Having worked in public affairs and for elected officials in a variety of roles, I love to watch PR and Politics collide. It happens more and more these days and senior public relations professionals have to be prepared for when (not if) their company gets plunged into a political issue. Often unintended, the results can have … Continue reading PR & Politics: When Public Relations and the World of Politics Collide for Businesses
Media Relations – A Prime Time PR Chat About Best Practices in Media Relations
This week's Prime Time PR Chat was focused on media relations. It came from a previous chat topic on press releases and my ongoing obsession with our industry's failure to address the issues around media pitching. I was lucky to have Jered Martin from OnePitch as my guest to discuss journalist relationships. OnePitch was "created by … Continue reading Media Relations – A Prime Time PR Chat About Best Practices in Media Relations
Why HubSpot’s Crisis Communications Was Spot On
Last week, marketing automation provider, Hubspot, experienced an issue with one of their critical infrastructure systems that supports many parts of the platform, apparently right after announcing upgrades to its enterprise suite. HubSpot, for those not aware, is widely credited for inventing and popularizing Inbound Marketing and creating the first scalable marketing automation platform dedicated … Continue reading Why HubSpot’s Crisis Communications Was Spot On
Public Relations in the era of #MeToo and #TimesUp
Is it unreasonable for me to want to start a #MeToo #PR training to help people respond when they have accused someone or been accused of sexual harassment? Or, as more related to my profession, training for leaders who have to manage through a harassment #crisis? I ask because a public figure that I used … Continue reading Public Relations in the era of #MeToo and #TimesUp
How to Avoid a Social Media Crisis
PR practitioners talk a lot about crisis communication and planning. I mean like daily conversations with peers, staff, and C-suite executives. It's like the four daily food groups, but for communications professionals. It is in the toolkit. It's part of the foundation. It is in every new business proposal and every agency review. Crisis Communication … Continue reading How to Avoid a Social Media Crisis
Starbucks Reminds Corporate America to Create Cultures of Communications
I love Starbucks. I always have. I remember my first cup in downtown Portland decades ago. I have been loyal ever since and it has been my happy place for a long time. No matter where I am, there is a Starbucks and it will feel like home. I almost always order a drink, but … Continue reading Starbucks Reminds Corporate America to Create Cultures of Communications
A Shower of PR Disasters
The reality is that even savvy business professionals and experienced marketers rarely have the ability to manage their company, develop their brand, and plan for the future – all without their rose colored glasses. You need expert assistance and someone you can rely on for sound advice, feedback, and direction. I know this all seems like a lot of work for something that might not happen, but if you find yourself in a crisis, you will be so glad that you have prepared.
