Mid way through 09 already!
Where do the months disappear? Is it just me who feels like 09 just started? This year has brought with it a lot of mixed conflicting messages and emotions. Check out this vidcast for my thoughts on the dreaded ‘R’ word.

Yours in Storming,
Monica Rosenfeld

Vid Cast Intro

Contribute to create a better world
Here at WordStorm The Big Issue is one of our favourite magazines, all the more because buying the magazine helps homeless people.The different initiatives organised by The Big Issue Australia include the fortnightly current affairs magazine, the Street Soccer Program (a national initiative using the positive power of sport to change lives), and an Education Program that challenges primary and secondary students to break down stereotypes surrounding homelessness and encourage tolerance and empathy towards all people. www.bigissue.org.au

Radio + Online – They just click!

A recent study shows that 80% of radio advertisements mentioning a website are successful in driving listeners to the site.

WordStorm’s Breakfast Series invited Peter Colosimo, Sales Manager for Mix 106.5, to present on the effectiveness of the powerful relationship…

How Personal Training Academy (PTA) uses marketing

What has been your most effective marketing activity to date?
As the majority of our education occurs online, we focus much of our energy on viral campaigns and communication. The message can be a great message, but if it’s not getting to the right people then its a wasted message. It’s in the nature of students to conduct thorough research and that takes some time. So we find that regular email communication in the form of newsletters and special offers always works well.

Do you use any marketing research tools/websites?
Aside from monitoring our competitors fairly closely we use…

Connection Generation – Iggy Pintado List Price $20.97 (www.iggypintado.com)
Easy to read and understand, Pintado provides many relatable examples to explain characteristics of each connector group. The group in which the reader sits will largely influence how insightful Connection Generation is for discovering how web 2.0, online social networks and new communication technology has created new social boundaries.

Kimberley from WordStorm spoke with Pintado about the importance of the Connection Generation relative to PR; "Businesses must consider both traditional and social media PR on any campaign to reach prospects and customers in an increasingly connected market," Pintado says. "The media mix of print, radio and TV coverage combined with blogs, podcasts and online video, PLUS the real-time sharing in online social networks like Facebook and Twitter, increases the number of message impressions exponentially."

WIN! Become a Facebook Fan of WordStorm and post a wall comment identifying which Connection Generation you belong to. The first two posts will receive a personalised signed copy of Connection Generation, kindly donated by author Iggy Pintado and compliments of WordStorm.

James Curtis
How did you get in to PR?
I decided to get in to PR as my dad and my older sister are both in the communications industry. Whilst they are both in advertising, I decided to veer off in my own direction. I followed my sisters footsteps and went to Charles Sturt University in Bathurst and got a degree in Communications majoring in Public Relations.

What do you love most about the job?
I really enjoy seeing the clients name in the media (for all the good reasons of course). It is our job to get the client…

Vid Cast - One minute with: James Curtis

Storming News

The team at WordStorm recently held its second annual Biggest Morning Tea to raise much-needed funds for cancer. Thanks to those who attended the event, a whopping $650 was raised, which will help the Cancer Council continue its research, education, prevention and patient support services to assist all those affected by cancer. Thanks to our sponsors who donated lots of delicious goodies. Please click here for photos or go to www.cancer.org.au  

Client News
WordStorm welcomes the following new clients:
Sweet William Dairy Free Chocolate – www.sweetwilliam.com.au
Gluten Free Expo – www.glutenfreeexpo.com.au
Bella Bodies Shapewear- www.bellabodiesshapewear.com.au
Koda Lighting – www.kodalighting.com.au
Slim Secrets – www.slimsecrets.com.au
no!no! – no-no.com.au
i-Refund – www.irefund.com.au
India Australia Friendship Fair - www.uia.org.au/indiafair2009.asp

What’s On
PRIA Professional Development Day
Friday July 24 (ACT)
In these times of continual change and increasing demand we need to be aware of what is happening in the world, what is happening in our profession and how we operate as employees and professionals. Everyone has to cope with the challenge of change, demands, setbacks and disappointment. Bouncing back after a setback depends on four key factors.
pria.com.au

AIMA Connect 2009: Exploring Digital Brilliance
Thursday July 2 (Syd)
AIMIA Events is delighted to bring together Australia's very best in Digital Media for a one day conference at Rydges World Square on 2 July 2009. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to hear prominent AIMIA award winners share their insights and lessons learned throughout the process of producing an award winning digital media project. The specific industry sector will be covered by a case study followed by a discussion by a selection of the best industry speakers, as voted by the attendees at our 2008 AIMIA National forums.
amia.com.au

AMI Building Winning Brands
Tuesday and Wednesday August 11 – 12 (Melb)
A brand is more than just a logo or a name. Building a strong brand requires understanding of consumer needs and developing a point of difference that is meaningful and sustainable in generating customer loyalty. This two-day workshop will help you evaluate the strengths of your organisation's brands and develop strategic frameworks to build stronger, more favourable and unique characteristics around your brand offer.
ami.org.au

What’s Hot?
Over-the-top collars (no pets please)
Winter road trips to the snowy mountains. In a JUCY van no doubt!
Spending Kevin Rudd’s stimulus package money
Ski & snowboard season
End of financial year sales
Coco Avant Chanel, Is Anybody Out There and Transformers 2
Patterned scarves
Homemade soup

What’s Not?

Unpredictable wet weather
Recession-buster dancers
Cold houses
Swine Flu
NRL
Flash floods
Tax time
Snuggies