ImPRessions

branding, communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • January 20, 2012

Paula Deen’s Diabetes Disclosure: A Recipe for Poor PR?

As the queen of “comfort cuisine,” Paula Deen has been a favorite among many members of my family, all of whom live in Georgia or the Carolinas. I’ve admired Paula for her unapologetic taste for indulgence, and for her Southern fried authenticity and down home charm. I’ve never even watched her show, yet I feel […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • January 18, 2012

PR Rules For Startups

Mark Cuban’s “12 Rules for Start-Ups” has the PR industry in a lather. In addition to offering insights like “never buy branded polo shirts” (#10), and “know how your business will make money” (#4), Cuban has a strong opinion about PR. Rule #11 on his list states, “Never hire a PR firm.” He goes on […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, crisis management, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation, social media • January 16, 2012

Racist Receipts And Other PR Blunders

Is any industry more challenging than retail? Not only is the business tough, but your employees are your brand. And those employees are notoriously transient and often underpaid, overworked, and just plain bored. And sometimes they do things that are just plain stupid. It takes only one misstep, powered by social media, to create a […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, technology • January 10, 2012

Is CES On The Way Out?

When Microsoft announced that the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show would be its last, the news unleashed a spate of predictions about the largest technology conference on earth. Is CES in decline? Could the show that attracts 130,000 attendees, including most of the biggest names in tech, actually disappear? (Anyone else remember COMDEX?) Columnists like Troy […]

celebrity, Crenshaw Communications, crisis management, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation, social media • January 5, 2012

Fake Twitter Accounts: The Ultimate Status Symbol?

Wendi, we hardly knew ye. The all-too-brief period in which Mrs. Rupert Murdoch took to Twitter was thrilling for Murdoch-watchers, social media pros, and PR types. It seemed another example of the faux-democratizing power of the social Web. It also showed the cleverness of Ms. Deng, and her uncanny ability to humanize her much-reviled husband. […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, crisis management, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • December 29, 2011

The Top Ten PR Blunders of 2011

When a serious setback or crisis occurs, not even the most talented PR pro can make it go away. Yet, a poor response invites reputation damage, while proper handling can help mitigate or limit it. Here’s my “Top 10” list, from a communications perspective, of the most badly handled public situations of the year. 10. Governor […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • December 27, 2011

PR For Startups: Why It’s Different

Over the years, my firm has worked as PR agency for many startup businesses with a wide range of needs. Most have been successful relationships. Yet, more than other client programs, startups need focused attention on business-building strategies and tactics. At the same time, the typical startup, — being entrepreneurial, ambitious, and very driven – is […]

branding, communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, reputation • December 22, 2011

Well-Handled: FedEx Delivers On "Apology PR"

Talk about heavy lifting. Pity the communications pros at FedEx. At the height of the holiday season, when the company wants to focus on its state-of-the-art technology and customer service prowess, it’s the recipient of an unwelcome holiday gift – a viral video that threatens real damage to its brand. One careless employee and 20 seconds – caught […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • December 19, 2011

Occupy This: Being Wealthy Is Back In Style

After the 2008 economic meltdown, conspicuous consumption fell out of fashion. Long before “the 1%” was a catchword, a new frugality gripped those in the middle class and higher. The affluent tightened their Gucci belts and made do with less, even if they didn’t have to. It just wasn’t seemly to be profligate when Citibank was trading at 97 […]