reputation

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • March 12, 2019

When Your PR Problem Isn’t About PR

For PR professionals, it’s interesting when a particular company or public figure is said to have a “PR problem.” Of course the term is used as shorthand, but it can signal that brand-watchers are misdiagnosing what’s wrong. “Bad PR” generally means negative media coverage, but the coverage is often a symptom rather than the problem. […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • January 2, 2019

PR Winners: The Best Stories of 2018

For public relations and reputation experts, it’s easy to point out the brands and personalities who mishandled bad news or missed opportunities after public mistakes. Our list of the PR losers of the past 12 months is out, but what about the good news stories of the year? Here are my nominations for the best, most […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • December 28, 2018

The PR Losers Of 2018

Against the backdrop of an ever-faster news cycle, 2018 has featured brands and personalities who seized unexpected opportunities to generate positive PR. By the same token, 2018 has brought public disasters for others. Which stories captivated us in 2018, and who came out where? Here’s part one of my list for 2018 PR Winners and Losers. […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • December 14, 2018

Google’s Turn On The Hot Seat: A PR View

Considering he is “one of the most powerful people on the planet,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai has kept a low profile. But this week, after Google had skipped earlier Congressional hearings involving his peers at Twitter and Facebook, Pichai had his high-stakes moment. And in PR terms, he may have dodged a bullet. No wonder […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • November 29, 2018

#MeToo Slams Under Armour: Can It Recover?

The #metoo movement has claimed the reputations of many high-profile men. But its real impact may be at the corporate level. Our heightened awareness – and the corporate reluctance to address systemic misbehavior – presents serious public relations challenges for established companies in every sector. No brand is immune from a reckoning with the consequences […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, leadership, public relations, reputation • September 14, 2018

PR For The "New" Technology CEO

For CEOs of technology companies, arrogance is out and humility is in. “Boring is the new black,” proclaims New York Times tech columnist Farhad Manjoo in a piece about the latest trend for technology company chiefs. Whereas they once reveled in being colorful, brash, and outspoken, today’s leaders have quieted down a bit. The trend […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • August 22, 2018

Customer Service Is The "New" PR

The best PR agency in the world can’t hold a candle to employees who are empowered to do the right thing. That was my thought when I read @scottmonty’s tweet about an incident involving a Wisconsin Costco. Monty’s screengrab recounted the experience of a resident stranded by heavy rains and flooding. Apparently the staff of […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • August 9, 2018

Twitter’s Alex Jones Problem Goes Beyond PR

Twitter stepped into a PR mess this week when it broke ranks with peers and declined to suspend conspiracist Alex Jones from its platform. The decision came after most tech giants hosting InfoWars content – Apple, Facebook, Spotify, and YouTube — removed at least some of its pages or broadcasts in response to public pressure. […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, reputation • July 25, 2018

How Not To Apologize

Terrible explanations for terrible behavior are perversely fascinating — especially to PRs and professional communicators. They’re also instructive. It takes a well-crafted and sincere apology to explain away repugnant speech or actions, and even the best mea culpas can fall short. But lately there have been some doozies. In an episode unlikely to be matched […]