Bellmont Buzz

My Crash Course in PR

2012-02-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

When Istarted at Bellmont Partners in August, the grass was still green and I didn’tneed a jacket. As I complete the last few weeks of a 6-month internship atBellmont, I am preparing for my last day – passing off responsibilities, transitioningoff of accounts and taking home pieces of my desk space. While I apply foropenings at other companies, I find myself reflecting on my transition frombeing a Minneapolis transplant to a networked member of the public relationscommunity -- a story I would like to share.

Mypassion for writing – both professionally and creatively – led me to anunexpected opportunity to intern in public relations with the Bellmont Partnersteam. While my background was in journalism and creative story telling, the artof public relations was a foreign language. About the only thing I did know whenI joined the Bellmont team was that there was a big table for brainstorms and Ihad an open invitation to join.

During myfirst week, Bellmont Partners quickly made me an active member of their smallteam. As I gained more experience, I was given more responsibilities. From clipmonitoring, to managing client social media accounts, writing news releases, pitching,and creating media lists, I have had the opportunity to learn, and be a partof, many different daily PR responsibilities. I feel very fortunate to havebeen an integrated part of the team, an opportunity many interns don’t get.

When Istarted at Bellmont, I was adjusting to a new position and additionally, a newcity. Throughout my transition, both professionally and personally, theBellmont team has repeatedly been my rock -- the solid, supportive, consistentpiece in my life. As I prepare to moveinto the next phase of my professional career and say goodbye to my Bellmontfamily, I am excited to continue to build on my experiences, skills andrelationships here in the Twin Cities.

Bellmont Partners featured in PR Week

2012-02-01T08:06:00.000-08:00

We're honored and excited to be featured in the February 1, 2012 issue of PR Week for our work with the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation. As part of a monthly series highlighting agencies' pro bono campaigns, PR Week interviewed Brian Bellmont, president of Bellmont Partners, and George Esbensen, president of the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation, about the successful campaign to raise $600,000 by the end of 2011 for a new memorial to fallen firefighters at the State Capitol.

It was a pleasure to help the foundation exceed its fundraising goal, and we're proud of the national recognition Bellmont Partners and the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation has received for this successful campaign.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-25T08:11:00.000-08:00

News conference announces successful firefighter memorial campaign

2011-12-23T06:12:00.000-08:00

Bellmont Partners' Brian Bellmont, Jen Bellmont, Katrina Wollet, Tara Cegla and Bridget Nelson Monroe with George Esbensen, president of the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation, after Wednesday's news conference in Chanhassen.

In October, Bellmont Partners launched a state-wide public relations campaign to help the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation raise $600,000 for a new memorial to Minnesota's fallen firefighters. On Wednesday, we had the pleasure of organizing a news conference for the foundation to announce it had exceeded its fundraising goal before its year-end deadline. Congratulations to the foundation and all the firefighters, organizations and businesses around the state who made this possible!

Approximately 100 people attended the news conference, including three news stations, several newspaper reporters, firefighters from across the state, leaders from the state's firefighter organizations, family members of firefighters who have died in the line of duty and city officials.

The Bellmont team editing photos and sending information to media post-news conference in Chanhassen Fire Department #1.

The Minnesota Firefighter Memorial will stand on the grounds of the State Capitol. Construction will begin in the spring, with the memorial completed by National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in October 2012.

There's still time to be part of the legacy. Financial contributions to the Minnesota Firefighter Memorial fund can be sent to: Minnesota Fire Service Foundation c/o Flagship Bank, 7525 Office Ridge Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344-3644. Online contributions can be made at www.mnfireservicefoundation.org. All contributions are tax deductible. Donations exceeding the $600,000 goal will fund education scholarships for children of active, retired or deceased firefighters and for spouses of deceased firefighters.

2011-12-09T13:10:00.001-08:00

Ho ho ho! Bellmont Partnersand McFarland Cahill’s Holiday Open House on Dec. 1 was a time to catch up withfriends old and new, and a great opportunity to officially announce ourstrategic partnership. Sushi, appetizers, tasty sweets and holiday cheer wereenjoyed by all, and it was fun to welcome so many people to our new space(proof that Prior Lake really isn’t all that far)!

If you weren’t able to join us, please feel free to drop by and say ‘hello’ whenever you’re in the neighborhood. There’s already talk of making it an annual event, so if you weren’t able to attend we hope you can join us next year!

PR Rock Star: Bridget Nelson Monroe

2011-11-18T07:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks very much to our strategic partner Arik Hanson at ACH Communications for his really nice PR Rock Stars feature on senior account executive Bridget Nelson Monroe . If you haven't met Bridget yet -- or even if you have -- we hope you'll check it out.

Here's a brief excerpt:

"Being part of small agencies is fabulous. What I like most – besides the people, of course – is how truly integrated the work is at all levels. With a small team, it’s easy to switch seamlessly from media relations mode to social media mode to blogging mode and keep the client’s strategy and messaging consistent across platforms. There are no silos to break down or unnecessary processes to hurdle, which frees up everyone to work quickly and creatively."

It's a great introduction to this very talented PR pro. We're thrilled to be working with you, Bridget!

Brave New Workshop – Upholding an Entertaining Reputation on Stage and off

2011-11-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

To followin the Brave New Workshop’s long tradition of hilarious innovation, the theatrelit up its new marquee in an unusual – and entertaining – way on Friday. BellmontPartners is excited to have had the opportunity to help coordinate and kick offthe magical opening of its new building on Hennepin Ave. in Minneapolis.

A new proclamation presented by
Mayor R.T. Rybak announces Nov. 4 as
"Brave New Workshop Day in Minneapolis."

After afew words by founder Dudley Riggs, Mayor R.T. Rybak presented the Brave NewWorkshop with a commemorative plaque and confirmation of Nov. 4 as “Brave NewWorkshop Day in Minneapolis.” Next, he surprised everyone by stepping onto astationary bike to help “pedal-power” the marquee lights. As he pedaled, the theatre’sco-owners John Sweeney and Jenni Lilledahl and founder Dudley Riggs directed theeager audience to help the mayor by “blowing” the lights on and creating anoverall enchanted experience.

Mayor R.T. Rybak helping to light the marquee.

BellmontPartners helped support the event with media relations, photography and socialmedia coordination.

Complete with a high-tech space formeetings, parties and corporate events, the Brave New Workshop is poised to becomethe greenest theatre in the country. A few eco-friendly improvements include asavings of 173,407 kilowatt hours per year through switching to primarily LEDlighting; and a fancy new marquee, which uses only 9 percent of the energy asimilar-sized traditional marquee uses.

Proud tohave been a part of this historic event, Bellmont Partners wishes the Brave NewWorkshop many more exciting successes – green and otherwise -- to come!

Bellmont Partners captures the excitement on the scene. We provide event support including

social media coordination, media relations and photography.

Lights, camera, -- Improv

2011-11-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

Bellmont Partners is very pleased and excited to help Brave New Workshop open it’s brand-spankin’-new downtown location. Being the oldest improv theatre in the country and a Minneapolis favorite, Brave New Workshop needed to kick-off its new venue with a bang. There will be a marquee lighting event at 6 p.m. tonight at 824 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak will say a few words and proclaim the day “Brave New Workshop Day” in the city; founder Dudley Riggs and owners John Sweeney and Jenni Lilledahl will share their thoughts about the move to downtown’s theater district; and current and past Brave New Workshop performers will also help open the highly anticipated new space.

To assist with publicity efforts, Bellmont Partners teamed up with Brave New Workshop staff, and owners John Sweeney and Jenni Lilledahl to spread the word about the latest chapter for the historic improv comedy institution.
Here's some of the coverage so far:

KARE 11-TV

Pioneer Press

Cities 97

Client News: Maverick Software Consulting Wins 2011 Tekne Award

2011-11-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to client Maverick Software Consulting for winning the 2011 Tekne Award for “Innovative Collaboration of the Year.” Maverick was chosen for developing a first-of-its-kind academia-meets-corporate America partnership, bringing together top computer-science students from campuses across Minnesota with major corporations seeking local software development and software testing.

In partnership with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU), Advance IT Minnesota, Thomson Reuters and Digital River, the innovative program provides corporate partners with top student talent as a successful, proven option for cost-effective software development and testing services and an experienced workforce after graduation. It also provides students real-world experience working in the field with cutting-edge technology – and typically a job offer prior to graduation.

Maverick was honored last night during the Tekne Awards, a "who’s who" of Minnesota business, technology and political leaders. The gala drew more than 1,000 attendees from across the state to recognize Minnesota’s best and brightest technology users and developers in innovation, development, education, commercialization and management.

Maverick president Martin Hebig founded the program in 2006, starting with one corporate partner, Thomson Reuters, and one office with a staff of 10 student employees. Since then, the company has rapidly grown to an army of 110 across nine college campuses and three states – and 150 students have graduated from the program. 2011 has been a record-setting year of growth, with three new corporate partners joining the program and MnSCU participating as an official academic partner.

In August and September, Maverick added 20 new jobs for student employees, and opened a new office in St. Paul, Minn. All six offices are located on or close to college campuses, including Minnesota State University, Mankato; the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities; the University of Wisconsin – Madison; Iowa State University in Ames; Metropolitan State University, the University of Saint Thomas, Bethel University and Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn.; and the newly opened office on the campus of St. Cloud State University.

Congratulations, Maverick Software Consulting!

Maverick Software Consulting at the Tekne Awards.
Pictured from left to right: Kristin Krone, Marty Hebig,
Chuck Sherwood, Jeremy Zutter, Jason Timmerman, Dwayne Kearns.

Martin Hebig, Maverick Co-Founder & President,
and wife, Denise,at the Tekne Awards, Thursday, Nov. 3.

Chuck Sherwood, Maverick Co-Founder,
at Tekne Awards, Thursday, Nov. 3.

Maverick Software Consulting student employees

at the U of M campus office.

We moved!

2011-10-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

Big news for Bellmont Partners: Not only have we grown a ton over the last few months, but we also moved into some new digs! We’re very excited to call the Rock Creek building in Prior Lake our new home. With McFarland Cahill Communications just across the hall, you could say Prior Lake has become the new hotbed for public relations.

Recent members of our team include Katrina Wollet, Bridget Nelson Monroe and Tara Cegla. We’re excited to have new additions to our growing team and a great space to conduct our business.

To reach Bellmont Partners, call (952) 440-6161 or come stop by at 16180 Hastings Avenue SE, Suite 302, Prior Lake, MN 55372. We love having visitors!

Reeher, LLC, in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

2011-10-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

Bellmont Partners client Reeher, LLC, is featured in the latest Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Staff Writer Benjamin Ong profiled the St. Paul software company, which helps universities identify prospective donors. It's a great look at Reeher's platform and how the company is helping universities around the country.

8 MIMA Summit Takeaways for PR Pros

2011-10-18T14:08:00.000-07:00

The 10th Annual MIMA Summit was held on October 12. If you’re not familiar with the conference, it’s a gathering of hundreds of interactive marketers from corporations and agencies in the Twin Cities and the surrounding area. The session tracks run the gamut of topics, from user experience to mobile, from analytics to social media.

I spent most of my time in the Content and Storytelling track, which I planned in my role as a programming committee member. Call me biased, but I thought there were many takeaways for PR professionals. Here are a few of my favorites:

Blogs, Bribes and Blasphemy: Engaging Influencers in a Changing World
Arik Hanson, ACH Communications (a business partner of Bellmont Partners)
Greg Swan, Weber Shandwick

Influencers aren’t necessarily bloggers. Look at lesser-known social networks, such as Instagram, for other influencers relevant to your campaign.
When reaching out to influencers, collaborate with them, don’t preach at them. Ask their opinion on the campaign and involve them.

Pulp-journalism, Journo-tisement and the Rise of Self-Published Content
Sara Meaney, Hanson Dodge Creative

An image or an image plus words are more memorable than words alone. We agonize over getting the writing right, but how often do we capture photos and videos, too?
The more often we hear/read/see something, the more credibility we assign to it – it doesn’t matter where we saw it. It’s just one more reason for brands to publish their own content via blogs, newsletters and social media, in addition to seeking paid and earned media.

Implementing a Content Strategy During a Brand Refresh: Teach For America Case Study

Kristin Hodgson, Teach For America

So often times of change in an organization (department re-orgs, shifts in focus, etc.) result in delays to projects. However, these moments can be an opportunity to push projects further and encourage new thinking rather than pushing deadlines further and further out.
Establish guiding principles at the beginning of a website redesign. They’re something to keep coming back to – a stake in the ground.

The Art + Science of Using Stories to Influence Decisions
Colleen Jones, Content Science

Stories can be powerful tools because they appeal to both our emotional side and logical side.
There are three phases of influence: Raise awareness; become liked and trusted; and motivate and help. Stories work best in the first two phases, while instructional content works best in the last phase.

These are just a few of the highlights from MIMA Summit. If you attended or watched the live web stream, what was your favorite takeaway?

Honoring Fallen Firefighters

2011-10-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

Did you know that 194 Minnesota firefighters have died in the line of duty since 1883? A small memorial to those fallen heroes has stood near the baggage claim at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport for more than 20 years. The Minnesota Fire Service Foundation recently launched a campaign to raise $600,000 to build a larger, more accessible memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol, where families, friends and communities can pay proper tribute.

Bellmont Partners is helping to spread the word about the effort through media outreach. George Esbensen, Foundation President and Eden Prairie Fire Chief, has been a wonderful asset to the group by acting as spokesperson. Stories about the effort have appeared on FOX 9, WDIO, WCCO 4, KARE 11, WCCO-AM, KWOA-AM and other media outlets throughout the state. Here’s some of the coverage so far:

KMSP/FOX 9
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/minnesota/firefighter-memorial-moving-oct-4-2011

WCCO-TV
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/10/04/group-pushes-to-move-firefighter-memorial-to-capitol/

KARE-11
http://www.kare11.com/news/saturday/article/941751/21/Foundation-begins-fundraising-efforts-to-build-bigger-fire-fighter-memorial

The state’s firefighters have already donated nearly $200,000 toward the goal, and now the foundation is letting other Minnesotans know about the cause. To learn more and donate online, go to http://www.mnfireservicefoundation.org/.

To follow the group’s efforts, visit the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/MinnesotaFireServiceFoundation.

Another New Face

2011-10-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

We're growing and proud to announce another new team member -- Tara Cegla. Tara joins Bellmont Partners as a recent graduate from UW-Eau Claire with a Bachelors of Arts in mass communication and an emphasis in public relations. She brings valuable experience from her recent internship at the Minnesota State Fair, and her active campus life.

Tara worked as the PR Intern for the Minnesota State Fair this summer, where she gained experience in writing news releases, coordinating interviews, creating the 2011 media kit and managing social media. At UW-Eau Claire, Tara began as Copy Editor, and later, Section Editor for her campus newspaper, The Spectator. Tara's, first PR role in college was when she helped plan one of Eau Claire's largest events, the Eau Claire Jazz Festival. She also served as Public Relations Manager for UW-Eau Claire's student radio station, WUEC 89.7 FM, and was a Public Relations Director for UW-Eau Claire's American Marketing Association chapter.

"I'm excited to be back in the Twin Cities, where I grew up," Tara said. "I'm ready to put my skills to work for Bellmont Partners and their clients." To find out more about her, you can follow her on Twitter (@ceglatk). We're excited to have Tara on board!

Welcome, Bridget

2011-09-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

We're excited to announce the latest addition to our Bellmont Partners team -- Bridget Nelson Monroe. Here are the details!

Prior Lake-based Bellmont Partners Public Relations has added senior account executive Bridget Nelson Monroe to its growing team. Monroe brings additional digital strategy, journalism and media relations experience to the full-service agency. Before joining Bellmont Partners, Monroe was a digital strategist at Beehive PR in St. Paul where she brought her journalist’s perspective to media relations, helping identify clients’ newsworthy stories and which audiences and platforms they would resonate with in this 24/7 news environment. Monroe also consulted on everything from website redesigns to social media and SEO for regional and national clients.

Monroe started her career in New York, first spending three years as a research editor and writer at Reader’s Digest magazine, then working at digital marketing agency Digitas Health. As a content strategist, she combined her publishing and digital skills to manage websites for some of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.

While attending Drake University, where she earned a degree in journalism and mass communication, Monroe was selected for a highly competitive editorial apprenticeship program at Meredith Corporation. She spent two semesters at the publishing company’s flagship magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, working alongside senior-level editors in the features, health, food and decorating departments.

Monroe is an active volunteer for several industry organizations, including the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association (MIMA) programming committee, the Minneapolis Content Strategy Meetup and the Minnesota Blogger Conference. At Bellmont Partners, Monroe focuses on media relations, social media, research, writing, event planning, and how all of those areas can best intersect for maximum impact.

“We’re excited to welcome Bridget to the team,” says Jen Bellmont, Bellmont Partners Vice President. “It’s already clear that her experience will be a great asset to our organization. She’s extremely sharp, and we’re eager to share her expertise with our growing list of clients.”

Meet Katrina

2011-09-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

Posted by: Jen Bellmont

Bellmont Partners Public Relations is pleased to announce the addition of Katrina Wollet to its team. She joins Bellmont Partners as an Intern with valuable experience in written communications, client services, and freelance photography. As an Intern, Katrina’s responsibilities include research, writing, media relations (both traditional and social) and photography.

Katrina is a recent Edgewood College (Madison, Wis.) graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in English Writing. On campus, she worked for her award-winning student newspaper, On the Edge, for three years, and spent a year as Editor-in-Chief. In addition, she served as a board member, and was published, in her campus literary magazine, The Edgewood Review.

We’re thrilled to have her (and her great taste in music) as part of our team, and we know that she’s destined for great things. To learn more about her, you can follow her on Twitter (@katrinawollet) or read her thoughtful musings here. Welcome to the Twin Cities PR community, Katrina!

What I've Learned Working with Bellmont Partners

2011-08-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

Posted by: Sarah Platte

By now, you may have heard that Bellmont Partners is hiring. They’re growing like crazy, and it’s really exciting to be part of, and even more difficult to leave behind. You see, I’ve been with the Bellmonts since January 2011. Before this time, my fiancée (now husband) had applied to graduate school in Los Angeles. We were thrilled when we found out he got in, but with that excitement comes the sting of leaving our family, friends and the Bellmonts.

From the moment I shared about the prospect of moving cross-country, the Bellmont team has been nothing but graciously supportive. So on my last days with the team, I wanted to share a few words of what it’s like to work with Bellmont Partners—an insider’s look, so to speak. Here are the four things I love most about working with this team:

Autonomy with support. I’m given the freedom to shine in writing releases and blog posts, pitching and coordinating media coverage, which I absolutely loved. All the while, the team was eager to help me develop professionally and happy to answer any questions I have along the way.

Variety of clients. From home and gardening businesses, to technology start-ups and consulting firms, I am able to touch on a variety of clients among several industry sectors, which does two things for me: it helps me to decide which types of PR I enjoy most, as well as how to transfer skill sets across industries (not to mention, how to speak all their languages!).

Interaction with clients. I’m able to be part of meetings with clients, sharing my insights and counseling them. This isn’t the case with every client, of course, but I do get to participate in client management with a few key accounts. This has taught me incredibly rich lessons not many professionals have the opportunity to learn early on in their career.

The fun. What can I say—I’ve never had better bosses. They’re bright, hard-working people with a love for authenticity and humor. You’d do well with them if you bring those qualities and more to the table.

Interested? I bet you are! Shoot an email to info@bellmontpartners.com with your resume and a cover letter, and very soon you just may find yourself making your own “list of loves.”

We're hiring!

2011-07-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

Bellmont Partners Public Relations is looking for a PR pro with two to five years of experience to join our successful, growing Prior Lake-based team.

We’re on the hunt for an account executive who’s creative and results driven, who thrives in a flexible, fast-paced environment, with a great handle on the basics – media relations, social media, client management and especially writing. Digital expertise is a big deal, too – you’d also be working directly with Arik Hanson of ACH Communications (one of our key partners) on several ongoing projects.

Our tight-knit team works hard and takes great pride in the results we’re able to generate for our consumer and business-to-business clients, but we’ve got a sense of humor about it all. (Our president wrote a book about pudding pops, for crying out loud.) If that describes you, too, send your resume to info@bellmontpartners.com.

Here’s a list of things you may find yourself doing on any given day:

• Media relations
• Writing (including blog posts, news releases, reports and other materials)
• Research
• Client communication
• Media outlet research and list development
• Media coverage monitoring and reporting
• Brainstorming
• Event planning/task management
• Strategic plan development
• Client meetings
• Administrative tasks/time tracking

EXPECTATIONS:
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills
• Self-directed and able to work independently; often on multiple projects at one time
• Comfortable communicating with clients, media and vendors on various platforms (phone, email, etc.)
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Well organized and able to prioritize (and reprioritize, when necessary!)
• Great attention to detail and an eye for consistency
• Personally accountable
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality

We offer a competitive salary (based on experience), flexible work schedule, health insurance stipend, sick days, vacation days, and 10 paid holidays a year.

Brian Bellmont's book hits stores today!

2011-06-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

"Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops? The Lost Toys, Tastes & Trends of the '70s & '80s” by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper and Bellmont Partners president Brian Bellmont is officially available! As you might expect, Bellmont Partners is helping to coordinate media appearances to support the launch. Check out the "In the News" section of WhateverHappenedtoPuddingPops.com for more information about coverage and upcoming appearances.

If you owe a couple cavities to Marathon candy bars, learned your adverbs from Schoolhouse Rock!, and can still imitate the slo-mo bionic running sound of The Six Million Dollar Man, "Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops?" is for you.

The book takes you back in time to the tastes, the smells, and the sounds of childhood, when the Mystery Date board game didn’t seem sexist, and exploding Pop Rocks were the epitome of candy science.

But what happened to the toys, tastes and trends of our youth? Some vanished totally, like Freakies cereal. Some stayed around, but faded from the spotlight, like Sea-Monkeys or Shrinky Dinks. Some were yanked from the market, revised and reintroduced...but you'll have to read the book to find out which ones.

So flip up the collar of that polo shirt and revisit with us the glory and the shame of those goofy decades only a native could love.

Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops? The Lost Toys, Tastes & Trends of the '70s & '80s ($12.95, Perigee Books) is now available in stores and online.

UPCOMING APPEARANCES
Gael and Brian will be signing books at several great stores this summer. We hope you'll stop by!

Barnes & Noble Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
Saturday, June 11, Noon - 2:00 p.m.

NEW DATE! Barnes & Noble, Roseville, MN
This event, originally scheduled for Thursday, June 9, has been moved to Monday, June 13, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA
Saturday, June 18, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

University Books, Seattle, WA
Monday, June 20, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Spyglass Creative CEO Molly Rice Shares Tips to Streamline Your Rebranding

2011-05-23T07:58:00.001-07:00

Posted by: Brian Bellmont

Molly Rice, CEO of client Spyglass Creative, has a great piece with tips for a streamlined approach to rebranding on iMediaConnection.com today.

"Pay-per-click. Social media. Print ads. Outdoor. Broadcast. With the fragmented, often overwhelming, and seemingly infinite options available in today's marketing mix, you might ask, 'What's the best approach to building my brand?'", she writes. "Yes, this is the million-dollar question. But, it doesn't have to take a million bucks -- which countless companies have actually spent -- to get a brand up and running."

AP Stylebook Says...

2011-04-15T06:22:00.000-07:00

Posted by: Sara Grasmon

A few weeks ago, my inner-nerd had a big day. You see, the AP Stylebook made an announcement. About a year after the release that made website website instead of a Web site, email is now email instead of e-mail.

The AP Stylebook is my writing bible. I get satisfaction from knowing that pinch-hit has a hyphen and pinch hitter does not. I love understanding which state abbreviation to use in each instance, except for the five which never are shortened. I get ecstatic when there's an opportunity to teach someone something new about the wonder that is AP style. Like I said, I'm nerdy.

While I processed the change, I wondered why it was made. Had all the complaints from people who find it just a little too difficult to type a hyphen finally gotten to them? To figure this out, I turned to my fellow English-lover and sister, Karen.

We began discussing the language we love, and in doing so, realized this:

Quite often we take what is said from credible sources, like the AP, face-value. It's convenient, but is it right to accept the how and ignore the why? Should we be questioning these grammatical changes, or is it right to merely acknowledge them and conform to the new ways?

We didn't come to a conclusion, and I honestly don't know that there is one. However, we decided that at times, it's important to be just a bit skeptical of the tools that help us do our jobs. Don't worry, though. My Stylebook will be next to me while I do.

Client News: Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps Featured in StarTribune and Huffington Post

2011-04-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

Bellmont Partners client Minnesota Reading Corps/Minnesota Math Corps was featured in a great piece by Norman Draper in the StarTribune yesterday on how seniors are helping Minnesota's kids with reading and writing.

Part of the piece was picked up by The Huffington Post today as part of a piece on how seniors are giving back by heading back into the classroom.

"If you teach children to read, they can read to learn for the rest of their lives," Minnesota Reading Corps member Dawn McLean is quoted as saying. "You want to leave things better than when you found them."

Both organizations are in the middle of a campaign to recruit adults of any age as tutors for the 2011-2012 school year. Minnesota Reading Corps is working to recruit more than 800 tutors for the 2011-2012 school year, up from 670 this year. Minnesota Math Corps, now in its third year, is set to double in size, from 50 to 100.

Applications for both programs are now being accepted for positions throughout the state, and are available at www.MinnesotaReadingCorps.org and www.MinnesotaMathCorps.org.

Minnesotans on the Move

2011-04-11T05:40:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to two Bellmont Partners clients named Minnesotans on the Move by Finance & Commerce. Richard Brown of JNBA Financial Advisors and Steve Foster of Argos Risk received their awards at an event on Thursday. According to Finance & Commerce, the annual awards go to Minnesotans poised to make business news in the coming years, and have:

~ Established a distinctive presence in their industry
~ Brought innovation, creativity or some kind of dramatic change to a Minnesota-based business
~ A track record of being recognized by their peers and colleagues for their work, and
~ Demonstrated the potential to bring a growing influence to their business in years to come.

Congratulations, Richard and Steve!

The Award-Winning Sarah Anderson

2011-04-05T07:02:00.000-07:00

Congratulations are in order to intern extraordinaire Sarah Anderson for winning the Dr. Willard Thompson Scholarship at last week's Public Relations Society of America Classics Banquet. The scholarship, sponsored by Minnesota PRSA, is given annually in honor of the late Dr. Willard Thompson of the University of Minnesota School of Journalism.

Those of us who work with her aren't surprised she'd be singled out for the honor, but we are thrilled for her.

Way to go, Sarah!

Marketing motives

2011-03-21T05:11:00.000-07:00

Posted by: Sara Grasmon

Last Saturday started just like any other Saturday. Slept in a little, went to the office for a bit and ran some errands. Nothing thrilling, that is until I passed a Starbucks. Typically, I wouldn't just stop on impulse, but after a long week, I decided I deserved a treat. As I walked into the shop, I noticed there was a somewhat long line but didn't think too much of it. When I got to the register, I found out why there was a crowd.

I ordered my drink (grande iced coffee with nonfat milk, one pump sugar-free vanilla) and was then asked if I wanted a Starbucks Petites as the barista gestured to the top shelf of the display case. There was an array of beautiful baked goods, and she told me I got to choose which one I wanted -- for FREE. I picked a pretty little Tiramisu Cake Pop. It was yummy.

When I returned to my apartment, I started researching, because aside from making my day, this giveaway sparked my interest. I discovered that Starbucks is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and this promotion was part of the festivities. The official deal was a free Petites with the purchase of a drink March 10-12 from 2-5 p.m. each day. Knowing what the offer was, I put on my marketing hat to determine Starbucks' marketing motives:

1. Many companies have customer appreciation events or giveaways, especially when reaching a milestone. For Starbucks, a 40th anniversary celebration just happens to be an excellent time to offer a perk for patrons -- and not just the one they get from their coffee.

2. Starbucks faithfuls tend to have a go-to order, which makes incorporating different menu items more challenging. Offering free samples of Petites is the perfect way to introduce new products to the consumer base. Odds are, at least some of the people who received free Petites liked them enough to purchase some in the future. I did.

3. Logic tells us that 2-5 p.m. is probably not peak hours for a coffee house. This special offer served as a traffic driver to increase business during a slow time of day, and more traffic in a store means more revenue in the bank.

This promotion turned what I was expecting to be an average stop into something special, and it left me, and I'm sure others, with a positive image of Starbucks. So, no matter what your marketing motives are, find a way to make something ordinary be extraordinary.

Lessons from a billboard

2011-03-07T05:14:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Sara Grasmon

The other day, my sister and I started talking about billboards. Don't ask me how we got on that subject, because with us, you just never know. Anyway, I digress. As we started discussing how advertising has changed, we realized that maybe it really hasn't all that much.

Billboard advertising has been around for several decades. From Wall Drug to Walmart, organizations have recognized the impact they can make and the messages they can share. Although billboard advertising may not always be the most effective and economical option, it always applies principals we can all use.

So, without further ado, here's what I learned from a billboard:

1. Be catchy. A billboard is viewed for just seconds, yet good ones have a way of grabbing the attention of busy passersby. No matter what the advertising medium, this is important. As advertisers, we need to give consumers a reason to pay attention and read, watch or listen to the rest of our message. If you're not catchy, you won't hook new business.

2. Be clear and concise. There is limited time and space to share information on a billboard, so it has to be presented in a simple manner. Since society continues to move at a fast pace and people's attention spans are dwindling, this line of thinking is necessary for all forms of advertising. No matter what the avenue, think clarity and brevity.

3. Be conscientious. The maximum impact of a billboard will not be achieved unless the message is relevant and useful. This, again, is applicable to all forms of advertising. People won't pay attention to information that isn't meaningful, so when constructing your message, try putting yourself in the consumers' shoes. Be conscientious of your target market's needs, wants and lifestyles, and tailor the message to fit the audience.

Although there are several different avenues for advertising, the same principals apply for each. So, whether your medium in online or on the side of the road, keep these lessons from a billboard in mind.

Crush It!

2011-03-02T05:02:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Sara Grasmon

"Crush It! Why Now is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion." Catchy, right? I thought so. That's why I thought I'd give it a try when a good friend suggested I read this book by Gary Vaynerchuck.

Basically, this book is full of information, ideas and inspiration. It stresses the importance of focusing energy on something you are completely passionate about, a philosophy I truly believe in. From there, it's a Web-marketing toolkit where people of all knowledge levels can find something useful.

This book helps identify your passion and make sure it will stick, create your brand and choose your primary medium, launch your content and increase your audience and monetize your success.

Overall, it's a quick read that everyone can learn something from, and it's a great motivator to take your passion to the next level. So, what are you waiting for? Find a copy, and start crushing it.

Client News: Spyglass Creative profiled in Mpls./St. Paul Business Journal

2011-02-18T09:23:00.000-08:00

Branding agency Spyglass Creative was featured in today's Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. The piece focused on Spyglass's explosive growth over the past few years, which owners Molly Rice and Andy Slothower attribute to their focus on providing bundled, fixed-cost services to mid-sized companies.

"To help companies get what they need at a clear price, Spyglass introduced a product called Brand FastForward, which bundles all the services recommended for a business into a single, fixed-price package," staff writer Kevin Coss wrote about the 10-year-old company. "Clients know the cost up front, and receive the finished package eight to 12 weeks after the initial meeting."

Strategic marketing

2011-02-16T05:01:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Sara Grasmon

Sometimes, mistakes inspire success. It seems that might just be the case with the recent Super Bowl seating kerfuffle.

In response to the NFL's nightmare mix-up, the Minnesota Lynx have devised a plan to help ease the pain of the 400 people who lost out on their seats in Dallas. For each of these unlucky fans, the WNBA team has offered two premium lower-level tickets to their season opener against the Los Angeles Sparks on June 5. In addition, they've promised that these fans will receive "the ultimate red carpet treatment."

Now, we'll have to wait and see if any of these football fanatics take the Lynx up on the offer, but even if they don't, it was a strategic marketing move. After announcing this plan, the Lynx were the focus of several news stories, Facebook updates and tweets.

The move put the Lynx in the spotlight and provided a platform to for them to showcase their customer service standards. In a USA Today article, Lynx COO Conrad Smith was quoted saying the team takes "the utmost pride in taking care of our customers, going above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction."

Without this special offer, the Lynx wouldn't have had an opportunity to share their message with such a wide audience. But, thanks to some creative thinking and a quick response, they've received publicity, a PR boost and, maybe, a few more fans on opening night.

This pigskin problem might just help the Lynx make a slam dunk.

Client News: Argos Risk Featured in Pioneer Press, CEO Named to List of Minnesotans on the Move

2011-02-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

Online credit-monitoring company -- and Bellmont Partners client -- Argos Risk continues to tell its story to Minnesota small businesses via the media. The company was featured in Sunday's St. Paul Pioneer Press, and it was just announced that CEO Steve Foster was named to Finance & Commerce's list of 40 Minnesotans on the Move.

Client News: Thread Logic Named Upsize Business Builder of the Year

2011-02-11T05:25:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to client Thread Logic for being named the Upsize Business Builder of the Year. Owner Jeff Taxdahl graces the cover of this month's issue of Upsize magazine, and sat down with editor Beth Ewen for an eight-page interview about the company's Internet-marketing model.

"Jeff’s solid business plan impressed our judges, making Thread Logic stand out among an impressive field of finalists,” says Ewen. "He is the 2010 Upsize Business Builder of the Year, selected for his smart move to electronic commerce after two years in business, his skillful execution of the strategy that led to 20 percent average growth in each of the past four years, and his advice that other small-business owners can use to expand their own companies."

Client Spyglass Creative was named a finalist in this year's competition, and is also featured in the issue. CEO Molly Rice talks about the Minneapolis branding agency's unique Loring Park space, and how its no-boundaries philosophy (there are no doors, including on the conference room) reflects -- and influences -- the results Spyglass delivers for its clients.

“It’s a place where people want to work," Rice says. "It’s a gallery for creative thought. It invites a massive amount of collaboration."

Make them happy, and they will come.

2011-02-09T05:22:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Sara Grasmon

While preparing for my big move, I forgot one thing: a hair cut. I know, it's not the end of the world, but it seemed like it was when my bangs started obstructing my vision. OK, so maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. Main point: I needed a cut.

Now, considering my office consists of all males, with the exception of one female who also just moved here, I wasn't exactly going to bank on recommendations from co-workers. Instead, I did what any twenty-something-year-old would do. I Googled. Three simple words (hair, salon, Hagerstown); a bunch of results.

The choice was a no-brainer. Good ratings, affordable price, available appointment.

Honestly, I would have been pleased with any cut that didn't look bad, since it tends to be hit or miss when trying new salons. Let's just say I got the bullseye with this one. Here's why -- and what I learned about customer retention.

1. There was a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The salon was clean, the employees appeared to enjoy their jobs and the customers seemed happy. It can be easy to forget how important it is for your customers feel comfortable, so make your business a place they look forward to going. Greet them by name, if possible, and always wear a smile.

2. Once my hairs were cut and I was ready to go, I got a goodie bag. It was definitely unexpected but also appreciated. Inside, I found brochures about the business, a local magazine and some coupons for future visits. Develop something for your business that ensures customers leave with a positive image and incentive to return.

3. A few days after my appointment, I recieved a follow-up call. Since I was a first-time customer, the salon wanted to make sure I was satisfied with the service I recieved. This provided me with a safe environment to voice praise or concerns. A follow-up call, survey or note shows you value your customers and are constantly looking to improve your business. Make sure to find a format that works well for both you and your customers.

4. Throughout my entire visit, I was consistently given excellent service. From an escort to the waiting area to a complementary hand massage during my shampoo, they made sure to put me, the customer, first at all times. Don't underestimate the power of good service. Happy customers are frequent customers. Set service standards high and train your employees well. Clients should associate your brand with superior service.

Because of these things, I will return to this salon when my bangs and I start fighting again. Why wouldn't I? They exceeded my expectations and focused on the customer. Another no-brainer and lesson learned. Make them happy, and they will come -- back.

Will this Internet thing really catch on?

2011-01-31T08:09:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen this great piece of nostalgia (via EW.com), it's definitely worth a look: Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel discussing this new-fangled thing called "the Internet" -- back in 1994.

It reminds me of Homer Simpson's classic quote: "They have the Internet on computers now?"

My, how far we've come in 17 years...

Life without technology

2011-01-25T05:23:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Sara Grasmon

After a bit of a blogging hiatus, I'm back. Just what was I doing during my time away from the keyboard? Any and all of the following: driving nearly 1,200 miles, moving into a new apartment and starting a new job. I'm happy to report that the aforementioned activities all went relatively smoothly, and that I'll still be doing some work for Bellmont Partners. OK, now that we have all that straight, I'm ready to re-join the blogging world.

Actually, I'm more than ready. Why? Because after nearly three years of constant connection, I went almost three weeks with minimal technology. Limited internet, no cable. My only connection to the outside world: my phone. Guess that's what I get for moving across the country.

At first, I felt stressed about my lack of connectivity. I was worried I'd miss an important e-mail or message, but then, I had a bit of an ah-hah moment. I realized that contrary to popular belief, everything in life doesn't have to be instantaneous. Nothing people would e-mail me about, post on Facebook or tweet could be important enough to need immediate attention. If it was, they'd call.

My anxiety started to leave, and I quickly began to appreciate the simplicity of a less connected life. I found other, sometimes more productive, ways to spend my time and learned to work more efficiently when I had the opportunity to connect. I read more, explored my new city and watched some classic films that I hadn't seen in a while. I stopped living my life around technology, and I learned to concentrate on the present.

Honestly, it's pretty great to be re-connected, but I definitely gained some insight from this experience. Now, I try to set aside some time each day to disconnect. This helps me focus on other projects or just simply relax. I don't feel the need to constantly check for new messages, and I know that everything doesn't always have to happen instantaneously.

So, here's my challenge for you: try disconnecting. I'm not suggesting you go three weeks, but I think you could start with part of a day, a full day or, if you're feeling crazy, maybe a whole weekend. Find creative ways to spend your time that don't involve an internet or cable connection, and re-discover what life was like before we were all constantly connected. Don't worry, your e-mail, network updates and voicemails will all still be there when you re-connect.

Off-Season Marketing

2011-01-13T12:13:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Brian Bellmont

As I was heading out the door this morning, I noticed something on my sidewalk. It was a container of ice melter -- and at first I wondered if I'd accidentally left it there the last time I sprinkled salt on the driveway and walk. (Here on the icy tundra, it seems as if we've had to shovel, snow blow or spread salt just about every day since, oh, September.)

Turns out it was a gift from TruGreen, which treats our lawn in the spring, summer and fall. Free stuff is always nice, but I really thought it was an excellent example of successful off-season marketing. Ordinarily, would I have devoted a single thought to TruGreen during the white, white, white months that make up an endless Minnesota winter? Not likely.

But the container did catch my attention, and not just because it was a clever reminder that spring will eventually return: The ice-melter is environmentally friendly, just like the treatments TruGreen applies to our lawn, which reinforced one of the company's unique value propositions. Plus, the little crystals are green -- literally -- which also speaks to the company's positioning.

A clever promotional idea that ties directly to the company's brand? It doesn't get much cooler than that.

Introducing our new intern, Sarah Anderson

2011-01-10T13:49:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Brian Bellmont

Arik Hanson just posted a great Q&A with "PR Rock Star (of the future)" Sarah Anderson, who's kicking off a joint internship with Bellmont Partners and Arik's company, ACH Communications.

Sarah's a senior at the University of Minnesota, and comes to us by way of Select Comfort, where she just wrapped up another internship. Arik hit the nail on the head with his comments -- we were all impressed not only with her experience and talent, but with the way she thinks. We knew right away that she'd be a great fit with our two small agencies, and be able to contribute plenty on both the traditional PR side and the digital side -- and especially when those two areas work together, which in today's climate happens much more often than not.

We're excited to have Sarah on board. She'll also be contributing to this blog over the next months, so watch this space for some of her unique perspective. Welcome!

Client News: Argos Risk Featured in the Star Tribune

2011-01-10T11:52:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Shelli Lissick

Hats off to client Argos Risk on the feature story in today's Star Tribune. Thanks to ace business columnist Todd Nelson for covering the news.

Like many of the entrepreneurial small business clients we work with, Steve Foster and his team have developed a better way to do things, blending new technology with their 20+ years of experience in the business. Specifically, Argos Risk is changing and improving the way small companies manage credit risk through Argos Risk Online, a new credit-monitoring tool designed to help businesses identify and interpret the warning signs among their customers, suppliers and competitors that may mean trouble ahead.

Blending financial data with cutting-edge analytics, Argos Risk Online is an easy-to-use Web-based dashboard that analyzes and delivers credit information directly to a subscriber. The dashboard integrates more than 130 million business records from trusted, industry-leading sources of credit information and economic data, and helps small to mid-sized businesses determine which potential customers or business sectors are good risks – and which aren’t – and gives them the detailed, ongoing data necessary to take action.

Congratulations, Steve and the Argos Risk team!

The Worst Media Gaffes of the Year

2011-01-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Brian Bellmont

It's a new year, so what better time to take a look back at the worst media gaffes of last year? That's just what Brad Phillips did on Ragan.com, and they're just too cringe-inducing not to share.

I hadn't seen the clip of the Alberta Health Services CEO trying to dodge an interview by eating a cookie. Hope that was one delicious snack, because he got fired because of it. That and the other videos Phillips features are all worth a look -- 10 dramatic lessons in what NOT to do on camera.

The cookie clip is below, and you can check out the whole blog post -- and all the other videos -- here.

Holiday Lessons

2010-12-27T09:43:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Sara Grasmon

As we all get wrapped up in the holiday hustle and bustle, it's easy for this special time of year to pass by too quickly. Instead of just accepting that, here are three things this holiday season has helped me remember -- and how they can help your business.

1. Sometimes, we just need to slow down. Don't let this be another holiday where you have to look at all your photos to remember what actually happened. Each experience is memorable for different reasons, so take time to soak them up. The same goes for your business. Don't rush through projects that need more attention than you've been giving them. Take time to do things right the first time. This will save you time and money in the end, and it will help keep your sanity.

2. It's important to reconnect. Over the holidays, we often have the opportunity to catch up with old friends and distant relatives. I appreciate the comfort that comes with knowing some people, and things, never change. Plus, it's interesting to see what everyone's been up to for the past year or five. In addition to reconnecting with family and friends, get in touch with some old clients or partners. It's a great chance to strengthen your network and who knows, maybe one of them will be looking to team up on a project.

3. Have fun. Between cleaning and cooking and wrapping and traveling, the holidays can seem like more of a chore than a treat. Sometimes, we just need to remember how lucky we are and have fun. Whether it was playing a game with my family or singing carols while doing the dishes, I realized any activity can be fun. Make sure your work environment is fun. Whether that means hanging photos by your desk or telling a couple jokes at each meeting your run, it's up to you. Just make sure you look forward to going to work.

So, throughout the hustle and bustle of the holidays (and life and work), don't forget to slow down, reconnect and have fun.

Merry Christmas from Bellmont Partners

2010-12-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Brian Bellmont

Has Christmas become too commerical? Probably. But that doesn't mean we still can't enjoy these, some of our favorite holiday TV commercials.

Here's one that many people continue to list among their all-time top holiday commercials: the Folger's ad where Peter comes home to surprise his family.

And here's the Clio-winning McDonald's gift certificates commerical starring a cherubic Corey Feldman. Aaw.

Both of these really take us back, sparking a little smile and heartwarming feeling -- and they do it in 60 seconds or less.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Bellmont Partners!

Are you LinkedIn?

2010-12-22T07:15:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Sara Grasmon

Since we all know the importance of social media, I'm not going to bore you with endless explanations of the changing world that is communication. So, without further ado, here are the top three reasons why you should be LinkedIn:

1. It's important to connect with your contacts, and LinkedIn is the perfect social media platform for professionals to do just that. Think of it as an online directory of past and present coworkers, clients, contractors, etc. It's also a great way to keep in touch with those people who you want to keep in your network but don't interact with on a regular basis.

LinkedIn allows you to send messages, view up-to-date contact info and see who your contacts are connected to, drastically increasing your network. To put it in perspective, I currently have 137 connections on LinkedIn. Through these 137 connections, I am linked to 694,580+ professionals. Think of the possibilities.

2. It's important to engage with your peers, and LinkedIn offers a variety of ways to do this. There are countless groups to join and conversations to jump into on LinkedIn. Of course, you don't have time to participate in everything, but it is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other professionals in your industry and share ideas. Some of the groups send out newsletters, keeping you current on all the latest trends and sometimes giving your special offers on related merchandise, while others rely on their discussion boards. With a little research, you can find the perfect fit for you to share your knowledge and learn at the same time.

A few weeks ago, I saw just how useful LinkedIn groups can be. As I researched a large networking event I was scheduled to attend, I struggled to find helpful information about what to expect and how to prepare. Then, I thought of a LinkedIn group I was a member of. I looked through the discussion board and discovered that there was not a discussion started about this event, so I wrote a post asking for insight from those who had attended in the past. By the end of the day, I had one detailed response and within a couple days, there were 11 posts related to my inquiry. Each was filled with valuable information and encouragement from people who had been in my shoes before. Because of this group and its members who responded, I was prepared to be successful.

3. It's important to market yourself, and again, LinkedIn is a great avenue to do just that. A LinkedIn profile lets you control your on-line image, whether you are actively seeking a new opportunity or not. LinkedIn profiles appear near the top of results for Google searches, so it's the perfect chance to showcase what you've done. You never know when someone might be looking for a new employee or who might want to connect for a business proposition.

In addition, LinkedIn provides an opportunity to have people write recommendations on your profile. This lets people who research you get a better picture of who you are and see what you can do for them and their organization. Let's say you have five or even 10 recommendations. People will take notice. It's one thing to have one reference who speaks highly of you, but having several people put their thoughts into text and publish it on the Internet shows how big of an asset you are.

LinkedIn is not just another social media platform. It's a professional tool. I hope you'll take some time to check it out, and don't hesitate to let me know if you have questions or comments. In the meantime, let the connecting, engaging and marketing begin!

Oh, and don't forget to check out (and follow) the Bellmont Partners company page!

Train your brain

2010-12-15T05:55:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Sara Grasmon

As we move toward the peak of holiday season, there seems to be more and more gatherings to attend. This means more and more people to meet and names to remember. Don't get me wrong, holiday functions are a great place to build your network, but the task of keeping everyone you meet straight can be a bit daunting. Here are a few tips to help train your brain to remember the people you meet:

1. Repeat the person's name after he/she says it. For example, "Hi, Taylor. It's nice to meet you. I'm Sara." Easy enough, right?

2. After the introduction, "write" the name on your leg. I don't mean you should grab a pen and actually write on yourself, but it is helpful to trace the name subtly using your finger on your leg. If you feel awkward doing this, visualize yourself writing the name on paper or simply spell it in your head. This will help make a stronger correlation between the name and the face, so next time you see the person you can greet them confidently with a, "Hi, Taylor! It's great to see you again!"

3. Use the name at least a couple times in the conversation. It's easy to do this by working the name into a question like, "Taylor, what type of business are you in?" or "What type of business are you in, Taylor?" To help make the person more memorable, try using open-ended questions that will spark more personalized responses, making Taylor easier for you to recall later. Just remember, to avoid coming off as insincere, don't overuse the name. Just use it as it seems natural and appropriate.

4. Capitalize on an opportunity to introduce Taylor. If a co-worker of yours comes and joins your conversation say, "Hi Judy, do you know Taylor?" This approach shows that you've been listening and have taken interest in both people.

Since it's almost inevitable that the moment will come when you see someone you've met before and don't remember his/her name. Don't panic. When you greet each other simply say, "Hi! It's great seeing you again!" It may even be appropriate to say, "I'm sorry, but I'm having a memory lapse and can't recall your name," depending on the situation. This acknowledges that you remember meeting in the past while prompting a re-introduction. Chances are they'll appreciate your honesty.

Happy training!

Capitalize on your opportunities

2010-12-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Sara Grasmon

I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. Yep, I'm one of those "when one door shuts, a window opens" people. Now, just bear with me. I'm not going to preach, rather, I'd like to share a few thoughts I've developed because of this mantra.

First of all, I want to clarify. I believe that everything happens for a reason, but I also believe a lot of time and hard work is behind every success story. I'm simply confident that if I do everything in my power to achieve my goals, sooner or later, I'll get the end result I'm after.

Let's talk about this concept in terms of your organization. Think about it. If you research your market, network and develop your campaign, it should only be a matter of time until you reach your goal. However, we all know it doesn't always work that easily. That's where my mantra comes into play.

Sometimes, we do all the right things, but we don't get the results. At least not when we want them. That's when it's important to be patient. Let's say you made a pitch to three companies, and only one of them signed on. Sure, it's disappointing, but don't focus on that. Remember, it's not a failure; it's an opportunity.

Now, you can develop a meaningful relationship with one company instead of trying to juggle three at once. Now, you can build your network using your new connections. Now, you have a client that truly knows you and the caliber of your work. Now, you have the opportunity to reach an even larger audience with even more support.

The catch is that you have to fully embrace each opportunity as a potential life-changing one. You can't spend time sulking. You have to be proactive. Of course, not every opportunity is going to have a huge payoff, but you never know when that one that does will come along. That's why it's important to focus your energy on what you have instead of staying fixated on what you don't.

While you're doing this, look at the big picture. Visualize the many different paths that could get you from the present to your desired future. Do what you can to make this happen, but also, try believing that everything happens for a reason. Meet obstacles head on, and turn them into opportunities. Figure out how they could help you develop your skills and get you to your goal, and don't look back.

Can you hear me now?

2010-12-03T04:56:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Sara Grasmon

Have you ever said something to someone and then questioned (to yourself, of course) if they actually heard what you were saying? I'm guessing your answer is yes, because I know mine is. Whether it's when I try talking to my sister while she's reading or when I blabber about baseball to my non-sports-crazy friends, it happens.

(Confession: Sometimes, I'm even the one who listens but doesn't hear.)

Sure, we all know those people who always talk but rarely say anything, but for the purpose of this post, let's just pretend everyone who ever says anything is always saying something. So, without further ado, here are three tips that will help you hear:

1. Focus on the person. Concentrate on the present, and stop thinking about the past and future. Resist the temptation to rehash the meeting you just left or make a grocery list in your head. Keep your attention on the person and the message they are sharing.

2. Engage yourself. Again, live in the present. Ask questions, offer commentary when appropriate and connect their ideas to your knowledge. Don't just be someone for others to talk at. Be someone for them to talk with.

3. Summarize and restate. Repeat what you heard to make sure both you and the speaker are on the same page. This provides an opportunity to clarify points, and it shows that you were not only listening but also hearing what was said.

These tips will enhance communication, increase productivity and strengthen relationships. Try try them out, and stop listening, start hearing.

Who's one of Minnesota's most influential PR pros on Twitter?

2010-12-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Brian Bellmont

Big congrats to strategic partner Arik Hanson, who was just named to MNPR Blog's MNPR Top 20: The Twin Cities' Most Influential PR Professionals on Twitter. Arik ranked second on this year's list.

We've worked together on behalf of several clients, and Arik consistently delivers creative, strategic and -- just as important -- implementable ideas designed to help companies maneuver through the world of social media. We're continually impressed by his expertise in all things digital, and are really pleased with the results he's been able to deliver for our clients.

We'd recommend following Arik on Twitter, and checking out his blog, Communications Conversations, which is always chock full of useful and though-provoking posts.

Way to go, Arik!

Boost your marketing: Connect, interact and develop

2010-11-29T05:23:00.000-08:00

Question: What started as a social network for college students in 2004 and has grown into a world-wide business with more than 500 million users? Answer: Yep, you guessed it -- Facebook.

It's created a world of its own where you can add friends, share information and say whatever's on your mind. It's a place where you can comment and chat and where it's OK to "like" almost anything. It's a place where people spend more than 700 billion minutes PER MONTH. So, with that kind of traffic and the price of free, it's a place where your business should be.

Here are three ways Facebook can help can enhance your marketing efforts and increase your revenue, and the only thing it will cost you is some time.

1. Facebook connects. Let's say you own a business that sells fishing poles. After doing a quick search for fishing, you find that more than 4 million people "like" fishing. Facebook gives you an opportunity to connect with these 4 million potential consumers along with other businesses in your industry, like those that sell boats, bait and tackle. Facebook helps connect you to new audiences and demographics, increasing your consumer market.

2. Facebook interacts. Facebook provides an avenue for consumers to ask questions and offer suggestions, and it gives you and your company a way to respond and share your information. This makes consumers feel like they have a personal relationship with you and your products and allows them to have a voice. It also lets you interact with other companies, potentially leading to new business endeavors.

3. Facebook develops. While you've been connecting and interacting, you've also been developing. You've been developing relationships and loyalty with your consumers, your brand with the public and your success as a business.

Facebook provides an outlet that lets you maximize your consumer-friendly potential without breaking the bank. So, with some research, patience and sweat-equity, you and your business can boost your marketing and connect, interact and develop.

Four Things I'm Thankful For

2010-11-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

We’ve all got our go-to lists of what we’re thankful for this holiday season – family, friends, happiness, health, TiVo. But this year I put on my business-owner hat (it looks a little like a sombrero) and thought about what’s really made the difference for Bellmont Partners in 2010. So, here are the top four things I’m thankful for – from a business perspective – this year.

New technology. This was the year we stepped up our commitment to making our work lives easier, and invested in tech that makes us more efficient and effective. We’re in love with our iPhones, are able to record every single local TV newscast with our four TiVo streams (yes, TiVo made both my business and personal lists), and rely on the Web more than ever before, whether it’s to order office supplies online to save us a trip to the store or to discuss story ideas with media via Facebook or Twitter.

More conversation. 2010 was also the year that we stepped up Bellmont Partners’ presence online, including reworking our website and launching this blog. After years of helping our clients develop online content, we realized we were suffering from Shoemakers’ Children Syndrome, and decided we needed to focus on elevating our own digital discussions. So far, it’s really paid off – we’re participating in more conversations, sparking more ideas and connecting with more people.

Great clients. We really are lucky – our clients all have newsworthy stories to tell, and just as important, they look at us as a part of their team. All of us being on the same page, aiming for the same goals and engaging in real collaboration allows us to help get our clients where they want to be. We’re really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish working in concert with our clients over the past 11 months; it’s been a great year.

Exceptional partners and collaborators. This year in particular, I’m thankful for the phenomenal team we’ve put together: Jen, Shelli and Sara, and frequent collaborators Arik and Bob. Working day in and day out with these folks makes it a joy to flip on the light switch every day.

How about you? What are you – and your business – grateful for this year?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Maximize your potential

2010-11-22T04:49:00.000-08:00

As someone who constantly seeks new avenues to learn more about myself, I jumped on the opportunity to use StrengthsFinder 2.0. After completing the questionnaire and reading about my top five strengths, one in particular stuck out to me.

I'm a maximizer. I focus on my strengths, and those of others, and figure out how to capitalize on them. I don't spend hours devising plans to overcome weaknesses. Instead, I do what comes naturally. I maximize.

Maximizing just makes sense. Think about it. If you focus your energy on overcoming your weaknesses, you'll be a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none. But, if you focus on developing your strengths, you can distinguish yourself and emerge as a leader in several areas.

My maximizing trait compels me to help others maximize, too. So, here are a few things to keep in mind as you maximize yourself -- and your organization.

1. Get to know your strengths. What do you excel at, and how can you use those strengths to make your organization more successful? Maybe you're a natural talker but struggle when it comes time to listen. That strength makes you a perfect fit to make pitches, speeches and special appearances that can increase sales, enhance your brand and increase your public presence.

2. Don't focus on your weaknesses. Everyone has them; what are yours? It's important to acknowledge them, but don't dwell. They will not be the demise of you and your organization. Since I don't believe it's efficient to spend tons of time developing weaknesses, I try to find quick, simple solutions to help. If your weakness is listening, try taking notes to help you focus on what's being said, or use a recorder to capture the presentation so you can go back to it if you missed something. Or try my third suggestion.

3. Find people who have strengths that compliment you and your organization, and don't let them go. OK, maybe I'm getting a bit carried away, but seriously, find people who are a good fit. If you are a great speaker but listening isn't your strong-suit, find someone who prefers to stay off the stage and focus on what is being said. You both will be using your strengths and will be much happier while doing so.

When I maximize, I feel better. I don't feel like I'm trying to be someone I'm not. Instead, I feel like I'm in control of every situation and am working efficiently to reach my potential, and that of my organization. It takes less time and energy to perform tasks and gives me more confidence, producing a better end result. So, keep these things in mind, and start maximizing yourself -- and your organization.

Benefit raises funds, awareness

2010-11-19T14:54:00.000-08:00

$20,000. More than 250 people. And an entire community coming together to support two worthy causes, while raising awareness about an issue that affects millions of women across the country. The Shut the Door on Domestic Violence event this week was by all accounts overwhelmingly positive, and reminds us of the power of many kind and generous people coming together to make a difference. The money raised has been placed in a trust for the Hanson children (see their story in an earlier post), and a portion was also donated to the Lewis House in Eagan, a shelter for victims of domestic violence.

To quote Jay Hanson, Charles' brother who is currently caring for and adopting baby Bjorn Hanson, "Money can't buy back their father, but the money raised tonight will help with counseling and other things Ingrid, Thorin and Bjorn may need to help deal with the lasting effects of what they experienced."

Thank you to Tim Sherno and his crew at KSTP, and Erik Runge (@fox9erik) at FOX 9 for covering the benefit.

And thanks to everyone who shared the story with others, made a donation, or attended the benefit. For more information or to make a donation online, please visit the Hanson Children Benefit website.

The beauty of brevity

2010-11-18T05:43:00.000-08:00

Apparently, the world of communication has changed. Breaking news to you, I know. People read headlines instead of stories. They text instead of talk. The share Facebook updates. They tweet. And they want you (and me) to cater to their preferences by providing terse information.

I struggle with this. I love to talk, a lot. I love to write, a lot. I take pride in my thoroughness but have realized there's a time and place. So, to I've found a few tips in "A Writer's Coach" by Jack Hart to sharpen my skills and appeal more to the masses.

1. Stick to the point. Sounds easy, but it's hard to do. You don't want the main point to be lost among several other ideas. Choose your thesis, and make sure you don't stray from it. There can always be another newsletter, blog post or magazine to cover other topics.

2. Don't be afraid to edit. We all have those lines we write and fall in love with, but sometimes, they aren't enhancing the piece and just need to go. Also eliminate unnecessary modifiers (dry desert, basic necessities) and creeping nouns (sales event - sale, crisis situation - crisis). Remember to cut content that doesn't reflect your thesis, too.

3. Once is enough. As my journalism professor at Concordia College said, "Don't beat the dead horse." It's OK to include information that supports your point, but you only need to say it once. Redundancy can insult readers' intelligence or simply bore them when the goal is to engage them.

4. Leave room for inquiry. You could easily write a 5,000-word piece that follows the first three tips -- don't. Instead, educate and entice. Share concise information, and provide additional resources for further research.

Following these guidelines will not only streamline your writing, but it will also help develop a stronger thesis. So, give them a try, and see the beauty of brevity.

Sharing a worthy story, supporting a worthy cause

2010-11-15T04:39:00.000-08:00

In PR, storytelling is at the center of what we do. It's what we listen for when meeting with clients - and ultimately drives successful campaigns. Well-told stories have the power to evoke emotions and drive action. So when we recently heard the following story, we - and many other businesses across the Twin Cities - grabbed a box of tissues, rolled up our sleeves and dug in to help out a worthy cause. We hope you'll consider doing the same after reading the story that moved us as well as reporters at the Pioneer Press, Star Tribune, WCCO and others.

On August 10, Eagan husband and wife Charles and Svetlana Hanson were murdered by Svetlana’s ex-husband, who then took his own life. It was an act of domestic violence. The tragedy left 11-year-old Ingrid and nine-year-old son Thorin without a father, and the couple’s 9-month-old son, Bjorn, an orphan. The children were at home during the crime, but thankfully not injured.

Three months later, family and friends continue to pick up the pieces to help the Hanson children. Tonight, they're hosting “Shut the Door on Domestic Violence,” a fundraising event to benefit the Hanson children and the Lewis House, the Eagan-based safe haven for survivors of domestic violence. The benefit, scheduled for Monday, Nov. 15, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Lakeville, will feature speakers Hal Brown, uncle of Ingrid and Thorin Hanson, and Leslie Metzen, Senior Director of Violence Prevention, 360 Communities. Food, a silent auction, and entertainment are included. All services are donated, so 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit the Hanson children and the Lewis House.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or at the door. Children are welcome to attend for free, and there will be kids activities available including face painting.

We hope you'll consider sharing this story with your family and friends to make a difference for the Hanson children and others in our community affected by domestic violence.

Client News: Thread Logic Receives Better Business Bureau Integrity Award

2010-11-05T06:47:00.000-07:00

Our clients are doing some phenomenal things. Here's one recent example:

Embroidery and logowear company Thread Logic -- which has gained national attention for its innovative Web-based marketing -- has been named recipient of the 2010 Integrity Award from the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota. The company received the award for exemplifying "ethical behavior and displaying integrity in all aspects of the company’s operations: toward employees, vendors, customers, and within the community."

Here's a photo of founder-owners Jeff and Wenda Taxdahl after they were honored during an awards event on Oct. 20. Congratulations, Thread Logic!

Get S.M.A.R.T.

2010-11-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

Much like peanut butter and jelly, goals and lists are the perfect pairing. Separately, they're good, but together, they're great. Many organizations use one or the other (I'm not talking PB&J anymore) and settle for being good, but by following these guidelines, you and your organization can become great.

As the most recent addition to the Bellmont Partners team, I'm juggling multiple projects and am getting a real-world lesson on the importance of goals. Goals foster success, both in organizations and in life. Without them, it's easy to lose focus and hard to reach your potential. It's essential that everyone on your team is on the same page from this point forward, so first, identify what's important to you and your organization. Create a list of what's valued (time, revenue, outreach, ets.), and then, rank the list to determine your priorities.

Once that's accomplished, it's time to set goals and see results. To begin, brainstorm a list of broad, general goals. Then choose an idea that focuses on one of your top values, and develop it into what Dr. Edwin A. Locke calls a S.M.A.R.T. goal:
1. Specific
2. Measurable
3. Attainable
4. Relevant
5. Timed

1. Specific: What exactly do you want to accomplish?
When I say exactly, I mean exactly. In order to succeed, you need to focus on something specific. If the goal is too broad or complicated, it will be difficult to accomplish and can end up costing you valuable time and resources.

2. Measurable: How will you know once you've accomplished the goal?
Set a tangible goal so you know when you've reached it. Create qualitative and/or quantitative points that you will be able to evaluate.

3. Attainable: Can you achieve it, or are you setting yourself up to fail?
Reality check - goals should be ambitious, but they should not be unrealistic. Setting unattainable goals will only cause frustration and can often be counterproductive.

4. Relevant: Does it mean something to you and your organization?
If you set a goal that you don't care about, it will be difficult to stick to the plan and accomplish your goal. You'll get the best results when you're passionate about the goal.

5. Timed: Have you created a timeline?
Making a plan ensures that a goal will be met efficiently. Without a structured timeline, it's hard to stay on task and accomplish the specific steps needed to reach your goal.

After you've made your goal S.M.A.R.T., write it down. Make sure to record all aspects of the goal to provide accountability and motivation. Next, produce a list that follows the timeline and documents who will be responsible for each component.

As you implement the steps toward the goal, keep lists with notes for future reference to maximize your efforts and make your organization go from good to great.

I'm putting these ideas into action and am already seeing results. So, now it's on to the next task so I can keep reaching my goals and crossing things off my lists.

Midwest Dairy, Vikings and us

2010-10-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

So, last week we spent a day at the Metrodome, eating cheese sticks, drinking milk and hanging out with a few hundred kids and a former Viking. Just another day at the office.

We've been working with Midwest Dairy Council and the Minnesota Vikings for the past few months to coordinate the Training Day event for this year's Fuel Up to Play 60 initiative. And on Oct. 21, all the prep paid off: Hundreds of extremely enthusiastic student leaders from 14 schools in the Twin Cities and Northfield descended on Mall of America Field to learn about the importance of nutrition and physical activity. They got to meet Viking great Bob Lurtsema and Princess Kay of the Milky Way, participated in drills with the De La Salle High School football team and talked about ideas to encourage their classmates to make healthy choices. It's a great program -- we've been really thrilled to be a part of it.

Here's the Bellmont Partners team with Viktor the Viking. (From left: Shelli Lissick, Viktor, Jen Bellmont, Brian Bellmont and Sara Grasmon.)

PR Penance

2010-10-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

Bless me, everybody, for I have sinned: It's been four months since my last blog post. Four months! In a world where Twitter feeds are updated by the second, that's a lot of seconds. (About 10 million, to be exact.)

What have I been doing over the past four months? Not blogging, that's for sure. Well, that's not exactly true -- all of us here at Bellmont Partners have indeed been putting together countless blog posts over the last few months, as well as writing hundreds of thousands of other words in the form of articles, news releases, Web copy, collateral material and even a book -- just not for ourselves. Shoemakers' children? Yeah, that's us.

So today, as Minnesota is hit with our first snow of the year, it's time to enter a new season for the Bellmont Buzz blog, too. We're committing right here and now to weighing in a lot more often, and hopefully stuff that you'll find engaging and interesting. We've got a lot to say and share. Shelli, Jen and Sara will be joining me by posting everything from quick nuggets to deeper diatribes on all things PR, media, marketing and messaging -- as we get the conversation going again.

Talk with you soon. (That's a promise.)