A lot of details go into launching a new product/service, or even making the “big" announcement. On the PR side those can include (but not limited to) briefing analysts, reviewing messaging, developing collateral and even drafting a press release.

However with all the preparation that takes place beforehand, you cannot neglect having key executive spokespersons available for media when the calls start coming in.

A perfect example of everything working like clockwork is Cemaphore's MailShadowG launch, which took place yesterday. This is an announcement that broke in the NY Times, in a Scobleizer blog by Robert Scoble, and subsequently by more than 31 additional editors and publications in the space of the announcement's first 24 hours.

All prep work was done well in advance, and after the press release went out the phones started ringing. Having discussed availability prior to the launch made it easy for the Snapp Conner PR team to reach key executives immediately and secure interviews.

Congratulations Cemaphore for a successful launch of MailShadowG. We'll be sharing much more about this PR launch within the next several days.

– AxisPointe, Cemaphore, Cymphonix, DirectPointe, Grow Utah Ventures, InteliSum, NorthWest Dive & Travel, SilverLeaf and SISEL International make 19 companies to join Snapp Conner's roster since the agency's launch in 2007 –

SALT LAKE CITY—March 12, 2008—Snapp Conner PR, Utah's most progressive PR agency, has announced the addition of nine new clients: AxisPointe, Cemaphore, Cymphonix, DirectPointe, Grow Utah Ventures, InteliSum, NorthWest Dive & Travel, SilverLeaf Companies and SISEL International. These new clients are a strong component of the rapid growth Snapp Conner PR has experienced since its inception in April 2007.

“We are excited to be working in a region where companies know and understand the value of PR," said Jeremy Kartchner, Senior Account Director at Snapp Conner PR. “The growth we have experienced in the past 11 months is truly remarkable. This growth shows that we offer our clients an unsurpassed level of innovation as well as a results-specific approach to PR, giving them the tools they need to achieve optimal business success."

The agency's new additions are as follows:

AxisPointe is the leader in facility asset management and outsourced post-construction customer service. AxisPointe has fused and simplified the core facility management functions in a single, web-based system. Their outsourced post-construction services eliminate the hassle, risk and unnecessary cost during the builder warranty period.

Cemaphore Systems, Inc., Cemaphore Systems delivers unprecedented email continuity, disaster recovery and content management for organizations that demand greater uptime for their email systems.

Cymphonix provides small and medium sized organizations technology to manage network threats and resource optimization by controlling both Internet browsing activity and Internet application activity – ensuring that mission critical information has the resources it needs.

DirectPointe, recently ranked #1 worldwide by MSPmentor, is the nation's most comprehensive managed service provider (MSP), offering both a technology platform and the most complete and advanced managed services for VARs, service providers, businesses and individuals.

Grow Utah Ventures helps create new business and put money back into Utah by training, mentoring and funding local entrepreneurs. Grow Utah Ventures mentors and provides support in three key areas, training, funding and rallying to help entrepreneurs get started. They also provide and help entrepreneurs find all these services locally while educating current business leaders to ensure they recognize the important role entrepreneurs play on a local economy.

InteliSum, Inc.(ISI) is a fast-growing software and hardware technology company that specializes in next-generation 3-D visualization and design technologies. Its software takes LIDAR (Light Detection & Ranging) to another level with the integration of 3D applications into one easy-to-use software platform that enables real time, incredibly accurate 3D data capture.

NorthWest Dive & Travel Expo, May 2-4th at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, features the latest in training, exhibits, and hands on experiences for divers of all ages and skill levels. It is the first consumer dive show in the Pacific Northwest in more than 25 years.

SilverLeaf Companies is a fast-paced and progressive financial services company based in Salt Lake City. The company comprises four divisions: SilverLeaf Capital, SilverLeaf Realty, SilverLeaf Development and SilverLeaf Strategic Partners. In its first 10 months of life, SilverLeaf has already placed more than a half-billion dollars under management. With a board that includes top executives from throughout the U.S. and investors that span a variety of interests including the entertainment industry and well-known professional athletes, the company acts as a “fund of funds" to bring the right investors and deals together.

SISEL International was founded by industry icon, Tom Mower, Sr. and his sons, Tom, Jr. and Darick, SISEL has already positioned itself as a leader in the industry with scientifically-based products and an unmatched compensation plan. SISEL carries a full line of liquid nutritionals, nutritional supplements, hair care, anti-aging, skin care and home care products using natural ingredients.

Snapp Conner PR is also the agency of record for the Accend Group, Alianza, Altiris, Broadcast International, Central Logic, ContentWatch, Footnote.com, Finicity, Owen Jones and Partners, PresenceID, Timpanogos Technologies, the Utah Technology Council (UTC), and the Young Entrepreneurs Association (YEA).

For more information about Snapp Conner PR please visit www.snappconner.com.

About Snapp Conner PR
Born out of 23 years of specialized experience in the technology industry, Snapp Conner PR provides all aspects of strategic and tactical PR execution for companies in the technology, health and wellness and life sciences space. Snapp Conner PR assists organizations ranging from start-ups and growth companies to established ventures and public companies in creating and executing PR programs to achieve maximum possible business results.

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Paul Gillin, a social media journalist, recently posted an article about “Courting Online Influencers.” In it he mentions the differences between a reporter and an influencer. Though it is quite possible for an influencer to be reporter, the opposite doesn’t always have to be true.

Without giving away the punch line of his article, he discusses some key points of interest in understanding an influencer, and therefore striking the “excitement” chord with the perfect pitch.

Click here to read Paul Gillin’s article: Courting Online Influencers

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 27, 2008 –Snapp Conner PR, the Utah region's most progressive PR agency, today announced the addition of Jamie Kaneko as Senior Public Relations Associate, Kenny Caldwell and Brittany Snapp as Public Relations Associates.

Kaneko joins the Snapp Conner PR team from Richter7, where she was a public relations account manager and worked with clients such as ShieldZone, Vantage Legrand, O'Currance Teleservices, Dairy Farmers of Utah and Newpark Resort.

Caldwell recently graduated from Utah State University with a BS Degree in Journalism/Communications with a PR emphasis and a minor in Human Resource Management. While at USU, he worked on public relations campaigns with AirLaunch LLC.

Snapp holds an associates degree in political science from UVSC and is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Utah. She brings years of experience in consumer relations and marketing strategy.

“Although our primary expertise is in the technology industry, we continue to demonstrate our diversity and depth by expanding our client roster to other industries," said Clayton Blackham, senior public relations associate. “Jamie, Kenny and Brittany all bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our agency that will enhance our existing team."

At Snapp Conner PR, Kaneko, Caldwell and Snapp will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic public relations programs for existing and new clients and helping the agency grow and meet key strategic goals.

About Snapp Conner PR
Born out of 23 years of specialized experience in the technology industry, Snapp Conner PR provides all aspects of strategic and tactical PR execution for companies in the technology, health and wellness and life sciences space. Snapp Conner PR assists organizations ranging from start-ups and growth companies to established ventures and public companies in creating and executing PR programs to achieve maximum possible business results.

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A common question we get from our clients is, “Why should I podcast?"

The thought is, “I all ready send out press releases, post white papers, and even make time for interviews. Do I really need a podcast?" The short answer to that is, yes!

In the fast-paced society we live in, we need to gather and assimilate information quickly. While the above mentioned collateral is integral to your media communication, podcasts will only enhance your visibility and search-ability online.

On a personal note: When we started Snapp Conner PR, most people found us online via the podcast. We didn't even have a working Web site yet!

Let's face it. Video is a very powerful medium out there.

Don Osmond

Senior PR Associate

Are you a PR professional interested in joining Utah's most progressive high tech agency?

Snapp Conner PR is opening several positions for bright individuals to participate in high-tech public relations in a successful, vibrant, team-oriented organization.

Account Executive candidates should be growth-oriented, account-driven strategists with prior PR agency experience. Qualified candidates should have a bachelor’s degree and 2-5 years experience in public relations with proven ability to manage client relationships. High-tech agency experience is a plus.

Does this sound like you? Contact us at info@snappconner.com.

How do you survive when your reputation is challenged publicly; let alone thrive?

When your company undergoes fierce media criticism, it takes a lot of self control to not lash out against any false, defamatory or misleading claims.

Goodwill is the most valuable asset of any company. When that reputation is threatened, protecting it becomes the highest priority. This is particularly true in today's news cycle. News disseminates, whether true or not, in real-time via electronic media (Web 2.0, blogging, etc.). The danger of this is the potential of hearsay. Some bloggers may post news live, as it is happening, often neglecting critical editing as with other media. Maintaining a clear message at this point becomes even more critical since it is such a pervasive and persuasive medium.

To emerge unscathed is virtually impossible, but if an organization acts in real-time, presenting the appropriate message, the story can become more easily managed before it spins out of control.

Key points to aware of during a time of crisis:

• Respond quickly with appropriate messaging
• Find the main reason for the crisis immediately
• Support the media by providing information as often as it becomes available
• Consider the most effective form of media to disseminate the message
• See the story through to the end

Don Osmond
Senior Associate

We've all seen the field in our e-mail settings, but there has been some confusion as to how/why one would use the “blind carbon copy" function – BCC.

Unfortunately, there are some out there who can't help but spam their press releases. And, it's true that it is the quickest way of getting your message to reporter (though not the most effective).

Consider the fact that you have personal information on each of these reporters (their e-mail addresses). You realize how important it is to respect privacy, and not list everyone's e-mail address in the “To" field visible to all, but you want to get this e-mail out right now. This is where the “BCC" field becomes useful.

The BCC field acts much like “To," but when the e-mail is received, all addresses will not be visible to the recipients; even if they click on “reply to all," the addresses will still be kept private.

Note: We don't ever recommend spamming, but if you must send a pitch to multiple recipients, this approach is the lesser evil by far.

Don Osmond

Senior Associate

Like every form of business, Public Relations has its share of the good, the bad and the downright ugly. In the spirit of the season, Snapp Conner PR would hereby like to share a few of Utah's best and worst examples of technology PR.

To read more of the Hall of Fame and the Wall of Shame, click here.

Snapp Conner Team

Once you've begun a public relations initiative, it is important to maintain a steady flow of news. Communicatively speaking, nothing could be more detrimental to your business than to go quiet.

Regardless of extreme optimisms, human nature tends to gravitate toward the negative; and when your company stops making noise, the media began to wonder what is going on behind the closed doors. Or worse… they forget about you.

This is why it is imperative to continue sending out regular press releases, and conducting outreach. If you feel that there is little or no news to share, take a look back at where you've been and what has been completed. Is there something you could share about the growth your company has experienced? Is there an anniversary coming up? How do you compare with where you were last year this time?

Be creative about the news you share. You may not get the intended coverage as with the launch of a new product; however, simply continuing the conversation helps the media know they are working with a company that is more than just a “flash in the pan."

Don Osmond

Senior Associate