Her Voice Blog

In just three years, Pinterest has encouraged us to become the baking, DIY, wonder women we really are. From game and craft ideas to budget-friendly tips and tricks, we turn to Pinterest for creative inspiration.

It is disappointing when we are directed to an external site to get a recipe for Grandma Jane’s melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cupcakes only to discover it’s a dead end. This also happens with eager shoppers who are ready to buy a piece of clothing they’ve seen but can never find the website that actually sells it. Well we have good news, friends – Pinterest is making their pins comprehensive.

What does this upgrade mean for us? No more searching through links and other sites to find the information we pinned. Time is saved, AND we find what we need with no fuss.

Pinterest has partnered with brands like eBay, Target, Sony and Netflix to provide its users with more information while browsing. A Pinterest spokesperson told Mashable that their hope is to have more useful pins for its users and community. Pins about desserts will list the full recipe, pins featuring clothes will have the price and pins about movies will provide more information about the cast and ratings.

This isn’t the only change for avid Pinterest users. The Pinterest smartphone app will expand its “Pin it” button to other mobile sites like Etsy, ModCloth and Jetsetter along with adding mobile notifications and mentions.

With all the focus on comprehensive pins and mobile upgrades, Pinterest seems to be creating a better venue for advertising to its users. Not only will the pins feature the logos of its contributing sites, but there’s also an opportunity for specific brand advertisements, especially those wanting to market to women.

Does this upgrade excite the bakers out there who can have the full recipe on-hand at the grocery store? Or do some of you have hesitations about the additional advertising that is imminent?

It is that time of year again! Everyone is giddy because finals are over and graduation is here. The world is yours for the taking, which can be either a frightening thought or an empowering one.

Use this time wisely. If you already have a job lined up- kudos to you! That is not an easy feat in today’s job market. If you are still looking, don’t be discouraged. There are still plenty of opportunities if you stay persistent. Either way, we have compiled a list of 5 digital skills every college graduate should have.

1. Be proficient in email. No matter what service you have used or will use, email is going to be a part of your everyday work life. Get a handle on the type of email provider your employer uses- Microsoft Office, Gmail, etc.

2. Be prepared. If you don’t already know it, learn Excel, Powerpoint and Word because your boss will expect that you know how to use them. The last thing you want is to be given an assignment due in an hour and you have no idea what you are doing.

3. Be web savvy. It is highly likely that you are a little more adept at using the internet than your boss (not always, but usually). Prove it! Show your skills through strategized Google searching, using Wordpress or sharing your knowledge of what is out there in the “world wide web.”

4. Be socially driven. You’ve grown up with social media as a part of your life so it should come second-hand to you. Step up and help your employer or clients with their social media. It can be used to grow followers and reach more people or to advertise and build brand awareness.

5. Be different. Use this time to learn something new online to make yourself stand out. Do you know how to code? Are you an expert at SEO? Whatever interests you, research it and show how you are different.

Good luck to all who are graduating! This is an exciting time in your life. Who knows, maybe we will be seeing one of you soon.

FletcherPR is a national communications firm that specializes in reaching women through the power of media. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, we are a full-service agency providing strategic public relations, social media and marketing communications services to our clients throughout the U.S.

I was never a fan of Angelina Jolie. Until today. By sharing the story of her decision to take control of her health and opt for a double mastectomy, she has done a great service to women. As a woman whose entire career relies on beauty and the vitality of youth, Angelina has proven that she has substance and depth far greater than I’ve ever given her credit for.

We salute you, Angelina. Thank you for empowering women everywhere. http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/angelina-jolie-reveals-preventative-double-mastectomy-064002088.html

Note: For more information on BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing visit http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/GeneMutationsampGeneticTesting.html.

Abercrombie & Fitch CEO, Mike Jeffries, has alienated 66% of his potential female target market, including millions of moms who shop for their kids and teens. The 61-year-old CEO of the popular clothing line says he only wants “thin, beautiful people” shopping at Abercrombie.

Say what?

Have you checked recent statistics, Mr. Jeffries? According to womenshealth.gov, 66 percent of adult women are overweight and 32 percent of adolescent girls are overweight. That’s a lot of market share to give up over a pant size. In a 2006 interview with salon.com, Jeffries said his company is “absolutely exclusionary” because he thinks companies that try to target everyone fail.

I’ll give him that much but blowing off such a large number of potential female shoppers is not a smart move. When marketing to women, the message matters just as much as the product you sell. The message Jeffries is sending says “you suck and can’t be a part of our club if your pants size is larger than a 10.” No matter the age, women are emotional shoppers. Make us mad and we’ll tell everyone we know- and even a few we don’t.

It’ll be interesting to see how this one plays out on the national stage, but I’m one female consumer of many who will no longer support the Abercrombie brand.