Topics

How do professional communicators prepare for the impossible-to-foresee developments in the aftermath of a catastrophic, tragic event?

One Direction is a business venture like any other, and its primary challenge is to communicate to its fans—and internally to its remaining members—that the group will remain relevant in the near term in light of this important defection.

Most any merger will have ripple effects throughout the companies’ communication efforts, but this one should be a real doozy.

We are becoming increasingly defined by our digital reputations, and this trend is only going to continue as more data about us becomes available and searchable.

There are some subtle and not-so-subtle differences in what is going to make reporters and other stakeholders open up an email message or immediately nuke it.

As with most shiny new social apps, it’s anybody’s guess whether Meerkat eventually will be said in the same breath as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook or turn into a social media trivia question.

Whether writing a press release, an annual plan, or just a simple pitch – you’re always simply telling a story.

Kelly McGinnis became executive VP and CCO of Levi Strauss & Co. in 2013. The move came 18 months after Levi Strauss hit the reset button following years of no growth. From the get-go McGinnis—who reports directly to Levi’s CEO Chip Bergh—instituted four principles that have guided communications strategy and enhanced integration.

When PR takes a backseat to lead generation efforts in an organization, the strategic value of communication is masked behind a larger marketing umbrella. Don’t let this happen. PR needs to bridge what is a chronic disconnect and take its seat at the revenue table.

Spring is in the air, and so are significant changes at some of the most popular brands. These are not marginal changes where a press release and a few media hits will suffice to get out the message, though. They are major breaks from the branded past that require long-term communication strategies and a sustained effort by PR pros.