Dude, where’s my Twitter?

By Julie Tangen
Celebrity Ashton Kutcher leveraged Twitter for a publicity stunt this week, challenging CNN to a ‘popularity contest’ to see who can reach the 1 million followers mark first. If he wins, Kutcher says he will "ding-dong ditch" CNN founder Ted Turner's house. While its a pretty funny thought, I can't help but think gimmicks like this might ruin the Twitter experience in the long run. The technology presents us with a way to instantly communicate and listen to experts, influencers, and people who are making real contributions to society—in addition to fun stuff, or whatever is top of mind with friends. Twitter is part of something that has the potential to change the way we all keep in touch; let's hope it doesn't get so polluted with noise that its potential power gets diminished. And, fingers crossed that once Kutcher reaches his one million mark, he’ll have something important to say to everyone. “Dude.”
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Making Good with Gorilla PR

By Joanna Kulesa
We’ve taken our new president’s “call to arms” on volunteerism to heart, and signed on to represent perhaps the coolest animal on the planet—Koko. Koko is the world famous gorilla versed in American Sign Language with over 1,000 words in her vocabulary. Our agency is thrilled at the prospect of working with The Gorilla Foundation and Koko to spread the word about how critically endangered gorillas are—thousands are being destroyed in the wild each year by humans. By using our PR and social media skills, and Koko’s amazing ability to connect with humans, we hope to make a dramatic impact on raising awareness about the dangers gorillas face, what we can learn from them both scientifically and socially, and on helping the Foundation realize its dream of building a sanctuary and interspecies communication center on Maui for these amazing creatures. Learn more at koko.org and follow our progress here!
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New Beginnings!

By Joanna Kulesa
Today, Angelique Faul was named principal of the agency and we became Kulesa Faul. I’m so energized by my decision. Let’s face it; last year was tough, with a steadily declining economy. Regardless, we grew our business by 20%. This year is going to prove to be even more challenging, but I’m still interested in growing—never mind slipping into “survival mode”. That’s why I asked Angelique to become my business partner. She deserves it, and brings an energy and drive to our business that I find contagious. It’s going to take super-hero strength, drive and an especially positive attitude to come out on top this year. With Angelique and our talented and committed team at Kulesa Faul, I’m feeling like a bull in a bear market!
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The Best of the Best

By Cathy Wright
Were you among the 32 million viewers that tuned in for the recent Oscars awards ceremony? I was and wouldn’t miss it for the world. I was on the edge of my seat when Brad and Angelina walked the red carpet and also when it was announced the late Heath Ledger got the nod for best supporting actor for his role in Dark Knight.
    
For actors, it takes more than talent to win an Oscar. Dedication, hard work, along with a team of professionals are at the core of any successful win. While hairdressers and makeup artists may be considered less important than the actual performance, it's their work that helps to make sure the actor stands out in the eyes of the fans, critics, and the competition. The same sort of thing can be said for Kulesa PR’s work with its clients. While the end goal may be a keynote speaking opportunity rather than an Oscar, it takes the same sort of support, commitment, passion, and quality of product to put our clients on the ‘stage.’
 
Visit Kulesa PR’s successes page to view examples of recent work with our clients!

Now Is Gone

By Kristina Molfino
It is true, now really is gone. The KPR team recently huddled in the San Mateo office for a cozy book discussion on Now Is Gone, a primer by Geoff Livingston, which explores the world of new media. While I will admit that I was reading late into the night the day before our discussion, it was a worthwhile read.

As a PR professional today I realize the importance of this statement and feel the need to share, “The evolution of social media is also forcing the most dramatic transformation in PR and corporate communications to date. Now is gone, and it’s time to engage or ….”

Are you ready to jump in?
If so, how?
Unsure, ask us!

To order you very own copy of Now Is Gone, visit Amazon.

Life and business are about taking a risk and hoping for the big pay off

By Kelly Indrieri
This past weekend my friend, and fellow Kulesa PR employee, Heather Edell and I skydived for the first time. It was a birthday request from Heather, and being the dedicated friend I am, I knew I couldn't let her jump alone. And while I never thought I would do it, I have to say it was amazing. I've always believed that without great risk there is no great reward, but now I know more than ever that this is true. As we look at the year ahead, one that is sure to involve some scary moments we never anticipated, it is more important that ever to take those big risks. Yes, safe is easy and might help you coast through a difficult year, but where does the pay off come in that? Now is the time to jump out of the plane and take a risk—and while the ground may seem to be rushing towards you while you do it—the promise of a great pay off, an amazing memory and a conquered fear can make it all worth it. So to everyone worried about what the year ahead may hold, remember that while there is much to lose by taking the risk, there is also so much more to gain by saying yes and just jumping!

The Year of Change

By Julie Tangen
I love New Year's—and its not just because of the parties, cocktails and merriment. Each new year brings with it a brand new set of expectations, goals, and endless possibilities. While many people may think to hunker down and hold back this year, 2009 presents a golden chance to do something that matters. Shatter your goals and personal expectations. Lead with authority. Embrace change. Create a movement in a direction that you want to go. Be scrappy. Turn ‘traditional thinking’ on its head. Take chances and do things differently.

Here’s to being bullish in 2009—and Happy New Year (of Change!)