Our Blog

Is it time for a website redo?

An organization’s website is oftentimes the first or second impression for a new customer, and if the site is outdated, dysfunctional or unorganized, it could be the No. 1 reason customers aren’t calling. The Obsidian team recently attended a PRSA Memphis luncheon where Amanda Mauk, digital marketing manager…

Snapchat: Join the conversation early

Snapchat, the popular social media app that allows users to send pictures and up-to-10-second videos to a controlled list of recipients, has gained exponential popularity over the last 18 months, causing consumer brands to take notice. Yet, brands have been slower to join the Snapchat scene because it…

Pinterest – a secret shame or helpful promotional tool?

I am a frequent user of the social media platform Pinterest. If you are not familiar with this platform, Pinterest is a tool for collecting and organizing things you love. For more information, click here. This platform can be utilized in many ways for personal or business use.…

Mothers Teach Us So Much…

Not too long ago, most of us set aside a day to honor our mothers. Depending on your life circumstances, this could have been a joyous or a difficult occasion. My perspective on motherhood up to this point in life has been almost entirely shaped by my own…

History Lesson: The First News Release Published

On Oct. 28, 1906 (108 years ago), public relations expert Ivy Lee wrote the first news release to journalists about a tragic train accident that happened on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Fifty passengers were killed when a three-car train of the Pennsylvania Railroad's new electric service jumped a trestle…

Conscious Capitalism: Have you heard of it?

I’m fascinated by a movement happening in the business world right now. It’s called Conscious Capitalism. Ever heard of it? Many of you likely have heard of or read the book, “Conscious Capitalism,” by Whole Foods founder John Mackey and Raj Sisodia. The movement is gaining momentum in…

Three Questions to Consider When Writing Social Media Posts

Throughout my internship at Obsidian, I have been given various assignments. From the basic intern-type tasks, like collecting the newspapers in the morning, to the more in-depth tasks, like formulating a media contact list, there is one particular task that I feel has grown on me quite a…

Public Relations is like…

We begin today’s discussion with a well-known brand. Ladies, help me out here. When considering a luxury brand such as Tiffany’s, what comes to mind? Forget diamonds – have you seen their new leather collection? If we must speak about diamonds, did you know you could get an…

Springtime took its time, but it’s finally here! (Unless Mother Nature decides she wants one more dose of winter at some point this week.)

When Ned Stark proclaimed that “Winter’s coming,” he sure wasn’t kidding! Memphians were treated to a colder, icier and snowier winter than normal this year, so I think everyone is glad for the warmer temperatures and opportunities to get out and about and enjoy the city. In case…