Jul 17, 2007

Mom, can I read a rated R blog?

Mingle2 has created a just-for-fun tool that determines the parental rating of your blog, website, Facebook profile, etc.

Apparently my blog is rated G. Hm, good to know. The tool reports that the word "stab" is written in my blog and is of concern. Interesting...

Not that this tool can be taken very seriously; however, imagine what this could mean in the future.

Check it out.

Online Dating

Mingle2 - Online Dating

Jul 16, 2007

Always Talk to Strangers

This morning I listened to a great podcast on the Forward Blog about establishing your personal brand. The podcast interviews Mitch Joel, president of Twist Image. I highly recommend this podcast because of the great advice it offers PR students and new professionals.

Mitch Joel discusses the importance of talking to strangers with no hidden agenda or specific purpose. So introduce yourself and chat with neighbors, taxi drivers, friends, co-workers, church members, professors, baristas...anyone you come in contact with! These connections can help you down the road when you need a new job or need outside assistance for a PR campaign. He advices to invest in these relationships now. (I love it!)

So forget mom's advice and start talking to strangers!

(Mitch also outlines three action items for establishing your personal brand at the end of the podcast. It's excellent advice- check it out! I'm going to give it a shot and report back later.)

Jul 6, 2007

Summer in Eugene

Well summer is finally here, and this is my first summer in Eugene. So far the weather has been wonderful! (It's quite a bit warmer than Olympia, Washington). Now that I've moved, started a new internship and am back from church camp, I'm back to blogging world.

This summer I am working for United Way of Lane County helping to promote 211Lane.org. In the past, information and referral (I & R) was done by poking through the phone book or or person to person contact. As of yesterday, Lane County now has it's very own online information directory. Community members now can easily FIND HELP and also GIVE HELP. It's exciting.

Need assistance with a medical bill? Want to find an after school program for your kids? Struggling to pay the electric bills? 211Lane compiles contact information for hundreds social service agencies that help OUR community.

The other half of the database compiles local volunteer opportunities. Want to give back to community? Volunteer at a soup kitchen, chat with with the elderly, care for pets? Check out all the great opportunities. Help is needed!