Portland PRSA Draws Crowd for Spotlight Awards

Portland Oregon's chapter of the Public Relations Society of America drew a nice crowd for its annaul Spotlight Awards last night.  I was on hand as a volunteer still photographer, and my brother, David Bitton, volunteered to shoot video.  Here's the blrub from the PRSA website about the event:

PRSA-PDX's most festive and spirited gathering of the year to honor outstanding work in public relations, to recognize individuals who advance the profession and to have a great time. This annual awards program is an event not to be missed.

David and I had a great time getting to know the PR pros in attendance, especially the team from Portland General Electric, which let us sit at their table.  That's them in the photo above. Hi girls!  A complete gallery of images from the evening can be seen here.  Want to know who won and for what?  Check the results on the Portland PRSA website, www.prsa-portland.org.

SCORE! Free Advice from Pros Who've Been There

Bill Rooney worked for decades in the marketing department of forest products giant Georgia-Pacific.  Today, as a volunteer for SCORE, "Counselors to America's Small Business," he listened to my plans for Bitton Communications.  He said I've got a great start, and suggested some next steps:

1) Develop an "elevator pitch," a concise story to tell people what your company does.

2) Put a short version of that pitch on the back of your business card.

3) Read a book by marketing guru Bob Bly.

I've got the elevator pitch ready.  My business cards will soon be redesigned.  And Bob Bly? Haven't gotten to that yet.  It's on my list!

Thanks for your guidance, Bill!  I'll be in touch with more questions!