End Injustice
I am a Woman.
I am a Filipina American.
I am an Immigrant.
I stand with the Black Lives Matter movement.
I am also a friend, daughter, sister, cousin, auntie, and hopefully a mother and wife to my own growing family on day. And because of all these reasons I know I have to use my voice and resources to stand for what I believe in, and that is that Black Lives Matter.
The path to ending injustice for all is a marathon, not sprint - thus moving forward I will dedicate a percentage of retainer fees and commissions towards a specified non-profit that at the end of each month.
June’s efforts will go to the following organizations and petitions. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the movement and assist in anyway and all ways you feel comfortable.
Black Lives Matter Los Angeles
With all my love,
Ely Anne Vedar
Owner, Ely Agency
A Guide on How to Reach Customers and Promote Your Re-opening
While we don't exactly know when you'll be able to fully re-open your business, we know you WILL - and we hope it's sooner rather than later.
Right now, it's time to look ahead and strategize for this new phase of "business as usual".
Here's a step by step guide on how to open for when you're feeling ready:
RIGHT NOW:
It’s hard to know how much notice you’ll have before being to reopen but there are plenty of things you can do in present to prepare and feel ready as possible. Our top 3 suggestions on action items are:
Review and update existing menus and services
Build out email and text campaigns
Review and consider adjusting your KPIs and goals
TWO WEEKS BEFORE:
Update your website
Plan and Schedule Social Media Campaigns
Deep clean and prep all BOH and FOH spaces
ONE WEEK BEFORE:
Send a welcome back email
Have a staff meeting to go over new safety practices, offerings and prices
Go over your inventory and stock up on what's needed
THE WEEK OF:
Update all in-store signage to reflect hours and safety guidelines
Perform a private full run-through of your re-opening day with staff in place
Safely and confidently welcome back your clientele
ONE TO TWO WEEKS AFTER:
Continue to check in with your staff and their wellbeing
Check in with clients you haven't seen back yet
Prepare for possible changes in local, state and/or federal requirements
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
Please accommodate any local, state, or federal requirements for social distancing. The well-being of your staff, customers and let’s not forget, yourself, are first and foremost. My team and I are here to help you and your business with every step of the way. Contact us today for a complimentary road mapping session: 805-201-8050 or ely@elyagency.com.
Stay safe and see you all soon!
In the Press: LA Man Founds NGO to Get Supplies to First Responders
Flatten the Curve NGO has recently been featured on Spectrum 1 News. View the mini documentary here:
https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/san-fernando-valley-ventura/health/2020/04/13/la-man-founds-ngo-to-get-supplies-to-first-responders
Flatten The Curve Donates 29 Crates Worth of Supplies to Los Angeles Fire and Police Stations to Assist in Stopping COVID-19 - Press Room
Flatten The Curve Pairs with Councilmember Koretz’s Director of Public Safety, Gregory Martayan to Donate 29 Crates of Disinfectant Supplies Directly to First Responders
March 30, 2020 Los Angeles, CA - Flatten The Curve NGO is servicing Los Angeles Fire and Police Departments with much needed medical grade masks, gloves and disinfectant supplies to combat and prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
Following his experience providing disaster relief after Hurricane Dorian ravaged the Bahamas in 2019, Flatten the Curve Founder Adam Rider understands that while the community requires essential government departments to continue to operate at well above normal capacity, it is equally important to ensure that the firemen and officers themselves are properly protected at all times to prevent further infections. FTC-NGO does so by providing medical grade masks, gloves, gowns and disinfectant supplies directly to individual divisions.
To date, Flatten the Curve has worked closely with Los Angeles’ Director of Public Safety, Gregory Martayan to collect 29 crates, worth 1,080 gallons of disinfectant pods and towels. A large portion of supplies were donated also by Eline and Leon Gendelman of American Warehouse. The items have now been safely distributed to local Los Angeles Police and Fire Stations.
“Thank you to Adam Rider and Flatten the Curve NGO for your work in serving the first responders of the City. You are part of history and we recognize your commitment and unwavering work. Adam is a great example of the Angeleno spirit, let’s keep up the amazing momentum of service. Thank you to all.” - Councilmember Koretz’s Los Angeles’ Director of Public Safety, Gregory Martayan
Individuals or families in the greater Los Angeles area that are currently infected or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can request assistance by texting (888) 492-4987 or emailing info@ftcngo.org. If a household requires assistance but is located outside of the current service area, FTC-NGO invites them to still contact and the organization will do its best to accommodate.
While Flatten The Curve is currently a pending 501-3c organization, it still appreciates and relies greatly on donations from supporters to cover the costs of purchasing medical supplies and transportation. Those who would like to donate their time, supplies and/or financially can visit www.ftcngo.org for more information.
FLATTEN THE CURVE
Flatten The Curve combats the further spread of COVID-19 by donating proper preventive tools such as medical grade masks, gloves, and disinfectants to essential first responders, primarily the Los Angeles police and fire departments. By ensuring these departments maintain a surplus of supplies, they may continue to perform their duties safely while lessening the risk of contracting and spreading the novel coronavirus. FTC also provides similar care packages which include non perishable foods to households currently infected by and/or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 thus giving them the proper tools to shelter in place and self-quarantine.
@ftc_ngo
Best Practices for Businesses During The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis
Coverage surrounding the coronavirus crisis is nonstop can feel as it’s always changing, and as entrepreneurs, brands and at the heart of it people, we need to properly communicate and work together during these trying times.
Although everyone is still learning as we go, here are a few recommendations that will guide your business’s approach to public relations and marketing during a crisis:
Listen for the Facts, Stick to what you do Know, and be Transparent.
Remember, you are not an infectious disease expert. Amongst the overload of information so easily available through social media and the news, you need to remember that you are not an expert on the subject and you don’t need to be in order to manage your business. It’s the job of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to let people know symptomatic information, and how to deal with treatment. Think about your customers and what information they might want from you — specifically, your refund/cancellation policy, your on-site preparedness plan, online tools you may have in place for those who can’t travel, and who to contact for questions.
But you can be an expert in consistent, proactive communication. Your current and prospective customers want information and if they don’t get it, the silence will fuel rumors. For example, even if you don’t have an on-site preparedness plan yet, let your community know you’re working on one. And remember that how you communicate matters. Send out a clear message through multiple channels to ensure everyone that’s looking for this information can easily find it. This is can be done with a simple instagram post, newsletter and a physical sign if your business has a brick and mortar. Do not forget to make this information visible on your website. Also, make sure everyone within your organization, both traditionally “front of house” and “back of house” roles, are aligned around consistent messaging.
Proof read your social media and marketing content. Read through all your already published AND scheduled content for from at least March 1, 2020 onward. Avoid any content that might be perceived insensitive or glamourising the world’s current problems. Offer mindful, useful tips and updates instead. A novel #throwback to lighter days every once in while is ok.
If you would like assistance in executing an effective communications and marketing plan during this time, schedule a complimentary planning call today 805-201-8050 or email ely@elyagency.com.
Sending you all well wishes!
Resources to stay updated:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Why You Need to Add Podcasts to Your PR Strategy + Tips On Doing So!
Some time around 2017, I stopped listening to the same, tired Spotify playlist every morning and began listening to podcasts.
Packed with information and the perfect sprinkle of entertainment and light-hearted banter, minimum ads or as podcasts hosts tend to fondly call them “sponsors”, podcasts are incredibly engaging and a useful tool for businesses and listeners alike.
Among other milestones, the world saw megahit Serial crest 100 million downloads and the medium have its first interview with a sitting U.S. President. The buzz and attention translated into a 24% increase in regular listeners.
This incredible growth shows no signs of slowing down, in fact I firmly believe podcasts are here to stay.
Here’s 5 reasons why podcasts are here to stay and 5 ways to incorporate them into your PR strategy:
Engaging & Convenient for Listeners
Podcasts require little effort to engage with, on the listener’s behalf.
Unlike written blog content, which has to be read, or even longer videos that require audiences to sit and watch. All a podcast listener has to do is hit play and listen.
It’s the perfect content type for multi-tasking, which most of us are doing on a constant basis anyways.
Talent base is growing
With real dollars available and an increasing body of buzzy and ambitious series completed in the medium, big name talent is more interested in podcasting than ever before. Oprah, Lena Dunham, Ashley Graham are just a few of recognizable names now with a weekly podcast of their own.
It’s Very Mobile-Friendly Content
Part of the low-effort, multi-tasking richness of podcasts is due to how mobile-friendly this medium is.
As I mentioned, I enjoy listening to my favorite podcasts during my commute, through my smartphone. And, I’m not alone; 69% of podcast listeners are on their mobile devices.
As we increasingly choose mobile devices over other technologies, adopting mobile-friendly content types is important.
Podcast Audiences Are Extremely Loyal
Developing a podcast audience ahead of the competition is incredibly important because listeners are loyal to their favorite programs.
They establish relationships with the host(s) and want to check back each time there is a new podcast episode.
If you can establish a strong audience before the podcast boom, it will be hard for your competitors to attract those listeners to their own shows.
This loyalty also translates to other marketing channels. For example, podcast listeners are 20% more likely to connect with a brand on social media.
When the podcast is over, audiences will turn to channels like social media to continue the conversations and interact with each other and your business.
Distribution is expanding
An estimated 57 million Americans, or 21% of the U.S. population, listen to podcasts regularly. This might sound like a lot, but really, it’s peanuts compared with terrestrial radio, which captures nearly 300 million regular listeners, 93% of the population.
The difference is largely due to access and platforms. For example, these days every Apple decide (iPhones, iPods, Apple Watch, Laptops for anyone counting) comes pre-loaded with the Podcasts app, significantly lowering the barrier to listening for the 90+ million Americans who own at least 1 apple device
Android listeners are not far behind with the recent launch of the Play app. Similar to Apple’s Podcast app on iPhones, Play is pre-installed and undeletable on Android devices. What’s more, the Play app is much bigger than its Android base, since it can be installed on iOS devices.
And it’s not just Play broadening distribution. Spotify, with an active user base over 75 million, has launched its podcasting service as well. Pandora, too, is getting in on the game, having made Serial available to their 78 million active users. In all of these cases, podcast content lives alongside music. This is important to note, as it means users with no deliberate intention of seeking out podcast content will now encounter it, hopefully growing the listener pie yet further.
5 ways to incorporate them into your PR strategy
Although a podcast may not be a good fit for every industry, most niches can seriously benefit from producing a regular podcast. If your niche is one of them, here is what you need to do to start podcasting as part of your marketing strategy:
Position yourself as an expert to the Podcast Host
In most cases, your pitch is going to be the first time this podcast host has heard of you so make it easier on the host to decide if you would be a good fit for the show by including a comprehensive bio that speaks to this person’s experience and ability. We also include a link to a brand or person’s Electronic Press Kit and other relevant files in the initial pitch email.
Going the extra mile to help guide the podcast host in planning their episode can mean the difference between your pitch being accepted and ending up in the rejection pile.
Invest in quality equipment
This goes for both sides of the mic. With Podcasts Hosts and guests more often than not calling into a recorded line rather than a live studio, it’s imperative that guests have a quality mic of their own. Improved technology and greater access have made getting quality equipment easier and more affordable than ever, so there's no excuse for creating a low-quality show.
Consistently create relevant, informational, high-quality content
Consumers are more likely to engage with content that is educational, entertaining or otherwise relevant to their interests, but it also has to pertain to your business and brand. Generating high-quality content takes a fair amount of planning, research and development, so you'll really have to commit to produce a podcast listeners tune in for.
Aim to speak on a relevant platform
There are a lot of podcast platforms out there, but you need to find the one most relevant to your industry and hosts the most consumers interested in your niche. It doesn't matter if you have the most amazing podcast in the business if your audience listens on a different platform.
Podcasting is quickly entering the world of business and becoming a popular marketing strategy, not only because of its popularity among consumers but also because it's so easy to create podcasts to broadcast accessible content for your target audience.
Never underestimate the follow up
More often than not, answers and Podcasts booking after in the 3rd or 4th follow up so don’t be afraid to follow up in a week or two! BUT also be sure to add variation and whenever possible an updated proposed discussion topic.
Happy Holidays From Us!
We wish everyone a happy holiday season and budding new year!
Our offices will be closed from Dec 23, 2019-Jan 2, 2020.
In The Press: 8 Things We Learned (at RAD EXPO) Featured In Marijuana Venture
Marijuana Venture’s third national event for retailers saw more attendees, more speakers and more exhibitors.
Marijuana Venture hosted its third successful RAD (Retail and Dispensary) Expo in October, bringing more than 2,000 attendees to the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon, to check out nearly 200 exhibitors and listen to advice from more than 50 expert speakers.
The show has grown steadily over the past two years by focusing specifically on the retail sector of the industry, rather than taking the come-one, come-all approach favored by the majority of cannabis events. Click Here To Read The Full Article
What is a KPI?
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are the elements of your business plan that express what you want to achieve by when. They are the quantifiable, outcome-based statements you’ll use to measure if you’re on track to meet your goals or objectives.
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