NEW YORK / LONDON / HONG KONG -– The Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) announced today it has added Beijing-based China Advocate to its global network. The addition raises the number of member agencies in the network to 56 and enhances PRGN’s coverage of the all-important Asia-Pacific region....
Continue ReadingC-suite executives play a pivotal role in shaping an organization’s vision and strategy, and they rely on skilled communicators – such as their PR professionals or the chief communications officer – to translate their vision into impactful messaging to the organization and its stakeholders. This involves a careful balance of positioning the issues correctly, and often...
Continue ReadingI had another opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking podcast conversation on PRGN Presents. Abbie Fink from HMA Public Relations and I delved into the ever-changing priorities in business and marketing. ...
Continue Reading
Establishing Connection Through AuthenticityIn a highly competitive business landscape, a company’s success depends not only on its innovative products and services but also on its effectiveness to communicate with its target audience. As a tech company, due to the complexities of the digital realm, truly understanding your audience and how to communicate with them is crucial. By narrowing the...
Continue ReadingBoth for in-house communications teams and PR agencies, it is not uncommon to face a mid-year reduction in the communications budget. The cuts can be a result of various causes, such as economic conditions, a shifting focus or a strategy review. When it happens it is very challenging for the comms team, especially if there are...
Continue ReadingWhile talking with a friend about her job in supply chain management at a local steel company, she joked, “Before the pandemic, nobody even knew what supply chain management was. Now everyone knows.”...
Continue ReadingAs 32nd President of the Public Relations Global Network, Andy See is also the first Asian president of one of the world’s largest networks of independent PR and communications agencies. A native of Malaysia and founder and principal partner of Perspective Strategies in Kuala Lumpur, Andy started his one-year service at PRGN’s Member Meeting and Conference...
Continue ReadingThe slippery slope of misinformation and disinformation is getting steeper. And when you add politics to the mix, it’s like throwing oil on the slope, too. While I am encouraged that many people are adapting and learning to challenge what they read and hear, I believe this is a fight where those of us in the...
Continue ReadingEffective public relations is an indispensable component of the business strategies for professional services firms, which include everything from an investment banking entity to an architectural firm, and more. While the primary function is to establish and uphold the reputation, credibility, and visibility of these firms within their respective markets, a well thought out strategic plan...
Continue ReadingUntil a few years ago, it was unthinkable for a brand to join and support a cause on purpose, because brands were expected to maintain neutrality and objectivity. It was a big No-No for brands to have an “opinion” on things like humans do, and corporate communications was restricted to announcements and figures on the company’s...
Continue ReadingBrussels is the lobbying capital of Europe. Corporations – big and small – from various industries and from various countries – in and outside the European Union – try to participate to influence the making of the law. And it works. It is estimated that there are over 25,000 lobbyists working in the European Quarter. ...
Continue ReadingManaging a team of marketing and PR professionals can be stressful. Depending on your role, you’re likely responsible for the team’s performance and outcomes, tracking the ROI of PR campaigns, monitoring online and public sentiment and scrutiny of your client, and coordinating the accurate and effective execution of press releases or other critical communications. This level...
Continue ReadingIsrael is one of the fastest-growing countries in the world. At just 75 years old, it has become a significant player in the global economy and a true contributor to the development of technology. Israel is known as the startup nation, with thousands of startups operating in a country of 9.5 million people. This, and many...
Continue ReadingToday, media relations outreach and social media programs are considered basic fundamentals in a public relations program, but in truth, they are just one component of a successful business strategy. Given public relations is an integral component in today’s business landscape, a strategic investment in communications efforts can drive results and help companies stand out in...
Continue ReadingIt’s no secret that the rise of social media and content marketing has made it easier to connect and engage directly with your target audience. However, as consumers become increasingly more skeptical of marketing tactics and spin, third-party validation in the form of media coverage can be the perfect complement to further amplify the reach and...
Continue ReadingAfter the past few months of corporate missteps, it would be simple to advise companies to just keep their heads down and not engage in potentially controversial issues. But that’s not how PR folks roll. ...
Continue ReadingWhen you’re living in a material world, instant gratification is the name of the game and your business-to-consumer marketing approach should cater to its audience accordingly. However, when your focus is on B2B marketing, your clients’ services are the product and the purchasing process is not as simple as clicking “Add to Cart” nor should it...
Continue ReadingTechnology has a central role in communications and organisational operations, to the degree that a technology blind spot on a company board can have serious and wide-ranging implications for a company....
Continue ReadingThere’s no time to postpone establishing the necessary structures for proper ESG reporting. Capital markets demand essential non-financial information to make informed investment decisions, your biggest clients are under pressure to report on sustainability data from their suppliers – i.e. your company‘s data! – and the legislative requirements are getting stricter by the minute....
Continue ReadingWhen a crisis hits a business and affects its reputation, the response must be prompt, transparent, and effective. Here are the most important things a business should do when a crisis hits the media, affecting its reputation....
Continue ReadingIn today’s economic environment, every company is looking for ways to improve efficiency, cut costs and pack the new business pipeline. For savvy C-suite executives, public relations is a key component to building the right personality for their brand. As a result, it also sets the stage to build the new business pipeline. How does that...
Continue ReadingStakeholder and customer expectations have changed drastically in recent times, putting much pressure on businesses and brands to actively engage and communicate. It is now an expectation from stakeholders that businesses must operate with more accountability to the planet and people, besides making profits. This is not just true of regulators and investors, but also of...
Continue ReadingA crisis is often evaluated by how the CEO or Management handle it leaving out the important role of the board. There are common factors that come together to create bad habits but with improved communication you can avoid a dysfunctional board of directors....
Continue ReadingThe Covid-pandemic has left behind some major obstacles for future healthcare and pharma communications campaigns. While there are regional differences, the general pattern seems to be global and comprises of four key trends:...
Continue ReadingWe have seen so much change in recent years. The world has rapidly shifted towards digital, and Industry 4.0 is sweeping across value chains of most if not all economic sectors. The age of PR (or Public Relations) 4.0 has arrived together with the massive shift to digital and social. PR4.0 is more than just about...
Continue ReadingWhen it comes to marketing and PR, tactics often seem subjective. Everyone’s got an opinion on whether that advertising campaign was effective, or if this message would be best received by stakeholders. But when it comes to ROI in marketing, subjectivity gets tossed aside in favor of concrete results and analysis....
Continue ReadingEarly in my career, I once bought a $600 espresso machine thinking this and great snacks were the keys to employee retention and satisfaction. As a more seasoned leader, I cringe that I ever thought something so foolish....
Continue ReadingIt is five minutes to midnight, at least when it comes to sustainability and corporate reporting. We are living in a time where demands from several stakeholder groups – be it NGOs, customers, investors or governments – have never been higher. To give you an example: no one wants to buy a T-shirt that has been...
Continue ReadingIn recent months, many companies worldwide, especially social media and tech-based companies, have cut their workforces citing inflation, the ever-looming recession and loss in revenue as the chief reasons to blame....
Continue ReadingEvery year, hundreds of companies face major scandals and crises that require a significant amount of damage control. There is a lot that PR and marketing professionals can learn from these situations and the selected response. Here are some of the top five corporate crises from 2022 and key takeaways that every leader can use to...
Continue ReadingEthics and transparency, AI and innovations, ESG agenda and constant crisis mode – these are some of the key trends that will shape 2023 for brands and communicators, say PRGN’s leading global communications experts in our annual collection of PR predictions....
Continue ReadingOne of three tenets upon which Mileage Communications was built, and which guides interaction with clients, partners, staff, vendors, the media and other stakeholders, is observing integrity....
Continue ReadingThe Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) announced winners of its 2022 Best Practice Awards at an awards gala ceremony held at the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore and attended by more than 30 member agencies from across the globe....
Continue ReadingFor the first time in three decades of bi-annual member meetings behind closed doors, the Public Relations Global Network is opening parts of its upcoming member agency conference in Singapore to external guests who can follow online the discussion of keynote speakers and PRGN experts on Oct. 12, 2022....
Continue ReadingThe past few years have brought previously unseen challenges for societies globally – pandemic, war, inflation and increasing social demands and tensions. Communications professionals will have to take these new factors into account when advising their clients on day-to-day activities as well as when drafting communications plans. ...
Continue ReadingIn 2019, I wrote a piece for Forbes called “Don’t Go Dark in a Downturn.” In the article, I shared how to leverage marketing and PR during enduring times, such as a recession. Luckily, the advice still held true for 2020 and beyond....
Continue ReadingIt is no secret that a positive employer culture and an appealing, transparent work atmosphere are more than ever essential conditions for accepting a job offer. Of course, an employee must be paid a fair wage for the work he or she does, but it is not only the amount of the salary that matters. Employees...
Continue ReadingIt is without a doubt that businesses and brands need to reinvent and reimagine for the future marketplace. Today, the purpose agenda dominates discussions in boardrooms. Importantly, the ability to communicate our corporate purpose well is very rewarding as it helps build trust and solidify relationships with investors, customers, employees and other key stakeholders....
Continue ReadingAs the global Covid-19 pandemic has so clearly demonstrated over the past few years, every organization—no matter its size or industry—is vulnerable to the ever-looming threat of a crisis. These threats can range from security breaches and product recalls, to natural disasters and workplace violence incidents. As PR professionals, we understand that a company’s response during...
Continue ReadingThe relationship between organizations and professional communicators is a very complex and intimate one. It takes time for both parties to know and understand each other to achieve success. That’s why we should always aim for long-term partnerships, the kind that can be compared to a marriage....
Continue ReadingOver the past 20-plus years, no industry has been disrupted more by technology than public relations and communications. At the turn of the millennium, PR was largely earned media, working directly with journalists to spur stories or becoming a trusted source for inclusion in organic articles. Think about it. In 2000, most people got most of...
Continue ReadingOver the past few years, companies have been ramping up their efforts to create a more sustainable planet. This includes everything from reducing waste at manufacturing plants, finding innovative ways to cut back on plastic use, and even devoting time to giving back to the community....
Continue ReadingBelieve it or not, it’s time to start thinking about your company’s plans for CES 2023. ...
Continue ReadingEvery organization, business and brand relies heavily on its public reputation for success. Publicity gives brands the power to reach a large audience and share their stories with the world. By leveraging the art of public relations (PR), brands gain access to a powerful tool that can help them reach their goals—from building greater brand awareness...
Continue ReadingThe Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) by the European Union points to a dilemma that financial market participants (FMPs) might also face in the U.S. If FMPs, who primarily focus on small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs), have to report on the sustainability performance of the companies they work with, they might not be able to gather...
Continue ReadingRegardless of your industry, social media can be a powerful tool for a company of any size to market its products and services to other businesses. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter might be the most common platforms mentioned in day-to-day interactions, but LinkedIn is the most relevant for B2B communication. A recent survey conducted by HubSpot found...
Continue ReadingEven managers most prepared to speak in public and to meet the most varied stakeholders are often reluctant to speak with the media and do not know what to do when invited to give a media interview. ...
Continue ReadingCompanies are increasingly expected to report in detail and comprehensively on their material, non-financial sustainability information. The pressure comes from various sides, especially from investors and politics. Among current developments making new sustainability reporting standards to become legally binding, the recently created International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) should be...
Continue ReadingCongratulations! You’ve been selected to present a keynote speech on your area of expertise. Now comes the hard part — developing a presentation that will effectively engage and resonate with your audience. Whether you’re presenting to an audience of 25 or 2,500, you’ll want to ensure that your keynote speech hits the mark....
Continue ReadingOne of the primary problems with ESG reporting is trust. Because there are no universal standards by which companies report their sustainability efforts, investors and stakeholders must rely on the word of the reporting company to a significant degree. ...
Continue ReadingYou’ve taken the deep dive and designed a PR campaign that you hope will advance your goals. You’ve planned, organized the team and rallied stakeholders....
Continue ReadingVirtual meetings are now an indispensable companion. They have helped and are continuing to help many navigate through life in a pandemic. In March alone last year, there were more than 200 million daily meeting participants on Zoom, both free and paid. In this era of advanced technology, coupled with the onslaught of Covid-19, the thought...
Continue ReadingMore and more enterprises acknowledge their responsibility to share their profits with the society in which they work and grow. It is not just a matter of “good consciousness”, but rather a step that is quite logical and well based in human everyday experience: Sooner or later you will need another one’s support and help, so...
Continue ReadingIt seems like ages ago, but when a public relations or marketing professional wanted to create buzz for their client or brand, they used to quickly fall back on media relations. These days, that’s not necessary the case. Thanks to the rise of the internet and social media, all media are being consumed differently and PR...
Continue ReadingChoosing the right NGO for a brand’s meaningful social project is a very important step – the first of many. The hard work continues by building and developing a long-term and sustainable relationship....
Continue ReadingThere’s a saying that there are two things you shouldn’t talk about at parties: religion and politics. That’s because talking about either one is liable to get you into hot water with people who might otherwise be your best friends. ...
Continue ReadingEven with a steady dose of blog posts, podcast episodes and social media updates, no content marketing strategy is complete without the addition of earned media. With that third party validation tempering any skepticism of marketing tactics or spin, media coverage in news or trade outlets can be a powerful tool for your business. Brand awareness,...
Continue ReadingThe Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly left devastating effects on healthcare systems, businesses, and economies around the world. Many families lost their livelihoods and for some, even their loved ones....
Continue ReadingIn 2018, teenage Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg caused a worldwide sensation by protesting outside the Swedish parliament to raise awareness for climate change activism. Since then, a whole gamut of issues associated with the environment has constantly been in the spotlight. ...
Continue ReadingSeveral years ago, an automobile insurance company came to our Miami PR Firm asking if we can market a bilingual literacy program for them. We were ecstatic! We had been trying to explain to several of our corporate clients the value of investing in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), also known as Cause Related Marketing. ...
Continue ReadingFrom its origin as a trendy new way to promote a brand, content marketing has grown into a versatile and easily customizable strategy to reach a highly targeted audience. Businesses and organizations across all industries now utilize content marketing to build brand awareness, thought leadership and lead generation. However, it takes more than publishing a few...
Continue ReadingOver the last year, many companies have asked themselves: are we doing enough to address social justice issues that affect our customers and employees? And is it wise for brands to publicly take a stance on such issues? Leaders are understandably hesitant to step out of their comfort zone and court any kind of controversy....
Continue ReadingLet’s be honest: Not every client has a compelling story to tell if you look just at their products or services. So, a little investment in a poll or survey can help raise their profile as a thought leader and relevant voice in their respective industry. But there are a few caveats to observe so that...
Continue ReadingAt its core, PR is all about reputation management with stakeholders. People and brands rightly expect PR professionals to help them connect with important stakeholders, build meaningful relationships and effectively communicate the right messages to them. ...
Continue ReadingOver the past 15 months, the global pandemic has challenged mankind in so many ways, from our very existence to the way we do business, and thankfully, the worst part appears to be behind us. As life goes on, so is the need to communicate, promote, salvage, interact, advise, contain, create – connections, ideas, plans, and...
Continue ReadingPitching attorneys to the media as subject matter experts is an effective way to bring exposure to a particular law firm or practice. While pitch topics may not always be law-focused, partners can still bring a unique perspective to the media landscape while highlighting their expertise. However, depending on the size of the law firm, picking...
Continue Reading“Between saying and doing there is the sea,” says a well-known proverb. This quote can be applied to today’s brands as they are called to cross this sea and take their Corporate Social Responsibility strategy to a new level by developing brand activism strategies that mark the transition from storytelling to storydoing....
Continue ReadingCrisis communications as a public relations practice stands out not just in the execution of high level strategies at an amplified pace, but because every crisis communications scenario serves as a stress test for that organization. Whether that crisis plays out in the headlines or gets managed internally, everyone immediately recognizes what worked… and what didn’t....
Continue ReadingYou can’t swing a unicorn these days without bumping into a SPAC conversation (sorry, bad Silicon Valley joke). In days of yore (pre-COVID), the technology PR world would hum with conversations about IPOs, vesting schedules and year-long plans for going public. Like everything else, things are different today. Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop...
Continue ReadingIt’s been a long and challenging 12 months since the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Many businesses have moved to remote work or a hybrid workplace model, while others were forced to shut their doors permanently. However, with vaccine rollouts across the United States on a fast track by the...
Continue ReadingIt goes without saying that 2020 was a year we’d all rather forget. While the vaccine proliferation in many parts of the world offers a light at the end of the COVID tunnel, public relations professionals should keep five potential crises in the back of their mind as we work to normalize again....
Continue ReadingWhat a year. ...
Continue ReadingAs we look forward to this new year of 2021, what do companies need to do to move their brand forward and increase the bottom line? ...
Continue ReadingFor most business leaders, 2020 almost certainly will be viewed similarly to sports accomplishments that include asterisks to denote records set under questionable circumstances....
Continue ReadingCorporate stocks have seen a rollercoaster year due to Covid-19, political turmoil and social unrest all impacting market sentiments. And now news on the vaccines have arrived and are spreading hope on the stock markets again....
Continue Reading(Oct. 19, 2020 – NEW YORK) – The Public Relations Global Network (PRGN), hosted a lively panel discussion featuring agency leaders from around the world, discussing “The New World Ahead.” Held in conjunction with the network’s bi-annual Fall conference on October 16, this first-time virtual event was attended by nearly 200 communicators from around the world....
Continue ReadingWe live in an era of hyper-connectivity and information overload. Stakeholders are bombarded with messages every moment of the day. This crowded and cluttered marketplace has not only made stakeholders more informed, it has also made them more demanding about what they expect when they interact with brands and corporations. Communicating corporate and brand values has...
Continue ReadingWith crises of democracies and capitalism the end of this decade has brought to us globally, it has become more and more necessary and frequent for diverse interest groups to express their opinions to governments in fast and powerful ways to change the environment around them....
Continue ReadingWho doesn’t love redwood trees?...
Continue ReadingSustainability is no longer an optional extra. It’s becoming a core part of business. In 2019, 90% of the S&P500 published a sustainability report. Investors and customers increasingly expect companies to meet their sustainability criteria. The pressure is not just coming from board rooms. Two-thirds of employees say sustainability is extremely important to them....
Continue ReadingThe global hospitality industry has been dealt a devastating blow by Covid-19. Most hotels and restaurants suddenly lost the majority of their customers and are struggling to keep their businesses alive....
Continue ReadingPR for real estate projects should always be focused on ensuring that clients sell properties. Our clients sell luxury properties as second homes abroad. In addition to traditional PR tools, we have used numerous tactics in past years to further improve the results of our work and help the sales process. For the moment, some of...
Continue Reading
