice on everything from the importance of family to backpacking tips, getting out of your comfort zone, how to discover your true character and more.

From our BOCA family to yours -- Happy Father's Day -- and a heartfelt thank you to all the fathers out there.

  

“Do what you want to do, not what other people say you should do.”

“Don’t listen to me.”

“Don’t take any wooden nickels.”

--Ben Marrone

"Try new things--as many as you can.”

“What's the worst that can happen?”

“If it doesn't work out, you can try something new.”

“Never stop exploring."

--Colette Des Georges

As a child, when people would ask me who my hero was, I would always tell them my father. Ask me again today and the answer would be the same. He taught me so much about compassion and integrity that they are traits that, to this day, I value the most.

--Joel Jamora

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." (Inspired by Oscar Wilde)

--Alivia Snyder

"Who you are when no one is looking is your true character." That's something my dad always told me that has stuck with me not only in looking at myself and who I am, but also in others and their actions. Your true character really does shine in your actions that no one else sees except God. 

--Natalie Wolfrom

  

My father, George, is a doctor and an avid backpacker, so he sent his daughters out into the adult world with four things: a toolkit, an amply supplied first aid kit (fit to do open heart surgery in the wild), and a survival pack (which included a laminated checklist of the contents, which makes re-stocking super easy) AND an understanding that we should be well-equipped in our lives to care not only for ourselves but also the people around us. My dad is someone whom many people turn to for love, support and guidance. He is the smartest man I know, yet also one of the most caring and approachable, so his wisdom and kindness are not lost on us. Rather, he actively makes the world a better place by being in it. I hope to raise my little man to do the same.

--Ashley Breinlinger

I have learned many things from my father, but if I were to choose the top four things, they would be hard work, education, honesty and the importance of family. My father always used to tell me "you are who you surround yourself with." So I take pride in stating I'm surrounded by a huge group of loving, supportive and intelligent friends and family that have helped to shape the human I am today. 

--Sammy Totah

“Choose your words carefully and think before you speak. You’ll never get the chance to take back words once they are spoken.”

--Becky Quinlan

6 Tech Events We’re Excited About This Summer

Photo  By Rob Young from United Kingdom (Moscone Center, San Francisco) Licensed under [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Summer is almost upon us at BOCA! For many, that means taking a well-deserved vacation, but we’re also excited to get out to several hot tech events. Without further ado, here’s what we have on our list for the summer:

Tech in Motion

Date: Thursday June 4th, at 6:00pm

Location: Geekdom San Francisco by Rackspace

620 Folsom St #100, San Francisco

The monthly Tech in Motion event brings many different tech professionals from various industries together. Not only do you meet different people at each event, but the venue and the theme change every month. For instance, past themes included VR, successful women in tech, tech education and more. All events are free, and you don’t have to be in a specific tech industry like engineering to attend. Check out the Meetup page for more details on this refreshingly unique tech event.

Uncharted Minds

Date: Wednesday July 8th, at 6:00pm

Location: General Assembly

225 Bush Street 5th Floor, San Francisco

Uncharted Minds is a leadership series that invites prominent tech industry professionals to discuss their strategies and successes in front of a live audience. Past themes included Bitcoin growth, a debate about the future of wearables and innovation in food startups. Like Tech in Motion, it’s a recurring event with new meetups typically scheduled on a bimonthly basis. Although it’s a paid event, you’ll learn a lot and have the opportunity to interact with tech experts.

MobileBeat

Date: July 13th and 14th 8:00 am-6:45 pm

Location: Hilton Union Square

333 O’ Farrell St, San Francisco

VentureBeat, a popular publication for tech aficionados, also provides a comprehensive tech conference lineup throughout the year. We’re most excited for MobileBeat though, which takes place in July. MobileBeat focuses not only on the growing role of the smartphone, but also how companies who don’t adapt to mobile risk being left behind. MobileBeat includes dozens of industry speakers discussing current tech trends, and with thousands of attendees it’s a great place to network.

Google I/O  and WWDC15

Date: May 28th-29th and June 8th- June 12th from 9:00 am- 5:00 pm

Location: Moscone Center West

747 Howard St, San Francisco

The tech giants Google and Apple have a profound effect on the rest of the industry. That’s why we’re excited to see what new products and announcements make headlines at Google I/O and WWDC15. Will VR continue to be a big focus for Google? Is the Apple Watch a failure? No matter the outcome these two conferences will provide us with a taste of each tech giant’s future strategy and how new technological breakthroughs will impact our lives. Even if you can’t attend, remember you can read all the breaking news stories and watch select live panels online.

Our Palo Alto 2030 The Summit

Date: Saturday, May 30th, 2015 from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

Location: Mitchell Park Community Center 3700 
Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA

San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area are already futuristic cities. However, it’s exciting to imagine what life will be like here 15 years from now. That’s the focus of Palo Alto 2030 The Summit, a free event open to the public. If you’re interested in sharing your vision for the future and how to solve current tech problems then let your voice be heard on May 30th, 2015.

This is just a small sample of the tech events we’re excited about this summer. Hopefully you can make it to at least one of these for the opportunity to learn something new and meet interesting people while you enjoy your summer.

BOCA Tips for Working From Home

Photo: by "San Francisco DSC09797". Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://bit.ly/1zK850B

Working from home means no commute and ample time for breakfast, but it can be hard to remain motivated and productive. Here are some tips to help you fight distractions and stay on task.

Keep Your Morning Routine

Sure you could sleep in, but if you want to stay focused, it’s better to keep your morning schedule. Rituals like showering, making coffee and putting on your work clothes all help jumpstart your day. A later start makes it harder to stay focused, and you’re more likely to procrastinate.

Work a Little Earlier Than Usual

If you normally begin work at 9 a.m., try starting at your usual commute time. Your workday will be less stressful and during the later hours you can focus on winding down and prepare for tomorrow.

Make Your Schedule More Specific

At work, your manager enforces your schedule, so it’s easier to stay focused. The opposite is true at home where you’re the one calling the shots. It’s easy to lose track of time, take too many breaks or focus on a single task for too long. So to stay on schedule, make your schedule more specific and map out each hour of your day, detailing specifically what you want to accomplish during that time.

Find Your Best and Worst Hours

Although many people are most productive in the morning, you may not be. That’s okay, too. If your job doesn’t require you to work directly with other people’s schedules, find your own most productive periods and make the most of them. If you’re not sure what your peak hours are, then it’s a good idea to use a weekly log and take notes about how you feel during different time periods. Always try to work when you are at your best.

Create a Habit Loop

Often just getting a project started is the hardest part. To trick yourself into working efficiently, create a habit loop. Eventually, managing tasks quickly becomes routine. The most effective pattern is to introduce a cue, a routine and a reward.

For example, you might cue yourself by brewing coffee or tea. Next, your routine is to go to your desk and start working on something. Finally, your reward is enjoying your beverage while you start your work for the day. Finding a routine that perpetuates good habits is an easy way to keep a positive momentum going throughout your day.

Create a Workday Playlist

The right music can help you stay focused and on task. For mindless tasks like creating data entry or compiling reports, pick music that keeps your energized. Podcasts and audiobooks are another option that can teach you something new while you work.

For tasks that require more focused attention, it’s best to choose something without vocals and a steady beat to keep you from getting distracted. Everyone processes music differently, so experiment and find out what works for you.

Prevent Distractions

Anything that disrupts your workflow interferes with your productivity, so it's good idea to plan ahead. Is there something in your surroundings that habitually distracts you? It might be worth investing in some noise canceling headphones or going elsewhere to work instead.

Identify the things that get you off track and actively limit them. Visiting Facebook every five minutes? Block it. Getting bothered by texts from friends? Put your phone away. You can always revisit these things during breaks, just make sure it’s a deliberate decision instead of a habit.

Change Your Scenery

Fight off the  boredom of being in the same old environment. Find places you don’t typically go in your day-to-day so you can establish a new space specifically for you to work in.

Working effectively without an office doesn’t have to be hard if you take the necessary steps to remain productive. Test our tips out and see for yourself.

How to Make the Most Out of Your Commute

Photo: By lpcmidst0128 (Flickr: ETI #7118) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons http://bit.ly/1dNKLWe

Working in San Francisco means plentiful fun distractions and the thrill of working in a thriving tech hub. However, getting in and out of the city isn’t always pleasant. Even if you live and work in the city you can face long commutes, especially at peak hours. So how do you make the most of your commute and avoid going into the office stressed out or dreading the trip back home? Depending on how you normally commute into the city, there are several options to consider.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TIPS

Take The Route Less Traveled

As Mark Twain said, “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.” This truth of this saying is definitely evident for public transportation. Most people take the most common bus route or take BART, but if you do some research online you’ll find that not all public transportation routes are created equal. A certain bus may take a bit longer, but the benefit is worth it if you don’t have to transfer and there’s always an open seat. Do some research and see if you’ve been neglecting other routes that are more convenient or comfortable.

Find the Best Time

Just like discovering a neglected route, picking the perfect time to commute can make all the difference. Review your bus schedule and experiment. For instance, if the 8 a.m. bus feels too crowded, consider taking one at 7:30 or 8:15. Test different times on your trip home too. Lastly, it never hurts to ask your boss if it is okay to shift your hours back or forward if it makes for a more efficient day.

Walk a Few Blocks to Your Main Stop

If you normally go to the bus stop closest to your home, consider walking 10-20 minutes to a bus stop closer to the beginning of the route. This way you can ensure you have a seat and don’t have to stand the whole time.

WHAT TO DO WHILE COMMUTING

Write

A long commute doesn’t have to be a bad thing. If you plan ahead, you can start your day early by using your commute time to write. A tablet is your best friend here. You can easily start drafting emails, a writing project, or a to-do list and then have it all sync up on your computer when you get to work. The lack of Wi-Fi on buses also means it’s the perfect place to brainstorm new ideas since you don’t have to worry about the distractions of the Internet.

Listen to Something Informative or Motivating

If you’d rather not write, then listen to some NPR podcasts or audio books to educate yourself while you commute. You could also re-listen to any work meeting or client presentation to refresh your mind. Having a bad day? Listen to some uplifting music, guided meditations or self-affirmation scripts. It may not feel like much at first, but after a few weeks of you’ll find yourself in a much better mood when you arrive at the office.

Read

Staying on top of pop culture and the news is important. Use your commute time to read all the big morning headlines and social media chatter before going into the office. You can also put you research skills to good use and read about topics relevant to your client.

CAR TRAVEL TIPS

Learn to Welcome Red Lights and Traffic Stops

So you hit a red light or construction zone, and traffic has screamed to a halt. There’s no need to join the crowd by getting angry and being negative. Instead, sit back, take a few deep breaths and relax. Just like at work having a few minutes to unwind can make a long commute more manageable.

Take Conference Calls

Meetings take lots of time. So, if your co-workers don’t have to be present, you can easily hook up a Bluetooth device or headset to talk while you drive. The extra time you don’t have to set aside for meetings can dramatically increase your productivity at the office.

Rideshare Services and Carpooling

If you hate public transportation and driving, consider rideshare services like Lyft or Uber or carpool groups. Uber can get expensive, but it’s worth it if you have a more enjoyable commute and use that time to work. Since you’re not the one driving, you can do everything we mentioned before while the driver takes you to work. If rideshare services are breaking your bank account, find some carpool spots. Many are very inexpensive, and some are even free.

BEFORE AND AFTER WORK TIPS

Use Nearby Places to Work

Sometimes changing your schedule is non-negotiable, so use your extra time to jumpstart the day by working at a nearby coffee shop or restaurant. Ditto for the trip back too. It’s often more productive to wait until traffic dies down and plan ahead for tomorrow.

Network

Maybe your early-bird schedule coordinates with that reporter or client CEO you just met. Use the time before work to meet for coffee and discuss goals for the future and build that working relationship. After work, there are many happy hours, meet ups and speaker panel events that begin at 5:30 or 6 p.m. Try these once or twice a week and stay for at least a half hour to meet people and expand your network.

Take a Class

Classes are also a good way to learn something new if you feel that you do enough networking already. Start small and find some area of your life you want to improve and just attend one session each week. The weekly class pays off in the long run because you're building new skills, and it's a good way to get more experience without starting a new job.

A daily commute can be a nightmare, and sometimes it’s unavoidable. However by planning ahead and changing parts of the routine that are under your control, you can make your commute more enjoyable and productive. Consider these ideas and see if you notice a difference.

Most Powerful PR Lessons from Calvin and Hobbes

We previously shared with you how a well-known secret agent’s advice can make you a stronger tech PR professional. This time, we turn to a mischievous child and his imaginary best friend for more lessons. Here you have it, nine valuable PR lessons from Calvin and Hobbes.  

You Can Turn Something Ordinary into Something Extraordinary  

Tired of seeing the same old press releases or byline content? Take a new perspective. Calvin and Hobbes continually turn an ordinary cardboard box into ingenious inventions like a time travel machine, clone duplicator and animal transformer. While you may think a press release is just another press release, it has the power to be more than that. Change your perspective and challenge yourself to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary. 

Understand What Distinguishes a Good Brand from a Great One

Calvin and Hobbes creator Bill Watterson is notorious for prohibiting licensed merchandise and ending his comic strip once it peaked. His bold moves kept Calvin and Hobbes relevant for decades, while other comic strips faded into obscurity. Always be mindful when working on product launches, contributed content and PR campaigns. Does your strategy cheapen or strengthen the image your client is trying to build?

Unpleasant Tasks Build Character

Calvin’s father constantly utters the phrase “it builds character” when he tells Calvin to do something he hates like shoveling snow or cleaning the house. There are lessons in every task no matter how much you dislike it and how mundane it may appear. Remembering this helps make reoccurring PR work like building media lists, filling out time sheets or reviewing briefing documents more enjoyable and worthwhile.   

Know the Difference Between Fantasy and Reality

Just as Calvin uses his imagination to make life more intriguing, always recognize what’s feasible and what isn’t. While you may want your client featured in the The Wall Street Journal, a more focused, mid-tier publication might be better a fit. Dream big, but stay rooted in reality so you can bring in solid wins for your customers. 

  

Know When to Walk Away from Work

Tech PR requires you to hustle. However, it’s critical for your well being that you also make time for your friends, family and personal hobbies. For instance, Calvin’s dad often works extra hours at home. However, he understands the importance of bonding with Calvin on those rare school snow days that will vanish once Calvin becomes an adult. Moments like those don’t last forever. So, if it means working later or getting an earlier start the next day to spend time with your loved ones, then make that sacrifice.

Don’t Always Follow the Crowd

Calvin often drives his teachers, classmates and parents crazy, but they recognize his potential and admire his capability to surprise them. Channel your inner Calvin in team meetings or via email and share creative ideas that may go against the norm.  

Learn to Wear Multiple Hats

Calvin can transform himself into Stupendous Man, Spaceman Spiff and Tracer Bullet at will, preventing him from becoming a one-dimensional character. In PR, your willingness to tackle multiple job roles will make you more valuable to your peers and prevent you from becoming a one-trick pony. So, like Calvin, learn to juggle multiple hats so you can please clients, build relationships with media, write stellar releases and vet speaking and awards with ease. 

Know the Consequences of Being Too Mischievous

Calvin fans know that he gets into way too much trouble. Getting grounded for locking the babysitter outside, dropping a giant snowball on his neighbor and other mischievous tasks cause him a lot of grief. While most people know better, make sure you act professionally on social media, in the office and at networking events. It’s okay to share jokes and make light of situations, but going too far like Calvin might get you into trouble.

Be There for Your PR Family

Throughout all their ups and downs Calvin and Hobbes remain best friends. Reporters, PR professionals and clients all need each other to do their jobs effectively. Even though you may not always agree with them, be sure to handle disagreements with tact. 

  

While Calvin and Hobbes has entertained fans for year, the lessons within the comic strip offer more than just entertainment. As you traverse the world of PR remember these powerful lessons from this adventurous duo. 

What Makes BOCA a Great Place to Work

BOCA has some exciting news to share (drum roll, please). SF Business Times has recognized us as a “Best Places to Work” finalist! The awards ceremony isn’t until April 14, so we don’t know how high we rank. However, we wanted to take this opportunity to share with you what makes BOCA a great company to work for.

Inventive Holiday and Work Celebrations

Everyone at BOCA works hard to meet client expectations, but we also prioritize having fun off the clock too. On Halloween, the BOCA staff showed its alter ego. For Thanksgiving, we participated in a holiday potluck at the Hamilton Building. During the Christmas holiday, we went to the historic SF Cavalier Bar and rode a cable car while eating pizza and drinking wine. Then we headed to Silver Cloud to perform an epic round of Karaoke. Finally, we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at Kells, and as a parting gift to two BOCAteers leaving for Argentina, we went to Rogue Ale House.

In addition to the main holidays, we have on-site parties with live music, free food and wine tasting. We use the Mat (a converted Laundromat that now serves as our lunchroom) to celebrate work anniversaries and welcome new employees. 

BOCA Cares About Employee Health

Employee health is paramount at BOCA. We pride ourselves on maintaining a positive environment and pet-friendly office, and balancing hard work with a healthy lifestyle. We encourage daily walks around the block, and some of our staff even take advantage of a treadmill desk. If anyone doesn’t feel well, we insist they work from home or take some off time. At BOCA, if you’re not happy we’re not happy, and we will do whatever it takes to ensure you feel welcome here.

BOCA Gives Back to The Community

BOCA loves to volunteer for good causes whenever possible. Back in 2013, we did a winter clothing drive for the homeless and this year a few BOCAteers plan to join our client Jitterbit for their annual Waves to Wine bike race. It’s an intense bike ride, but we’re excited to take on the challenge and support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

A Great Office Environment

Our chief culture officer Laura Golden has done an amazing job taking care of our office and making sure everything runs smoothly. She always ensures we have enough food, snacks and drinks available, that our Wi-Fi works, assists with client driving, prepares lunches for on-site meetings and always keeps the office looking brand new. 

BOCA Works From Anywhere

Not everyone works efficiently in a corporate environment all day. So it’s a blessing that BOCA is located in North Beach and our team can work from anywhere. Whether it’s a nearby coffee shop like Columbus Café, the library or the park, a change of scenery does wonders for our productivity.

Classroom-Style Learning

BOCA is not just an office space. Here you have the opportunity to gain new skills. Any interns we hire complete a PR 101 training program and learn the ropes of tech PR. We also routinely invite guest speakers to share their expertise in venture capitalism, conferences, financial advice, etc. Additionally, we hold the occasional office meeting to discuss morning news, share best practices for emails and more.

BOCA’s a Family

When we refer to our agency as the BOCA family, we’re not being facetious. We all have our individual job duties, but we thrive as a team and achieve work goals we couldn’t accomplish on our own. BOCAteers are always available to lend a helping hand for those who need it, whether it’s writing assignments, media relations or sharing relevant resources. We also like to give shout-outs to team members on email and in person. Lastly, for all BOCAteers’ first day of work we treat them to a morning coffee and take them out to lunch. 

Room For Growth

At BOCA, you’ll grow with the company and eventually become a stronger BOCAteer. BOCA has a unique staffing model that lets employees play to their strengths. If your talent is writing, you’re welcome to focus completely on writing. If pitching reports comes naturally to you, then focus on media relations. Working at BOCA is not just a job, it’s a career, and we’re always looking to help you reach your full potential.

Work with World-Class Tech Clients

Being near Silicon Valley means the opportunity to work with big-name tech clients alongside high-profile media publications. You’ll always learn at BOCA and often get a sneak peek at the hot tech news before it hits the media.

An Owner Who Genuinely Cares About Staff

Lastly, we’re very fortunate to have an owner who really cares about our health and career growth. Our founder, Kathleen Shanahan, personally gets to know each of our staff members and always takes into considerations how bringing in new employees will impact current employees. If bringing in a new hire blocks BOCAteers from climbing the career ladder, she’ll pass on the hire. 

We are humbled that SF Business Times selected us as a finalist, and we will continue to foster a welcoming environment for new BOCAteers and veterans alike. Keep your eyes on the SF Business Times website during the April 14 awards ceremony and cheer us on alongside the other finalists.