• USA Today: This is my go-to application for world news and share-worthy articles.  And you actually can share articles via the app by email, Text, Twitter (posts with Twitterific application) and Facebook.

• Mashable: I love reading Mashable to stay updated on all things social media.  You can now tweet the blog posts, too, directly from the app.

Misc.

• The Weather Channel: I have tried many weather applications and find this one to be the most accurate.  It provides options to view current conditions and hourly, 36 hour, or 10 day forecasts.  The real reason it rocks my world is because I don’t have to wait for the local weather report each morning to decide what to wear.

• Urbanspoon: Have you ever wanted to eat somewhere new or wanted to find a restaurant in an unfamiliar neighborhood? Obviously, we have all been in that situation.  This app is the answer.  It finds your current location, you choose the genre of food and price (or leave it open if you are indifferent), then shake the phone (literally), and it suggests a restaurant.  It also provides reviews and a map.

Social Networking

• Tweetie: I have tried every Twitter application available for the iphone, or at least all of them under $4, because I constantly tweet on the go for multiple accounts.  This is my favorite app for managing multiple accounts efficiently.  It is user-friendly and loads quickly.

• Facebook: I can update my status, upload photos and chat.

Fashion

• Chanel: I view fashion shows while waiting in line at Starbucks.  Need I say more?

• Style.com:  This app allows for quick access to the Style File Blog, photos from shows and parties, and a designer index.  I am a fashion magazine addict so this app is pure entertainment.

Games

• Shakespell: This is a fun word scramble game (to someone who was an English major).

• Sol Free: Free solitaire games.

It is important when first meeting someone to take the time to feel out their interaction style. Are they introverted or extroverted? Do they tend to look at the big picture or have an eye for detail? Are they creative or a more logical thinker? It is important to not rely on your first impression of a coworker. Continue to follow up with them to establish their true interaction style. If one approach isn’t successful, take the time to revaluate and try something different. It is always a challenge to relate to those who are most opposite from us, but individuals who are able to do so will be the most successful.

I have always been more introverted than extroverted. Growing up I was always intimidated by people who were more extroverted than me. I knew I could never relate to them by being loud, spontaneous and outgoing, that just isn’t me, but I could find common ground in other ways. At work I stood out to my bosses through the quality of my work, my organization skills and my responsible nature. With my friends and peers I stood out by being reliable and a great listener. Through these efforts I found ways to relate to the people I thought were so intimidating, and I could still be myself!

For those who are unsure of their own interaction style, there are many businesses that offer personality assessments. One that I have consulted myself is NextWork’s DISC Assessment. NextWork’s DISC Assessment divides people into four different personality types, the Dominate director, the Interactive socializer, the Steady relater, and the Cautious thinker. Once participants know their interaction preferences, DISC teaches them to recognize the interaction style of others. They also give great tips on how to adapt one’s style to better connect others.

To read more about DISC Assessment and to find your interaction style click on the following link: http://www.bizsandiego.com/index.php?option=com_mamblog&Itemid=1&task=show&action=view&id=1411&Itemid=1&utm_campaign

By: Ashley Margo, ashley@boltpr.com

It’s important to recognize there are two key obstacles that we all face when it comes to pitching: our fear of rejection and the other person’s fear of making a mistake.

Let’s look at this from a practical standpoint: a car buying transaction. Some individuals are afraid to lowball because they don’t want their offer to be rejected or they don’t want to be embarrassed by what they are able or willing to pay. On the flipside, the car salesman likely fears that he will make an offer that, in the end, is even lower than what an individual may have actually been willing to pay for the car.

The key to a successful pitch to get exactly what you want is to (a) get over any fear of rejection. It happens to everyone. At some point, everyone is rejected in some capacity. But what separates successful pitchers from unsuccessful pitchers is the ability to pick ourselves up and go on to our next pitch. Sounds simple, and if you value who you are and what you have to offer, then it really is that simple. And the other key to a successful pitch is (b) the ability to demonstrate to the other person that they are not making a mistake by accepting your pitch. This is the more challenging part of the equation, but if you just put yourself in the other person’s shoes, this is an obstacle that becomes easier to overcome. Prior to any pitch, think of all of the possible reservations your pitch recipient could have and evaluate how you can accurately, ethically and with the utmost confidence diminish their concerns.

Most importantly, go into every pitch with the absolute best intentions. Integrity isn’t just one thing; it’s everything. Know that the most successful pitch is one that creates mutually beneficial relationships.

- Caroline Callaway, caroline@boltpr.com

The first thing I noticed when I arrived at Bolt was how close the team is.  It was interesting to observe Anne and Caroline feed off each other’s energy, and the way they balance each other out when working on projects. They are both equally essential to the success of the team, and will do whatever is required to accomplish the task at hand. The two are not only co-workers, they are close friends. I believe relationships like this are rare in the professional world. It is one of the main characteristics that allows Bolt to stand out as an agency. Bolt maintains the same relationship quality with each of its clients as well.

One thing that caught my attention upon arriving at Bolt was the team’s commitment to the clients it represents. In our meeting, the team members described themselves as brand evangelists. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate term to describe them. When I was first introduced to our clients, I could feel the team’s passion for our work.  They were genuinely excited each time a client’s goals were accomplished and if things didn’t go as planned, they were ready with Plan B. For each client they have a “Fail Proof Plan”. The idea behind the “Fail Proof Plan” is if the original approach isn’t returning the results they expected, the team is prepared with a variety of alternative approaches. This only reaffirmed to me that they are willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill their clients’ needs and accomplish their goals.

I am so glad that I have the privilege to work with such a great team. I know this will lead to many new experiences as well as an opportunity to expand my knowledge of the public relations industry. I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish as the Bolt team!

Ashley Margo, ashley@boltpr.com

First utilize such Web sites as VolunteerMatch.org and SmartVolunteer.org to find an opportunity based on location, type of organization or level of commitment necessary. These sites make it a quick and easy process to identify an organization that easily fits your lifestyle. After you commit to a cause be sure to treat your role as a job even though you are not being paid. You are still obligated to attend events when you say you will and to behave professionally. Also, be sure to commit at least three weeks to the organization before deciding it is not a fit for you. Just like a new workout regimen, it takes some time to get into the swing of the activity before being able to determine the benefits.

If long term commitments are not your style, make a vacation out of your community involvement and signup for a great vacation that allows you to give back to others while giving back to yourself. Study animals in South Africa or Costa Rica through EarthWatch.org and VolunteerAbroad.com, or help to restore the environment in the Caribbean, Key West or Tuscany through SierraClub.org, ReefRelief.org and WWOOF.org. Most of these organizations even give you a discount, if not free, lodging and meals.

The rewards for volunteering significantly out way the simple dollar amount of a paycheck. You can expect to make friends, establish business contacts, reduce stress and boost your overall physical and mental well-being, all while helping others. The important thing to remember is that volunteering, whether a lot of time or a little bit of time, is greatly beneficial and empowering to the community we live in and without it so many things would suffer. Take time as the New Year takes off to identify the ways in which you can schedule volunteering into your schedule, the benefits will seriously surprise you.

Posted by: Monica Kenney, monica@boltpr.com

Today, our whole country – both Democrats and Republicans – came together to watch President Barack Obama swear in to office. The Bolt team was glued to the TV for Inauguration day 2009 and covered the event, plus a little fashion commentary, via Twitter. Below is our tweet by tweet of the historic inauguration of the 44th President:

Working from home today to watch the Inauguration – history happening right now!
The first President Bush and his wife have matching purple scarfs
Loving Hillary’s royal blue coat!
Decided to watch c-span
The Obama girls are little fashionistas!
The whole crowd is waiting, unsure what to do
Now the cheers for Obama are starting
Still making up my mind about Michelle’s outfit…
The anticipation is building…A lot of mingling going on.
Here comes the VP-elect
c-span now showing our Pres-elect!
I think he is trying to hold back from smiling too much
Obama in a red tie and Biden in a blue – so patriotic (good branding)
The music is starting… and there is he is”ladies and gentlemen the President-elect of the United States, Barack H. Obama!” Everyone is seated.
Diane Feinstein is giving the welcome, “the world is watching this peaceful exchange of power”
‘No triumph tainted by brutality could be as sweet as the triumph of this hour’
Regardless of your political views, this is an exciting day
Prayer by Rev. Rick WarrenWow!
RT: @shelisrael #inaug09 posting faster than 1000 per minute.
Aretha Franklin with a large gray, sparkly bow on her head is singing ‘my country tis of thee’ – still has an amazing voice!
Everyone is standing for the oathsBiden is being sworn in
Incredible composition and performance – can feel the emotion in the music. The cello player is incredible and expressive
How cute – the girls standing on boxes. Obama is excited. Is he nervous? blanked when repeating words for a second.
*It is official. We have a new pres – speech time!
“We understand that greatness is never a gift, it must be learned.” – Obama**
poet Elizabeth Alexander – “say it plain, that many have died for this day”***
***”What if the mightiest word is love?” E.A.
Jill Biden looks fab! way to rock the boots and red coat
Great PR move by Obama – including/mentioning ALL of the American people, regardless of belief. Promotes good will.

*According to ABC News, Chief Justice John Roberts misspoke.
**Full Transcript: President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Address, ABC News
***Transcript of Inaugural Poem, NYTimes.com

Posted by: Anne Carr, anne@boltpr.com

Bill Driscoll, a retired Navy Commander and decorated Air Force One pilot, spoke about how to approach problems when you are under pressure in a business setting. While this content was great, he told a personal story that actually induced tears (although I was careful to not let them spill out of my eye balls as it would be embarrassing in such a professional setting).

Although Commander Driscoll is retired, he stays in shape by running on the beach. A while ago he would run by one house that displayed a tattered American flag high on their pole. He grew increasingly agitated every time he jogged past this house. Clearly the owners had enough money to replace a flag if they could afford a beach-front property. He began to take the condition of the flag personally and could no longer be inert. What he really wanted to do was write a nasty letter to help the flag neglecters see their disrespect. But he took a different approach.

One morning Driscoll jogged up to the infamous house and left a new flag on the doorstep with a note. Dear neighbor, Please accept this gift from someone who loves this country, as I’m sure you do. Bill Driscoll.

A few weeks later Mrs. Driscoll relayed a phone message to her husband. A lady had called to thank him for the flag. She explained that her husband had passed away a number of months ago and the putting up the tattered flag was one of the last things he did. She hadn’t been out of the house in a while and had not noticed the state of the stars and stripes in her yard. She replaced it with the new flag and knew her patriotic husband would be smiling down.

Posted by: Anne Carr, anne@boltpr.com