Jill Mastrangelo's Blog

PR: The Good, Bad and Ugly

Valerie’s Visibility: A Comeback Success Story, Taken One Day at a Time

by Jill Mastrangelo

Valerie BertinelliThough Valerie Bertinelli has said and owned up to things that had the potential to alienate her long-term and new fans (such as candid details of her tumultuous marriage, and the struggles she went through with self image and drug use), she has maintained a transparency that is uncommon among people in the entertainment industry.

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comment | 03/05/2010


PR: The Good, Bad and Ugly

Eyeing the Tiger

by Jill Mastrangelo

TIGER WOODSOther than Saturday Night Live spoofs and Weekend Updates, I’ve tried to stay away from any news on the Tiger Woods’ downfall. I did, however, tune in this morning to watch his press conference – and I use “press conference” loosely...

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comment | 02/19/2010


PR: The Good, Bad and Ugly

3 Tips To Establishing Your Personal Brand

by Jill Mastrangelo

I wonIf you’re looking for a way to stand out in the professional crowd, spend some time thinking about your personal brand. Just like any company, individuals should establish their brand ....

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2 comments | 02/05/2010


PR: The Good, Bad and Ugly

The Time Of Year To Bid For A Cause

by Jill Mastrangelo

For a nonprofit organization, an annual fundraiser provides an opportunity to raise money for their cause, while hosting a branded event that the community looks forward to attending. For Me Fine Foundation (an MMI client), their annual signature fundraiser, the Purse Gala, features a live auction of unique, one-of-a-kind and designer purses, including items donated by celebrities and designers nationwide, and it will be held on Sunday, Feb. 7. 

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comment | 01/25/2010


New Media

H&M Uses Social Media, Postpones Print For Clothing Crisis Response

by Jill Mastrangelo

H&MThis week, seeing H&M in the news brought on feelings of confusion and disappointment. A January 5 New York Times article details the findings of multiple trash bags full of new clothing, seemingly damaged by box cutters and razors, discarded outside of an H&M store in New York City.

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comment | 01/08/2010


PR: The Good, Bad and Ugly

A True Christmas Spirit

by Jill Mastrangelo

Customer ServiceBefore a holiday party, my colleague, Kate and I stopped by the Harris Teeter on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh, and came in contact with a gentleman working there. I didn’t get his name, but he was the friendliest Harris Teeter employee I’ve ever met – which says a lot, since most of my Harris Teeter customer service experiences are pleasant. When we left the store, Kate appropriately summed it up, describing the gentleman as “the true spirit of Christmas.”

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comment | 12/24/2009


MMI Watercooler

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year…

by Jill Mastrangelo

Along with being nice, knowing how to have fun is an important part of working at MMI. Throughout the year, there are many opportunities for this fun having, but my favorite comes in the form of our family dinner-style holiday party.

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comment | 12/15/2009


PR: The Good, Bad and Ugly

Non-Sex Sells - The Twilight Saga: New Moon Attracts All Ages, Breaks Records Opening Weekend

by Jill Mastrangelo

Twilight It is entirely possible that I’ve been living under a rock since 2005. This might explain why, after four book releases, and the first installment of a monstrous movie saga (which I don’t even recall seeing previews for), I was still in the dark in regard to everything Twilight.

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1 comment | 11/27/2009


PR: The Good, Bad and Ugly

Filling A GAP In Creating Brand Buzz For the Holidays

by Jill Mastrangelo

With the gift-giving season a little more than a month away, and Black Friday  – the busiest day in the retail world – less than two weeks away, many stores are facing an uphill battle.

But one store that seems to always dance circles around the competition when it comes to generating a buzz is GAP Inc. 

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comment | 11/13/2009


PR: The Good, Bad and Ugly

The PR World Via Reality TV

by Jill Mastrangelo

It’s been more than three years since MTV debuted ‘PoweR Girls’, an inside look at the PR world of New York City via a short-lived reality show. ‘PR Girls’ focused on the infamous Lizzie Grubman (perhaps best known for her driving) and her firm, Lizzie Grubman Public Relations. If you are anything like me, you were glued to the TV as Grubman’s four assistants organized an autograph signing for Ja Rule, worked a club opening and displayed their PR skills while on the phone with Page Six and Britney Spears’ people – all while Grubman trash-talked Lindsay Lohan.

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comment | 12/11/2008


New Media

Your Blog: How to increase readership

by Jill Mastrangelo

Tips on how to leverage your online presence to find readers for your blog.

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comment | 11/07/2008


PR: The Good, Bad and Ugly

Drexler’s Marketing Move: Luxury for Less

by Jill Mastrangelo

J. Crew will provide an option of practical merchandise with a smaller impact on the customer’s wallet.

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comment | 09/12/2008


PR: The Good, Bad and Ugly

Five Tips to Effective Networking for the PR Professional

by Jill Mastrangelo

As in many industries, networking is a key component for any PR professional. But if you have ever been in a room full of networking-hopefuls, it might be evident that many could use some coaching.

Andrew Gilman, president and CEO of CommCore Consulting Group, recently shared his top five tips to social networking on PRNewser. If you are weary of the networking scene, try using his methods at your next event. I know I plan to.

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comment | 09/03/2008


New Media

PR Blogs: So many; so little time.

by Jill Mastrangelo

For any PR professional, discovering a quality PR-focused blog can be, in a word, exhilarating. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to pick your select few to follow.

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4 comments | 08/21/2008


MMI Watercooler

Starbucks $2 @ 2 p.m. Promotion

by Jill Mastrangelo

Did you hit the Starbucks drive-thru on the way to work this morning? If your answer is yes – and you have a tendency to crave an afternoon caffeine fix – then this is good news for you!

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1 comment | 08/05/2008


MMI Watercooler

Whole Grain Buzz

by Jill Mastrangelo

So, how does a whole grain strawberry Pop-Tart sound? What about a seven whole grain, sesame and flax seed cheese pizza? I don’t know about you, but, to me, it seems like a small price to pay to get healthy – and back into your skinny jeans.

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comment | 05/30/2008


PR: The Good, Bad and Ugly

A Vogue PR Move?

by Jill Mastrangelo

LeBron James has done what few men have done before – but this time, it was off the basketball court. James is only the third man to ever grace the cover of Vogue magazine, joining Richard Gere and George Clooney in this exclusive group. This month’s historic issue features James holding supermodel Gisele Bundchen in what was seemingly supposed to be a juxtaposition of beauty and brawn. But not everyone sees it that way.

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comment | 03/28/2008


MMI Watercooler

The Hand Shake: A Thing Of The Past?

by Jill Mastrangelo

Is the traditional handshake a thing of the past? Are we destined for a life of voicemails and text messages? I hope not. In my opinion, face-to-face networking still remains a critical tool for creating and sustaining successful relationships.

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2 comments | 12/07/2007


PR: The Good, Bad and Ugly

“Real World” PR

by Jill Mastrangelo

I found some great ideas on how to fix PR undergrad programs on PR-Squared, a great blog by Todd Defren, principal at SHIFT Communications.

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comment | 11/02/2007