MpactPR

The “10000- Hour Rule”

Jacqueline — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:25:34 +0000

I’m a HUGE fan of the “10,000-Hour Rule” referenced in Malcolm Gladwell’s book, “Outliers,” and in the past few weeks, I’ve come across some great examples. The rule asserts that it takes 10,000 hours of practice or 10 years to become an expert at a craft. In the clip below, Gladwell explains the rule:

The exciting news about this rule is that you don’t have to be old to attain expert status! For example, 29-year old fashion designer Jason Wu has already solidified his expert status, and is just getting started!

He sketched dresses in the windows of a bridal shop in Taipei when he was just 5.

Please read this article, “Jason Wu, Fashioning a Brand,” that appeared in Delta Sky Magazine.

The other two examples from this month were: Kevin Clash–The Man Behind Elmo, and ‘Outlier’ in-the-making–Caine Monroy.

Are you an ‘Outlier’ in your industry? What would you gladly spend 10,000 doing and love every minute?

Client Chronicles—Dana Smith, Spiritual Essence Yoga

Jacqueline — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:18:55 +0000

I’ve been working with Dana Smith of Spiritual Essence Yoga for the past few years, and love the diversity reflected in her client base. The zen I experience as a result is an added bonus . Earlier this year, she was named to Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund’s ‘Forty Under 40 List,” and was the only honoree in the wellness category.

She recently recorded this podcast with three male students who discussed their journey discovering yoga and unexpected love of the practice. Please take a listen:

“Do REAL Men Do Yoga?

What have you been resistant to trying that you ended up loving?

Using Music to Inspire Creativity and Stay Focused

Jacqueline — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:18:09 +0000

When I first made the full-time transition as a small business owner, it was a bit strange managing my daily schedule. Despite mapping out my tasks for the week, I still found myself feeling unfocused. Additionally, I felt like I spent the bulk of my time on client work, that little time was left to work on Mpact.

That’s when Dana Smith of Spiritual Essence Yoga recommended that since I am a person who LOVES music, I could incorporate it into my work by assigning certain types of music or songs to specific tasks—-the one condition being that the music created a positive feeling and association to the task. Not only has this proved effective creating structure in my schedule, but it also gets my creative juices flowing!

Below, I have included some of my ‘hot’ tracks:

If I’m kicking off a new project—Classical music

If I’m writing proposals/PR or marketing plans—90s R&B

Specific Songs: Tamia—“Officially Missing You” Live

Alicia Keys “No One”
Kings of Leon “Use Somebody”
Craig David and Lynnsha “Walking Away”

Jay Z and Alicia Keys “Empire State of Mind”

If I’m working on a project with international focus—BBC Radio 1xtra
Specific Songs: Somi—“Changing Inspiration”
CD—Playing for Change
CD—Bob Marley

Mpact’s Song for 2012—Rihanna “Found Love ”
*Despite the lyrics, the upbeat, techno rhythm gets my blood pumping and you know the office is open when you hear this!

Do you have specific music that keeps you on task? Or, do you prefer working in silence?

Creating Publicity Opportunities Through Current Events in the News

Jacqueline — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:17:23 +0000

To the outside observer, media placements may seem like they develop out of thin air, but behind the scenes, a strategic plan is at work. Many would agree that it’s better to be proactive vs. reactive, but when a current event makes national headlines or a celebrity ruffles up some feathers, you can create a media opportunity by positioning yourself as an expert responding to the issue.

A recent example was when the video of Alicia Silverstone feeding her son partially chewed food like a bird went viral on Youtube.

The next morning, as I was flipping through TV channels, a local pediatrician was interviewed about proper feeding practices for infants and responded to Alicia Silverstone’s actions.

Staying abreast on the news, even when it seems ridiculous, can present opportunities to raise awareness about your cause or expertise when you position yourself correctly.

Client Chronicles–Bread for the World

Jacqueline — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:16:22 +0000

Multi-Media Storytelling about Ending Hunger and Poverty

Let’s face it, it can be difficult to talk about issues such as hunger and poverty. Even pundits have asserted that poverty is one election year issue that no party wants to address. However, numbers don’t lie, and many of us know people experiencing poverty and/or facing effects of the recession. I am always captivated by Bread for the World’s multi-media storytelling which educates, puts a human face on poverty and inspires the viewer to care about protecting programs that serve poor and hungry people.

Here’s one of their videos:

Please share your thoughts!

Working Across Cultures–From the U.S. to the U.K.

Jacqueline — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:15:32 +0000

Project Manager Shares How Utilizing LinkedIn Opened Doors

If you have ever been interested in living and working abroad, but don’t know where to start, you’ll want to check out this podcast with Jonah Batambuze. He shares the challenges and successes he’s faced working in a new culture, and offers tips on making the transition. And, after residing in England for four years, he picked up a slight accent, too!

Please share your thoughts. Have you experienced success with LinkedIn?

Is Radio Dead?

Jacqueline — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:11:10 +0000

The question of whether radio is dead or dying has sparked a long-standing debate, so to kick off Mpact’s podcast series, I interviewed my parents who retired to Uganda, to get their take.

All I know is that every time we catch up, they know the latest breaking news in the U.S. and news around the world without skipping a beat…thanks to radio.

According to Arbitron Inc.’s RADAR March 2012 ratings, network radio reaches over 185 million persons 12 and older on a weekly basis.

Please take a listen.

How often do you listen to the radio? Online at work? Only in the car? Not at all?

Interested in working on an LGBTQ campaign, but don’t know where to start?

Jacqueline — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:35:29 +0000

Podcast with LGBTQ-Communications PRo Simon Aronoff

“Never underestimate the impact an individual can have on your life.”

I first met Simon Aronoff in 2005 while working at Fenton Communications, and he was assigned to be my mentor. He had moved from Fenton’s San Francisco office to the Washington, D.C. office, and is an advocate for LGBTQ rights. We were matched up due to our laid back demeanor, but our inner fire to fight like hell against intolerance and injustice laid the foundation for our professional relationship and lasting friendship. To kick off Mpact’s “Mentor Musings” podcast series, I interviewed Simon about the challenges and opportunities working on LGBTQ campaigns, examples of effective LGBTQ campaigns and the importance of knowing the history of oppressed groups to better tell their story.

Please take a listen and share your feedback!

Is there a cool LGBTQ campaign we should check out?

Here’s a link to the “It Gets Better” campaign, which was referenced in the podcast.

Last spring, Mpact had the opportunity to work with Marry Me in DC on publicity around their LGBTQ wedding expo in Washington, D.C. In this brief clip, co-founder Deborah Thomas-Cummings share the inspiration behind Marry Me In DC with Dr. Michael Eric Dyson.

How has a mentor impacted your life?