Category: Personal Note

The Iain MacFarlane Show

Posted on by Brian Lee

My interview with business radio host Iain MacFarlane of 1670 WTDY aired on Saturday, Nov. 19. The premise of his show is to have business owners share their insights as to what has helped them succeed.

I enjoyed the interview. We recorded early morning on a Friday in September. I remember walking in to the Mid-West Family Broadcasting studio and hearing live music. It turns out they were having a party at 7 a.m. Lots of people were rocking out and enjoying Alaskan Beer. I was asked to join, but I (reluctantly) declined.

Amongst the advice I provided on air, here’s one I’ll repeat for people thinking of starting a business. I believe people can be classified into one of two categories, in two scenarios. First, there are those who lead and there are those who are led. Second, there are those who seek out their own opportunities, and there are those who go day by day and hope something happens to them.

If you think the former in both scenarios describes yourself, then you have the personality type to start a business.

To listen to the interview, click on this link. Once the Listen Live window opens, click on “On Demand” and choose “Iain MacFarlane.”

Don’t mess with Wisconsinites and their cheese

Posted on by Brian Lee

I have to start this post with a disclaimer: I am seriously biased on the topic of cheese. I was born and raised in Green Bay, Wis., where cheese is a way of life!  Needless to say, I am pretty fond of cheese and don’t plan on giving it up any time soon.

The reason I bring this up is in response to a billboard the non-profit organization called Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine recently sponsored near Lambeau Field.  With an ominous Grim Reaper on the side of the billboard warning “Cheese Can Sack Your Health,” PCRM took a strong anti-cheese stance in a notoriously pro-cheese state. It’s definitely a bold move.  In my opinion, it’s not a smart move but a bold one nonetheless.

Now, I am in no way disputing cheese can have negative effects on your health. But I can’t understand what goal PCRM intended for this billboard. Wisconsinites were not the right audience for such a misguided message. In Wisconsin, dairy is not only a prominent industry, but also a source of state pride.  People proudly don cheese-shaped hats and willingly call themselves Cheeseheads! Did PCRM really think people were going to look favorably on this billboard?

Maybe, PCRM thought the divisive billboard would increase its visibility and make people talk, which it did.  But do I think the billboard stopped anyone from putting cheddar on their burgers or ordering some deep-fried cheese curds, the answer is a resounding NO.  Don’t mess with Wisconsin and cheese, just don’t!

My next step in public relations

Posted on by Brian Lee

It’s official. I’m now Accredited in Public Relations (APR) and get those three letters behind my name. Having the APR designation means that I have proven my knowledge and ability in communications theory and its application; that I’ve established advanced capabilities in research, strategic planning, implementation and evaluation; and that I’ve demonstrated a commitment to professional excellence and ethical conduct.

I have to say, it was a long journey. I began with a “Jump Start” program to familiarize myself with the process in April 2009. My son was two months old at the time, and I mistakenly thought studying and being a new parent would work together. Nope!

Developing a campaign from start to finish, and then presenting it in front of a panel, made me a better practitioner because I learned the theories of PR and the importance of research, amongst a long list of things.

Studying was not easy, especially since I have been out of school for almost 10 years, and my senior year was comprised mostly of group projects and papers, not tests. After I completed the four-hour multiple choice exam, I could feel my heart racing as the computer tabulated my score.

I just sat there for several minutes in happy reflection of the past two years when I saw the word “Pass.”

Now it’s time to order new business cards!

For more information, please visit: http://www.prsa.org/Learning/Accreditation/