ImPRessions

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • September 30, 2011

A Weighty Issue: Is Being Heavy Bad PR?

One of the tweets after the earthquake in August was about a certain hefty New Jersey governor and object of Republican presidential fantasies: “I think Chris Christie just jumped into the race.” Bada-bum. Christie’s size has been the butt of jokes, with puns always intended, since his own campaign against Jon Corzine. His bulk is the […]

branding, ImPRessions, public relations • September 29, 2011

When Brand Nicknames Are Bad PR

Coke. Mickey D’s. Tar-zhay. Brand nicknames are usually a marketer’s dream. Impossible to impose (just ask RadioShack), they have enormous power when they happen organically. And they’re nearly always a sign of familiarity, engagement, or even affection. That’s what General Motors learned – the hard way – after its ill-fated attempt to legislate use of […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions • September 21, 2011

What Netflix Can Teach Us About Apology PR

Public apologies can be powerful, especially when they come from the top. Even in our crisis-of-the-day era, there’s something arresting about a chief executive admitting he was wrong, or a company making amends to customers. As a self-appointed “apology PR” analyst, I’m fascinated by the communications strategy, language choices, and delivery of a corporate mea […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, ImPRessions, public relations • September 16, 2011

Fake News Site Highlights Fine Ethical Line For PR

September is PR Ethics Month. That’s ironic, because a water utility’s ‘innovative’ PR tactics have sparked an outpouring over industry ethics while highlighting the thin line between legitimate news and faux content. It all started when the Central Basin Municipal Water District in Southern California was outed by the Los Angeles Times for its creation […]

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 […]