By JRocktastic at Citysearch March 10, 2010
Ordered some flowers for my gf based off the Teleflora pic on their website. Got the Pink Polka dot arrangement.... BUT:\t\n\t\nThey didn't have the pink vase, which was ok, or the pink and white polka dot ribbon to go around it, which really made the arrangement. I was told they didn't have the spray roses that went with it either, so they would put some regular pink roses in. They weren't the darker pink flowers I saw in the picture... not even close.\t\n\t\nAs much as my gf loved the flowers, when she brought them home I was kind of upset. The arrangement looked pretty washed out and bland. When I showed her what they were SUPPOSED to look like, she was even less impressed with what she got. Shame on me for showing her!\t\n\t\nI could have bought the flowers, vase, and ribbon at a grocery store and made the arrangement myself for well under the $40, and had them waiting for her when she got home. I appreciate the delivery service though.\t\n\t\nOn the bright side, the delivery was quick and the person I spoke with didn't seem to even know what arrangements they were advertising on their website.....\t\n\t\nI've never written a review for any business before, but I just wasn't satisfied with the arrangement. I'll not use this florist again. There are a couple others around Hinsdale I would be willing to try instead.\t\n\t\nSorry Charlie. ...read more
Ginny Richardson Public Relations (GR-PR) announces the addition of the Young Marines to its diverse roster of corporate and not-for-profit clients. GR-PR will support the organization’s brand building initiatives, programs, events and services through public relations, media relations, social media and strategic counsel. Since the Young Marines' humble beginnings in 1959 with one unit and a handful of boys, the organization has grown to over 300 units with 10,000 youth and 3,000 adult volunteers in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Germany, Japan and affiliates in a host of other countries. National headquarters are in Washington, D.C. The agency's responsibilities include coverage of the Young Marine of the Year’s trip to Guam and Iwo Jima for the annual “Reunion of Honor,” the Young Marines’ participation in Pearl Harbor memorial events and the announcement of the national Young Marine of the Year, among other initiatives. “GR-PR is a perfect fit for the Young Marines in its efforts to heighten awareness and gain new youth members and adult volunteers,” said GR-PR President Ginny Richardson. “We are committed to help this worthwhile organization achieve its communication goals through a multi-faceted PR campaign.” About the Young Marines The Young Marines is a national non-profit 501c(3) youth education and service program for boys and girls, age eight through the completion of high school. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members. The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork and self-discipline, so its members can live and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. For more information, visit: http://www.youngmarines.com. About Ginny Richardson Public Relations GR-PR is a public relations firm located in Hinsdale, IL, and specializing in media relations, social media, website design and search engine optimization for a wide variety of industries including business, healthcare, not-for-profit, the arts and entertainment. With a 34-year track record of successful results, GR-PR has been honored with dozens of top business and public relations industry awards. GR-PR’s goal is to represent a client to the media or the public in a manner that is timely, accurate, professional and in a word, irresistible. Visit http://www.gr-pr.com ...read more
By Ginny Richardson Public Relations February 08, 2013
Many – I'll wager the majority – ofhealthcare marketingstaffs are gasping for air from too much to do, too many meetings, and not enough time to imagine, create and execute. One task that frequently gets pushed to the back burner is pitching stories to the media when, in fact, such stories in newspapers, on the Internet, and on TV are not only free (talk about cost effective!) but yield the greatest credibility. Picture this. A positive story about a new procedure at your hospital or practice appears in a newspaper with an impressive circulation. The article involves an elated patient and his or her compelling story. It quotes the physician(s) and/or CEO and contains two photos, in color of course, and a graphic. It simply cannot get better than that. Media relationsis an intricate communication system that can result in a glorious story. The operative word here is "can," not "will." The media decision makers hold all – repeat all – of the power. It behooves you to research each and every decision maker. Read their stories, watch their segments, read their blogs. Find out how they prefer to receive an idea – by email, phone or some other method. Snail mail is just about as obsolete as faxing. You must learn what is newsworthy about your hospital or practice, and the ability to recognize news is a matter of sharpening your antenna and becoming more aware of, well, everything. In my opinion, some of the best stories are told from the patient's perspective. Anniversary years (1st, 50th, 100th, etc.) can be news as are staff promotions and new hires. When your CEO is a keynote speaker, it's news. When one of your docs does something remarkable, like prepare for the Ironman, it's news. A volunteer of the month can lead to a feature story about the person, especially in his or her hometown, and it's more than likely the person will be quoted saying something pretty wonderful about the hospital. Donate used equipment to third world countries. The list is endless, and all of it builds awareness and credibility. Avoid "the first," "the best," "the only," unless, of course, they are true. If you use those words, can you prove it? Before you actually contact a specific editor or writer, have something in writing – a press release, white paper, media alert – 100 percent ready to be emailed should the press person say, "That sounds interesting. Can you send me something?" These folks have incredibly tense deadlines, so get to the point right away. Many of them are a challenge to reach. If and when you do get through, don't ramble. Use a script if necessary. Television news planners are always on the hunt for good stories, but for TV consideration, the stories must be extremely topical, compelling and most of all – visual. An audience listening to a panel of experts is not very visual, but a new procedure to stop snoring is. For TV, think action – real patients, an articulate doctor, x-rays, graphics – stuff to see! Many radio stations do live interviews, and again, find out how to pitch an idea. Did you know that radio stations give a percentage of airtime to not-for-profit organizations? They accept 10, 30 and 60 second PSA (public service announcements), and frequently read them. If your organization is having a women's symposium or sponsoring a walk/run for the community, radio will respond. Make certain your organization's website is first-rate and search engine optimized (SEO). Use Google Alerts to keep your eye on what's being said or written about your hospital, specific procedures, etc. Post your releases on your website and social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, not only for media but for consumers, too. Pitch relevant topicsto bloggers and offer lists or tips on prevention. Check out Technorati, a search engine for blogs and writers. The use of the Internet and social networks grows daily. Keep up. Following a story's appearance, it's a nice gesture to write a brief thank you note to the writer, producer, etc. I am convinced such words are truly appreciated by media people. It's just a nice thing to do. ...read more
By Ginny Richardson Public Relations October 28, 2009
Various laws on job advertising have been established to ensure that all people in a society have equal access to jobs. Employers must abide by specific laws during the hiring process. For example, announcing in an employment ad that only certain age groups, cultures or races may apply is deemed illegal. ...read more
Google AdSense is a way for frequent bloggers to make some extra money. Bloggers are able to select and display ads which fit the topic of their blog, and, when followers of the blog click on the displayed ads, the blogger gains a small profit. Installing Google AdSense into a blog can be done easily ... ...read more