Blog: Public Relations, Writing, Small Business, Mental Health, Photography, Storytelling — Hourglass Media

Q&A: #behindthehourglass with our CEO

Q&A: #behindthehourglass with our CEO

I’m currently reading Grace Bonney’s In The Company of Women, a compilation of sage advice and inspiration from more than 100 women in various walks of life and careers. Reading this book has allowed for a certain nostalgia as I approach my tenth year in my chosen field. This milestone won’t officially occur until 2019, but since embarking on my Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) journey, I’ve been hyper-focused on my own successes and missteps. I chose my 10 favorite interview questions from The Company of Women and answered each with my own “spin” (not to use a cliche PR word).

Behind the Hourglass, Mentorship and CoachingKaylin R. StatenOctober 4, 2018Hourglass Mediabusiiness, small business, public relations, kaylin r adkins, kaylin r staten, kaylin r staten apr, hourglass media, hourglass omnimedia, behind the hourglass, #behindthehourglass, maison de hourglass, behind the scenes, q&a, business, media company

Event Recap: Ethical Decision-Making in Times of Crisis

Event Recap: Ethical Decision-Making in Times of Crisis

On September 21, the Public Relations Society of America-River Cities Chapter hosted “Ethical Decision-Making in Times of Crisis” from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Marshall University with local professionals and students in attendance. Attendees listened to a panel of professionals discuss their own ethical experiences in the workplace and how having a crisis communications plan in place is instrumental during the pre-crisis, crisis and post-crisis phases. Participants also underwent a mock crisis communications scenario in the workshop session.

Public RelationsKaylin R. StatenSeptember 27, 2018Hourglass Mediaethics, code of ethics, prsa, prsa river cities, benefits of prsa, public relations, public relations society of america, crisis communications, planning, kaylin r staten, kaylin r adkins, hourglass omnimedia, hourglass media, behind the hourglass, #behindthehourglass, communications

Mental Health Moments: Panic Attacks Versus Anxiety Attacks

Mental Health Moments: Panic Attacks Versus Anxiety Attacks

Many of us encounter panic attacks and anxiety attacks due to our particular brand of mental health disorder or issue. For me, anxiety masquerades as perfectionism. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, panic attacks and anxiety attacks are two different occurrences. What are the differences?

10 Tips To Help You Tell Brand Stories

There's nothing better than reading, watching or playing a game with a good story. With your business, nonprofit organization, event or wherever you find yourself, you have to have a good story or your efforts will fall through the cracks. Whether you’ve just started your brand or are looking toward a refresh, here are 10 branding tips you can put to immediate use.

Public RelationsKaylin R. StatenSeptember 20, 2018Hourglass Mediapublic relations, brand, branding, rebranding, story, storytelling, kaylin r staten, kaylin r adkins, hourglass omnimedia, hourglass media, behind the hourglass, #behindthehourglass, communications, communications business

A #behindthehourglass Rebranding Journey

A #behindthehourglass Rebranding Journey

There comes a time in every business’ lifetime when it’s time to make a change. It could be a major change, like hiring someone new in the C-Suite or changing physical locations. It could also mean something small, like replacing the broken paper towel dispenser in the bathroom or making sure every Friday is “Wear Your Graphic Tees To Work Day.” Other times call for changes in your business’ narrative. See which recent branding changes we’ve made to our company.

Behind the Hourglass, Public RelationsKaylin R. StatenSeptember 13, 2018Hourglass Mediabranding, rebranding, hourglass omnimedia, hourglass media, behind the hourglass, #behindthehourglass, kaylin r staten, kaylin r adkins, story, storytelling, public relations, maison de hourglass

Mental Health Moments: What Are Unrelenting High Standards?

Mental Health Moments: What Are Unrelenting High Standards?

Your mind races, but at the same time, you can’t capture any one specific thought. Thoughts blast past all logic at record speeds, and you’re caught up in moments of your own personalized “What If” game. We may not be able to get rid of them completely, but these thoughts and unrelenting high standards can be managed.

How Ethics Shape A Public Relations Pro's Career

How Ethics Shape A Public Relations Pro's Career

September is Ethics Month, so our first blog of the month centers on ethics in public relations. If you’re a public relations practitioner -- or in any career field for that matter -- here’s to hoping you have yet to face an ethical dilemma in the workplace. It can be a challenge to read between the lines and see the gray areas outside of the ordinary black and white. That’s where the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)’s Code of Ethics comes in. We don’t have to spin our ethical wheels. Professional values and provisions are outlined for us as industry standards.

How To Become Your Own Mentor

How To Become Your Own Mentor

Whether you’re at the helm of your own business or have dreams for miles about starting one someday, having a mentor can help you wade through the ups and downs. If you don’t have access to a mentor, what are you to do? Mentor yourself. Here are five ways you can be your own mentor.

Mentorship and Coaching, Public Relations, Behind the HourglassKaylin R. StatenAugust 30, 2018Hourglass Mediapublic relations, leadership, mentoring, communications, kaylin r staten, kaylin r adkins, hourglass media, hourglass omnimedia, behind the hourglass, #behindthehourglass

Mental Health Moments: What Is Perfectionism?

Mental Health Moments: What Is Perfectionism?

What is perfectionism? I began to uncover the answer to that question with Australia’s Centre for Clinical Interventions’ “Perfectionism in Perspective” modules. This was one of the most helpful beginnings to my perfectionism journey. Not only did this resource fully define perfectionism in ways I could identify with, but these modules gave me more self-esteem and willpower to make the changes in my life.

Health and Wellness, Mental Health MomentsKaylin R. StatenAugust 28, 2018Hourglass Mediamental health moments, mental health, hourglass omnimedia, hourglass media, behind the hourglass, #behindthehourglass, kaylin r staten, kaylin r adkins, perfectionism, the perfectionist papers, health, wellness, self-care

You Know You’re Meant To Be in PR When…

You Know You’re Meant To Be in PR When…

If you’re considering a career in public relations or are questioning your decision way back when to enter the PR field, here are 10 ways you know you belong in the world of RPIE, ROI and storytelling. No matter which characteristics you may or may not have, make your career your own. It's more fun that way!

Public Relations, Behind the HourglassKaylin R. StatenAugust 23, 2018Hourglass Mediapublic relations, leadership, leadership qualities, kaylin r staten, kaylin r adkins, hourglass media, hourglass omnimedia, behind the hourglass, #behindthehourglass, pr, profession

How to Write Your Own Children's Book

How to Write Your Own Children's Book

Plastic Cupcakes is a reflection of that time period but with a next-generation twist. It’s a counting book for Aunt-Niece duos (or trios, etc.) that showcases the fun and unique bond between an aunt and her niece. When my niece, Aubree, was born on August 2, 2017, I knew I wanted to commemorate her birth by writing her a story. Thus, Plastic Cupcakes was also born. If you’re interested in writing -- and perhaps even self-publishing -- your own children’s book, here are some tips to help you throughout the process.

WritingKaylin R. StatenAugust 16, 2018Hourglass Omnimediaplastic cupcakes, hourglass omnimedia, behind the hourglass, #behindthehourglass, kaylin r staten, kaylin r adkins, children's books, kids, books, book, storybook

Mental Health Moments: The Fear of Turning 30

Mental Health Moments: The Fear of Turning 30

Turning the Big 3-0 can be one of the most daunting milestones to face, especially when you’ve spent the majority of your 20s trying to avoid aging like the plague. You buy Olay face cream, take multivitamins and spend time, money and energy doing other proactive, preventive measures to develop your own Fountain of Youth. But, guess what? 30 still hits you like a ton of bricks -- or my preference, glitter.

Mental Health Moments, Health and Wellness, Behind the HourglassKaylin R. StatenAugust 14, 2018Hourglass Omnimediamental health moments, mental health, anxiety, turning 30, kaylin r staten, kaylin r adkins, hourglass omnimedia, behind the hourglass, #behindthehourglass, learning

Five Qualities from Leia Organa That Can Make You A Better Leader

Five Qualities from Leia Organa That Can Make You A Better Leader

No matter you choose to lead, Leia Organa can also be your spirit animal. Here are five leadership qualities Leia Organa possesses in canon (and legend) tales in a galaxy far, far away.

Behind the Hourglass, Public RelationsKaylin R. StatenAugust 9, 2018Hourglass Omnimediastar wars, leia organa, general leia, princess leia, leadership, leadership qualities, public relations, carrie fisher, behind the hourglass, #behindthehourglass, kaylin r staten, kaylin r adkins, hourglass omnimedia

How To Be A Better Public Relations Leader Within Your Organization

How To Be A Better Public Relations Leader Within Your Organization

Leadership is a primary management function of public relations. Whether you are a Chief Communications Officer of a Forbes 100 company or are an independent practitioner, leadership skills greatly come into play. This August, Hourglass Omnimedia is giving practical leadership and mentorship advice and experienced-based posts to help make your work life a bit easier. These five easy-to-implement qualities will make you a better public relations leader within your organization.

Public Relations, Mentorship and CoachingKaylin R. StatenAugust 2, 2018Hourglass Omnimediapublic relations, public relations society of america, management, leadership, strategy, tactics, hourglass omnimedia, behind the hourglass, #behindthehourglass, kaylin r adkins, kaylin r staten, apr study guide

Mental Health Moments: What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Mental Health Moments: What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

The Mental Health First Aid USA manual states approximately 18 percent of the U.S. adult population experiences an anxiety disorder every year. Like many mental health disorders, onset can occur in childhood, adolescence and/or early adulthood. The median age of onset for many anxiety disorders is age 11 and can be behavioral, psychological, and physical. Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects 3.1 percent of adults with an anxiety disorder.

Five Must-See Places in London

Five Must-See Places in London

When my mom, my Ninny and I traveled to Paris in 2016, we proceeded the trip to France with an all-too-brief few-day stay in London before taking the chunnel to Paris. We loved it! London, I am coming back to you someday. Here are five of my favorite places in London-town.

Behind the Hourglass, MiscellaneousKaylin R. StatenJuly 26, 2018Hourglass Omnimedialondon, uk, england, united kingdom, travel tips, traveling, travel, kaylin r staten, kaylin r adkins, hourglass omnimedia, #behindthehourglass, behind the hourglass, wanderlust, tips

Mental Health Moments: My Road to Grief Acceptance

Mental Health Moments: My Road to Grief Acceptance

I’m of the opinion that you never fully get over the loss of someone you love. The grieving process takes different forms over time, and I have reached the final level of acceptance; however, that doesn’t mean I still don’t break down over a smell, a photograph, a piece of her kitchen wallpaper in the cabinet I know have that was once hers. I do know that I have to move on without her while also keeping her legacy alive for generations to come. I resolved to come up with ways to manage my grief, like writing stories about her, creating an heirloom cookbook and being comforted by using her dishes in my house.

Mental Health Moments, Health and WellnessKaylin R. StatenJuly 24, 2018Hourglass Omnimediamental health moments, mental health, grief, from granny's kitchen, kaylin r adkins, kaylin r staten, hourglass omnimedia, behind the hourglass, #behindthehourglass, health, wellness, stages of grief, anxiety, depression

My Top 4 Children's Books To Help Prevent Summer Learning Loss

My Top 4 Children's Books To Help Prevent Summer Learning Loss

The National Summer Learning Association has a four-page PDF of recommended reading lists for newborns to children in 8th grade. In addition to this expansive and great list, I have some recommendations from my own childhood to share with you. Here are four of my favorite children's books.

Mental Health Moments: The Birth of My Perfectionism

Mental Health Moments: The Birth of My Perfectionism

Every other Tuesday each month, we will focus on #MentalHealthMoments. We’ll explain what mental health means to us, ways to deal with certain types of anxieties and more. Keep in mind that what works for me and other contributors may not work for you. The wonderful thing about life is that we are all wonderfully unique. As a company, we are here to fight mental health stigma. As a person, I’m here to share my story to help others. As a “Recovering Perfectionist,” this is my story. So, in this introductory post, here’s the story I wrote to introduce the Birth of My Perfectionism.

Health and Wellness, Behind the HourglassKaylin R. StatenJuly 17, 2018Hourglass Omnimediamental health awareness month, mental health, kaylin r staten, kaylin r adkins, perfectionism, the perfectionist papers, carrie fisher, anxiety, mental health moments, hourglass omnimedia, behind the hourglass, #behindthehourglass

10 Ways to Fall In Love with Paris

10 Ways to Fall In Love with Paris

The City of Light is my home away from home. Whether you’re traveling to Paris soon or are still in the planning stage, here are 10 ways I fell in love with Paris. And here are some tips on how you can experience your best version of Paris.

Behind the Hourglass, MiscellaneousKaylin R. StatenJuly 12, 2018Hourglass Omnimediaparis, france, travel tips, hourglass omnimedia, behind the hourglass, #behindthehourglass, kaylin r adkins, kaylin r staten, paris france, eiffel tower, travel, traveling, notre dame, sainte chapelle