Growing 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… Continue reading How a Values-Aligned Mission is Good for Business
It’s that moment when you realize that the situation could soon spin out of control. Something has happened within the organization, and only a few select people are aware of it for now. If, or indeed when, the news gets out, the information will spread fast, and reactions will be swift. Your customers will be… Continue reading Steps to Avoid a PR Crisis When You Have a Corporate Crisis
In 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… Continue reading Leadership Buy-In is Essential for PR and Communications Success
Being 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. PR practitioners, like me, are… Continue reading Unveiling the Power of PR-Legal Partnership
As 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… Continue reading Transformation: Stepping out of Comfort and Embracing New Paradigms
C-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… Continue reading Translating C-Suite Vision into Impactful Messaging
I 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. Recognizing the unprecedented economic environment and evolving buyer behavior, I shared some thoughts on the need for marketing managers to reprioritize their strategies recommending… Continue reading Navigating Changing Priorities in Business and Marketing
In 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… Continue reading Top 5 PR Needs of a Tech Company
Both 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… Continue reading Navigate Mid-Year Budget Cuts With These Comms Strategies
Effective 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… Continue reading Mastering Communications: Top Five Strategies for Professional Services Firms
Until 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… Continue reading What Brands Should Consider Before Joining Social Issues
Israel 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… Continue reading Communications in Israel: the Challenge
Today, 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… Continue reading Making Sure Your Public Relations Efforts Generate New Business
When 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… Continue reading Playing the Long Game in B2B Marketing
Technology 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. A board’s lack of understanding of the technology landscape can cause missed opportunities for growth that stems from the evaluation and adoption of or… Continue reading The Use of Data and Technology in PR
There’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. Capital… Continue reading Top Three Reasons Why Every Company Needs Good ESG Reporting
When 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. Firstly, a business should acknowledge the crisis publicly. Silence can make the situation worse and lead to negative… Continue reading What to do When a Crisis Hits Your Business
We 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… Continue reading PR4.0 Has Arrived – Are You Ready For It?
Inflation 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 reading The Art of Communication in Challenging Times
It 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… Continue reading Why Every Company Will Need Good ESG Reporting
In a recession, it’s common to put on the brakes, forget about your long-term plans and cut back spending to save as much as you can. However, if not done strategically, this short-term gain can create long-term pain, and any immediate savings are simply an illusion when you look at the overall business outlook. PR… Continue reading How to Maintain and Build Brand Awareness and Market Share During a Recession
Every 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… Continue reading Top Five 2022 Corporate Crises – And The Lessons Learned
New Year’s resolutions are destined to be broken. It takes more than a statement of intent to change a behaviour. At least that’s what we know from behavioural science. It requires a change of habit and that’s easier said than done. When it comes to making a resolution for your brand there are two parts… Continue reading What Your Brand’s Sustainability Resolutions Should Be For 2023
In an increasingly connected world, it’s critical for public relations, marketing, and communications specialists to understand the dynamics that exist when communicating across cultural lines. Throughout the year, billions of people celebrate hundreds of holidays, religious events, and festivals. Communications specialists need to understand how to effectively navigate and understand holidays of the world, especially… Continue reading Holidays of The World: A Communicator’s Guide for Cultural Diversity
Something any public relations person or business can do today that will make a difference is to embrace sustainable development. The move will set them up as individuals or companies for success. Embracing sustainable development means understanding and reporting the social and environmental (non-financial) impacts and risks associated with a company’s operations. Soon, sustainability reporting… Continue reading Why Sustainable Development is Important to Business
The 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. Increasingly, it is not the communications theory behind,… Continue reading How to Build Successful Communications Plans for 2023
It 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.… Continue reading Three Signals That Tell Your Company Builds the Right Employer Culture
It 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. In… Continue reading The Key to Building Winning Brands Today and Tomorrow
As 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… Continue reading 7 Simple Steps to Developing a Crisis Communications Plan
The 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. When you marry, you bind yourselves to a… Continue reading The People Behind the Brands – Living Happily Ever After
Over 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… Continue reading What is Old is New Again
Over 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. In today’s market, many consumers go out of their… Continue reading Five Key Takeaways From Top Brands’ ESG Reports
Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about your company’s plans for CES 2023. Primed for a big comeback this year, the show is taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Jan. 5-8, 2023, with Media Days Jan. 3-4. CES is the most influential tech event in the world, bringing together companies, including… Continue reading How Companies Should Prepare – and Why Start Now – for A Successful CES 2023
Being a good corporate citizen should be a part of every organization’s overall strategy. It starts at the top and isn’t something that should be approached in a haphazard way. Oftentimes, companies get involved in particular charities or causes because they have a direct connection to the CEO or other company leadership. Those initiatives are… Continue reading What is Good Corporate Citizenship?
The 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… Continue reading New EU Sustainability Reporting Rules Ask EU and U.S. Companies for More Data on Operations
Regardless 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… Continue reading 10 Ways to Leverage LinkedIn in B2B Communications
Even 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. Whether the interview is a first time or an already familiar situation, success depends on several factors that… Continue reading Five Tips for Giving Media Interviews
Congratulations! 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. Below… Continue reading Preparing for the AGM: How to Build a Compelling CEO Speech in Five Steps
One 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. New blockchain technologies, however, bring an added level of transparency, verifiable evidence, and therefore credibility, to… Continue reading Using Blockchain for ESG to Build Trust
Nobody can foresee specific events or disruptions, however, there are trends and forces that shape the future. One of these is sustainability – or what investors call ESG. Sustainability is a business approach to creating long-term value by considering how an organisation operates in the ecological, social and economic environment. Sustainability (and ESG, which stands… Continue reading Why Sustainability Matters to Your Business – and What Can You Do About It?
Remember the saying “There’s no such thing as bad publicity?” Well, that’s not entirely accurate. More and more, brands are seeing the impact of PR scandals and crises and how they impact their market positions. Depending on the circumstances, a crisis can cast a brand in a bad light, destroy a hard-earned reputation, and put… Continue reading Top 5 Corporate Crises in 2021 to Learn From
More 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,… Continue reading Social Giving – How Should Corporations Approach It?
It 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… Continue reading A New Approach for Media Relations
Choosing 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. For a deeper dive into the matter – and to get an authentic glimpse of the NGOs’ perspective – we have interviewed… Continue reading Companies-NGOs-PR Agencies – Creating the Perfect Alliance for Impactful Collaboration
There’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. Similarly, the decision for a brand to engage in a public affairs campaign—a political communications… Continue reading How to Launch a Public Affairs Campaign If Your Brand Has Never Done It Before
In 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. It’s not just environmental concerns that are becoming increasingly critical, but a more… Continue reading ESG Based Investing Faces Fast Development in Singapore
Several 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. And… Continue reading Cause Related Marketing: Who Is It For And Why Should Your Company Invest In It?
From 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… Continue reading Content Marketing at its Best
A traditional communication tool ended up in the shadows, thanks to the advent of social media, but newsletters are back and are on the rise again. Newsletters are now seen as the most suitable strategy for effective communication with consumers, especially in times of lockdown, according to the Talkwalker and Hubspot report on Social Media… Continue reading The Return of Newsletters
Over 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 reading Why Your Company Should Get Involved in Social Justice Issues
Let’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… Continue reading How to Use Polling for More Effective PR Communication?
At 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. However, many make the mistake that PR can help them solve a real leadership and business problem especially when… Continue reading The Best PR Can’t Replace Real Leadership
Over 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,… Continue reading What Should PR Firms Be Prepared For In the Post-Covid Era?
Pitching 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,… Continue reading What Makes an Attorney a Good Source for the Media?
“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. What is brand… Continue reading From Brand Purpose to Brand Activism: Time to Act
Tourism and hospitality are two of the most affected industries following the COVID-19 global crisis. Many jobs have disappeared, many companies have gone bankrupt, and many services no longer have a reason to exist. Today, a year later from the pandemic’s onset, we are struggling to adapt to this new normal. The hospitality and tourism… Continue reading Five Key Campaign Reboot Elements For Tourism Brands After Covid-19
You 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… Continue reading SPAC Attack – What They Are, Why You Should Care and How Communications Plays a Role
NEW YORK-LONDON – Member agencies of the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) have reported an unprecedented surge of new business success in the first two months of 2021. Despite the global pandemic and its economic impacts worldwide, independent agencies prove resilient, agile and successful in expanding their business offering – an internal survey at PRGN… Continue reading Public Relations Global Network Agencies Start 2021 With More Than 100 New Client Assignments
Doing your first ESG (environmental, social and governance) report is not as simple or straight-forward as it seems. In no way are we trying to deter you from producing your first ESG report. It is one of the most important reports a company does for responsible investors and key stakeholders. Yet, our experience with first-time… Continue reading What Most Companies Get Wrong When Doing Their First ESG Report
It 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. Vaccine rollout… Continue reading The Five Crises to Watch for in 2021
Sustainability is becoming more and more important: People are aware of global challenges like climate change, pollution and social inequality, and they discuss them and ask for solutions. It is clear that companies have a major impact on social and ecological issues, so the pressure on them to operate sustainably is increasing accordingly. Not only… Continue reading Six Reasons Why Sustainability Matters for all Companies – and Two Common Mistakes They Should Avoid
What a year. 2020 might as well have been “the year of crisis.” Or maybe it was just one big 365-day crisis. It certainly felt like it, as The Castle Group’s crisis communications practice managed more than 100 crises for 57 clients in 19 states and two countries. As we reflect on 2020, we all… Continue reading 2020 – The Year of Crisis
As 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? As members of the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN), we are all given this challenge by our clients regularly. Of course, the world is in a different place globally… Continue reading Why Companies Should Invest into PR & Digital in 2021 and Beyond?
The world has a plan to end poverty, fight inequality and save the planet from climate change – the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs contain 17 goals and 169 targets. The plan sounds lofty and daunting, right? Even so, the SDGs are forming part of the DNA of business, government and civil… Continue reading Why Stakeholder Engagement is the First Step to Reach Your SDGs
Who doesn’t love redwood trees? These iconic trees, some of the oldest and certainly the tallest and largest in the world, are mainly located in California (with a small grove also in remote China). Redwoods exude a majestic presence with their beauty, their breadth, their height and their age: it just makes you want to… Continue reading What Can Redwood Trees Teach Business about Sustainability?
Companies and brands have never behaved as well as they are right now. For the past few weeks, we’ve seen a level of compassion and caring from brands that is “Hall of Fame” worthy. While this avalanche of good deeds and good intentions might be viewed as excessive by some, I’ve been impressed by the… Continue reading What if we turned the Covid-attitude into sustainable corporate behavior?
