Writing a Case Study? Try Thinking Like a Reporter
Of all of the different types of PR materials we get to develop for our clients – ranging from press releases, media pitches, FAQs, byline articles and more – my all-time favorite is customer case studies. There’s excitement and enthusiasm behind case studies that are all-too often lacking in other types of PR content. For […]
The Experts’ Guide to the Ever-Elusive Perfect Email
Since email went mainstream in the ‘90s, PR professionals everywhere have all labored toward the same goal: to write the perfect email. The good news is it appears we’re not the only ones on this communications odyssey. My LinkedIn newsfeed is often flooded with articles declaring with authoritative certainty that the secret to email nirvana […]
The Power of Assuming Positive Intent and How it Impacts Productivity, Performance
We’ve all heard the saying, “To assume is to make an ass out of U and me.” The reality is that our assumptions can be powerful. That power can be positive or negative, and can drive you toward your objectives and goals or hold you back. It is easy to fall in the trap of […]
TV Interview Best Practices
TV interviews are a terrifying prospect for many people. For a multitude of reasons, putting a camera in front of someone’s face has a unique ability to inspire stress and lapses in judgment that can curtail an interview from its intended focus. But have no to fear! There are a lot of things spokespeople can […]
Testing, One, Two Three: The NYT Weighs Which Headlines Resonate with Readers
An interesting article recently shared on Times Insider, The New York Times’ behind-the-scenes insight page, revealed that the paper has been running a test on which headlines are attracting more readers. Mark Bulik, a senior editor, unveiled the test is part of an effort to increase the paper’s readership. The experiment is a relatively simple […]
Living in Damage Control Mode: A Look at Planned Parenthood’s PR Strategy in the Age of Political Polarity
Every morning before leaving the house, Betty Cockrum makes sure she is camera-ready. For the average CEO this is an unnecessary precaution, but as the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, last-minute media appearances are a frequent occurrence. Cockrum has been interviewed for HBO, Vice, Rolling Stone, the Daily Show, and […]
Connecting with Generation Z
In the next several years, millions of people born in 1998 or later will reach adulthood. Commonly known as Generation Z, this cohort of nearly 70 million young Americans will comprise slightly more than 20 percent of the U.S. population. Like the generations before them, members of Gen Z have had unique life experiences that […]
The Ultimate Cheatsheet for Critical Thinking
As my colleague Beth covered in a previous blog, the ability to think critically is essential to PR and communications professionals. Everyday clients rely on us to evaluate their news to determine its value, anticipate potential outcomes and analyze industry trends. Because the concept of critical thinking is universally accepted as an important skill for […]
Is Your PR Firm Meeting Your Service Needs?
By now, we all know that meaningful relationships are the cornerstone to being successful in PR. From a client’s perspective, strong relationships can be the deciding factor when selecting a PR firm or reevaluating whether it’s time to seek out a new PR partner. With so many options available (a Google search for PR firms […]
New Year, New Company Messaging? Try Media Training
As we kick off 2017, it’s an opportune time to consider media training for your spokespersons. Consider the following. Since last year, have your messages changed or evolved? Have spokespersons had an opportunity to practice delivering those messages in a clear and consistent manner? Do you have new subject matter experts or executives who need […]