Social media is causing major changes in the ways consumers learn about and purchase products. In addition, trade professionals are seeking more information about wholesale or design-based products and services through social media channels. In short, people are not as easily swayed by paid-for ad space as they once were in the hay days of advertising. Public relations and social media are essentials in the current business environment.

Social networks like Facebook, Twitter and others are fast-becoming places for live streams of shared online activity. Where products and businesses are concerned, this is referred to as brand streams. Online communities are forming based upon specific interest topics, and companies stand real chances to gain referral traffic from these social networks. Best of all, company leaders can use social media to interface directly with their customers or clients, and participate in their online conversations. And, finding ways to interact with and engage customers or clients is an all-important goal for businesses, wouldn’t we all agree?

If you would like to develop social media channels for your own brand, products and company, and are unsure of the necessary phases and metrics of successful measurement. Or, if you are a company owner or management leader who set-up social media accounts such as a Facebook Fanpage, Twitter, or a blog, and you now are looking to invent a strategic plan of action, consider outsourcing your social media to us. At ECPR, we specialize in PR 2.0, as we define it, the combination of traditional public relations and today’s social media networks. This leads to building online communities – of existing customers, potential customers, supporters, media members, and others within your constituency groups.

Or, just keep checking our Fanpage and blog, as we will be posting an ongoing series of how-to and helpful social media narratives, ideas and comments. Post your questions and comments – what you think works, what doesn’t, social media best practices, ideas, etc. – here as well.

Check out our Media Channels:

Our Fanpage: http://tinyurl.com/ECPR-Facebook

Our Twitter: http://twitter.com/eberlycollardpr

Our Flickr: http://tinyurl.com/ECPR-Flickr

Our Web site: www.eberlycollardpr.com

~ Don

Stemming from introduction at last year’s K/BIS show, products from Kohler Co. have been making their mark among builders / designers and consumers during late 2009 and early 2010. The concept of ‘mise en place’ (a French phrase defined by the Culinary Institute of America meaning “everything in place”) is successfully integrated in Kohler Co.’s new Karbon articulating kitchen faucet. This model combines industry-focused technology with the design needs of today’s busy homeowner.



This faucet has all the versatile mobility of a pull-down faucet. While the concept of a pull-down faucet is not new, five pivoting joints of the Karbon faucet allow the user to precisely position – and keep – the water stream exactly where it is needed. This kind of streamlined functionality and ease-of-use was widely noticeable at the show. Additionally, the faucet offers both spray and aerated water flow options, eliminating the need for a side spray. All finishes are available in deck- and wall-mount models.

The company’s new line of Stages™ kitchen sinks was inspired by professional chefs. In much the same way professionals in other industries help shape product design, professional chefs helped develop this new line. These products provide true efficiency and beauty, trend factors magazine editors and television program producers tell us are essentials for media coverage.

From prep and cooking to cleanup, the Stages kitchen sink has been designed to integrate all related tasks around the sink area. Kohler product designers essentially created a hybrid of home and commercial restaurant kitchen sinks. Builders looking to impress a wide range of homeowners should consider this as an option that allows for commercial-quality kitchen appeal.

This sink is different from so many others out there, due to the number of culinary tools actually included with the sink. Among these is a utensil tray, which is perfect for organizing ladles, knives and other accessories used during the cooking process or to soak utensils when cleaning. A dual-sided flip tray serves as both a cutting board and serving tray; also included is a separate cutting tray to keep the kitchen area more sanitary.

Possibly, one of the best features is a wire rack that protects the sink’s basin, while providing a surface for cleaning and drying dishes.

From restaurateurs and hoteliers to builders and consumers in general, this sink is deserving of a close look. – Editors and producers, based upon our latest focus group findings (Quarter 4, 2009), in which builder- / trade-based and homeowner consumer magazine readers rated “Sinks and Appliances with Multiple Design and Technical Features” in their top 10 product preferences, they may very well send you a big “thank you” were you to share this information with them in 2010.

~ Don

The International Casual Furniture & Accessories (ICFA) Market is held during fall in Chicago each year, and it provides valuable insights to industry professionals regarding the latest casual (outdoor) furniture lines, trends and styles.

Part of the panel’s goal was to help audience members (designers, retailers, manufacturers, etc.) uncover trend information – both past and forthcoming. Since that time, it has been inspiring to see casual furniture and accessory manufacturers continue to develop their lines based upon trends. In essence, we are seeing the forecasted trends taking shape in the field. Many of our clients and industry friends are telling us the overall marketplace is rebounding for spring 2010, with sales exponentially increasing over last year. Indicators are pointing to a prosperous year, and we are already gearing up for the fall 2010 ICFA market. So, designers, retailers and manufactures alike, keep up the good work and send us your trend findings via emails or posts, and your product releases and images through email. If they are used, we will surely feature the product and credit the company. We’ll also track any magazine articles for everyone that stem from our trend research / writing.

I also wanted to share a great current article with our blog readers including helpful information from Jaclyn Kotzum, MMPI’s marketing director for the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market. In the article, About.com’s furniture editor Abe Abbas asks Jaclyn for her take on the last market / show and this year’s trends and development in casual furniture.

The show, by the way, is fully dedicated to the casual furnishings industry and is recognized and formally endorsed by the International Casual Furnishings Association and Casual Furniture Retailers Association. It is managed by MMPI, and that is where Jaclyn comes into play. – And, as a side note, both Jaclyn and Abe are incredible industry enthusiasts. You can read Abe’s article here…

The article in mention (linked above) provides solid exposure to ICFA and all of us in the industry, because it supplies us with exposure and endorsement to the consumer audience on one of the most viewed Web sites online. Alexa, a top site ranking tool, places About.com as the 25th most viewed site in the U.S. and specifies that it spans 10 different countries with over 31 million global site viewers daily.

Register for Abe’s newsletter at this link: http://furniture.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm

Last, take a look at two of our “Best of Show” picks for 2010. Yes, we selected a few “Best ofs…” though in varied categories.

Mondecasa’s Porcelain Bowl (dining set) was selected as our “Best of Creative Design.”

Jardin de Ville’s Terrace Concept pavilions were chosen as “Best of Combined Form and Function.”

Members of the media, touch base with us if you’d like to interview any of our casual furniture or designer clients and / or industry acquaintances. You can also learn more on our site, www.eberlycollardpr.com.

~ Don

 

As spring quickly approaches, gardeners around the country are eagerly anticipating the first visit to their local garden centers. With so many wonderful companies and unique varieties available, how do gardeners decide where to start?

Better Homes and Gardens’ March 4, e-newsletter Garden Notes, has simplified the selection process with a stellar collection of must-grow perennials for 2010. From succulents to grasses and a few heuchera varieties in between, there are plenty of beauties to get consumers growing.

Terra Nova Nurseries, among other great companies, was well represented with several impressive new plants. In particular, the dramatic foliage leaves of Heuchera ‘Midnight Bayou’ and Heucherella ‘Golden Zebra’ are rather vivid, and will certainly be a colorful addition to containers, beds, and borders. Another stand-out in the collection is the Echinacea ‘Firebird’, a great coneflower for gardeners looking to beat the summer heat, drought, rabbits, and deer.

All in all, this is a great showcase of new plants available to gardeners across the country. Keep checking Garden Notes for the latest and greatest plant insights.

What are some of your favorites? And, as industry professionals or members of the media, how else can we / you help make plant selection easier for consumers? Ideas are welcome.

~ Adam

Implementing an effective public relations plan can be a comprehensive task. With so many guidelines and procedures, it can be overwhelming. However, those who follow correct protocol will be highly rewarded. Public relations campaigns can yield incredible results and publicity, bringing attention in print, on air, and online to products, manufactures and designers. Take a look at a section of our Web site that briefly explains our public relations services: https://eberlycollardpr.com/public-media-relations.asp

Then, take a few minutes to read about public relations from Jen Polanz. She recently wrote an insightful piece regarding public relations, from the editor’s perspective. We agree with her points of interest and wanted to share the information with the readers of our blog. Even if you are not the owner of a garden center, the essential information still applies.

To read Jen’s full article, Effective PR, visit, http://www.todaysgardencenter.com/viewpoints/jenniferpolanz/?storyid=3031

From a business standpoint, what type of public relations works best for you? For members of the media, what are your top points of advice to businesses pitching you story ideas, product information, etc.?

– Adam