What Carry Prejean needs: A Better Publicist

Well…where does one begin. One’s job of hole digging is never quite complete when Carry Prejean is the one speaking. At her rate – and should she be a cartoon (and I strongly advocate for a cartoon version versus a real Carry) – she has dug herself to China and back a couple of times already.

Carry Prejean timeline: Inappropriate homosexual comment at Miss USA, followed by inappropriate relgious defense, followed by a confession of inappropriate requests for implants, followed by inappropriate underage photos, followed by inappropriate contract breeches, followed by inappropriate lawsuits, followed by inappropriate settlements, followed by inappropriate sex tapes, followed by inappropriate book writing, followed by Larry King being called inapproprate, by Carry – who I think, thinks that she is appropriate?

I wonder if she viewed herself on Larry King and wished the earth opened up and sucked her in. I know I sure wished it. Making fun of Carry Prejean is too easy – what amazes me is that I’m blogging about her – again.

Anyways, she needs to be a case study for future publicists on when to walk away. I have never had to deal with a winner that just would not disappear into oblivian. For the Miss California USA organization, the world empathizes with what you had to deal with – and hey if you’re ever looking to hire a public relations director…I’m right here!

Google SideWiki – Terror in the Communications World

Ok, I’ll admit – when I first heard about Google Sidewiki I was mortified.  I mean, who does Google think they are? 

Wait a minute – I suppose the answer to that would be Google.

I mean I get it, I totally do get it – and I am open to the idea of sharing information and knowledge.  As a consumer I do want the power to be in my hands, and this does seem like a great place to bring issues to light within organziations.

My issue is that for many business owners, especially in the industry that I have been in, this constitutes a whole other set of nightmares in terms of brand development and public relations as it already stands.  We’ve already seen what forums and blogs and can do to brands, now visitors will visit my site to see how people are bashing me and my brands?  (I imagine that is how CEO’s may see it, and I’ve been on the receiving end of irrational consumer behaviour).

After I had a night’s sleep on it, I thought that it really is not as bad as I initially thought it might be.  I do realize that sometimes as business owners we fail to give people the benefit of the doubt.  People really do recognize when there is a loud mouth online, just the same way they recognize one in real life.  People really do recognize who is there to contribute valuable insight versus pointless jabber.  They also recognize the people that are looking for revenge vs looking for a solution.

My thought is, and this is these are the thoughts I brought forward to my company – is that we had 4 options :

1./Choose to ignore it and pretend it doesn’t exist; 2./ Choose to post a message on the sidewiki along the lines of “We are not going to respond to anything here”; 3./Stay on message at all costs; 4./ Redirect  or lastly… 5./Engage.

The bottom line is, whether we like it or not – Google sidewiki is here and available on your website.

There are actually nice operators on the TTC!

So, here it is… many of you have read my rants about my dissatisfaction with TTC personnel since I began working up town about 3 years ago.

Prior to this I always worked in places that required that I drive there. My experience with most bus drivers have been their indifference to your existence, the painful way in which you ask a question and they answer you as though you have inconvenienced them in some way, say thank you (for of course doing exactly what they sent in a resume for and consequently are getting paid to do) and receive no response.

I will not EVEN discuss the fact the TTC is considering a $17 hike to the metro pass or that they also want to hit cash fares with a $0.25 increase. That is an entirely other post, which I will save for the day they do it – which we all know they will.

Anyhow, last night I was lucky enough to ride the 12B, where my mouth hung open in awe at a bus driver (or operator I think they might be called) who was soooooo amazing! Her name was Casey, and I hope she reads my blog.

She was patient with those who could not speak English well, had amicable conversations with chatty passengers, assisted those who missed their stops, provided proper instruction on directions when asked – including ensuring that the person who asked really understood what she had said. Not to mention she smiled, and offered that everyone she conversed with a ” see you soon”, “have a nice evening”, and acknowledged their thanks and appreciation of her.

Yes I do complain about services that I don’t like or customer service mess ups, however, I also believe in giving credit when credit is due, and making it more public than a complaint in hopes that someone will learn from them. Our TTC drivers are so unpleasant and it goes to show how a little humanity goes a long way as a shining example of great work ethic and people skills.

I vouch for Casey to be a trainer in TTC customer relations to front end providers. She will be one of those lucky people, that because of her disposition, will move quickly up the ranks.

I told her that I would send a raving review to the TTC about her, and that I did. I also made sure that the rest of Toronto learned about her too.

Great job Casey, and I hope that I am able ride the rocket with you as an operator soon!