Water Cooler

4 Tips to Measure the Success of Your Content Strategy

by Richard Brownell | 11/18/2013

Establishing built-in metrics to measure the performance of a content strategy is key to its success. | MORE »

Tags: analytics, Branded content, content strategy, Google Analytics, Hormel Foods, Julie Craven, media relations conference, metrics, social media | Leave a comment

McDonald’s Makes Point of Repairing Its Service Issues in Public

by Richard Brownell | 11/15/2013

The solution McDonald’s crafted to its customer service problem is a great example of effective communications. | MORE »

Tags: communications, Crisis, customer service, drive-thru, fast food, franchise, McDonald's, restaurants | 1 Comment

A Message to Ford Motor Co.: Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid

by Caysey Welton | 11/14/2013

By commenting on the mayor, the company is essentially fostering a connection between itself and the scandal. | MORE »

1 Comment

What Makes a Story Go Viral

by Richard Brownell | 11/14/2013

This is what it takes to create the story that goes viral on social media. | MORE »

Tags: annalee newitz, Facebook, io9.com, social media, tips, Twitter, valley of ambiguity, viral | Leave a comment

Adventures in Media Relations: What Not to Say (Or Do) to a Journalist

by Matthew Schwartz | 11/13/2013

“Did you get my email?” For most reporters, the message is the auditory equivalent of long nails scraping across a blackboard. It’s one of several media pitching tactics that PR pros tend to rely on. And it’s wrong, not to mention alienating.
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Tags: email, Media relations | 1 Comment

Microsoft’s New Employee-Relations Initiative: Dump ‘Stack Ranking’

by Richard Brownell | 11/13/2013

How management reviews and assesses the performance of its employees can have a major impact on morale within a company, the image it projects to the public, and its brand value. | MORE »

Tags: employee survey, employment, jack welch, linda dulye, measurement, microsoft, steve ballmer | 1 Comment

What’s Your CEO’s Media Relations Persona?

by Caysey Welton | 11/12/2013

Chip Wilson, founder of yoga apparel and accessories company, Lululemon found himself in an unfortunate situation after being ill prepared for a Bloomberg TV interview. In case you missed it, the company had to recall its yoga pants after it became quite obvious that its signature product was severely flawed. | MORE »

How to Organize and Execute a Successful Media Trip

by Matthew Schwartz | 11/12/2013

One of the most significant effects of the digital age has been an explosion in live events and conferences. As we spend more and more time behind a keyboard we pine to get out into the field to press the flesh. It’s a similar drill for media relations, as brands organize press trips to give media reps a look-see at new products and services | MORE »

Tags: Alpaytac Public Relations, Huma Gruaz, National Press Club, PR News' Media Relations Next Practices Conference | Leave a comment

Take A Peek At Our ‘Advice Book’ for PR Pros

by Matthew Schwartz | 11/11/2013

It’s an increasingly popular ritual at PR News’ various events and conferences: passing around our “Advice Book” to PR pros to get their take on how to succeed in public relations and communications.
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