ImPRessions

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • November 5, 2012

"Brand Journalism" and Storytelling: How PR Pros Must Adapt

We in the public relations agency biz have spent lots of time debating whether journalists make the best PR people. It used to be that ex-journos were hired in narrow roles based on skills or pedigree. At a large agency where I once worked, they were invited to the big pitch to weigh in on story potential, […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • October 25, 2012

Trump’s "Bombshell": A PR Hit Or Hoax?

It was a hairy week for both 2012 presidential candidates – if only because the poll-watching and punditry has reached a new level of frenzy as we enter the homestretch. Yet, Donald Trump, everyone’s favorite blowhard, managed to add one more stupid election trick to his bottomless bag of PR stunts. Like most of us, […]

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 […]

Crenshaw Communications, crisis management, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • October 14, 2012

The Scariest PR Mistakes of 2012

Most PR pros have had nightmares about a serious public mistake. Or, we’ve felt that shiver of schadenfreude when someone else’s blunder goes viral. Some of us have even experienced them. So, in honor of Halloween, here’s my list of some of the scariest PR moves and mistakes to date. The rogue tweet. In my […]

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 […]

blogging, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • September 14, 2012

When Should A PR Agency Break Up With A Client?

Client-PR agency dynamics are a lot like dating, except the relationship is inherently unequal. A paying client always has the upper hand in the duo. Yet, agencies, too, can initiate a breakup. And like the song says, breaking up is hard to do. So is it ever a good business move to fire a client? […]

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 […]