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Feb 21, 2012
Last weekend, my wife and I stood in the kitchen for a half hour talking about happiness – what it means, how to obtain it and where it comes from.
We also talked about Lululemon, the national chain that sells running and yoga gear.
It’s no accident that both of these topics came up in the same conversation. Earlier in the day, Lauren had been to a screening of “The Happy Movie,” a documentary that explores the cause of happiness. Filmmaker Roco Belic traveled the world in his quest, from Louisiana to Namibia, and from Brazil to Okinawa.
The film was sponsored by Lululemon, which positions itself as a repository of happiness, as much as fitness gear. In Lulu’s world, there’s a clear link between health and happiness. One begets the other.
Getting consumers to equate a singular idea – happiness – to your brand is clearly a smart, strategic move by Lulu. And they’re doing it well
This summer, Lulu will sponsor Wanderlust, “three days of yoga, music and good times,” and the Sea Wheeze, “the most fun half-marathon in the world.” Online, Lulu offers tips from a goals coach who can help you “create a life you love.” Its manifesto – cleverly presented – reminds us that “friends are more important than money” and to “dance, sing, floss and travel.”.
“The Happy Movie” is part of a larger, grassroots movement that organizers hope will lead to a national dialog about the cause, value and meaning of happiness. Community meetings, online discussions and more are in the mix – with the hope of ultimately leading to conversations like ours.It’s a terrific move by Lululemon. Score one for the branding team.Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going for a run. Afterward, maybe I’ll go buy Lauren some new yoga gear.
Jan 27, 2012
In a Twitter exchange recently with Bill Handy, a college student joyfully exclaimed, “Sometimes I feel like an idiot about math classes, that’s why I’m a public relations major!”
Yes, I know. By and large, PR professionals aren’t known for their math skills. But here is some unsolicited career advice: Stop boasting about it.
Mathematical incompetence isn’t something be proud of. I’m not suggesting you misrepresent your capabilities. What I am suggesting is that PR professionals be cautious in Tweeting about it, blogging about it and wearing it like a badge of honor. Stop pigeon-holing yourself.
Better yet, learn it. Learn the basics of economics, finance and accounting. Want more respect from the CEO? Want to provide executive-level counsel? Want to stand out from the rest of the PR pack? Want to advance your career because of your overall business expertise, and not just because you know AP style?
Broaden your base of knowledge. Take a class at a community college. Ask an accounting friend for a primer. And if you’re considering post-graduate school, think about an MBA instead of a master’s in communications.
If you want to improve your stock, your business reputation and your chances for advancement, learn the basics. Otherwise, enough with the crowing.
-Russ Florence
Blog also published in the Journal Record
Dec 5, 2011
Once upon a time in the court of public opinion, you were presumed innocent until proven guilty. The public trusted its government and authority, big business and “the establishment.”
Not anymore.
That was long before Enron. It was before Blagojevich and Penn State, before 9 percent approval ratings for Congress. It was before the age of narcissism and “gotcha” culture, and the age of transparency.
And it was before the Internet created a nation of self-proclaimed experts, with social media and talk radio providing an outlet for demonstrating it.
Good news is often met with scrutiny and skepticism. And bad news – even when the backstory is sound – is often met, instantaneously, with blame and accusations.
Want a glance at how cynical the public is? Take a look at this front-page article from Thursday’s Tulsa World, about the closing of a U.S. Postal Service processing center. (Yes, the all-American, apple pie “neither snow nor rain” postal service.) Readers pounced on it, calling it everything from “a manufactured crisis” to claims that employees are “inefficient and overpaid.”
No, it’s not fair. But it’s reality (more…)
Nov 22, 2011
Dick Pryor’s speech last week to the Institute of Interfaith Dialogue was an inspiring reminder that, in a society that seems to have lost its knack for respectful disagreement, it’s up to all of us to set a higher standard.
Pryor is deputy director of OETA, the state’s public television network. He said he and others in the media play a role.
“The media can help create an environment that treats people with respect,” he said. “Or, we can create an atmosphere that is hostile to people based on their perceived differences, including religion, and does not allow for the thoughtful exchange of ideas that our society must practice to be healthy.”
In a program that for me held several “amen”-inducing moments, Pryor’s speech was one that should be shared with anyone who has a part in shaping our society’s discussions (more…)
Nov 21, 2011
By Paula Huck, executive director of the Oklahoma Caring Foundation and community affairs manager at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma
As executive director of the Oklahoma Caring Foundation and community affairs manager at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, it’s easy for me to talk about how we, and other businesses in Oklahoma, can impact the community and contribute to the health of Oklahomans.
However, those words don’t mean anything until they are turned into actions. You must be involved, and you must be committed.
Community involvement is a surefire way to get your business recognized in the media, while community commitment will create lasting relationships with the people and organizations that read the paper and watch the news.
For Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, community commitment reaches beyond the act of being financially supportive. We want to be “hands on” – to be present, to volunteer, to show encouragement. That includes everything from executives sharing their experience in leadership roles in the community to employees providing manpower at events and helping non-profits (more…)
