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NBA commissioner Adam Silver, said the NBA, in addition to a $2.5 million fine, has banned Donald Sterling for life. “We stand together in condemning Mr. Sterling’s views,” said Silver. “They simply have no place in the NBA.”

Silver’s decision comes days after taped recordings were leaked of Sterling making derogatory and racist remarks about minorities and his dislike for them over the weekend. Sterling’s feelings appear to be quite ironic considering nearly 70% of the NBA is made up of African American/minority players.

“LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s comments about African Americans are a black eye for the NBA,” said former Los Angeles Laker, Earvin “Magic” Johnson via Twitter. During Sterling’s 10-minute phone call with girlfriend V. Stiviano, Sterling expressed his unhappiness with the Hall of Famer being present at the Clippers games. Unfortunate as it is, it’s also being reported by sources that Sterling’s attitude has been lingering for some time.

NBA Executive Vice President of Communication, Mike Bass, expressed his thoughts calling Sterling’s remarks both “disgusting” and “offensive.” In his statement, Bass also mentioned the incident would undoubtedly undergo a full investigation by the NBA, which was completed as of today. Sterling has yet to make any comments regarding the matter.

In the end, the Clippers are taking the hit thanks to Sterling. USA Today reported that sponsors such as AQUAHydrate, Red Bull and Mercedes-Benz, have suspended ties with the organization (just to name a few). There has been no word yet if any new negotiations have been made since the announcement of Sterling being banned.

Did the NBA make the right decision regarding the ruling on Sterling?

The New York City Police Department’s latest social media campaign was surely a victim of social media’s “double-edged sword.” It’s #myNYPD hashtag was created in an effort to illustrate the good-doings from the boys in blue yet those who participated had different intentions.

Followers were asked to share/upload photos of them in “good” standings with the NYPD; the best pictures would be shared on the NYPD’s Facebook page for all to see. Those who were in apparent opposition of the initiative took it upon themselves to share some unflattering photos of the New York City law force and it’s citizens. They too used the hashtag #myNYPD.  Is this sounding familiar yet (i.e. McDonald’s)?

What does this mean? It means social media and it’s growing selection of platforms are becoming stronger and more vital to the ways in which we communicate with our audiences. Being said, it should also be taken into consideration that with so many people “twatching” and “trolling” timelines, control of one’s message can be snatched out from under them in a second. In instances such as this, those heading these types of campaigns should be prepared when things start to shift and go left field.

Now not all photos using the #myNYPD tag were brutal. The campaign did garner some positive feedback and photos showing the NYPD in the good graces of NYC citizens.

Could the NYPD have done anything differently to avoid this mishap?

My name is Kylie and I am the PR Director for Neff Associates, but I am also the girlfriend of a Lymphoma survivor.

For the last 3 years, I have had the privilege of calling Brian Lipstein (above), Founder and President of Henry A. Davidsen – Master Tailors & Image Consultants a client and a friend. Sharing in his many professional milestones, accomplishments, and commitment to local non-profits is an honor.

I am thrilled to formally announce my nomination for Brian Lipstein as a candidate for The Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s 2014 Man & Woman of the Year Campaign. Brian is the perfect candidate based on his longstanding commitment to local charities, his personal connection with blood cancer, and ‘me’ as his campaign manager.

By accepting the nomination, Brian and the other candidates will have 10 weeks, beginning April 1, 2014, to accumulate the most “votes.”  Every dollar raised counts as one vote. The male and female candidates who raise the most votes during the campaign are named the chapter’s Man & Woman of the Year at the Grand Finale.

Suit up and join the fight by getting involved! Keep an eye out for any upcoming events throughout the duration of the campaign by visiting Brian’s Man of the Year Facebook page. Or, if you’re interested in making a direct donation, please visit my fundraising page.

-Kylie

This year’s Academy Awards show was certainly a memorable one, and not just because of the well-deserved Oscar winners, the gorgeous gowns or musical performances. Hollywood’s biggest night had a fresh sense of authenticity, which coincides with a “real” movement that is being embraced by brands everywhere.

Lifestyle fashion brand Free People recently replaced models with actual brand customers on their website, while Getty Images paired up with Lean In (the women’s empowerment nonprofit) just last month to create a gallery of stock images that depicts a more powerful, realistic woman. Consumers are responding positively to the demystification of fashion, celebrity and status and straying from the their normal behaviors of acting because of aspiration. This new concept was certainly top of mind during the Academy Awards.

Whether it was gathering for the greatest selfie of all time that broke Twitter or passing out pizza from a local shop to the world’s most famous actors – host Ellen DeGeneres embraced the idea that consumers appreciate a more authentic experience. Gone are the days of putting celebrities and glitzy Hollywood affairs on an unobtainable pedestal. Watching Brad Pitt get down with a slice or America’s Sweetheart Jennifer Lawrence take (another) spill makes them seem like humans (albeit very attractive, talented and wealthy humans). Helping Ellen get the most retweets EVER helps the viewers at home feel more involved, which brings the awards to life.

This idea was taken even further in the marketing efforts surrounding the 86th annual Academy Awards. Viewers saw dozens of commercials and sponsored tweets but that was only a part of the marketing push. Advertisers are embracing a new marketing trend called experiential marketing. Through the execution of a variety of events, and the development of tangible ways for consumers to connect with a brand, said brands are also brought to life.

In a world populated by screens, FaceTime and Instagram, in a year where a film surrounding a man’s relationship with his intelligent computer operating system wins the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, what could be the most ground breaking marketing tactic? Experiential marketing. These real-world, positive experiences result in increased brand recognition and, in turn, quality social content.

Those participating in experiential marketing surrounding the Academy Awards this year included Banana Republic, Chobani, Evite.com, Fiat Chrysler, Grey Goose, L’Oréal, Stella Artois and two magazines, People and Vanity Fair.

Vanity Fair is always a huge sponsor of the Oscars, this year they teamed up with WeWork (a company that provides office space to start ups) and L’Oréal, to create working lounge spaces on Hollywood Boulevard for bloggers and other major influencers covering the Oscars, promoting it across Twitter with the hashtag #VFSocialClub. Bloggers were encouraged to use the space and share their experience, which was certainly prompted by a Twitter powered vending machine that gave away merchandise in exchange for posts using sponsored hashtags and handles.

The powerful impact created when physical meets digital is unstoppable. We here at Neff see the trend taking off in the world of marketing over the next year and are excited to see what happens when brands truly embrace the social aspect of social media and their consumer’s desire for authenticity.

One of the main advantages to having a marketing company handle public relations for your Philadelphia based business is their ability to perform damage control. It is fair to say that most people don’t love criticism, but when it comes to your business, it can be detrimental to your sales. If a customer is unsatisfied with a product or business, you want to assure them that you are doing everything in your power to resolve the issue. No matter what the criticism, a public relations professional can strategize to minimize the damage. Here is how:

Accept the Criticism – It’s easy for a company to ignore or deflect complaints from customers. However, the best policy for any public relations firm is to take advantage of the numerous tools and resources available to create a unified front. If your company is facing backlash, it should do so with compassion and understanding that the company will regain loyalty. It is also important to stop any rumors that may spin off from the initial complaint. While some customers may disregard your apology, others will appreciate the sincerity of the gesture.

Using Criticism to your Advantage – As a business owner, your initial reaction to criticism is often to go on the defensive. Consider using the complaints and painful grievances as a way to gain insight on how to make your product or your business better. Sometimes, it is impossible for an owner to see what is wrong with their business. If you are open and honest with yourself about customer feedback, then you can work to fix the issue with integrity.

Providing Resolutions – As soon as a complaint has been made, it is up to the public relations professional to address the situation with speed and efficiency. There is no time to waste when dealing with a problem. The sooner you find a resolution, the more likely the consumer will respect your company and return for business. Give the critics a timeline for how long it will take to repair the problem and what the outcome will be once resolved.

Gaining Respect – Handling major criticism well doesn’t go unnoticed. Hiring a firm like Neff Associates who specifically deal with public relations in Philadelphia will help win over the hearts of your customers, no matter what the issue is. If the complaint is handled in a timely fashion, customers will be won over.

Do you own a small business and live in the Philadelphia area? The staff at Neff Associates has what it takes to expand and grow your brand, especially through social media marketing techniques. In a world that revolves around Facebook and Twitter, you can see why more and more businesses are incorporating social media into their marketing strategies. In fact, many studies show that within a half hour of a person waking up in the morning, they have already checked one of their online networking accounts. The ability to connect to the world in milliseconds has changed the marketing landscape. Still not sure if your business is a strong candidate for social media marketing?  Consider the following factors:

New Business – The most obvious reason for social media marketing is building a loyal and powerful customer base. There are over 1 billion social media users. It’s been estimated by marketing professionals that 50% of shoppers make purchases based on the recommendations they receive on their social platforms. By targeting your audience and knowing who your core customers are, marketing online provides an informal and genuine way to showcase your business and create a buzz around it.

Cost Effective – Online marketing is the cheapest way to advertise your business. You do not have to pay to be on Twitter, Facebook, Linkden, or other popular sites. While you can expand your audience through the use of paid advertisements, manual management can be done to grow your following and your potential clientele. When it comes to the time you put into marketing on social platforms, it’s entirely up to you. However, the biggest benefits will be enjoyed by companies who respond quickly to their client base and constantly keep them informed.

Customer Interaction – It’s an incredible asset to have your business being discussed online by your satisfied customers. Also, by engaging with an existing customer, a person who is unfamiliar with your business can gain a comprehensive understanding of what your company is all about. They can also discover what drives an existing customer to keep returning to your business. Through their feedback, you can better your business and ensure a better overall experience for your future customers.

Understanding why social media is so important to marketing a brand is your first step in growing your business. We separate ourselves from other Philadelphia marketing agencies by providing you with social media marketing solutions that are proven to produce results. Give us a call today and learn more about growing your business through social platforms.

Even before graduating, I have had a thirst for an assortment of professional experiences. I interned for an independent music agency in Australia, the press department at Comedy Central, a boutique Asbury Park-based PR agency and lastly a PR agency who supported Johnson & Johnson skincare brands. This thirst has been quenched by working at Neff Associates, where I am able to throw myself into any form of creative – helping with copy, writing blog posts, giving my input on logos (just to name a few).

Since graduating, I have worked as a business manager for a real estate team, as marketing content associate for Philadelphia magazine and have now landed at Neff Associates. I was attracted to this agency for many reasons – the size and members of the team, the wide range of impressive clients, and the collaborative nature encouraged by the absence of walls in the office.

Joining the team in a new role, account manager, I will be making sure all projects run smoothly, deadlines are met and clients are happy. If it wasn’t already obvious, I’m very excited to be here!

Welcome to Neff Megan!

What do you do when 111.5 million people are relaxing at home, surrounded by family and friends watching you? The Cheesesteak Shuffle! As mentioned in our last post, the Super Bowl is a prime time for brands to strike it big with viewers and potential consumers.

Thanks to Geico, Geno’s Steaks accomplished just that. The lip-lashing lizard…gecko, showed everyone at home his moves during the big game as he “shuffled” across a dining table outside of  one of Philadelphia’s iconic cheesesteak spots: Geno’s Steaks.

What does this mean? Like other brands who’ve had the opportunity of gracing the small screen (or big one) during Super Bowl XLVIII, potentially, a boost in online searches, product sales and visibility could result from a mere 30seconds of exposure.

Additionally, this kind of press presents another opportunity for brands and organizations to control the direction of conversation about their products, in order to capitalize from great coverage. How so? Geno’s took to social media and jumped into the conversation shortly after. Word of mouth spreads fast and before you know it, everyone’s talking steaks, Geno’s and cheesesteak shuffle!

In case you missed it, we’ve got you covered. Check out the ad and let us know what you think. Way to go Geno’s!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVFAJx9atNM

Can you cheesesteak shuffle?

During the Super Bowl, the two teams (Seahawks & Broncos) battling it out in order to rise as champions are not the only winners of the night, there are actually quite a few! Take last year for instance-the Baltimore Ravens walked away as champions; Beyonce held on to her title as music industry’s reigning queen (or King, whichever you prefer) after a breathtaking half time show performance …oh and Oreo stole the night with a simple tweet during the big game’s blackout, rendering it one of the best strategic moves for a brand that night (and it cost them nothing).

Landing your brand/organization any kind of visibility during the Super Bowl boils down to all but one question, how much did it cost? This is THE night for your ad to broadcast to millions across the country whether it be for 10 seconds or 30. As reported by The Atlantic, last year, the starting price for an ad airing for a 30 second spot began at $4million. Now of course, the success of the ad also depends on reception from viewers as well as other areas of appropriate measurement.

Who will come out on top come Sunday, February 2? Will it be the Broncos? What about the Seahawks? Or will it be your favorite cookie…again!

Do you often find yourself wondering how businesses keep their email subscribers on lock down? How they send email after email and not lose any followers? Mashable wrote an article explaining this phenomenon. Part of the trick is getting to know your subscribers so you can personalize their emails. That way, you can see what your followers want out of an email subscription and, in turn, reduce the risk of unsubscribers. It also lets your subscribers know that you’re appreciative of their interest in you. Now, with a healthy social media presence, companies don’t need to worry that email is their own means of communication. This gives you the opportunity to be more playful with how you write your newsletters. Knowing your audience is the key to keeping subscribers. However, getting those subscribers to actually read their emails is another feat entirely.

Timing, purpose, catchy subject lines, mobile optimization, and exit surveys have all proven successful for improvement in an email marketing strategy.  Research shows that late nights and weekends are excellent times for email marketing.. This surprising fact makes a lot of sense when you consider the lack of competition, which allows for a high open rate. The purpose of the email should be relevant, engaging and clear – a call to action is often a successful approach. The subject line can be tricky. You want to give your readers enough information to entice them to open the email, but not enough where they don’t feel the need to read your content. Mobile optimization has become increasingly important in this age of smart phones. If people can’t open their email on their phones you risk losing a subscriber, plain and simple. Nearly half of emails are read on mobile devices.. A simple exit survey can help your business have a better understanding into why consumers are leaving. In turn, it will give you insight into your strategy moving forward. It’s recommended to offer a multiple-choice questionnaire and a simple option to type feedback. Follow these tips and keep your subscribers reading!

http://mashable.com/2013/12/01/unsubscribe-rate-metrics/?utm_cid=mash-com-fb-main-link inspired this blog post.