ImPRessions

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • April 5, 2012

6 Reasons Why PR Is Stressful

One of my more colorful bosses was a communications exec with a very distinguished military background. His career included not only senior posts at the Pentagon, but two tours of duty in Vietnam, as a paratrooper. When things went wrong and I went crazy, he’d sometimes pat my shoulder, smile indulgently, and say, “It’s okay. […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, crisis management, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • March 29, 2012

JetBlue’s Response to Pilot Breakdown: Light On Crisis PR Strategy?

All airlines are prone to rough PR weather, but JetBlue seems to have more than its share. Maybe it’s because during a time of rapidly deteriorating expectations, many of us still expect more of JetBlue. It’s that rare industry bird, the customer-friendly airline. An oxymoron. So when it goes off-course, that’s news. There was the […]

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 […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • February 29, 2012

PR Lessons From The 2012 Campaign

Since the primaries began, I’ve been thinking about the PR strategies we’ve witnessed so far during this election season. On the surface, campaign PR doesn’t offer many similarities to corporate and brand communications. After all, it tends to be more localized, more combative, and, recently, shockingly negative. Yet, campaign 2012, as well as the ones […]

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 • February 9, 2012

How To Recharge Your (Client) Relationship

If agency searches are a lot like dating, then long-term client relationships can be a little like marriage. The best are based on mutual trust and transparency, with some occasional renegotiation along the way. But what if the relationship has gotten a little… humdrum? Worse, you’re taking each other for granted (which may be fine […]