Author Archives: samanthamkimball

Addison Wolfe offers self defense classes to mark national realtor protection month

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(Check out a video of the agents in action at their self-defense class)

To help promote Realtor safety following National Realtor Protection Month, Addison Wolf Real Estate is hosting two self-defense classes for its Realtors on April 2 and April 9 at New Hope Karate. Nearly 30 of the firm’s 45 agents have signed up to participate so far.

“The reality is we live in a world where bad things sometimes happen,” says Robert Reynolds, a Realtor with Addison Wolfe and owner of New Hope Karate. “Being able to defend yourself in these rare instances is important. These classes will give Addison Wolfe agents an added advantage should they need to defend themselves.”

According to a March 2015 Member Safety Report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), only 46 percent of real estate brokerages have standard procedures and recommendations for agent safety. Further, the report found only 18 percent of respondents have participated in a Realtor safety course.

Reynolds, who has three decades of experience teaching self defense and is a 5th Degree Master of Tang Soo Do, says the classes will focus on basic awareness issues as well as self-defense techniques. Those self-defense techniques will include:

  • Multiple defenses to wrist and shoulder grabs by assailants
  • Defense against a rear choke hold
  • Take downs (if warranted)
  • Where and how to strike an attacker

The NAR report noted Realtor safety concerns are heightened due to open houses, vacant properties, and properties in remote areas. In addition, the high community profile of most agents can sometimes draw unwanted attention.

Although Addison Wolfe doesn’t publicly disclose its agent safety protocols, it does recommend the following basic safety tips to all Realtors:

  • Alert your office when you go to a showing or open house. Make it a standard practice to call your office at the conclusion of each.
  • Always have two people host any open house.
  • Let clients and prospects take the lead entering properties or various rooms. This allows you to be able to exit ahead of them if necessary.
  • Always carry your keys in one hand and cell phone in the other during a showing. The keys can be a non-threatening weapon if needed.
  • Arrive early to all showings and open houses and plan an exit strategy should you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation or if you feel threatened.

Know your audience: a content lesson from the middle of the woods

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Don’t appeal to empty seats—know your audience.

Recently, a minor controversy flared up on a Facebook page for an outdoors magazine. In a web feature on getting fit for hiking, the lede read: “Doughy is a lifestyle choice.” Huh?

On certain fitness blogs or emblazoned on across a “fitspo” meme, such a statement wouldn’t be out of place. But to the readers of this magazine it seemed an odd crack aimed at heavy hikers. Most of the comments below the related Facebook post were some variation of this, from a commenter named Todd: “LoL I am doughy and I out hike lean athletes any day of the week. It’s not all about the cover. Over weight people can have very good fitness.”

If commenters were not taking the magazine to task for shaming bigger hikers, they were confused by the very nature of the article. That is, they didn’t understand why a hiker would need these fitness tips. As commenter Katherine quipped, “I got in shape for hiking by… hiking.”

So what’s going on here (aside from insensitivity)? If we examine this from a writing and public relations angle, it becomes clear the magazine made a basic, yet extremely common mistake: they misjudged their audience.

Under ever-increasing pressure to produce more and more content, companies sometimes forget for whom they are writing. They seek out new formats and approaches to writing quick blog posts and features, often mimicking what works elsewhere on the web. Though this can lead to content that is more interesting to readers, writers and brands have to keep those readers in mind. You can adapt a form or approach to mesh with the information and tone your audience seeks from you.

So let this little hiker dustup serve as a reminder: next time you sit down to write a new blog post, article, white paper or other piece of content, ask, “who is this for and what do the want from me?”

Lloyd’s announces new multi-year binding authority agreements

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AAMGA noted as being integral to this new, streamlined process

Lloyd’s, the world’s specialist insurance market, today issued a market bulletin announcing it is changing its requirements to allow multi-year binding authority agreements of up to 36 months. The bulleting lays out the new process and requirements, while also recognizing the American Association of Managing General Agents (AAMGA) for its years of advocacy on this important issue for Lloyd’s coverholders. The new agreements will take effect in 2016.

“We’ve been advocating for this change for several years to provide peace of mind and security – and frankly good business practices – for all Lloyd’s coverholders,” noted Roger Ware, president of AAMGA. “We met with Lloyd’s Chairman John Nelson as recently as May of this year at our Annual Meeting in Maryland to again press the issue, and we’re pleased to learn of Lloyd’s actions today.”

Currently, Lloyd’s coverholders can only enter into binding authority agreements of up to 18 months, while in most cases these agreements are renewed annually. Under the new multi-year binding authority agreements, Lloyd’s coverholders will be able to establish these agreements for up to 36 months. A streamlined annual confirmation component is included, in which Lloyd’s will send a simple form to its coverholders each November or December requesting appropriate confirmation of binding authority.

Grant Kimball, president of Canadian-based Angus-Miller, an associate member of AAMGA, applauded the change to Lloyd’s binding authority agreements.

“Lloyd’s listened to our industry representatives, reviewed the market landscape and made an appropriate and practical decision,” noted Kimball. “These multi-year agreements will take some of the guess work out of renewing business as well as make it easier to work effectively and efficiently with Lloyd’s.”

Hotel reputation management in the age of the instant review

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Yelp, TripAdvisor, Hotels.com… The web has given travelers have so many ways to evaluate, select, book and review hotels. How do hotels manage their reputations proactively and honestly?


Hotels must actively manage their online reputations.
Unique Hotels Group / Foter / CC BY-SA 2.0

Our president Gary Kimball has some advice, which he shares with Hotel Business Review:

Hotels should look at how they are allocating their precious marketing and public relations dollars. This means comparing the value of social media buzz to advertising and print and broadcast media coverage. A review in a popular blog or traditional media like The New York Times or Travel + Leisure can do wonders in building awareness. But those readers may still seek online reviews before making decisions.

Read more at HotelExecutive.com.

Don’t be a phony: Wikipedia and PR

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David Kracht / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0The PR industry extended an olive branch to Wikipedia this week.

Earlier this week a consortium of PR agencies released a joint statement on their intention to comply with Wikipedia’s terms of service. This may seem like an empty gesture, but it is considered a significant step towards resolving a conflict between the communications industry and Wikipedia’s vigilant volunteers.

If you are not familiar with this conflict, here’s the short of it: Edits to a Wikipedia entry by a paid representative of an individual or organization constitute a conflict of interest and violate Wikipedia’s terms of service and goals. However, PR pros and freelancers have been paid to edit entries for nearly as long as the online encyclopedia has been around. Read up on the 2011 dust up between a British PR firm and the online encyclopedia for a clearer picture of the relationship.

Though I generally disagree that someone involved with an organization is incapable of updating basic information about that company without falling susceptible to promotional urges, I understand Wikipedia’s policy. It helps keep entries honest, factual and balanced. But more importantly, I understand that it is a community with rules and guidelines; it doesn’t matter whether or not the PR industry likes them. We have to play by the rules or risk our clients’ reputations and exclusion from the community.

Plus, trying to control a conversation—whether through spin or ham-fisted encyclopedia edits—necessarily relies on subterfuge and dishonesty. That never ends well. Instead, PR pros need to make their clients a part of the conversation.

On Wikipedia, that means requesting an edit and making your case for it. There’s even a page full of resources for paid editors, including the proper channels for requesting a change. If you need to make a change to a client’s Wikipedia entry, start there.

For a bit more inside baseball on the relationship between Wikipedia and the communications industry, check out the entry on conflict-of-interest editing, WikiProject Cooperation and WikiProject Integrity. These—and the terms of service—are essential reading if you are considering editing a Wikipedia page for a client or employer.

To get a peek into how Wikipedia’s community of moderators and editors resolves perceived conflicts of interest, check out the talk section of the Cracker Barrel page.

There are as many opinions on this matter as there are Wikipedia pages. Where do you stand? Does editing Wikipedia entries for pay violate your professional ethics? Have you done it? Talk to us about it in the comments.

Venture Insurance Programs Wins NAPSLO Marketing Award

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Suitelife “Rest Insured” Campaign Takes First Place at NAPSLO Annual Meeting

West Chester, PA. — Oct. 2, 2013 — Venture Insurance Programs (www.ventureprograms.com) today received first place in the NAPSLO Marketing Campaign Awards. This is the second award the program administrator received for their “Rest Insured” marketing and advertising campaign, which promotes their Suitelife program to hotels and resorts.

The “Rest Insured” campaign reflected the upscale branding of the properties served by Suitelife, while offering peace of mind through a specialized insurance program. The campaign included an email blast, advertising and direct mail featuring a Godiva gift box as a “taste of the Suitelife.”

The campaign was created by Vertibrands (www.vertibrands.com), a full-service marketing agency specializing in program administrators and the insurance sector. NAPSLO Marketing Campaign awards are judged by the Insurance Marketing and Communications Association (IMCA) Showcase Awards creative judging team.

The award was presented to Michael Rogers, Executive Vice President Venture’s property unit, at the NAPSLO Annual Convention in San Diego. NAPSLO, the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices, Inc. (http://www.napslo.org), is a national trade association representing the surplus lines industry and the wholesale insurance distribution system.

About Venture Insurance Programs
Venture Insurance Programs (www.ventureprograms.com) is a leading program administrator that designs, underwrites and distributes industry-specific insurance packages. Based in West Chester, Pa., Venture has underwriting alliances with the world’s leading carrier groups, including Chubb, Allied World, QBE, RSUI, USLI, Zurich North America and Lloyd’s of London. Founded in 1993, Venture provides specialty insurance packages for select vertical industries—including golf and country clubs, golf destination resorts, hotels, resorts, hunting and fishing lodges and city and social clubs.

J.Morgan Salon Joins Lafayette College to Fight Breast Cancer

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Luxury salon raises awareness & funds with pink hair extensions

EASTON, Pa., Oct. 2, 2013 — Today, J.Morgan Salon and Home Store begins a month-long fundraiser to support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The salon is donating the proceeds from the sales of pink hair extensions to a fundraiser organized by Lafayette College group Students Against Cancer.

All proceeds provided to Lafayette’s Students Against Cancer group to be donated to various breast cancer charities. Last year J.Morgan raised more than $1,000 for the local college charity organization.

“This is a great, fun way to give back to the students and staff at Lafayette, as well as bringing attention and support to an important cause,” says Jayson Morgan, co-owner and lead stylist of J.Morgan Salon and Home. “J.Morgan also serves as a wig bank for the American Cancer Society in Easton, providing no-cost wigs and fittings throughout the year.”

The salon is donating the proceeds from all pink hair extensions sold through Oct. 31, 2013. Appointments are preferred for hair extension applications; those interested can make an appointment by calling (610) 258-3480.

About J.Morgan Salon and Home
J.Morgan Salon (www.jmorgansalon.com) is an artistic hair salon in Lehigh Valley, Pa., dedicated to providing clients with an inviting, one-on-one experience with high-quality hair cut, color and styling services. Led by Jayson Morgan, a Redken International Artist, Certified Colorist Certified Designer, J.Morgan exceeds expectations. For more information, please call (610) 258-3480 or visit J.Morgan Salon at jmorgansalon.com or at www.facebook.com/jmorgansaloneastonpa.

Natural Products/Health Foods Division Launched at Expo East

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Kimball Communications today announced the launch of a new natural products/healthy foods division, a move designed to clearly define Kimball’s specialization in this growing industry.

With a formal launch planned for Jan. 1, 2014, Kimball began discussions this week with clients at Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore.

“The natural products space is still an emerging market and public relations and social media are ideal strategies for companies to build trust and brand loyalty among consumers,” said Rod Hughes, vice president at Kimball Communications. “Natural products are almost never impulse purchases. They are selected with great intention, so coverage by the media can be the third-party endorsement consumers are looking for when evaluating purchases.”

Social media is also an effective way for natural product consumers to share their stories – and an opportunity for companies to put their brand story in the hands of the consumer, Hughes said.

“When Rod Hughes joined us a year and a half ago he brought very valuable natural products experience and public relations success with brands that are now nationally known,” said agency president Gary Kimball. “Expo East is a perfect time for us to launch a natural products division.

“Public relations gets beyond labels and gives brands the opportunity to talk about unique ingredients or certifications that distinguish the brand while also educating consumers about the healthy product marketplace,” Kimball said. “This engenders trust and loyalty because natural product consumers do lots of research before they buy. It also helps build a distribution network by demonstrating to retailers a brand is in the public eye.

About Kimball Communications

Kimball Communications is a results-driven, public relations agency with offices in Easton, Pa. and Charleston, S.C., dedicated to serving the individual public relations needs of every client. Founded in 1995, the agency provides innovative public relations and social media solutions to a variety of clients. Visit us on Facebook or on Twitter.

Innovative Office Products Launches Busby™

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Popular USB Mount Unveiled at Neocon Now Available, Begins Shipping To Consumers

EASTON, Pa. – Sept. 16, 2013 – Innovative Office Products, Inc. (www.LCDarms.com), today announces Busby, the world’s first flat panel monitor mount with built‐in USB ports, is available and has begun shipping to customers. A video of Busby in action details the convenience and ease of use of the product.

Busby

“The Busby prototype was a huge hit at Neocon in June,” explained Joe Tosolt, president of Innovative Office Products. “Since then, we’ve received a lot of calls and emails wanting to know when it will be available, and that time is now.”

Busby integrates four USB ports into a flat-panel monitor mount, providing convenient access for charging and connecting all USB-enabled devices without consuming additional desk space.

“The USB ports are right in front of you, completely unobstructed,” said Tosolt. Busby combines easily with flexible mounting arms and eliminates the need for adding additional hubs to laptops. For those working on computer towers, Busby eliminates the need to move the tower or to crawl under desks to find available USB ports, potentially damaging the computer itself in the process.

The mount includes power cord and computer connections in the back, and four USB ports in front. It is compatible with most flat panel monitor arms made by Innovative.

To order Busby, please call (800) 524-2744.

About Innovative Office Products, Inc.
Innovative Office Products, Inc. (www.LCDarms.com) blends function and style that improve ergonomics, save space and increase the flexibility of the modern office. Based in Easton, Pa., Innovative Office Products offers mounting solutions that range from flexible radial arms to space-saving mounts for desks and walls.