ImPRessions

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • May 9, 2017

Should Public Relations Change Its Name?

A few years ago I dropped in on a client’s booth at an industry conference, and the company CEO introduced me – the founder of his company’s public relations agency – as the “publicist.” Who, me, a publicist? Of course, he meant no disrespect, and I didn’t take offense. But for some PR people, the […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • April 25, 2017

American Airlines Soars Through A Potential Crisis

At least one company learned something about PR and reputation from the United Airlines fiasco earlier this month. Over the weekend, Twitter and Facebook lit up with smartphone videos of a fresh instance of passenger distress on an airplane. This time it was a scuffle between an American Airlines flight attendant and a passenger who […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, leadership, public relations • April 19, 2017

The PR Case For The Social CEO

Not long ago, a chief executive could lead a business, even a large one, fairly quietly, leaving public relations and social media management to the corporate communications team. The CEO job was mainly to deliver a strong financial performance. Today, things are different. A capable business leader is expected to also serve as a brand […]

crisis management, ImPRessions, public relations • April 10, 2017

United Flies Into A PR Storm

The public relations team at United had probably just started to breathe easy after the “leggings” mini-crisis when a second PR disaster hit. And this one’s a doozy. Late Sunday, a United passenger who refused to give up his seat on an overbooked flight was forcibly removed from the plane by police, to the horror […]

Crenshaw Communications, crisis management, ImPRessions • April 6, 2017

Pepsi’s Smart Response To Its PR Controversy

Brand Pepsi fell flat this week with its bafflingly tone-deaf ad featuring Kendall Jenner, but in the wake of a public relations backlash, the brand did at least one thing right. After Twitter lit up with nasty tweets and late-night comics poured on scorn, Pepsi reacted quickly. Its response was so simple, sensible, and honest […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • March 23, 2017

Influencer Marketing For B2B Brands

Can influencer marketing work for B2B brands? PR programs with influencer tactics evoke emerging YouTubers or glitzy Kardashian-type personalities, but influencer marketing works in B2B public relations, too. The names may not be as glamorous, but the impact is real. Here’s why. Most B2B companies operate in a competitive category characterized by a long selling […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • March 15, 2017

Top PR Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Mistakes in PR planning or execution are costly, particularly when you consider the typical investment in a top public relations agency. But errors aren’t always predictable, which is one reason why PR is both endlessly fascinating and frustrating as a career. Years of experience have taught us that when a program isn’t working, it’s often […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • March 6, 2017

How To Protect Reputation In The Age Of Leaks

Most companies hire PR agencies to help them get out positive news. But what happens when the juiciest stories about a business aren’t flattering? What, if anything, can a PR or corporate communications expert do to turn things around? Consider Uber’s rough ride of late. First, a video of founder Travis Kalanick arguing with a […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • February 23, 2017

The Top Threats To Your Company’s Reputation

In today’s volatile media and social environment, good PR comes at a premium and brand reputation is fragile. Look at Trump’s dressing down of many businesses, or the controversy Uber has run into when founder Travis Kalanick acts out. (More on that later.) Some argue that any type of buzz is good for business, even […]