Blogging

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,650732-1,00.html

I did not realize how important blogs had become until I started reading articles about them. I may still be a bit old fashioned. I didn’t have an email address until I was 19, I never made a MySpace account and I was the last of my friends to create a Facebook. My first blog was created last year, and that was because it was a requirement for my class. Taking a class on social media has really helped me realize how out of date I am.

It is hard for me to understand how influential blogs have become because I don’t really follow anyone’s. But apparently bloggers have become a valued and trusted source of news and other information. They have become the Rottweiler of current media watchdogs. It is a little scary to think that an average ordinary person can have the power that they do through their online presence.

The reason why blogs are so effective is because they are free. People see them while they are going about their everyday lives. Blogs are a way that people can find others with similar interests that relate to their problems. It’s an interesting phenomenon that people will take time out of their days to read about a stranger. I obviously need to start reading blogs to fully understand the potential that they have.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/fashion/07blogs.html

This article was also very interesting; it followed the story of a mommy blogger who had developed a large following, then because of one post lost her entire following. I can’t imagine how many incredible journalists or writers there are out there. It is nice that everyone has a chance to be heard. Blogs make it easy to get started; the trouble is developing a following. They say that the people that do have a large audience do so out of sheer luck. It is just nice to know that dreams can still be reached for all those people who want to reach out through their writing.

Social Media: The Big 7

http://thenextweb.com/socialmedia/2011/05/14/the-7-social-media-marketing-essentials-for-brands/

As I was researching articles on the “Big 7” of social media, I came across an interesting article about 7 practical uses for social media for businesses. As I have worked with various businesses to assist in advertising, the one thing they never say no to is, social media support. Every business owner knows that social media is important, it affects the way that their business is viewed by others. However, not many know how to utilize social media. I am excited for this class so that I might have a few more answers for them by the time this class is over.

One of the ways stated in this article that social media could be beneficial to a company was through internal communications. They listed a few websites apart from the Big 7, but also talked about how companies could use Facebook groups to help organize and keep employees in the know about things happening in the work place. The article also spoke of utilizing sites such as YouTube so help promote branded content.

Customer service can become outstanding through social media. Companies can use it to receive instant feedback about products and services. This can go good or bad for a company. The article talked about how the world is becoming more transparent through social media. If a company is lying or hiding something, it is easy for the world to catch wind of it through a simple Facebook or Twitter update.

People seem to be concerned that Facebook membership is slowing, they are taking it as a sign that the world is moving on to the next great thing. However, I feel that as people are becoming more competent with computers, there is only room for more growth. The article compared Facebook to MySpace. ” Many think Facebook will have a similar fall from grace one day and that we will move on to the next big thing but to think like that would be foolish. You need to think of Facebook not as a website but as a platform which will become as important as the internet or Google itself. Facebook is starting to force it’s way on to websites, it’s being built in to the core of mobile phones and soon you’ll be buying stuff through there and it will influence search results. Facebook is not going away any time soon.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/opinion/sunday/if-im-on-facebook-it-must-be-over.html?_r=1&ref=socialnetworking

This article was not related at all to the other one. I just thought it was interesting to see that even the people who were originally against Facebook and finally making a profile. Facebook and social media are becoming a way of life. Those who do not get on board will be left behind.

Final Proposal

Jim Laub
875 North 1000 West
Logan, Utah 84321
Phone: 435 752 6405
Fax: 435 752 9111

Dear Mr. Laub,

My name is Jackson Cozzens. I represent BlueCache.com, a revolutionary way to advertise and build better relationships with employees and customers. We wish to extend you the opportunity to implement BlueCache in your company. It will enhance the working environment you provide, and also cement your company as a valuable contributor to the community. We offer BlueCache cards to companies at a discounted rate. For example, when bought in bulk, 1,000 cards or more, we discount the cards to 10 each (regularly valued $35). With each membership comes access to hundreds of deals throughout the community and a personalized home page on our website where members select businesses they would like to receive deals from through text and email.

Cache Valley Electric has been a major part of Cache Valley for nearly 100 years. In our efforts to reach out and improve the community through a wide-spread notification system, our first thoughts were of your company. We know that CVE employs and extensive number of Cache Valley residents and that it is a company founded on family values, such as your “Tradition of Excellence.” You have a lot to offer the community through your special projects and furthering technology advances.

Even in successful companies, managing employee morale can be challenging at times, especially when you want to let your employees know that they work for a company who cares about them. BlueCache offers an exclusive innovation that allows employers to directly send SMS (text) messages directly to their employees. These messages can be tailored to provide motivation, encouragement, or even just a small word of gratitude.

BlueCache makes this easy. CVE would have your own profile where you can manage all the users who have decided to accept messages from you. This gives you the ability to send group messages to all of your employees, or to specific managerial groups. This system also gets them connected to the community, so they can hear from the businesses they like and begin to save money.

The BlueCache communication system has already been implemented by Utah State University. They bought 3,500 memberships, one for every student that lives in on-campus housing. They utilize BlueCache as an incentive to live in student housing. Also, they have implemented the communication system to give Resident Assistants the ability to quickly inform their students of activities or emergencies. These same communication tools would empower your company by helping to provide relevant information to your employees that they will actually read. People like to feel involved in the organizations that they participate in. BlueCache is the easiest way to make that happen.

The cost of a membership is negotiable depending on the quantity that you desire. The specific budget that we are proposing is $10,000. This would give you 1,000 memberships that you can give to employees or customers as desired. With the purchase of 1,000 memberships we can personalize cards so that your logo appears first and foremost. This makes it appear that CVE has taken the time to acquire exclusive deals at hundreds of businesses just for their employees. BlueCache will shortly be the card you see your children’s athletics teams or clubs selling as fundraiser. These memberships will help to unite the community by providing an incentive to spend money at local businesses. We plan to lower advertising costs for the businesses we work with and lower the expenses of those who spend at those businesses.

If you would like more information about the successes and possibilities of BlueCache, contact:

Jackson Cozzens
Jackson@gmail.com
888-888-8888
Thank you for considering working with BlueCache in the future. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

HEAVY WEIGHT

Proposal Letter DRAFT

Jim Laub
875 North 1000 West
Logan, Utah 84321
Phone: 435 752 6405
Fax: 435 752 9111

Dear Mr. Laub,

My name is Jackson Cozzens, head public relations officer for BlueCache.com, a revolutionary way to advertise and build better relationships with employees and customers. We wish to extend you the opportunity to implement communication tools in your company that will enhance the working environment you provide, as well as, cement your company as a valuable contributor to the community. We believe it would be in your best interest to purchase a minimum of 1,000 BlueCache memberships at $10 each (regularly valued $35). With each membership comes access to hundreds of deals throughout the community and a personalized home page on our website where members select businesses they would like to receive deals from through text and email.

Cache Valley Electric has been a major part of Cache Valley for nearly 100 years. In our efforts to reach out and improve the community through a wide-spread notification system, our first thoughts were of your company. We know that CVE employs and extensive number of Cache Valley residents and that it is a company founded on family values, such as your “Tradition of Excellence.” You have a lot to offer the community through your special projects and furthering technology advances.

Having so many employees may be difficult at times. Especially when you want to let your employees know that they work for a company who cares about them. How great do you think those people would feel if they received a text message from the president of the company with words of motivation?
BlueCache makes this easy. CVE would have their own page where you can manage everyone who has decided to hear from you. This gives you the ability to send group messages to all of your employees, or to specific managerial groups. This system also gets them connected to the community, so they can hear from the businesses they like and begin to save money.

The BlueCache communication system has already been implemented by Utah State University. They bought 3,500 memberships, one for every student that lives in on-campus housing. They utilize BlueCache as an incentive to live in student housing. Also, they have implemented the communication system to give Resident Assistants the ability to quickly inform their students of activities or emergencies. These same communication tools would empower your company by helping to provide relevant information to your employees that they will actually read. People like to feel involved in the organizations that they participate in. BlueCache is the easiest way to make that happen.

The cost of a membership is negotiable depending on the quantity that you desire. The specific budget that we are proposing is $10,000. This would give you 1,000 memberships that you can give to employees or customers as desired. With the purchase of 1,000 memberships we can personalize cards so that your logo appears first and foremost. This makes it appear that CVE has taken the time to acquire exclusive deals at hundreds of businesses just for their employees. BlueCache will shortly be the card you see your children’s athletics teams or clubs selling as fundraiser. These memberships will help to unite the community by providing an incentive to spend money at local businesses. We plan to lower advertising costs for the businesses we work with and lower the expenses of those who spend at those businesses.

If you would like more information about the successes and possibilities of BlueCache, contact: Jackson Cozzens
Jackson@gmail.com
888-888-8888
Thank you for considering working with BlueCache in the future. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

HEAVY WEIGHT

Memo

To: Suzanne Yergensen
From: Jackson Cozzens
Date: April 7, 2011
Regarding: Online Reputation
_____________________________________________________

Research has been conducted to verify the overall standing of your online reputation. You should be pleased to know that you are in good standing. However, there is room for improvement.

When I typed your name into Google, there was little information about you returned. The only links that provided any relevant information were from Facebook and the blogs you created for Preston Parker’s and Brenda Cooper’s classes. If I were an employer I would have been impressed to see that examples of your writing are available to be seen in a search engine. This would work out to your benefit if you feel that you are a good writer. However, if in the future your writing improves and you do not want your blog to portray you in a less positive light as a writer, it would need to be deleted.

I found that you were once a part of a group called “”Nothin Proper” Bout Your Propaganda.” You were associated with Whitli Godderige, Nicholas Larsen, Ashley Miller, Kaylee Mitchell and Jacob Norr. As long as none of these people become a terrorist, you should be ok. I found that in this group you researched topics such as, same sex marriage. What I found led me to believe you are pro same sex marriage.

Guatemala 9-1-1 was another project you appeared to be involved in. If so it would definitely reflect you in a positive light. It would be to your benefit if you could somehow show your involvement in the Facebook group. Any employer would want and employee that has been involved in humanitarian efforts.

It was not hard to find your personal information. I know that you are from East Brunswick, New Jersey. You went to East Brunswick High school. You have naturally red hair but it is dyed most of the time. I can tell you care about your physical appearance due to the places you have worked in the past (Tanning Studio, Workout World, Charlotte Russe). I know that you are public relations major, so I assume that you like writing. From the pictures on Facebook I can tell you like to go to parties and have a good time. One of your idols is Chelsea Handler.

Although from your Facebook I could tell you like to go to parties where alcohol may be involved, I couldn’t find any evidence of you actually drinking. It is up to you whether or not you allow people to see pictures of parties but keep in mind that employers are quick to judge in the application process. I would recommend not allowing any business associates to view some of your pictures so that you are constantly viewed in a professional light.

Overall I feel like your online reputation is in good standing. I would like to see more about you in the future. As a public relations representative, experience counts. If I were able to log on and see a list of things you have accomplished on the internet it would be very impressive. Utilize your time in college and try to get some of your press releases covered in a newspaper, or make sure you stay up to date with your blog and continue to post projects that you undertake there. It is the best way to let someone who is researching you, know what you are capable of.

I hope you take this information and manage your online reputation so that it may be found in excellent standing.

Final Draft: Press Release 4

ST≡PS relieve-educate-unite

March 19, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:Jackson Cozzens
jackcuz@gmail.com
801-649-7132(c/t)

The Peanut Butter and Japan Jam

LOGAN, Utah– Utah State University Students will be responding to the disasters in Japan by hosting the “Peanut Butter and Japan Jam,” April 2, 2011, from 7-11 p.m. in the George Nelson Fieldhouse at the USU campus, on the corner of 700 North and 800 East. Various clubs and campus organizations have come together for a night of fun, food, and awareness. Community members can help in the effort to raise $15,000 for the Japanese Red Cross by attending the event. All ages are welcome.

The “Peanut Butter and Japan Jam” is a carnival-style event that appeals to all ages. Kids will have the opportunity to play games, win prizes and take pictures with local celebrities such as the USU Basketball Team, USU Cheerleaders and Wild Bill. A silent auction will be held for adults, as well as live entertainment and performances by Velocity, the Polynesian Student Union, Anime Club and many others. The Japan Club will have their own area where people can learn about the disaster in Japan and find out what efforts are being made to help.

The Japan relief project has received a great deal of community support already. Businesses are donating a great deal of hard and soft goods to be auctioned off at the event on April, 2. Café Sabor has offered to donate 20 percent their profits over a few nights to the Japan relief project. On USU’s campus, fundraising has already begun. The Japan Club set up a booth in the library and raised over $1,000 in the first day.

Steps is a future nonprofit organization whose goals are to educate the community of families with children who are suffering with terminal diseases, unite the community through service projects and fundraisers and help relieve the financial burdens of treatments and transportation for those in need. However, Steps is still the beginning stages. For now we are simply a group of students who help market, advertise, and plan activities for causes such as the Japan relief project. We choose to make a difference.

For more information contact: Jackson Cozzens

Those wishing to contribute can make checks payable to ASUSU/Japan Club USU which can be accepted in the Student Involvement office, TSC room 326, or mailed to:
ASUSU/Japan Club USU
0105 Old Main
Logan, UT 84322-0105
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Final Media Pitch

Kevin Opsahl
The Herald Journal
75 West 300 North
Logan, UT, 84321
Phone: 435-752-2121
kopsahl@hjnews.com

March 10, 2011

Success Attracts Success

Dear Mr. Opsahal,

I have recently been presented with an opportunity through the Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA). It still is not a widely known organization, however, the benefits for individuals and the community have great potential. My hope is that we will soon work together to bring to light the benefits and strategies to achieving financial independence in our community. I would like to commemorate you for helping the Herald Journal be the reliable source of news that it is.

CVAIA provides to place to meet with successful investors in your own community from various backgrounds, as well as others just getting started. The goal of CVAIA is to provide information on how to lower expenses and increase passive income. Passive income can be defined as income derived from business investments in which the individual is not actively involved, such as a real estate or limited partnership.

If people learn the right mentality and approaches to investing, they can all be successful in what they desire. People should be able to spent their time doing something they love, not just a job that provides an income. Passive income largely makes this possible. There are many organizations with the stated goal of helping people understand the relationships between assets, liabilities, income, expenses. They practice the methods found in the ideologies of books including Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Wealthy Barber, The Millionaire Next Door, Atlas Shrugged, The Automatic Millionaire, and The Secret.

Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) teaches people how to increase passive income. CVAIA 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.

Meetings are held on the first and second Thursday of each month, usually at the Chamber of Commerce in Logan, Utah.

If you have questions I will be happy to answer them.

Jackson Cozzens jack@gmail.com 801-888-8888