The Public Relations Blog

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.

Control your own information, ensure you’re found

Take control of what and how information about your business reaches your target audiences. Figure out how much it’s worth for your company to be listed on the first page of Google search results. Make sure your potential customers can find you, wherever you are.

Adjust efforts, provide valuable customer experience to maximize profits

Conduct a thorough company audit to maximize your profits in the second half of the year. The value it provides (rightly) makes Starbucks think it can increase prices at will; maybe you can, too. Partner with a firm that understands you, the process and how to get you to the top.

You’ve rolled out a new flagship product. You’ve worked hard at research and development, marketing and promotions. You were ready. You thought your customers were ready.

And then … it flops, and lots of people are talking about it. What can you do from a PR perspective to preserve your brand reputation or change the conversation? Maybe your idea didn’t scratch up to all you’d envisioned for it, or maybe it was just ahead of its time. Read on for valuable ideas to help boost your results, either way.

Panera’s advertising agency recently said “no more” to the retail restaurant/bakery giant, citing problems like too many quick changes as a source of ongoing problems and a major halt to progress. Here's our three tips for making PR agency relations work.