"LIFE IN A REAR VIEW MIRROR" begins with a cryptic and purposefully humorous review of the authors' life from birth through the formative years. This life is transformed by the forces of war providing a first view of death, from a very close perspective. This haunting experience is followed by inscription into Military Service and the perilous training that follows to develop a warrior. The story progresses through a peace time service fraught with the problems of unprofessional elements within. Thrust into war in SE Asia, the military next contends with experts unable to accept the new challenge, guerrilla warfare. Recounts of duty in SE Asia demonstrate the horrors of war and those elements of humor intertwined throughout this process of fighting a war without definitive guidelines and lacking the total support of your government. Post war assignments with foreign nations and a brief service in the "black world" with the CIA conclude this military career. The story culminates with a new war, RETIREMENT, and the pitfalls It holds for ex-military personnel

Presenting a robust introduction to public relations strategy, this book helps readers explore their perceptions of what strategy is or might be; highlights influencers of strategic decision making such as distinctions among B2B, B2C, and B2G as well as public relations roles and organization types; discusses the education and training value and limitations of the popular case study; and provides a easy-to-understand overview of four theories important for every "student" (academic and non-academic) of public relations to understand. Excellence theory, contingency theory, rhetorical theory, and social capital theory are introduced. In the spirit of praxis (the application of theory to practice), the authors provide theory-specific and other relevant "keys" for use as the reader seeks to apply what is read to actual public relations cases. As might be expected, highly structured case studies that clearly distinguish between objectives, strategies and tactics are included for the purposes of education and training. The featured set of case studies includes: March of Dimes Rebrand; Inside Pediatrics Children's Mercy Kansas City; Vanity Fair Women Who Do LiftTOUR; TouchNet + Heartland; WeatherTech Public Relations Super Bowl Ad Buy; ZF Race Reporter/Fan Reporter: Europe, Japan and the US; Pinnacle Not So Silent Night; Lee Jeans-Influencer Relations; Fight CRC One Million Strong Collection; Tips for Kids-Seventeen Years Later; and Dairy Queen's Fan Food Not Fast Food Campaign: Retrospective Cases Analysis from the Outside.

Presenting a robust introduction to public relations strategy, this book helps readers explore their perceptions of what strategy is or might be; highlights influencers of strategic decision making such as distinctions among B2B, B2C, and B2G as well as public relations roles and organization types; discusses the education and training value and limitations of the popular case study; and provides a easy-to-understand overview of four theories important for every "student" (academic and non-academic) of public relations to understand. Excellence theory, contingency theory, rhetorical theory, and social capital theory are introduced. In the spirit of praxis (the application of theory to practice), the authors provide theory-specific and other relevant "keys" for use as the reader seeks to apply what is read to actual public relations cases. As might be expected, highly structured case studies that clearly distinguish between objectives, strategies and tactics are included for the purposes of education and training. The featured set of case studies includes: March of Dimes Rebrand; Inside Pediatrics Children's Mercy Kansas City; Vanity Fair Women Who Do LiftTOUR; TouchNet + Heartland; WeatherTech Public Relations Super Bowl Ad Buy; ZF Race Reporter/Fan Reporter: Europe, Japan and the US; Pinnacle Not So Silent Night; Lee Jeans-Influencer Relations; Fight CRC One Million Strong Collection; Tips for Kids-Seventeen Years Later; and Dairy Queen's Fan Food Not Fast Food Campaign: Retrospective Cases Analysis from the Outside.

Strategic Planning for Public Relations: Beginning the Journey is written for the next generation of public relations professionals. It takes account of the changing needs of the PR industry, where strategic thinking is needed in abundance but tends to be in short supply among many people who are just launching their careers. This book is designed to address this shortfall by providing a multi-level understanding of strategy to show how it directly correlates to successful public relations. The book's conversational tone and real world chapter exercises move the reader from insight to strategic vision and application. Exercises at the end of each chapter are designed to help students further explore, reflect on and apply what they have learned. The book's unique approach to strategy and strategic planning provides the tools for students becoming strategists first and tacticians second - essential criteria for successful public relations professionals.

Strategic Planning for Public Relations: Beginning the Journey is written for the next generation of public relations professionals. It takes account of the changing needs of the PR industry, where strategic thinking is needed in abundance but tends to be in short supply among many people who are just launching their careers. This book is designed to address this shortfall by providing a multi-level understanding of strategy to show how it directly correlates to successful public relations. The book's conversational tone and real world chapter exercises move the reader from insight to strategic vision and application. Exercises at the end of each chapter are designed to help students further explore, reflect on and apply what they have learned. The book's unique approach to strategy and strategic planning provides the tools for students becoming strategists first and tacticians second - essential criteria for successful public relations professionals.