communications

blogging, communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • October 19, 2012

Which Brands Are Winning The 2012 Election PR Race?

This election year has brought plenty of PR fodder, and not just for media and political pundits. As always, it offers opportunities for brand marketers and PR experts to jump into the race. Yet, election tie-ins are tricky, particularly during such a partisan time. Not all are winners. From bad to brilliant, here are some […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, reputation • October 3, 2012

Is "Apologize" A Dirty Word?

This election season has given rise to a new term of shame. It’s “apologize.” GOP nominee Mitt Romney never tires of criticizing President Obama for what he claims is the president’s constant “apologizing” for America. What bothers me as a professional communicator isn’t just that no one in the Romney camp can seem to point […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, technology • September 26, 2012

Words To Avoid For PR Pros And Princess Bride Fans

Although I’m a grammar and word usage nerd, I rarely blog about it, mainly because others do it so well, and for PR pros, the frequency of reminders can be tedious. Yes, certain incorrect, trite, or pompous words are irresistible complaint fodder: my personal dreads are “hone in” for “home in” or anything with “utilize” […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • September 20, 2012

Can PR Pros Learn From Romney’s Mistakes?

It’s been a tough two weeks for Mitt Romney’s campaign. It’s hard to separate the aggressive punditry, faux outrage, and media overkill from the real lessons here. But there are lessons. In my view it’s not about gaffes. Those occur on both sides, and the media pounce and squeeze every last ounce of news value […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • September 7, 2012

How To Give A Killer Speech: Lessons From The 2012 Political Conventions

Most of the time, a political convention combines the best of public relations strategy, messaging, marketing, and theater. But good or bad, there are always learnings that PR pros and our clients can take to any public speaking opportunity. Here are some from my convention-watching over the past two weeks. Match the room. Politicians and […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, crisis management, ImPRessions, public relations • August 31, 2012

Bic Pen "For Her" Draws Mixed PR

In the past few days, lots of ink has been spilled – literally and digitally – about the hundreds customer reviews posted for Bic “For Her,” a line of pens marketed to women. Now, you might think the brand is elated to receive such an active response to a product, especially a year after its […]

communications, crisis management, ImPRessions, reputation • August 28, 2012

6 Myths of Crisis Management PR

In the past several weeks, brands from Burger King and Penn State to Chick-fil-A and CelebBoutique have grappled with serious reputational threats. These days, it’s almost routine for communications pros to be managing some kind of potential crisis situation along with proactive PR programs. Yet true “crisis management” is probably a misnomer. Though there are […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, crisis management, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation, social media • August 24, 2012

Armstrong’s Crisis PR Is In Fighting Form

As evidence that he used performance-enhancing substances has gained traction over the years, cyclist Lance Armstrong always managed to stay out in front, avoiding major reputation damage. Until now. But even now, he may be down, but he’s not out. As he threw in the towel, announcing that he’d no longer contest the US Anti-Doping […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • August 20, 2012

How To "Newsjack" – Ethically

Recent conversation about “newsjacking” as the province of PR bottom-feeders has set off a minor digital storm. But I’m not sure what the fuss is about. The term originated with David Meerman Scott, who wrote a book on the topic; he defines it in the subtitle as “inject(ing) your ideas into breaking news” with a […]