Pierce Mattie Public Relations New York & Los Angeles

1. Always remove your makeup prior to going to bed. It’s best to use a makeup remover that is oil-free and alcohol-free. My favorite would be Korres Jasmine Eye Makeup Remover.

2. Follow a daily routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing your face. Cleansing should be done twice a day (morning and night) and with the use of a gentle cleanser. Toning will help tighten your skin and restore your skin’s optimal Ph level, thus balancing it, prior to applying moisturizer. Maximize hydrating your skin by using a day moisturizer and a night cream. A daytime moisturizer is one that is lighter and works well under your makeup and the night cream is thicker and works hard through the night hydrating the areas you tend to see more dryness in. For this routine I switch between Korres and Epionce products.

3. Exfoliate at least once per week. Exfoliating is so important for your skin to remain vibrant and healthy. While our skin naturally sheds the dead cells, they can clog up pores and create those dry patches you find often on your skin. Exfoliating will slough off that layer of dead skin promoting optimal benefits when moisturizing. I use various exfoliators including Korres Olive Stones, Jordan Essentials Spa Polish and recently, Cosmedicine’s Medi-Morphosis.

4. Use a mask 1-2 times per week. Using a good mask will correct and detoxify your skin hydrating it and absorbing excess oil. It is especially beneficial to those who have oily and combination skin. I love cream masks and mud masks. I interchangeably use Korres Wild Rose Mask and Darshan Beauty’s Multani Facial Mud Mask.

5. Protect your face with daily sunscreen or a moisturizer that contains sunscreen. The damage that UVA and UVB rays do to your skin from repeated unprotected sun exposure may not be evident right now, but in years to come it will be something you can no longer hide. KaplanMD offers the best of both worlds with a Day Cream SPF 15. If you have a Five Things topic you think would make for an interesting post, please be sure to tell us in the comments! Find more posts like this on the Beauty Pro Division Blog.

For this week's Five Things Friday I wanted to focus on blogging. I knew that the best person to turn to for advice was Brian Clark, the Blogger behind the very popular copywriting and online marketing blog: CopyBlogger. With 15,744 subscribers to his blog, and plenty more regular readers to his credit, when Brian talks--people listen. If you haven't heard of Brian Clark, I will have to wonder if you live under a rock (and then ask you to please come out from under it). Please be sure to check out CopyBlogger, where I am sure you will gain a wealth of information from all Brian has to offer.

With Brian's permission I am reposting his post: The 5 Immutable Laws of Persuasive Blogging.

Blogging is a great way to grow a business, promote a cause, or spread new ideas, because when you take an educational approach to marketing, you gain the attention and trust of people who might otherwise simply ignore old-fashioned advertising. Not only can those people become your customers or converts, they can also become your advocates.

While there’s as many ways to approach blogging as there are blogs, some things remain steadfast when it comes to gaining influence and prompting action. Here are the 5 bedrock elements that you might keep in mind when blogging to persuade:

1. The Law of Value

Your blog must provide value to the reader by addressing a problem, concern, desire, or need that the reader already has. Fresh, original content is critical.

2. The Law of Headlines and Hooks

Your post titles must stand out in a crowded, noisy blogosphere, and you must quickly communicate the value of reading further with your opening.

3. The Law of “How To”

People don’t want to know “what” you can do, they want to know “how” it’s done. If you think you’re giving away too much information, you’re on the right track.

4. The Law of the List

Love them or hate them, informational posts presented in list format are easily digestable, and allow for an efficient transfer of your value proposition to the reader.

5. The Law of the Story

Stories are the most persuasive blogging element of all, as they allow you to present a problem, the solution, and the results, all while the connotation of the story allows readers to sell themselves on what you have to offer.

Many times when a news story breaks, Bloggers and online news sites scramble to bring targeted traffic to their site through their posts and purchasing keyword advertisements that will pop up when someone searches phrases on Google, Yahoo, MSN and other search engines. There are five things you can do to get a hold of targeted traffic, whether it be when a big news story breaks or anytime in between:

1. Use key phrases in your headline. Think like a person, but also think like a robot that searches the web for sites using those words. I like to use Overture’s Keyword Selector Tool, which allows me to type in specific words and then tells me how many times that word was used for a search the previous month.

2. Use keywords in the body of your article. Be specific and try to avoid general terms. For example, if you are writing about what the incident at Virginia Tech, don’t say “the gunman,” instead say, “Cho Seung-Hui, the Virginia Tech gunman.”

3. Use multimedia. On your website or in the body of your article, it is always beneficial to include video and audio media, as both have great viral potential. You can also publish the video you used to You Tube with it linking back to your story to generate traffic, but it also give others the ability to post your video to their own sites and help generate traffic for you.

4. Divide your content up into many specific topics with relevant links to other stories you have written. I use Word Press for one of my sites and utilize a plugin that automatically does this for me. If I am writing on a specific topic, it will automatically generate related posts at the end of my article. If the reader has landed on your site for that specific topic, they are more likely to click to other related stories you have written, therefore increasing page views and loyalty to your site as a trusted source of information. If you don’t have a plugin that can do this for you, it is easy to do manually simply by hot linking keywords in your article that link to those stories.

5. Provide the ability for the readers to subscribe to your site or bookmark it. For subscription, Bloggers should utilize a RSS feed service and websites can create an opt-in mailing list; this will generate built in traffic and loyal readership. Creating the ability to bookmark your site means those readers are more likely to return to your site when looking for information than to use the search engines and invest time into a search.

Here's the top five fashion trends for Fall/Winter 2007-2008

1. The 80’s influence remains intact: vibrant colors, zippers, off the shoulder sweaters. However greys and blacks still remain the autumn/winter classic.

2. Out with the clothes that hide your body and in with more silhouette friendly pieces.

3. Chunky sweaters with geometric shapes and sporty stripes.

4. Toned down platform shoes creating a modern day pump.

5. Embellishments with sequins and beading will be seen on accessories and clothing alike.

Is there a Fall fashion trend that you're looking forward to?

With many of us being able to telecommute to work, Skype makes it easy to stay connected with co-workers and clients through individual and group text chat/instant messaging, conference calls, Video chats and Skype phone calls.

There are so many reasons Skype can benefit you, your employees and your clients, but here are the top 5:

1. Skype keeps you connected in real time to co-workers and allows all employees to remain connected through a “perpetual” chat room. This chat room can contain up to 100 people at a time.

2. If there is a discussion going on, you can set your options to only alert you when keywords are said, i.e. Your name. This allows you to continue working without repeated interruption.

3. Skype has video conference ability so you can talk and hold meetings with your co-workers/clients “face to face.”

4. Skype has telephone capability, allowing you to call co-workers/clients nationally and internationally by phone using your computer. Skype to Skype calls are free and Skype to landlines are much lower cost than calling through your typical phone service. Plus, the voice capability is crystal clear.

5. Skype allows you to save individual and group chat history, so when holding a meeting; your secretary is able to write up the meeting minutes easily without leaving out important information.

While there are many messaging, voice and video services out there, Skype is the most functional and beneficial for your business. Plus, it’s free and that looks good for the bottom line.

I found this great article written in Good Housekeeping by Colette Bouchez: 5 Beauty Tips and Secrets Every Woman Should Know. It's a great article every woman should read.

Beauty Tip 1: Never Underestimate the Power of Moisturizer
Beauty Tip 2: Sunscreen Is Your Best Antiaging Product.
Beauty Tip 3: Choose Your Cleanser Wisely
Beauty Tip 4: Use the Right Tools for the Right Job
Beauty Tip 5: Update Hair and Makeup Every 2 Years

I've previously written about the talented Georgia-based interior design team Chad Welch and Dareen Godbee; they are the creative minds behind the brand DarrenChad. I recently was able to connect with them to get five interior design tips that I am sure will prove helpful to anyone looking to bring new life into a room.

Five Interior Design Tips By Chad Welch and Darren Godbee, DarrenChad Inc.

1. All that glitters is gold…and silver
The fastest way to outdate your decor is to use all silver or all gold in your accessories. Mix it up! Silver and gold are constantly changing in popularity, so don’t fall into the monochromatic pitfall. A timeless interior incorporates subtle variations in metallics of many hues, and will never go out of style.

2. Angles, angles, angles
Give the eye something to feast on by playing around with different angles. I recommend angling everything from rugs to furniture placement. Our eyes are trained to see things symmetrically and in straight lines and formations. Throwing the eye off a little creates interest and excitement. My advice is to angle sofas and chairs toward focal points such as picture windows, patios, or even an interesting painting or sculpture to encourage relaxing and socializing.

3. Don’t know if you are contemporary or traditional, or somewhere in-between?
Don’t put yourself in a box…be everything! Find a designer to help you mesh your styles together. Hiring a designer doesn’t have to be as costly as you might think. A good designer can start you with a method to your madness and can keep you from making random impulse purchases that don’t fit. My best advice is that you don’t have to be confined to just one theme or palate, but you do have to create a flow and transition or you will likely end up frustrated and confused.

4. Don’t be afraid of color!
One of the most common mistakes I see in decorating today is people painting, decorating, and accessorizing everything in various shades of beige. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against beige; it’s just that beige is safe. All too often I see people who love color and desperately want to bring it into their homes opt for neutrals and beiges simply because they don’t know how to make color work for them. My advice? Ease into it! If you love red, go with burgundy instead of scarlet. Do you love lime green but aren’t sure if it will go with anything? Try a soothing shade of celery or sage.

5. Mirror, mirror on the wall
We love mirrors here at DarrenChad Inc. and you should too! Got a small space that feels closed in? Do you have a dark room or corner in your home that could use a little brightening up? Use mirrors to give the illusion of depth and space. A large mirror can give the appearance of nearly double the space in some areas. The reflective nature of mirrors throws shadows and varying degrees of light that not only brighten up an area, but also create ambiance and mood.

To learn more about Darren and Chad or to see their incredible interior design work, be sure to stop by their website: DarrenChad.com

A good night's sleep comes very few and far between in my household these days and while awake at 2am the other night, I wondered if their were any secrets to getting some much coveted beauty sleep.

So I sought out Naveen Bhavanishankar, owner of in-fusions, for some tips. Since the mattress is one of the most important factors to stopping the tossing and turning, Naveen shared his expert advice on the top five questions and tips to keep in mind when choosing the right mattress.

1. Does the mattress conform to your spine's natural curve, keep your spine aligned when you are in bed and distribute pressure evenly across your body?

2. Is there edge support around the perimeter of the mattress? This will usually be a heavy gauge border wire that will provide increased comfort and support from edge-to-edge. If the answer to these questions is 'yes' then your mattress will help circulation, decrease disturbance from body movement and enhance the quality of your sleep.

3. Always Replace the Foundation – You may be considering only replacing a mattress and keeping your old foundation to save money. Don’t! An old foundation will negatively impact the feel and durability of the new mattress and may void your warranty.

4. Size Matters – Considering that most people sleep better when a partner isn’t crowding them, you should buy the largest size mattress that fits your bedroom and your budget. See our mattress size page for more information. Make sure you have room to stretch out. Whether the mattress is a twin, a full, a queen or a king, you'll know if it's spacious enough if you don't feel like you are being crowded.

5. Beware of Bargains – Bargain sleep sets are no bargain if they result in a poor night's sleep. Don't just shop for the lowest price. You’ll be sorry. A few more hundred, if you can swing it, will make a huge difference. Remember, you spend one-third of your life on a mattress.

Naturally, the right mattress should be covered with the best bedding, see all that in-fusions has to offer at www.in-fusions.com.

* Photo: in-fusions Urban Squares

I subscribe to the Entireweb newsletter, which always has some great tips on SEO, marketing, advertising, public relations and business. This week there were 5 great tips from Fran Briggs, President of The Fran Briggs Companies, about taking your product to market.

1. Create a Marketing Plan

An excellent marketing plan is essential and serves as the blueprint for your business success. Begin by confirming that there is in fact ... a market for your product. Many overlook this and end up making one of the most expensive mistakes of their lives. If there is a market for your product, get the most recent market synopsis for your business. Do your research online and at your local library or bookstore. There is a plethora of information and literature available to help you succeed. Speak to individuals who operate businesses like yours.

Next, do your homework. Write down your specific goals, objectives, and desired outcome for your business. After you've done this, you're ready to create your marketing plan. Be sure to include your:

- Product description
- Target market
- Customer demographics
- Price
- Competition
- Promotion
- Advertising
- Profit percentage
- Product Guarantee
- Product/liability Insurance
- Budget

2. Set a Launch Date

What is the exact date your product goes on a shelf, in a rack, in front of an audience, or online? Write it down. Your launch date not only gives you something to aim at, it helps keep you accountable. Your Launch Date is considered your debut, or grand opening. It is the day your customers line up throughout cyberspace -- or around the block -- to be the first in line to buy your product.

The launch date is typically set far enough ahead for a full-steam ahead marketing effort. Setting a launch date six months in advance is the minimum I would suggest for a strong marketing campaign. Anything less would compromise your efforts and results. Six or more months out increases the likelihood for great previews, reviews, blurbs and other publicity mediums. And be sure to arrange radio phone interviews and personal appearances with radio and television stations.

3. Work With a Business Coach or Small Group

Everyone can benefit from the guidance and support while putting their product on market. A business coach or a business support group can help you reach your destination. You can't help but benefit from the shared experience and knowledge of others. These resources can also help you hold yourself accountable for reaching your daily goals and objectives. The primary goals include helping you grow -- and stay -- in business. You can meet once a week, once a month, or even once a quarter. It's up to you.

Nancy Flynn of The International Association of Online Communications wrote an article mid-December of last year regarding tips for effective blog policies when it comes to Employers and their employees who blog. Although it was written several months ago, the tips are still very relevant to what is going on in the blogosphere and workplace today.

1. Establish written policy governing your organization.
According to the 2006 Workplace E-mail, IM & Blog Survey from American Management Association, www.amanet.org, and The ePolicy Institute, www.epolicyinstitute.com, 7% of companies have policy in place to control employees' blog use and content.

2. Establish a policy governing employees' personal blog use.
AMA/ePolicy Institute research reveals that 7% of organizations have established rules governing the content employees may post on their personal home-based blogs. Make sure your employees understand that all of the companies rules and policies (language and content, ethics, confidentiality, harassment/discrimination, etc.) apply--regardless of whether they are blogging during business hours or on their own time and equipment.

3. Guard personal and professional secrets.
Enforce rules banning the posting of confidential information on business blogs and employees' personal blogs. Do not allow employee-bloggers to embarrass or otherwise harm the company. Make sure employees understand what information the organization considers confidential, proprietary, intellectual property, trade secret, etc.

4. Prohibit anonymous blogging.
Don't allow employees to post anonymously by using pseudonyms or fake screen names. Anonymity may tempt some people to write offensive, irresponsible or defamatory comments. On business blogs, employees should identify themselves as company employees. If employees write about the company on personal blogs (with management's permission) they should make clear their affiliation with the company--and add a disclaimer that the blogger's comments are her own, and are not necessarily shared by the company.

5. Require employee-bloggers to formally acknowledge blog rules and policy.
Require all employees to sign and date a written acknowledgment form, confirming that they have read the policy, understand it, and agree to comply with it or risk disciplinary action, up to and including termination. In the event of a lawsuit, you may need these signed acknowledgments to confirm that the company takes blog policy and employee compliance seriously.

Ms. Flynn also has 2 other tips in her article that are worth reading. You can find it at the ICAOC Blog.

Have any tips to add? Let us know in the comments.

In need of a vacation? Looking to stay in a luxury hotel, but with so many to choose from, you're not sure which to pick? Below are the Top 5 Best New Hotels according to the Conde Nast Traveler Hot List for 2007.

1. AC Miramar, Barcelona Spain
A 5-Star hotel perched atop Montjuïc Mountain with a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean Sea.

2. Abbaye De La Bussiere, Dijon France
A luxurious country house hotel set on 15 acres of parkland with that historic French charm.

3. Acqualina, Miami USA
Panoramic views of the ocean and Miami's skyline, this Mediterranean-inspired hotel resort will seduce you with its world-class services.

4. Adara, Whistler Canada
A combination of modern and contemporary decor with an inspired design of chic ambience, this luxury hotel is nestled among the Blackhomb and Whistler Mountains. (*Whistler Mountain is also the official site of the alpine and nordic venues for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.)

5. Amanyara, Turks and Caicos
These 3 and 4 bedroom villas border the pristine reefs of Northwest Point Marine National Park with a gorgeous view of of the turquoise hued sea.

* Photo Credit: Amanresorts.com

Ladies, have you ever been in a department store dressing room and talked yourself into buying an outfit that looked great - on someone else?

Face it. If it doesn't fit right in the dressing room, it won't fit well or look good when you wear it out in public. Here are five quick and easy tips to remember when buying clothes that look good and fit well on your body type.

1. Stick to a Color Theme

Wear the same color from head to toe. This will create the illusion of a long lean line. Neutral colors work best for this effect: black, brown, camel or cream. (Note: add a splash of color with a jacket or wrap)

2. Wear Your Correct Size

Dress in the size you are - not the size you want to be. In spite of what you might believe, wearing clothes that are too tight or too big will make you look LARGER.

3. Be Aware of Flattering Fabrics

You want to wear fabrics that skim your curves instead of cling to them. Fabrics should drape your body and make you look good, not lumpy.

4. Best Pants to Wear

The most flattering pants to wear for all body types have a flat front, fall just below the navel (not hip huggers), and flare slightly at the bottom.

5. Best Skirt to Wear

The most flattering skirts to wear for all body types gets a perfect grade of "A". The A-line skirt looks good on everybody and is great for hiding figure flaws.

Table Top Studio, creators of the EZcube Light Tents, wrote a great how-to article pertaining to photographing jewelry. If you are on the consumer end of things and have ever wondered how photographers capture the brilliance of a diamond or create jewelry to look like it is suspended in mid-air, or if you are looking for different jewelry photography techniques, their tips make for an interesting read.

1. Standing up small charms and pendants:
Wax is a great invisible hand when it comes to standing up small pendants/charms. Just place a small bead of wax on the bottom of your charm or pendant to stand it upright. Instead of using a bust, drape the chain in a meandering fashion around the charm. I use a makeup brush to push the chain into place.

2. Creating a soft reflection for a professional touch:
A white or clear high gloss acrylic platform provides a soft reflection of the jewelry placed on top. The elevation of the platform also eliminates any shadow beneath the jewelry. Moving the subject away from the background material (by raising it) throws the background out of focus which helps the background "disappear." Position the jewelry in the middle of the acrylic platform, so the edges can be cropped easily out of the photograph.

3. Creating a dramatic black reflection using "Black Ice":
Using a high gloss black acrylic platform creates a dramatic reflection. "Black ice," is a favorite of pro photographers and can be used to create many desirable effects depending on light positioning. By inserting a black piece of paper along the back inside roof of an EZcube, you can eliminate all of the unwanted tent reflections. Now the only reflection that will show in the final cropped image is of the jewelry on pure black.

4. Add sparkle to faceted gems:
A light tent provides nice soft lighting for jewelry and makes for a pleasing image. However, the light tent may not provide the direct lighting necessary to "light up" faceted gemstones. Faceted gemstones like diamonds need to be illuminated by a light source that is positioned at nearly the same place as the camera. The "sparkler" light is the third light, and the key to having properly lit faceted gemstone jewelry. This light must be positioned so that you see the stones sparkle.

5. Make pearls look more round:
By using only one light source positioned above, the pearls appear rounder with more dimension.

Throughout Table Top Studio's website, they really have a wealth of information that is worth sifting through. Stephen Dougherty, one of the Founders of Table Top Studio, told me that they also have a blog and although the last post was from June, they will be updating it again shortly.

*Image and tips copyright Table Top Studio LLC but used with permission.

New York Fashion Week blew by a little two quickly for me. As always in fashion and beauty "what's old is new again" rings true. Here are 5 trends in beauty and fashion for Spring 2008:

1. Thin belts. While some runways shows still kept the wide belt carrying over into Spring, thin belts dominated.

2. Metallic accents. Gold & Silver still remain in full force this Spring--a gold handbag, silver belt, gold toned shoes; wearing these metallics as accent pieces keep you looking current.

3. Knee-length skirts and dresses. Femininity continues to be a theme with this classic look.

4. Healthy, vibrant skin. A mix between matte and dewy create for a minimal makeup look where healthy skin is in.

5. Focus on the lips. Lipstick continues its comeback while stain, matte and see through color will also be in trend.

For more posts on beauty and fashion, be sure to stay up to date with Beauty Pro and The Fashion Rag.

I love reading Prevention Magazine. When you have a super busy lifestyle, such as mine, their tips and articles are short, sweet and to the point. In their September issue they had 5 great tips on how to avoid some common diet traps. Below is a brief overview of those tips, be sure to check out Prevention.com for the full article.

Diet Trap 1: Fancy Dinner Out
Solution: When you know you'll be eating out for dinner, eat a high protein snack mid-afternoon. At dinner, order a salad before your meal. Both will help you avoid the trap of over doing it on your meal because you will feel less hungry.

Diet Trap 2: Overscheduled Day (How many of us can relate to that?)
Solution: Plan your day out the night before and take along meal replacement bars should your schedule not allow you time for lunch.

Diet Trap 3: 4pm Munchies
Solution: This is the time when we reach for the sweets and high carb snacks. You can avoid this trap by eating whole grain crackers (my favorite is Kashi TLC). During your lunch, eat an extra helping of veggies and a few slices of lunch meat for protein.

Diet Trap 4: Party Buffet
Solution: Head to area of the buffet that have foods that are low calorie, lowfat protein and rich in fiber. Fill your plate 3/4 with these foods and the rest can be as you desire.

Diet Trap 5: Late Night Cravings
Solution: Every time you head to the refrigerator or cupboard, write down what you are snacking on. Focus on eating low calorie foods that you can eat more of (veggies, popcorn, etc.) I personally fix myself a bowl of Kellogg's Smart Start Cereal and add a few chocolate chips--it satiates my need for chocolate and a snack all at once.

If you are searching for an accountability partner for your weight loss effort and love social networking, make sure to check out my post on our Fitness blog regarding FitFiend.com.

I can't say that I don't know anyone who doesn't love to splurge on treatments at the spa. Whether you do it to take some space for yourself or you make it a day out with friends, everyone could use some pampering to unwind and melt the stress away.

Below are the top 5 resort spas voted to be the best by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. While the spa poll includes resort spas from the Caribbean and overseas, I've gathered up the 5 that were ranked best in the U.S.

1. Post Ranch Inn
Location: Big Sur, California
"Nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur, California, the Post Ranch Inn provides the ultimate romantic getaway for those seeking a luxurious escape for a honeymoon, anniversary, or a relaxing vacation. The luxury resort’s organic architecture embraces the dramatic beauty of the Big Sur coastline. From here you can explore all that nature has to offer, or take a short drive to the picturesque towns of Monterey and Carmel. Located off Highway One, this Small Luxury Hotel member is a sanctuary suited to all your needs. Rooms offer a rustic elegance with luxury and comfort. Relax by the pools; awaken your senses with a massage, spa treatment, or daily yoga classes."

2. Mi Amo Spa at Enchantment Resort
Location: Sedona, Arizona
"Nestled in the heart of Sedona, Arizona's beautiful red-rock country, Mii amo takes its name from the Native American word for Journey...reflecting the life-enhancing experience of achieving a transformation in physical health, emotional well-being and spiritual renewal." Mi Amo was also voted number 1 Destination Spa in the World by Travel + Leisure readers in 2007.

3. Bathhouse at Calistoga Ranch
Location: Napa Valley, California
"Tucked into a private canyon in the Upper Napa Valley, just outside the historic town of Calistoga, the 46-room luxury resort is located on a 157-acre site marked by ancient oaks, majestic hills, a rock-hewn stream and private lake. Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a yoga deck, The Bathhouse Spa, a private restaurant, a pool featuring dramatic views of the resort’s private vineyard and oak groves, and 140 acres of land dedicated to hiking and active pursuits."

4. Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Location: Lake Buena Vista, Florida
"Discover the rich heritage of Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort, with its Victorian elegance and quiet charm. Named for the natural mineral hot springs found in the area, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort immerses you in history, relaxation, and luxury."

5. Four Seasons the Biltmore
Location: Santa Barbara, California
"A Spanish Colonial treasure whose red roof tiles, ivory adobe and graceful archways grace Butterfly Beach in exclusive Montecito, this classic West Coast resort blends the glory of historic California with Four Seasons service in the heart of 'America’s Riviera.'"

* Photo Credit: MiAmo.com photo gallery

With most of the year behind us, we can look back upon our successes and failures and learn what obstacles we were able to overcome and which ones we still struggle with. 2007 has proven to be a year of learning new things and gaining the knowledge to do PR in ways we never thought possible before.

Already preparing for the PR trends of 2008, here are 5 of the challenges that lie ahead for the public relations industry:

1. Learning to navigate a system of disjointed media.
2. Working directly with talent during a time when it seems everyone has a "middle man."
3. Relinquishing generic pitches for something more specific.
4. Becoming transparent in an industry that it not typically known for such.
5. Continued education and involvement in Web 2.0.

Have a challenge you want to add? Be sure to post it in the comments.