Strategic Communications Solutions PR profiled in the Oakville Chamber of Commerce Advocate Magazine

Click on this link for the full article on Peter Turkington and Strategic Communications Solutions PR in the June issue of the Oakville Chamber Advocate Magazine.

http://twl.sh/nGfZe9

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/SCSPR
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

Some free advice for RIM

As Research in Motion struggles to regain footing in the smart phone industry, one of the worst decisions they could make would be to cut back on their marketing and public relations activities.

While these areas are often first to be cut in difficult times, they the ones you really need. Communication is key all the time, but becomes especially important in difficult times. Employee morale can be impacted. Investors want to know what's going on; as do suppliers and customers.

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/scspr
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

A few thoughts on news releases

On a few occasions recently, I've been asked if I think that the news/media release is a thing of the past. My answer to this is no. There's still a place for news releases in today's information environment. Their role has evolved, but they're not obsolete. They can be used on consistent basis to show that your company is active and has valuable information to share. For example, they could introduce a new product/service. They could talk about new features for your products or relationships your company is forging. They communicate to the outside world that your company is alive and innovating.

What I like most about news releases in today's environment is the fact that they can go viral through social media. Their shelf life has been extended through technology. Media releases can be used to update your website and keep it current. The activity will cause your site to show up more in web searches.

The news release is far from gone. It's still an important communications tool.

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/scspr
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

Sometimes the best defense is a strong offense

When someone's hurling allegations at you, especially false allegations, it's sometimes difficult to know how to respond.

Some will think the way to go about it is to stay quiet - if they weather the storm it will pass. This can be a double edged sword though. If you don't respond, there's only one side of the story on the record. And if it's wrong, it can have consequences on your reputation.

Others will run to the nearest microphone without thinking and make the situation worse. Or they'll offer the 'dreaded' NO COMMENT. Nothing gives the perception of 'guilty as charged' better than a statement of 'no comment'.

Ideally, you do need to respond. It need not be immediate though. Take the time to get your facts straight so that you can refute the allegations credibly and calmly.

In my view, Piers Morgan did an excellent job of responding to the allegations raised in the British Parliament yesterday. His interview on CNN with Wolf Blitzer was strong. He stayed on message, didn't become flustered and held British MP Louise Mensch to account. See the video below.

http://youtu.be/fsJwM1DnLu4

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/scspr
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

It isn't enough just to write, provide value...

SEO companies will tell you that you need to keep your website current; you need to blog every day. It's the activity and links that attract attention to your website. They may be right. But you have to make what you're posting count. You can't just aimlessly write and ramble. If you do, it's possible to hurt your reputation with customers and potential customers.

I've said it before on this blog and I will say it again. It's about providing your customers or potential customers with the answers they're looking for - or at least pointing them in the right direction. For some people, your blogging, Twitter and Facebook activities can be considered auditions by potential clients (especially if you're a copy writer or social media expert).

What am I getting at here? As with many of my recommendations on this blog, it's simple and seems like common sense. Provide value. Give tips. Showcase your expertise. Don't stray from the core reasons you're in business lest you dilute your message.

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.titter.com/scspr
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

Your message is key...

When it comes down to it, the one thing (besides defining your audience) that is key to making sure you're noticed above all the 'noise and clutter' of modern marketing and communications efforts is your message. Make sure it's on Brand. If you have a Twitter account or Facebook Page, make sure you're talking about what's relevant to your potential clients. What you tweet or post defines they type of followers or fans you attract. You want to attract those who are interested in your company or brand. Post or tweet links to relevant articles. Don't dilute your brand with irrelevant messages.

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/SCSPR
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

Back to talking about pro-active communications...

Romney knows from previous campaigns that issues like this are going to come up. I'm surprised his communications advisers have not developed a plan to mitigate attacks. They had to know they were coming.

http://t.co/0FNolJz

Actions can speak louder than words...

Actions can speak louder than words. Always consider this in your communications/PR activities. It is little wonder that President Obama's meeting with the Dali Lama has produced headlines like the one in the article below.

Obama meets privately with Dalai Lama, drawing China’s ire
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/americas/obama-meets-privately-with-dalai-lama-drawing-chinas-ire/article2099863/

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/SCSPR
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

Is Social Media Overrated?

The link below outlines a survey that declares social media n overrated advertising medium.

My thoughts:

Social media is an important part of any marketing and communications strategy. It shouldn't be the ONLY part of a strategy though. It is useful and can have a positive impact on an organization's relationship with customers. It shoudn't be discounted.

http://www.nationalpost.com/todays-paper/Social+media+called+overrated+advertising+medium+study/5105697/story.html

An interesting question...

I was recently asked "What do you say to a client when they tell you they 'didn't get one sale' or 'don't see any R.O.I.' after you've gotten a media hit for them?"

My Answer:

This seems to be quite a common problem throughout the PR industry. In most cases it's an ongoing education process with clients. It comes down to communicating with them on a regular basis about what you are doing and the potential results. Share the feedback you're getting from reporters. Let them know how the pitch you're using can be tweaked to increase the potential of more visibility.

It also helps if you can get your client to see public relations as an investment rather than something that's going to instantly drive the bottom line. Each communications effort you conduct on behalf of a client builds on the previous one. Increasing credibility and visibility at the same time. It may not increase immediate results, but it certainly moves people along in the purchasing process. The next time they hear your company name mentioned (in an ad, on TV or in an article) they'll recall hearing about it before and be that much closer to a purchase decision.

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/SCSPR
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

After defining your target audience & developing your message, consistency is key

Once you know who you're talking to and what you want to say, you have to communicate it in a variety of ways. The core message will be the same, but there are many story hooks and angles that can be used to communicate this message. While each story angle may appear different, the fact that the core message is being presented over and over means it has a greater chance of 'sticking' in people's minds.

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/SCSPR
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

Maybe you need a virtual PR department

More and more, companies are realizing the importance of public relations. They're beginning to understand that generating consistent and ongoing publicity can build visibility and credibility of their corporate brand. While some are hiring a few people to create a PR small department, others are stalling because they think it's too expensive to either start a department or hire an agency.

In reality, the most cost effective route to go is to hire a boutique public relations agency to become your virtual PR department. Such an agency offers all the same services as a large PR firm without the expensive overhead. The savings are then passed along to the customer. By going the virtual PR agency route, companies can save on expenses such benefits, vacation pay, training, etc.

For more information on how a boutique PR agency can help your business, visit www.stratcommsolutions.ca ; follwo us on Twitter www.twitter.com/SCSPR ; or 'like' our Facebook Page www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

A few thoughts on media releases

The link below connects to a good article on media releases. At Strategic Communications Solutions PR, we take the same approach. A release should never give away the whole story. It's designed to get attention and secure an interview...i.e. get a reporter to write a story. It creates a third party (objective) story on you or your company.

http://www.ereleases.com/prfuel/understand-the-real-purpose-of-press-releases/

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/SCSPR
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

Any news is good news

Contrary to the oft quoted saying, not all news coverage is good. Some stories on the front page of the paper destroy reputations and push companies out of business. That's why it's important to carefully build and maintain your corporate reputation. By developing a consistent and ongoing communications strategy, your organization can create goodwill. Better still, you can shape public opinion and be prepared to respond to a negative story, should one appear. By banking goodwill, you will be better positioned to ride out a storm of negativity and get back to prosperity.

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/SCSPR
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

Radio coverage for Splash: An introvert's guide to being seen, heard and remembered

680AM News Radio (Toronto) - http://ow.ly/d/haK

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/scspr
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

Strategic Communications Solutions PR gets National Post coverage for Planet Beach

National Post - http://twl.sh/iSpFw0

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/scspr
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

Snapshot of media coverage generated by Strategic Communications Solutions PR for Garage Living

National Post - http://twl.sh/jT0tRi

Toronto Star - http://twl.sh/jbeTBa

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/scspr
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

Strategic Communications Solutions PR secured coverage for The Environmental Factor in...

Canadian Gardening Magazine - http://twl.sh/jipGG9

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/scspr
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

Snapshot of Strategic Communications Solutions PR media coverage for client Dr. Deborah Chesnie Cooper

Globe and Mail - http://twl.sh/mEw3FC

Toronto Sun - http://twl.sh/lX3h9O

Toronto Star - http://twl.sh/iodkEb

Canadian Teacher - http://twl.sh/l08D7u

Today's Kids in Motion - http://twl.sh/jIPCHc

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/scspr
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

You've got to be proactive

In business, as in life, it is important to be proactive and forward thinking. You can't safely protect the value of your brand if you become complacent and reactive. What do I mean by reactive? By reactive, I mean only communicating on behalf of your brand when forced to do so. When asked to respond by a customer or client. Being reactive allows others take control of the opinion of your brand. Being proactive and communicating regularly ensures that people are getting enough information to formulate a positive opinion of your brand, product, or service.

At Strategic Communications Solutions PR, our tag line is, "We get you into the news. And, if IT hits the fan...we get you out of the news." By helping our clients be proactive, we greatly reduce the change that they'll have to be reactive and ask us to "pull them out of the news."

---
www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr
www.twitter.com/SCSPR