Pascale Communications

PC wins project in new subspecialty

2010-05-26T09:54:00.001-07:00

Starting next week, PC will welcome a new client in another new subspecialty for our team. Rosemary Valenta, the newest member at PC, will be spearheading this project to build awareness for a leading fibrin sealant in the burn and reconstructive subspecialty.

We're looking forward to this excellent opportunity and getting the buzz out on this innovative new product. More details to come in future posts. Stay tuned!

Georgette Pascale named “Nominating Chair” of Children’s Museum Board

2010-05-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

This afternoon in a board meeting for the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh’s, Georgette Pascale was named their incoming “Nominating Chair.” A three-year member of the board, Pascale’s new responsibilities will require her to seek and nominate new members to the volunteer board.

“For years I have enjoyed my time on the board of the Children’s Museum,” commented Georgette, “searching for new faces and fresh perspectives to add to this already dedicated and energetic group will be as much fun as it is work.”

In addition to her existing position, Georgette has also regularly participated in the planning of the Children’s Museum’s annual gala. This years event, the Burgh Blast, took place on May 7 and was (as advertised) a blast for all who attended! Kudos to Georgette on this accolade!

Our New Website – Coming Soon!

2010-05-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

Pascale Communications is excited to unveil our refreshed and redesigned website very soon! Just a short time ago, we enlisted the help of the fantastic web design and development team at MESH Design and Development to help give PC’s site a facelift – and we've made leaps and bounds in making PC’s site look more like home.

While we’ve enjoyed the look and feel (and compliments) of our current website, we are eager to embrace a more flexible infrastructure behind our site. This, along with more integrated social media content, will allow PC to update news and display press featuring our clients and team at any time! Our new site will be better equipped to act as the central portal for us to communicate in a more engaging and direct way, whether print, digital, or even video.

Our team has also had a blast sharing photographs to use on the website; incorporating images of our everyday virtual workplaces was one of our chief tactics in personalizing our new design. Without our unique perspectives and penchant for strong relationships, it would be impossible to deliver PC’s signature mix of incomparable and effective press with a friendly and flexible team.

Thanks again to our friends at MESH for their support and creativity throughout this process – Stay tuned for more updates and the official launch date of PC’s new site!

PC welcomes newest member – Meet Rosemary Valenta!

2010-05-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

This week we’d like to formally welcome the newest member of the PC team, Rosemary Valenta!

From her home in Manhattan, Rosemary will support PC’s clients alongside our existing network of virtual employees and contractors. Rosemary’s diverse experience boasts trade and consumer clients across varied disciplines. Her work with PC will focus on new and creative tactics, from social media to innovative pitching and new business.

Members of Pascale Communications had the pleasure of meeting Rosemary in person last week; We had a fantastic time discussing her rich experience and exciting client history as well as her husband and two young children back in NYC.

We are glad to gain yet another savvy PR pro to our team – Welcome, Rosemary!

Pittsburghers invited to party like kids again at Children’s Museum’s Burgh Blast

2010-05-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

Chris from PC has been busy at work recently on a fun and exciting project with the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh – promoting the Museum's annual Burgh Blast, happening this Friday, May 7th.

This one-of-a-kind gala – Burgh Blast – invites Pittsburghers to celebrate and reunite with their playful side throughout the museums incredible exhibits and space, while enjoying food, drink, and entertainment in the company of several Pittsburgh icons.

Prompted by the Museum's PITTSBURGH: Yinz Play! Exhibit—featuring activities including Bridge Repair, Fireworks and Pittsburghese Illustrated Word Play—the Burgh Blast will celebrate all things Pittsburgh and is a reflection of the city’s energy.

In preparation of this event, PC worked to promote the event in the local media, including print and broadcast. PC facilitated Burgh Blast coverage in WHIRL Magazine, Pittsburgh Magazine, Pop City and recent mentions on WDVE’s Morning Show and blog. Below, Bill Schlageter, marketing director at the Children’s Museum, and Matt Meade, one of the events co-chairs, discuss the Burgh Blast on KDKA’s Pittsburgh Today Live (Watch KDKA).

The PC team is eager for Friday’s event, and looking forward to more great coverage to come! For more information on the Burgh Blast and ticket information visit http://pittsburghkids.org/tickets

Georgette Pascale accepts Diamond Award, thanks family, staff, (and yinzers)

2010-04-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

This week Georgette Pascale, PC’s president and CEO was honored with a Diamond Award from the Pittsburgh Business Times, in an annual event recognizing the regions outstanding business leaders.

Georgette was highlighted for her dedication to flexibility and ingenuity in her management, drive to maximize potential in employees, as well as her continuing mentor and volunteer efforts in the community. Nominated by her staff, and supported by letters from colleagues, Georgette accepted the award by thanking her husband, virtual staff, and Pittsburgh – a city she claims to adore after years in New York City, and despite her newfound admiration for "yinzers."

Among the twelve award recipients were presidents of large, small, and non-profit businesses from the Pittsburgh area, including friend of PC, Pam Schanwald; Recognized for her longtime dedication to the Children’s Home and Lemieux Family Center, for which Georgette serves as a board member and event co-chair.

A full profile of Georgette, and the other Diamond Award winners will appear in the print version of this month’s Pittsburgh Business Times – Subscribers can also see Chris and Allison from the PC team celebrating with Georgette in the After Hours coverage of the Wednesday event!

Congratulations, Georgette!

Shake Your Booties 2010

2010-04-02T10:31:00.000-07:00

Members of the PC team recently attended the ninth annual Shake Your Booties event hosted by the Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center. Simply put, the event was fantastic! Georgette Pascale (pictured),who is a board member also served as a co-chair for the event, and did a remarkable job.

"I am so honored that Rob Lepre (pictured) agreed to co-chair this phenomenal event with me – everything turned out great! The funds raised to help the children make all the planning worthwhile. I am so happy to have been apart of it!"

To the music of NYC jazz vocalist Allan Harris and Pittsburgh's own Etta Cox, Pittsburgh paid tribute to Elizabeth Hobbs and Elin Roddey, two long time board members of The Children’s Home.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed amazing food by Hyde Park, and enjoyed the beautiful riverside views on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. For more photos and information about the Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center visit their website. Thanks to all for a fabulous evening!

Five Minutes With Georgette Pascale

2010-03-08T07:07:00.001-08:00

Georgette Pascale talks to Lou Corsaro about the current healthcare PR environment in the Pittsburgh Business Times "Five Minutes With" column, read the article here!

The Importance of Follow Up

2010-01-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

For many, the stress of business communication concludes when we hit “send.” We sit back, sip our coffee, with one less burdensome task for the day: Mission accomplished, right?

Absolutely wrong! While a strong, tailored message sets the tone for a successful new business appeal, or PR pitch, a positive response is typically the result of several follow up correspondence that establish a professional rapport.

At PC, the key to building awareness around our clients, products, and our own reputation is a series of relationships with editors, physicians and partners, thriving on dialogue and responsibility to drive success. To convey a sense of attentiveness that reassures clients and empowers potential new business partners, dedicate more time to follow up.

Making a new business proposal? Politely check in on a regular basis to ensure potential clients get a sense of your thorough and organized manner. Be specific with any questions, and comprehensive in any responses – after all, a genuine inquiry often yields an equally sincere response. Use your actions to draw parallels between the tenacity you employ to gain their business, and the energy with which you promote their product.

Have clients already? Use consistent follow up tactics to reinforce your staff’s efficiency, rendering the client confident and secure in your care. Don’t leave your clients researching unanswered questions on the internet, or worse, asking your competitors. Establish (and live up to) an image of each employee as an efficient and reliable expert for your brand.

Finally, no client or editor wants to feel like a “task” or target of a mass email. Take the time to develop strong, distinct, lines of communication; follow up messages allow for the “small talk” after the “handshake.” Personable, genuine, and well-researched follow up will result in anything but an empty inbox.

PC Clients in their own words: Why Pascale Communications, LLC?

2010-01-15T05:18:00.000-08:00

To conclude our fabulous week of anniversary celebration, we share with you the sentiments of our amazing network of dynamic clients, partners, and editors. In just a few minutes, we’ve assembled opinions of the most outstanding individuals we work with - Those who inspire us with their vitality and intelligence.

Thanks to everyone for a great week!

Visit the PC Website

Why PC Works: Our staff answers in (around) 140 characters

2010-01-14T05:34:00.000-08:00

We asked our staff, over their morning coffee, to answer a simple by important question – Why does PC work for them. Their responses below are unique and flattering! Thanks to all for your help!

“Lifestyle flexibility for my continuing career and my husband’s retirement; perfect winters in Florida, summers in NW Pennsylvania.” - Deb

“Virtual is convenient for my lifestyle and I've surrounded myself with a diverse groups of colleagues who are all champions of my mission!” - Georgette

“The virtual office cuts out any office drama or politics, plus GP inspires daily with her work ethic, organizational skills, tenacity, creativity, leadership skills” - Devon

“Its taught me 1,001 things about dealing with people - Not only clients, but how to best project myself through any medium, or in person.” - Chris

“I feel I'm a part of something that matters; to my boss, to the clients, to the editors we work with - it drives me to do my best each day” - Erin

“Our team is interested in the clients and companies that we work with. We strive to understand both technology and product, the media’s need, which proves successful by leaps and bound” - Allison

Visit the Pascale Communications, LCC Website

Steps forward in 2009

2010-01-13T10:06:00.000-08:00

The challenges facing companies were increasingly ubiquitous in 2009, as market skepticism prompted constricting budgets nationally and globally. In these trying economic conditions, our team took the opportunity to think creatively on our clients behalf - to best optimize plans, with attention payed to their pocketbooks.

Two of PC’s tireless and enthusiastic account managers, Deb and Allison, describe five projects and ideas that demonstrate the innovative solutions that addressed the client’s needs in 2009 – Our success this year is manifest in our ability to remain adaptable and strategic under confining parameters to help deliver a great final product.

AMO Media Day convenes industry on home turf

With the downturn in the nation’s economy in 2009, PC recommended to AMO that we take Media Day to the publications in order to minimize travel costs for attendees. Media Day 2009 would be held on the east coast, where the majority of publications are located. The attendance in Philadelphia was record-breaking – Participant attendance doubled typical numbers! After this largely PC-organized event, we welcomed the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our media colleagues and contacts! Additionally, AMO’s data and technology updates presented that day were covered extensively in the ophthalmic trade press.

Rapid planning of Clarity media event proves positive results

Clarity was interested in getting back on the publications radars, providing them knowledge of their product, the RetCam, without crossing the lines of their current FDA regulations, which limited what they were able to say as a company. With just three short weeks to plan (generally, we plan over three months), PC was able to organize an event at the annual AAO meeting, attended by all ophthalmic editors and publishers.

Further, our innovative approach, using a more descriptive and educational discussion around the product rather than a process of comparison, was welcomed by participants, who reported some events as too strongly promotional. Our wide-ranging experience and intuition allowed us to achieve phenomenal results, eliciting positive feedback and followup interest to-date.

When virtual doesn’t work - Keep it personal.

PC is a virtual agency—currently, all employees are located on the East coast, in Pennsylvania, New York and Florida. With that said, many of our clients are based in California. While many clients respond well to phone conferences and virtual communication, others respond better to intermittent in-person contact. PC flew to California to meet in-person with a client in 2009, both to launch their PR Plan, and to present their 2010 plan after a successful relationship had bloomed that year.

Throughout 2010, we will be meeting many clients in person when possible, to provide the same personality and security that a traditional business structure suggests, while truly exercising the possibilities of our virtual workplace.

Byline Writing / Pitching - Changed way we do this, KOL submitted, etc

At the beginning of 2009, many editors were faced with the task of cutting articles, unable to outsource articles to writers, and were tied to strict editorial calendars. As a result, PC worked with the publications—we changed our pitching style, assisted in the submission of more MD bylines (coordinated by our team to ensure timely placement) and, in general, increased coverage across the board for clients. Editors began turning to PC for quick turnarounds on articles, with sometimes even less than a week to get from start to finish—and we’ve done it, and will continue to provide the same outstanding services. That’s the PC way!

Be Proactive, Efficient, and Honest

To assuage and economic angst, from both clients and editors, we've streamlined our workflow in 2009 - by increasing the transparency around our daily tasks, allowing the client to most efficiently spend his dollar.

In rough times, prospective clients are examining every cent under a high-powered microscope, determining where to best put their dollars. Generally, it’s not easily convinced to put it into PR. Not only has PC been able to prove their worth through their services, but we’ve also altered the way we work with our clients—by providing measureable proof of activity through monthly detailed project reports, regular updates on progress, and cutting through the fat to get to the meat of what is important to each client.

Visit the Pascale Communications, LCC Website

Five Years and Five Lessons Learned

2010-01-12T06:04:00.000-08:00

While she promised she could generate dozens, we asked our President and CEO, Georgette Pascale, to share just five lessons she has picked up as a young business owner. Here are her tips - one for every year - on success as an entrepreneur:

1) You have to act on your vision and dedicate yourself to the follow-through.

Its simple, and describes all the “hard work” you’ll ever encounter; I am very fortunate, but I wouldn’t say lucky - You will have to work to make your dream happen.

2) Healthy relationships are the key to building a productive business and a thriving personal life.

Take the initiative to create opportunities, build relationships, and then maintain them - Truly rich friendships and client relationships are based on reliability, and a conscious effort to dedicate attention to one another.

3) A great support system is invaluable

From my industry contacts, to my husband, to my lawyer, nanny, and bookkeeper! On top of that, the right staff makes the company; I’m happy to have a great one. Achieving success means having someone on board that believes in your goals for the company (hello, Erin Caffrey!).

4) Business is business; Personal is personal

5) Put your name in the company’s.

With that kind of pressure, you will take the responsibility of being more flexible, nimble, focused, and excited about owning your business.

“Owning a business is, at its basics, pretty simple,” describes Pascale, “be grateful to your friends, return every phone call, smile politely under criticism, on and on... - Rely on the lessons that got you by on the schoolyard, and get you through every day, and whatever you’re trying to accomplish will follow.”

Visit the Pascale Communications, LCC Website

Managing Virtually - The unique PC Team

2010-01-12T05:57:00.000-08:00

A witness to Pascale Communications' growth over the years, we asked one of our longstanding and most loyal employees, and Executive Director, Erin Caffrey, for input on what makes our team and technique so successful.

Managing Virtually

In five years, I’ve learned a lot about management. While some things, like client services are the same both in an agency or working virtually (be responsive and and put the client’s needs first), there are aspects of a virtual office that are truly unique.

Bottom line: It takes a self-driven, organized and focused person to make a successful arrangement. When managed successful the result is a nimble, effective team!

There is a delicate balance between bringing on new, eager talent and experienced veterans. We have a healthy mix of both that educes a intergenerational collaborative environment.

Visit the Pascale Communications, LCC Website

Pascale Communications Celebrate Five Year Anniversary!

2010-01-11T06:03:00.000-08:00

January 2010 marks the fifth anniversary of Pascale Communications, LLC and we are proud to embrace the new year, and this momentous occasion with a growing list of over twenty clients with their flourishing team – declaring this week “Why PC Week,” a week devoted to celebrating and recognizing a spectacular five years.

President and CEO, Georgette Pascale is grateful for her good fortune in clients and staff since her beginnings in New York, “Five years is a big deal, especially in this current economic environment, I owe reaching this milestone to our nimble virtual structure, long-standing healthcare industry relationships, and creative PR tactics. Not only have we survived these five years, but we’ve thrived, growing both our employee and client base.”

PC had a great year in 2009! We’re excited to take on 2010 relying on our loyal and dynamic clients and capitalizing on the new subspecialties added, client meetings, and awards that have set such a positive and productive tone in the past year. Congratulation go to Georgette for being recognized in the PharmaVoice100 list of inspiring individuals in the life sciences in the past year.

This week is our dedicated “Why PC Week,” where we will be featuring all types of media here on our blog and across our social media, based on word from our clients and staff, on why PC is truly unique in the healthcare PR landscape.

View the press release here

This Friday, Keep a look out for a special video! And tell don’t forget to comment!

We love hearing from you - Tell us, how would you celebrate five years?

Happy Holidays from PC!

2009-12-23T13:19:00.000-08:00

Our week-long winter holiday is just hours away and the team at Pascale Communications, LLC could not be more excited for 2010! Embracing new clients, meetings, and subspecialties in the new year, we look forward to the time to recharge and enjoy the company of our family and friends.

Working virtually, rather than in a traditional office, the PC team could list dozens of reasons to love working from home. We’re reminded of this during the holidays, when seasonal music blares from our speakers, decorations can overtake our home offices, and an entire tin of cookies can be eaten incognito – all due to the flexible structure that makes PC so efficient year-round.

So with business plans set, annual reports mailed, and client “out-of-office” messages filling our inboxes, we asked our team to use their last cookie-soaked calories to assemble a home office “wish list” – for the work-from-home setup of our dreams.

When asked of her own suggestion, Georgette, PC’s president and CEO responded saying, "In the past I’ve sought new gadgets and goodies, because for years I’ve had the best accessory of any home office, hands down: an amazing team. This group of talented and energetic employees has shown real dedication, and I’m so grateful to be taking on 2010 with their support!”

PC’s Home Office “Wish List” (in no particular order):

Personal Chef

Packing your lunch doesn’t get easier from home, explains Audra: “I’d love a personal chef who would prepare and serve lunch each day, then also maybe a bicycle pedal feature on my office chair, so I could get a workout while I’m at my desk.”

Childcare

With a growing number of children in our PC family, the challenge of balancing work and home life is an often discussed topic. One of our newest mothers shares her addition to the list, “Anything that makes working with a newborn easier is great, especially around feeding time!”

My Own “Joan”

When you work at home alone, there’s no one to field the phone calls or drop-in visitors. Some well-meaning family members and friends don’t always get that working at home means just that – working! “When I watch Mad Men, I always think of how much I’d love Joan around my home office,” explains Deb, “She thinks great on her feet and has a thousand ways to say ‘No.’ She could also help with coffee too.”

Ink

Working from home definitely has its perks, explains Allison, “but having to run out in the cold when your printer is making ‘green’ copies can be a challenge! I’d choose ink, forever.”

Birthday cake

While some responses mentioned a personal chef who could address any kind of hunger, some were more specific with their food-oriented requests: “For a while I thought I missed birthdays in the corporate setting – I’ve recently realized it was just the cake.”

iPhone

For the team at Pascale Communications, LLC, working virtually can mean answering emails on the subway in NYC, in your home office in Pittsburgh, or on a laptop in San Francisco. “The right tool is important to stay connected,” suggests Amy. “I have a smartphone, but I need something that’s going to be as reliable as it is a tool for productivity.”

Paper Cutter

“Its terribly nerdy,” explains Christopher, Pascale’s newest member, “but since I was in my teens I’ve wanted a big one, like your elementary school had.” Now performing PC’s media publication monitoring “I’d still be using it, I’m sure - but my parents never took the request seriously.

The team at Pascale Communications, LLC would like to wish a safe and happy holiday and a happy New Year - We'll see you in 2010!

The Cheer is Here

2009-12-11T13:43:00.000-08:00

The PC Team convened in Pittsburgh last night for our annual holiday party. Amidst a flurry of food and conversation, our typically “virtual” team had the opportunity to meet face to face at Toast! in Shadyside.

Georgette, President and CEO of Pascale Communications, LLC, took the opportunity to speak about the goals set out for 2010, and to reflect on the many unique skills each individual contributes. “I moved to Pittsburgh five years ago during a bitter December,” she remembers, “and I could not have imagined that our small team would grow into such a talented and diverse group. I’m remarkably thankful!”

The Art of Physician Wrangling

2009-11-09T14:36:00.000-08:00

Want healthcare press? Brush up on some tips from a Pro: PC’s Erin Caffrey writes for O’Dwyers PR, “The Art of Physician Wrangling” http://bit.ly/4mOHKd

Returning from AAO

2009-10-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

We spend hours preparing for these huge medical conferences. Once on-site we attend meetings from 6am – late at night for days straight. What do we get out of all of the editor meetings, booth presentations, courses, symposia and dinners? Here’s what our team netted from this year’s American Academy of Ophthalmology:

Nearly fifty newly confirmed articles for our current clients, more than ten new business proposals for 2010, a successful five year anniversary party with more than 60 attendees, and insights into leading clinical trends in retina, glaucoma, cataract and refractive surgery.

We try to stay on the front edge of the curve in this and other subspecialties. Staying visible at these top industry meetings is key…we’re looking forward to the next one! Dermatology? Plastics? Urology? Stay tuned…

2009-10-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

So you missed Georgette Pascale’s interview with Jim Roddey on WMNY? No Problem! You can catch all of her advice for small biz and entrepreneurs on the MoneyTalk1360 podcast!

Here's the link

2009-10-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

Vision Expo West 2009 mirrored consumer trends echoed on the nightly news. Historically a fashion focused meeting with an emphasis on whatʼs new and hot in optical dispensing, the tenor of this yearʼs meeting was more subdued; the “buzz” from the symposia and exhibit floor you ask – practice management tips, including the transition to electronic health records (EHR).

Office efficiency is imperative especially with patients cutting back on what they deem "expendable” healthcare costs (including eye exams). We find benefits to online banking, scheduling, bill paying, gift buying, etc. Likewise, implementing EHR into any healthcare practice (large, small, corporate, private, etc) saves time and money in the long run. The data and testimonials support this. Vendors, including our own client, Compulink Business Systems, are providing educational programming to eye care professionals on site at upcoming medical meetings. These programs will help business owners and practitioners understand the benefits and considerations when transitioning to EHR. Keep an eye out for Compulinkʼs AAO booth program, and take note of more educational articles on this topic in both the optometric and ophthalmic industry journals. Itʼs sure to continue to be a hot topic next year.

Retina Congress 2009

2009-10-09T03:00:00.001-07:00

The Pascale Communications team traveled to the Retina Congress 2009 in New York, where our time was spent meeting with ophthalmic editors, clients, and attending symposia specifically targeting the industry's most reputable retinal specialists.

While this year's meeting focused on education and the advancement of quality care, our energy was targeted towards the use of multimodality retinal imaging for diagnosing a variety of disease states, and the drug delivery systems and drug therapies that treat them.

It was a great opportunity to sit down with clients to begin discussing our collaboration in 2010, which will resume in San francisco later this month at the annual American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting. More AAO news coming soon!

2009-10-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

Another great week for Pascale Communications! With two new projects for a veteran client, and a new assignment for a more recent client, the team is planning a busy autumn. We even used our virtual "skills" to beat travel trouble and won a project in Boston via Skype! Who else is looking forward to San Francisco at the end of the month!!

Advice on working from home, in time for the G20

2009-09-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

Working from home during G20? As an all-virtual company based in Pittsburgh, the members of Pascale Communications, LLC are experts on working from a home office. Devon McSorely, Director of Business Development, offers her insights to fellow Pittsburghers planing to work at home during the G20 summit. Read more to see how working from home has fueled five successful years for our team!

Article Link: http://pascalecommunications.com/index2.php?p=our_thoughts&did=working_from_home

The Importance of Mentoring to Budding Female Entrepreneurs

2009-09-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

Pascale Communications’ Georgette Pascale was a featured author for WomenandBiz.com’s back-to-school article issue. What makes a great mentor? Georgette says, “Honesty, accountability, encouragement, and guidance.” Read on below!

Article Link: The Importance of Mentoring to Budding Female Entrepreneurs

Getting Traction for a Radio Show

2009-09-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

In a recent Business Week column, Pascale Communications’ Georgette Pascale utilizes her versatile background to offer advice to an up-and-coming radio host. Urging him to “stay realistic” when establishing a new listener base and promoting his show, Pascale also encourages the host reminding them, “Now more than ever, success is all about networking and who you know." Read more below!

Article Link: http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/aug2009/sb20090819_678801.htm

Fall Semester Internship Opportunity

2009-08-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

Starting Date: Fall Semester, 2009

Schedule- This is a part-time (Interns can set their hours around their class schedule) non-paid internship. Past interns have submitted their time here for school credit. We work closely with university employees/contacts to verify the workload being completed.

Workplace Environment- We are an all-virtual PR firm, so candidates can conveniently work remotely in their home office environment.

Duties: This is a challenging position with a healthcare industry public relations firm. Pascale Communications interns do not stuff envelopes and mail kits. Our interns get hands-on account experience in the nuts and bolts of running a healthcare PR account. Duties include but are not limited to: media list development and confirmation, pitch development, assisting on active pitches and following through with segment or article development, byline/article development, online meeting and study search and reporting.

To learn more about Pascale Communications, please visit our website at: www.pascalecommunications.com

All interested candidates should submit their credentials/resumes to: info@pascalecommunications.com

Georgette Pascale Comments on AHIP's New National Ad Campaign

2009-08-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Pascale Communications’ Georgette Pascale was cited recently in the debate over healthcare reform. In an article published in Managed Healthcare Executive about a new ad launched by America’s Health Insurance Plans, Pascale responded positively to the campaign and reform saying, “Simply put, this is definitely a great strategic decision from a marketing/ ad/ PR messaging perspective.” Read on below!

Article Link: AHIP's new national TV ad campaign supports bipartisan reform.

Ad on Youtube: "Illness" - AHIP Reform Ad

Deb Holliday recently helped to plan a “Media Day” for one of our clients; her take on why this event is so important is below!

2009-08-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

This year marked the fifth anniversary of Abbott Medical Optics, Inc.’s Media Day. While each one has been extremely successful and worthwhile for all those involved, this one will go down in the books as a standout for both Abbott and for the publication representatives in attendance.

What is Media Day? Media Day provides the opportunity for the company to present an overview of key clinical data, the latest product information and insight on key industry issues to the media given by a panel of leading clinicians and executives...all in one place. It also gives the media, the AMO marketing teams, and PC the chance to build relationships in more intimate setting than is possible at the large ophthalmology and optometric congresses.

Following each year’s event, Pascale has sent out a survey to each member of the media who attended, soliciting their feedback and suggestions. Every year we hear that our Media Day is the best in the industry. Always wanting to build on that success, we strive to incorporate the publication’s wish list in planning the next Media Day. The resounding request after the 2008 event was that we hold this year’s somewhere on the east coast. In previous years, it has been held in the California headquarters of AMO and in Aspen, CO.

With the economy being what it is in 2009, we recommended to our team at AMO that this would be a great year to have the event in the majority of the Publications’ backyards. Almost all of the trade publications are based in Philadelphia, Cleveland, New York, and New Jersey. AMO wholeheartedly agreed; this year it was held in Philadelphia and we had an amazing turnout; over 40 media representatives were in attendance.

AMO relied on us to do the early-stage event planning, such as choosing the hotel and restaurants. We researched the possibilities, including asking our media friends in Philly to suggest some venues. PC always plays a key role in all planning and management of the event, and, of course, garners great press from the event every year.

Georgette and I were both onsite and could not be more pleased to report that AMO Media Day went very well and the feedback has been phenomenal! The publications teams truly appreciated AMO’s willingness to “take the show on the road.” Most importantly, we have been able to confirm a slew of articles in progress, based on the product information and new data presented.

PharmaVOICE honors Georgette Pascale, president and CEO of Pascale Communications, LLC

2009-08-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

Every year, PharmaVOICE honors the top 100 most inspiring people in the life sciences industry. This year, Georgette Pascale, president and CEO of Pascale Communications, LLC was selected as one of the PharmaVOICE 100 award winners – from more than 1000 total nominations. The Pascale Communications team couldn’t be more proud of our boss…and mentor. The attached article highlights Georgette’s career, community service, philanthropy and participation in several industry-related organizations. We wanted to share this honor and encourage you all to nominate your colleagues for 2010. Happy reading!

PharmaVOICE July/August 2009

Virtual Internships

2009-07-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

By: Ashley Paterra and Shannon Larkin, summer interns at Pascale Communications, LLC.

Interning in a virtual public relations agency is a unique opportunity and one that we seized with open arms. While the set-up of a virtual work environment may prove challenging for some, we have found it is a perfect match for us. As first-time interns at Pascale Communications, we have found that there are many benefits of working with a virtual PR firm. This internship has taught us to work independently, define project parameters before commencing on an assignment and to think more creatively.

The means of working virtually differentiate from that of the day-to-day work at an office. Having the ability to work from our home office, while convenient, also allows us to learn in a relaxed, familiar environment. We arrange for occasional in-person meetings with our co-workers to catch up on our progress and talk about upcoming projects. Our day starts just as any other PR professional. We check our e-mails, confirm assignments with our co-workers online, dive into our tasks and meet our deadlines. So far, we gained experience confirming media lists, researching medical conferences, writing pitches and even a few bylines. Each day we are given tasks that help us further understand the “nuts and bolts” of a healthcare PR campaign. We are gaining valuable experience that could not be taught in the classroom.

When compared to some of the internships we hear from our fellow classmates, we find that being a virtual intern has challenged us in a very good way. We take the time to work independently and seek out the guidance of our co-workers when we reach a hurdle. This process has taught us to be better problem solvers and also allowed us to be creative with our projects. The team at Pascale Communications truly supports our development, challenging us to come to a solution on our own. After interning virtually with Pascale Communications, we both agree that we learn more in a private, relaxed environment and have a bigger advantage over those who intern in an office setting. The experience we have gained this summer will carry us into our professional careers.

Keys to success in healthcare PR: maximizing exposure and building relationships with your thought leaders

2009-07-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

By: Erin Caffrey, Executive Director, Pascale Communications, LLC

Being successful in healthcare public relations requires the ability to develop and maintain a healthy, responsive and dedicated physician or key opinion leader (KOL) base. Many healthcare PR firms work with physician KOLs to develop releases, facilitate interviews for trade editors or do other promotional activities.

While attention to these seemingly PR101 activities may generate a neutral response from the client, the KOL and the trade press, a successful PR firm actually goes beyond these PR101 tasks. Going above and beyond in this regard includes serving the KOL as a flexible and informed resource that can further enhance the KOL relationship with the company brand, build and maintain respect between the KOL and the PR account person and ultimately, provide creative story angles for editors. It’s a win, win, win!

In fact, we consider this process the art of “physician wrangling.” Success as an effective physician wrangler will net more distinctive, on-message and effective published articles for your client and their brand. It will enhance the company relationship with the physician as well as the editors who will see the PR firm, company and physician as valuable resources – not just promotion hounds.

Tips for successful physician communication include: be informed about the topic you’re discussing (but don’t be afraid to ask questions to understand clinical relevancy better), be flexible with call times (meet the KOL on their time), set clear expectations for article/interview outcomes, follow up after the interview, and once any media is published provide clips for their records and thank them for their time.

Following the suggestions above is not a fail-safe process to a perfect article. There are always contacts that will be difficult to manage in terms of setting up the interview and follow up. However, these steps will net more valuable published articles for all parties involved. The physician, client and editor will all be appreciative that the extra steps were taken. In fact, crazy as it sounds, there will be a point where physicians will actually look forward to the emails from their PR contact as they know they will be managed in an efficient and respectful manner.

Reflections on an Intersection of Generations

2009-07-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

By: Deb Holliday

While I am no expert on “generation gaps in the workplace”; I am a living example of a baby boomer in (un)retirement in a team of Generation X and Y co-workers. While generalization should be avoided, there are group traits that cannot be ignored. I found a working understanding is helpful in today's workplace as we find ourselves amongst a diverse employee base.

WHO ARE THEY?
Baby Boomers are described as workaholics, people-pleasers, self-fulfilling, and in many cases, gain their identity through their jobs.

Generation X is defined as the first to be techno-literate. We usually see those of Gen X as multi-taskers who perform jobs quickly and expect feedback promptly, as well as flexibility and autonomy.

Generation Y is characterized by the need to be constantly connected: Internet, cell phone, I-pod, social networking. In The workplace, these individuals seek immediate responsibility, are goal-oriented and have high expectations of self.

WHY IT MATTERS?
Why is this topic of such great interest to me? I am older than my colleagues at Pascale Communications and have, in fact, children the ages of my co-workers. Anyone starting a new position has a certain amount of apprehension associated with the new responsibilities, expectations, but the age differential added a new dimension. The first time I viewed the company website and realized that my photo and biography would be placed next to those of the Generation X and Y colleagues, I thought twice about my decision to accept the offer of employment. Upon meeting my new coworkers for the first time, I was amazed to learn that I was not the only one with an age issue. I heard my youngest colleagues express concern that despite their technological and PR savvy that they may not be taken seriously because of their age and youthful appearance. I'd prefer to be on that end of the age spectrum, but yet I was empathetic to their concern.

My advice for those who may sometimes struggle with generational issues is to be direct, honest, real and appreciative of the assistance that will most assuredly come. Mutual empathy and respect are key in dealing with a wide range of ages and life experience. My experience in working with colleagues from all generations has been remarkably positive. Mentoring is usually thought of to be a transaction between a young, neophyte and an older, wiser, more knowledgeable individual who can show the younger person the “ropes”. It can, I am pleased to report, work the other way as well.

In need of innovation and creativity – step outside your office!

2009-07-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

Last week was my first business trip since the birth of my third baby in April. I enjoyed every second, too. Two days, southern California (LA, Orange County and San Diego), jam packed with meetings for current clients, potential clients, former clients and industry colleagues. Included in this mix were two happy hours that netted referrals and general good, relevant industry insights. One highlight was a partnership event that I organized with a publisher contact of mine; we hosted a reception of all of our local contacts that was very successful in terms of cross referencing resources to one another. Feedback from our reception was overwhelming. We linked a lot of our client contacts together, intermingled with new faces and were viewed as more than a business partner – we were a valuable resource with connections beyond the standard PR firm.

At the end of two busy days, I walked away with referrals, mutual respect, accolades, compliments, project confirmations and business cards. Something a full week of work from my office could not have netted. The trip revived me, inspired me and helped line up some new business opportunities for the PC Team.

It’s not a new message, but one that is worth repeating. GET OUT THERE! In a recession, especially after your third child, it would be easy to hunker down in the office and work, work, work. Yes, we need to make sure our current clients are being serviced beyond the norm. We also need to go beyond our office walls, meet people on their terms, get excited about our business, partner with people who support us – never underestimate the power of networking! There is new business to be had. It’s a small world, go meet it!

Reader's Digest embraces multimedia, reduces frequency of print publication

2009-06-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

This article is from the Chicago Tribune and shows a trend that we are starting to see with print publications. This change in the way publications are working presents challenges and opportunities to us in the PR field. It really highlights how important PR is.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-us-readers-digest-changes,0,4577597.story

Eli Lilly ‘Ghostwrote’ Articles to Market Zyprexa, Files Show

2009-06-24T06:37:00.000-07:00

This article from Bloomberg is a good reminder about validity of peer-review data and helps to put perspective on corporate involvement in ghostwriting activities. There is a lot of buzz about this topic in the consumer media recently.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aVvfe.v1k_VY

An Open-Mike Event for Small-Business Ideas

2009-06-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

People are in need of inspiration, innovation and being reminded that it’s okay to take risks—even if it requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Thus, insert the fresh idea and benefit of an “open-mike event” to share successes in small business. Nothing better than a round-table brainstorming discussion to spark new, and useful, ideas to thrive!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/04/business/smallbusiness/04blob.html?ref=smallbusiness

Welcome from Pascale Communications

2009-06-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

When I started Pascale Communications, LLC, one of my main goals was to cultivate an experienced, diversified staff that brought many different backgrounds and areas of expertise to the table. Nearly five years later, PC is expanding our communication and networking model by taking advantage of the social media that is at our fingertips. On a personal level, most people dabble in Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social networking sites. Now, as president of a growing healthcare public relations firm, I seek to increase PC’s professional network online and offer relevant insights into current trends in healthcare, as well as pharmaceutical and medical device public relations. We will also provide feedback from medical conferences that our team attends, recent campaign successes, networking tales and some articles you might have missed about us. My team and I will also offer professional insights into entrepreneurship, mentoring, managing (and working in) a virtual office and other related business development topics related to our team’s expertise – healthcare PR. We welcome you, happy reading and please feel free to send us feedback or request any other topics that you’d like us to cover. Enjoy.