10 to 1 Blog

Attention Students: We’re Launching a PR Internship!

by Erica

Attention Students: We’re Launching a PR Internship!

Are you passionate about storytelling and eager to dive into the dynamic world of public relations? 10 to 1 Public Relations, an award-winning PR firm, is thrilled to announce the launch of our new in-person PR Internship Program. This program is your gateway to gaining invaluable hands-on experience at the forefront of the PR industry.

Applications for our Fall Internship Program are now open, those details are below:

10 to 1 Public Relations: In-Person PR Intern Job Description

About 10 to 1 PR

Are you someone who likes to tell stories? Do you want to develop your talent while making an immediate impact as part of a team? Interested in gaining experience working at an award winning PR firm? Then we want you on the 10 to 1 Public Relations team!

10 to 1 Public Relations is a traditional PR firm that works with interesting and diverse business-to-business focused clients from across the globe. We have a “No Jerks” policy which refers to both co-workers and clients and we believe in a “no drama” office.

We are seeking a part-time, public relations intern to help our clients share their stories and achieve their public relations goals. Some of our work includes:

  • Media relations such as writing press releases, articles and pitching reporters and influencers (local, national and trade) and securing media placements (online, print, TV & radio)
  • New market and/or new product related media launches
  • Growing client recognition through award nominations and speaker submissions

You’ll be part of a team expected to play an important role in it all; involved in client-facing tasks, strategy creation, and implementation duties. Ultimately, you’ll gain real experience and be an important part of helping our team achieve the client’s stated goals, meaning you must:

  • Be able to prioritize, organize and manage multiple tasks at the same time
  • Have strong interpersonal skills to communicate with clients and journalists as well as collaborate with team members
  • Be an excellent writer
  • Enjoy telling stories

Summary:

A PR Intern at 10 to 1 Public Relations is a junior or senior college student in the PR field. This role is focused on gaining practical experience through hands-on work in public relations. The intern will support client teams, perform media monitoring, conduct client research, assist with administrative tasks, and work on a portfolio project. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong writing, organizational, and research skills, and show a desire to learn about the PR industry.

For ASU students this internship would fulfill the requirements of JMC484, MCO484, MCO584 and MCO294.

Duration/Compensation/Logistics:

  • The internship lasts for an academic semester (start week of Sept 3, end date week of Dec 9).
  • The position is part-time, with a guarantee of 20 hours per week.
  • The pay is hourly at $16 per hour.
  • The weekly schedule is flexible around the intern’s class schedule, but work must be performed between the hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The intern is expected to maintain a consistent schedule throughout the program’s duration.
  • The intern is expected to be present for the entirety of the program, except the week of Thanksgiving when scheduling can be flexible to accommodate for travel schedules and hourly pay may be adjusted accordingly that week.
  • Internship is work from office 100% of the time. Remote work is not an option.
  • The intern is expected to provide their own transportation.
  • There may be an opportunity to extend the program or receive a full-time job offer, dependent on performance and need.

Competencies:

The PR Intern will be expected to develop the following competencies:

  • Engagement: Actively participate in team and client activities.
  • Proactiveness: Take initiative in tasks and responsibilities.
  • Ownership: Demonstrate responsibility for assigned tasks.
  • Passion: Show enthusiasm for public relations and learning.
  • Problem-Solving: Identify and address challenges effectively.
  • Critical Thinking: Apply analytical skills to tasks and projects.
  • Learning: Continuously seek to improve knowledge and skills.
  • Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with team members.
  • Timeliness: Manage time effectively and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities:

Client Relations:

  • Develop a thorough understanding of clients’ industries, business goals, target audiences, and challenges.
  • Support client meetings by taking detailed notes and observing client interactions.
  • Alert client leads and management to potential issues before they escalate.

Team Engagement:

  • Actively participate in internal team meetings and collaborate with team members.
  • Master and effectively use the team project management platform (Basecamp).
  • Deliver high-quality work on time, ensuring it meets company and client standards.
  • Document time spent on client and company projects daily using the time management system (Clockify).

Campaign Support:

  • Assist in the ideation and planning processes for PR campaigns.
  • Contribute new ideas that enhance campaign success.
  • Stay informed on news relevant to clients, including consumer media, business news, and industry-specific updates.
  • Support the execution of client campaigns as assigned by client leaders.
  • Manage assigned responsibilities, address challenges, and ensure campaign goals are met.
  • Draft and create PR materials as assigned.
  • Monitor media features using tools like Muck Rack and Google search; update media reports as requested.
  • Develop a strong foundation in media relations, including researching relevant media contacts and building media outreach lists.
  • Master the media relations platform (Muck Rack) and use it according to company standards.
  • Review daily media requests from sources like Qwoted, SOS, and other tools to identify opportunities and notify client managers.

Accountabilities/Relationships:

Reporting:

  • Report directly to the Internship Program Manager.
  • Report to the assigned client lead for specific tasks and assignments.
  • Communicate client and team successes and challenges to the Management Team.

Feedback and Performance:

  • Receive regular feedback from Internship Program Manager.
  • Receive 30-day, half-way point and end of program performance reviews.

Send resume to rachael@10to1pr.com by August 16.

10 to 1 Blog

Meet Drip, the 10 to 1 PR Office Pet

by Erica

Meet Drip, the 10 to 1 PR Office Pet

10 to 1 PR has a new team member: Drip the Beta Fish. Drip has become the beloved office pet, greeting our in-office team members every morning, blowing bubbles in support of our work, and offering general encouragement. 

Drip’s Origin Story 

Earlier this year, some 10 to 1 PR team members met to brainstorm ideas for April Fool’s Day. The group landed on the idea of surprising 10 to 1 PR President Josh with an easy-to-care-for office pet. Our resident fish enthusiast, Madeleine, secured the fish and the team surprised Josh for what was dubbed ‘April Fish Day.’ 

Get to Know Drip 

Curious about our fishy friend? Here’s a bit more about Drip: 

Where does the name Drip come from? 

Drip was named for the 10 to 1 PR philosophy that our regular PR wins for our clients are like drips out of a faucet that contribute to a client’s positive brand reputation–slowly but surely, each drip accumulates to an overflowing bowl of water. 

Where is Drip’s office? 

Drip has his very own desk and works amongst one of our office’s trophy display cases, where he has a great view of the entire office. He is very curious about all of the colors and reflections he sees. 

What kind of computer does Drip use? 

While the rest of the 10 to 1 PR team uses PCs, Drip has his very own Mac computer. 

What kind of work does Drip specialize in? 

Drip is a very productive member of the team, blowing an inordinate amount of bubbles every day. The bubbles collect at the top of his bowl, indicating he is pleased with his work. 

Drip’s Next Adventure

What’s next for Drip? We’ll share a progress report on Drip and his contributions to the 10 to 1 PR team at a later date. Stay tuned! 

10 to 1 Blog

Celebrating Women’s History Month by Honoring the Women Who Made Us (AKA Our Moms)

by Erica

Celebrating Women’s History Month by Honoring the Women Who Made Us (AKA Our Moms)

To celebrate Women’s History Month our team members each took a few minutes to write a summary describing women who inspire them in their daily lives and why. The survey results showed that every team member found inspiration from their mom. Moms influence people’s daily lives, and it’s the women of our family histories who ultimately helped shape our futures.

Drawing inspiration from mothers has a direct correlation to Women’s History Month, as it is an acknowledgment of the influence that women have on each other and how that influence is carried through generations. Below are some of our team member’s brief explanations as to why their mom inspires them and why they look to their mothers as role models. 

Madeleine Williamson

My mom is my biggest role model. One of the greatest lessons she taught me is how to set goals and how to work to accomplish them. Watching her determination to try new things and challenge herself with new adventures has always inspired and motivated me to pursue my own goals. Currently, she is helping me train for my first marathon and is so supportive that she decided that she will train too and run it with me. 

Lauren Dietrick

Two women in my life who inspire me are my mom and my sister. Their compassion, strength, and positivity inspire me to show up as the best version of myself. They are the first people I call when I need anything, from advice on adulting to unpacking the latest episodes of the shows we are watching.

Jamie Killin

My mom is my greatest role model – she is a semi-retired aeronautical engineer who grew in her career during the 1980s and 1990s when there were few female engineers, and continued to excel in her career even while balancing the demands of being a wife and mother. Not only is she skilled in her trade, she was a great manager and is the first person I go to when I need advice on how to be a better leader. Most importantly, she is a loving wife, a generous friend, a caretaker for her aunt, and a great Mom who’s never too busy to help me prune my roses, figure out my taxes or talk wedding planning. I just wish I would have inherited her math skills!

Rachael Clifford

A role model in my life is my mom. She is a hard worker who cares deeply for her family. She inspires me to practice empathy toward others and has helped me better understand the importance of fostering a positive environment and supporting those around me. 

10 to 1 Blog

How the 10 to 1 PR Team Celebrated Winter Break

by Erica

How the 10 to 1 PR Team Celebrated Winter Break

At 10 to 1 Public Relations, we close our office between Christmas and New Year’s Day to give our team a well-deserved break after working diligently for our clients all year long. (Of course, we were on call to assist clients in need during that week in case of an emergency, of which there were a couple that we swiftly handled.)

We asked the team to report on what they were up to over the break, here is a snapshot of what a few of them shared:

Madeleine

Over winter break I flew to Santa Clara, California to celebrate my mom’s 50th birthday. While I was there I visited Wilder Ranch State Park, a relaxing area known for its beautiful hiking trails and and seal watching spots.

Madeleine Williamson, Sr. PR Coordinator

Rachael

I went on a hike and saw a coyote.

Rachael Clifford, Sr. PR Executive

Jamie

Over break I did a lot of home projects including having turf installed in the yard. My dog Piper was so excited!

Jamie Killin, Account Supervisor

Josh

I spent the holidays working hard for all our clients to resolve crises and coordinate interviews.

Josh Weiss, President

Erica

I went to visit the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, France, with my in-laws.

Erica Fetherston, Vice President

Joanne

I had an amazing time with my family celebrating Christmas and my daughter’s birthday on Christmas Eve.

Joanne Sgro-Killworth, Account Supervisor

Laura

Introduced my niece to conveyor belt sushi- she introduced me to mochi ice cream.

Laura Slawny, Vice President

Lauren

Went to watch some St. Louis hockey with my family and saw the Blues win an exciting game against the Dallas Stars!

Lauren Dietrick, Sr. PR Coordinator

Carolina

Had fun helping my nieces and nephews with their gingerbread houses, it was very competitive.

Carolina Llamas, Sr. PR Coordinator
10 to 1 Blog

Companies will face a new type of crisis because of AI. They aren’t prepared.

by james

Companies will face a new type of crisis because of AI. They aren’t prepared.

Companies aren’t prepared for the risk they may face from AI-generated Deepfakes. These scenarios aren’t farfetched, and they’re quite easy to produce and create chaos.

  • A fake AI-generated video showing your company leader stating that your big new product is going to be delayed by months, leading your stock price to drop so that short-sellers can make a killing before you even start to mount a defense.
  • A fake AI-generated image of key staff committing a crime appears just as the selection committee is choosing the winner of an important bid, creating enough doubt that they select your competitor instead.
  • A fake AI-generated audio recording where your company President appears to be on the phone making racist and inappropriate comments, creating a staff and customer uproar.

AI has created an entirely new category of crisis for companies, but few have a plan in place to deal with it if they come under attack.

In an AI crisis, quick response and defense remain crucial, but now, providing verifiable proof is equally essential. Mere denial won’t suffice, as the content appears incredibly realistic. Demonstrating evidence is a vital component of your defense strategy. However, trying to explain the falsehood on your own can be time-consuming and ineffective during a crisis. Instead, opting for an independent, third-party forensic review or a formal report from a reputable Deepfake Detection software company can bolster your defense significantly. An AI expert’s independent explanation carries undeniable weight and credibility.

The challenge lies in the limited availability of companies working on Deepfake Detection software. Additionally, many of these companies restrict their products to government or university research, while others focus on enterprise clients, like insurance companies, for fraud identification.

Our team invested significant effort in researching and securing agreements with highly reputable Deepfake Detection software companies capable of conducting immediate reviews. We also managed to find AI Deepfake industry experts willing to provide their personal insights to the media and the public, exposing the deception.

Take action now and arrange your team and Deepfake Detection software or forensic experts. Waiting until you’re in the midst of a crisis leaves no time.

10 to 1 Blog

Lessons from Vin Scully, the Greatest Storyteller

by admin

Lessons from Vin Scully, the Greatest Storyteller

Written by Tristan Chavez, PR Coordinator, 10 to 1 Public Relations

Public relations is storytelling. Sure, there are technical definitions that capture everything that public relations (PR) is – but at its core, PR is just telling stories about companies and their people. Storytelling is an art. Good storytellers can elicit the imagination of their listeners, inspire others to make a positive change, and can shape the way people interpret the world. There is a powerful influence that good storytellers hold, and no one was more influential in his craft than Vin Scully.

Vin’s Legacy in Baseball

Vin Scully was a long-time sports broadcaster, most known for his 67 years of calling Los Angeles Dodgers baseball games dating back to 1950. Vin had a way of calling games that brought baseball to a different level. Watching the Dodgers wasn’t as simple as just watching a baseball game. When Vin was in the booth, he was in the game and in the moment. It was a shared experience between him and the fans. Not many people get to experience what it’s like to play in Major League Baseball, but Vin had a special talent that brought fans into the game.

Over his long, hall-of-fame career, Vin had a plethora of legendary calls. On plays that would already be engraved into baseball history, Vin could take that moment and make it iconic. His use of metaphors and puns, the way his words would flow, and his ability to tell a story entangled within the game combined with a strategic use of silence that would allow fans to feel the excitement of the crowd made some of the best moments in baseball history.

From the impossible game 1 walk-off in the 1988 World Series to Hank Aaron’s 715th record-breaking homerun to Clayton Kershaw’s no-hitter in 2014, Scully was a master at capturing the moment and translating it into words for fans to enjoy. Now, as a New York Mets fan, I grew especially fond of his “Behind the Bag” call that ended game 6 of the 1986 World Series (a call that would be engraved into the history of a franchise Scully wasn’t even a part of, and is still adored by fans more than 35 years after the call was made).

Vin’s Impact on My Life

I grew up in southern California, in a classic Dodgers, Lakers, and Raiders fan house. Hearing Vin Scully call baseball games was almost part of our daily routine. Without even realizing it, Vin would play a part in what I would aspire to be and make an impact on how I write stories in my career.

I knew early on that I wanted to be a professional communicator. Although, I spent a long time trying to figure out how exactly I would fit into the communications world. Of course, I would eventually find myself in organizational communications and public relations, I did consider broadcasting and journalism in hopes to tell stories the way Vin did. After listening to him call games day after day, I was able to pick up on some things that I hope to use in my professional career.

What Communicators Can Learn from Vin

There is a lesson that public relations professionals (PR Pros), and anyone who writes for that matter, can learn from Vin Scully. In the same way that he spoke in the booth, writers can share experiences, not just stories, with their readers. PR Pros can show empathy in their writing, connecting with their audience rather than just giving them information.

Of course, everyone remembers the iconic calls Scully had in his long career, but it was his ability to take an otherwise boring game on a random day and turn it into something worth watching that made him special. Likewise, PR Pros can take an everyday story and turn it into something exceptional. Consider different angles in your stories and how they might fit in with relevant topics. Be creative and think about how a regular news release might have a fun twist to it.

There will never be another Vin Scully. His impact on baseball and its community will live on forever. His storytelling was unmatched and his way of bringing fans into the game was indescribable.

There may never be another Vin Scully, but the next great storyteller might just come from the lessons he left us.

Honorable Mentions

There are too many iconic Vin Scully calls to include them all in an article. There are plenty of articles that cover Scully’s calls of some of baseball’s greatest plays, although none of them cover some of his best stories told throughout games. Here are some of my favorites.

10 to 1 Blog

Truth: I Wasn’t Expecting This.

by Josh

Truth: I Wasn’t Expecting This.

by Mayra Vasquez Chavez, PR Executive at 10 to 1 PR

Let’s play a quick game of two truths and a lie:

  • I was the first person in my family to go to college
  • I have been in the same room as First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden
  • I helped secure over 50 local broadcast and print features for one announcement in under 48 hours

Could you guess the lie? I’m sure you’ll get it by the end of your reading.

Since joining 10 to 1 PR just over one year ago, I’ve gotten to support or lead campaigns that make a positive impact on our clients across the country. Seeing the results has always been my favorite part of the job. I knew it was going to be no different when Intel and Maricopa County Community Colleges District partnered together to build a skilled, diverse workforce through their new semiconductor manufacturing Quick Start program at Mesa Community College. Through the accelerated program, students are prepared with important career-ready skills in two weeks.

I felt especially connected to this project because I’ve experienced the benefits of community college firsthand. When I was in first grade, I got to see my older sister walk across the stage and get her diploma. She was the first person in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree because community college made it possible for her to get there. I even sacrificed my summers during high school to take classes at Chandler Gilbert Community College and earn credit through a scholarship program so it would also be possible for me to earn my bachelor’s degree. Community colleges deserve more credit (no pun intended) for their affordability and accessibility.

During our previous meetings it was decided that the press release announcing the program would be ready for distribution in late March. But suddenly late Friday afternoon, we learned the process had to be rushed through because an extremely special guest came into the mix. Here’s a hint: She’s the most famous community college professor and married to the President of the United States of America.

Although I always feel confident in my talent and writing skills, I would be lying if I said I was not absolutely terrified of sharing my draft with Intel and MCCCD which would also be reviewed by the press team at the White House. 

Before the White House sent their formal invitation to media later in the night, I was tasked with calling every station in Arizona and highly recommending that they should set aside a crew for Monday afternoon for an event they would not want to miss… without revealing exactly what or who that was. Saturday was filled with editing the release and getting closer to a final version to be distributed on Monday after the event. I also got to attend a meeting working through the logistics on Sunday. Because of the late weekend notice, I called stations again Sunday morning to ensure they did not miss this incredible opportunity. I also worked closely with other PR teams to assist with media who wanted to RSVP after the deadline or did not receive the information they need to get to attend. 

When the day of the event finally arrived, I was tasked with helping check in media and continue editing the draft. Finally, after numerous versions we had our finished product hours before the distribution was set to happen. Lastly, I got to witness Jill Biden’s empowering speech and hear Intel’s Quick Start program be announced to the world live before finally distributing the release and images moments after.

If you told me a year ago that I would write a press release for one of the biggest companies in the world, I would not believe you. If you told me a year ago that I would be in the same room as the First Lady of the United States promoting her involvement at a media event I helped coordinate, I would also not believe you. But after March 7th, I can now say that both statements are indeed true and the experience was incredible.

And now I have a fun ice breaker at parties!

10 to 1 Blog

A Passion for Storytelling: Michelle Bolden of 10 to 1 PR

by Erica

A Passion for Storytelling: Michelle Bolden of 10 to 1 PR

In this series, we flip the script and put 10 to 1 PR team members in the interview seat. Get to know Michelle Bolden, PR Coordinator at 10 to 1 PR:

Tell us a little about yourself.

I recently graduated from Arizona State University with my BA in Communication. Creative expression is my safe space so naturally I’ve always loved writing and storytelling. Some of my passions are music, health and wellness, and trying new things.

What song would you sing during karaoke?

Emotions by Mariah Carey

What is your favorite way to spend a day off?

I’m a self care enthusiast so I would say doing activities that make me feel happy and recharged like practicing yoga, spending time in nature, reading, and listening to music.

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Bubbly, determined, caring, detail-oriented, imaginative.

If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?

I would like to have the ability to teleport. That way I could skip the traffic to work and go to Paris for my lunch break.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Slow down and savor all the tiny moments because they make up some of the best parts of your life.

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn or michelle@10to1pr.com.

10 to 1 Blog

Staff Goals for 2022…

by Josh

Staff Goals for 2022…

With 2021 coming to a close, members of the 10 to 1 Public Relations team respond to the question, ‘What are some personal and professional goals or wishes for 2022?’

Professionally, I want to take better advantage of the opporutnity I’ve been given to write columns for Entrepreneur Magazine. While I submitted several in 2021, I’d love to get ahead and write even more in 2022. Personally, I’d love to get back into the habit of playing my guitar more regularly. I’ve been playing since I was ten, and while I never have been particularly good- I always enjoy strumming a few cords.

Josh Weiss, President

Professionally I hope to continue to forge great bonds with my coworkers! Personally, I hope to find more time for drawing so that I can improve my skills.

Mackenzie Nintzel, PR Coordinator
Joanne and Smriti in the office

Professional wish: I would like to put more effort into keeping up with the news. So much is changing daily in Arizona’s business landscape that new opportunties can be found every day. Personal wish: I’d like to spend more time outside. We live in a beautiful region that can be enjoyed all year long and I aim to take better advantage of the weather.

Laura Slawny, PR Director

Professionally to attend more career development events and opportunities to learn more about my clients’ industries. Personally my wish is to read for fun!

Rachael Clifford, PR Executive
Eirca, Josh and Mackenzie hold some recent awards earned in 2021

Professionally I want to continue learning and indentifying new, creative story angles. There are so many ways to tell a story and I want to be able to explore all the possibilities for our clients. Personally, I want to continue letting my family and friends know how lucky I am o have them in my life, but also to make more big life changes on my own like finishing paying off my car, move into my own place, and travel more (and also to hang my clothes/put laundry away immediately!).

Mayra Vasquez-Chavez, PR Coordinator
10 to 1 Blog

Knitting it All Together: Rachael Clifford of 10 to 1 PR

by Erica

Knitting it All Together: Rachael Clifford of 10 to 1 PR

In this series, we flip the script and put 10 to 1 PR team members in the interview seat. Get to know Rachael Clifford, PR Executive at 10 to 1 PR:

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m Rachael, and I’m a PR Executive at 10 to 1 PR. I’m curious and enjoy learning what makes others unique, two qualities I think make me well-suited for a career in PR. I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Strategic Communications, PR and Advertising. Before I joined 10 to 1, I interned and worked at various nonprofits in many marketing roles, but I always found myself most at home in a PR function. I like the variety of team members, clients, and industries I get to work with at 10 to 1. Every day is a new day!

Rachael (center) with some 10 to 1 PR team members
What is one lesson you’ve learned from your time in PR? 

Doing a SWOT analysis, a quick one or a deep one, will help you better understand a situation and will help you determine the best course of action. You can’t always control a situation, but you do have agency over your response.

What is your favorite way to spend a day off?

Going on a morning hike and then coming home to knit and watch the Great British Baking Show.

What song would you sing during karaoke? 

I think singing any ABBA song would guarantee a good time.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given? 

Don’t overthink it. I’m the type of person who is all about the details, and I like to think through my next steps always, but sometimes it’s necessary to zoom out and go with my instincts.

If you had a superpower, what would it be and why? 

I would want to be able to speak any language. I’d love to be able to go anywhere in the world and be able to converse with people. Language also encodes a lot about culture, and many barriers would vanish if we took the time to understand where another person is coming from. 

Connect with Rachael on LinkedIn or rachael@10to1pr.com.