The past couple of years have been filled with some of the strongest social justice movements of our lifetimes – especially if you’re a Gen-Zer like me. If there’s one thing our generation wants to be known for (besides mental health awareness!), it’s inclusivity. How does this affect you and your brand? You have the power to make people feel heard, seen, and included.

There is no tried and true method for targeting diverse and niche audiences. It will depend on your brand, your products, your voice, your current audience, and so much more. However, there are some general tips and tricks that can help you develop an inclusive marketing strategy. We’ll go over those first, then talk about a couple of examples of brands that have had successful inclusive social media campaigns.

1. Acknowledge where you are.

Before you can go anywhere, you have to know where you’re starting. Have you been implementing diversity into your brand since day one? Or is your Instagram page filled with post after post of the same demographic? No matter where you are now, the important thing is that you’re choosing to take a step toward being a more inclusive brand. By acknowledging where you’re starting, you’ll be able to effectively decide what this first step might look like for you.

2. Check in on your current – and potential – audience.

Catering your brand to more diverse audiences doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be catering to every single audience. For example, if your brand focuses on products for young professionals, you probably don’t need to worry about including older generations in your marketing. However, if your company creates watches but you only ever show those watches on middle-aged white men, you might want to rethink your strategy.

“If your customers are different than you and they feel unrecognized, you will begin to lose them.”

Michael P. Krone, “Diversity Marketing & Cultural Awareness”

Be sure to keep in mind where your audience has the potential for growth within different demographic categories. Just because your current audience is filled with people who all share similar characteristics doesn’t mean that’s how it should be. Here are some of the main demographics to be thinking about:

• Age
• Gender
• Income level
• Ethnicity
• Geographic location
• Sexuality
• Physical abilities
• Mental abilities

3. Develop strategies to include those in your current or potential audience who are not represented your brand.

This is where it gets tricky. Inclusivity is not as simple as posting a picture on Instagram with a non-white person and calling it a day. Your audience members want to see themselves in your brand, and that might take time. A true sense of inclusivity is created by repeated inclusive actions.

Let’s take a look at a couple of brands that have created extremely effective marketing campaigns, designed to target niche audience groups. First, Google Pixel. Their 2018 ad titled “The Picture Perfect Life” starts out like any other new phone commercial, showcasing the Pixel’s camera with happy people in happy photos. The audience quickly learns there’s more to the story than what they can see in the photo. I won’t give away the whole video, but I’d strongly recommend watching it. The video has been viewed over 18 million times – a clear success in creating a campaign to target those who struggle with mental health problems.

Another example is JINsoon, a popular nail polish brand. When you scroll through their Instagram, you can clearly see they are targeting a diverse audience. JINsoon is one of the only mainstream polish brands to feature men on their social media accounts – a huge step in making all members of their audience, current or potential, feel included.

So what are some ways you can start to target a more diverse audience? Where are you lacking now, and what can you build upon? Remember, you’re not just doing this to increase your customer base or build a good reputation – you’re doing this to make every person feel like they have a place in your world.

by Alli Prestby

*This post was originally posted to Alli’s personal blog which can be found here

by: Kaitlyn Mashburn and Dr. Bonnie Riechert

Keith Miles discusses information, misinformation and disinformation, urging news consumers to be skeptical and urging communicators to be truthful and transparent.

People are bombarded every day with information, misinformation and disinformation, so we must be skeptical news consumers and earn trust as communicators, Nashville business leader Keith Miles told Belmont students at a recent Intellectual Well-being WELL-Core event.

“We’ve always had to be careful consumers of information,” said Miles. “Today, even more so.”

A partner at MP&F Strategic Communications, he discussed “Information/Misinformation & Intellectual Health: The Role of Ethical Strategic Communication.”

Miles defined information as the data, facts, knowledge and directions that are relevant to us in making decisions every day. Misinformation is “information that’s wrong inadvertently.” Disinformation is not only incorrect, but includes “the intent to deceive,” he said.

Psychologist Steven Stosny coined the term “headline stress disorder” to describe the negative effect of misinformation and disinformation to intellectual health. A 2019 study by the Pew Research Center showed 66% of American are “worn out by the news.”

Relating to intellectual health, Miles said that receiving misinformation can cause stress, anxiety, negative thoughts and can even negatively affect memory. Dealing with these issues can be taxing on personal mental health, which is why having accurate information is important.

News consumers can always investigate the truthfulness of reports, he said. “It’s up to you to make sure it’s correct.”

Communicators can be guided by the Public Relations Society of America Code of Ethics, Miles suggested. Principles such as the free flow of information, disclosure of information and enhancing the profession depend on the values such as honesty and transparency. “If you take a hit to your credibility, it just takes a second, and to rebuilding it would take forever.”

Miles summed this up by saying that we have a responsibility to be open, honest and transparent and do personal research to find the most accurate information. “Work harder, be more skeptical and remember there is hope — ‘truth will out,’” he said, quoting from Shakespeare’s “Merchant in Venice.”

Miles joined MP&F in 1995 after careers in journalism and politics, becoming a partner in the firm in 1998. He is the professional adviser to the Belmont University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. He was named the Teahan Outstanding Professional; Adviser in 2016 and 2019 by the national organization. He was honored by the Public Relations Society of America Nashville Chapter with the 2019 Hercules Award for his contributions to the community and the profession.

His presentation was co-hosted by Belmont PRSSA and the Department of Public Relations. Belmont PRSSA is one of more than 350 chapters in the national organization and is open to students interested in public relations. The chapter has received national awards in ethics advocacy, chapter development, Outstanding PRSA/PRSSA Relationship and community service.

by Rileigh Skelton

Let’s be real, interviews are stressful. Whether you are trying to land your next internship or your first full-time job, there is a lot of pressure to nail the interview process. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new work-from-home era, that many of us are still trying to navigate. With this new era, comes an increase in video interviews. Here are 5 tips to help reduce your stress and give you confidence going into your virtual interview.

Tip 1: Test Your Technology

Before Zoom,  it was common for aspiring employees to drive past their desired place of work the day before the interview. This would provide the interviewee with a greater sense of preparedness and reduce their stress about the big day. The current equivalent to this practice is to check your technology before your interview. Make sure your camera is working, your mic is turned on, and your Wi-Fi signal is strong. You may even find that you need to relocate to another area of your living space to get a stronger internet connection.

Tip 2: Check your Background

To answer the question we’ve all been asking since the start of Zoom calls: Yes, we are all looking at your background.  With this in mind, you want to make sure, to the best of your ability, that your background is clear of distractions. If you have roommates, take five minutes before your interview to politely ask them to not disturb you for the next hour. Another option would be to place a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door as a reminder not to interrupt. Of course, sometimes interruptions happen. If a distraction occurs during your interview, such as a family member walking into the frame, acknowledge it and move on. You could simply say, “I apologize, this is my younger brother,” and then dive back into your conversation. While doing your best to be professional, remind yourself that you are human. Show yourself grace and be okay if interruptions occur. Your interviewer has likely seen it before or experienced it themselves, so they should be understanding.

Tip 3: Creating a Connection

The lack of non-verbal cues during an online interview can make it more difficult to create a memorable connection with your interviewer. If you want to stand out from other candidates, it is crucial you find something to bond over. Utilizing your background is one way to do this. For example, you may be interested in sports, and have a flag for your favorite team in your Zoom background. This creates the opportunity for your interviewer to comment on it, and you can create a connection about sports. Another example could be having a musical instrument in the background, a band poster, or family photo. If altering your background doesn’t work for your specific situation, that’s okay! By focusing on your body language such as hand gestures and eye contact, you can control the situation and increase the level of connection. Staying alert and engaged the entire interview fosters greater connection than if seem distracted. So, do your best to avoid looking at those email alerts being sent over or nervously touching your hair. Overall, do your best to be personable and create a memorable interview.

Tip 4: Dress for Success

You may have caught yourself wondering: Does it really matter if I get fully dressed? The interview will only see me from the neck up anyways. The answer is: Yes. There have been far too many Zoom horror stories that include an interviewee’s phone or computer falling over and showing off their fuzzy PJ pants. When dressing for your interview, assume that your interviewer can see your whole outfit and dress appropriately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Once the interview is over, feel free to slip back on those comfy PJs!

Tip 5: The Follow-Up

After an interview, it is always a good idea to send a thank you note. Some may even say it’s essential.  During the pandemic, it may be harder to send a physical card. Since the meeting took place online, you may not know the employer’s physical address. Or perhaps you want to avoid your letter passing through multiple hands before arriving at your interviewer’s desk. You can always say thank you by email, LinkedIn, or send a virtual thank you card if you really want to stand out in their inbox! When crafting your thank you note, be sure to add in specific details of what made your conversation with the interviewer meaningful.

We are all navigating these unprecedented times together. Keep putting your best effort forth and remember to show yourself kindness!

Rileigh Skelton is a senior public relations student graduating in the Belmont University’s Class of 2021.

by Lucy Walsh

With courses in writing, research and design, Belmont PR students leave the classroom bursting at the seams with the information that readies them to be well-rounded PR practitioners. These lessons learned both in the classroom and in application through internships are what empower graduates to take the next steps towards building their careers and professional lives.To see what has resonated with our upperclassmen students, December and April public relations graduates were asked to share their thoughts on what will stick with them most as they move forwards towards their next chapter. 

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in a PR class or internship?

“Writing is central to everything PR. Whether writing press releases, creating content for social media, pitching to media, writing blog posts, etc., you must be an amazing writer.” – Katie McAdams, Class of 2020

“The most important thing that I have learned is to do your best and know that you are more than qualified. Imposter syndrome is real, but don’t let it overwhelm and become who you are!” – Aliah Tayyun, Class of 2021

“Everyone grows at different rates.” – Rachel Smith, Class of 2021

“Professional and academic kindness matters! Taking moments to be gracious, accommodating and collaborative to those around you is a cumulative and empowering habit to adopt. It’s the decent thing to do, and you never know where it will come in handy. There is strength in hospitality, and it makes you a better leader overall.” – Lucy Walsh, Class of 2021

“Connections are absolutely everything. Provide them for other people and take advantage of the ones people provide you with.” – Sophia Johnson, Class of 2021

“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a PR student is to always have a solution in mind to any problem I may have. PR professionals love to describe themselves as problem-solvers, and I have learned the true definition of that. I always try to come to my professor or supervisor with a solution to the problem I am about to present to them.” – Rileigh Skelton, Class of 2021

“You don’t have to reinvent the wheel.” – Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, Class of 2020

“You are taught so much valuable information in class, but it means nothing if you don’t get out there and live out what you’ve learned in the classroom. Apply to internships, reach out to your advisors and alumni, and make the most of your education by coupling it with real-world experience.” – Emily Stembridge, Class of 2020

“The most important thing from an internship I’ve learned is to be able to make myself important! Volunteering to use my skills I’ve learned at Belmont in my internships has made me a valuable resource to each organization!” – Shelby Cage, Class of 2021

Lucy Walsh is a senior public relations and publishing student from Evansville, Indiana. She serves as an executive board member of Belmont’s PRSSA chapter and as the editor of the PR at Belmont blog. 

by Cameron Corey

Welcome to 2021, where the title above is now applicable to a majority of working Americans, as well as college students (hey, that’s you!) This shift in day-to-day routine has posed no shortage of problems, and innately, humans are afraid of change. Have no fear though, because I’m going to outline three helpful tips on making your work from home experience a lot less drab, and a lot MORE fab.

Do not work from home in your grubby oversized t-shirt and pajama pants. Though it is incredibly tempting to roll out of bed and go to class, will this produce your best results? It is often stated that when you look good, you feel good. Would you be embarrassed if your crush could see your Christmas tree printed pajama pants from 2012? Then maybe put on something slightly nicer and incorporate a “getting ready” step into your daily routine. Even if getting ready simply means putting on a cute pair of sweatpants and actually brushing your hair, it’s better than nothing.

A routine doesn’t have to be a rut. Allow yourself freedom within your routine, but sticking to a somewhat solid routine can help keep some level of normalcy in your day. Dedicating certain times for work and class, and separating those hours from your own personal time can make all of the difference in feeling more productive.

My final tip on making your work from home experience more fabulous, is to dedicate a space in your home to work, and work only. Not everyone is blessed enough to have a home office with French doors and the whole nine yards, but your kitchen table or a desk in the corner of your dorm will suffice and can be just as good of a workspace. Be sure your space makes you feel comfortable, and productive. Add a little flair by including fun desk supplies or hanging up some motivational quotes in your space. Separating your workspace from your relaxing space can also help with normalcy and routinization.

With these tips, I hope you’re able to modify your work from home routine to become the best at-home student/worker you can be. Work hard, stay safe, and take care of yourself!

Cameron Corey is a senior public relations and corporate communications student at Belmont University.

by Katie McAdams

by Bronwyn Milne

by The Belmont Bateman Team

These days, the world seems more polarized than ever. It’s hard to say anything without angering someone. Heated conversations exist around every corner, and most people are walking on eggshells trying not to prompt a debate from the opposing team. Sometimes, trying to avoid those conversations  carries over into your home life. It has become even more common that children attempt to break the mold of their parents’ more traditional values. This dynamic can create a great amount of tension between you and your loved ones – making an environment awkward and, sometimes even, hostile.

This is a dilemma we encounter every Thanksgiving. The classic overly, dramatic argument with your uncle or grandma when you’re supposed to be giving thanks. Professionals refer to this type of disagreement as “false-consensus bias” or believing that everyone thinks the same way as us. When confronted with an opposing belief, it’s hard for our brains to comprehend that these family members would not automatically take our side. Their agreement seems so obvious to us. It’s so common that each year around the holidays there now exists a social media trend revolving around users joking about their intent to purposely “ruin” dinner. However, studies show that this abrasive methodology is not the recipe for success. Rather, being more open-minded to what others think and believe results in others being more likely to listen to your main topic points.

So next time you encounter an awkward or controversial topic at dinner, try these tips:

1. Appreciate the Value of Opposing Views

Acknowledge that individual differences can expand our worldview. This appreciation can help us better understand why things happen a certain way and how people react and operate in different situations. Having a diverse perspective also can help you grow as a person and it can even help strengthen your argument.

2. Remain Calm

Recognize that not everyone is well-versed in the practice of civil discourse. It’s important to understand that some individuals might become angry or even hostile during exchanges of ideas. They may not know how to have civil conversations involving differing views. One way to teach them how to better exchange thoughts is by keeping your cool. Don’t stoop to their level.

3. It’s Not Personal

Don’t attack the person. Don’t make the other individual feel inferior because his or her opinion is different than yours. Only rebuttals surrounding key points on a given topic should be expressed. There is no need for personal attacks. It will only make the other more angry and more defensive.

4. Don’t Just Hear Them…Listen to Them

Have an open mind. This requires you to make a concerted effort to understand the other’s point of view. Also, don’t plot what you’re going to say next. Rather, take time to listen to shared opposing views. The individual could be making some insightful points.

5. Find Your Middle Ground

Take time to find a middle ground. This adds respect to the conversation. Something as simple as stating that both parties just want everyone to be happy allows all involved to be seen as equals.

6. Don’t Assume

Seek to understand why the other person believes what he or she believes. Don’t just assume you know why that individual has taken that particular stance.

7. You Can Say ‘No’

Understand that civil discourse is difficult. Sometimes the other person can offend you or make you angry even while practicing these given tips. It’s okay to walk away peacefully. It doesn’t mean that anyone has “won.” It just indicates that you need some space to calm down so that the conversation, if had again, can be more calm and more constructive.

8. Remember Why You Love Each Other

Don’t ruin your valuable relationship over an opinion. At the end of the day, that’s all this is – your opinion. Be open with the other person, and, when the conversation is done, go do something together. Don’t leave on a tense-filled note that could make someone simmer in his or her thoughts. Instead, verbalize that you love each other despite your differences. That’s all that truly matters.

For more information on the importance of civility, please visit our website to learn more about our campaign.

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