Social Media: The Big Seven

In a world where the importance of an online presence is increasing, it is important to understand why and how social media have such a large impact on businesses. Just-Food discusses a recent study performed by eConsultancy which found that Twitter and other microblogging websites were the main focus for almost 70% of the companies that were surveyed; however, most companies also utilize a more straightforward method such as creating and maintaining an online profile. The same survey also measured the companies’ attitudes towards the return on investment from social media activities, with the most common result being an increase in direct traffic to the corporate websites.

Facebook and Twitter are perhaps the most popular social media websites among businesses. Over 60% of Fortune Global 100 companies had at least one Facebook page, and 77% had a Twitter account. Twitter is the most common social media website used to provide company news and updates, customer service, and to offer deals to companies. The ability to reach out to your customers, or followers, on a more personal level has the ability to bring more success to any business. The success will come once social media is being used correctly, and to its full potential.

Through social media websites, companies have the opportunity to learn more about their target audiences, which allows them to tailor their marketing strategies in a way that will make sense to their audience. Online advertising is slowly, but surely, overtaking television advertising. The ability to advertise online, even through social media, can increase a profit at any business. We are an online driven society; if we see a product that we want or need advertised online, we can go buy it online at that moment.

Now that we have seen the different numbers for companies using Facebook and Twitter, we need to understand that it is not a competition between the two social media websites. It is important for both sites to be utilized and understood.

Golden Technologies gives five reasons that we should use both Twitter and Facebook. The first reason being that there are different audiences on Facebook and Twitter; the same people do not use both websites. Younger people are on Facebook more frequently, while older people are more prominent on Twitter. When creating a social media plan, you need to define your target audience and whatever it may be, there will be a social media website to correspond.

The second reason given by Golden Technologies is that each website has different uses – Twitter is an excellent place to post links to great articles, give announcements and short updates, while Facebook lets you post photos, create events, and get into more detail. Third, you have the option to link the two accounts together to minimize the time spent online. Next, search engines like social media. “All things in online marketing eventually come back to search engine optimization.” Google and Bing watch what is going on with Twitter and Facebook, and both websites allow for tweets and pages to be indexed, which allows for more keywords to draw users into your business. Lastly, it is the next generation of marketing. Social media is free and easy to use. Even if you are still unsure about Facebook and Twitter, you might as well give it a try.

It is incredible how second-nature social media websites have become for younger people. It is important for everybody to understand how big of an impact Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, YouTube, Flickr and blogs can have on a reputation for an individual, but especially for a business as well. As long as we are aware of our online reputations, great opportunities will arise.

To read the articles: Just-Food and Golden Technologies

Final Proposal Letter

December 7, 2010

Mr. Chris Wilson

Wilson Motor Company

328 North Main St.

Logan, UT. 84321

Dear Mr. Wilson:

The Student Health Services, an on-campus health and wellness center that provides students with many different health care services, is hosting an event open to students and the public about drunk, drugged, and drowsy driving.  In our efforts to put on this event and increase awareness about these deathly issues, we would like your dealership to sponsor us $1,500.  This amount would cover expenses including demonstrations, advertising, conference room reservations, and keynote speakers.

Your company is known for its outstanding customer service and commitment to Cache Valley over the past six decades.  Helping our event to increase awareness about safe driving would promote your car dealership positively and allow you to become included in efforts on campus and with the community.  We would place your name on programs, flyers, press release, and all promotional expenditures.  Additionally we would like to offer you time, to speak about the safety features your vehicles provide. 

With your sponsorship, this event increases awareness about drunk, drugged and drowsy driving among many students and community members.  We have no doubt that this event will greatly impact your corporation’s image in the community.  Please do consider our proposal. 

Sincerely,

James Davis

Director, Student Health Services

jim.davis@usu.edu

435-797-3505

December 7, 2010

Dear Wilson Motor Company:

The Student Health Services at Utah State University is an on-campus health and wellness center that provides students with many different services including health care and support groups. The Student Health Services holds many events which students attend to learn more about how to stop smoking, raise money for breast cancer and to be educated about drunk, drugged and drowsy driving. The last event mentioned is known as 3-D week, and is being held in the month of December. We are contacting you requesting that you sponsor our 3-D week this year, by donating $1,500 to this cause.

The money that we receive will go towards promoting the event, and the demonstrations that will be at the actual event. If you choose to sponsor this event, which could have a great impact on many students’ lives, your name will be everywhere at our event. In addition to advertising at the event, we will include your name on all of the advertisements and in the press releases that we send out.  This event is an opportunity for you to freshen-up your image in the community as a company that cares about safe driving and the community members themselves. We would also like to offer you time to tell those in attendance about the safety features of your vehicles.

With your sponsorship this event will reach more students who will know the effects of drunk, drugged and drowsy driving. This event is worth the time and money, and will greatly impact the image of your corporation in the community.

We believe that you are an excellent sponsor for our event. The Student Health Services are not only going to be benefitted from your sponsorship, the community and your corporation will also be at an advantage. This charitable contribution is an excellent source for a tax write-off, and will also promote your corporation within the community. The citizens of Cache Valley see that you, Wilson Motor Company, are working to keep the roads safe and keeping their families safe, they will turn to your corporation when looking for cars. Cache Valley is a family-oriented community and will feel that your company shares the same values.

According to your website, Wilson Motor seeks to serve your “valued customers for years to come.” By promoting your business and the safety features of the cars, you will be able to keep those valued and loyal customers by keeping them safe by keeping them off of the roads when they are drunk, drugged, and drowsy, three of the most dangerous forms of impaired driving. This is what our 3-D week is trying to prevent.

Thousands of car accidents occur each year that raise the number of deaths, injuries, and costs of car insurance.  A good portion of these accidents are caused by one or more of the 3 following factors: drunk driving, drugged driving, and drowsy driving, also known as the three D’s.  In order for us to reach our objectives of informing the public about this problem, we need to raise money.  With the help of your dealership, Wilson Motor Company, we can increase our efforts to increase awareness and prevention, and minimize the results of car accidents. 

Many of the cars you sell at your dealership including Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, and Nissan have built-in protection (i.e. front and side airbags, reinforced doors, head restraints, safety belts etc.) that aid in keeping drivers safe in car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, air bags have saved the lives of 17,130 people.  As you increase customers’ awareness about car safety features such as these, you can increase your sales.  Just because your customers may not claim to drive drunk, drugged, or drowsy does not mean that they may not be affected by others on the road that do.

Our main approach to the problem of the three D’s is “Be a friend, tell that friend,”  which entails picking one or more friend that you know who participates in activities such as these, and telling them what they learned and expressing their concern. We came to the conclusion that the majority of the people attending our conference about hazardous driving are going to be ones that are currently not drinking or using drugs and then driving. 

We would also like to emphasize the drowsy driving aspect.  According to Edmunds.com the signs of drowsiness include, eyes closing for longer than a blink, head bobbing forward, or staring fixedly ahead without reacting to the environment.  Every driver has the possibility of driving while drowsy. It is a common feeling that many people as drivers do not think is so bad, and that they will be fine.  Drowsy driving kills more than 1,500 people and injures 71,000 each year, according to police reports, but many more fatigue-related crashes go unreported. Through our efforts we will be able to spread the concern to those that attend our conference and those that do not.  

With your help, the Student Health Services has the ability to host a widely successful event with your help. With 15,000 students enrolled at the Logan campus of Utah State, you have the option to have the name ‘Wilson Motor Company’ heard by thousands of people. The idea of 3-D week is to decrease the amount of drunk, drugged and drowsy driving that occurs, and to raise awareness of the effects. We want your company to be known as a credible source, and as a source for safe vehicles. This event is to be directed by Ryan Barfuss, prevention specialist at the Student Health Services. Ryan has been working with Utah State for 10 years, and has directed 60 successful events and campaigns in that time.

We are requesting $1,500 for this event. The money will be spent on demonstrations, advertising, reservation of a conference room, and the keynote speakers that will be present. We will print 55 posters that will be hung up around the USU campus and various locations in the community and 200 printed programs that will be available at the actual event. We are planning to set aside one hour for our keynote speaker, and would like to invite five policemen to come in and interact with the audience using demonstrations such as a “walk the line” test, and “beer goggles,” which will demonstrate how impaired a student actually is while under the influence.

As you can see, this event has the potential to impact the lives of the 15,000 students that are in Logan, Utah, attending Utah State University. The Student Health Services has been hosting events like this for the last 20 years. As drunk, drugged and drowsy driving numbers climb each year, we have taken it upon ourselves to fight back, and we recognize that we need your help. With $1,500 we will promote your company to remind the community why they go to Wilson Motor Company for their car needs. Again, we hope that you will see the need for this event, and will consider this proposal. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

James Davis

Director, Student Health Services

jim.davis@usu.edu
435-797-3505

Student Health Services
1200 North 850 East
Logan, UT 84322

REFERENCES

http://www.duiattorneyhome.com

http://www.nhtsa.gov

http://www.wilsonmotor.com/dealership/history.htm

Final Position Paper

Your quick service restaurant, Burger Planet, is looking to regain support from middle-aged women by recognizing the benefits of being healthy. Because of health concerns that are extending across the country, we would like your support in considering this change.

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of obesity lawsuits against fast food restaurants. You should consider revising the image of Burger Planet by adding a more health conscious menu to help regain support from your female consumers.

To better target these women, we would like to suggest adding healthier menu options to Burger Planet's traditional menu. These items would include white meat chicken breasts, fruit packets with five different types of sliced fruit, which are both excellent options. Along with these low-calorie options, customers will have teh ability to request all Burger Planet food products without the bun, making them low-carb options, which is great for diets such as the South Beach or Atkins diets. Mothers who take their children out to eat want healthier options for their children and for themselves.

Another option we would like to suggest is teaming up Corny the Clown with fitness specialist Jayne Petersen to promote these healthy foods. Women look to Petersen for inspiration in exercise, eating right and living a healthier lifestyle.

In 2009, 33 states had a prevalence of obesity that was equal to or greater than 25%. The movie "Super Size Me" and obesity lawsuits attacked McDonald's claiming their food made consumers obese. To counter these claims, McDonald's changed their name to include healthier food options and alternatives. Studies show that "McDonald's poseted its fastest sales increase in 17 years, a remarkable turnaround credited to its new line of salads and other "healthy" options" (Gumbel).

Subway restaurants hired spokesman Jared Fogle, an overweight flight attendant who lost 245 pounds due to his consumption of Subway sandwiches for both lunch and dinner. After Subway launched their healthy food campaign with Fogle, sales went up by 33%, one of the most successful campaigns in the fast food industry (Chancey).

As you can see, by introducing healthier food options, we can increase sales and gain support from our female target audience. The suggested revisions to your company's image are necessary in keeping up with the company's competitors. Please consider these options, as they will have a dramatic impact on the future of your quick service restaurant, Burger Planet.

REFERENCES

Chancey, Blair. “Subway’s Savior.” QSR Magazine. 07 Aug. 2008. Web. 17 Nov. 2010. http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/features/119/subway-1.phtml.

Gumbel, Andrew. “McDonald’s celebrates its salad days as sales of health meals rocket.” Independent. 23 July 2004. Web: 4 Nov 2010. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/mcdonalds-celebrates-its-salad-days-as-sales-of-healthy-meals-rocket-554179.html.

Final Press Release 4: Student Health Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 9, 2010

Ryan Barfuss

Student Health Services

1200 North 850 East

Logan, UT 84322

435-797-1660

UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER IS GEARING UP FOR FLU SEASON

LOGAN, Utah – Student Health Services, also known as the Student Health and Wellness Center is gearing up for the cold and flu season offering flu shots for $20 each. When students receive the flu shot, they are only required to pay for the shot itself – not for the doctor visit. Ryan Barfuss, Prevention Specialist at the student health center said that it is “Most important that students get the shot, no matter where they get it.”

Along with flu shots, the health center offers many other services such as laboratory tests, x-rays, and physical therapy. The staff is made up of two board certified physicians, two nurse practitioners, pharmacists, a laboratory technologist and many more. The pharmacy at the student health center is able to fill prescriptions that were either written at the health center or prescriptions that have been transferred to the pharmacy.

Only the laboratory tests, x-rays and the pharmacy have fees associated with them, if you just visit the doctor there is no fee. To visit the health center an appointment is preferred. Appointments are   usually scheduled for the day after you call in.

Registered Utah State students are eligible to receive service from the Student Health Services because of the student health fee that is paid when registering for classes. Spouses and dependents pay a similar, but slightly higher fee to access the health center for the semester. Students are not required to have health insurance to visit the health center.

Student Health Services offers many other programs, including alcohol and other substance use screenings and education, free smoking cessation programs and assistance from a dietitian. The Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information (SAAVI) office is also located at the wellness center.

Student Health Services aims to provide basic medical care with outpatient, primary care, pharmacy, laboratory and health education services to Utah State students at a convenient location. The health center is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located directly north of Romney Stadium. For more information regarding the services offered visit www.usu.edu/health, or call 435-757-1660 to schedule an appointment.

Media Contact:

Katie Landgren

801-555-4422

katielandgren@gmail.com          

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Draft Advertisement

Final Media Pitch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 2, 2010

The Herald Journal

Lance Frazier

75 West 300 North
Logan, UT, 84321

435-752-2121

lfrazier@hjnews.com

LOCAL ORGANIZATION PROMOTES FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

Cache Valley Area Investors Association teaches the community how to generate income without having to go to work.

Dear Lance,

I am writing to you about the Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) to inform you, and your readers, about the club and how they can benefit from attending the free meetings. CVAIA is an organization that seeks to improve the lives of Cache Valley residents by teaching them how to generate a passive income, or how to make money without having to work

The local organization, Cache Valley Area Investors Association, teaches financial independence through education, specifically through understanding passive income. CVAIA wants to teach you how to get your expenses down and passive income up. Passive income is earned when you are not doing anything to earn it, you put something in motion, and you did what it took ahead of time. “You can earn income while you sleep, while you’re on vacation, you don’t have to show up for work and you can still receive passive income,” said Preston Parker, President of CVAIA.  

CVAIA meets at 7:00 p.m. every first Thursday of the month at the Chamber of Commerce in Logan, Utah, and on the third Thursday at a local restaurant. There is no membership fee to join. For additional information about the upcoming meetings go to www.cvaia.com, or visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cvaia.

Cache Valley Area Investors Association teaches people how to increase passive income, embraces the Law of Attraction, Law of Abundance and Law of Exchange. CVAIA began in August 2007 and now has members from many geographical locations and from all walks of life. The members come together with the same belief: that education mitigates the risks of investing.

For additional information regarding CVAIA or to set up an interview, please contact Katie Landgren.

Katie Landgren, PR Specialist

801-555-4422

katielandgren@gmail.com

Draft Press Release 4: USU Student Health Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 20, 2010

Ryan Barfuss

USU Health Center

1200 North 850 East

 Logan, UT 84322

435-797-1660

UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER IS GEARING UP FOR FLU SEASON

LOGAN, Utah – The student health center that is located directly north of Romney Stadium is gearing up for the coming flu season. The Student Health Service offers flu shots for $25 each; students are only required to pay for the shot, and not for a doctor’s visit.

Ryan Barfuss, Prevention Specialist at the Student Health Center, said that it is “Most important that students get the shot, no matter where they get it.” Registered Utah State students, spouses and dependents are all eligible to receive service at the health center. Students are not required to have health insurance because of the student health fee that is paid when registering for classes.

There are many different services offered at the Student Health Center. The staff is made up of physicians, nurses, pharmacists and a laboratory technologist. The center has the ability to do laboratory tests, take x-rays, and they have physical therapists that have been contracted from the Logan Regional Hospital. There is a pharmacy at the Student Health Center that can fill prescriptions that were either written at the health center, or prescriptions that have been transferred to the Health Center Pharmacy.

To visit the health center, it is best if an appointment is made, however, an appointment is not necessary. Most of the appointments that are made at the health center are for the same day that you call in. The laboratory tests, x-rays, and physical therapy visits have fees associated with them, but they will receive payment from students’ insurance – if applicable – Visa, MasterCard and the Aggie Express account on the USU student ID cards.

The Student Health Center aims to provide basic medical care with outpatient, primary care, pharmacy, laboratory and health education services to Utah State students at a convenient location. The Student Health Center is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information regarding the services offered visit www.usu.edu/health, or call 435-757-1660 to schedule an appointment.

[Boilerplate coming soon]

Media Contact:

Katie Landgren

801-555-4422

katielandgren@gmail.com          

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