Here’s an idea for those of you PR doubters. Why not ask site visitors how they came to hear of your site?

A recent survey of holiday buyers on a client’s ecommerce Website revealed that nearly one third of site visitors can be attributed to PR activity. Verbatim from the email:

"Just thought you’d like to see the responses to one of the questions I slipped in the survey we ran with 4th quarter buyers:

And of those who answered other it was pretty much 1/3 article 1/3 website 1/3 crazy

This tells me close to 30%  (article + TV+ Other)  found us based on PR type activities.   At least that is my interpretation…"

Careful readers will note that the site attracted 3,800 buyers, too.  Want to know more, contact MortarPR here.

Some lucky metropolitan diners will receive a complimentary bottle of "Rome" branded cabernet with their meals next week.  Although the ad community is wondering  why the savvy cable channel selected a on-Italian beverage. Still its a super idea. Comments Andrew Hampp in this week’s Ad Age:

"HBO will offer complimentary bottles of "Rome" cabernet sauvignon at
more than 100 eateries in the three cities to promote the second-season
launch of its sex-blood-and-togas series, debuting Jan. 14. But rather
than have restaurant servers introduce the product by saying "And our
house wine tonight is brought to you by HBO," consumers will be
presented with a polite card at their tables: "A taste of ‘Rome’ awaits
you. Ask server for details."

The appetizing promo was the brainchild of Lime Public
Relations & Promotions, which paired with HBO to promote season two
of "Entourage." Lime President Claudia Strauss said wine was a perfect
way to plug the show contextually while still being creative. "The show
is all about indulgence, and we just felt this was a great way to bring
to life one of the key aspects of the story line."

MortarBlog watchers will be interested to learn that HBO’s agency, Lime, was the force behind Old Navy’s Mascot search (one of MortarBlog’s top 5 promotions in 2006).

Full story here.

John Cook at the Seattle Post Intelligencer reports that Isilon’s IPO is the "best performer in years". From his "Venture blog":

"Isilon Systems skyrocketed in its stock
market debut Friday, with shares rising 77 percent in the best opening
performance for a technology IPO in more than six years… Isilon, which raised $108 million in a public offering that industry
watchers described as one of the hottest of the year. The stock closed
at $23.10, giving the money-losing company a market value of $1.4
billion.

"This is the best technology first day pop since 2000 without
question," said Paul Bard, a vice president at Renaissance Capital’s
IPOHome. The previous title holder: Santa Clara, Calif.-based
Transmeta, which had a first day gain of 115 percent in Nov. 2000." More here.

John’s article in the Post continued:

"The 246-person company, which helps customers such as Kodak, MySpace
and NBC manage their digital storage needs, raised $108 million through
the public sale of stock. It initially was looking to pull in about $80
million.

The sharp rise in the stock even surprised some Isilon executives
who had gathered on the New York trading floor of Morgan Stanley, the
company’s principal underwriter. As the "ISLN" ticker symbol flickered
across an electronic monitor, Isilon’s senior director of marketing,
Jay Wampold, said it "caused us to raise some eyebrows." Full article here.

Mortar watchers will note that Mortar launched the new brand for Isilon back in October.

You can see some of the work here (Website). And here (The Almost Awards). Isilon is our first debut on the public markets since we founded Mortar back in 2003.

PR Sr. Account Executive/Account Manager (part-time/contract ok)

It’s taken us nearly three years, but we’re now firmly on the map (in new digs on Maiden Lane). We’ve also attracted a great mix of clients who love our blend of brand consulting, PR, integrated marketing, and creative results. 

Now, we need a fiendishly clever Public Relations pro to keep pace with new accounts.

You’ll need 3-5 years experience in technology-based public relations, with at least 1-2 years agency work.  Additional experience B2B or B2C experience is a plus.  You’ll also need a killer book—heavy on media coverage that made a difference, great writing and creative, strategic programs.  Sense of humor g-o-o-d.

Most important is finding a self-starter with the right blend of media and client relations experience and superb organizational and writing skills.  New business development experience is a definite plus.

In addition to the obligatory coffee, skittles and beer, we’re offering something a little different. The chance to help build a new kind of agency. 

Send an email pitch along with your resume. Or call Mark: 415 772 9907 x 112.