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Last week, Paula Deen – the Southern Belle cook with the penchant for deep fried delights – announced that she has Type 2 diabetes. Although a tragic medical condition for anyone, what’s unusual about this case is that she waited three years after her initial diagnosis to reveal that she was inflicted with the disease, which is often associated with a diet high in fat, very similar to the recipes and decadent culinary delights that she is known for. What’s even more curious about this situation is the synchronized announcement following Deen’s diabetes revelation that she has also signed a deal to promote a diabetes medication. An article last week in AdAge about this story adroitly pointed out that:

“It’s the kind of thing that gives our industry (marketing/PR) a black eye – the reputation that we’ll do anything, sell anything for money. Read the rest of this entry »

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This week, I had the great opportunity to speak with Ferris State University’s PRSSA chapter. Not only was it a chance to give them an idea of how a public relations pro got his start, it allowed me to give them advice they may not normally get in an academic setting.Some of the points I made during the talk:

• Want a job when you graduate? Use your PR skills & put a plan together.

• Research and know the company you’re applying to. Go to their website and study the job requirements.

• PR and marketing professionals need to be open, transparent, and honest. Read the rest of this entry »

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Photo Credit: Giovanni Rufino / The CW © 2009 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Spotted, Tyra Banks attempting to play an actress getting ready for her movie premier with a few secrets being held by her publicist. 

Gossip Girl is one of my guilty pleasures (other than bourbon and Kentucky sports,) and this week’s episode was anything but settling. 

*Spoiler Alert* So here’s the gist on the PR prospective, Serena isn’t going to Brown and wants to prove her worth by getting a job.  She happened into a publicist’s job because she knew how to escape from the paparazzi through a back entrance of a restaurant.  Read the rest of this entry »

ShareFor my first post, I wanted to make it a point to say that I am what you read.  I won’t change my point of view to go with the masses and I say it as it is.  All of my posts will be in this vein, and I know you will enjoy the time you spend reading them.  I write to spark conversation and would love to hear feedback. Why are so many people scared to just be themselves?   What ever happened to individual personality? I’ve been in the PR industry for two years and about 90% of the industry people I have met are the same.  How will people be able to relate to you if there is not a unique personality?  Coworkers, reporters, and people on the street can all grasp your personality from the moment you say “Hello.” Although, I can understand—It’s very hard to maintain who you are when you have people beating into your head “You need to do it like this,” “Don’t say that,” “Keep your mouth shut and smile,” etc. If there is a negative stereotype of PR people, then obviously something should change. How is one supposed to learn when they are being beaten into that stereotypical PR role? I am me.  I’m CT Michaels, I’m almost 23, and I have my whole life ahead of me.  I have style and wear white pants.  I find poop funny and I frequently make fun of people when they fall and for what they are wearing.  I can talk to you for hours about reality television and I know my celebrity gossip. I know how to have a good time and I am a morale booster to my coworkers and others around me.  In high school I got voted most opinionated, and most talkative.  I’ve gotten the “most drunk” label at #MNH and probably #MasquerTweet.  I love it.  This is me. Why should I be scared to be myself? Here’s an experiment: Google my Twitter handle (CTMichaels) and see what comes up.  You’ll notice the third result is something that most people would find vulgar or disgusting. Me? I think it’s hilarious! I could easily go back and delete that tweet, but why would I?  One reason: it shows personality and character. Now type in your Twitter handle.  What comes up? Are you going to delete what pops up? If you do—lame! Now, who are you to say “you can’t have that there, no one will ever hire you”? If you think that, I probably wouldn’t ever want to work for you because obviously you can’t take a joke.  Who wants to work in an atmosphere of being around someone who doesn’t appreciate the funny things in life (like poop)? I really don’t understand the rules that people are supposed to abide by in the workforce and in life.  Break free people; stop being scared. You may be sitting there saying, “This kid is young, and doesn’t know about the workforce.” Well, you’d be wrong. Not only have I worked since the day I turned 14, but I have had some pretty amazing jobs throughout my life.  From working at a video store, to hiring a team of ski instructors at 17 years old, to representing my college for incoming freshman, to eventually working full-time in college as a supervisor at Kohl’s department store, I have seen a lot.  One thing always remained constant though—I kept true to who I am at all times.

For my first post, I wanted to make it a point to say that I am what you read.  I won’t change my point of view to go with the masses and I say it as it is.  All of my posts will be in this vein, and I know you will enjoy the time you spend reading them.  I write to spark conversation and would love to hear feedback.

Read the rest of this entry »