ImPRessions

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations, social media • September 14, 2011

8 Ways To Make Your PR Program More Social

Social media is like a “secret sauce” for marketing communications. It isn’t always strong enough on its own, but it adds flavor and power to a traditional program. The key is integration. Here are some simple steps for “socializing” a PR campaign, even if it’s a DIY (do it yourself) variety. Set clear goals. Many […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • September 6, 2011

Ten Years On…A Look Back At 9/11

There’s an awful lot of “ten years later” coverage of 9/11 on our screens these days. It’s a little unnerving to be reminded of the ten-year anniversary of anything at all, let alone that of something dreadful. Ten years married, ten years graduated, ten years old. Ten years on. Here’s what I learned from 9/11: […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • September 1, 2011

Red Flags: How To Spot The PR Agency You Shouldn’t Hire

Finding the right PR team is a lot like finding a romantic partner. The process is imperfect, sometimes uncomfortable, and it can be frustrating and time-consuming for both parties. Worst of all, there’s no guarantee of a happy-ever-after once you do begin to work together. It’s easy to be dazzled by flash and dash, or […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • August 26, 2011

Should PR People Drink The Client Kool-Aid?

Recently, a senior colleague at a boutique firm was reflecting on the loss of a longtime client. She’d been active in the company’s product promotion for many years and was a tireless advocate, even among friends and family members. She confessed that she looks at their products completely differently now. What used to be leading […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • August 23, 2011

Six Strategies To Beat Perfectionism

“The show doesn’t go on because it’s ready; it goes on because it’s 11:30.” — Tina Fey In her very entertaining book Bossypants, Tina Fey warns against the evils of perfectionism, the enemy of so many creative projects. As she advises, “perfect is overrated.” Even busy agency folk struggle with impossibly high standards, particularly those who write […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, leadership, public relations • August 17, 2011

Are Executive Vacations Bad PR?

As President Obama parks his sleek tour bus (dubbed “Bus Force One”) and travels to Martha’s Vineyard for a little R&R this week, the predictable criticism has followed. Some question whether our chief executive should be taking time off amidst stock market volatility, a “crisis” economy, and dropping poll numbers. Chief among the President’s critics, of […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, social media • August 11, 2011

When It Comes To Social Media, Faking It Isn't Making It

The recent rash of bogus Twitter follower scandals, like Newt Gingrich‘s 1.3 million supposed fans, and the oil industry’s apparent astroturfing efforts, are entertaining blog fodder. But they’re also important as a reminder of what’s erroneous about linking social media status to a friends and follower count. (It’s actually unclear what percentage of Gingrich’s followers […]

Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • August 4, 2011

When Choosing A PR Firm, Does Size Matter?

Sure, it does, for PR agencies, and other creative services. From the agency perspective, size can be a powerful differentiator. But just how it stacks up depends on your point of view. Smaller firms are a better value, right? Not necessarily. I’ve held senior positions at firms that range from mega-agency to midsized. When I was […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • July 29, 2011

How To Be Quoted In The Press: Nine PR Tips

One of the mysteries of media relations is the process whereby an interview becomes a feature story. Quality in, quality out, right? Not always. What goes in does not always come through in the final piece. And there are few things more frustrating than offering up your best insights, quotes, and experience, only to be cut […]