Complain? Who, Me?
May 23, 2013
Consider it the anti-Twitter, anti-social media move: No more complaining.
I’m in.
But it turns out I’m kind of late to this party. AComplaintFreeWorld.org has sold more than 10 million bracelets as a physical, skin-touching reminder that there is another way to live in this world. (Think LiveStrong, but purple.)
I just sent away for of one – it turns out they come in packs of 10 – ready-made for the right kind of viral love. Apparently it could take 2 weeks to get here, which may test my no-complaining resolve.
But I’m vowing to get started early, like today. Because as a formerly-active More >
4 Reasons Why Dilbert Rocks. And What Gamification Needs to do Better.
May 20, 2013
I haven’t read Dilbert in years. But Scott Adams can still puncture the balloon.
The latest: Gamification, marketing’s favorite new toy.
What’s right about this? Well, funny’s good. It’s also hot-linked to when something ‘new’ has clout. Or Klout.
- Make it worth something real. Most ‘messaging’ we see inevitably begins with the product, and then shifts to a company’s aspirations. That’s nice, but a misguided target. It should always, always, focus on the customer – and even better – the customer’s customer. That’s when we stand a pretty good chance of giving someone something they actually More >
3 Ways to Smash Your Creative Block in Less than 10 Minutes
May 20, 2013
It happens to all of us: you’re cruising along, powering through projects and assignments, and suddenly you hit a wall. Bam. That once roaring river of ideas has dried up, and there isn’t even a puddle left to get you going.
So, now you’re sitting there, staring at a blank canvas or a blinking cursor wondering what to do. Switch to a different task? Take a walk? Maybe you should call it a day and reengage after a good night’s sleep. But what if time isn’t on your side? What if a deadline is fast approaching and you need to get the wheels turning right now?
I can’t guarantee any of the More >
Why PR is More Interesting Than Being a Reporter
May 16, 2013
Next year marks 25 years in PR for me. I switched after writing about 2,500 newspaper stories from a whole bunch of different countries, and the transition was pretty bumpy, to put it kindly. I was naïve, arrogant, and full of attitudes that are best left in the newsroom. This series of posts – shared by one of our newest staffers (thanks, Justin) — reminded me about all the stupid mistakes I made, and what has become the core of my philosophy about this business.
The biggest lesson: It’s so much better to be on the inside.
Most reporters still believe that they are discovering the news, More >
When Tragedy Strikes: A PR Checklist
May 10, 2013
When it comes to handling public relations during tragedy, the best advice is simple: Less is more.
It’s clear to most (though not everyone, unfortunately) that pitches, tweets, releases, and any other PR-related activities should be set aside when major tragedies unfold. But in today’s fast-paced and increasingly automated world, it’s often what you don’t do that can get you in trouble.
Here’s a list of must-do things to check to protect you or your client’s reputation – before you glue yourself to the news:
- Postpone scheduled tweets: When your pre-scheduled and suddenly irrelevant tweet More >