My Passion for PR

Although my position with HKA is recent, it feels like all my experiences from working as a TV Producer for talk/reality shows, a broadcast reporter for local affiliates in South Texas and in marketing security services for a family owned company have culminated into my newfound role. It is amazing how the skills acquired from my colorful resume have equipped me to be an instrumental part of the HKA team, a new found family I have grown to love.

Pitching to producers and reporters in a frenzy, developing relationships with my clients and positioning them in a highly read section of a major publication or frequently watched media outlet keeps my adrenaline pumping. Gone are the days of working around the clock to produce a developing TV show, feeling like I had been forced into a sweat shop, finding it difficult to escape for even a brief bathroom visit. Although it may seem glamorous, being called to cover stories at all hours of the day and night with the expectation of looking flawless in front of the camera as a broadcast reporter in the middle of the hot, humid summer in South Texas brought me to a point where I would envy the ice cream scooper at Dairy Queen. People have often been perplexed by my rollercoaster ride in the workforce, but I can honestly say I don’t think I would’ve done it any differently if I were to rewind the clock. Even working as the Marketing Director for my father’s security consulting firm enabled me to establish a stronger relationship with him and partake in a family venture that has played an instrumental role in my development as a person, daughter and business mover and shaker. It is refreshing to finally have my thirst quenched in the PR arena, allowing me to flourish in one of the most unlikely places, and then again, maybe not.

-Robyn

PR for the Cure!

Ask anyone at our agency, and they’ll tell you that we’ve got quite a diverse roster of clients.  Some, I can say, have been exciting and fun, some very formal and business-like, and some… just a little on the kooky side. J But I think there’s one that’s been especially meaningful for me: our nonprofit client, Susan G. Komen for the Cure (the Orange County affiliate). 

 

Before we started our work with the organization, I’ve really only associated Komen with their annual big Race for the Cure to raise funds for breast cancer research.  But over the course of several months (it’s been almost a year now, actually), I’ve learned not only that breast cancer has an appalling prevalence locally, but also that there’s so much more to the organization than just a single event.

 

I think one of the coolest things I learned was about Komen OC’s outreach to the local community, especially to the diverse ethnic groups here.  The organization works with other nonprofits to be able to target underserved, underprivileged women, regardless of race and income level, and provide breast health info in a culturally sensitive matter – because breast cancer is a disease that doesn’t discriminate.

 

Also, in working with the affiliate, it’s been great to meet so many inspirational individuals – whether they’re a breast cancer survivor, dedicated volunteer, or hardworking staff member.  Honestly, learning some of their stories just makes you want to go out and make sure you do something worthwhile – volunteer work, advocating a cause you’re passionate about, or even just brightening someone’s day!

 

I guess I can only wrap this up by saying: it’s easy to be doing this work when you know it’s for such a great cause.

 

- Inez

You want me to write what?

When I heard that HKA will be launching a company blog, I was a little intimidated. I’m a big fan of reading blogs, but to be a part of one? That’s a different story.

As a Gen-Xer, I still get a raised eyebrow when I say that I’m not “blog savvy.” As a PR professional, where media outreach plays a major role in my job, I am at the frayed end of the rope for not jumping on the social media bandwagon sooner. Journalists are not only getting story ideas from blogs, they are also writing their own.

From attending seminars on this topic and speaking with bloggers, here are some top reasons why people (and businesses) blog:

· Blogging gives you a voice – I believe people are naturally drawn to hearing about personal experiences and stories (which is why reality shows and talk shows will never lose popularity). Sure, people want to learn about HKA’s services, capabilities and successes, but they also want to hear about the people behind the scenes, our news and thoughts.

· A blog builds a community – Blogging builds and feeds a community around a topic of interest. For businesses, a blog can help position the company as an expert. InsightsOUT is a way for HKA to share our community and expertise with you.

· Blogging is an effective PR strategy – Hopefully, you agree with us on the viewpoint that PR works. As media increasingly moves online, blogs are great for search engine optimization because they are rich in text and links. In short, the more you blog, the more you will be found through Google searches. Now that’s great PR!

-Heather

It’s awards season at HKA - wish us luck!

Here we are at the end of April and I find myself and several of my coworkers burning the midnight oil, literally.  Why?  Because the end of April signifies the awards season for us OC-based public relations professionals.  Today is D-day, though it should be called P-day, the day our PROTOS awards entries are due.   A PROTOS award is like an Academy Award in the PR industry, given by the Public Relations Society of America, and HKA wins them year after year.

 

Each year, as this day draws near, I experience a range of emotions.  Concern, about how I’ll find the time to compile stellar entries for the agency.  Excitement, at the prospect of winning an award for myself and our team.  Satisfaction, as I look back at my previous years’ work and feel a sense of accomplishment at the tasks I’ve completed. 

 

Even though I secretly dread this time of year as it approaches, it has allowed me, time and again, to take stock on all the incredible work done for our clients during the previous year.  Obviously we don’t know if we will win anything in the competition this time around, but I think a large part of the value of this exercise is in taking the time to reflect on our wins and losses over the past year – what we learned – and where we feel we “aced” it.  Wish us luck, I’m hoping we’ll hear, “And the PROTOS goes to: HKA!”

 

-  Emily

Launching InsightsOUT by HKA, Inc.

All of us at HKA, Inc. are excited to be launching our new blog, InsightsOUT.  We will be posting regularly — but don’t promise a regular schedule. Life at HKA is way too hectic to make rash promises. But we hope to be informative, interesting, provocative and, yes, occasionally entertaining too.

This first post is by Hilary, the person who started HKA back in the Eighties. Our PR agency is far different today, but still filled with creative people and cool ideas — and we look forward to sharing some Insights with everyone OUTside of HKA in the days, weeks and months to come. We have everyone from Gen Y to Baby Boomers  (yours truly), a great mix.

Not sure who will be reading our blog — maybe clients, colleagues, friends and strangers who will become friends. We look forward to comments and hope to get conversation going. Lots is going on in public relations.  Let’s chat. New media. Traditional Media. And we’ll give you a more personal glimpse of the people behind the HKA brand and reputation. Each one of our team members is well worth meeting, look for thoughts from all of us.

Until next time,

Hilary