The selection of FMPR Scholars is based upon Kaua’i residents and students who:

• Are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees, preferably in communications or public relations.
• Are interested in owning or working for a small business and/or home-based business.
• Are engaged in entrepreneurial activities.
• Have the intention to come home to and pursue their livelihoods on Kaua’i after undergraduate or graduate school.
• Are engaged in community service and wish to advance the Kaua’i community after college.
• Have proven intellectual and academic achievements.
• Show integrity of character and an interest in helping others.
• Have the ability to lead and the motivation to use their talents to the fullest.

Click here for an application as well as detailed instructions.  Completed applications are due by April 30, 2010, and the FMPR Scholar for 2010 will be announced on June 1, 2010.

We are looking forward to learning about applicants’ aspirations and plans for the future; about how they plan to make an effective contribution to the world around them, and to Kaua’i in particular; and how they will blend their intellectual talents and concern for others to play an influential role in the betterment of society, wherever their careers might take them.

When we award our Fujita & Miura Public Relations Scholarship it will be our honor and privilege to wish that student well as they head off to college, and to demonstrate our great optimism for the future of our youth and our island.

The Future of Geo-tagged Marketing, Now

Foursquare, Baby, Foursquare

Here are our picks:

1. Understanding Public Relations
2. Public Relations vs. Advertising
3. How to Write a Press Release
4. How to Write a Fact Sheet
5. Connect with Your Publics

With over 8.5 billion web pages on the internet and growing by 250,000 new pages per day, you may be wondering how your website will be found by potential customers in this sea of information. No matter how you plan to publicize or market your website offline, it is likely that you will need to rely on search engine traffic to help drive targeted customers to your web site. Search engine optimization (SEO) is necessary to ensure that your site can be found.

Search Engine Optimization is the process of making your website as visible as it can be to the search engines and ultimately to your customers. A website created without SEO is like opening a new business but not telling anyone about it – and just hoping customers will eventually find it.

Businesses launched in this manner often fail and so will a website that doesn’t employ at least some basic SEO strategies. SEO is a combination of strategies (a few of them are listed below) that when implemented together enable a website to rank well for its targeted keywords in the search engines.

1. Define your target audience. Take the time to think like your customer.  What does your customer want? What are they afraid of? What is important to them? What challenges or issues have they encountered before when purchasing this type of product/service? When you write the copy for your web site be sure to show your understanding of what your client wants and needs and show how your product/service can be the answer to their search.
2. Do keyword research. Anticipate and brainstorm the keywords your customer will be using when searching for your products/services. Use a keyword tool like Google AdWords Keyword Tool to identify other related terms you may have not considered and collect real usage data on your keyword phrases. The keywords and phrases that you identify should be relevant to the products/services you provide. Once you’ve determined a comprehensive list of possible keywords and have arranged them by most searched to least, then you can use this information to optimize your website.
3. Write unique title & description tags for every page of your site. Every page of your site is different so every page of your site should have a unique and descriptive title and description tag, found in the Head section of the HTML code of every page of your website. Title and description tags are also great places to selectively incorporate your targeted keyword phrases. Search engines use website title and description tags to feature your website link in the search engine results pages (SERPs). Make sure your title and description tags accurately convey what is found on the page and are compelling to your potential customers.
4. It’s not all about you. When writing your website copy, speak to what your customers need and want by using customer-focused keyword-rich copy.  Find ways to create memorable and unique copy that makes an emotional connection with your potential customers. And don’t forget to incorporate your targeted keywords naturally into your copy and headlines.
5. Build links to your website. Inbound links to your website are considered by the search engines to be “votes” for your website. If you feature well-written, valuable content on your website finding link partners will be easy. Always choose quality links from directories and relevant partner/ally websites and stay away from link farms and linking schemes, which can do more harm than help.

For more information on search engine optimization, contact Michelle Harrington at (808) 823-8051 or visit www.EmagineWebMarketing.com.

1. Email Signature – Create an email signature that is included in all of your email messages. Your email signature should include your name, title, and all of your contact information. And when we say all, we mean all the ways to contact your business, including any social media (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, etc.) avenues your business uses to communicate with customers. Make sure all that your email addresses and all web addresses in your signature are hyperlinked, so that anyone can click on the link and be automatically directed to that site.
2. Contact Info on Every Website Page – Sure, every business website has a Contact Us page. But,  from any other page on your site, that adds one more click your customer has to take to find this information. We recommend placing your contact information (again, email and web addresses in hyperlink) on every page of your website. It doesn’t have to be big and take up a lot of space. Small font on the bottom of the page is fine. You just want to be sure that once an individual is convinced to do business with you, they don’t have to look much further to contact you. Bonus: As an added benefit, multiple listings of keywords such as your city name or state name on your website can help with your search engine optimization (SEO).
3. Map it! -  In the Contact Us section of your website, have a link to any online map service so that customers can click on it to see where you are located, add in their own location to map out driving directions, and then print it up to use on the road.
4. Business Hours – Business hours are often overlooked as critical information for consumers to know. Business hours should also be on every page of your website, prominently listed on your social media sites and profiles, and on any other place that your contact information appears. Bonus: Posting your hours on your daily timeline on social media sites from time to time is an excellent reminder for current customers and info for potential customers.
5. All Printed Materials – Sure, we all know to include contact information on brochures and similarly marketing materials, but what about printed materials that don’t normally leave your location, such as menus for restaurants or in-store signage (in dressing rooms, at the cash register, etc.) for retail companies.  Business hours and website addresses are great for these pieces.
6. Voicemail – Voicemail is another great place to leave your contact information, especially your business hours, email address, and website address. Listing other ways for people to contact you will help reduce the messages and inquiries left on your voicemail for you to return.
7. More on Hyperlinking – We’ve talked several times about hyperlinking above, and we can’t stress enough how powerful a tool this is. Whenever possible hyperlink. In email messages, electronic documents, estimates, websites, blogs, social media, and more. Hyperlinking also enhances SEO.

Implement these tips and whoever is looking for you will surely find you. This is the first step to making your next sale.

The book describes how Southwest’s philosophy of caring for its employees, customers, and communities boosted the company to resounding success.  In 1996 when the book was written, Southwest Airlines was ranked among the highest in their industry for service, safety, on-time performance, and low turnover.  Today, Southwest Airlines continues to receive numerous awards and accolades for being one of the top air carriers in the U.S.

Fostering a sense of caring is a public relations must, no matter who you are, what public relations profession you’re in, or who your publics are.  While our capacity for caring is often tested, making genuine caring the foundation for your plans and actions will produce outstanding, long-term results for you and your business.  For example, if you’re a business owner with a passion for animals, donate a portion of your proceeds to or do pro bono work for organizations that serve animals.  If you’re a manager, lead with a caring heart for both your staff and customers and make only promises you will keep.  Your caring and integrity will inspire respect from your staff and loyalty from your customers.  If you’re a front line employee, take care in the quality and quantity of your work and in your associations with customers.  Be sure that even the smallest tasks and interactions are infused with a sense of caring.

Make not-so-random acts of kindness and caring part of your business – and life – plan.  Start a revolution of caring, and your PR success will soon follow.  And please note, the type of caring we talk about here must be real, not forced or planned solely to get something in return.

Ukulele Steams Ahead with Train
One of Hawaii’s favorite instruments, the ukulele, has been making a more mainstream appearance outside of the Aloha State recently. With Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz strumming the ukulele along with their chart topping melodies, the ukulele has become an “it” sound in recent years. The ukulele’s most recent hit is Train’s “Hey, Soul Sister,” which has been climbing the Billboard charts since its debut last year. This week, it jumped from 23 to 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Train’s Pat Monahan said that the ukulele “made the song sound right.  When it was written … it [had] all the traditional rock instruments. Then a ukulele was brought out and changed the environment completely. When Jimmy plays all instruments, it’s really easy for me to sing to, but man when he’s playing the ukulele, I melt. I do. I melt.”  Now, that’s how hot this Tropic Topic is!

Secret Engagements Abound
Celebrity news is buzzing with rumors that Alicia Keys is celebrating a secret engagement to beau Swizz Beatz right here in Hawaii.  Pictures have surfaced of the two on the beach with Alicia sporting a ring on her left ring finger. She also just celebrated her 29^th birthday on Jan. 25. Whether she’s engaged or not, we’re just happy that she chose Hawaii to vacay! We hope she has a great time and comes back very soon.

Lei Chic Adorns
We are so loving Lei Chic, a free, daily e-mail that tells you about new shops and boutiques, the best spas and salons, new restaurants, and cool services and events in Hawaii. We know that sometimes, a daily email can get annoying or content can get boring, but Lei Chic is consistent with truly hot, original finds. Topics include uniquely-Hawaii jewelry designs, denim line, and even the state’s first organic beer. And the fun doesn’t stop there. Lei Chic offers latest on island fitness, kids, pets, travel, and more.    

A Kiss Like Never Before
Did you know that Hershey Kisses makes a chocolate Kiss with macadamia nuts in them? Yes, and you can only find them in-store in Hawaii (there are some online retailers that sell them as well). The Kisses are made with Mauna Loa macadamia nuts from the Big Island and are wrapped in blue and yellow foil. Their signature white pull tabs say “Aloha” on them.  Locals give these as gifts to friends from afar and party favors, and of course, most simply enjoy them as a satisfying treat.  So, next time you’re in Hawaii and see them in the store, pick up a bag or two!

That’s it for now.  Check back soon for more Tropic Topics.  Until then, aloha and a hui hou!

Aloha, Johnny Depp!
Hollywood and Hawaii media have been a buzz announcing that the fourth installment of the major motion picture series “Pirates of the Caribbean” will be filmed on Oahu and Kauai this summer.  No word yet on if the film will be hiring Hawaii extras. But, you can be sure that we’ll be on the lookout for Johnny Depp, and we’ll let you know if we spot him.

The Kevin James in Town?
Chef Chai Chaowasaree of Oahu’s Chai’s Island Bistro and Singha Thai Cuisine tweeted on Jan. 14 “Thank You Kevin James for stopping by tonight!”  We don’t know for sure, but we think he’s talking about actor and comedian Kevin James, who starred in films such as “Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” “Hitch,” and the TV show “King of Queens.” We wonder what he dined on there?  You can find Chef Chai on Twitter as @ChaisIsland.

Disney Lands Name for Hawaii Resort
Disney has named it new resort on Oahu, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Koolina, Hawaii.  “The Honolulu Star Bulletin” reported that ”In Hawaiian, ‘aulani’ means ‘the place that speaks for the great ones” or “the place that speaks with deep messages.’” The resort, which is expected to open its first phase in fall 2011, encompasses 21-acres at Koolina Resort and will include 360 hotel rooms and 481 time share villas.  

Beach Premiere of Lost’s Final Season
As the hit TV series “Lost,” which films in the islands, heads into its last season, Hawaii fans will have the opportunity to watch the season premiere on Jan. 30, three days before it airs on TV.  And, they’ll get to see it on a a 30-foot screen on Wakiki ’s Queen Surf Beach.  An epic start to a  much-awaited event!  “Lost” producers and stars are expected to be in attendance and walk the red carpet, according to the “Honolulu Advertiser.”

Check back periodically for more Tropic Topics.  Until then, aloha and a hui hou!

By Michelle Harrington
This post is brought to you by Emagine Web Marketing, an associate of Fujita & Miura Public Relations. Emagine Web Marketing is a development and marketing company that helps small businesses expand their reach and increase sales online through innovative and effective web marketing and optimization strategies.

Growth is an ever-present, integral part of a successful business. Like a well-tended garden, the growth of your business will remain vital and able to withstand the ever-changing landscape in market and economy. Your website is no different – the success of your website relies on the quality of attention and maintenance you put into it.

Think about the ways your business has changed in recent years. Maybe you’ve re-designed your logo, added staff, moved to a new location, added new products, expanded your service area, or won an award. Your website should reflect the growth and evolution of your business by offering current, relevant, and valuable content for your customers.

The design of your website should work in harmony with the images and copy to create an “online ambiance” that makes a memorable and aligned impression of your business. This can include professional photography and copywriting, new testimonials and customer reviews, video, links, and downloads of any press or media coverage on your business.

To be most effective, your website content (text and images) should be updated on a regular basis. There is no strict rule as to when you should update the structure (programming/coding) and “look and feel” (design template) of your website, however, every couple of years it’s a good idea to consider your websites’ overall effectiveness and its compliance with progressing technologies and new browser versions.

When it’s time for a major re-design, be sure to consider the valuable feedback your website visitors have provided over time, find better ways to organize your information, review your website analytics for insight into areas needing improvement, and make sure that the search engine optimization (keyword research, title/meta tags, link building, etc.) of your website are being reviewed and updated as well.

Whether you do these tasks in house or outsource them, your website is a marketing tool that can “work” for you 24/7 – IF you keep it updated, current and fresh.

For more information on search engine optimization, keyword research, or website consulting contact Michelle Harrington at (808) 823-8051 or visit http://emaginewebmarketing.com/blog/ ]]> http://www.yourpubliciswaiting.com/2010/01/is-it-time-to-update-your-website/feed/ 0 http://www.yourpubliciswaiting.com/2009/12/connect-the-dots/ http://www.yourpubliciswaiting.com/2009/12/connect-the-dots/#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:01:39 +0000 Fujita & Miura Public Relations http://www.yourpubliciswaiting.com/?p=881 We’ve just completed a round of holidays and most of us have spent a good amount of time with friends, family, and co-workers in the process of celebrating.  Though holiday get-togethers can sometimes be stressful, it’s important to recognize how very important they are.  “Psychology Today” recently reported that “In surveys to determine the factors that contribute most to human happiness, respondents consistently rate connection to friends and family-love, intimacy, social affiliation-above wealth or fame, even above physical health…Loneliness isn’t about being alone; it’s about not feeling connected.”

It has been said that in recent years, we are experiencing a worldwide epidemic of loneliness.  People are hungry for connection and community, so it’s no surprise that social media like Twitter and Facebook have become wildly popular.

Creating opportunities for your customers, clients, vendors, and employees to connect is a great PR tactic in strengthening their relationships with each other and most simply, keeping everyone happy.

How can you create social connections in your business? Encourage employees to eat lunch together or exercise in groups during breaks.  Plan social events and invite your target publics. If you have a company meeting or training, be sure it has a social component to it, a time when attendees can informally interact. Have a place in your office where employees can gather, like a kitchen or break room and make sure it has the amenities to hold at least several people (e.g., a table and some chairs).  If your business utilizes Twitter, plan tweetups to get to know your followers.  On a smaller scale, take the time to chat with people with whom you come into contact.  Smile, be friendly, compliment them, show some interest in their lives, and just get to know them.  In other words, connect.