Public Relations

I Received A “B” On My Essay … Then It Won A Statewide Award

From Loren Yaskin: This is me in my senior year of high school, pictured with two iconic Arizona women: Representative Polly Rosenbaum (Arizona’s longest-serving state legislator) and Governor Rose Mofford (Arizona’s first female governor). My parents had just uprooted our family from Connecticut for my final year of high school (yes, really). For an Arizona […]

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What Trips with Ride-Share Drivers Taught Us About Communications

On a recent trip, we had several short rides with different ride-share drivers, little windows into how people communicate when they’re supposed to be “on the job.” Some drivers were professional, polite, and helpful. Others told interesting stories or played music we liked. A few, though, revealed quirks, making the rides uncomfortable. With one driver,

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How Everyday Conversations Spark The Next Big Story Idea For Your Business

Sometimes the best story ideas don’t come from formal strategy meetings or editorial calendars. They come from everyday work. A recent client meeting reminded us how much potential content hides in ordinary conversations. What began as an edit review for an article quickly produced many story angles. The takeaway is simple but powerful: Great stories

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4 Key Strategic Communications Tactics for Nonprofits to Maximize Impact This Year-End

As nonprofits approach the end of the year, it’s easy to focus on the financials such as audits, budgets, and tax-related tasks. But beyond the numbers, effective strategic communications are equally essential to ensuring your nonprofit is aligned with its mission, reaches the right audiences, and lays the groundwork for a successful year ahead. Here

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A microphone represents the increased influence of AI and media mentions on strategic communications.

10 Tips for Nonprofits Launching PR Campaigns

Your nonprofit has stories to tell. Make sure the right people see them. Here are ten tips nonprofit leaders can use to start a PR campaign building credibility, driving inquiries, and protecting your reputation. 1. Start with clear goals and measurable outcomes. Decide what success looks like before you begin. Attracting new donors? Increasing newsletter

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Two barrels placed over a background of a cracker, referencing the Cracker Barrel brand and recent logo change controversy.

Don’t Barrel Ahead. Learn from the Cracker Barrel Logo.

Cracker Barrel removes the little man from its logo. The reaction is fierce. Social media lights up. The stock drops. Public figures comment. The company reverses course. This isn’t just about a logo. What should your business learn? Some things about your company stand out to people and trigger feelings. Don’t risk losing your brand

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football

How ASU’s NIL Gap Reiterates Strategic Communications Starts With Revenue

Whether you’re running a college football program or a company, the principle is defining communications success with financial outcomes. Likes and shares don’t pay the bills. Dollars do. If you want expansion, start your strategic communications plan with the revenue goal at the top. Arizona State’s Coach Kenny Dillingham isn’t winning the local NIL support

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Smart Strategic Communications Should Start With Dollars

I sat in a networking meeting where business leaders went around the room sharing their primary goals. When it was my turn to talk strategic communications, I said bluntly, “Our objective is to make more money.” The room laughed. In public, many organizations say the same thing under layers of more polished language. They talk

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Communicating Complex Financial and Technical Information to the Public

An example from our own work involved a video project for a college trying to explain financial aid to students. The script included so many technical details that even a professional actor struggled to deliver it smoothly on camera.  We must simplify content to ensure target audiences actually understand. Two Arizona bills highlight this need

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Adversity as Opportunity – A Football Lesson on De-Escalating Disgruntled Customers

One of the most impactful lessons in communication comes from my favorite football team’s coach. While I’m not sure about his play calling, I appreciate one of his favorite lines: “Adversity is an opportunity.” This is particularly relevant in public relations. In any organization, customer complaints arise. However, how we respond either damages or strengthens

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