Insights for Leaders Navigating
Visibility, Credibility, and Growth.
From media strategy to reputation management, we explore the trends shaping public perception and share the approaches that drive measurable results for growing brands.
In the fast-paced world of public relations, exceptional client service is the cornerstone of a prosperous career. The most successful PR professionals not only meet client expectations, they exceed them. This success comes from establishing clear communication, setting realistic expectations and maintaining integrity with the media.
Understanding the Essence of Client Service:
Client service goes beyond fulfilling tasks and requests. It involves understanding and addressing client needs, providing proactive support and fostering open lines of communication. Clear and timely communication enables PR professionals to stay aligned with their clients’ goals and objectives.
Setting Manageable Expectations:
Aligning clear goals and objectives at the start of a relationship helps PR professionals set realistic expectations. Overpromising on your abilities or timeline might make the client happy in the short term, but doing this sets you up for failure. Regular communication and feedback are instrumental in maintaining a collaborative, flexible environment. Proactively managing expectations helps ensure your clients are happy throughout the entire project.
Maintaining Integrity with the Media:
Integrity is paramount for PR professionals. It’s your job to earn your clients media coverage. Essentially, you’re striving to get journalists to cover a story based on the information you provide. You have one chance to prove yourself to the media and establish your integrity.
Therefore, PR professionals must maintain ethical practices and honest communication with the media. By consistently delivering accurate and reliable information, PR practitioners establish credibility and build trust with journalists. Honesty and transparency are essential to building long-term relationships within the media, which result in ongoing coverage.
Tips for Exceptional Client Service:
- Develop a deep understanding of your client’s industry, objectives and target audience to provide tailored solutions.
- Foster open and transparent communication, ensuring clients are updated regularly and promptly.
- Anticipate client needs and offer strategic recommendations to maximize their PR efforts.
- Seek client feedback, address concerns promptly and strive for continuous improvement.
- Cultivate relationships with media professionals by catering to their unique preferences and building mutually beneficial connections.
- Provide detailed and comprehensive reports to showcase the impact of your PR efforts, demonstrating clear value to your clients.
- Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to offer innovative strategies and stay ahead of the competition.
Exceptional client service is the bedrock of a successful and fulfilling PR career. By prioritizing clear communication, setting manageable expectations and proving your integrity to the media, you can create lasting relationships with clients and journalists alike.
Delta-Q Technologies (Delta-Q), a leading provider of battery charging solutions, recently announced the release of its new high-performance charger, the RQ700. A part of the RQ Series, the RQ700 provides a high-volume, cost-effective charging solution for battery-powered light e-mobility, industrial and commercial equipment.
To create a successful announcement, our CPR team worked with Delta-Q to implement our media strategy. We developed a tailored press list for media covering electrification, light electric vehicles (LEVs), outdoor power equipment and industrial pallet trucks. Since original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can utilize this charger in multiple industries, it was important that our list represent a wide array of publications. This ensured a diversity of coverage throughout industry verticals.
We also targeted outlets who were attending the same upcoming events as Delta-Q. For example, we reached out to reporters attending iVT Expo about speaking with Delta-Q at the event. This is a convenient way to secure in-person interviews in today’s virtual workforce.
Our pitch strategically highlighted key aspects of the charging solution and its impacts on OEMs and customers. We also included an image of the charger and the full press release for the convenience of the reporter.
Our strategy paid off. We secured 26 articles in industry publications. A full coverage recap can be found below.
We are proud to work with an esteemed brand like Delta-Q to share news regarding their latest technologies.
Delta-Q RQ700 Coverage Recap
- OEM Off-Highway: Delta-Q Expands RQ Series With New High-Performance Charger – 7/7/23
- On Digital Shop: Delta-Q Technologies expands RQ series with new battery charger – 7/7/23
- Charged Electric Vehicles Magazine: Delta-Q Technologies expands RQ series with new battery charger – 7/6/23
- Material Handling Network: Delta-Q Technologies expands RQ Series with new high-performance charger – 7/6/23
- Facilities Net: Facilities Management News: Delta-Q: RQ700 – Power & Communication Coverage – 7/2/23
- Landscape Management: Delta-Q Technologies adds to the RQ series with the RQ700 high-performance charger – 7/1/23
- Landscape Business: Delta-Q Technologies expands RQ Series – 6/30/23
- Rural Lifestyle Dealer: Delta-Q Technologies Expands RQ Series with New High-Performance Charger – 6/29/23
- Material Handling Wholesaler: Delta-Q Technologies expands RQ Series with new high-performance charger – 6/29/30
- Gulf Oil & Gas: Delta-Q Technologies Expands RQ Series with New High-Performance Charger – 6/26/23
- Lift and Access: Delta-Q Technologies Launches New High-Performance Charger – 6/28/23
- Contractor Supply Magazine: Delta-Q Technologies RQ700 High-Performance Charger – 6/28/23
- Forklift Revolution: Delta-Q Technologies Expands RQ Series with New High-Performance Charger – 6/28/23
- OPE Business: Delta-Q Technologies releases RQ700 charger for OPE, LEVs, more – 6/27/23
- Access Lift & Handlers: Delta-Q expands battery charger range – 6/27/23
- New Power Progress: Delta-Q expands battery charger range – 6/27/23
- Diesel Power Progress: Delta-Q expands battery charger range – 6/27/23
- Auto Innovations EMEA: Delta-Q Technologies Expands RQ Series with New High-Performance Charger – 6/27/23
- Industry EMEA: Delta-Q Technologies Expands RQ Series with New High-Performance Charger – 6/27/23
- Automotive Technology: Delta-Q Technologies Expands RQ Series with New High-Performance Charger – 6/27/23
- Access International: Delta-Q expands battery charger range – 6/27/23
- International Rental News: Delta-Q expands battery charger range – 6/27/23
- Electrical Connection: Delta-Q Releases the RQ700 – 6/27/23
- Powertrain International: Delta-Q Technologies expands charging solutions with the RQ Series – 6/26/23
- Canadian Manufacturing: Delta-Q Technologies releases a new charger – 6/26/23
- Electrikez: Delta-Q Technologies expands RQ Series with the new RQ700 Charger – 6/26/23
Shiftboard, a global leader in workforce scheduling, shed light on the evolving landscape of hourly employment with its recently published 2023 State of the Hourly Worker report. They surveyed over 2,250 U.S. adults ages 18 – 65, which included 1,630 who self-identified as shift or hourly workers, to uncover the needs and priorities of today’s hourly employees.
This release of this report couldn’t have been timed better. As shift-based industries like manufacturing and energy grapple with challenging market conditions and ongoing labor shortages, today’s managers need help finding and retaining top talent.
Strategies to Drive Awareness of the Report
We worked with Shiftboard on their 2019 State of the Hourly Worker report, and our team was excited to drive into 2023’s survey results to pinpoint newsworthy themes and trends that would resonate with employers and journalists.
Work-life balance took center stage for hourly workers as a make-or-break factor in job satisfaction and retention. Notably, the presence of five generations in the workforce, each with unique preferences and needs. Additionally, the survey revealed sectoral differences, with distinct trends and needs evident among various industries, including energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and staffing, as well as disparities between union and non-union workers. The survey revealed tough challenges for shift managers to balance a diverse workforce.
At the same time we reviewed the survey, Shiftboard achieved a milestone in one of the key sectors. In 2022, Shiftboard experienced record-breaking growth in the manufacturing sector in North America. However, from our experience working on similar projects, we knew that simply highlighting this growth would not create the desired buzz. That’s why we wove together Shiftboard’s growth with the survey findings to provide a data-driven narrative that would captivate journalists while subtly highlighting Shiftboard’s achievements. This approach allowed us to reference Shiftboard’s success in a less promotional light, which is vital since journalists favor stories that resonate with their audiences without appearing overly salesy.
After determining the strategy, we created two press releases, one announcing the survey findings and the other focusing on Shiftboard’s manufacturing growth, highlighting manufacturing findings from the survey. In doing so, we could dial in the content to ensure the information was relevant and engaging for different sectors, including HR and manufacturing industries. This approach showed a clear understanding and consideration for the journalists’ beats and the audiences they serve, which not only increased our chances of coverage but also fostered media relations.
Another tactic we identified was to take advantage of all the rich data at our disposal by creating a multimedia element for the State of the Hourly Worker press release. We helped craft an infographic narrative to enhance the visual appeal and engagement of the press release, which increased its appeal to journalists and improved the likelihood of media coverage.
So, How Did It Do?
We reached out to over 150 journalists across HR and manufacturing outlets, which resulted in 11 articles, plus more in the pipeline.
Here’s a sneak peek at our current coverage:
- Recruiting Headlines, “Millennials and Gen Z want Flexible Scheduling,” 4/5/23
- Supply & Demand Chain, “Why Employers Should Adopt Schedule Flexibility,” 4/6/23.
- Human Resources Director, “What do next-gen workers want from employers?” 4/6/23
- Nicolas Behbahani, “Work-Life Balance is Necessary for Job Satisfaction,” 4/9/23
- Chief Learning Officer & Talent Management, The key to retaining hourly workers? It’s their schedule, May 30
- HR Daily Advisor, “Work Schedules: The Secret to Improved Employee Morale and Retention,” 6/29/23
It’s been a pleasure working with Shiftboard to drive visibility and engagement for its report!
AI is reshaping the way businesses engage with customers. Staying at the forefront of evolving customer expectations is critical to keep pace with competition and maintain customer loyalty. Mosaicx is making it their business to help companies do just that.
Mosaicx is a cloud-based solution that uses conversational AI, machine learning and natural language processing technologies to automate interactions between customers and employees. As an intelligent virtual agent (IVA) technology, Mosaicx helps businesses harness the power of conversational AI to strengthen customer experiences.
We’ve worked with Mosaicx for two years to support its media relations and content development, which includes blog posts, graphic design, playbooks and white papers. Recently, we partnered with the team to create a video demo they featured at the company’s Call & Contact Center Expo booth in April. We also helped the company announce its new Mosaicx Agent program and promote its speaking opportunities at this year’s Customer Contact Week (CCW) taking place from June 19 – 22.
The Mosaicx Agent program helps businesses navigate emerging technologies, including AI. Its sales team partners with agents who have identified companies that need support navigating various AI options and present the best industry-specific AI solution for their needs. More information about the program and how to apply can be found here.
We worked with the team to develop and distribute a press release highlighting the news. Below is a snapshot of the coverage around the Mosaicx Agent program.
- Channel Vision: Mosaicx Launches Agent Program for Conversational AI
- Solutions Review: Top MarTech News From the Week of June 9th: Updates from Salesforce, Act-On, Optimizely and More
- Channel Daily News: Cloud-based IVA vendor Mosaicx looking for partners
- MarTech Cube: Mosaicx Launches New Agent Program
- SalesTechSeries: Mosaicx Launches New Agent Program to Help Businesses Harness the Power of Conversational AI
- CMSWire: Mosaicx Launches New Agent Program to Help Businesses Use the Power of Conversational AI
- TMCNet: Mosaicx Launches New Agent Program to Help Businesses Harness the Power of Conversational AI
To help Mosaicx promote its presence at CCW 2023, we developed and distributed a press release announcing its speaking opportunities and new customer programs the team showcased at the CCW event this week.
Leading up to the event, we conducted media outreach and secured two onsite briefings for the team at the conference. Below are two of the articles that were published earlier this week.
- MarTech Series: Mosaicx to Demo Conversational AI
- MarTech Cube: Mosaicx to exhibit at Customer Contact Week
It has been exciting to partner with the Mosaicx team to help continue raising awareness about AI solutions, customer programs and other company milestones in the pipeline!
In the shifting PR landscape, data and analytics are powerful tools for PR professionals. By harnessing data-driven insights, PR campaigns can be strategically planned, executed and measured for success.
A recent Forbes article shows how data and analytics can enhance a PR campaign’s success. We know data and analytics are important when measuring the impact of a PR campaign. But data also should be incorporated into a campaign’s foundation.
Here are a few ways data and analytics can make PR campaigns more effective.
- Audience Segmentation and Targeting: Effective PR campaigns begin with a deep understanding of the target audience. Data and analytics enable PR professionals to segment audiences based on demographics and behavior patterns. They can identify key audiences by analyzing data from sources such as customer databases, social media platforms and market research. This allows professionals to tailor specific messaging for each group. A targeted approach improves the chances of reaching the right audience with the right message, leading to increased engagement and campaign success.
- Identifying Influencers and Key Stakeholders: Influencers can amplify brand messages and reach wider audiences. Data and analytics tools can help determine which influencers best-fit campaigns. By analyzing engagement metrics, audience demographics and sentiment analysis, PR teams can select influencers who align with their campaign goals, choosing those who can effectively communicate the brand’s message to their followers. This data-driven approach ensures that PR campaigns reach key stakeholders who boost brand perception and reputation.
- Tracking Past Media Coverage: Tracking coverage after a campaign is a standard best practice. Analyzing media coverage helps PR teams assess the reach and effectiveness of their campaigns, giving them data-driven insights to refine their strategies. It also helps gain further insight into current sentiment and awareness. This analysis lets PR professionals gauge which approaches and strategies made the most significant positive impact.
- Engaging Pitches to Journalists: Winning a journalist’s attention can be difficult. Over half the journalists surveyed in 2022 by Cision received more than 50 email pitches a week. Using solid data and analytics adds legitimacy to the campaign you are pitching and helps your pitch stand out.
Data and analytics have a significant impact on how PR campaigns are planned, executed and evaluated. By leveraging the power of data, PR professionals can gain insights that help make informed decisions, refine strategies and establish credibility. By embracing data-driven PR practices, organizations can achieve measurable success in their PR campaigns.
Proactive pitch campaigns often target national or even global audiences. However, when you’re working with organizations that have products or services that appeal to audiences in specific regions or locations, it’s important to capture the attention of those local audiences.
How do you reach these audiences? With pitches tailored designed to resonate with their specific interests. Consider what’s relevant to the people you’re trying to reach. Why would this audience care about your message? Can you offer spokespeople they will trust? Your success depends on making your story relevant to these audiences.
The next time you’re drafting a pitch to a targeted audience, consider the following questions.
Why is your story relevant to this area? What is its potential impact on the region?
Local publications are focused on covering news specific to their area and audience. Your pitch should clearly demonstrate why this audience would want to know about your story.
Does it support one the area’s largest industries? Does it create local jobs? A clear explanation of the pitch’s local relevant is critical to its success.
An excellent way to build credibility is to provide some context with third-party statistics that validate your claims. Can you reference a study that highlights the predicted growth of an industry or how much development it could bring to the area? It’s important to validate your claims to ensure they are taken seriously.
Are there local spokespeople who can speak to the story?
Local spokespeople are excellent ways to connect with an audience. For example, a recent pitch of ours secured five media opportunities because it featured a local farmer who was using a new technology. This grower could speak about their personal experiences, how it’s benefited them and what their perspective is on the future of the technology. This provides color and layers to a story as well as offers a spokesperson who relates to the audience.
By providing a source who can speak first-hand about your story, you offer reporters a balanced perspective.
Have you called the reporter yet?
In our experience, local reporters are more likely to answer the phone. This can be helpful in working with them to build a story that suits all parties. The reporters will know their readers and viewers best, so you can work closely with them to ensure you’re offering interesting elements.
Phone conversations also help build rapport with the reporter and establish a collaborative relationship.
Crafting a pitch for a local area or region requires a thoughtful and tailored approach, ensuring that its relevance to the local audience is clear. Gather elements, including sources and third-party stats, that support the story, then work closely with local reporters to develop a piece that will resonate with their specific audience.