Thank you for visiting this blog. If you are visiting, I assume that you are interested in taking the course which runs from May 18, 2009 to June 12, 2009.
On this site, I will give additional details on the course and keep interested people updated as the semester goes on.
If you are interested in registering, you can find the official details here:
http://courses.illinois.edu/cis/2009/summer/schedule/all/ADV/410.html?skinId=2169
Or you can email me directly at owendk@gmail.com
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
A different approach to the summer course
I have been teaching public relations since 2006 and have worked in public relations since 2003 (my personal website). And last week, I won this award. So lets say I am an "old head" at this PR thing.
However, this is the first time I have taught in the summer and I thought we should do things differently.
Summer is more fun because the time spent time in class is less (only 6 weeks) and we can be more creative with a class because the weather is nice so less grouchiness (from students and instructors).
As part of learning how to plan, implement, and execute public relations campaigns, we will be designing campaigns for 4 real clients. Not fake ones. Real ones.
After emails and conference calls, I have managed to convince 4 fascinating companies to allow us to design campaigns for their firms.
In the course, we will conduct research on the challenges they face, craft campaigns to address them, and at the end of the semester they will give us input of what they think.
I think this should be a fun way to learn about public relations in the classroom while also getting a chance to interact with people in the "real" world.
However, this is the first time I have taught in the summer and I thought we should do things differently.
Summer is more fun because the time spent time in class is less (only 6 weeks) and we can be more creative with a class because the weather is nice so less grouchiness (from students and instructors).
As part of learning how to plan, implement, and execute public relations campaigns, we will be designing campaigns for 4 real clients. Not fake ones. Real ones.
After emails and conference calls, I have managed to convince 4 fascinating companies to allow us to design campaigns for their firms.
In the course, we will conduct research on the challenges they face, craft campaigns to address them, and at the end of the semester they will give us input of what they think.
I think this should be a fun way to learn about public relations in the classroom while also getting a chance to interact with people in the "real" world.
Our First Summer Client
It is a scenario most of us dread. We just bought a new iPod, iPhone, or smartphone (e.g. blackberry, sidekick, etc). Yes, it put a huge dent in our wallet but hey, priorities are priorities. The water bill can wait. Plus hey, I can always shower at CRCE.
Lets get back to our scenario. We are playing with it and bam! it falls downs. Screen is cracked. Our electronic best friend is gone. Now it means that we actually have to talk to people on the 22 Illini, can't check the important texts, and have to walk around without our own "mood" music. A nightmarish scenario indeed.
Personally, if I don't listen to this on my daily ride to campus, I am can't get through the day.
Here is where our first client comes in. They design cases to protect our most valuable assets.
As part of the class, we will explore how to promote name=brand cases in an environment inundated with cases.
How can we convince fickle college students to choose a brand specific case instead of the no-name cases found at the dollar store and plenty other places.
This should be an interesting project because most of us have experience with cases and can bring valuable input to the project. And you might learn more about how to protect your electronic BFF.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Our Second Summer Client
Illinois students love their T-Shirts. Whether its bright orange ones worn daily to class, multicolored ones with greek letters, one-off t-shirts celebrating special events, or expensive ones from the fancy stores in the mall, the t-shirt is the mainstay on campus.
So how does a custom t-shirt supplier stand out on a large campus where the choices are numerous. Those wanting customized t-shirst have many choices. Even Google has gotten in the business of custom t-shirts (is there a business they won't enter).
Our second summer client is a leader in the world of custom t-shirts. They have designed t-shirts for the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and various other events.
This summer, our class will be investigating how they use pr to stay ahead in a very competitive market. We will design a special pr campaign and gain their input whether our ideas make sense or need fixing.
The company was formed by college entrepreneurs so hopefully they can also give us tips on how to start our own businesses in this "interesting" job market.
Our Third Summer Client
Imagine having to compete with Nike, Reebok, and Adidas to reach the market of female athletes.
This is the challenge our third client faces. They have designed a shoe that is specifically suited for the unique body structure of women athletes.
As part of our summer class, we will examine what is the best way to reach these athletes. The challenge includes how to convince coaches and athletes that the shoes;
* work
* are cost-competitive
* are stylish.
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