Story Ideas: August – If There’s Something Strange in the Neighborhood …Who you Gonna Call?

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the lyrics of this entry’s title, it’s from the theme song of the popular 1980s movie flick, Ghostbusters. Although many might know the Ghostbusters song by Ray Parker by heart and link it directly to the famed movie blockbuster, the words of the song can have other correlations.

For instance, August 4th is National Night Out Day: America’s Night Out Against Crime. And, this could present an opportunity for the community to call YOU … instead of the Ghostbusters, that is.

Each year, the National Association of Town Watch organization brings citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities to fight against crime. The awareness day is designed to heighten the awareness of crime and drug prevention, generate support for anticrime programs and strengthen neighborhood spirit.

In recognition of this campaign, why not get your company involved and show your community that you care about the neighborhood where you do business?

There are a variety of campaigns that a business can launch on this day to show its customers that crime prevention is important to keeping their neighborhood together: Hand out free miniature flashlights, partner with local organizations for your own local “Night Out”, or ask the local DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program to set up shop in your office during business hours to hand out informational brochures and packets.

If you take fundamental steps to show your community that crime in your neighborhood will not be tolerated, local citizens will be singing the famed song and filling in the blank. “…Who you gonna call (Insert Business Name Here)!”

Story Ideas: July – Follow the Bouncing Ball

If you’re unfamiliar with the protocol for searching the AP Planner database, now is as good a time as ever to give it a whirl. And, the best thing about it is that there’s no right or wrong way to navigate through the application’s offerings. In fact, it’s as easy as following the bouncing ball.

Take the month of July, for example. An initial search of awareness days and anniversary dates that fall during the month shows that July 10th marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of Mel Blanc, the voice of the legendary cartoon character Bugs Bunny. Enter the sound of the iconic carrot munch and the “What’s up, Doc?” phrase into your mind, and your search will lead you to yet another doc-related campaign: a Major League Baseball initiative to raise awareness about ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The project will kick-off on July 4th – the 70th anniversary of Gehrig’s legendary Yankee Stadium farewell address – at all 15 MLB home games.

As you continue to scroll, your search will point out that July marks another “farewell” of sorts in the world of sports – July 8th, the 25th anniversary of John McEnroe beating Jimmy Connors at Wimbeldon, which would be the hot-headed tennis player’s final Wimbeldon singles title. On the flipside, you will also find that a historic “first” will be celebrated during the month when the world honors the 150th anniversary of the first chimes of Big Ben in London on the 11th. And, the Brits will again be in the spotlight on July 29th, which will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Beatles releasing their renowned album, “Abbey Road.”

Are you beginning to see how a search tool like this could help your marketing tactics “Come Together?” It’s easy, it’s fun and it could lend a much-needed edge to your promotional mix. Start here…make a few clicks….and end there. You just never know where your search will lead.

Story Ideas: July – Proud to be an American

This 4th of July, as we all settle into our barbeques and beach fests, there will be plenty of opportunities to celebrate the red, white and blue. And, as Old Glory flies proudly across the nation, one particular historic image of our flag is likely to be evoked. On July 20th, the country will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the landing of the man on the moon, and many will pause to recall where they were when this feat took place. “One small step for man, one giant step for mankind…” Isn’t it amazing how the words still stir up a swell of pride?

Back in the backyard, many food items considered typical, Americana summer fare will be honored during national awareness campaigns this month. That hog dog you dig your teeth into will be one such honoree as will ice cream, which will be highlighted on its own special day on July 19th. I mean, just in case you need a reason to dig into the Rocky Road, you can always claim it’s your patriotic duty – we certainly wouldn’t want you to let your fellow citizens down.

So, in between the booms and the bangs of the explosive displays (conducted in a safe manner, of course, in honor of National Fireworks Safety Month), take a moment to ask yourself what makes you proud of your brand. What are your stars and stripes? What’s your red, white and blue? Come to a conclusion, plug your thoughts into AP Planner, and raise your marketing flag.

Story Ideas: June – Time to Get your Head in the Game

Along with sunscreen and ice cream, there’s something about baseball that’s just synonymous with summer. Whether it’s tee-ball or a major league game, the sights, sounds, and smells always manage to mingle and create a life-is-good feel.

But in a world of touch screens and portable, digital everything, too many kids are opting to stay off of the field. So in honor of Sports America Kids Month, which is taking place this June, why not emphasize the importance of getting back in the game?

Does your company sponsor a local sports team? If so, it’s an ideal time to highlight the alliance and the benefits it provides to the youth of the community. And, if your brand is currently not associated with organized sports, it might be time to ask yourself why – linking kids with physical activity is a fail-proof promotional theme destined to increase the exposure of your brand.

So pick the local sport or recreational activity of your choice and make it a point to get your business involved. Struck out on this summer’s events? Just look ahead to the fall, and rest assured that AP Planner will be there to provide a competitive edge as you promote your partnership around awareness campaigns. You just might be surprised at all of the marketing doors that swing open when you decide to play ball.

Story Ideas: June – Time to Put your Inner Child to Work

With school out and summer here, it’s easy to feel like a kid again. So why not let your inner child rule as you get silly with your marketing plans? A good place to start is by throwing a birthday party (complete with ice cream cake, of course) for two animated guests of honor. On June 9th, invite Mickey and the gang over to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their pal Donald Duck. Then, make sure to serve up a big helping of lasagna on June 19th in honor of Garfield’s big day. And, as you serenade both caricatures with renditions of “Happy Birthday to You,” know that June 27th is the 150th anniversary of Mildred Hill, the original composer of the cake-time tune.

Wash down your cake with plenty of iced tea and you will be joining Tea USA in celebrating National Iced Tea Month. Then, after and your cartoon friends have taken swings at the piñata, try your hand at juggling in honor of World Juggling Day on June 20th. Of course, no party would be complete without goody bags, so be sure to send your guests home with plenty of confectionary treats – by doing so you will be taking part in National Candy Month and National Smile Month (as if you weren’t having enough fun already).

So what else can you take home from the festivity? How about the message that everyone loves to have fun – pr and marketing professionals such as yourself included. Spend some time perusing the AP Planner database and let the kid in you take over the keyword search. See how goofy you can get – and watch your brand prosper from all of the amusement.

Make Sure You “Get Caught” This May

When was the last time you picked something to read for leisure? Sure we may have to read materials for the advancement of our positions at work, and maybe we even take it a step further when we read the newspaper at the breakfast table or on the train to work. But, for many business professionals, who have busy schedules, finding time for leisure reading can be difficult.

What better time to enforce reading than now? May is “Get Caught Reading Month,” says the Associated Press editorial database. And, this time, it’s actually OK to “get caught,” The name of the awareness campaign is quite comical. However, the focus for the campaign is beneficial for both kids and adults alike.

This year, for the 10th anniversary of the awareness campaign, the Association of American Publishers is partnering with the National Basketball Association to encourage reading. Thousands of posters will be set up throughout the country of celebrities “caught reading.”
And, other famous celebrities are joining the bandwagon, too.

Give your customers something to talk about and have your company join the campaign by promoting reading among the children in your local neighborhood. For more information on the campaign, visit http://www.getcaughtreading.org/ and don’t forget – “Get Caught!”

Story Ideas: May – Get Your Bellies Ready!

 

The specials for next month include asparagus with sweet Vidalia onions. Or, you might be interested in choosing between a succulent barbecue dish and a good ole’ hamburger for your entree. Starters include a tossed salad and why not end your meal with the dessert of the day – fresh, hand-picked strawberries?

 

Don’t everyone jump up at once! The thought of eating these foods all together might not be so appetizing. But, surprisingly enough, they all share one common characteristic. According to the Associated Press  Planner editorial database, each food item listed above share awareness campaigns during the month of May. Next month marks National Sweet Vidalia Month, National Hamburger Month, National Asparagus Month – for those looking for a new way to “go green”, National Barbecue Month … and the list goes on.

 

Whether you are really hungry – or if the combination of these foods gave you a sour stomach – PR campaigns revolving around these topics are eye openers simply because they are unusual and fun. If linked carefully and used wisely, they can give your business a different spin. So, next time you are putting together your marketing and/or editorial calendars, try something new … throw some barbecue sauce on asparagus for your friends and family this Memorial  Day!

 

 

Pop Culture vs. History

 

If you’re one to stay with the trends in pop culture, you might already know that singers Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon are celebrating their 1^st wedding anniversary on April 30^th. The famed couple secretly wed at Carey’s Bahamas retreat after reportedly dating for less than two months. And, they are planning to have another wedding to celebrate their anniversary. Oh, those love birds. Who would have thought?

 

You might also want to know that May 1^st is the 60^th anniversary of Neptune’s moon discovery. Nereid, a moon of Neptune, was discovered by Gerard P. Kuiper in 1949. The guy had extraordinarily sharp eyesight, allowing him to see magnitude 7.5 stars with the naked eye – about four times fainter than visible to normal eyes.

 

Though both of these dates are on the opposite side of the spectrum, they both reveal information we should know about the present and the past. Thanks to AP Planner, we can find out what’s going on in pop culture today, and what held significance in history.

 

You don’t have to be a trendy teenager to stay up-to-speed with pop culture and you don’t have to be a professional astronomer to be required to know who discovered the moon, Nereid. But, as a PR professional, you should have an idea of what’s going on in current news and what historical significance could have a legitimate link with your company’s brand and mission. As the famous saying goes, “knowledge is power.”

 

Is your Brand’s Image Feeling Sleepy? Give it an Energy Boost with some Health and Wellness Appeal

There’s something about the spring season that leaves people feeling energized, ready to tackle some new goals and get themselves in shape. It should come as no surprise then that AP Planner reports that the month of May is ripe with opportunities to promote better health – mind, body and spirit intact. For example, it can’t be stressed enough that a good night’s sleep can directly – and positively – impact your overall well-being. So in honor of Better Sleep Month this May, why not try hitting the hay just a few minutes earlier than normal?

When you wake up the next day you might just be so refreshed that you’ll be motivated to bike to work. Think it’s a crazy idea? AP Planner doesn’t. Actually, it reports that on May 15th many may be riding two wheels to the office in celebration of National Bike to Work Day. In fact, your revamped commute just might catch your boss’ eye and cause him or her to take action on National Employee Health and Fitness Day on May 20th. Form a team to participate in a charity walk, hold a weight loss contest – get creative and get your office in shape!

Regardless of your approach, the message should be clear: health and wellness sells. You’d be hard pressed to find a person who doesn’t want to feel lighter, sleep better or have more energy, so wrapping your brand around a healthy message is a surefire way to strike a chord. So delve into AP Planner today and see how your company can improve its physique. From meditation to food allergies to asthma and more, the month of May has marketing opportunities for you.

Spring has Sprung, So What are You Still Doing Inside?

As the air turns warmer and the days get longer, spring presents many opportunities to lighten things up. And, considering that April is Stress Awareness Month, there may be no better time than now to unwind and let loose. Fortunately, AP Planner reports that there are plenty of occasions throughout the next few weeks to do just that. A good place to start is turning off the tube during TV-Turnoff Week, which begins on April 20th. Think you’re up to the challenge? How about your kids? Can they survive without the screen?

What’s there to do without TIVO and DVDs? Why not take the kids and venture outside? Actually, on April 4th, it is children who are encouraged to take their parents out to play for National Take Your Parents to the Playground Day. While you’re there, take a few deep breaths and appreciate your surroundings, because April 22nd is Earth Day, a worldwide awareness campaign designed to foster gratitude for our planet. And if you see any trash on the ground, make sure you help it find its way into a garbage can – April is “Keep America Beautiful Month,” a time for citizens to prevent litter, reduce waste and commit to keeping their communities clean.

So, do you get the point? April is a time to get outside – not only physically, but also figuratively in terms of thinking outside the standard PR box. Lighten things up and give your marketing message a breath of fresh air by using AP Planner to link your brand to fun anniversaries and awareness campaigns. Your customers are likely to respond, because we could all afford to ditch the oh-so-serious mood (oh, and did we mention that April is National Humor Month, too?).