PR Insiders

Veteran PR pro Arthur Solomon assembles a checklist comprising the traits he thinks would make the perfect PR pro. The idea for this exercise is based on an assignment a brand executive gave him years ago, when he was with Burson-Marsteller. Despite the myriad changes in PR since that time, the traits he chose then don’t seem very different from those he says he’d pick today. They include a mix of media relations skills, integrity, and creative thinking.

We’re told in media relations to “think like a journalist.” Frank Ahrens modifies that a bit to read “think like a food service industry employee.” Specifically, the VP at BGR Public Relations argues that media relations pros can learn much about relationship-building with journalists from the way Chick-fil-A employees treat customers.

Brands that constructively feed off each others ideas, perspectives, and resources can effectively expand both audience and reach through collaboration. Hence, successful brand partnerships can optimize brand loyalty through maximum exposure. While con…

[Editor’s Note: This post describes two crises, both of which resulted in fatalities. In only one case, were jobs lost as a result.] At Flowery Branch, GA, about one hour’s drive from Atlanta, DJ Durkin… Continued

There’s an adage in aviation that safety begins at the top. If so, how does the chief executive of Boeing still have a job? For months Dennis Muilenberg insisted that the 737 Max 8 aircraft was not to blame for a pair of crashes that killed hundreds of people? There are many questions here. Did the company put profits above safety? Did Muilenberg refuse to accept the possibility that Boeing was at fault? Where was Boeing’s board during the past few months? Or was it a cover-up?

Many marketers continue to operate with the idea that American family ideals of the past are relevant in targeting female demographics. But this tactic falls flat for many—if not most—modern women. Worse, it lacks the… Continued

For the better part of the century, women have been underrepresented in every corner of the market, plastered into the rigid roles of the cleaning moms, loyal wives, and unintelligent accessories to men. This inequality has been expressed through hyper-sexualized ads and subtler degradation in the mainstream media. So, how will PR respond to this change, heated by the fury of millions of women exhausted from being inaccurately characterized and appealed to?

Many marketers continue to operate  with the idea that American family ideals of the past are still relevant in targeting  female demographics. But this tactic falls flat for many—if not most—modern women. Worse, that approach… Continued

Change is an inevitable part of business. Markets and companies mature, tastes change, competitors emerge, reputation issues argue for a name change. But when is the right time for your brand or organization to rebrand? 5WPR founder/CEO Ronn Torossian offers five signs that might indicate it’s time for a company to rebrand.

While celebrity and fan support never hurts when fighting for a cause, the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team appearances inspired real media coverage. The publicity also sparked motion toward possible change in a lawsuit filed by the team against the U.S. Soccer Federation over gender discrimination. Moving the needle at a highly-publicized national level could also ignite change regarding pay for all industries, including the ever-present public relations gender wage gap.