2024 was an unprecedented year. Over two billion people across at least 50 countries were called to the polls—making it one of the most significant global democratic events in recent history. But beyond the numbers, something else shaped the political landscape: the quiet but real AI-generated disinformation....
Continue ReadingThroughout 44 years of Fearey’s history, it’d be an understatement to say we’ve seen our fair share of truly unique crises that require us to step in and swiftly map out the right crisis communications strategy and messaging for our client....
Continue Reading“Success has a thousand fathers. And failure is an orphan.” (John F. Kennedy)...
Continue ReadingYou’ve been thrust into the role of corporate communications for a global, publicly traded company with more than 17,000 associates worldwide. Following a strategic review of the business, improved corporate communication was identified as one of the keys to the company’s future growth and success. Historically, many of the company’s functions – including corporate communication –...
Continue ReadingEven in the day and age of soundbites, reels and text messages, smart, long-form content remains a critical business strategy for organizations around the world. And while AI tools are changing the way people research, brainstorm and draft written pieces, the human touch remains critical for developing thought provoking, informed content that promotes expert thinking. This...
Continue ReadingAfter surviving the Covid-19 pandemic during which time there was no direct consumer engagement between brands and consumers, experiential marketing is back and stronger than ever. At Southard Communications and in partnership with BOOM Ventures, we believe the number of companies understanding the importance of driving face-to-face communications and interaction with their brand and their desire...
Continue ReadingIn the Middle East, the business landscape is profoundly shaped by a unique blend of long-term vision and rapid technological advancement. As countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia celebrate decades of stability under dynastic governance, they stand as exemplars of how consistent leadership can drive ambitious national strategies and economic transformations....
Continue ReadingIn today’s fast-paced world, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for business leaders and organizations. The M.Cast™ Trends Report, produced by The Moore Agency, offers a comprehensive look at the trends shaping the future of business and communication. I have the opportunity to chat more about this on the PRGN Presents podcast with Abbie Fink...
Continue ReadingIn this first Spanish episode of the PRGN Presents podcast, Loreley Maldonado, founder of Eje Comunicación in Mexico, talks with Valentina Giacaman, founder of RumboCierto Comunicaciones in Chile about unbranded communication....
Continue ReadingEn este primer podcast en español de PRGN, Loreley Maldonado, fundadora de Eje Comunicación en México, conversa con la periodista Valentina Giacaman, fundadora de RumboCierto Comunicaciones en Chile, acerca de la comunicación unbranded....
Continue ReadingAs business owners, we preach the importance of recharging to our teams, yet we often fall short of doing it ourselves. Whether it’s vacation, sabbatical or parental leave, the idea of truly stepping away feels unrealistic. I’ve had to navigate this myself, stepping away from my firm, Peritus PR, for a three-month maternity leave. This wasn’t...
Continue ReadingThe European Union is getting serious about sustainability communication and reporting. And while some people and organizations are spending all their energy complaining, others are looking for solutions and relishing the challenge. I was more than happy to share my thoughts on this episode of PRGN Presents about the current challenges and opportunities that the new...
Continue ReadingNonprofit outreach requires a strategic approach to create the right voice which will lead to the right result. Bringing Hope to the Family USA turned to The Hoyt Organization, Inc. (THO), the Los Angeles area PRGN member agency, to develop a strong digital presence to target U.S.-based companies and people to support the American division of...
Continue ReadingHang around board rooms and C-suites enough and you’ll start to notice some predictable trends. (This statement could take us in several directions, but for today, let’s focus on look and feel.) Most corporate offices are modern, uncluttered and functional. Maybe there are planters here and there. A few pieces of art or company accolades probably...
Continue ReadingAs the United States gears up for another presidential election, the political landscape is more polarized than ever. This division extends beyond the ballot box, seeping into every aspect of public discourse and presenting unique challenges for businesses and organizations....
Continue ReadingWhen first entering a partnership with a new client, we often get asked where do we start? Well, for starters, understanding your audience is critical and a crucial factor in crafting messages that will resonate with your external audiences. At Southard Communications and in partnership with Escalate Strategies our vision is to help companies create brands...
Continue ReadingCause marketing is a topic I’m incredibly passionate about, and it’s easily my favorite aspect of marketing and PR. I entered this industry because I love the psychology behind communications and marketing—figuring out what provokes someone to take action. Over time, I realized that while traditional marketing tactics such as research, planning and execution are foundational,...
Continue ReadingGen AI, or Generative AI, with its sophisticated algorithms capable of producing entirely new, original content, is not just a theoretical concept. It’s a transformative tool that businesses, including my own at NettResults, are actively integrating into daily operations, shaping the future of content creation....
Continue ReadingFor most businesses, it is inevitable that change is going to happen. If you are in leadership, it may fall to you to implement the strategy around this change. Be it big or small, positive or negative, straightforward or complicated, any sort of change usually means that someone on your team is going to be impacted....
Continue ReadingThere is no question that clients today expect results from their PR firms. For many this still means driving awareness through editorial news coverage, influencer reviews and executive interviews. For years, the bigger the monthly clip book the happier the client and while clients still want quantity and quality, the expectations clients now have with their...
Continue ReadingThe world continues to face wave after wave of controversial news stories and polarized opinions on a whole variety of issues — from guns, to abortion, to the nature of climate change, the presidential election, war. The role of public relations is often to manage communication, to guide our executives on what to say and when....
Continue ReadingAs members of the Public Relations Global Network have returned home from the most recent member meeting and conference in Hong Kong at the end of May, chances are increasing for more business collaborations among the 50+ agencies spread across six continents....
Continue ReadingWith the passing of the Green Claims Directive, the EU now picks up the gauntlet against corporate greenwashing. By laying down stringent rules for how companies may deploy claims about their sustainability, the intention is to eliminate the practices of greenwashing that for so long have been misleading consumers into making unsustainable choices....
Continue ReadingBuilding a team from an internal communications point of view can be challenging. What’s the best way to tackle this process? How do you select a team of consultants that can work together, support each other and leverage the total experience to create the best brand experience? And, how do you know you’re getting the right...
Continue ReadingAccording to the Harvard Business Review, “70-90% of acquisitions are abysmal failures.” There are many reasons for this. One is a lack of clear, concise and timely communication. This can scuttle a deal or drive it off the rails after the transaction has closed....
Continue ReadingIn this way, the sustainability report is much more than just a document. It serves as a key tool through which companies comprehensively inform their stakeholders about their sustainability policy, objectives, actions taken, and progress achieved....
Continue ReadingMany awards aiming to measure large companies’ ESG (environmental, social and governance) performance suffer from non-transparent jury selection processes. Meet the Integrity Star Award which presents a completely new approach and objectively evaluates companies against 4,000 criteria in their published sustainability reports....
Continue ReadingIn the world of public relations and marketing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept but a present reality. With AI tools like ChatGPT, the industry has witnessed a paradigm shift in how communication strategies are developed and implemented. Embracing AI involves a journey that will continue to open up new avenues for PR...
Continue ReadingAt the intersection of public relations and public policy is an opportunity for communication professionals to exert considerable influence. Public policy decisions can impact our client businesses and organizations, making it imperative for PR and communications experts to understand how to navigate this terrain effectively. Although the legislative process can be arcane, skillful use of public...
Continue ReadingWorking in communications for more than three decades, I have seen firsthand how a strong spokesperson can impact the narrative of a story – whether that’s establishing thought leadership and shifting perceptions about a specific issue, resetting a reporter’s pre-existing negative bias, or simply building brand awareness through great storytelling....
Continue ReadingIndependent PR agencies usually seek membership in a regional or global PR network primarily because they want to expand their reach and do more business. And while PRGN members share several millions of dollars’ worth of business every year, it’s important to highlight that such business deals or referrals do not happen from one day to...
Continue ReadingFollowing a mixed year in 2023 marked by business challenges, geopolitical escalation and giant leaps in technology developments, 2024 will bring a spillover of all of these effects as well as fundamental questions on business and communications that companies, brands, and agency owners will have to work together to find new answers for....
Continue ReadingThe main role we have, as PR and communication consultants, is to advise and support our clients to build honest, truth-based communications. This is highly important for any communication area and it’s actually vital when we discuss about sustainability. Because we all need higher moral choices in this strange world we live in today, after so...
Continue ReadingYour audience’s attention is more fragmented than ever. We used to target seven touchpoints to reach the customer – now, it takes eight or nine. How do today’s PR teams keep up? Savvy PR leaders have learned to amplify their PR wins to get the biggest impact....
Continue ReadingMany people understand that public relations can drive reputation, but some struggle to recognize that public relations can drive revenue. More specifically, increasingly, we see PR playing a vital role in supporting the sales funnel, which is inherently more quantitative. There’s a need for education when discussing how PR can drive revenue....
Continue ReadingThe COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the way we live, work, and interact with one another. One of the most profoundly affected areas has been events. From large-scale international conferences to intimate business meetings, the events industry faced unprecedented challenges and changes during the pandemic. In this week’s episode of PRGN Presents, I had the opportunity to...
Continue ReadingIn today’s financial landscape, the importance of Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) is inevitably rising. In particular, Hong Kong has experienced a notable shift towards this trend, propelled by more stringent regulations. Nevertheless, a significant challenge emerges: many listed companies in the city grapple with seamlessly integrating ESG into their investor relations strategies....
Continue ReadingGrowing up in a small town on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Western Montana, I was lucky to be surrounded by a strong community, including the consolidated Salish and Kootenai Native American Tribes. The Tribes’ goal was for their community to succeed by leading with their values. Over the years, the tribal organizations worked to both...
Continue ReadingIn the world of public relations and communications, having a seat at the table is essential, but who occupies that seat is equally critical. The active involvement of executive leaders and their understanding of the role of communication can significantly impact an organization’s brand reputation and success. By embracing storytelling, empowering executives, and implementing consistent messaging,...
Continue ReadingBeing based in Buenos Aires, our agency’s collaboration with other firms in PRGN has proven invaluable for both national and international client companies. And as a partner at Identia PR, I’ve often witnessed the incredible synergy that arises from the PR-legal partnership, i.e., when PR and legal experts join forces. ...
Continue ReadingAs a leader in business and captain of a rapidly evolving agency in South Africa, I’ve found myself reflecting on the essence and nuances of transformation, especially in our current economic landscape. My beliefs and values that drive transformation in our business are based on a rich tapestry of experiences, not just from my South African...
Continue ReadingThere is a lot of chatter in the events industry around sustainability and how frameworks such as the triple bottom line (TBL) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors influence event planning. The triple bottom line leans into the impression a company makes on its people, profit, and the planet, while ESG uses a more specific...
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 ReadingThe marketing AI revolution is in the early stages. In order to avoid getting left behind, communications professionals need to be aware of the artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that are available to them, determine which ones can have the greatest impact on their business and start putting them to use....
Continue ReadingInflation is skyrocketing. Economies around the world are stalling. And on top of all this – we have a war in Europe. However you look at it, these are challenging times. Many people feel anxious about money, health, and their future; people are increasingly in a state of chronic stress because they face multiple crises....
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...
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