The world is amid growing panic driven predominantly by fear caused by a microscopic killer called Ebola. Americans now face a unique crisis as Ebola bridges waters and appears in a number of states across our country. Ebola is a viral killer and, naturally, fear and panic about how it spreads, infects and could potentially cause an epidemic in the United States has resulted in a scramble for answers and preventative measures from our country’s government, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hospitals, schools and more.

What's newsworthy?

Recently, someone asked me, “How would you define the word 'newsworthy?'” Great question; allow me to elucidate.

News elements 
What makes a story newsworthy? Pay close attention to these 10 elements of newsworthiness to see which apply to your particular announcement. These elements are also called "news values" because they give a story news value. Good news stories have more than one of these elements to help increase earned media coverage.

Industry trade shows are not just a wonderful venue for highlighting your company’s wares to potential customers;  they’re also a useful platform from which to soft launch or sneak peek company announcements. Too often, businesses invest tremendous amounts of money into booth construction, graphic design, booth staff and content, but limit their ability to take full advantage of trade events from a public relations standpoint. Beyond a hyper-focused networking avenue, trade shows also entice industry, national and even international media. These fine-tuned journalists arrive on-scene to uncover major announcements, private product peeks or germane industry news. And, because media and businesses happen to be at the same place at the same time, trade shows ultimately present a perfect locale to execute a variety of PR tactics that, if executed to perfection, will net stellar results. Check out these six tips for getting the biggest bang for your trade show buck:

Classic tactics and futuristic tech fuel growth

The classic concepts still hold water when it comes to getting your name in front of the eyes and into the minds of your audiences. Wearable technology offers opportunities for connecting with your audiences on a brand new level. In order to get where you want to be, make sure you – and your strategic partners – are thinking ahead.

As millions of business’ daily routines begin, there sometimes comes a turning point – a piece of news, a call from an old friend, an unexpected email – that shifts the trajectory for the entire day. That day came in September for the Cincinnati Bengals organization, an NFL team that made the decision to do something right. Since then, the team, its fans, the nation as a whole and, most importantly, one family in particular have taken notice.

The Bengals selected Devon Still, a defensive tackle, for activation from its practice squad to the playing team several weeks ago. While he is an exemplary athlete, he was activated in an inspiring gesture supported not only by his teammates, but by the Bengals’ front office, as well. Devon Still’s 4-year-old daughter Leah is battling stage 4 cancer (neuroblastoma). Her treatments are expensive and the time she spends in the hospital is daunting. To support Still and his family, the Bengals organization released Devon Stilljerseys for retail at $100 each, and is donating all purchase proceeds, in honor of Leah,to pediatric cancer care and research at Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital – a brilliant idea which someone inside the organization (likely an experienced PR professional) must have known would result in an uptick in positive public perceptions.

This is one story about PR and small businesses. Read How small companies do PR and what big companies can learn from them, 5 Things big companies know about PR that small businesses can learn from them, What do small businesses spend on PR, and Why small businesses struggle with PR firms for more.

Why PR firms may want to avoid startups

Let me begin by saying that I am a fan of Mark Cuban. He’s an edgy and technology-savvy entrepreneur and investor who calls it like he sees it. The outspoken owner of the Dallas Mavericks has invested in a diverse portfolio of businesses, demonstrating a vast and resourceful knowledge base. A few years ago, supported by both his participation in and the success of the popular, entrepreneurial ABC show Shark Tank, Mr. Cuban released an interview about his “12 Rules for Startups.” These rules have surfaced on social media several times over the years due to increasing interest in entrepreneurism. As an entrepreneur and investor myself, I support many of the common-sense rules he shares – all except one which states that “startups should not hire PR firms.” 

By Jason Mudd, APR

Were you aware that last week was Measurement Week?

For most people outside the public relations profession, the term “measurement week” likely conjures visions of a kitchen gadget, ruler or possibly even the results of a weight loss challenge. However, for those in the biz, the International Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communication’s Measurement Week provides our industry with a unique opportunity to pause and reflect on how public relations and related budgets have affected and can impact future business operations.

No matter the topic, bloggers want their posts to capture their readers’ attention. In seconds, a reader makes the decision to continue reading or to click away. These 10 tips will help you capture your readers’ attention and keep them engaged throughout your post.

5 tips for seeing social media for what it really is: one tool among many

Who logged on and made Twitter king? Is it time to put social media in its place?

A recentBusinessweek article says it is – mainly because research suggests social media may not do a lot on its own to impact audiences. In fact, Businessweek says that, according to poll results, social media doesn’t convince audiences to buy products and services.