The Oklahoma 100

 

Small Business Leaders Visit White House

SBA Admin. Linda McMahon and Ivanka Trump take questions at The White House during a discussion called, “America Small Business-The Engine of the American Dream.”

President Donald Trump recently hosted a discussion with Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon and Ivanka Trump.

As one of 100 business owners to attend, I learned McMahon aims to re-image the Small Business Association so it’s more than America’s best-kept secret. Her highest priorities are lowering taxes for LLCs, S corporations and sole entrepreneurs paying the highest rates, plus mentorships and counseling to help visionaries execute their American dream.

Ivanka Trump prioritizes expanding apprenticeships with portable credentials across state lines, teaming industries with career tech colleges and empowering working families with affordable child care and family leave policies.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

 

Accommodating New Mothers at Work

The time when a new mother returns to work after maternity leave is called the "Fifth Trimester."

Returning to work after having a child can be a challenging transition. Regardless of which state or federal workplace laws apply, employers should consider these best practices for welcoming back new mothers:

– Talk to expecting employees about how much leave they will take and whether they may need flexible work hours when they return.

– Consider increasing a new mother’s workload gradually instead of expecting her to return to work at full capacity.

– When possible, avoid scheduling meetings beyond normal work hours, especially without notice.

– Allow breaks for mothers to pump breast milk in a comfortable, private space – not a bathroom.

– Lisa McGlynn, Fisher Phillips

 

Find Your Partnerships

It’s all about teamwork.

One of the best tactics in your business arsenal already exists. Strategic partnerships are quickly becoming a necessity, especially in terms of marketing.

Partnerships can be created in a variety of ways but should include businesses or organizations that align with the mission of your company and have their own circle of influence. Recent high-profile partnerships include the Taco Bell “Taco Mode” Lyft Feature and Under Armour with rapper A$AP Rocky.

Who are your partnership opportunities? Find the players in your community by setting an objective, identifying those who will help you get there and complement your vision.

– Natalie Ghidotti, The Arkansas 100

 

Can You Pass the Drug Test?

Collaboration between business and health leaders is the prescription needed to fix the opioid epidemic in Oklahoma.

This question is no longer sufficient for employers to ask potential new hires. The misuse of prescription painkillers and synthetic opioids is well known, and its impact is devastating some companies to the level that The Journal Record hosted a panel discussion for the business community.

The most recent study from Castlight Health reported opioid abuse is costing employers about $18 billion per year in lost productivity and medical expenses. On average, 4-5% of employees who received an opioid prescription showed signs of abuse.

The best prescription is for businesses and health leaders to collaborate and remedy this epidemic.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

 

Don’t Let Your Website Get Stale if You Want to Engage

Continue to update your website to attract more business.

If you haven’t updated your website in years, you may be losing valuable leads for your business.

Web design trends change annually, and investing in a new site can be costly but worthwhile. There are cost-effective changes that you can make to be more current and influence your potential customers. High-quality original photography can speak volumes about your relevance and build trust. The popularity of video is still on the rise, and studies have shown video increases engagement.

Your budget may not allow a redesign annually, but you can keep your site competitive with strong copy and visuals.

– Chuck Norman, The North Carolina 100

 

Managing Business Through Summer Slump

Every business experiences the summer slump, but there are plenty of ways to liven up even the slowest of days.

Many business owners dread the summer slump. Instead, look at this opportunity to set up for a strong year-end finish, staff training and team-building fun.

Now that it’s mid-year, review the financials to ensure the company’s on track to meet year-end goals. Invest in your company by sending staff to professional conferences to learn new ideas to implement during these slow days.

Remember to have fun. Together, celebrate one of the national awareness days, such as Tequila Day on July 24 or Watermelon Day on August 3. Find more ideas at Days of the Year 2017.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

 

The Jones Assembly Sets New OKC Standard

The Jones Assembly is Oklahoma City's newest hot spot for all things food, spirits and music. (Photo by Madison Rae Photos)

Located on the west end of downtown on Film Row, The Jones Assembly is Oklahoma City’s newest hot spot for food, spirits and music.

The 20,000-square-foot historic space, formerly part of Fred Jones Manufacturing Company, has been transformed into a 225-seat restaurant with separate downstairs and mezzanine bars with the capacity of 1,600 guests for live events. Music fans can expect around three concerts every month featuring national recording artists and local performers with weekly live music as well.

The Jones Assembly sets a new standard in Oklahoma City dining and nightlife. Learn more here.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

 

The Last Video Chain: Surviving the Era of Streaming

When bigger video rental chains shut their doors, Family Video remained afloat and continues to grow. (BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD)

With the emergence of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, some may assume video rental companies have entered the age of the dinosaur.

Crystal Craig, manager at Family Video on 31st St. in Tulsa, continues to welcome customers with a friendly smile. Craig believes in-person interaction allows her to assist customers in finding exactly what they want.

When Blockbuster closed almost all locations in 2013, it was shocking, but Keith Hoogland, Family Video president, said, “They went out of business because of their business models.” Hoogland understands customers still crave the experience and instant connection through American movie culture.

– Jake Pasdach, Jones PR

 

Instagram: 4 Keys to Brand Success

If used correctly, Instagram provides a highly popular visual platform for your business needs.

Making your brand stand out from others on Instagram is a difficult problem to solve, but these four tips on captions are your key to success:

1. Give your captions a voice: Build trust with a consistent, lighthearted tone.

2. Lead with most important information: Put the most relevant information at the top to grab attention before users have to click the “more” button.

3. Use a call-to-action: Encourage responses and engagement by asking questions and inviting users to comment and tag friends.

4. Have goals: Decide what needs to be promoted and create a schedule for content.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

 

Podcasts: Changing the Game

Apple's plans to make analytics available for podcasts could be a game-changer.

In today’s digital marketing age, analytics are everything.

And soon, the power of analytics to shape and rank content is coming to podcasts – already a medium with millions of listeners. Until now, podcasts have had few metrics, but when Apple launches podcast analytics later this year, marketers will gain valuable insights into how a podcast’s audience is engaging, such as:

– when and where people listen;

– if and when they stop listening;

– and whether they stay tuned for ads.

Analytics should make podcasts more appealing to marketers, in turn increasing financial support for podcasts – a win for marketers, producers and listeners.

– Kyle Parks, The Tampa Bay 100

 

Facebook’s Find Wi-Fi Feature Goes Global

Users must first turn on the "Find Wi-Fi" tool before browsing the closest hotspots. (Photo courtesy of Business Insider)

Facebook recently announced its feature designed to help mobile users find free accessible Wi-Fi networks. “Find Wi-Fi” will be available for users worldwide on iOS and Android devices.

The feature, first tested last year, will display a map for users showing the closest businesses with accessible Wi-Fi as well as details about the business. The tool is meant for users who are traveling or are in areas with limited cellular data, and also serves as another way for users to discover local businesses.

“Find Wi-Fi” will be located under the “More” tab on Facebook’s mobile app.

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

 

Oklahoma Company Named Leading Healthcare IT Innovator

PatientLink Enterprises founder Debi Willis is proud to be one of the nation's "11 Leading Innovators."

An Oklahoma company makes another national innovator list. PatientLink Enterprises was selected by healthcare IT executives, policy makers and industry innovators as one of the “11 Leading Innovators” leading the digital disruption of healthcare.

Health Data Management magazine editors profiled these leaders as visionaries that are seeking better ways to use technology to improve patient care.

Founder Debi Willis has pioneered the exchange of data between patients, their physicians and research. “Our newest product, MyLinks, puts a personalized electronic medical record in the hands of every patient … multiplying the impact of electronic information and sharing — a game changer!” said Willis.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

 

Oklahoma City Unveils Name of MAPS 3 Park

Students from John Rex Elementary School helped announce the name of the new MAPS 3 downtown park.

On June 29, Oklahoma City leaders gathered to announce the newest downtown park, Scissortail Park. The park will span 70 acres and will be split into two sections: north and south.

“The MAPS 3 Park will be a gathering place for generations in Oklahoma City, and it needs a timeless name that’s meaningful to our community,” Mayor Cornett said. “The new park will be a place people will meet to enjoy the trails and water features, gather for concerts and events, spend time with their children, family and friends in a natural setting in the heart of a thriving city.”

– Jake Pasdach, Jones PR

 

Working With Influencers

Paying a trusted and respected social media influencer to post about your brand can boost your brand's credibility.

I’m a huge proponent of working with social media influencers. I believe that is where brands can get the most bang for their buck, especially with millennials.

Things to consider when working with influencers: how many followers do they have? Are their followers in your target audience? How often do they share sponsored posts? Do they have a high engagement rate?

Reaching out to someone with 100K+ Instagram followers can seem intimidating, but everyone I’ve reached out to has been kind, receptive and helpful. If it fits with your brand, consider partnering with an influencer on your next paid campaign.

– Haley Barton, The Atlanta 100

Atlanta

 

Innovative Communications

Embracing new digital tools can enhance your company's communication strategies.

In any job, it’s important to make sure you have the right tools on hand to effectively share your message with co-workers, clients or the public. Take your company communication to the next level (beyond the traditional PowerPoint presentation) with these innovative, user-friendly programs:

• Uberflip: Transforms your PDFs into an interactive online magazine.

• Visme: Creates infographics by using a library of customizable templates and icons.

• GoAnimate: Builds animated videos in minutes, allowing you to choose your own soundtrack, cast of characters and more.

Pro tip: Track tool metrics to monitor how your audience is interacting with your content.

— Devon Chestnut, APR, CPRC, Communications Manager, Cox Communications

 

Next Chapter for Storied Art Deco Skyscraper

First National Center’s massive bank vault doors will become part of an upscale Italian restaurant after the renovation of the 1.1 million-square-foot art deco landmark.

Gary Brooks, the developer of the 1931 First National Center, invited the public for tours before closing doors for three years to begin a $230 million makeover into a mix of housing, hotel, retail and garage.

The skyscraper’s showstoppers are the iconic Great Banking Hall that is like a palace with its ornate, three-story space surrounded by 16 columns 35 feet tall and travertine marble floors from Italy; and a bank vault with massive steel doors for protection from bank robberies, common during the 1930s.

“The history of First National Center is as important as its future,” said Brooks.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

 

Tulsa STEM Program Receives Sizable Donation

SK Innovation gave a large donation to support STEM students in Oklahoma.

SK Innovation, the parent company of Tulsa’s oil & gas company SK Plymouth, LLC, donated $50,000 to the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance this month. The South Korean company seeks to further develop opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math fields for Oklahoma students.

“We look to continue building goodwill with the Tulsa community and are doing so by supporting TRSA’s mission of building broad, deep and innovative pathways for students to have access to high-impact careers in STEM,” said SK Innovation CEO Jun Kim.

SK Innovation’s donation will support additional STEM educational outreach programs to multiple Tulsa area schools.

— Kelly Hughes, Jones PR

 

Firing off the Fourth in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's top fireworks displays are mapped out for your entertainment.

Oklahoma knows how to celebrate Independence Day in style. Here are a few acclaimed fireworks shows around Oklahoma.

Boomer Blast Stillwater –With picnic areas, food trucks, family activities and dazzling fireworks, Boomer Blast really speaks for itself.

Freedom Fest Fireworks Show in Yukon – Enjoy a classic car show, free family swim and an outdoor concert before experiencing one of the biggest fireworks displays in Oklahoma.

Duck Creek at Grand Lake Fireworks – Tens of thousands of visitors come out to Grand Lake and watch the War Bird flyover to kick off the fireworks show.

Don’t miss out this Fourth of July!

— Christian Franklin, Jones PR

 

Live Stream Your Message to Engage Audiences

Downtown Oklahoma City live streamed the Dean A. McGee Awards, the premier annual downtown leadership event.

All organizations need an audience. Whether you’re selling products or services, or are a nonprofit or religious group, without people, you have no audience.

Live streaming is an excellent way to engage your audience with your unfiltered message. The anticipation generates buzz that excites people. Research finds live video generates 10 times as many comments as on-demand video. Cisco reports mobile video is expected to grow 62% by 2020.

Businesses are concluding that live streaming helps their bottom line, due to reaching broader and more engaged audiences. This trend isn’t slowing down, only rising in popularity. Lights! Camera! Action!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

 

Father’s Day Gift Guide

No matter what type of dad you have, here are five gift ideas guaranteed to make him smile.

What do you get the dad who has everything? Amazon, the world’s favorite online store, has perfect Father’s Day gifts guaranteed to win dad’s approval.

  • Go with the Flow Dad – You can’t beat the classic gift card.

Check out the full list here.

– Jake Pasdach, Jones PR

 

Social Media: Timing Is Everything

Marketers’ key to connecting with social media users is in the timing.

Here’s a guide to scheduling content to increase engagement among your followers.

  • Facebook is most effective at reaching consumers 1-4 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, and 12-1 p.m. on weekends.
  • Instagram users are more consistently engaged than Facebook users, but differ from Facebook in that its busiest times are during off-work hours.
  • Professionals on LinkedIn are most active before and after work 7-8 a.m. or 5-6 p.m.
  • Business-to-consumer brands on Twitter experience more retweets 5-6 p.m. midweek.
  • Finally, if your business has Pinterest, stick to Saturday and Sunday.

– Kelly Hughes, Jones PR

 

Sprint’s Family Summer Survival Guide

Use the summer months to teach your kids about safety on their mobile devices.

Now that school has ended and parents are starting to panic about what to do with the kids this summer, it is the perfect time to talk about technology responsibility with your tweens and teens.

Sprint employees can show parents how to set controls on their accounts to monitor cellphone and data usage – giving parents peace of mind!

Covering your devices with screen protectors will help shield them from messy fingers and accidental drops. Planning a family road trip? Better grab some Beats headphones for the teens. This way, they can listen to their music and you can enjoy yours!

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

 

AARGH! Moving Beyond Crisis in Business

Only 54% of companies in a Burson-Marsteller study had a crisis plan in place, yet 80% of business leaders felt they would experience a crisis at some point.

There are dozens of examples of how *not* to react in crises. United Airlines’ recent fiasco is just one such example. The reality is that PR can help you navigate these turbulent waters and keep the ship afloat. Transparency and responses that align with company philosophy and reputation are at the foundation of crisis management.

I use the AARGH theory to maneuver through these situations: Assess, Activate Plan, Respond, Gauge Reaction, Heighten Response. It’s about telling YOUR story, telling the truth and telling it first. You have a better chance of coming away with lessons learned, rather than business lost.

– Jane Dvorak, The Colorado 100

 

Governors Toast Capitol’s 100th Birthday

Five Oklahoma governors spoke at a gala at the Oklahoma History Center, which kicked off the Centennial Celebration of the State Capitol building. Pictured from left are Governors David Walters, George Nigh, Mary Fallin, Brad Henry and Frank Keating. (Photo by Vicki Clark, OKC FRIDAY)

Another fabulous celebration orchestrated by OK Events Lee Allan Smith brought together five Oklahoma governors to celebrate the State Capitol’s 100th birthday. The gala, which was held at the Oklahoma History Center with a magnificent backdrop of the Capitol, helped raise money for art to be installed in the renovated Capitol.

Joining the governors were two Miss Americas, Jane Jayroe Gamble and Lauren Nelson; “America’s Songwriter” Jimmy Webb, and rising star Olivia Kay. Former Gov. David Boren was unable to attend due to recovering from heart surgery. Festivities concluded with a firework show and a rousing rendition of “Oklahoma.”

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

 

CEO Kevin Stitt: the Gateway Advantage

After Kevin Stitt graduated from Oklahoma State University, he entered the mortgage business and decided to pursue an entrepreneurial venture. With only a computer and $1,000 dollars, Stitt began Gateway Mortgage Group in the state of Oklahoma.

Today, Gateway buys, originates and services home loans in 38 states across the nation. What’s Gateway’s driving mission? To strengthen families and to passionately serve the 80,000+ individuals a month through the company’s servicing operation.

Stitt proudly proclaims that he believes Oklahoma is the best place to start a business in the country.

Learn more about Kevin Stitt and Gateway here.

– Jake Pasdach, Jones PR

 

Fidget Spinners: the New Fad

Fidget Spinners are the latest toy sensation and they're now taking over classrooms and offices everywhere.

A big question on everyone’s mind right now: what are these “fidget spinners” and why all the hype?

The toy itself is simple, yet has become a viral sensation. These pocket-sized gadgets are designed with the intent to relieve stress by flicking the paddle-shaped blades while squeezing down on the center core, spinning the blades.

Some claim that fidget spinners also help improve focus by allowing you to do what you normally try not to do: fidget. Though others deem the toy itself a major distraction — you can be the judge after you take it for a spin.

– Christian Franklin, Jones PR

 

Is It Time for Snapchat to Bow out?

Instagram added new "face filters" to platform ... giving Snapchat even more competition.

If we have seen it once, we have seen it a hundred times. Instagram, owned by Facebook, has added new features that clone those of Snapchat. The newly added “face filters,” allow Instagram users to apply crowns, bunny ears or the popular wrinkle eraser to their selfies.

Snapchat is now at a time where all of the cards in its hand are not only showing, but have been duplicated by a powerhouse that, frankly, has always held all the cards.

It is just a matter of time before Snapchat will fall into the memory basket next to Myspace and Vine.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

 

The Social Generations

Research your brand's audience demographics before investing in social media.

As marketers continue to champion social media as viable brand boosters and engagement platforms, it’s important to know how generations interact with each channel and at what level.

According to The Q1 2017 Sprout Social Index, seven in 10 Gen Xers will likely purchase something from a brand they follow online. Thirty percent of millennials engage with a brand at least once a month, and 60 percent of boomers are looking for promotions on social.

Although Facebook is the most popular with every generation, your public relations and marketing strategy should be steeped in research for maximum engagement and conversions.

– Chuck Norman, The North Carolina 100

 

Reframing to Persuade

Frame your argument thoughtfully if you want people to pay attention.

Convincing someone to see things your way is more complex than you might think. In fact, neuroscientists and social psychologists have long asserted that people alter facts to align with their preconceived beliefs.

According to George Lakoff, retired UC Berkeley professor of cognitive science and linguistics, if you want to create messages to persuade, you have to understand other worldviews, and facts and rational debate have less value than you’d think. We can use this when seeking to persuade.

Arguing from our worldview can cause others to dig in and defend their position. Seek understanding, then frame your argument accordingly.

– Lisa Cutter, The Colorado 100

 

 

CEO Kevin Stitt: Growing Stronger Communities

Founded by J. Kevin Stitt in 2000, Gateway Mortgage Group has grown to become one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the country.

In January 2000, Kevin Stitt established Gateway Mortgage Group to pursue his passion for helping families and communities grow stronger through home ownership.

Today, Gateway Mortgage Group has expanded its footprint beyond Oklahoma and has established itself as one of the nation’s largest privately held mortgage companies with over 135 offices in 35 states.

What is Kevin’s key to success? Never forget the reason you started – your original vision. Gateway (and Kevin) remain community-focused by providing financing for homes, creating more jobs and making a difference through local and national leadership.

Learn more about Kevin Stitt and Gateway here.

– Jake Pasdach, Jones PR