The Public Relations Blog

Your Choice of a Spokesperson Speaks Volumes

Popular television shows like “Scandal” and “Spin City” have turned a bright light on the profession of spokesperson. Public relations practitioners are often portrayed as sleazy, fast-talking insiders who will do anything to get their clients out of hot water.

Augmented Reality: not science fiction, just a smart tool for public relations

When we watch movies, we must frequently suspend disbelief. It's the only way we can accept that a man could develop insect-like qualities from a spider bite and that genetic mutants are living among us.

They know who we are. They know what we like. They know what we watch, and where we shop. (The companies we buy from, that is). That data in and of itself is be very useful for both companies and consumers. However, OfficeMax’s recent PR blunder demonstrates important lessons in the challenge of maintaining quality control with data, and shows how not to deal with a PR crisis in your organization concerning data.

In light of recent data problems from major companies, let’s get down to the heart of the matter from the angle of PR and responsibility.

http://tinyurl.com/2014axiamadness

Leaders Begin at End, Outsmart Google

Television interviews are scary, especially for those who are not experienced at doing them. No other form of interview is as easy to judge and critique as a television interview. You will be representing yourself and your company as a whole and everything from your facial gestures to the clothes you are wearing will be part of that. However, there are many things you can do to ensure that a television interview turns out great.

You're unlikely to be featured on the show without being the boss.

(Editor's note: Our PR firm helps corporations and their CEOs/leaders get on TV, and bosses get on TV shows like Undercover Boss. We don't help employees nominate their companies for Undercover Boss. Only top company leaders and their head of marketing/PR should contact us if they'd like to do a casting interview for the show. But don't discuss this idea with others in your organization. It must be a surprise/secret.)

Recently, we received a call in our office from the casting coordinators of CBS’ hit show Undercover Boss. She found us through our blog (which means we’re doing successful things regarding search engine optimization), and she noticed our PR firm has some amazing clients. She suggested our clients participate in the show.

Here’s the lowdown I got on how companies get on Undercover Boss:

Three tips to help your business keep negative reviews from hurting its reputation

Almost every business will receive negative online reviews, and there is nothing wrong with that; it’s better to get some kind of feedback so you can improve your products and services. Plus, those bad reviews also add credibility to the positive reviews.

However, mishandling negative reviews can do long-term damage to your company’s reputation. If you have received negative reviews or want to proactively make a plan to handle those reviews when they arise, read these tips and don’t let your reputation take a hit.

(or...They may eat paleo, but audiences want to binge on media)

The digital age has taken its toll on the newspaper business. Newsrooms across the nation have downsized and some have thrown in the towel entirely. The newest generation of consumers spends less time watching traditional broadcast news, opting instead for social media and real-time online feeds to get its news.

Several Northwestern University football players are drawing attention in Chicago as they try to seek representation by a labor union to be recognized as employees by the NCAA.