New Feature: Pimp This Job

Welcome back to our few readers. As mentioned during yesterday's fabulous lunch at the Supreme Court -- for those who RSVP'ed and then couldn't show, you missed an amazing event -- we're starting a new feature on our blog. I'm calling it "Pimp this Job."

Basically, if you know of an open position, send us the details and we'll post it here. So, without further ado, the first job to be pimped:

EMPLOYER: National Institutes of Health
LOCATION: Bethesda, MD
TITLE: Public Affairs Specialist- OD/OCPL-DE

LINK TO FULL JOB DESCRIPTION:
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=70059700&AVSDM=2008%2D03%2D26+00%3A03%3A01&Logo=0&q=public+affairs+specialist&paygrademin=11&paygrademax=13&FedEmp=N&sort=rv&vw=d&brd=3876&ss=0&FedPub=Y&SUBMIT1.x=51&SUBMIT1.y=4

Some extra words on why you should apply:

* Position is one of two point people on all NIH media activity. (Last year saw more than 3,000 interview requests.)

* Great career post for news junkies. One of the people in the office has been doing this for 30+ years! Every day is different.

* Always interesting. It's a fantastic opportunity to be "on-the-pulse" of a medical research agency's news and discoveries.

* Requires fast thinking and cooperation. Key challenge is balancing priorities of multiple constituents.

* Perfect combination: Active public affairs shop in stable and secure government office (with great benefits!)

* Once you’re in, there are always other opportunities within News Media Branch, Office of Communications and Public Liaison, NIH and government.

The person in the position now would stay, but he is being promoted/transferred to another role within same branch. Right now, he's doing both this and his new job at the same time so he begs of you... Apply today! [The position is open until April 10, but applying for a federal job takes a little time.]

What do CCG members want?

The question came up lately, what happened to the name tags at CCG lunches? I was reminded that at most (if not all) networking events, I've been asked (forced?) to wear a name tag. While I like being able to see other people's, I never liked wearing one myself. So one of the reasons we don't wear name tags at CCG lunches any more - in addition to not having any - is that I didn't really want to bother with them.

But I turn the question to the group: Should we bring them back?

There are a few dollars in the CCG coffers now. I could buy some tags and a few markers. But do you, CCG members, really want to wear them?

Chime in, share your thoughts. And while you're at it, let us all know what topics we should cover next, where you want to eat next, and anything else you want from your free CCG membership.

-- Joe

Head's Up: March Lunch at the Supreme Court

For those who are faithful readers of our blog, a little advance warning...

The email notice for the March Lunch -- which is at the Supreme Court -- will go out at 10:05 Monday morning. This lunch typically fills up within an hour! So if you're interested, make sure you're online Monday morning so you can respond quickly

So What Makes a Good Radio Promotion

After our February lunch, Tammy Lemley, Vice President, North American Network was kind enough to provide 8 tips for running a successful radio promotion. Read below and let us know what you think about her advice ... or add tips from your own experience with radio promotions.

1. Be creative!
2. Choose prizes that you’d want to win! Gas cards, gift certificates, electronics, a behind-the-scenes tour, early release of a new product, cash, trips & tours. Remember, you can partner with another organization to secure prizes. Or combine smaller prizes to create a “prize package” where the sum is greater than the parts!
3. Provide enough prizes so that stations can do a week-long giveaway. They typically like to give away one prize per day, Mon – Fri. If you have prizes of varying value you can give away the smaller prizes earlier in the week & build excitement for a “Grand Prize” giveaway at the end of the week.
4. Think about your timing… do you want to tie in to a certain event or holiday? Holidays can be a very competitive time to get on the air, but they can also be a great time to do a giveaway, if you plan ahead. Pitch stations 8-10 weeks in advance & get prizes that will be especially hot items during the holidays. For ex: a Wii or Playstation 3 game system.
5. Give stations contest ideas, but also give them some flexibility to adapt your giveaway to their station.
6. Give stations the tools to post your contest online! Radio stations are using their websites! They’ll often promote your contest on-air and online. Be prepared to provide a logo & link for their website, as well as web copy & images of the prizes.
7. Consider market-exclusive promotions – stations prefer exclusivity!
8. Get it in writing! Station agrees to provide a recap with number of on-air mentions, estimated ad value and an aircheck!