WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH…

I have to admit that I was struggling to write this section of the RL&A blog – intended to go out before the holidays – but got caught up in all the end of the year things that make running a small business about as much fun as having your teeth drilled – and never actually got around to finishing. And then there was this small issue of the state of the economy – and the world, for that matter – that put a damper on the holiday season, altogether.

But rather than start the New Year with the prevailing doom-and-gloom attitude, I prefer to see the end of 2008 and beginning of 2009 as a positive thing that will lead to more positive things…and so on as the year progresses. Public relations – unlike advertising and many other marketing options – is one of the more cost-effective ways to spend marketing dollars, so I am cautiously hopeful that RL&A will continue to grow and work with many new and existing clients in 2009 and beyond. Now more than ever, companies need to continue to market themselves to their various constituents – not stop and fall off the radar altogether. And while not meaning to sound self-serving – many people will back me up on this — public relations is a smart way to get more mileage out of reduced marketing dollars, since PR – when done right — typically delivers a better CPM and ROI. PR, now with the added tool of social media, is one of the best spends you will make in the coming year – especially with a firm like Robin Leedy & Associates (just had to slip that in!).

So, with that said, all of us at RL&A wish all of our friends and colleagues, here in the U.S. and abroad, a heartfelt, happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. And don’t worry so much – I predict good times ahead for us all!

THINK PINK WITH ROBIN LEEDY & ASSOCIATES

As a public relations firm that specializes in healthcare and particularly women’s health and personal care issues, RL&A decided to give back to our community and participate in the American Cancer Society’s 15th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk, which took place Sunday, October 19th, at Manhattanville College here in Westchester County.

Breast cancer affects all of us in some way, even touching the lives of family members of some of us here at RL&A in the past few years. This was a chance for us to recognize and support breast cancer survivors and help the American Cancer Society make strides toward eliminating the disease and achieve the goal of never having to hear that you or a loved one has breast cancer.

Together with everyone else that came out for the day, more than $1.6 million was raised to fight this deadly disease and the RL&A team was more than happy to play our part.

The Making Strides walk covered a five mile course that ended with what seemed like the hill to end all hills. The walk started at Manhanttanville and wound through SUNY Purchase before it came full circle and ended back at Manhattanville College. Men, women and children of all ages participated.

The day was gorgeous, not too hot, not too cold, but just right, and everyone enjoyed spending the time together and getting some exercise all while helping out this great cause.

The best part of the day was that everyone on the RL&A team — from our most junior member up — all finished the entire 5K race!