The Frause Blog

Can’t live with them, can’t live without them

2011-12-20T15:25:00.000-08:00

While interning at Frause, I have dabbled in media pitching and observed the delicate dance that takes place between journalists and PR professionals. The relationship is a bit of an oxymoron, where both require the other to function, yet the road to success is imbedded with bumps and potholes of frustration.

Ragan’s PR Daily has also noticed the symbiotic rapport between the media and public relations, recently posting “33 things the media wish PR people knew.” This list of thirty-three insights is a great starting point (especially for learning interns), but the thirty-five comments at the bottom of the article are just as astute as the article’s content. After reading the article and its comments, I have picked several themes worth repeating.

The first piece of advice the article gives is, “not everything your organization does is newsworthy.” While this is not a shocking reality check to most PR professionals, it can be difficult for clients to understand and thus support such an idea. To overcome this, I have noticed scenarios where Frause is able to identify what is or is not newsworthy on a client’s behalf and then recommend an appropriate course of action, thus balancing the client’s and the media’s interests.

Several of the article’s ideas can be summarized as finding alternative methods to sharing your content with the media. The press release is highlighted as a great starting outreach tool, yet it must be combined with something more engaging. This could be a compelling email subject line, using a journalist’s social network to initiate a dialogue or using multimedia messaging like photos and videos.

Close to half of the thirty-three points center on how to mediate the conflict that rises between PR professionals’ goals for coverage and what is of interest to the media. This is likely to be frustrating for both, but as communications professionals, we have the skills to navigate obstacles as, “corporate messaging goals and good journalism are often at odds” or “that spin is downright annoying” or “the media are the filter, not the enemy.”

From my experiences as Frause’s intern, I look forward to the day where I communicate for a living! If the relationship between the media and PR professionals is a delicate dance, as I learn and gain professional experience, I look forward to the day where I have learned the waltz, foxtrot and tango of media pitching. On the other hand, right now I am managing to boogie along with the funky chicken.

Frause Gaudy Christmas!

2011-12-13T14:59:00.000-08:00

At Frause we like to make a splash and we made no exception for this year’s “gaudy” themed office Christmas party! We assembled at the Oasis by Herban Feast in Sodo, donning our most glitzy and tacky holiday attire. We sparkled in red, silver and gold, leaving trails of glitter and tinsel in our wake. A personal favorite was Santa with a pillow for a belly and our very own Bob Frause dressed in drag wearing a green plaid kilt and lady’s holiday sweater with shoulder pads.

The bar was serving up a delicious pomegranate martini along with some red and white wines and beer selections. As we sat down to dinner, it was clear the Frause Christmas Committee had decked the venue halls just as thoroughly as the rest of our team decked ourselves out in ornate and showy gear. The tables were beautifully adorned and the room decorations were extravagant with several light-up reindeer and a blow-up snowman and Santa.

Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals as we feasted on several options. I had the citrus miso glazed salmon with orange and fennel salad, while people around me savored the herb crusted beef tenderloin, finished with a port demi-glace, and the butternut squash ravioli with brown butter lemon thyme cream sauce and crispy sage. Dessert came with two options: pumpkin cheese cake or chocolate lava cake. YUM!Bob and Sue surprised everyone with little stockings filled with Nordstrom and Amazon gift cards. In turn, the team presented Bob and Sue with our very heavy gift of the Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking.

Awards for best costumes were also presented! Just to name a few, Brook and Pete took best contemporary couple and Matt and John took best unintentional couple, both dressed as Cousin Eddie from the movie Christmas Vacation.

With dinner over and a few drinks in, we migrated to karaoke – not to be outdone by Krista’s caroling Santa hat. Bob’s cash incentives got the singing going, but soon we were rocking out to hits from the 80s and 90s, the occasional Christmas carol, to a few impressive rap performances.

Frause boogied into the night getting wrapped up in the season’s festivities and merrymaking, so much so that some of the Frausies headed to Hooverville for a nightcap. The Frause gaudy Christmas party was a merry Christmas for all and for all a goodnight!

One lifetime just isn't enough

2011-12-08T14:33:00.001-08:00

This past Tuesday the Frause team and our colleagues at Fundraising Partners Northwest headed down to the Lake Union Café to celebrate Bob at the Puget Sound Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Holiday Gala. It was a happy event full of photos, conversations and smiles. The silent auction featured items like a signed Seahawks football by Leon Washington, a basket of Washington wine and an at home spa kit. Between the silent auction and the live dessert auction, a significant amount of money was raised for the Puget Sound Chapter’s Horace & Susie Revels Cayton and Sally Heet Memorial scholarships. During the dessert auction, the Frause tables snagged the raspberry chocolate torte and gluten-free gingerbread men. Sweets for a worthy cause!Following the dessert auction, the awards ceremony began. R. Danner Graves, APR, Fellow PRSA, of Graves Group was honored with the Hugh Smith Community Service Award; along with Neil Neroutsos, APR of Snohomish County PUD for the President's Award for Volunteerism; and Dave Marriott, APR of Gogerty Marriott, Inc. as the PR Professional of the Year. Finally, (drum roll please!), Bob Frause was introduced by Suzanne Hartman, APR, the 2012 Chapter President-Elect, to receive the Jay Rockey Lifetime Achievement Award! Bob was handed the trophy by the award’s namesake – Jay Rockey.

Jay Rockey shared a humorous and anecdotal speech with the audience about the award that is now in its tenth year. He praised Bob and spoke of how much he values PRSA calling the Puget Sound Chapter the best in the nation. He also joked he was pleased to see the podium on the ground level after almost falling on the stage steps last year. As Bob accepted the award, he took a moment to thank his family, his team at Frause and the many professionals who have guided him throughout his career. The audience was full of warm smiles, in addition to the wet eyes of Bob’s wife, Sue.

The awards ceremony wrapped up with a mini video roast of Bob that also doubled as a tribute from all of us at Frause. The award was no doubt the highlight of Bob’s night, but we think our video and symbolic gift of Heifer International chickens added to the evening's thrill!

Here's to Bob

2011-11-29T17:03:00.000-08:00

The stroll from FRAUSE’s reception desk down the hall (past the lovely intern desk) to the conference room is decorated with the awards FRAUSE and agency team members have received throughout the years. I counted a total of seventy-six, although those are just the awards on display – there are many more than those on display in our mini-museum. After talking to various Frause folks here in the Seattle office, favorite awards include the PRSA Puget Sound Totems and the Washington’s Best Workplaces awards given by the Puget Sound Business Journal.

Most recently, we are especially excited about the Jay Rockey Lifetime Achievement Award that will be presented to our Founder and Chairman/CEO, Bob Frause at the PRSA Puget Sound Holiday Gala on December 6. As stated on PRSA’s website, “The Jay Rockey Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2002 in honor of Jay Rockey’s commitment to the public relations profession. This award recognizes the career achievements of a Puget Sound area public relations professional who has advanced the field of public relations and demonstrated outstanding professional ability and conduct throughout his or her career.”

Here at FRAUSE, we are so thrilled to see Bob celebrated for his work in the industry and his commitment to PRSA and ethics in the PR profession. As the intern, I have the opportunity to participate in office culture, but also observe with the perspective of a fly on the wall. In so doing, I have witnessed and shared in the magical work environment Bob creates daily.

I have noticed Bob leads the FRAUSE team through example. Everyday he is the first person in the office – commuting from his home on Whidbey Island. He constantly lends his counsel to clients and colleagues. And last but not least is the dedication to PRSA Bob illustrates for the FRAUSE team — from paying the PRSA dues for senior staff to encouraging participation in PRSA events.

FRAUSE is a great team, and lucky for us, Bob is the icing on our cake. Here’s to Bob as the 2011 recipient of the Jay Rockey Lifetime Achievement Award!

Decking the Streets

2011-11-22T16:35:00.000-08:00

On my stroll into work this morning, it was the first day I noticed that downtown Seattle’s trees are now glowing with Christmas lights. Unless you are Ebenezer Scrooge or the Grinch, it is impossible not to feel your mood elevate as you walk under twinkling lights that for me mark the beginning of the holiday season. At this time of year when the sun doesn’t rise until 7:30am and it disappears over Puget Sound by 4:30pm, the decorative lights of downtown create a holiday atmosphere that I and many of my fellow Frausies look forward to.

While the lights do create a feel-good environment, they also have a strategic purpose. As holiday consumers are making their shopping lists and checking them twice, they head to downtown retailers to cross gifts off their list. The lights cater to shopping festivities and builds upon the giddiness this time of year creates – encouraging many shoppers to do their holiday gift buying downtown and reach deeper into their wallets once they are here. This holds especially true for this holiday season when the economy threatens to curtail purchases and more consumers are doing their gift buying online.

Following General Electric’s release of Christmas light kits in 1903, lights have become a staple of the holiday season in the ranks of Frosty the Snowman and stockings hung by the chimney with care. They light our dark November and December days in the Pacific Northwest and beckon Seattleites downtown for some holiday cheer – something I now get soak up on my way to and from Frause.

Seattle U PRSSA at Frause!

2011-11-15T16:54:00.000-08:00

Today, members of the Seattle University Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter visited Frause for a tour of our offices and a sit-down conversation with some of Frause’s team! The conversation started with an overview by Bob Frause of our work and history, interspersed with advice for communications students. Bob shared two main “theories” that are relevant to beginning a career in the industry.

A Tale of Two Theories
#1 First Job Hierarchy. Bob’s first theory pertains to first jobs and their impact on career paths. He recommended, if possible, beginning at a communications agency for the reason that young professionals learn versatile skills that allow for greater flexibility later as they gain experience. If an agency in not an option, go for a corporate in-house communications position. The third and fourth options are nonprofits or NGOs followed lastly by public sector agencies. These two types of organizations made the bottom tier because Bob hypothesizes once young professionals begin their careers in such sectors it is challenging to transition across the job spectrum later due to industry biases.

#2 Informational Interviews Don’t Exist. Bob’s second supposition is the “theory of how to get a job.” According to this theory, there is no such thing as an informational interview. He claims that any interview is a “real” job interview. Subsequently, be prepared to be smart and up sell your skills. Most importantly, always ask for the job if it is the company where you know you want to be. If that company is not currently hiring, ask to get on “the list” of professionals they will be contacting the next time they are interviewing. Lastly, never walk out of an office without two or three names of other professionals to get in contact with.

Separately from Bob’s great knowledge, pertinent advice was passed onto Seattle U’s PRSSA as freely as our business cards! Richard Kendall suggested doing internships in multiple sectors because internships are as much about shaping interests as determining what you are uninterested in. Nathan Hambley recommended coming to interviews with at least two objectives you wish to accomplish during the internship or the next phase of your professional development. He also encouraged doing something that sets you apart from your peers, whether it is a mood board (Bob loves these!) to visually tell a story or a portfolio or an unsolicited letter of recommendation.

Amy Graham shared her unique experience of having interned for Frause and then being hired full-time. She advised the PRSSA students on how to maintain a work-life balance—of making time for things that provide personal happiness while still delivering top notch work and advancing your career.

The Seattle U PRSSA students had the opportunity to ask questions throughout the conversation, guiding the shared dialogue. It was a formative discussion where the students seemed to be curious and appreciative of the opportunity to stop by. The best part was the student group included Emily Nauseda, which made the event a summit of Frause interns past, present and maybe even future.

A Window of Opportunity

2011-11-08T17:14:00.001-08:00

Frause’s intern desk is a small cubicle in the hallway between the reception desk and the conference room. While it is an unglamorous workstation, it is also a desk of opportunity. It is where I work on diverse client accounts and internal projects.

Every week is a professional adventure right from my keyboard and wheelie office chair. I have explored the ins and outs of the communications industry through online communications, public affairs, social media, community relations and media relations. I have researched, typed, brainstormed, compiled, evaluated, emailed and called. I have listened and been heard. I have gained experience in the industries of hospitality and tourism, consumer and retail, natural environment and community development. I regularly participate in meetings and have even had the opportunity to attend a press release workshop and tour the Gates Foundation.

With all that I have checked-off my revolving to-do list, the amazing thing is that I am only half-way into my internship with Frause. Everything I have learned, attempted and accomplished has been in just the last month and a half!

I have no delusion that the intern desk is glamorous, although I love the way working at Frause makes me feel like a grown-up. About two weeks ago, I printed out a picture of a window opening out to a tropical beach and taped it to the wall behind my monitor. This is my way of personalizing the intern desk, and pretending that I have a window whenever I glance up. During these moments when I glance up from my computer to my window, I reflect on the significance of my seat at the intern desk, and the long-term opportunity this seat in Frause’s hallway is providing my young career. It has become what I dubbed, “my window of opportunity.”

Founder Bob

2011-11-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

On my first day at Frause, I came across a friendly gentleman in the hallway who introduced himself to me as Bob. My excited response was: “Founder Bob!” He chuckled and said, “Yes, Founder Bob.” One month into my internship at Frause, I had the opportunity to sit down and ask questions of the guy who started Frause in 1998. This is what I learned.

What led to the decision to name the agency based on your last name?

Bob mused that when he founded Frause he “only had $72 to his name. I rolled the dice and went for it solo.” In testing a potential name for the agency Bob pretended to answer the phone. He experimented with, “Hi, this is the Bob Group” or “Good afternoon, Creative Communications, this is Bob” and “The Frause Group, how may I help you?” After he pondered it a bit more, Bob realized his advantage was his “black book.” So he wanted to keep his last name in the title. He ultimately decided on The Frause Group, simply because it sounded like there was more than one person working at the agency. As the agency grew, the name evolved to simply Frause, with a logo created from Bob’s own handwriting!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

“The game,” he said. “Having an idea for building a business, seeing if you can make it happen, and then creating a great place to work. That’s the real challenge.” His idea was to create a place to learn and be happy while making some money doing it. For Bob, working at Frause now is different than when he first started. He no longer has to worry about putting his son through college or some of the many challenges he encountered earlier in his career. Today, he says “It is primarily about having fun and doing great work.”

What do you find most challenging?

For Bob, the challenge resides with the “status quo – I don’t like it.” Bob noted people can become buried in the status quo, and he prefers optimism and innovation instead. Now Bob just wants a “transporter so Scotty can beam me up.”

Frause was founded with three guiding principles:
1. Deliver services ethically.
2. Provide an open workplace where employees are given the opportunity to learn about the business of running a business, and cultivate staff as business partners first and communication professionals second.
3. Build a supportive and desirable place to work, such that when looking back on their careers, employees will think of Frause as the best place they ever worked.

What experiences in your personal or professional life led you to develop Frause with these guiding principles?

When Bob founded Frause he only had one thing to prove, “that I could make it on my own.” But as Bob started hiring employees, he wanted to activate those principles. He has found that by “showing people how to be business people where you challenge and support them and pay them well – they stick around.”

What does the post-Frause world look like for you?

Bob is mulling around several ideas of how to spend his time once he “retires.” Bob shared he might, “buy a van and stock it with tools to become a maintenance man for old ladies. Go work at Home Depot and get an orange apron. Write a book on ethics. Start a business with his son, or even go back to school for a Masters of Fine Arts in welding or painting or a degree in integrated communication.” For Bob it all boils down to “Why not try something new? The only disappointing thing is to not have enough time to try everything.”

On Frause’s website a lot of attention is paid to turkeys. It describes you as a “social pillar/turkey killer” who occasionally lives with turkeys, and the “extras” tab on the website sometimes states, “Turkeys can run up to 20 MPH.” How would you describe your relationship with turkeys these days?

Bob does indeed occasionally live with turkeys! He explained, “The ‘social pillar/turkey killer’ mentioned in my bio comes from the chorus of a song my friend wrote for my 50th birthday.” The biggest argument Bob ever had with his wife was whether or not to get chickens. His wife didn’t want to be tied down by poultry, although they did eventually get chickens. After they got their first set of chickens, their animal kingdom grew to include rabbits and even cattle. They decided to ditch the cattle for a baseball field in their backyard, but this created a sort of animal void. Turkeys were the answer. Over the years Bob has “raised and butchered more than a couple hundred Turkeys.”

Frause has a well developed internship program and sponsors the PR education fund that pays the first year of PRSA dues for recent college graduates. Why do you think it is important to provide such professional development opportunities for students and recent grads?

These are opportunities for interns to sharpen practices and acquire news skills. They provide real world foundations to establishing careers. Bob hopes, “Ideally, every intern will learn to pay it forward and do the same thing for the next generation of communications professionals when they are the big shots.”

Fun Facts:
Favorite color: Blue.
Favorite food: Pork.
Favorite pastime: Amateur radio, gardening, art, piano and carpentry.
Favorite memory from Frause: Winning the Washington State Best Companies to Work For in the small business category for the first time in 2002. The second was a Frause retreat to Palm Springs where we had a Project Runway task with two teams sewing dresses.

We know people who know people

2011-10-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

On Friday, Frause had the opportunity to take a private tour of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation! We took an office fieldtrip to the foundation’s new campus, an exciting privilege considering the visitor center is not slated to open to the public until late 2011 or early 2012.

We disembarked from the Monorail in the shadow of the Space Needle and crossed the street to 500 Fifth Avenue North. The moment we were inside the lobby there were oohs and ahhs about the architecture, furnishings and art. After making it past security with a new visitor badge, you can’t help but feel like you are in a place where awesome things happen. Our tour started with a presentation about the Foundation’s work and how the new campus came to be from the desire to create a place that both showcases the foundation’s work around the globe and reflects the natural beauty and innovative culture of the Northwest.

We noticed the communal desk layout that far surpasses the den-like environment cubicles can foster, the use of natural light to reduce the need for electricity and the worldwide representation of museum-quality art from many of the foundation’s grantees. A favorite art piece was a wall instillation called “Seeds of Hope” by Ghanaian artist El Anatsui. He visited during the construction and observed the open space of the campus’ central atrium. The piece was made specifically for the central atrium where it now hangs out of discarded metallic liquor labels and bottle tops held together with copper wire. The name “Seeds of Hope” was inspired by the foundation’s works.

In our admiration of the different facets of the campus, “We need to get that for Frause’s office!” echoed throughout our tour.

The Foundation’s new campus was recently awarded LEED-Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, one of the highest ratings for commercial building energy conservation and environmental design. Along with the flood of natural light, other environmentally-friendly and sustainable design highlights included living roofs and marshlands that mimicked the natural surroundings; a million gallon cistern tapped to water plants and toilets; and a heating system the works to heat “the individual” in the building rather than the entire building. There was even a happy family of ducks that had already made their home in one of the campus ponds.

After coming to the conclusion if we at Frause were ducks, we too would live at the Gates Foundation, it is a safe assumption that we really enjoyed the tour!

Frause Portland: Through the eyes of Krista Hildebrand

2011-10-20T15:46:00.000-07:00

There are 174 miles, seven right-hand turns and three to the left between the Seattle and Portland Frause offices. A small distance when considering the exceptional collaboration that exists between the two offices. Because I am currently the only intern, the Portland office has received short shrift from the intern blog. A negligence that is at last being given attention via a Q&A with Krista Hildebrand, the Managing Director of Frause Portland.

1. What sorts of expertise do you (and your staff) have that is localized to the Portland office?
Matt Smedley, the Portland Account Supervisor and Social Media Practice Lead, and I both have areas of expertise, but they are not localized to just Portland. Matt’s deep knowledge of social media benefits the entire Frause team and our clients, whether they are in Portland or Seattle.

When I started at Frause almost five years ago, I brought more than six years of experience in economic development communications. This experience has grown into one of Frause’s knowledge centers, which now has several members both in Portland and Seattle.

Elana Silverman, the Portland Assistant Account Executive, brings the ability to successfully pitch just about any story to the media and has lent this skill to landing stories for clients in Oregon and Washington.

2. What is it like to collaborate with the Seattle office through mostly technological means?
Technology certainly helps us stay in touch on a regular basis, especially for our daily morning huddles when we actually “join” the Seattle office through Google+. It is a far cry from trying to sort out what is going on, and who is saying what, over a conference call, which is what we did for the last three years. GoToMeeting is another tool we have that allows us to see presentations real-time, making us feel like we’re in the same room.

However, there is no replacement for personal contact and interacting with the team on a one-on-one basis. So, I try to get to Seattle regularly. Matt is a frequent visitor as well, especially when he lends his social media expertise to client meetings and new business presentations. We love when the Seattle folks come work out of our office and lend their expertise to our clients. Matt, Elana and I always feel very connected and rarely out of the loop.

3. What do you most enjoy about your job?
It sounds corny, but I love working with my clients. I am blessed to work with smart people who understand the value of strategic communications and consider Frause an important part of their marketing teams.

4. What sort of growth and development do you predict for the Portland office?
I wish I had a crystal ball, but with the economy still struggling, it’s hard to predict. We were fortunate to weather the past three years and, in spite of the poor economy, brought on some significant long-term clients. I would hope to do the same in the next year or so.

5. Are the walls of the Portland office also bright green like they are in Seattle?
Yes, of course. Our office is just a mini-Seattle!

It Takes a Village to Raise an Intern

2011-10-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

In 1996, then First Lady Hillary Clinton published It Takes a Village: And Other Lessons Children Teach Us. The book highlights how influences outside of the family impact a child. Clinton puts forward her vision of a society, similar to that of a village, which supports the whole person as they grow-up. The title of Clinton’s book comes from the African proverb:“It takes a village to raise a child,” a saying that has also become integrated into Western culture.

To apply this proverb to Frause, it takes a village to raise an intern. I am being raised from an inexperienced student into a developing communications professional through the mentorship and support of the Frause villagers.

Here is a glimpse of the guidance and advice I have received so far.

• Develop workplace skills, like how to assert my knowledge and competence without being too pertinacious. One of the best ways to do this is through
observation.
• Reality check: there is no such thing as a home and work balance, but more of an ebb and flow.
• Provide impromptu status updates on projects because people appreciate it.
• Seek clarity when confused. Asking questions also assists the project lead in defining their needs for requirements and what needs to be done.
• Be on time and always have a notepad to write things down.
• “Work towards finding the no.” The translation: internships are as much about figuring out what your interests are, as discovering what you do not want to do with your career.

At Frause we are a village, a community of colleagues who raise each other up. I am more than happy to be the apprentice of such village chiefs.

Gourmet Group!

2011-10-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

Last week some of the Frause team prepared freshly made pesto pasta for the office! The pasta was made from scratch by Chefs Bob Frause and Nathan Hambley by simply mixing flour and water until it morphed into a dough like consistency. Everyone involved had a chance to roll out rustic noodles between their hands from cut strips of dough. The noodles then were boiled to pasta perfection!

Brook Sorgen became the gourmet guru of the pesto sauce by combining handfuls of fresh basil (also grown by Bob) with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, pine nuts and Pecorino Romano cheese and then pureeing it until it was the consistency of, well, pesto. Finally, the meal came together with the help of Katy Harrison, kitchen connoisseur.

Once Katy clicked send on an all-office email with the subject line, “Come EAT!!” and the email body reading, “Pasta is ready!,” everyone flocked to the kitchen. The pasta was devoured with coos and compliments, and appreciative praise for a great lunch! Plus, one impressed intern sat hoping this type of gastronomic magic happens every week.

The only disappointments were that there was not enough for a second serving and learning these types of lunch happen only as occasional treats!

The Almost Famous Kate Hudson

2011-09-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hi, I am Kate Hudson (but no, Goldie Hawn is not my mom). I am Frause’s new autumn intern! I am in my senior year at Seattle University, majoring in strategic communications with an English minor. My life synopsis is best described by my Twitter handle: “Bred in Seattle. Lover of dogs, the Northwest outdoors, Puget Sound, Seattleites, travel, the news & the nonprofits I adore.” What my Twitter bio leaves out is how excited I am to be at Frause!

Dictionary.com’s first listed definition for the word intern is:

in•tern
verb (used with object)
1. To restrict to or confine within prescribed limits, as prisoners of war, enemy aliens, or combat troops who take refuge in a neutral country.

While I have been fortunate in my internship experiences, I have peers that have not been so lucky. Acquaintances have reported internships where supervisors lurk over every project or where tasks included taking out the garbage every Tuesday. For those friends, the internship experience was more in line with the aforementioned definition: an obligatory internment serving to only increase one’s job prospects after college.

My time at Frause will be no such thing.

This morning’s breakfast huddle—a morning meeting that sounds as if it was named after an athletic team’s early morning powwow to get energized—demonstrated for me how Frause is a team. A team of professionals that foster camaraderie and support, while encouraging wit. I felt welcomed and was encouraged to continually ask questions.

Throughout the rest of fall, I am eager to contribute to the office’s rapport I witnessed today in both the morning huddles and just walking down the alarmingly bright green halls. I anticipate that Frause will challenge me and dare me to inquire. I expect that I will learn. Maybe I’ll even get to teach.

Frause uses the tagline, “Not all internships are created equal.” While not all internships are created equal, neither are interns. I am enthusiastic to make my mark at Frause like no intern before.

-Kate Hudson

Farewell, Frause!

2011-09-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

Thirteen weeks ago, I began my internship at Frause with a to-do list. Over the weeks, that list grew and grew, until it became three notebooks worth of completed tasks. Looking back at some of my lists, it is clear that the Frause team valued my work. I wasn’t just getting coffee for people or taking notes at meetings- I was a part of a team that respected my ideas and opinions. Seeing as I began this blog with a post about lists, I thought it would only be fitting to end on the same note. So, as a farewell, I present to you the list of my top ten moments at Frause:

1. Going to the Sounders game with the Frause team. I still don’t know all the rules of soccer, but I certainly got to know my coworkers a lot better that night.

2. Attending a PRSA meeting with Erika Schmidt. The meeting about video in social media was outstanding, but the most valuable part of the night was being able to learn more about the industry from Erika, a definite PR pro.

3. Watching Frause grow with more team members. Since my time here, we have welcomed a new Assistant Account Executive, Anthony Matlock, and a new Vice President, Natalie Price!

4. Morning meetings. Although I was particularly fond of Word Wednesdays, it was fun to connect with the team every morning over breakfast and video chat with the Portland office.

5. Working for a client, from start to finish. This is a rare opportunity for any intern, and I learned plenty, from building media lists to pitching journalists over the phone.

6. Dog Doogity. Need I say more? Hands-down, this was the most fun campaign I have ever witnessed.

7. Incorporating my love of the environment and food through working with Little Water Cantina, whose building is in the process of receiving LEED Platinum certification.

8. Writing and implementing a social media plan for Frause's Facebook and Twitter accounts with the Frause social media team.

9. Writing creative briefs for clients. Sure, this is a common project assigned in school, but it was exciting to write a creative brief for new marketing materials and being able to see the finished product.

10. Getting to know all of the members of the Frause team. Everyone has very distinct personalities, but together, they make Frause the ultimate work environment.

- Emily Nauseda

Musings on Careers

2011-09-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

Choosing a career path for the rest of your life can be a frightening notion, but it is a reality most college students face. Although I was lucky to find work I truly love, others have not fared as well. According to the Department of Labor, the average American transitions careers 3-5 times in their life, and I suspect that one reason for this is our need to specify our career paths early on. Throughout Europe, young adults have the option of taking a “gap” year for the sole purpose of finding their passions, instead of defining their futures. Here in the U.S., on the other hand, it is a common expectation for people to know exactly what career they want for the rest of their lives — before they are old enough to vote.

Even within my major at Seattle University, students are expected to know which industry they want to practice public relations in. I would be speaking to a classmate about internship opportunities and she would limit herself to the hospitality industry for the simple fact that she knew nothing about construction. Another friend would tell me he already decided it was his destiny to work with nonprofits, while I stood there, feeling the pressure to specify a lifelong career at the ripe age of twenty. I joined the Frause team without any inclination towards a specific industry, and twelve weeks later, I am proud to admit that I still do not know.

By working at a smaller agency like Frause, I am able to work on multiple accounts across a vast field of industries. On any given day, I will simultaneously work on a press release for a government organization and pitch a luxury resort to local media. I like to think that I am diversifying my arsenal of knowledge for the future, and it is already paying off. I can use what I learn from clients specializing in sustainable building to help restaurants that want to promote their eco-friendly features, among other paradoxes. I’ve learned that the best thing any young professional can do is stop focusing on the end result, and aspire to be a great generalist, absorbing all the knowledge they can before delving completely into any one industry. This client diversity is yet another reason that I love the field of public relations, as well as working at Frause.

- Emily Nauseda

Frause Fun

2011-08-31T15:49:00.000-07:00

After my eleven weeks here, I have noticed that although many factors go into the equation for Frause success, one of the biggest factors is hard work. That’s not to say we don’t know how to have a good time, though. Last weekend, the Frause team took some time off to enjoy the beautiful summer weather at Bob Frause’s home on Whidbey Island. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the day:

If you’re looking to stay connected with Frause and hear more about our work (And our play!), make sure to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest news.

-Emily Nauseda

Frause Mavens

2011-08-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. One year I aspired to be a judge, the next, a paleontologist and the next, a firefighter. The thrill was less about the jobs, and more about learning all I could about them. As I went through high school with no career path to call my own, I realized what I loved most was learning. Knowing I couldn’t be a student forever, I sought a new way to parlay learning into a career and found public relations.

Since public relations firms tend to represent a wide variety of clients, I get to learn about trends in many different industries, and share my knowledge and ideas to benefit others. As Malcolm Gladwell describes in his book The Tipping Point, I get to be a maven — an information broker who shares and trades what they know. As an intern at Frause, I am learning about these ever-changing industries from the pros. But who do they learn from? This week, I wanted to showcase the “must read” blogs and publications that the Frause team uses to get their news:

Sustainability: GreenBiz
Restaurants: Eater Seattle
Built Environment: Seattle’s Daily Journal of Commerce
Social Media: Mashable
Local Government: Crosscut
Graphic Design: HOW Design
Real Estate: Curbed Seattle

Can’t get enough? You can always check out the Frause professional blog to see what the office is buzzing about!
-Emily Nauseda

The Creative Class

2011-08-17T16:49:00.001-07:00

Here at Frause, we’re a full spectrum agency, which means that we go above and beyond traditional PR to bring clients services in branding, social media, website and graphic design and much more. Seattle is such a perfect fit for our agency because of the rising creative class in our population. As originally described by author and researcher Richard Florida, the creative class is driven, innovative, individualistic and yes- very creative. Frause is composed of many of these innovative minds, but I wanted to highlight one person in particular this week.

Meet Katy Harrison, a rising star in the design world. Since my time began here at Frause, I have seen Katy produce amazing work. Need an example? Look no further than the Dog Doogity website, which she designed and created. She even hand-drew the Dog Doogity dance movies which can be downloaded on the site. When she’s not doodling in her notepad, Katy told me she finds inspiration from simple things. As we were sitting in a mediocre restaurant frequented by the downtown lunch scene, Katy pointed out small details I failed to notice. She showed me the blue ombré color effect of each tile on the wall, and the resourceful way the restaurant used baskets turned upside-down as lamps. Suddenly my lunch spot seemed a lot more upscale.

As an intern, I find so much to learn from the people I work with here, but I chose to write about Katy in particular not only because I have always been fascinated by design, but also because she, too, was a Frause intern!

-Emily Nauseda

Frause Goes Golfing

2011-08-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

Last week the Frause Team went to Interbay Golf Course for our second annual tournament. I started out with a set of clubs, and I left with a newfound appreciation for a sport I had had little previous experience with.

The golfers played a game called best ball, which seemed quite symbolic of the great team dynamic we have at Frause. For those unfamiliar with best ball, it is a game where foursomes of golfers play their own golf balls, but proceed forward based on the best stroke of the bunch. At Frause, although many of us work on various accounts individually, we use gatherings like our morning huddle to talk about clients, best practices in the industry and to bounce ideas off one another. Essentially, we take advantage of our team member’s strengths the same way everyone did playing best ball.

-Emily Nauseda

Word Wednesdays

2011-08-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

Oh, Wednesday! How you are overlooked as a source of entertainment and enjoyment. Although Wednesday is typically one of the busiest and most hectic days, at Frause it is also one of our favorites. Here, it isn’t just Wednesday; it’s Word Wednesday.

Every Word Wednesday, the Frause team gathers in our morning huddle to discuss grammar, etymology and the ever-controversial Oxford comma. Lately we have been holding competitions to see who can define the most obscure words correctly. In PR, words are the tools of our trade. And we have a lot of them. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, there are 600,000 words and phrases in the English language. Among the most recent are “auto-complete,” “brain candy” and “cryonaut.” Look them up and maybe you will gain some insight into today’s pop culture. The most commonly used word, you ask? “The.” According to the Oxford English Corpus, it has been used almost 100 million times since the spring of 2010- I’ve already used it eleven times, and that’s just in the past few minutes!

This week, we talked about the appropriate use of hyphens. For example, I dream of living in a 6,000-square-foot loft on the waterfront, although I currently live in an apartment that is only 800 square feet. I still dare to dream. We also had a competition to correctly match these definitions. Can you match them correctly?

And now, Word Wednesdays will be even better because everyone can participate. Like us on Facebook and stay tuned for our Word Wednesday posts!

-Emily Nauseda

Soccer, Philosophy and PR

2011-07-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

“Everybody’s inner philosopher, it seems, is released by soccer.”
-Roger Cohen, New York Times Columnist

Last week the Frause team attended the Sounders vs. Manchester United game, and my inner philosopher was indeed released.

Despite losing to Man U 7-0, I had a blast because I was with the Frause team. While in the stands, I was reminded of the common misconception that your “work life” is somehow separate from your “real life.” If you’re passionate about your job, then it’s easy to unite work and your real life to enjoy both. I have noticed this passion here in the office, on the weekends, and yes, even at the Sounders games. When someone at Frause has a great idea, they pitch it to the media. When they go shopping, they buy books about grammar. And when they volunteer, they commit themselves to help young professionals develop their skills.

-Emily Nauseda

The Professional Networker

2011-07-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

The other day I was talking with a recent college graduate and the subject of our careers came up. Eager to find out where my classmate had landed after graduation, I asked him what he was doing. Although I laughed at first, his answer has given me a lot of mental fodder. He told me he was still looking for a job, and as a result he was attending a lot of networking events. He then dubbed himself with the strategically invented title of a professional networker.

Many people would ridicule the suggestion that anyone could be a “professional” job-seeker, but networking is so much more than that. I believe my friend’s answer was very smart. As college students and young professionals, we should all aspire to be professional networkers, not only for the purpose of seeking future employment, but for having a constant beat on the public relations industry, where your success depends on the connections you make between your clients and their audiences, or publics. So why not make these connections on a smaller, individual scale by attending networking events? With my friend’s clever new job title bestowed upon me, I was reminded of the importance of networking- not only to find a job, but to build and maintain my professional relationships.

I can still recall my first encounter with Frause. I was talking to an employee when they handed me their business card. In my opinion, Frause’s business cards are the gem of networking. The back of every card not only has the employee’s photo, but it also lists a few interesting facts about them. What better way to start a conversation than with the subject of sharks?

But alas, networking professionals are not born, they evolve over time. The paradox is that there isn’t much of an emphasis on networking in college, yet it is the time that networking will benefit you the most. Where does one begin? How about by getting some advice from the best networkers I know. Straight from the astute networking professionals here at Frause, I give you 10 tips to elevate your status as a professional networker:

Go out of your comfort zone and talk with people you don’t know.

Bring a buddy if you’re too shy to approach people alone.

Have business cards handy, even if you’re just a student.

It’s OK to jump into conversations. There’s no value in it if you don’t put yourself out there, even if you don’t know anyone.

Have an arsenal of questions handy. And no, “what do you do?” is not a good question.

Be your own brand. Come prepared with an elevator speech of who you are and why you’re there.

People do business with people they like, so talk about common interests. Don’t be a business robot.

Networking is not speed dating. The goal isn’t to meet as many people as possible, it is to meet a few people and have meaningful conversations with them.

Follow up with people you spoke with. The key is to maintain the connections you create.

Build your personal network early. It will help you later when you network for your business.

-Emily Nauseda

What Do You Love About Your Job?

2011-07-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

For college students, summer is a time for exploration and new adventure (or maybe simply a time for more of these activities depending on the student). While my friends elected to visit Spain and Ireland this summer, I choose a very different adventure: working full-time. I often hear friends say college is their full-time job, but I would argue that if your earliest class is 10:00 and a ten page (double spaced) paper is the biggest stress in your life, your “job” ain’t bad.

In my opinion, one of the biggest reasons college students have a difficult time swallowing the job pill is that they usually have little experience in the workforce prior to graduation. My internship at Frause not only is preparing me for a future career in public relations, it affords a glimpse into the full-time work world most students only come to know once they graduate. So far my adventure’s been great.

Although public relations has been ranked the second most stressful job in the U.S. by CareerCast, Frause is no nine-to-five grind. True, the work can be challenging, but Frause’s office is filled with brilliant people equipped to tackle challenges through teamwork and effective strategy. And with jobs in the public relations field expected to grow 24 percent between now and 2018, U.S. News has also bestowed this field with the honor of being one of the 50 best careers to have.

This week, I solicited the help of Frause’s seasoned veterans to tell me why they love Public Relations and working at Frause. As you can see below, their answers echo the “work hard, play hard” mentality Frause is known for.

- Emily Nauseda

Social Marketing: Frause Style

2011-06-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

Life will always have many unanswered questions. Where is the ChapStick? Why did Charlie bite my finger? What is the evolution of dance? And it’s questions like these that help lead us closer to modern-day communications Holy Grail: getting a video to go viral.

The truth is no one can make a video viral - that is up to the public. What you can do is take a lesson from these videos and include their basic elements to increase viewership. Recently, Puget Sound Starts Here solicited Frause’s expertise in social marketing; the use of marketing techniques used to bring about social change as opposed to a physical product. They needed a new way to teach residents about the negative effects pet waste has on the Puget Sound, particularly dog poop left by owners. What was our recommended fix? A comprehensive and interactive social media campaign centered around a dog poop rap video. Seriously. Check out Scooppoop.org and just try not to sing along!

We worked with video production company Seedwell to create a spoof video that has already taken on a life of its own—since launching last week, it has already garnered over 15,000 hits.

Here at Frause, when it comes to social marketing, we know that telling someone what to do won’t necessarily get them to do it. With the scoop poop campaign, we simply take a fun approach to change people’s awareness and behavior. My prediction is that in the weeks and months ahead, it will be an enormous success.

Just remember: the next time your dog drops a deuce, do the dog doogity and scoop it up!

-Emily Nauseda

The Lions Roar, "PR!"

2011-06-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

Last week I spent much of my free time daydreaming of Cannes, France. This city is known to be the pinnacle of luxury, yet if I had one wish it would not be to sip champagne on one of the many yachts surrounding the city, basking in my own perceived glory. My wish would be to attend the annual International Festival of Creativity, also known as the Cannes Lions, which ended Saturday. Every summer thousands of delegates representing communications firms from over 90 countries head to Cannes for this seven-day festival, which includes sessions with thought-leaders, seminars, galas and the illustrious Lion awards, given to firms for their work exhibiting creativity in both idea and execution.

The Cannes Lions became even more exciting in 2009, when the festival announced the addition of the PR Lions awards. This enhancement recognized the shift we are seeing in the communications field. In today’s culture of media clutter, communications firms cannot rely on the success of one-time campaigns to capture audiences. Public Relations provide a consistent voice, rather than one sound bite in a sea of advertising.

Categories for the PR Lions include campaigns ranging from entertainment to financial services, as well as technique awards for best practices in social media, media relations and live events. This year, creative firm Clemenger BBDO of Melbourne, Australia won the ultimate honor of the Grand Prix PR Lion for their campaign, “Break Up” for National Australia Bank.

Although Frause is 5,431.131 miles away from Cannes (to be precise), I see the same Lion-worthy PR practices here on a daily basis. The Frause team not only preserves client reputation, but builds it through creativity and effective strategy. A quick look at Frause’s website makes that clear: “If the approach or action isn’t improving the client’s bottom line or furthering the
company’s goals, we challenge the value. We’re not afraid to rock the boat, but we’ll see you through waters both rough and calm.” Although I may not be on my yacht at Cannes yet, I’m enjoying my time sailing with Frause.

-Emily Nauseda

To Do: Internship

2011-06-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I’m Emily Nauseda, Frause’s newest summer intern. I currently attend Seattle University, majoring in Strategic Communications with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Besides the obligatory personal background (my favorite color is green, I’m from Santa Cruz, California, and my sign is Aries), I thought I would share one interesting fact that has shaped my life in a massive way: I am obsessed with lists. You will never find a blank sticky note in my house, and to further my addiction, I color code everything with my trusty multi-colored pen.

I have already received a few questions about my color system and ever-present Swiss Army-style writing implement here at Frause. Checklists and color coding are important to me because they remind me of my goals, and what it takes to reach them. Checking a task off of my list is my ultimate form of euphoria, so you can only imagine how happy I was when last month I crossed a few big red words off of my master list: “get an internship at Frause.”

Frause’s internship program has been on my master list for two years now. I discovered Frause when I met Richard Kendall through Seattle University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter. Upon touring the Frause office, it was clear where I wanted to end up as an intern. And after countless networking events, meetings, club tours and visits to Frause’s website, I am proud to be the new fly on the wall in Frause’s office. My internship has already been full of the unexpected.

Nothing here is mundane, which makes it perfect for my list addiction. Every morning I come into the office, and even before our morning meetings, I have at least five things to do. By the end of the day, my list is transformed into a beautiful, multicolored work of art, although I doubt anyone would want to buy it. To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, here are some excerpts from my list yesterday:

• Meeting 1, meeting 2, meeting 3, meeting 4
• Get watch (things move fast around here)
• Research client’s restaurant
• Attend video shoot about picking up dog poop
• Call Facebook (sounds a lot easier than it is)
• Write press release
• Create media list
• Brainstorm blog post

I felt like a pig in Angry Birds getting all of these tasks hurled at me, but it was exhilarating. To me, lists like the ones I am creating at Frause are the breeding ground for innovation. They enable you to generate ideas, get them out of your head, on paper and into the world, all while saving your sanity. A menial checklist may not seem like it holds much power, but it is the key to accomplishing goals. Frause’s aptly named blog, “Write This Down,” reiterates this. During my time here, I hope to not only check many tasks off my list, but add new ideas to it as well. Stay tuned for more highlights of my master list here at Frause!

-Emily Nauseda

Parting Words.

2011-06-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

When I began my Frause internship back in April, I was told it would be shorter than the standard term, but I didn’t expect it would go by this quickly.

During my time here, I learned important PR tools and practices. I built media lists, wrote pitches, and drafted social media content. I also got to join a meeting with a freelance writer to pitch story ideas, participate in a product marketing brainstorm session, and conduct preliminary research for a future Frause publication. Throughout all of this, I received a firsthand understanding of the fast-paced inner-workings of an agency.

Beyond the PR realm, I gained significant practice in how to manage my time, both inside and outside the firm. Rather than simply clocking in and out, I was responsible for keeping track of my time spent on each client and project, holding myself accountable for every quarter-hour. This allowed me to see exactly how much time I was spending on a particular assignment. I discovered that if it was taking hours to finish something, typically this was because I was over-thinking it and in fact the task was much simpler than I had imagined. When giving advice to future Frause interns, every intern stresses the importance and value of asking questions. I certainly echo this; you’ll save yourself a lot of time in the long run!

Fitting both a full class schedule and 20 hours a week at Frause into the five-day work week was one of the biggest struggles I encountered over the quarter. There were days when I had class in the morning, immediately followed by work, with meetings and a night class to round out my evening. Having only the weekend and an occasional evening to complete my coursework, I learned to make the most of the little time I had available.

The best part of my internship at Frause has been the experience and understanding I’ve gained through working alongside such an amazing team. I’ve especially appreciated the supportive, cohesive and fun environment Frause provides in addition to the wealth of PR knowledge available within these walls.

While I am sad to be leaving Frause, I am about to embark on a new adventure! Less than two weeks from today, I will have traveled nearly 7,000 miles across a time difference of nine hours to spend my summer vacationing in Israel. When I return in August, I will have the opportunity to reconnect with the Frause team at the company picnic—so this isn’t goodbye just yet!

-Emily Levine

Getting into the weeds at Frause

2011-06-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

Even though the environment here is often frenetic, with account teams constantly juggling multiple projects, I’m not talking about those kinds of weeds. I’m talking about a recent experience where I worked alongside some of the Frause team outside the office. We participated in Seattle Works Day, an annual event organized by Seattle Works that links volunteers to various community service projects throughout Seattle. In one single Saturday afternoon, Seattle Works brought together 1,500 volunteers for a combined 5,000 hours of service!

Nicole served as team leader for “Team Volunteer Park” which included Amy, Brook, Nathan and me. Our project was to remove ivy and other stubborn weeds from a section of Volunteer Park between the greenhouse and the playground. This particular area was completely overgrown with underground networks of ivy roots and thorny weeds half my height. Over the course of the three and a half hour event, our team of 23 was able to clear the area, cover the ground with wood chips, and even continue to pull up additional weeds well beyond our designated section.

This event was just one example of Frause’s dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility. CSR is a company’s policy of taking responsibility for its actions and encouraging a positive impact on the environment, communities, and across the public sphere. Frause not only exercises CSR in its business practices, the company’s employees are encouraged to become involved in the greater community as individuals. In fact, Frause job descriptions include a required portion of time spent in community development, with this time increasing alongside seniority. Account Executives and Supervisors are also expected to be active in at least one organization and serve on at least one committee.

Nicole has been involved with Seattle Works for the last three years, using her knowledge of social media to benefit the organization as both a volunteer and committee member. As a team leader for Seattle Works Day, she was responsible for putting together a team of at least 10 people, many of whom ended up being her fellow Frausties. I am proud to be part of a team of people who dedicate so much of their free time to the greater community, and who continually support one another in their work outside of the office.

Before and After:

-Emily Levine

The old school nuts and bolts of PR

2011-05-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Each day at Frause is different, and my workload often fluctuates, but often the assignments come in piles.

Take for example one recent Tuesday afternoon. A mailing consisting of 713-pieces had to be organized, stuffed, stamped, and fixed with mailing labels— all by 5 p.m. The previous day was spent wrestling with computer glitches and technical problems in an attempt to prepare and print the labels. In the process I learned all about Microsoft Word’s “mail merge” function, which I’ve realized is an extremely useful and time-saving tool.

By Tuesday, I knew my afternoon at Frause was going to be jam-packed and a little hectic. The calendar was blocked off, and those of us who were available dedicated time to getting the materials prepped for the mail. Hurrying through the stacks of envelopes, it seemed like we were making good time, until we passed 4 p.m. and the question hovered, “Would we be able to finish in time?”

Well, that last hour was madness, but sure enough, we were able to complete the piles and even caught a stack of materials that were missing their stamps. Taking the boxes down to the lobby at just about 5 p.m. on the dot, we found ourselves in fact well ahead of the postman’s pickup.

While stuffing and stamping envelopes isn’t exactly cutting-edge PR work, it comes with a nice reward at the end: The satisfaction of dropping giant stacks of mail into the post office drop box and knowing our selected target audiences will soon be learning about our clients!

-Emily Levine

Two Roads Diverged in a Lime Green Office

2011-04-22T14:56:00.000-07:00

Everyone has heard the age-old cliché, “Do what you love and the money will follow,” and I’m sure most would agree that happiness and passion should have the greatest impact on what one chooses to do in life, rather than money-making potential or social pressure.

Yet so many of us give up our childhood dreams and put our hobbies on the back burner so we can devote our time to what are considered to be more practical endeavors. We work towards careers that promise financial stability or an elite reputation. We strain ourselves to complete greater levels of education, not necessarily for the enhanced knowledge, but for the increase in pay and honor that comes with the credentials. This emphasis on achieving, outdoing and accomplishing early often leads to individuals sacrificing their well-being.

College is frequently said to be the best years of our lives. It’s the stage in between being underage and dependent and being a true adult in the real world with real responsibilities. College allows us to explore our interests and have a good time while preparing for that big step out the door. But as the job market gets increasingly competitive, there is greater pressure on college students to work harder, gain experience earlier and exchange hobbies for resume builders, all while working towards a concrete goal.

I entered college with only a vague interest in communication, which managed to stick as I took several classes in the department. I was often asked what I hoped to do with a communication degree, and I struggled to answer. That is-- until I discovered public relations. Between PR classes and practical application towards representing my sorority, the PR work that I’ve been involved with has been inspiring and enjoyable for me. I soon realized, after pleasantly spending countless hours refining a simple flyer or revising a newsletter submission, that I could actually make a career out of this.

My experience at Frause has been exactly how I always imagined my ideal job should be; enjoyable, interesting and exciting. I look forward to work every day and I voluntarily come in early and stay late. On many occasions I’ve found myself so caught up in a project that I lose track of time, only to discover it is already past 5:00.

Even when I’ve struggled with a research assignment or been given a seemingly tedious task, the difference between the work that I do at Frause and my various class assignments is that the former has a purpose. Everything I do here contributes to a bigger picture project or objective, and I get to participate in what will ultimately produce significant impacts for clients, the agency or consumers. Moreover, there is a genuine sense of accomplishment with the completion of every task; a feeling that far exceeds the mere relief that comes with the submission of a school project.

I’ve noticed that part of the reason the atmosphere at Frause is so positive and fun is that everyone here is not only enthusiastic about PR, but they each have paired their enthusiasm with a particular topic or project they are especially passionate about as well. Not only is the PR work itself fun, but applying it to another personal interest creates an inspiring synergy. No matter how my interests might change, I think I will always be able to incorporate my passions into PR work.

-Emily Levine

New Dog in the Pack

2011-04-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

I’m Emily Levine and I am excited to be Frause’s spring intern!
Like other Frause interns before me, I discovered the company through Kathleen Fearn-Banks’ PR class, Public Relations and Society. This course exposed me to the various aspects of public relations and provided an opportunity to visit Seattle area PR firms. I was in a group assigned to visit Frause, and upon seeing the agency’s Seattle office and meeting the people there, I knew this was somewhere I wanted to work. I applied shortly thereafter, but assumed they would prefer someone with more PR experience than myself. But lo and behold I got the job!

Having applied to countless jobs and internships over the course of the year, I was used to sending out my materials and never hearing a word from the companies. So I was happily surprised when, during my spring break, I received an email from Nathan Hambley, asking to set up an interview for a summer internship at Frause. During the interview I learned there was a vacancy for the spring intern position, and I could actually be hired for the present term.

I was so excited to have an amazing opportunity at my fingertips, and when I received the notification that Frause wanted to hire me, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. Everything worked out so well. Just a month and a half ago I was sitting in the small conference room with five other classmates, listening to Amy Graham share her impressive resume and her path to Frause, and now here I am one of the team.

After being in the office for only half a day I already feel welcomed, integrated and comfortable in the office and with the rest of the employees. The atmosphere at Frause is fun and relaxed, and though my first day has been low key I know there is plenty of work ahead. I’m excited to start helping on projects and learning from the rest of the team. Stay tuned for more of my experiences as a Frause intern!

An Exploration of Cuisine

2011-03-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

As I wrapped up my senior year of high school, there was only one thought in my mind, “I got into college!” Through all of the excitement, I forgot to think about whether or not I would be forever eating top ramen and hot pockets. Since I was a student-athlete, I was required to purchase the most expensive meal plan.

It took until my sophomore year to realize how expensive on-campus dining was. Most meals range from $10-$15; most are not the healthiest either, often built around high-carbohydrate low-nutrient items like pizza and quesadillas. I then began to explore the local eats adjacent to campus.

Across the street from Seattle University on 12th avenue is Lemongrass, a Vietnamese restaurant offering traditional dishes like the lemongrass beef platter and the grilled pork chops, shrimp cake and sunny side egg with rice. It’s cheaper, healthier and much better than anything on Campus—and just across the street!

A bit further afield on Capitol Hill is The Honey Hole, which serves some of the best hot sandwiches I’ve ever had. They have great burgers too. Traveling southwest of Capitol Hill is Dragonfish, which has an excellent happy hour. Diners can choose from $2.95 half sushi rolls and small plates to $5.95 small plates and rice bowls. The point is, if SU students are willing to walk a bit for lunch, they’ll be rewarded.

Although I have gotten the chance to eat at many great restaurants, there are still dozens to explore. For example, word is that local Tom Douglas’ restaurant "Serious Pie” has some of the tastiest, most exquisite pizzas in the Seattle area. On the pricier end, Japonessa on 1st avenue is said to be the newest, trendy-hipster sushi establishment. With rolls upwards of $18 and named, “Last Samurai” and “Madrid Moon”, I better bring my wallet and my appetite.

During my internship at Frause, I have gotten the chance to work on various accounts in the restaurant industry. One in particular is Rover’s in Madison Valley. Although I have not yet eaten there, I am excited to be able to try their poached petrale sole which is prepared in the video below by Robert Sevcik, Chef de Cuisine at Rover’s.

There are benefits to on-campus dining including the convenience. However, I encourage student’s to go out and get the most for their money. It enables one to not get stuck eating the same thing every day. Nevertheless, enjoy college, do an internship, and eat well!

-William Tsang

Hello Frause!

2011-03-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, my name is William Tsang and I’m a marketing major at Seattle University. During my time there, I’ve taken many marketing courses, from Consumer Behavior to Market Research and International Marketing. However, I have never taken a specific course on advertising or public relations, subjects I’ve always wanted to be more knowledgeable of. My major is a broad one, and it has given me the chance to explore many of the various channels within the public-facing side of business, but until my internship at Frause, PR and advertising were pretty much foreign worlds to me.

When I began the search for a new internship this quarter, I had three goals in mind. I wanted to be somewhere with a tight-knit company culture involved in marketing or a related field. I also wanted a fun environment where the people had a passion for what they did. After interviewing at multiple agencies, I knew Frause was where I wanted to be.

When I started my internship here at the Frause office in Seattle, I was ready to be immersed in all that the public relations world has to offer. From writing effective press releases to assisting the account executives, I began to absorb the language and contribute something of my own; I worked to become part of the agency’s creativity and insightfulness.

One of the things I’ve learned at Frause is that as long as you’re working hard and have good intentions, mistakes are not bad things. I have learned that there is nothing more important than asking questions and asking if assistance is needed on additional projects. The individuals at the agency could have not been more welcoming as I got a chance to meet with each one and learn their specific focuses and backgrounds.

I have another month left here at Frause and I am still learning more that I ever have before.

So Long, Farewell

2010-09-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

As I begin my final days at Frause, I can’t help but look back to the beginning of this amazing internship-- the days when I had no idea what a media list was, how to work the copier, or how important a cup of coffee can be. I have grown so much over the last 10 weeks. I feel as though I am leaving Frause with more professional skills and more experience than I ever expected.

Frause has given me such an awesome opportunity to get my foot in the door of the business and communications world, and I could not be more grateful. Thousands of college students take on internships every summer, but surely not all are blessed with an experience like mine. I hear stories from my friends about spending hours filing papers, going on endless coffee runs or licking 400 envelopes during their internships. Though I have done my fair share of this classic intern work, I have also been able to help the company and its clients in positive, influential ways. How many interns get to say they have written press releases, sat in on a new client meeting or worked with a client on a talk show? Not many.

When I begin my sophomore year next Monday, I know school will be harder and classes will begin becoming more specific to my major. But no classes will ever be able to teach me more about PR and communications than Frause has in these 10 short weeks.

One of the things I have enjoyed most throughout this internship has been writing for the Frause intern blog. It has been such a great opportunity for me to write about my interests and document my experience here. I encourage all of the blog readers to continue reading the next intern’s work because it truly is a “fly on the wall” view of how awesome Frause is.

- Katie Sells

Facebook Ads: A powerful resource when used correctly

2010-09-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

According to the New York Times, a study done by market research firm Yankelovich revealed that the average American is exposed to up to 5,000 advertisements per day - and they are everywhere. Road signs, newspapers ads and online pop-up ads are constantly targeting consumers. I have found that one of the places where I am exposed to these thousands of ads is Facebook.

Facebook ads have become a powerful tool for companies because of the price and the ability to cater ads to consumers. Because Facebook is organized by networks, companies can aim their product or service at certain age groups, locations or interests. Recently Facebook advertising has come under scrutiny because users worry about how much of their profile companies are accessing when targeting them. In reality, advertisers have no access to user data. They submit keywords and Facebook matches their ad to users. Of course not all of the 500 million Facebook users actually click on the ads, but an advertiser can still get tons of exposure for less than $25 a day by choosing to pay for clicks vs. impressions and by setting a daily budget (for more information see here).

Facebook recognizes and respects that people want a certain degree of privacy online, but users often can’t help but feel judged by the ads that appear on their screens. When the first thing you see when logging on to Facebook is an ad for meeting other singles, joining a weight loss program or going to a new church you can’t help but wonder why these ads have been targeted to you and what they are implying.

Other ads are less personal and are simply incorrectly targeted. I’m not sure why Facebook thinks I would be interested in going to a club where the seventh best DJ in India is performing or why I need to begin preparing for kindergarten and a “lifetime of learning” but apparently these advertisers chose to target people like me.

On the other end of the spectrum there are some ads that seem to apply to me perfectly. So perfectly it almost feels like advertisers are stalking me. Ads promoting sorority paraphernalia, offering me discounts on dance performances in the Seattle area and reminding me to watch The Office on Thursday nights are constantly showing up. It’s freaky how well advertisers can cater their ads to my preferences.

It is these companies that are flawlessly aiming their promotions at me that have successfully harnessed the power of Facebook advertising. They have used this medium to find out what I like and how to sell me what I want. And, in all honesty, I actually do want to click on the ad offering me 50 percent off a Marc Jacobs handbag (despite it being creepy that the advertisers know I like the brand). Because of the 500-million-person market and the inexpensive cost of advertising, the return on investment is huge with Facebook ads and I can easily see Facebook ads surpassing Google ads in terms of popularity and success (if they haven’t already). When used correctly, Facebook ads could bring a company a lot of success. All in all, they are a resource that should definitely be taken advantage of.

If you’re interested in advertising on Facebook, be sure to check out the Guide to Facebook Ads for more information: http://www.facebook.com/adsmarketing/

- Katie Sells

Talkin' 'Bout My Generation

2010-08-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago while I was working at the front desk, Lisa, Frause’s office manager, sent me a Google Message asking me to check a contact on the Rolodex. I replied that I would gladly look up the contact but a panic quickly began to set in. Rolodex? I had no idea what I was being asked to look for. I frantically looked around the desk, opening drawers and searching on the computer desktop. Eventually I sheepishly went back to the chat and asked the question that has now become the joke of the office, “What is a Rolodex?”

Shocked that I had never heard of a Rolodex, Lisa asked Amy, the Frause intern from last summer (and our current assistant account executive) if she knew what a Rolodex was and the first thing that came to Amy’s mind was a watch. After everyone got a good laugh at our naïveté, we soon realized that our ignorance wasn’t just because we’re relatively new to the workplace- it’s generational.

My generation is just beginning to enter the “real world” and, as we cross from the realm of students to that of employees, a generational divide in the workplace is going to become increasingly apparent. Due to technology and the fast-paced world we have grown up in, we are different from any generation before us.

My generation (called Generation Y or Millennials) is incredibly technologically savvy, specifically with the Internet. We’ve been conducting Google searches, e-mailing and using social networking sites since elementary or middle school. We have diverse social lives thanks to the development of sites like MySpace, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook and we don’t think it is abnormal to put our information online. My generation sees social networking as part of a normal social life, rather than a revolutionary concept. We are comfortable with putting ourselves out into cyberspace and aren’t hesitant about Internet networking. Because of this, we can easily tap into the huge power of these websites without much strategic thought.

Another thing that is unique to Gen Y is texting. I have been able to text since I got my first cell phone at age 12 and it has always been my primary way of communicating. But because of my affinity for texting, I am not as comfortable picking up the phone to call someone. When asked to make a call here at the office, the first thing that always pops into my head is whether or not an e-mail will suffice. This isn’t because I’m lazy. It’s just because I am not used to making phone calls and I am not as comfortable with direct communication where technology isn’t there to act as a middleman.

Between our gravitation toward Internet networking and our disregard for one-on-one, interpersonal communication, Gen Y members are at an interesting place, especially because the opposite tendencies seem to be true among earlier generations.

Right now, as the members of Generation Y enter the workforce, I believe there will have to be a big shift in the methods of communication on both ends of the generational spectrum for business to continue to be successful. I will be the first to admit that the men and women of my generation need to become more fluent in the art of direct communication and need to get used to having conversations not mediated by a screen. At the same time, the more open previous generations become toward social media and maintaining online relationships, the easier it will be for them to reach younger audiences and perhaps clients. If all generations within the workplace do their part to learn and adapt to new communication methods, the increasing generational divide may eventually disappear, and, luckily for me, the Rolodex may disappear with it.

- Katie Sells

The Island Life

2010-08-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

Whidbey Island has been on my list of places to visit ever since I was a little girl. Growing up I would always hear stories about my friends going to their cabins on the island or taking a day trip to Langley, but never once have I made the drive north for a visit myself.

That all changed two weekends ago when Bob and his wife Sue were generous enough to open their home (and farm) on Whidbey Island to the entire Frause team hosting the Frause annual summer barbeque.

The weather was gorgeous, and despite the unusually long ferry lines, everyone was happy to be there. The food could not have been better, leading the entire team to stuff our faces with everything from classic chips and salsa to decedent corn and blueberry salad and a summery berry trifle; all of which put my modest chocolate chip cookies to shame. And the entertainment of the evening? Watching three boys (all under the age of 12) play bartender and earn a sizable amount of tips for shoving beverages into every empty hand.

What I found to be the most interesting aspect of the barbeque was seeing all of my Frause coworkers outside of their office roles. I got to see people with their kids, husbands and wives, and boyfriends and girlfriends. I learned that some people moonlight as chefs and others are stellar at kickball. I learned some people have allergies, others tell good jokes, some go to Sounders games or even share my same interests in TV shows.

It was fascinating to see everyone outside of the Frause walls and to get to know them as people who do much more than send e-mails and give me Excel sheets to work on. Spending time with my coworkers outside of the office has enriched my relationships with the people here and has helped me get to know the Frause team on a more personal level.

- Katie Sells

Happily Lost in Translation

2010-07-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

Like every Frause intern before me, I am ashamed to admit I have never used the King County Metro. But I will spare you another story about getting lost in Seattle and waiting 30 minutes for the wrong bus. In fact, I’m proud to say that I managed the bus system surprisingly well for my first trip.

Aside from miraculously surviving public transit, these first few weeks of my internship have opened my eyes to the world of public relations and have been filled with many learning experiences, including a crash course in the language of communications.

With only an introductory communications class under my belt, I honestly had no idea what to expect when I walked through the doors of Frause. At my first “breakfast huddle” I was introduced to everyone and greeted with open arms. But as the morning discussion turned to more business-related matters, I quickly became lost in translation. People began brainstorming about something called “retail and hospitality,” throwing out phrases like “B to B,” “lifestyle brand” and “SEO.” I had no idea what any of these phrases or acronyms meant and all I could do was take notes and smile. Finally, when someone brought up the particularly puzzling “CSR,” Bob took pity on me and asked, “Katie, do you know what that is?” And I had to admit I had no clue.

But that is the beauty of a Frause internship. Not knowing the right answer is fine here and I have found that my endless questions are not annoying, but welcomed. Frause even stresses that internships are all about learning the ropes and sharpening the necessary skills to survive in a professional world. Now after spending a few weeks around the puzzling PR lingo, I can’t wait to continue breaking the language barrier, even though I may have to take the bus to do so.

- Katie Sells

Good-Bye Frause!

2010-06-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

I am sad to say that this is my last post on the intern blog. This week is my last and I’m still trying to figure out how the past ten weeks flew by so quickly. I guess it goes with the saying, time flies when you’re having fun.

Since I do have to say good-bye, I want to take a moment and thank everybody at Frause for such an amazing learning experience. There is more to school than what is learned in the classroom, and the knowledge I have gained with this internship will stay with me forever and only help me grow as a professional. The entire team has been nothing but supportive since my first day and I cannot thank you enough.

In other news, on Monday, June 14, at 12 p.m., I will officially become a University of Oregon alumnus. I am excited to have my entire family cheer me on as I walk across a stage while Professor Tom Bivins calls my name as a spring 2010 School of Journalism and Communication graduate.

From here, who knows what’s next for me! I am currently in search of a full-time career that will allow me to utilize my skills in media and client relations and social media, in a setting that allows me to learn something new every day.

Keep reading here to find out what kind of adventures are in store for the next intern. And if you want to read more from me you can check out my blog here. Thanks to everyone who read my posts!

Making the Most from an Internship

2010-05-20T11:47:00.001-07:00

With the countdown to graduation dwindling and the pressure of finding the next step increasing, I have spent a lot of time talking with and listening to professionals. Something I hear all the time is, make the most of your internship and make connections with people you work with.

Public relations is about building and maintaining relationships. Building those relationships within an internship is just as important as building relationships with clients, audiences and the media. So how do you create relationships within an internship without being overbearing or annoying?

My piece of advice to all interns looking to improve their skills and make connections is to talk to your supervisor. Periodically check in throughout the course of the internship and ask how you’re performing. This gives you a chance to improve on weaknesses and continue with strengths. It also shows the supervisor that you care about your work and internship.

My other word of advice is to make the most of your contact with any clients. You never know where these connections might lead you in the future and being professional with a client is not only a positive reflection of the agency, but also yourself as a young professional.

These are some of my tips that have helped me be successful and have led me to other opportunities. Do you have some tips of your own?

Monday Funday Makes for a Team Bonding Experience

2010-05-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

Last Monday, the entire Seattle office came down to Portland for a team building and bonding day. Working in the Portland office, and having conference calls with Seattle every morning, had made me anxious and excited to finally put faces with names. Arriving bright and early Monday morning, our quiet office was full of chatter, jokes and laughter from the Seattle team members.

This was the first time the entire Seattle office had come to visit Portland so everybody was excited. The day was spent with a lunch at the Portland City Grill with a beautiful view looking over the city, and a team building scavenger hunt where groups of five were sent searching for little-know and hard-to-find information about the city. In case you’re wondering, the Benson’s Bubblers team was the winner with 43 points! The most points in the history of the game. Team Babes followed closely behind in second place with 40 points.

All in all, the day was a success, putting rain and weather aside. The day trip was a perfect way for Frause employees to get out of the office, reconnect and spend some quality time together. It was also a great way for unfamiliar faces, like mine, to become familiar with the rest of the agency.

- Casey Colesworthy

An Intern's Perspective: Big vs. Small Agencies

2010-04-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

It has been one month now, and I have truly come to appreciate my internship and Frause for everything it has to offer. As I make the final moves before graduation, I have been doing my best to research different agencies and what I would enjoy most. After having several informational interviews over the last few months in the Portland area, and now having worked in an agency, I’ve noticed some of the differences that were discussed in my interviews with regard to big versus smaller agencies. Here is what I have noticed:

1. Smaller agencies can allow you to connect personally with more of the staff

A smaller agency allows you more opportunities to get to know the entire firm. You learn their strengths and weaknesses, and they learn yours. Just this week I had Bob Frause, the CEO, compliment me on my first blog post. With any intern experience you will become familiar and comfortable with the people around you, but at a bigger agency you may never spend time with the senior-level staff, which can be frustrating for some.

2. Smaller agencies can give you the chance to watch the development of a project or campaign

One complaint I have heard from others, is how working at a bigger agency sometimes won’t allow you to see the direct results of your work. At Frause, I will have the chance to watch a public relations campaign unfold from beginning to end. By the time I finish my internship, I will see the final result of our work, which is rewarding and looks great for my portfolio and a résumé.

3. A smaller agency can allow for more face time with a client

With bigger agencies, many interns may never have the opportunity to meet a client face-to-face. Since interning, I have met two different clients and sat in on two different client meetings. It’s been a great experience and I feel lucky to have the trust and respect of the Frause employees to give me this great opportunity.

That being said, no two internships or agencies are the same, and each person will have a unique experience, but hopefully this can help give a better understanding of how agencies can differ from each other.

More to come next week!

- Casey Colesworthy

New Intern with the Portland Office!

2010-04-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s official. I am going into my third week at Frause and am becoming more attached to the agency and its team by the day.

My name is Casey Colesworthy and I have the pleasure of being the new intern for Frause in the Portland office. I am a senior at the University of Oregon and will graduate in June with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with a focus in public relations. Originally from Sun Valley, Idaho, I lived in Eugene for four years before moving up to Portland three weeks ago. The change has been difficult, especially since I don’t know many people, but I am thrilled to be here, spread my wings and show my skills.

While there are many things I love about the public relations industry, one thing I enjoy most is how it’s a key component in everything we do. The industry’s unpredictable fast pace and reach in different areas of business are what keep me intrigued and coming back for more every day.

Before working with Frause, I was the public relations intern for the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art on the University of Oregon campus. I also worked for two years with a student-run public relations firm on campus called Allen Hall Public Relations doing work for local organizations and businesses in Eugene.

My hope for the next seven weeks is that I bond with the wonderful employees of Frause, while getting real professional experience working with an agency. I am excited to meet the Seattle office for the first time in a few weeks and hope you enjoy reading and following my journey during this exciting time. More to come soon!

-Casey Colesworthy

Announcement!

2010-01-19T08:35:00.000-08:00

I have some good news and bad news to announce.

For the past six months I have been blessed to have had two great internships here at Frause. Both internships have given me valuable experience in agency life and have prepared me to tackle the working world. I have toned my Microsoft Office skills by building media lists in Excel and building an internal database in Access. I enhanced my writing by creating press releases and pitches and assisting on reports. And I have also learned how to collaborate and support different teams in order to produce exceptional client work.

Sadly, the bad news is this is my last blog post on the Frause intern blog. I have completed my fall internship and I’m now hiking down the career path. I will no longer be writing for the intern blog, but there will be fresh new talent in shortly to continue to provide the inside scoop of Frause.

And the good news is I have been hired on as a full-time employee! As assistant account executive I will be assisting on various client accounts while continuing to work on internal Frause projects.

I couldn’t be happier to continue to be a part of the Frause team. I have learned more in the past two quarters than I ever thought I had the brain capacity for and I am eager to continue to learn and grow in this great environment.

I have really enjoyed writing for this blog and I hope to do more online writing in the future. Thanks for being a great audience! If you ever need to find me, you know where I’ll be!

-Amy Graham

The Power of Social Media

2009-12-30T08:54:00.000-08:00

Social Media is a powerful tool. It is helping bring people together in both times of happiness and sadness. A recent example of social media’s power is the Facebook page created by Jacob Kimerer, 17, from Edmonds Woodway High School called “In the Memory of The Lakewood Officers.” The page mourns the death of the four Lakewood officers that were tragically shot and killed at Forza coffee shop on Sunday, November 29, 2009.

The day following the tragedy, I continuously monitored the Facebook page and read the Seattle Times article about Jacob. I thought it would be interesting to hear directly from Jacob about what drove him to create the page and his views on social media and its effect on the people who use it.

When I interviewed Jacob on December 3 the page had over 162,000 members, and it has grown steadily since then. As of this blog post, there are 262,953 members. Equipped with over 1,600 photos, 1,400 links, 13 videos and 10 events, the page is a rich information resource center that gives Northwest residents as well as distant family and friends the opportunity to interact, share and grieve together.

Below is the short conversation I had with Jacob.

Do you think social media will help law enforcement officers with their jobs in the future?
“Social media could very well help law enforcement with their jobs. Officers need to start using social media now so they can post new information online rather than just through e-mails.”

What other social media experience do you have? What other sites do you use besides Facebook?
“I just use Facebook right now. I stay away from Twitter because it seems like more work than having a Facebook page. I like Facebook because you can do more than just status updates.

Was creating the Facebook page your idea? Did you think it would be this successful?
“The Facebook page was my idea. I never thought it was going to be this popular. I’m amazed on how big it has grown in such little time."

There are a few other groups that are similar to yours but they don’t have as many members. Why do you think yours has been the most popular?
“I must have just started my page first, or targeted it to the right people. The page is so popular because people need a place where they can share stories, grieve and show their support for the fallen officers and their families and friends. The page allows people to come together."

The page’s success is phenomenal and what Jacob did was a great thing. His page gives everyone connected with this tragedy an outlet to express their feelings and show support for the families affected. If you haven’t become a fan of the Facebook page please do so by going here or searching for it on Facebook. I’m sure we will be seeing much more from Jacob in the social media realm in the future.

Creating Currents: Surfing the Waves of Change

2009-12-08T08:16:00.000-08:00

My highlight of the season was attending the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) National Conference. The five-day annual event was held November 6-10 in sunny San Diego, Calif. – home of the gas lamp district and the ever-famous San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park.

This year’s conference was hosted by the PRSSA chapter at California State University Fullerton, the PRSSA 2009 National Committee (made up of seven PRSSA members from across the nation), and the PRSA San Diego chapter. Over 1,000 students and PRSSA members from across the U.S. were present at the event, as well as one student from the PRSSA chapter at the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (U.A.D.E.).

The conference is designed to prepare public relations students for a successful career. It offers chapter development sessions presented by fellow PRSSA members in different schools across the country, leadership sessions for chapter board members and members interested in future leadership roles, and numerous professional development sessions where students have the opportunity to hear from and network with successful PR professionals.

Below are a few of my favorite sessions.

“View from the Top: How Young Talent Can Stand Out” Ron Cult, Partner, Director, North America Corporate Practice at Ketchum Kevin Saghy, Account Executive at Ketchum

Ron and Kevin talked with numerous junior PR and senior PR professionals all over the U.S. and asked questions related to success in the workplace and their own personal experiences. It was a unique presentation that was relevant to all members in attendance.

“Diving into Diversity” Sonia Sroka, APR, Vice Present, Hispanic Marketing at Porter Novelli Travis Parman, APR, Director, Public Relations, GMAC Financial Services and Ally Bank

Sonia and Travis talked about their work specializing in Hispanic and LGBT communities and the importance of correctly reaching out to different diversity segments.

Three important things (“The Three Ins”) to do when targeting diversity groups:

1. In-culture: Research the particular culture and its values

2. In-language: Understand the language – it’s not about translation but “transcreation”
3. In-person: Establish a personal relationship with people in the diversity segment

Sonia and Travis left conference attendees with these wise words: “Exclusion is always dangerous,” and “Great minds DON’T think alike.”

The most valuable experience at the conference this year was meeting with members from the Puget Sound PRSA chapter. Students from the Washington State chapter, Central Washington University chapter and those of us from the University of Washington chapter met with local Puget Sound PR pros who were also attending the conference. The event, a casual meet-and-greet over appetizers, was a great way to meet professionals in our area and share conference stories.
* Check out the photo of Bob and me.

This year’s conference was a huge success. I met some influential PR pros, gained more PRSSA contacts/twitter followers and momentarily escaped from the western Washington rain. Next year’s national conference is in Washington, D.C. I wish I could go again!

-Amy Graham

Sharing the Wealth of Knowledge

2009-11-16T11:24:00.000-08:00

A year and a half ago I would have never imagined I would be sitting on the other side of the table at an esteemed PR agency talking to fellow UW undergrads. It’s not everyday that you get to speak “office talk” with your peers.

Last Thursday students enrolled in Professor Kathleen Fearn-Banks' public relations and society class at the University of Washington came to visit Frause. The class teaches students interested in pursuing a career in PR of its history, ethics and practices. The class visits a different PR agency, corporate office and non-profit in the Seattle area and prepares presentations on what they learned in each sector. For weeks I was looking forward to the arrival of the UW students because I completed the same class two summers ago. I had the great opportunity to help conduct the informational meeting with Bob, chairman and CEO of Frause and Richard, senior vice president.

The meeting was great! Together we explained what Frause is and what we do and provided information about the internship opportunities that are offered. It was my responsibility to elaborate on my experience at Frause as the intern. I gave detailed descriptions of my scope of work and responsibilities and told the students what I have learned while working here so far. The students were also able to hear great insights on how to excel in the PR world from Bob and learned a lot about Frause’s client work from Richard.

A big thanks to the UW group for coming out to Frause. You guys had great questions and were a pleasure to talk with. I hope you learned something about PR from us at Frause. Good luck with your future internships and jobs. I hope to see you all as fellow PR professionals in the near future!

GO DAWGS! ;)

Making the World a Greener Place, One Neighborhood at a Time

2009-10-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

Last week, I volunteered to help at the City of Redmond’s last of three Natural Yard Care workshops.

King County’s Natural Yard Care Neighborhoods program has been a client of Frause for eleven years. The Natural Yard Care program is a regional, community-based social marketing outreach program that promotes behavior changes in home yard care.

Community-based social marketing is a communications tactic that demonstrates that behavior change is most effectively achieved through direct initiatives delivered at the community level. Frause has been regarded as leader in community-based social marketing in the greater Seattle area.

The program provides people with five steps they can do to become more eco-friendly while building beautiful, healthy yards and gardens. The five steps are: build healthy soil, plant right for your site, practice smart watering, think twice before using pesticides and practice natural lawn care. The Natural Yard Care program is implemented twice a year, in fall and spring, in different neighborhoods around the King County area. This past spring, Auburn, Burien, Kirkland, Bellevue and four different neighborhoods in Seattle all hosted the three-workshop series. Federal Way, Kent and Redmond just finished up with their fall sessions a couple weeks ago.

For each neighborhood, the Natural Yard Care team at Frause works to package the educational materials for all sessions, create and distribute home mailings for recruitment of workshop participants, and coordinate door-to-door workshop promotion and recruitment efforts. To date, Frause and King County have managed over 200 Natural Yard Care workshops and more than 5,000 participants.

The workshop in Redmond was held at Norman Rockwell Elementary School from 7 to 9 p.m. last Tuesday night. At the event I worked with representatives from the City of Redmond, to set up for the event by providing the written materials, bringing snacks and refreshments, setting up the venue and signing people in. It was an awesome opportunity to meet some of the Redmond residents and experience their enthusiasm for the workshops and witness their appreciation for knowledge they received during the sessions. Numerous workshop participants praised the content and speakers and were encouraged to start making the necessary behavior changes needed for a greener neighborhood.

Redmond averaged over 100 people in attendance at all three events and now holds the record among all other participating neighborhoods for the most people at a single workshop, 117!

The Redmond event was a huge success and I gained tons of valuable information on how to build and maintain a green and beautiful lawn and garden. Now if only I had a yard…

-Amy Graham

Back in Action

2009-10-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

Hola Amigos! I am back at the intern desk here at Frause after a month’s adventure in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The trip was a dream come true. The University of Washington program was structured so that all students were able pick what part of the Argentinean culture they wanted to study. Some focused on wine, art or food and others focused on public health, the economy or class identification. I decided to study public relations.

With the help of UW’s study abroad program we met students from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (UADE), one of the few private universities located in the heart of Buenos Aires. UADE has an elaborate PR program and just recently celebrated the one year anniversary of its Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). UADE PRSSA is the first and only international PRSSA.

It was an amazing opportunity for me to meet international PR students and to learn about PR in their country and specifically in their educational system. One of the PRSSA executive board members and I became quite close while I was there. From her, I learned about UADE’s PRSSA, its PR educational programs and its efforts to help students obtain internships and entry level jobs after college. We exchanged information about the classes we have taken and our internship experiences.

Learning about international PR and building some solid relationships in Argentina was the experience of a lifetime. I gained insights that will no doubt advance my future career in public relations.

Buenos Aires was an unforgettable trip but it’s good to be back at Frause amongst the lime green walls and smiling faces! I missed a busy month of new client additions and numerous accolades and I’m excited to get back in the swing of things. It’s going to be another great three months here at Frause!

-Amy Graham

Whidbey Island BBQ

2009-08-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Frause employees and their family got together for a barbecue bash on Whidbey Island. Frause CEO and Whidbey resident Bob Frause, and his wife Sue, opened up their home to Frause employees for some fun in the sun on Saturday afternoon.

The Whidbey Island getaway is a summer tradition and one of the most highly anticipated Frause events of the year! E-mails were sent over the server for weeks as Frausties announced detailed descriptions of the scrumptious food they were bringing.

The day was spent savoring the sunny Northwest weather and indulging in the good eats. The potluck was a delicious success, including of course, the basic barbecue necessities (meat, beer and wine), and the plentiful popsicles and soda for the kids. The highlight of the day was definitely the Frause softball game. Man do we have some athletes at Frause!

The day trip was the perfect escape from city life and was a great way for Frause employees to spend some quality time together. Thanks to Bob and Sue for opening up their home and hosting an awesome party. I have already heard talk for next year’s barbecue extravaganza!

-Amy Graham

Goodbye!

2009-08-06T16:31:00.001-07:00

I remember my Frause interview like it was yesterday. I was on the tail-end of my spring break vacation and had just received a call from Nathan Hambley. He wanted me to show up at the Frause office at 8:00 a.m. sharp.

I was looking a little scraggly then, coming off of a two-week road trip around the American West that covered over 2,500 miles. I managed to squeeze in a haircut (more of a shearing really) before the interview and borrowed my girlfriend’s dad’s tie to look as sharp as possible. At 7:45 a.m. I pressed the up button on the 1411 4th Ave. building elevator and crossed my fingers.

A few weeks later I got the call I had so desperately been waiting for. I landed an internship at one of the coolest firms in Seattle, right downtown in the heart of the action. The experience has been exceptional ever since.

My internship here has been a crash course in public relations. I have been involved directly in projects, strategic planning, client outreach, and portfolio building. I have participated in board room meetings and have toured the offices of magazine publishers. I have also written press releases, communicated with editorial departments and have even had the privilege to see some of the projects I was involved with, like the Skanska UW Scholars program, transform from start to finish.

So I want to take this moment to thank everyone for such a great internship experience and a stepping stone in my professional life. In the fall I am off to St Andrews in Scotland and then back to Whitman to finish my senior year of college. I’m still floating around in the “I have no idea what I want to do with my life” category, but my internship here has given me some much needed guidance and insight into the fast-paced world of business communications and public relations.

Until we meet again Frause, it has been a blast, and as they say in Scottish Gaelic, “Mar sin leibh!” (So long for now).

-Mike Scigliano

Client Party Brings Roof-Top Success

2009-08-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was a busy but fun time for the Frause bunch. On Thursday we hosted our very own client party atop Touchstone’s very new and impressive West 8th property. I was excited to attend the successful event which included food (the ribs!), drinks, music and a whole lot of networking.

Despite the record setting heat (upwards of 100 degrees), the temperatures could not keep nearly 150 people from attending our popular roof-top party. Beer glasses were filled and business cards were dispersed against the dramatic backdrop of the Seattle skyline.

The event was also a great way for unfamiliar faces to become familiar. Our clients had the unique opportunity to meet each other one-on-one and broaden our inter-client relationships. Amy (our other beloved intern) also brought along a gaggle of PRSSA students who had the chance to experience professional networking first-hand.

Even though the summer air felt more like Phoenix than Seattle, the event was a huge success and a highlight of the PR social calendar.

-Mike Scigliano

Piecing Together the Puzzle

2009-07-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

When I started taking classes at the University of Washington, I had the high expectation that college would teach me everything I needed to know to become successful in the working world. I thought I would take a few classes, get a couple A’s under my belt and obtain a real world job with just a snap of my fingers. Little did I know that college was only one small piece needed to complete the large working world puzzle.

As my college career nears to a close, I have realized that many other experiences, besides receiving a college degree, have helped me get on the right track toward my future career. I am surprised to say that if it was just college alone, I wouldn’t be as prepared for real life as I am today. I love my school and I am leaving it more knowledgeable than when I first came in- thankfully. But I do wish UW could have prepared me a little more in my specific field of study.

Public relations students at UW are at a slight disadvantage in their education because UW cut its PR program a few years back. With only a few PR classes and one PR professor to learn from, understanding the tools, tactics and best practices of the PR trade can be quite challenging.
Luckily, with the help of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), UW students still have a chance to piece together the job market puzzle. PRSSA and PRSA provide tools and resources to students and help them find internships, meet PR pros and connect with other Washington State PR students. It’s PRSSA members and PRSA pros that have helped me get my hands on some great internships (Frause), in turn giving me a front row seat in the PR world.

UW gave me a great education, but a big thanks goes out to my fellow PRSSA students for their friendship and support and to PR professionals in Puget Sound PRSA for investing their time and effort into providing me and other PR students with real public relations experience. My experiences with PRSSA and PRSA really opened doors to the job world. Thanks to them I might soon be ready to tackle the working world!

-Amy Graham

Twitter Has Staying Power

2009-07-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

The social networking service Twitter was a rather new thing to me when I started interning here at Frause. Unlike Facebook (which everyone, including my professors has) none of my friends at college have a Twitter account.

Yet despite this, Twitter is all the rage in the increasingly changing world of media relations and business. The spring issue of The Public Relations Strategist is dedicated entirely to social media, and there is a very interesting article about the role of networking sites either helping or hindering good business communications.

Despite the extreme popularity of Twitter, I’m surprised how many businesses continue to cling to the old guard of less progressive media communications. Certain companies outright ban networking sites like Twitter and Facebook and place restrictive media formats on internal email accounts.

Other companies have opted for an entirely different approach, creating their very own social media services independent of the larger, more established services. But are these actions serving to harm or help business communications?

Mark Kolier, a blogger on social media and president of Canterbury Graphics Strategic Marketing insists that, “social networking is what’s coming, and it’s what people want.” Long term studies conducted by the Public Relations Student Society of America also underscore a growing sentiment, that social networking sites are here to stay and are changing the way we communicate during the workday.

Whether or not this trend reaches higher education, it is certainly prevalent in business, and is an increasingly important tool in media relations, business communications and smart business practices.

-Mike Scigliano

Making Seattle a Better Place

2009-07-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, Frause held a meet and greet event for Frause friends, clients and community leaders in support of Jessie Israel. Jessie, a third-generation Seattleite, is running for Seattle City Council, Position 6, and is a friend of the Frause team.

It was an awesome experience attending the event. I had met Jessie another time about a month ago, when she visited Frause to talk about her positions, but it was a different experience hearing her speak to a crowd. Jessie’s dedication to our city and its residents was evident in her short address last Thursday, as well as her drive to get things done while moving steadily toward the future. Her understanding of the issues facing our city and the greater region and her passion for change were both refreshing and reassuring in our city’s current state of environmental and economic troubles.

It was great for Frause to show its support for Jessie in her candidacy and to help spread the word of her goals and priorities to improve Seattle. I am proud to work for a company that is so involved within the Seattle community and cares about its future. Jessie Israel, Frause and supporters of Jessie are on the right track for bringing change to Seattle which will in turn make the area a better place to work and live.

-Amy Graham

Frause Goes Green

2009-07-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

If you are ever in the Frause Seattle office you will immediately notice all of the green. Green walls, green chairs, green business cards, green everything! Is all of this green a mere aesthetic coincidence, or is Bob Frause the mastermind behind a more covert, even sinister campaign for green? I have decided to get to the bottom of it!

Company employee Georgi craftily removed herself from any green-related responsibility, defending that “the green started before I did.” She also said that she has attempted to uphold the “company’s commitment to provide green in everything they do.” Likely story!

Sarah Murphy, who works in a purple office, is in complete green denial. “I never really noticed it before,” she puzzlingly answered. “I guess they’re just our company colors.”

At this point, my investigation was going in circles. I needed to get some answers, fast, so I decided to step up my game and talk to the big guns.

It wasn’t easy getting an appointment with company president Erika Schmidt; she is a very busy woman. Still, she took some time away from more important projects to give me a little insight into the groovy green trance that Frause has fallen under.

“The green came about two years ago when Frause re-branded” she told me. The green “popped out for a color choice and it fits our brand. It reflects our quirky, high-energy office, and the environmental work we do.” It all seemed pretty convincing. At least until I remembered that this is a PR company and Frause employees specialize in “crafting stories.” Was Erika in fact crafting a story for me?

My apprehensions however were quickly cleared away at a recent advertising meeting at Tiger Oak publications. The managing staff of Seattle magazine described how Frause has always stood out for its commitment to “green practices” and the environmental work the firm does on behalf of its clients.

Alas, it appears that Frause has no evil plan. Perhaps the green symbolism here is a little indulgent, but it is comforting to know that there is a reason for all of this lime opulence.

-Mike Scigliano

PR Around the World

2009-07-15T15:44:00.001-07:00

In order to fully understand public relations, it is important to have some knowledge not only of PR in the U.S, but of PR practices in other countries as well. PR is different all over the world because each country has its own publications, its own culture and its own languages and a good understanding of these three topics is essential to becoming a good PR pro. In order to broaden my horizons, I did some brief research on PR in three different regions. Here are my findings:

PR in the Middle East is substantially different than in the United States. Its monarchies and governments are very restrictive and control most of the media market. For example, The UAE has "free zones" allowing economic deregulations and editorial freedom, but outside of the free zones the government censors anything that threatens its image or the country’s religious beliefs. In Dubai, where the mass communication industry is primarily located, there are fewer than 20 PR firms and ethical standards have yet to be established and practiced.

Europe, our friend across the seas, widely practices PR, but never refers to it as public relations. Instead, Europeans use the term "communication management" or "corporate communication." Because Europe consists of so many countries, European PR practitioners can not treat their region as a single market, this means they have to pay even more attention to each specific market and make sure they are not stepping on any cultural toes.

Public relations in Latin America has been greatly influenced by the U.S. Following the 1990’s Interamerican PR Confederation (CONFIARP), other Latin American national PR associations have seen a wane in their influence and prestige and now no longer have the power to legitimize and control PR in their countries. In most PR organizations, journalists exercise the role of PR practitioners, something that is different than here in the U.S. where the two are considered separate professions.

I have the great opportunity of traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the end of next month. I will be studying communications, media and PR there and will be visiting with the B.A. Edelman office to see how it conducts PR in the Latin American world. I’m very excited to get some first-hand experience with international PR. Hopefully I will return as a more culturally aware PR practitioner after my stay.

-Amy Graham

The Politics of PR

2009-07-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

When President Obama visits most foreign countries, airports shut down, traffic is jammed for hours and millions of citizens gather around televisions and public squares to witness the popular dignitary. In Russia however, he couldn’t even make headlines.

The lackluster reaction to his recent visit to Moscow was a little surprising for Obama aides who are used to such rave support and attention throughout the international community. Germans, for example, find Obama more popular than their own prime minister, Angela Merkel.

But the problem isn’t that Russians don’t like Obama (well, hopefully). It is more a problem of a giant cultural and communications barrier the size of…oh, I don’t know… a wall, or a giant iron curtain. Perhaps though, Americans can help bridge this gap by trying a bit harder to speak the Russian language, so to speak—by practicing a more Russian brand of PR.

The first step is identifying the target audience. Vladimir Putin, for example, is a night owl. He stays out late, sleeps in late, and is quite the angry beaver before 11 am. That is why Obama shouldn’t blow off dinner with the Prime Minister to instead request an early breakfast meeting.

The second step is deciding how to communicate to the target audience. Russians have faced an indescribable history of war, conflict and famine. Obama’s smooth metaphors and tactful oration won’t get him very far in a country that takes everything with a grain of salt.

The final step in achieving good public relations is building stable, continued relations with the target audience. Hopefully, President Obama’s attempt to reach out a hand to our strained allies will achieve this very goal. As with all things in international relations, only time will tell.

-Mike Scigliano

Staying Organized with Today’s Media

2009-07-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

In the last few years, the way our society gets news has changed drastically. Traditional media is falling by the wayside and social and online media is at an all time high. Because of this huge change, media personnel are jumping from one paper to the next, freelancing or, worst case scenario, finding themselves unemployed. In order for marketing, advertising and PR firms to keep up with the constant shift of today’s media, it is important to organize media contacts, stay on top of one’s media connections and maintain a structured, organized media tracking system.

As the media relations intern here at Frause, it is my job to continue to keep track of media content by organizing and sustaining media contact lists and editorial calendars so that they are easily accessible to Frause employees.

One of my most crucial tasks is to maintain the Frause internal database created through Microsoft Access. The database is shared amongst all Frause employees on the company’s server. As the intern, it is my responsibility to update the contacts sheet when we find a new publication or befriend a new journalist or freelancer.

I also carry on the job of collecting and systemizing editorial calendars for the 2009 year in an easy to find place on the Frause server. This responsibility entails working with publications’ advertising and sales staffs to maintain accuracy of editorial files and updating fellow Frause teammates on notable new publications and story plans. This organization effort allows Frause to know the schedule and plans of publications which makes pitching a story a little less hectic.

I am happy to know that the media relations skills I am acquiring here at Frause will help me stay ordered and prepared in this new and crazy media world. I will be all set to establish my own media contacts and to keep track of the relationships I build with traditional print journalists, bloggers and “social media gurus.”

-Amy Graham

New Study Achieves PR Awareness

2009-07-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

A new study by Lisa Fall and Jeremy Hughes was recently published in the spring 2009 edition of the Public Relations Journal. The article, titled “Reflections of Perceptions,” compares before and after perceptions of the public relations field among a population of nationwide non-PR Major students taking a public relations management course. The results are particularly positive.

The study conducted before the course began found that the majority of students had enormously different views about the specific purpose of public relations. In fact, Fall and Hughes found that the profession of public relations was largely “misunderstood,” and the term “public relations” itself presented a “Pandora’s box of preconceptions.”

Such complications however were greatly overshadowed by the success of the course in promoting PR education and transforming the views of people towards the PR industry.

After completing this course, students’ overall impression toward the public relations field significantly increased. Their perceptions about how the industry serves the good of the public also increased. Moreover, students discovered the very practical link between their everyday activities and the field of public relations.

In many ways the results of the study provide an interesting insight into the world of PR and communications. Not only does continued education make PR more transparent, but it helps people realize the relevance and necessity of public relations. Since I have started interning here I have found public relations to be involved in many of the things I do. From simple networking to carefully (and slowly) negotiating transfer credits with my university, it seems that “public relations” is a term that affects many people, both in and outside the industry.

So move over misinterpreted terminology, PR is on the rise!

-Michael Scigliano

One of the Best Companies to Work For

2009-06-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

Frause has exciting news to announce! We have been selected as one of Washington’s 100 Best Companies To Work For in 2009 by Seattle Business Monthly Magazine!

When the July issue arrived at the front desk, Frause employees shined with pride. It was a surreal experience to observe the office celebration as dozens of congratulatory e-mails flooded the office server. I couldn’t help but smile and think to myself how awesome it is to be a part of this thrilling experience. It isn’t everyday that a college student can say he or she works for The 9th Best Small Company in Washington State.

Frause was mentioned in the introductory paragraph of the article announcing one of the perks to being a part of the Frause family, a $500 shopping spree! While passing around the magazine, sporadic laughter filled the halls and chatter arose with fond memories of other unforgettable Frause moments. I quickly learned that Frause will not be having the shopping spree this year because the team flew to Palm Springs, California, in October for an all-inclusive Frause retreat!

These amenities are just a couple of ways that Founder and CEO Bob Frause honors his team for its heart and dedication to each Frause client. The next Frause event: a trip to Bob’s home on Whidbey Island for a day of BBQ and relaxation this coming August.

Blog readers please join me in congratulating the Frause team on this great accomplishment and keep your eyes peeled; there will be more fun and exciting news from Frause coming your way!

-Amy Graham

Thoughts on Whidbey

2009-06-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

It’s not often that I think about work on my days off. Yet just the other day it seemed that even while on a short vacation, Frause was everywhere, and in a good way.

On my recent trip to Whidbey Island, I could not help but think of some of the work I am doing here at Frause with the Puget Sound Partnership (PSP). Not only is Whidbey home to Frause CEO Bob Frause and account supervisor Nathan Hambley, (not to mention my friend’s sweet party pad on the beach), it’s also a particularly special spot on the Puget Sound.

For anyone who has been to Whidbey Island, I am sure that you will agree it is outstandingly beautiful. Gorgeous driftwood-dotted beaches dip quietly into calm, clear water. The Olympic Mountains seem to shoot out of nowhere, piercing the visible skyline with their craggy defiance. Even dinosaur-size raptors (like the Osprey I saw) fly indiscriminately overhead. Simply put, it is incredible!

The sounds and sights of the Whidbey shoreline are something I will not quickly forget, and something that I hope will stay around for generations to come. PSP is working hard to attain this goal. In my recent phone interviews with local community leaders, environmental experts, and even the occasional mayor, I have come to understand the importance of the PSP project. Issues of stormwater runoff, shoreline pollution, and the dangers of bulkheads and docks seem abundantly imperative when witnessing the sheer natural beauty that Whidbey has to offer.

Probably the most important thing I have learned from working on behalf of PSP is the significant contribution that individuals can make to the health of the Sound. Little actions and individual changes in behavior can have a tremendous cumulative effect – be it on an environmental, policy or legislative level.

I’m not sure if humans are supposed to live on Whidbey (it seems too nice, somehow), but if we continue to, I hope that the work PSP is doing will allow us to live there in a responsible and contributive way.

-Michael Scigliano

Wanted: Employment

2009-06-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

As a soon-to-be college grad, I have started to feel the pressure to find a steady job after I graduate. Finding a job in the “real world” has always been a nerve-racking and scary process for post-college entrepreneurs, but now it has become nearly impossible.

The nasty thing we all call the economic crisis has caused thousands of businesses to reevaluate their budgets, creating serious financial troubles, employee layoffs and hiring freezes. Last year, qualified college graduates would have had a few job offers to choose from. This year, grads are frantically trying to find companies that are hiring, but most aren’t having great luck. What was once a tough job hunt has now become almost unattainable. So what’s a grad to do?

Over the weekend I read a piece in the Tacoma News Tribune (I insist on staying connected to my home town) written by Dan Voelpel titled, “The rules of job hunting have changed.” In the article, Voelpel gives advice to job seekers by offering a few tips from Paul Anderson. Here is my spin on some of Anderson’s most important points.

--Scrap the elevator pitch.
Today, no one wants to hear about you; business people care about their company. Companies want to know how you can serve them. Grads need to change their mindset from self-serving to serving others. A great way to transform into this new mindset is to tailor your résumés and cover letters to the business you are applying to. A generic résumé mailed to a dozen companies won’t cut it anymore. Research each company and pay attention to its approach and expectations.

--Don’t hand out heaps of résumés at job fairs.
Your résumé will most likely end up in the trash can. It’s best to ask for the professional’s business card and ask how he/she prefers being contacted. In this competitive environment, it’s important for grads to make gutsy moves. Taking the initiative to send an e-mail or make a phone call shows more drive than handing out résumés to every person you see at a career fair. This small tactic will set you apart from other graduates and will increase your chances of being memorable.

--Use social networking sites.
Social networking sites are a great way to connect to fellow students and professionals in your specific area of focus. It’s great to make your online profiles available to the mass public, but be careful. Keep in mind that anyone can “Google” you and if a potential employer finds pictures from Spring Break-Cancun, you can say goodbye to that interview you were hoping for. Keep your private social networking sites password private or consider updating your profile information to reflect your professional self. If you decide to provide links to these sites on your résumé or business cards, make sure to tailor to your audience and provide useful, appropriate information. LinkedIn is a great personal networking site for college grads looking for employment. LinkedIn is now the number one online business network that allows users to post their résumés and search companies and their employees. It also allows all users to give and receive recommendations. Being active on LinkedIn can quickly help you build strong contacts with professionals who are well informed and eager to give advice.

-Amy Graham

Diving Right into Frause and onto the Bus

2009-06-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

I just started as a media relations intern at Frause. The climate here is fresh and fast paced. The bright lime green walls seem to keep everyone energized and in good spirits all day long. After just a few short hours, I already felt acclimated to the Frause way of life. I downloaded Google chat to message quick questions to other team members, I learned how to answer the phones (which is more complicated then it might sound) and I started to familiarize myself with the internal database.

I learned new things outside of the Frause doors as well. After living in Seattle for almost four years, I am ashamed to say I have never taken the metro bus system. It didn’t take me long after my initial interview last week to realize paying for parking three days a week was going to make a deep dent in my penny bank, so in order to make money rather than blow money this summer, I took the plunge into the world of eco-friendly public transportation.

After a nearly sleepless night and a stressful morning walk to the bus stop, I made it to my desk safe and on time my first day. And I even found my way back home (Okay, I had some trouble finding the right bus stop for the return trip).

With my first work day under my belt, I laugh at myself because I was more stressed about the transportation to and from Frause then I was about the internship itself. Now I’m just looking forward to furthering myself in the Frause culture and being a contributing member of the team. I also pray I become a better Seattleite who eventually becomes a seasoned pro at navigating the Downtown bus system.

-Amy Graham

Reflections From the First Day

2009-06-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

Walking down the sunny streets of Seattle on my way to lunch this afternoon I realized just how fortunate I am to be working in such a beautiful city and for such a unique company. Being the new intern here at Frause I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself…

My name is Michael Scigliano (don’t worry about the last name, it’s impossible to pronounce) and I just wanted to thank everyone for the exceptionally warm welcome I have received thus far. It has made working here quite the easy transition! Having spent the last two years in Walla Walla at Whitman College and most of my life trapped in suburbia, the hustle and bustle of the city is the perfect new environment for me to explore and sharpen my interests and to also have a remarkable summer.

I realized a few things on my way to work today. First, there is a bus stop right around the corner from my beat-up bungalow in Wallingford. In fact, there seems to be a bus stop on virtually every corner of this city. That may not impress a veteran city-slicker but cheap, efficient public transportation definitely beats sharing a ’99 Jeep Cherokee with my mother (flashback to high school).

Second, everyone said “hello” to me on the bus this morning. Having spent a lot of time visiting my dad in Manhattan, my natural reaction was to suspiciously eye everyone down while quietly transferring my wallet to my front pocket. The weird thing is, no one even tried to mug me. They just goofily smiled at me, expressing their Northwest penchant to be really, really, ridiculously nice!

The last thing I realized was how sweet (crossing my fingers) this internship is going to be. The office is amazing – it kind of reminds me of one of those hi-tech industry studios where everyone longboards to and from work. The coffee is great (props to Georgi), the views from the conference room are spectacular, and the people have been warm and welcoming.

I may be new to the PR industry, but I am ready to learn and excited to be a part of the Frause family. More blogs are on their way…

-Michael Scigliano

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye!

2009-01-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

Wish I could stay longer but it is time for me to say my goodbyes! After a four-month internship, I am pleased to say that it’s time to flap my wings and fly out into the real world.

Graduating from then University of Oregon and gaining professional experience have been my two greatest accomplishments over the past months. I have had the opportunity to land broadcast and print media coverage for clients, facilitate a strategic planning session, write for the Frause blog, offer my recommendations, refine my writing skills, and make amazing professional connections.

Never did I believe I would have so much room to grow during my internship. Frause has prepared me for my career in communications and given me the skills to set myself apart from others in the job market.

As for the future, I am currently seeking a full-time career that utilizes my skills in communications and social media. I plan to stay in the Seattle area with my puggle, Happy, by my side and continue to grow as a professional.

Thank you to everyone at Frause who shared their sage advice, guided me through PR projects and believed in my ability. I also want to thank everyone who has followed this blog. I hope you will continue to enjoy reading about the interns’ experiences at Frause. And remember, I will still be writing about fashion and consumer public relations at Consuming PR!

Get ready to meet the next intern - coming soon to the Frause blog!

Frause Gives Back

2008-12-19T15:47:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of tutoring a few kids at Treehouse, a public-private partnership dedicated to helping children in foster care. Every week Frause sends two employees from their Seattle office to Treehouse for their after-school tutoring program. I was lucky enough to be accompanied by my co-worker Nathan Hambley when we found ourselves helping kids with their math skills.

Thank goodness I was able to file through my dusty cabinets and remember high school algebra! When I first stepped into Treehouse the supervisors asked me how capable I was with junior high and high school math. I mustered up enough confidence to give the answer, “Of course I know algebra!”

Although I was feeling a bit overwhelmed, my 1-2-3’s all came rushing back. Soon I was remembering the FOIL rule and how to find the common denominator. It was such a delight to laugh and giggle with the kids as we worked through math homework. Remembering back to my struggles in high school and the awkward years of junior high, I felt rewarded to give back what I had learned as a child.

I believe my education is a powerful tool and it is necessary to encourage students in the community to achieve the same success. It is also an honor to be a part of a firm such as Frause that gives me the opportunity to give back to the community.

- Sarah Essary

Bon Voyage!

2008-12-12T10:06:00.000-08:00

It’s hard to believe that three months have passed by so quickly, but next week will be my last at Frause. When I started my internship back in September, it seemed as though I had all the time in the world to experience life at an agency, but in the blink of an eye, I find myself at the end of my journey with Frause.

My internships prior to Frause prepared me with event planning skills, computer skills and a glimpse of life in healthcare. My experience with Frause was the first time I was able to see life at a PR agency. During my internship, I got to see how we take care of our clients behind the scenes. I was not out roping in new clients or landing stories on the front page, but I was able to participate in the administrative work that all our clients’ need.

One of the most valuable skills I will leave with is the understanding of how to effectively pitch a story to various media outlets and the best way to follow up with individuals after the pitch. That is one skill I had not learned with my previous internships. I also feel like I have learned to manage my time more effectively. Agency life requires you to be dedicated to multiple clients and meet multiple deadlines at a time.

When I look forward to the future, I am not sure where I see myself. I know I want to continue my career in PR and communications, but I am also drawn to the marketing aspects of a company. Regardless of where I end up, I am grateful for my experiences with Frause. Not only am I leaving with new skills, but I now understand how life at an agency works. Frause has played a key role in my journey towards finding the right career for me.

It is now time to continue on my career path. While I do not know where it leads, I am excited for the ride! I would like to thank everyone at Frause for helping me along this journey, and I hope we meet again. Bon Voyage!

-Heidi Gill

Lights, Camera, Frause Visual!

2008-12-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

Currently I am sitting at the intern desk located near the new Frause Visual wing of our office. To my right I can see the words “Frause Visual” against a lime green wall, introducing the new addition to Frause – but it didn’t used to be this way.

For the first few months of my internship I was smack dab in the middle of our expansion. Only a few weeks ago there was a giant tarp, “the blob” as we called it, hanging next to me with the intention of devouring my desk every time the wind blew!

The soundtrack of my internship included the harmonious sounds of drilling, hammering and the banter of construction workers. Thank you, Pandora, for supplying me with The New Kids on the Block station, which I listened to every day during the construction.

Now, I am thrilled to announce that Frause Visual has finally opened its doors for business! With the addition of Frause Visual brings in more service offerings: video and audio production, broadcast (TV and radio commercials) and duplication. The existing Frause design services have also been expanded under Frause Visual to include branding, graphic design and Web development.

Jeri Vaughn, czar of Frause Visual, put her heart and soul into the expansion. Every day she would race past my desk trying to make sure Frause Visual would be up and running on time. Vaughn, managing partner and executive producer for Frause Visual, brings more than 20 years of experience to the new venture.

“It’s a pleasure to work with such passionate people,” Vaughn explains. “I am honored to be a part of the Frause family and to be able to expand the definition of full spectrum communications for our clients.”

It has been incredible to see the transformation take place while interning at Frause! From drywall to design, being in the midst of the addition has been a great experience. I’m also proud to have had the recent pleasure of working with Matteo Bava, Erika Sunmark and Susan Lamb, the new Frause Visual team.

Can’t wait to see what’s next. I see big things ahead for Frause!

- Sarah Essary

The Path to Becoming a Well-Rounded PR Professional

2008-11-25T12:34:00.000-08:00

As mentioned in my previous posts, I have been focused and enthralled in the world of social media. That said, as I am entering into the working world, I’ve learned that it is extremely important for me to not only understand but be able to participate in the more traditional practices of PR and communication. Living in a time of tweets, texts and technology, it becomes easy to lose that personal connection that is made when dealing with an individual outside of cyber world.

These past few weeks I have had the opportunity to participate in pitching a story for one of our clients. I have sent out press releases before, but this was my first real experience of having to follow-up with a large number of individuals and actively engage people in a conversation on a specific topic.

Having never done this type of thing before, I met with my coworker to get some tips on how to best approach these types of calls to the media and what to say if I left messages. After a little coaching, I began my follow-up process. The first few phone calls were a bit stressful, but luckily, I had written out a script that I could read if I froze up. After several phone calls and messages, I found myself comfortable with initiating dialogue with complete strangers. Not only was I able to present our pitch and sell the story idea in a casual, informative way, but I felt confident in doing so.

I found this project to be very educational and important in helping me on my journey to becoming a more well-rounded practitioner. It forced me to leave the online world, one of which I have grown extremely comfortable and confident in, and result to a more traditional way of communicating and pitching stories. I not only understand how to effectively pitch and sell stories to media outlets, but I also am confident in my ability to do so. Regardless of our societies infatuation with social media, there still in no replacement for the personal relationships one can develop when personally engaging with other individuals.

-Heidi Gill

The Dawning of Social Media

2008-11-20T10:29:00.000-08:00

The Financial Times article, “Extreme Teenagers” by Susie Boyt, got me thinking about the origin of social media and how it has evolved.

I started recognizing the wave of social media when I was entering my freshmen year at the University of Oregon. My friend mentioned that she was using an application called “Facebook” to meet people before she moved into the dorms. This socializing-made-easy helped her build relationships with people she wouldn’t have known by simply meeting other coeds face-to-face.

Fast forward only three years and you’ll find many colleges and universities incorporating social media tools into the curriculum. As a public relations major and part of Generation Y, I learned about the importance of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and blogs in my advanced public relations writing course. I never would have thought that social media tools would be so crucial to my education and career!

Social media tools are currently used by public relations practitioners but have always been used by young people. As a result, members of Generation Y are becoming PR machines who will have a major impact in the business world. Executives will now look to younger team members for advice and an understanding of social media. Watch out, there’s a new sheriff (generation) in town!

- Sarah Essary

White House prepares for Chief of Technology

2008-11-12T12:15:00.000-08:00

Barack Obama’s historic entrance into the Oval Office marks a first in many ways for our nation including the addition of a Chief of Technology position in the White House. Obama and Biden pledged a new technology plan for our nation during their campaign and now that promise will become a reality.

The Chief of Technology position was created to further propel the government into the 21st century. The Chief of Technology will help the government utilize technology to establish more effective communication with Americans, while helping the government become more transparent to its citizens.

For the first time in history, a vast network of electronic communication tools were used to campaign to the American people in a presidential race. Tools such as text messaging, blogs, Twitter, MySpace and Facebook allowed candidates to connect with people on a new level. Understanding and participating in the electronic age of grassroots marketing has become an invaluable asset to not only companies and individuals, but government, too. This new era of communication is changing the way people interact and share information on a global level.

It is interesting to see how the government, along with business, is beginning to utilize new communication tools to connect with people. I think the addition of the Chief of Technology position will prove to be a valuable asset for the government by helping to create a new connection and understanding with the American people.

-Heidi Gill

Cash is King

2008-11-05T13:12:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Bob Frause, founder of Frause, shared his entrepreneurial experience and explained the elements of launching a business at “Marketing Monday,” held by the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Much to his surprise, many of us Frausers attended.

With over 30 years of experience, Bob Frause stressed the importance of networking. “Contacts are more important than money,” explained Bob. Starting Frause in a one-room office with a donated computer, Bob used his networking skills to grow the agency into a full-spectrum communications firm with over 70 clients and 23 employees in two states.

Bob attributes his success to having a “cash is king” attitude. He believes that utilizing cash rather than credit will benefit the growth of a small business in the long-run. Bob explains that he has never had to use credit against his business and that Frause has never experienced a decline in annual revenue.

It was so exciting to learn the history of Frause and how to start a business! I hope to start my own business one day and will always remember Bob Frause’s wise words.

- Sarah Essary

Frause makes top 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies

2008-10-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

This past week, Frause received word that it had made the top 100 Fastest- Growing Private Companies list in the Puget Sound Business Journal. This is the first time Frause has made the list. The Puget Sound Business Journal is a weekly publication that provides articles and information for the business world in the greater Seattle area.

In order to qualify for the award, each company must achieve year-over-year growth for three years running and have recorded revenue of at least $500,000 in 2005. If a company meets the criteria and is interested in participating, a representative from the company is required to submit revenues for the past three years. Then an independent accounting firm reviews and verifies the figures.

As an intern, I am excited and proud to be working at a firm that is still managing to be successful and grow in a struggling economy. After being at Frause for about a month and a half, I am able to see how an immense amount of hard work can pay off. Several of my coworkers spend long hours in the office and devote a great deal of energy to every detail for their clients. It is encouraging to see their hard work and dedication pay off and that they are recognized for it.

As my college graduation approaches, and with the tumultuous economy in the forefront of my mind, I find it is easy to become discouraged about future employment. Many of the conversations with my peers and professors center around the difficulties college grads have trying to obtain entry-level positions at jobs across the board. With these hard times, some companies lack the funds for entry-level positions.

While these are challenging times, economically, I am hopeful and excited about my future employment. After working at Frause, I have strong faith that hard work and dedication will pay off – even during this historic moment in our economy.

-Heidi Gill

Social Media: Part Deux

2008-10-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

To continue our conversation on social media, it is important to understand the options. Most social media tools can be helpful to organizations if used correctly.

“Marketing via Facebook or any another social network needs to be done strategically, using a proper marketing plan. So many people have destroyed their businesses because they abused these networks,” explains Hillel Porath, founder and developer of Iyazam.com.

The most popular social media tools for organizations include:

Blogs
Blogs enable an organization to easily communicate and engage in conversation with their publics at any time. Currently, blogs are one of the most popular social media tools. Sites like Wordpress and Blogger offer organizations the tools to create their own blog quickly and easily.

Twitter
This is one of my favorite social media tools! Twitter is a great way to create a community and to quickly spread information by word of mouth. The site is designed for users to follow companies and individuals as they post short announcements throughout the day about news and discussion topics.

Once a Twitter profile is established and connections are built, the next step is to send out “tweets.” Tweets are 140-character postings that are read by whoever is following your Twitter profile. It is best to mix tweets with organic conversation and organization information. Make sure not to spam or over-tweet because this will turn people away.

Check out my Twitter page: www.twitter.com/ConsumingPR

Facebook and MySpace
Both Facebook and MySpace are social networking sites that allow people and groups to create personalized profiles, which allow for an online community. Organizations can use these tools to post announcements and communicate to their key audiences by responding to comments and questions.

Podcasts
A podcast is audio content, similar to a short radio segment, used to raise awareness about an organization or issue. This social media tool can be posted on a Web site and accessed with an mp3 player for people to easily access the information wherever they may be.

Once you establish a place for conversation between the organization and the audience, it is necessary to frequently update the site. Users will have an expectation for new content once a rhythm is established.

- Sarah Essary

Is it time to jump on the bandwagon?

2008-10-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

This image is credited to trevormauch.com

Personally, I feel that many people in my generation fully get the importance of social media. Not only do the majority of us partake in it, we also understand it. In my journalism classes this past year, we were required to start a blog, set up a Twitter account and join LinkedIn. For an entire term, we followed our classmates and various practitioners in the blogosphere. By the end of the term, we were regular social media junkies.

Entering into the working world, interns are all faced with a seasoned generation of practitioners, some of who understand and partake in social media, while others do not. Over the next two weeks, Sarah and I will be writing a two-part series on social media. I will be explaining the importance of it, while Sarah will be explaining the implementation of social media tools.

Part I: The importance of social media
Why should companies blog? Well, there are several reasons. For starters, blogging is a great way to establish positive connections and communicate with your clients and community. Blogging is also a great way to speak out about a company’s, products or actions if they are brought into question by the media or other individuals.

Blogs come in all shapes and forms and can be written by anyone. Individuals often create a blog in order to share their views and opinions with others. Corporate CEOs often author blogs in order to connect and communicate with clients and the community. Newspapers, such as The New York Times, have multiple blogs on their homepage on a wide range of topics and interests. Blogs provide a great outlet for information on a variety of topics from new menu announcements at local restaurants to the unveiling of the latest new technology. Through blogs we are able to hear and share opinions and news with multiple audiences on a global scale.

Another useful social media tool that has become increasingly popular is Twitter. Twitter is a free microblogging tool that allows people to post short updates of up to 140 characters online. Once a profile is created, individuals and/or companies are able to go online and “tweet” about “what they are doing.” These tweets are a way to update friends, clients and coworkers with real-time information. Twitter can be used as part of a communications plan to help reinforce branding, update clients or even attract new traffic to your company’s homepage or blog. Some of the largest companies like Travel Channel, and The New York Times, or well known people like Jeff Jarvis or Barack Obama have Twitter accounts and blogs for people to follow.

Many large companies choose to participate in social media, but just like traditional communication tools, not all social media tools are for every organization. Regardless, it is important for every company to begin to educate themselves on the variety of social media and know the options.

Make sure you check back next week for Sarah’s post on the implementation of social media tools.

-Heidi Gill

Frause Celebrates 10th Anniversary

2008-10-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

Saddle up with Frause as we ride in with 10 years of service! On Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, Frause celebrated its 10th anniversary with a party at Herban Feast at Sodo Park in Seattle.

The night was full of mouth-watering appetizers and delicious drinks to accompany the Town & Country theme. Cowboy hats and penny loafers were the go-to fashion statement for the evening. Everyone had a wonderful time chatting with clients and good friends who helped us reach this important milestone.

Toward the middle of the evening, Bob Frause took the stage to thank clients and employees for an amazing 10 years of business. He also announced his plan to continue lead Frause for an additional 10 years.

Bob presented two awards: one to Duraflame for being the longest Frause private client, and another to King County as the longest Frause public client. Wrapping up the speeches was a video presentation or, more appropriately, a “roast” of BOB, which caused laughter to fill the building.

-Sarah Essary

Faced with geographic challenges

2008-09-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Image courtesy of TriMet

People always made it sound so magical to move to a new, thriving city and become lost in the streets. Well, in my case I took the term “lost” quite literally. When my first day at Frause approached, I searched on Google Maps to find the best route to work. Having learned that I live only 1.3 miles away from the office, I felt quite confident in my public transportation abilities, and to my surprise, the first day went flawlessly!

On my second day at Frause, I now considered myself to be a transportation guru. I climbed up onto the bus confident that the 20 minutes I gave myself to travel the 1.3 miles to work would provide me with plenty of time to grab a Starbucks then stroll in a few minutes early. Needless to say, I ended up on the wrong side of the river! After a nice two-mile trek in my stilettos, my aching feet and I entered the office 45 minutes late and out of breath! Luckily, my co-workers at Frause were understanding of my mishap with the public transportation system. However, I am proud to say that I have found a successful public transit route that takes me to and from work in about 15 minutes!

Before receiving the opportunity to intern at Frause, I had the privilege to intern at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Oregon. While at Sacred Heart I worked as the communication liaison from the hospital’s IT division to the public affairs department. Before working at the hospital, I was the March of Dimes Southern Oregon Division’s Special Events Intern. Here I was in charge of the logistics in five counties for the annual March for Babies. Alongside my community director, I helped raise $112,000 for premature babies.

I am very excited to have this opportunity to intern at Frause. Not only do I find my coworkers to be a pleasure, but I also strongly agree with Bob Frause’s code of ethics. I think honesty, loyalty and integrity are undervalued in our society, and I am proud to work at a place that values these virtues so highly. I am excited to spend these next few months blogging about my Frause endeavors, while learning all I can about the world of PR!

Heidi Gill

Anchors Away!

2008-09-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

After the culmination of my college career, I’m honored and excited to be working for Frause. Little did I know the office had been without an intern for three weeks! Nathan Hambley, account supervisor, compares the absence to a ship without bearing. I’m sure happy to be of help and keep the team afloat!

Senior year was a blast but I have to admit, I couldn’t wait to get back to the Emerald City. During my college career at the University of Oregon, I took advantage of every opportunity at the School of Journalism through involvement in Allen Hall Public Relations, DuckU News and the Public Relations Student Society of America. As a PRSSA member, the practice of ethical behavior is of utmost importance and it is a privilege to work alongside Bob Frause, the chairman of the PRSA Board of Ethics and Professional Standards.

It is important to be well-rounded in the field of public relations and to understand all forms of media. Blogs are a medium that continues to evolve in the public relations field, providing companies an opportunity to show transparency and quickly communicate. They also serve as outlets for personal expression and ways to exchange new ideas. I, too, have a blog, Consuming PR, where I write about fashion and consumer brands.

With that, I’m pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the Frause blog!

-Sarah Essary

Farewell, Frause!

2008-08-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

As my internship at Frause’ Portland office draws to a close, I’d like to take a minute to reflect on the experience I’ve had here. Ultimately, I moved to Portland in search of something new. Having lived in Wisconsin my entire life, I was urged by friends and relatives to explore a new part of the country. And while the transition from the Midwest to the West Coast proved difficult at times, those who I work with at Frause have done an incredible job of making me feel at home.

Keeping past internships in mind, I came into my first day of work at Frause prepared to make copies and brew coffee. Imagine my surprise, when I was immediately asked to take part in conference calls and participate in client projects. Countless media lists, press releases and follow up-calls later, I have learned about the world of public relations first-hand, which is experience that will certainly benefit me in the future. I have been lucky enough to have worked with Krista Hildebrand and Matt Smedley, who have guided me in honing my skills as a writer and as a communicator. Because of their mentorship and constant encouragement, I am confident that I have acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career in public relations.

I am beyond grateful to everyone at Frause for allowing me to work in such a creative and dynamic environment – I’ve enjoyed every minute of it! And a special thank you to Krista and Matt for offering a Portland newbie their guidance and friendship, I’ll miss you both.

As for me, I’m headed back to chilly Wisconsin with plenty of trips in the works to visit the West Coast and my friends at Frause.
-Dana

My final entry concluding an inspirational summer as the Seattle intern

2008-07-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

What I’ve learned at Frause goes far beyond public relations skills and techniques; and it soars beyond everything that I expected to learn as I headed to Seattle for the summer. Looking back, I realize that I had no idea what to expect. I imagined returning home with an ability to write press releases and create media lists in my sleep, but I never thought that I would have such an appreciation for this experience as I do now, after interning at Frause.

Most important are the professional principles that Frause has instilled in me. I’ve learned a few things here that are more useful to me than any tricks of the trade could be, and I will take this knowledge with me no matter where my career leads.

I have had a glimpse into Bob’s mission to provide a workplace where employees are inspired to be proficient business people before being communicators. This entrepreneurial spirit identifies itself in more ways than just securing new business. On Monday, he explained something that was simple, yet provided so much insight into the company’s philosophy. When discussing the finances of Frause, which are openly shared every Monday morning during team meetings, Bob described his excitement in the company’s success. “It’s not about the money,” he said. “It’s about the team—it’s like going to the World Series. Our team doesn’t play for the money and fame—we play for the game of getting to the Series together."

This notion is driven home in every aspect of the company. Because to Frause, this is the important stuff; success comes when both the clients' and employees' needs are met. Another admirable company goal (which will set the bar high for my future job satisfaction) is for employees to remember Frause as being the best place they have ever worked. This is a critical piece to putting together the Frause puzzle; the company's impressive accomplishments come from a talented and devoted set of team members. I will remember this wherever I work: team chemistry is critical for success.

So, thank you Frause for allowing me to take away experiences and knowledge far more useful than just the basics of PR. The professional insights I have acquired this summer will be applicable to any career path in my future, and that is the most valuable benefit of interning with Frause. -Maia

A Day with DeSantis

2008-07-24T08:59:00.001-07:00

Recently, Matt Smedley, a Frause account executive and my go-to-man for any and all intern questions and queries, invited me on a field trip to tour properties designed and maintained by Frause client, DeSantis Landscapes. Having spent the summer after my senior year of high school behind a desk working as an administrative assistant at a landscape architecture firm in Wisconsin, I jumped at the chance to see the properties first hand.

We embarked on our journey to DeSantis’ office in Salem, Ore., with Starbucks in hand and ready to scope out potential media pitch prospects. Upon arrival we were greeted by Dean DeSantis, president of DeSantis Landscapes, and our tour guide for the day. After a quick tour of the office, we jumped into Dean’s hybrid company car to head to the first property. DeSantis’ choice of company car candidly reflects the company’s eco-friendly commitment to natural landscape and sustainable design. We arrived at the first site on our tour; a luxury property where DeSantis had previously created a fire pit area and was currently working on various stonework projects. Realizing our awe at the magnitude of the property, Dean assured us that DeSantis works on a multitude of properties ranging from commercial to residential. With our dropped jaws back intact, we continued on our way, stopping at various properties each with unique design and maintenance needs. We ended our tour at a favorite property of Dean’s – the home of his parents.

As we strolled through the backyard of the DeSantis home, admiring the plethora of flowers, plants, and ornaments, Dean fielded our questions regarding his company’s history, services and projects. We took pictures and made notes while Dean expressed ideas for articles and properties he’d like to see featured. As Dean and Matt talked, I came to realize the rapport the two shared went beyond business; they spoke of family, pets, and weekend plans. Essentially, the trip to DeSantis Landscapes instilled in me a greater knowledge of the client’s business as well as the invaluable lesson of the importance of maintaining exceptional client and customer relationships.

-Dana

I am away from my desk right now...

2008-07-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

While I do spend my fair share of time deeply immersed in Excel spreadsheets, I have to agree with Dana that there are perks to interning at Frause that I can’t imagine experiencing anywhere else.

The first perk I encountered after being here for only a week was “iPod Fridays.” As the work day comes to a close an hour early, the wine glasses begin to dance off their shelves to our living room where we pop open the bottles and celebrate the weekend’s arrival.

The client events that I have been lucky enough to attend are also notable. Whether it’s a launch of the latest Starbucks product, or a remarkable trip to Carnation, WA, I have had experiences in a couple of months that you just don’t get at most jobs. A few weeks ago I was invited to tour Carnation Farm, located about 40 minutes northeast of Seattle; the farm was recently purchased by Camp Korey, the newest Hole in the Wall camp. From outstanding views to warm Nestle chocolate chip cookies, our morning at the farm was like a mini-vacation that ended too early.

Photo by Nathan Hambley

Although a media dinner was admittedly one thing that I may have dreamed of attending while interning at Frause, I never thought I actually would. Well, lo and behold I was invited to attend the Oceanaire Seafood Room’s salmon media dinner, and it was one of the best meals I have had in a long time. With three different kinds of fresh northwest salmon, good wine and great company, the evening was a blast—I’m looking forward to the next one!

I can’t forget to mention the afternoon in June when we all left work at noon to enjoy Mexican and margaritas for lunch, followed by a trip to Belltown to see "Sex and the City."

We spend an exorbitant amount of time tackling projects together, but what’s great about Frause is their recognition of the fact that as creative people, we need to get out and enjoy each other away from the bounds of the office. Team work can be done while having fun too. So, cheers to the weekend—I’m off to an oyster shucking demo at the Oceanaire!
-Maia