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 >
Communicating to Shareholders? Not All Private-Company Matters Are Private
May 6, 2013
Our partners in Worldcom – the world’s largest partnership of independently owned PR firms – represent some of the top thinking across PR and marketing disciplines.
We’re delighted to share this piece from Dix & Eaton – which continues to set the standard for crisis and corporate communications.
Private companies enjoy certain advantages when it comes to controlling the financial and other business information they disclose. Nevertheless, it is vital for private companies to keep their shareholders informed on a continuing basis, just as it is for their public company counterparts.
In fact, More >