The GameStop/Reddit fiasco offers several lessons for communicators. One is that the savvy PR pro pays attention to all platforms and discussions, including those on private message boards, closed Facebook groups, Reddit and Substack and many more. In addition, prepare your executive to offer more than emotion and staid talking points during TV interviews.
Stories by Eric Fischgrund
GameStop, Reddit Shows the Need for PR to Monitor All Platforms
January 28th, 2021 by Eric FischgrundLessons Earned: Never Hold Back from Giving Your Fullest Self
January 18th, 2021 by David W. Brown‘Bring your true self to work’ is an often-used phrase. For David Brown, it’s a lesson he learned as a youth and carried with him into adulthood. Today, he imparts it daily to students and fellow PR professionals. Yet, he’s constantly reminded of its importance. For example, during the country’s recent racial reckoning and on a visit to his 100-year-old grandmother.
Luxury Marketing During an Age of Social Activism
January 15th, 2021 by Lewis HackneyNo company, not even timeless luxury brands, is immune to today’s social, racial and political movements. While luxury brands once were able to float above social issues, that’s not the case today. How should these ‘timeless classics’ navigate the current landscape? In short, much the same way other brands do.
Tips for Communicating Internally and Externally in a Divided Country
January 14th, 2021 by Nicole Schuman and Seth ArensteinThe questions for communicators: Do you craft messages differently, internally and externally, when you know the country is divided politically, and in other ways? In addition, do you change communication to adapt to the fact that a significant portion of the electorate believes the election was rigged, and, by extension, the true winner is not scheduled to be inaugurated next week?
After Capitol Attack, Communicators’ Obligations are Clear
January 13th, 2021 by John RaffettoMost communicators understood that the online presence of what others regarded as fringe groups needed serious consideration. It was this lack of concern that, in part, led to last week’s violence on Capitol Hill. Going forward, PR pros will need to redouble their obligation to act ethically and responsibly.
How Change, Faith and the Audacity of Hope (Messaging) Shifted 2020 Politics
January 12th, 2021 by Dwayna HaleyIn the case of the 2020 election, getting the comms right was absolutely urgent and critically important, writes the author. Telling the right story, to the right audience, on the right platforms over time garnered change, faith, the audacity of hope and impact.
Why Your CSR Programs Require Authentic Storytelling
January 6th, 2021 by Jennifer MorrisFinding ways to authentically share news of your CSR programs with key audiences can be a challenge. It’s not as simple as just telling people what you’re doing. Communicators need to personalize their brand’s CSR activities to key audiences and explain why they matter.
How the Pandemic Changed SEO and Trends You Need to Know in 2021
January 5th, 2021 by Greg BarkleyWhile 2021 may promise a return to previous practices, SEO and the online landscape are permanently altered. We see the below as major themes for 2021. Many spring from forced changes brought about in 2020.
Shaping the Toolkit: A Look at PR Services Companies and Founders
January 5th, 2021 by Jenny FrenkelThough PR service companies are underrepresented in our industry’s history, they are responsible for much innovation in the sector. In fact, a few services companies date back to the late 1800s. Let’s look at some of the people behind these successful businesses that helped shape PR.
Eat or Be Eaten: Battling Dirty Data During The Pandemic
January 4th, 2021 by Sky CassidyData is data, right? Not if it’s dirty. Considering how many businesses have downsized, closed temporarily or shuttered completely, it’s a good bet that a significant number of contacts on your marketing lists are out of date. Ditto employees, some of whom were furloughed, terminated or work from home (do you have their correct address and phone number?). Now’s the time to begin cleaning.