reputation

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • March 20, 2012

When Good PR Succeeds Too Well

The Joseph Kony viral video drama and the Mike Daisey scandal have one thing in common. In each case, someone set out to call public attention to a serious injustice, exploitation, or crime. In each case, their efforts were rewarded beyond their wildest notions. Too well, some might say. Each begs the question, can our […]

Crenshaw Communications, crisis management, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • March 12, 2012

PR Disaster Averted: 7 Cases of Good Crisis Management

PR agency pundits and brand watchers love to create “best and worst” lists around marketing and communications developments. The emphasis usually falls on the “worsts” – like the most badly handled crisis situations, mangled cover-ups, or PR stunts that backfired. It’s easy to criticize, but what about giving credit for crises averted or PR battles […]

advertising, branding, communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • March 7, 2012

What’s In A (Brand) Nickname?

Al Ries’ recent column in AdAge, “When It Comes To Names, Corporations Just Aren’t People” got me thinking about the PR of brand nicknames. Corporations may not be people, but their brands can get pretty darn close. That’s why “pet” names for products and companies can be powerful, from the classic shorthanders like Coke and […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • February 22, 2012

7 (More) Myths About PR And Publicity

Describing exactly what PR is and what public relations people do has always been a challenge, even to those of us who work in it. Just ask the Public Relations Society of America, which is concluding a lengthy search for the perfect “modern definition” of what we do. Like many professions, it’s changed, grown, and […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • February 17, 2012

Goldman Sachs CEO Embraces Marriage Equality: A Good PR Move?

The Human Rights Campaign’s push for marriage equality follows the PR-savvy methods of similar campaigns, like the It Gets Better project. Boldfaced names from politics, sports, and entertainment star in video testimonials to express support for the right to marry, regardless of gender. The latest videos feature Anna Wintour, the Reverend Al Sharpton, and Lloyd Blankfein. […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation, social media • February 3, 2012

Can Komen Recover From Its PR Disaster?

Susan G. Komen For the Cure, the force behind the ubiquitous pink breast-cancer ribbon, had a lot of people seeing red this week. After withering social criticism and fierce pressure from influentials, Komen reversed its controversial decision to defund Planned Parenthood. But a formidable symbol of grassroots activism built over 30 years has taken a […]

branding, communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • January 20, 2012

Paula Deen’s Diabetes Disclosure: A Recipe for Poor PR?

As the queen of “comfort cuisine,” Paula Deen has been a favorite among many members of my family, all of whom live in Georgia or the Carolinas. I’ve admired Paula for her unapologetic taste for indulgence, and for her Southern fried authenticity and down home charm. I’ve never even watched her show, yet I feel […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, crisis management, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation, social media • January 16, 2012

Racist Receipts And Other PR Blunders

Is any industry more challenging than retail? Not only is the business tough, but your employees are your brand. And those employees are notoriously transient and often underpaid, overworked, and just plain bored. And sometimes they do things that are just plain stupid. It takes only one misstep, powered by social media, to create a […]

celebrity, Crenshaw Communications, crisis management, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation, social media • January 5, 2012

Fake Twitter Accounts: The Ultimate Status Symbol?

Wendi, we hardly knew ye. The all-too-brief period in which Mrs. Rupert Murdoch took to Twitter was thrilling for Murdoch-watchers, social media pros, and PR types. It seemed another example of the faux-democratizing power of the social Web. It also showed the cleverness of Ms. Deng, and her uncanny ability to humanize her much-reviled husband. […]