SCS PR Tips

RIM continues to be in the news—but for all the wrong reasons

2011-10-18T17:12:00.003-04:00

While many are waiting for RIM’s breaking news today—that is, the good news about why this past year’s failures were worth it, and that fortunes are now about to change—I have a few observations worth reflecting on.

RIM’s biggest weakness is not their technology, but their lack of good communication:

They fail to communicate consistently their core message—that they have the most secure communications network and device in the market today—even the president of the USA uses it.
They fail to respond quickly to the public and shareholders when things go wrong. The most recent blackout demonstrates this point clearly—how many days went by before the co-CEO, Mike Lazaridis made an apology and statement?
Upon the release of PlayBook, and while being pummelled by their competitors in the media, RIM was virtually silent—I heard all the negatives, but it was months before I heard the positives about why or where the PlayBook is superior.
While attending their Annual Shareholder’s Meeting, co-CEO Jim Balsillie stood for the introductory address, chose to read the introduction rather than engage his audience.
At this same Annual Shareholder’s Meeting, an anonymous well written and thought out letter had been circulated that raised a number of issues within the RIM employee/company—the leadership chose to focus on the messenger rather than the message—and with the opportunity to embrace the message, rejected it.

Hopefully, today is really the beginning of a new era—an era where the focus isn’t just on technology but communication.

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Ontario NDP candidate in trouble for pod casts

2011-09-21T09:23:00.001-04:00

It has been noted before on this blog that you have to be careful when posting online. Everything sticks around once it's online and is searchable by Google.

The most recent controversy during Ontario's provincial election has come from pod casts recorded by the NDP candidate in Niagara-West-Glanbrook.

While Mr. Marco's musings about religion and Nazi Germany were made several years ago, they are having an impact on his election campaign now. Not only are they impacting his local campaign, they're causing the leader of his party to have to address them in media scrums - taking her away from the party's main campaign themes.

As a rule of thumb, think before you hit the post button. Consider the ramifications. What impact will this post have on your career? Does it impact others?

And, if it makes you chuckle as you write it...it's a sure sign that someone out there will misinterpret your joke. Remember, emotion can be misread when you take it from voice to print.

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Targeted messaging is the way to go

2011-09-15T12:01:00.002-04:00

As you drive to work in the mornings or get on the subway, you're bombarded with bill boards, radio ads, sidewalk ads, posters and even ads in washrooms. There's a lot of clutter out there. So how do companies get through the clutter to make sure their message is heard? It's actually quite simple, you need to be sure you're talking to someone who is interested in hearing what you have to say. Targeting your message is the key - especially now that economic recovery has slowed down. Companies need to work harder at making sure they're talking to the right people - and talking to them about things they care about.

Social media 'group think'

2011-08-29T11:18:00.001-04:00

This morning I read an interesting article on social media entitled "One brain to rule them all" by William Wolfe-Wylie of the Toronto Sun. The article notes that in today's world the response to events and news stories can be instantaneous. Facebook groups and fan pages can be set up for virtually any cause to attract those of 'like mind' so they can vent.

Wolfe-Wylie argues that, "...social media, rather than promoting independent thought, helps us to figure out what everyone else things and then agree with them."

He goes on to say, "This is nothing new. People have always been friends with those who share similar values and points of view."

He is right when he suggests that this trend holds in the online environment as well as in our physical interactions.

Communicators on behalf of brands, organizations and personalities do well to keep this in mind when planning their communications activities.

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A good article with some general PR advice

2011-08-15T14:36:00.004-04:00

The link below connects to a good article on public relations. Much of the information covered is similar to what Strategic Communications Solutions PR teaches in our PR 101 training seminars.

http://www.bothsidesofthetable.com/2011/08/14/teachable-moments-in-pr-crisis-management/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BothSidesOfTheTable+%28Both+Sides+of+the+Table%29

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Withstand market uncertainty and grow your brand visibility

2011-08-10T17:50:00.004-04:00

Now, more than ever, it is important to be 'out there' talking about your brand. With economic uncertainty becoming the 'buzz word' again there is a danger that companies and individuals will stop spending and cause the economy to grind to a halt.

Talk about the value and benefits of your products and services. Continue to use social media and traditional media to engage and connect with your customer base. By interacting with your client base through these mediums, you can identify opportunities for providing solutions and services they still need even though they're cutting back. Help them get through these difficult times and they'll remain your loyal customers when the 'good times' return.

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NDP interim leader's actions speak louder than words

2011-08-02T09:58:00.001-04:00

We awoke this morning to the headline on the front page of the Globe & Mail announcing that the interim NDP leader (Nycole Turmel) was a card carrying member of the Bloc up until a month before running for the NDP nomination. This undermines the message she (and other NDP spokespeople) have been putting out both during the election campaign and since she became interim leader last week. This speaks directly to her credibility. Now the NDP has a leadership problem on two fronts.

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

2011-07-29T23:03:00.003-04:00

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

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Some free advice for RIM

2011-07-27T20:24:00.001-04:00

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.

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A few thoughts on news releases

2011-07-26T22:45:00.003-04:00

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.

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Sometimes the best defense is a strong offense

2011-07-20T14:15:00.004-04:00

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

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

2011-07-18T21:14:00.002-04:00

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.

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Your message is key...

2011-07-17T12:48:00.004-04:00

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.

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Back to talking about pro-active communications...

2011-07-16T18:56:00.001-04:00

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...

2011-07-16T18:53:00.001-04:00

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/

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Is Social Media Overrated?

2011-07-15T10:06:00.003-04:00

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...

2011-07-14T14:36:00.003-04:00

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.

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

2011-07-08T20:33:00.001-04:00

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.

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Maybe you need a virtual PR department

2011-07-08T14:23:00.002-04:00

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

2011-07-06T10:00:00.002-04:00

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/

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Any news is good news

2011-07-05T09:55:00.002-04:00

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.

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

2011-07-03T20:55:00.003-04:00

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

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Strategic Communications Solutions PR gets National Post coverage for Planet Beach

2011-07-03T20:41:00.003-04:00

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

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

2011-07-03T20:20:00.003-04:00

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

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

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

2011-07-03T20:18:00.002-04:00

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

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

2011-07-03T20:13:00.002-04:00

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

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You've got to be proactive

2011-07-02T13:32:00.002-04:00

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."

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Define, persuade, attract

2011-06-28T10:43:00.002-04:00

We often talk about knowing your audience. And it's worth returning to again since it's so important. In the social media age, the rush to get information out can mean less consideration of one's target audience.

Before you can properly persuade people that your product or service is the one that best meets their needs, you need to be sure you're talking to the right people. If your not, your message might as well be falling on deaf ears.

Take the time to research what your customers habits are. Find out what they read, watch and listen to.

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Why didn't the Canadian public support the Postal Union?

2011-06-26T23:04:00.002-04:00

In a time where the average Canadian is still worried about holding onto their job, postal workers walked off the job demanding higher wages and iron clad pension plans. It's little wonder Canadians didn't rally to their cause. The union had the wrong message.

Before walking off the job, the union would have done well to assess the mood of the nation. Once they knew the mindset of their key stakeholders, the would have been able to develop a suitable message.

Without an in depth assessment of all the details the union has in front of them, I can still suggest that a more effective communications campaign could have been built around employee safety.

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Toronto City Councillor appologizes for "hot chicks" tweet...

2011-06-21T14:23:00.004-04:00

Councillor Parker found out the hard way about the dangers of social media. Just because it's a more casual medium doesn't mean you don't have to think before you send something out. The "do I want to see this on the front page of a national newspaper' rule still applies. Think...think again...then tweet.

This incident reinforces the notion that public figures need the assistance of communications professionals to, at the very least, train them on how to get the most out of social media and avoid the pitfalls. While it may not be practical to have a communications person manage all of your social media, it can be beneficial to be properly trained on it. Strategic Communications Solutions PR offers a one day social media training session that is adapted from our traditional media training and coaching sessions.

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Use social media to drive traffic to your website

2011-06-20T21:06:00.004-04:00

With the explosion of social media the task of optimizing your website and showing up higher in search rankings has never been easier. If you have a blog, keeping it up to date regularly will help increase your search ranking. You can use Twitter to point people to specific pages on your website or articles that you have appeared in in traditional media. By doing this, you'll show up in searches more times and increasingly higher in the searches. Twitter is also a way to dialogue directly with customers as well as with reporters. And, every tweet is searchable on Google. By making sure that all of your social media tools link back to your website, you'll increase visibility. By using social media to leverage any traditional media coverage you get, you'll not only increase online activity, but you'll increase credibility as well.

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Imagine an endless stream of media coverage

2011-06-15T15:40:00.004-04:00

Some of you may have had the occasional article published published on your company or had a 'one shot' interview on TV. Getting this exposure probably increased the traffic to your website. It might even have resulted in people walking into your physical location or phoning to find out more. Imagine turning this type of publicity into a steady stream of consistent appearances in the media. I know, I know, you're thinking, "Is this really possible?" Yes, it is! That's what we do day in and day out for clients at Strategic Communications Solutions PR. Through presenting different story angles on an ongoing basis, we generate media coverage for our clients. Consistently increasing their visibility and mindshare.

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Post it and they will come - it's a myth!

2011-06-14T16:32:00.005-04:00

It is often assumed that the world of public relations is changing. People assume that in the internet age you can 'post' your news online and everyone will come flocking to you. While there are certain things that go 'viral' on Facebook and Twitter, more often than not, you need an online communications plan. This will outline how social media fits into your overall marketing and communications strategy. How it augments and reinforces traditional advertising. How it sustains and lengthens the impact of traditional media coverage. Think before you tweet and talk to a public relations professional.

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Is there a return on Public Relations Investment?

2011-06-13T16:14:00.005-04:00

I'm often asked about the success rate for public relations activities. Does what we do get clients media coverage and give a significant return on investment? Where we have clients who let us work consistently on their behalf for a period of time (a minimum of six months) they can get consistent coverage in the media - written, print, online, television, radio, etc. This consistency of interviews and articles works to drive traffic to client websites; initiates phone calls; provokes requests for proposals. All leading to a significant return on investment. In addition to this return, public relations is also bringing the client credibility and establishing them as an industry expert.

Customer Relations is Public Relations

2011-06-07T20:25:00.009-04:00

Public relations isn't just about sending out press releases and dealing with media on behalf of clients. Every interaction with a client or customer is an opportunity for public relations. It's an opportunity to express, expose and grow your brand. This includes phone calls with suppliers, potential customers, existing clients, etc.

Those who are interacting with your customers/clients on behalf of your company are ambassadors for your brand. If an appointment is missed or they don't get back to someone, it reflects on your brand as a whole. Someone who has an unsatisfactory experience is more likely to go out and tell ten friends about what a bad time they had with your brand. Even worse, they'll put it on Twitter and Facebook.

All employees need to remember that a customer centred approach will lead to growing the overall brand.

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Strategic Communications Solutions PR announces 10% discount on public relations programs

2011-05-26T15:37:00.001-04:00

From now until the end of June, Strategic Communications Solutions PR (one of the Toronto Area's leading public relations and communications firms) is pleased to announce a 10 per cent discuount if you book a consultation and sign on for a PR program of six months or longer.

To book your appointment, call 905-901-9218 or email info@stratcommsolutions.ca

Why social media should be administered by PR professionals

2011-05-23T16:24:00.001-04:00

As mentioned in a previous post, social media is quickly becoming a key way of communicating with clients, customers, potential customers, stakeholders, etc. It's quick, it's instant and it can be used to direct audiences to specific information:

A website
A media release
A video
etc.

The potential for bringing companies, public figures, non-profit organizations and others closer to the public is fantastic. But so are the dangers. A tweet gone wrong can undo the reputation of a brand that's been around for years.

It's all very well to say that things can go wrong, but what can cause IT to hit the fan?

Quite often feelings get vented online via social media sites. It's easy to let people know when you've had bad customer service or if a product you've bought doesn't live up to how it was billed. Companies are wise to monitor what is being said about them or their products in the online world. They can then use social media to engage people, set the record straight, and prevent negativity from tarnishing the reputation they've spent years building. It should also be noted that it's wise to respond to negative comments in the online environment with factual answers that aren't influenced by emotion. What you say online tends to stay around for a while and could end up coming back to haunt you in the future.
It's fine to have an opinion on a topic. And everyone enjoys a good discussion of differing viewpoints. However, it might not be the best idea for you to use your corporate Twitter account to discuss controversial issues. You have to keep in mind that your personal views might not entirely mesh with that of your customer base. You wouldn't want them to stop buying your products or services simply because they have a different point of view on something that's in the newspaper.
Along the same lines, if you are representing an organization that has to work with multiple levels of government, it's probably best not to get involved in online discussions about politics and endorse specific candidates. At the end of the day, you have to work with whoever is elected. Such antics could leave you with accusations of partisanship, conflict of interest, and (if you hold public office) dealings with an integrity commissioner.
Some organizations have multiple people who tweet on their behalf through the corporate website. As long as these people are well versed in what the organization's social media goals are, this could work. However, I have heard of situations where employees have mistakenly logged into the corporate account thinking it's their own and sent out tweets that reflected badly on the company. These mistakes can happen, even to the best of us. How you handle the response to such situations is what can make or break you.

At the very least those who are using social media to build relationships with customers and potential customers need to talk to a public relations professional about key messaging, how online communications fit with ongoing communications and marketing initiatives, and a protocol for dealing with social media gone wrong. At Strategic Communications Solutions PR, we treat this the same way we do our traditional media training sessions - a seminar involving interactive demonstrations, discussion and case studies.

In an ideal world, when we - at Strategic Communications Solutions PR - are working with clients who want to use social media as a communications tool, we include it in the communications plan as a tactic that is used to implement strategies geared towards reaching particular goals. While we've tutored many clients in how to use social media themselves, we also manage a lot of client accounts for them. We are able to do this because if flows easily out of our key messaging sessions where we develop the core information to communicate on behalf of a client. Once we've refined a client's key messages, we can present them from multiple different angles. This serves to keep the messages fresh and also reinforces them at the same time.

Where an individual might be tempted to send/tweet a response immediately, we act as a filter - a kind of 'sober second thought - mitigating the risk of damaging tweets or messages.

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Are you using a social media company for your Twitter & Facebook? You may be opening yourself up to huge headaches...

2011-05-16T10:36:00.010-04:00

There's no denying it, social media is having a huge impact on everyone's lives. Twitter and Facebook are setting new records for numbers of users all the time. Companies, politicians and not-for-profits are turning to social media outlets to grow their brands and better communicate with target audiences.

People tweet about their experiences and interactions with global brands. Messages and videos go viral on Facebook and YouTube. It's wise for the business world to both monitor what people are saying about them and respond/interact.

While the medium is new, the concept of communicating on behalf of a company is not. There must be a clear strategy. The organization should be presented in a professional manner with messages that are consistent with other marketing communications activities. In other words, your social media strategy must fit into your wider communications strategy.

If you have a social media company managing your online brand, you may run into problems as their efforts could contradict your overall communications strategy. In fact, things could go drastically wrong. One wrong tweet can undo everything you've been working for years to build. Just think of the example of Damian Goddard, the SportsNet reporter that was fired for tweeting his opinion on same sex marriage. Or a tweet originating from Chrysler's official Twitter account suggesting that people living in Motor City (Detroit) didn't know how to drive. Adding insult to injury, the tweet used an expletive.

When trusting communications on behalf of your brand or organization, it's best to work with communications professionals. Yes, that means even when it comes to social media, you should trust a public relations specialist. Not only will a PR professional make sure that your social media strategy is consistent with all your other marketing and communications activities, they'll ensure that your online presence stays on message.

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

It's the simple things

2011-05-13T12:41:00.003-04:00

Sometimes it's a good PR move to simply take your laptop and go work at a local cafe. You could run into clients, potential clients, former clients, and reconnect. It's a simple way to get some work done, do some additional networking and visibility building. You never know who you're going to meet.

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

Who needs public relations?

2011-05-10T10:29:00.012-04:00

Is there a certain size a company needs to be before they can utilize public relations? Is public relations only for established companies? Is public relations just for business? If I'm doing marketing, do I need to do public relations?

These are all good questions. In fact, they're questions that many small and medium size business owners ask themselves.

Let's start by addressing the question of size. This is an instance where size DOESN'T matter. Public relations can benefit an organization of any size. Whether you're a one person company or have a fully staffed office.

If you're in the stages of starting up your business and don't have the budget to hire someone to do your public relations, you can easily manage some basic PR yourself by making contacts with industry media, drafting press releases, getting involved in your community events, etc.

A mid-sized business might consider hiring an agency (perhaps a boutique agency as they tend to be much more affordable) to be their virtual PR department. Such a company might have a point person within their organization to coordinate with the agency.

Whether you're a small or medium sized company, your public relations efforts will build visibility, credibility, and motivate your customer base to interact with you - moving them towards a purchase.

Public relations isn't only for established companies. In fact, it is amazingly successful in helping new companies become noticed, bringing attention to new products, and re-defining brands. Public relations helps to shape the public's opinion/view of your organization, so it can be used by an organization at any stage of it's life cycle. Different strategies can be tailored for each organization's specific goals.

But what if you are your product; you are the brand. Can public relations help you? The answer is yes. Public relations helps people to build visibility for their books, for speaking engagements, establishes them as industry experts, and helps them spread their message.

Speaking of getting the message out, many companies already have marketing departments and wonder if they're doing marketing, should they do any PR. The answer is overwhelmingly YES. Public relations and marketing are two different things. But, they complement eachother well when done together. Public relations raises visibility and awareness of the brand while marketing works to keep the brand, organization or individual in mind. With both marketing and public relations working together, the likelihood of gaining a client or making a sale is dramatically increased.

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

Stick to message, use emotion with caution

2011-04-17T13:13:00.004-04:00

Time and time again, we've public figures go off the rails. Whether it's politics or the corporate sphere, someone can lose their temper, become sidetracked, get flustered or emotional and ends up giving a wrong answer or going off on a rant (for an extreme picture think of Howard Dean's crazy speech when he was campaigning in the Presidential primaries for the Democratic Party).

We're not suggesting that you avoid using emotion all together. Just know how to use it. But most importantly, know how it fits with your message. Know your key message backwards and forwards. Practice it numerous times. Become comfortable with the message. When you're comfortable with your message and you know your message well, your emotions will naturally seep into the delivery. You can add levity with a joke, etc.

The danger is when you don't know your stuff well enough. Then when you get a tough question, your emotions can take control rather then you controlling them and harnessing them to reinforce the message you want to deliver.

Focus on strategic messaging

2011-04-10T13:26:00.003-04:00

People often ask us here at Strategic Communications Solutions PR if we specialize in getting publicity for organizations or individuals in a certain industry. The answer is no -- we have a diverse client base. The reason for is that we focus on strategic messaging.

We work with clients to develop their key messages. From there the communications strategy flows, resulting in media releases, events, community outreach, etc. that's all consistent with the organization's purpose and goals.

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

Twitter Tip

2011-04-07T14:04:00.003-04:00

When you're using Twitter to promote your product or service, always consider the retweets. Make it easy for people to retweet. Keep the message tight and link to more information with a shortened link. Use Twitter to direct people to what you want them to see. --- www.stratcommsolutions.ca www.twitter.com/SCSPR www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

Keep it simple

2011-04-04T08:58:00.003-04:00

In terms of news today, it's safe to say that most of us have ADHD. There's a 24 hour news cycle it's always looking for the next sound bite. Add to this that many people get their news from Twitter and Facebook these days and you realize that sound bites are becoming more and more important.

You can't get the story out in 140 characters, but you can certainly draw attention to a news release, a website, an online article. So make sure you write tight. Keep the message short and to the point. Be compelling and whet people's appetites.

The focus in today's environment should be quality and quantity. Quality content that isn't long and gets straight to the point. And regular communication of that quality content.

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

Responding to a crisis situation

2011-04-02T21:06:00.004-04:00

Often the first response when things go wrong is to hunker down and hope they go away. Sometimes, rarely though, this will work. In most cases journalists will dig for more information and more sources. They might find disgruntled former employees or others who create a narrative that paints you or your organization in a light that's not not pretty.

Like it or not, it's always best to address the situation. Whether it's through a simple written statement, a media conference or interview.

No matter which method you choose, it should be well thought out and have a clear, concise message.

Remember, there's two sides to every story. There's nothing wrong with getting your side out.

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

Q: What tips or tactics would you recommend to generate visibility for a start up?

2011-02-25T17:50:00.002-05:00

A: As well as establishing a presence in social media, you should work on generating traditional media coverage. Interviews and articles that are published can then be disseminated via social media networks and add to the viral message about the product or service. Traditional media outlets also have on-line versions, so it's easy to link to the article they've published or clip they've aired.

Often the name of a traditional oulet (say CNN for example) will add weight and credibility to your message.

---

www.stratcommsolutions.ca

www.twitter.com/SCSPR

www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr

Just because a reporter asks you a question, doesn't mean you HAVE to answer it.

2011-02-18T18:48:00.003-05:00

Just take a look at what happened during Justin Bieber's wide ranging interview with Rolling Stone Magazine. He was asked some questions that really shouldn't have been asked of a 16 year old and felt obliged to answer them.

A media training session would have taught him how to deal with such questions. It would have shown him ways to bridge back to safer topics. Items that he felt comfortable talking about.

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

When the tactics you're using to communicate become the story, you've failed to communicate your message.

2011-02-18T15:22:00.002-05:00

Consider the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty. Quite often the story becomes about the tactics they're using. Just look at last week when they stormed the City of Toronto's budget committee meeting. Do you remember what their concerns were? Did the media outline their concerns/key messages. No, the media talked about the number of OCAP protesters arrested and Doug Ford telling them to "get a job".

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

Premier Dalton McGuinty addresses the business community at Oakville Chamber of Commerce luncheon - Feb. 11, 2011

2011-02-18T13:30:00.004-05:00

While I don't agree with his political views, from a communications perspective, his presentation was a slam dunk. He spoke well without relying on notes. He came out from behind the podium and connected with the audience. A multimedia slide presentation added to the points he was making. He obviously had some good PR advice in pulling this together.

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

Looking to get into the news?

2011-02-18T13:25:00.001-05:00

Keep an eye out for trends that help reinforce your key messages. Insert yourself into the story.

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

Is any news good news?

2011-02-18T13:17:00.002-05:00

Contrary to popular belief, not all publicity is good publicity. A negative story can undo years of positive brand building.

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

How can the Dragon's Den help your business?

2011-02-18T13:13:00.004-05:00

Appearing on the show can be great for your brand. You don't have to be loved by the Dragons to be a winner. The visibility can help you promote your brand. Prepare well and communicate your key messages.

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

You're an expert...so why don't you share it?

2011-02-07T14:45:00.002-05:00

Who knows your business better than you do? Nobody, that's right. You're an expert in your field. It's time that you pat yourself on the back. Share your successes, your challenges, the things you've learned over the years. Promote your expertise.

Write a regular blog sharing tips or offering people value.
Keep clients and potential clients up to speed on what you're doing.
Approach local or industry media and offer to write an article.

Often doing things like this (offering some insight about what you do for free) will be enough to pique someone's interest. It could lead to client meetings and lasting relationships.

But don't stop there...

Take it a step further...

Engage larger audiences. Develop a proactive communications strategy to keep your business (or yourself) in the news. Building relationships with bloggers that cover your industry can increase your appearance in web searches. Keeping in regular contact with industry media can ensure you're quoted in relevant articles. Most publications have on-line versions as well so, again, you increase your appearance in web searches.

By getting others to talk about your business, you build credibility as well as visibility. It's a kind of third party endorsement. It also builds a relationship with your customers that's more like a dialogue than simply blasting slogans at them.

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

What is the most important thing to know about marketing?

2010-08-15T16:18:00.000-04:00

I was recently asked: "What is the most important thing to know about marketing?"

My Answer: "It all comes down to knowing your target audience. Without knowing your audience, you can't develop key messages that will resonate with them. That means your advertising copy won't 'hit the spot' and any interviews or publicity you do will be ineffective. If you're not talking to the right target audience, you might as well not be talking at all."

Do you still send out print media kits for your clients?

2010-08-10T14:32:00.000-04:00

I was recently asked: Do you still send out print media kits for your clients?

My response: In my experience, it depends on who you're dealing with. There are still those who prefer to take a look at a print media kit rather than something online. Mostly, I find my self sending reporters a pdf/electronic version of the media kit. It's another point of contact and another opportunity to build the relationship with the reporter on behalf of the client.

What are the best uses of a $10,000 Ad budget?

2010-08-03T18:20:00.001-04:00

I was recently asked, "What are the best uses of a $10,000 advertising budget?"

I answered:

"The best use of such a budget would be to split the funds between public relations activities and ad buys. Strategic placements of both advertising, interviews, news articles, or even media events (publicity stunts) can be much more effective than marketing efforts alone. Advertising and PR activities will build upon and reinforce each other."

PR vs. Marketing

2010-07-15T23:13:00.000-04:00

Strategic Communications Solutions PR partner, Colin Reade, presents part of a communications skills seminar to Autism Ontario

2010-07-08T16:11:00.002-04:00

Strategic Communications Solutions Public Relations - Brand Building through Publicity Seminar

2010-07-08T15:20:00.006-04:00

Have you been in business for a while yet nobody knows who you are?
Are you starting a business or introducing a new product?
Do you want to be considered an industry expert?
Do you want people to remember your brand & never forget it?

You could find your answers at:

Brand Building through Public Relations

Visibility, Credibility, Mindshare

DATE: Wed., July 14, 2010
TIME: 9AM - 11AM
LOCATION: Toronto Star Building, 1 Yonge Street, Suite 2002, Toronto, ON
RSVP: info@stratcommsolutions.ca

Strategic Communications Solutions PR offers this seminar free of charge on a regular monthly basis, showing how to use publicity to build brands, engage customers and stay 'top of mind' in a world that barely slows down to take notice.

Strategic Communications Solutions PR (SCSPR) Tweet: Now presenting 7 easy rules 4 persuasive communications.

2010-07-06T19:54:00.001-04:00

All set for presentation. Laptop set up. 1st segment "How to tell your story so they'll listen"

2010-07-06T18:40:00.001-04:00

Presenting to Autism Ontario's Whitby chapter tonight.

"I think that as questions moved on I lost the sense that I was being filmed" ~ CSIS head Richard Fadden. He wouldn't be saying this if he were properly media trained.

2010-07-06T09:55:00.002-04:00

"I think that as questions moved on I lost the sense that I was being filmed" ~ CSIS head Richard Fadden. He wouldn't be saying this if he were properly media trained.

Strategic Communications Solutions PR (SCSPR) Tweet: Violent protest...a sure fire way to make sure your message DOESN'T get across. The violence becomes the message.

2010-06-26T16:13:00.001-04:00

Strategic Communications Solutions PR (SCSPR) Tweet: Just arranged an interview for a client w/ Globe and Mail.

2010-06-26T14:27:00.001-04:00

Strategic Communications Solutions Public Relations (SCSPR) Tweet: Working media relations for World Vision response to G8 closing communique

2010-06-26T13:25:00.002-04:00

Strategic Communications Solutions PR (SCSPR) Tweet: Distributing news advisory for World Vision media event at 10AM this morning - Check out the info here http://ow.ly/d/4rA

2010-06-26T12:11:00.002-04:00

Strategic Communications Solutions PR (SCSPR) Tweet: Good point! RT @odwyerpr: Is there any such thing as 'off the record'? (@hotairblog): http://bit.ly/cCNMgq

2010-06-25T14:54:00.002-04:00

Strategic Communications Solutions PR (SCSPR) Tweet: Be visible, build credibility, increase brand awareness. Check out Brand Building through PR http://ow.ly/23le4

2010-06-25T13:59:00.002-04:00

Strategic Communications Solutions (SCSPR) Tweet: Good advice RT @Brandyourself: Brand-Yourself Tip: If you post a blog update, let friends and contacts know! Post a link on twitter and other networks

2010-06-25T13:08:00.001-04:00

Strategic Communications Solutions (SCSPR) Tweet: Be viewed as an industry expert - learn how 2 build visibility, credibility and stay top of mind - http://ow.ly/22QIe

2010-06-25T13:06:00.001-04:00

SCSPR Tweet: Ppl 4get social media is 2way communication RT @skydiver: Want to have a better social media experience? Start by shutting up and listening for a change.

2010-06-25T12:55:00.000-04:00

SCSPR Tweet: RT @wvcanadanews: G8 Leaders - Pregnant with promises? http://twitpic.com/1ztnvy

2010-06-25T12:54:00.003-04:00

SCSPR Tweet: RT @wvcanadanews: Check out the #Globalnews pics from our #G8 Huntsville event . http://bit.ly/axa2vF

2010-06-25T12:54:00.001-04:00

SCSPR Tweet: RT @g20updates: From @postedtoronto: G20: A vuvuzela fetal heart monitor http://natpo.st/aLooc6 #g8 #g20

2010-06-25T12:53:00.001-04:00

SCSPR Tweet: Arranged 4 @nationalpost rep. Joe O'Connor 2 attend World Vision event in T.O. yesterday. Check out his column http://ow.ly/23fTz

2010-06-25T11:25:00.001-04:00

Preston Manning knows the value of public relations and being a good communicator

2010-06-04T08:33:00.000-04:00

Throughout his career Preston Manning learned the value of public relations and being a good communicator. He has helped to shape Canada's political make-up and now he's receiving an honourary degree at the University of Toronto - http://bit.ly/cVz4co

Obama's communications strategy is all wrong...

2010-06-02T10:31:00.001-04:00

Obama's communications strategy on the Gulf oil disaster is all about self preservation & deflecting blame. Emotional language, finger pointing, diversion (launching a criminal probe), but no facts/detail on what the gov't is doing to stop the oil flow.

Strategic Communications Solutions is pleased to be working with Walk 'N Comfort

2010-05-21T14:22:00.002-04:00

Feet are the foundation to the entire body. Just as a building's structural integrity depends on a solid footing or foundation, the body's health is largely dependent upon the health of the feet.

"Foot problems can decrease a person's ability to enjoy many activities in life," says Ray Rasouli, who for over 25 years has specialized in the design and manufacture of orthopedic footwear. "Fortunately, many of these foot problems can be easily prevented or treated by using properly fitted orthopedic footwear, custom foot orthotics or other various foot care solutions."

Typically, in the orthodic's industry, 98 per cent of the casts are sent to an orthodics lab and take several days and even weeks to produce. Walk'N Comfort is unique in that patients can take advantage of their industry leading 3D custom orthotic casting, molding and fabrication system. This state-of-the-art equipment allows them to keep their foot casts on-site, and enables them to produce a finished product in as little as forty-five minutes.

www.walkncomfort.com

~ Strategic Communications Solutions Public Relations helps companies to build visibility, credibility, and memorability. We get you into the news.

The importance of doing research before you publish

2010-05-21T13:32:00.001-04:00

I know in this day and age it's all about instant access to information. It's a 24 hour news environment and everyone's in a rush to beat the competition to the punch.

Even though we're being conditioned to disseminate information quickly, it shouldn't come at the expense of accuracy. The following article outlines some inconsistencies in a recent book published about the Canadian government.

http://bit.ly/afRckk

~ Strategic Communications Solutions Public Relations is a Toronto area PR agency that helps clients develop their message and communicate with their clients/customers.

2010-05-21T12:44:00.001-04:00

Found this to be pretty interesting:

Via Twitter: @thePRguycom: The Five Golden Rules Of Publicity For Authors http://bit.ly/MXwmp

For expert PR advice contact Strategic Communications Solutions - the Toronto area's leading PR consultants - http://bit.ly/rDh1h

Outsourcing PR is the way to go...

2010-05-21T12:33:00.000-04:00

As the economy continues to recover, outsourcing public relations activities makes financial sense.

Check out this article for more details http://bit.ly/OutsourcePR

Strategic Communications Solutions PR can act as your virtual PR department. Give us a call for a free consultation - http://bit.ly/rDh1h

Is any publicity good publicity?

2010-04-22T14:05:00.001-04:00

It's not true that any publicity is good publicity. Simply getting into the news isn't good enough. Publicity that is off message can damage a reputation you've been working for years to build. It can take decades to build a reputation and only seconds to tear it down. That's why companies and public figures need to... have a communications strategy.

Oakville Chamber of Commerce Blog Post re; Town of Oakville Drive Thru position

2010-04-09T12:46:00.004-04:00

Check out this interesting blog posting from the Oakville Chamber of Commerce regarding the recent Town of Oakville public meeting regarding Drive Thrus in Oakville.

http://oakvillechamber.blogspot.com/

A thought on Tiger Woods' first post-scandal interviews

2010-03-22T10:15:00.001-04:00

The interviews given by Tiger Woods over the weekend didn't seem to answer any questions. A lot of his answers were along the lines of, "that's a personal matter." Why seek out interview opportunities if you're not going to offer any substance?

2010-03-17T17:26:00.000-04:00

Different divisions of Toyota around the world are communicating different messages. The company, as a whole, needs to CLEARLY communicate a cohesive message to the world what is being done. Right now there are a series of mixed messages that only serve to confuse the public.

In terms of well handled responses, think of the Maple Leaf Foods response as an example. They acknowledged the problem and outlined their approach for fixing things step-by-step. They viewed their clients as key stakeholders who needed to be kept up to speed with the latest information.

Mayor Miller's announcement doesn't live up to the hype

2010-03-10T09:54:00.001-05:00

All that hype around Toronto Mayor David Miller's calling a press conference...what was it all about? A simple announcement that the city has a larger surplus than expected. I'm sure the media can't help but feel a little bit 'played'.

Mayor Miller sparks a media storm

2010-03-10T09:53:00.001-05:00

Toronto Mayor David Miller has kicked off a ton of speculation by issuing an advisory about an "important" announcement. It's interesting to watch all the Toronto City Councillors race to various media outlets to speculate on what the announement might be. Some of them just sound ridiculous. Public figures shouldn't co...mment on a story unless they have something of substance to say.

Ok, so Toyota's apologized, now what?

2010-02-28T11:19:00.002-05:00

They need to back up their words with sincere actions. They need to keep communicating about what they're doing to rectify the quality problems they have been having. They need to show their message about stronger customer focus instead of profits is communicated credibly.

Tiger Woods loses endorsement deal with Gatorade

2010-02-26T18:00:00.001-05:00

Tiger Woods loses endorsement deal with Gatorade. He's mismanaged his response to this situation right from the start. There was a way to handle it that could have saved his relationships with sponsors.

2010-02-09T14:56:00.001-05:00

Following the Adam Giambrone scandal with interest. Word is he's disconnected his phone lines and is hunkering down waiting for things to go away. Lacklustre responses allow the story to take control of you....you need to get out in front of the story and shape the message. Guess he didn't learn anything from the Tiger Woods ordeal.

A note about 'off the record'

2010-02-04T12:40:00.001-05:00

When speaking with reporters, a spokesperson should treat the interview like nothing is 'off the record'. It's a good 'rule of thumb' to follow the guideline - if you wouldn't like to see it on the front page of a newspaper or splashed all over the internet, don't say it. Once the words are out of your mouth, you no longer have control over them. All you have is the reporter's word that it's going to remain off the record. Play it safe and stay on message throughout an interview.

Branding tip

2010-01-26T10:15:00.002-05:00

When you're thinking of a tag line to promote your business (for an ad, or on literature pieces) take some time to make sure it encapsulates what you do. Ensure that it states in a sentence what you're all about. If it's all that your potential clients/customers hear or see, it has to tell them what you do.

At Strategic Communications Solutions, "We get you INTO the news & if it hits the fan we get you OUT of the news"

McGuinty's problem with the HST

2009-12-09T16:26:00.000-05:00

Today, the Ontario government used it's majority to force through a new tax on Ontarians. It's a tax that polls show 75% of the population are against.

Despite public opposition, McGuinty has tried to argue the benefits of harmonizing the federal and provincial sales tax. When you look at it from a purely 'communications, perspective, McGuinty may have won the battle and lost the war.

What do I mean by this? I simply mean that Dalton McGuinty might just have lost the 2011 election with the HST legislation he passed today.

Let's look at the overwhelming message that the public has gotten on this issue. All the soundbites and video clips on the news have been from thos opposed to the HST. There've even been protests at Queen's Park and streets closed by protesters.

Why's the opposition getting all the coverage?

Easy, they're able to get their key messages across in soundbites.

Meanwhile, McGuinty's point man on the issue, Revenue Minister Jim Wilkinson, has to take 45 minutes to an hour to explain the minute details as to why the HST is actually positive for the Ontario economy.

If you can't work your messages into statements that can be easily covered on the news - you lose the communications battle.

2009-11-29T11:38:00.005-05:00

This is a great quote from the Ottawa Citizen (click here for the full article). The reason I've posted it is that the gist of the article is completely on target. A strategic communications plan is key for any organization that relies on getting their messages to target audiences. You can't simply lurch from one crisis to the next or one press announcement to the next. There has to be a comprehensive plan in place that's designed to share information in a consistent, timely and sustained manner. As part of this plan, key spokespeople must be properly trained on key message delivery and how to communicate with media outlets.

QUOTING FROM THE OTTAWA CITIZEN

"A good municipal communications department should function much like a newsroom, explaining what the city is doing in a timely, accurate and factual way. Before any city report gets released or posted on the city web site, it should be reviewed by a communications person who can at least produce an executive summary that is intelligible to an ordinary person. The most important part of the communications job is the strategic aspect. Communications ought to be a key piece of any major policy, not an afterthought. If you have a good idea but you can't explain why, then it will fail. It has gotten so bad that I have taken to writing columns defending city staff when they get it right. Someone has to help."

Splash: An introvert's guide to being seen, heard & remembered - book launch a huge success

2009-11-23T18:19:00.000-05:00

Today, Carole Cameron - author of Splash: An introvert's guide to being seen, heard & remembered - launched her new book. The event was hosted @ Books for Business @ 120 Adelaide St.W in Toronto.

The launch was a huge success. It showcased Carole as an espert in her field and increased her visibility & credibility.

For more information on the Splash book, or to arrange an interview, contact pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca.

Books can be ordered @ www.make-a-splash.ca

To tweet or not to tweet

2009-11-18T10:24:00.001-05:00

To tweet or not to tweet-the old adage still stands...if you wouldn't be caught saying it personally in public, don't post it. Pretty simple.

A clear message is essential in everything you do...

2009-11-01T15:55:00.001-05:00

Recently I've heard people speculate that public relations is a dying profession. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, there's nothing more important to the growth of a brand than how you communicate its value. That's public relations.

Those who say public relations is dead only view the tactical side of the profession - to them it's all about media releases. Most of them think that PR is simply writing a release and posting it on the internet. In reality, there's much more to it.

At Strategic Communications Solutions PR, we picked our name for a reason. Before you can communicate on behalf of a client, you need a well thought out communications plan. That's why we sit down with clients and do planning sessions before we even send out their first release. We ask questions like: what's your marketing strategy? (often a PR campaign can complement current marketing efforts); what's your reason for being in business? (a clear vision for your business is an essential starting point for developing the message); what promotional activities/advertising do you have planned for the coming year? (if we have an idea of the types of activities the company is doing, we can develop PR support that can extend the life of the promotion and create extra buzz); what kind of results do you expect from a PR campaign? (this helps to set and manage expectations); etc...

As part of our planning, we focus and refine key messages. Often, our key messaging advice has an impact on an organization's marketing communications, human resources/internal communications, and other areas of the business.

In some cases, we've been brought in to firms with existing PR departments to help focus their messaging and train their spokespeople on how to best deliver the message.

The bottom line is, if you want to get your message out it needs to be focused and clear. To make sure this is the case, it's often wise to seek professional advice.

www.stratcommsolutions.ca
www.twitter.com/SCSPR

SCS now fully services Toronto and Ottawa

2009-10-04T19:46:00.001-04:00

SCS now fully services the Ottawa market. Need PR in Ottawa, you can contact us locally now at 613-216-2207.

Public relations is essential in helping buinsesses prepare for the new economy.

2009-09-13T14:03:00.001-04:00

As the Canadian economy continues to recover, businesses need to start promoting their products and services again. Those that invest in building their brand now will become the industry and category leaders of the new economy. Public relations is the most affordable and credible method available to do this. Contact me now for a free consultation to see if it's right for you.

- Public relations / communication strategy & execution

- Media relations

- Product launches

- Publicity campaigns

www.stratcommsolutions.ca

Crisis communications planning shouldn't be an afterthought

2009-08-04T11:35:00.009-04:00

Too often crisis planning is left until the last minute. It's understandable that nobody wants to think that anything could go wrong - it's wrong to bury your head in the sand though.

Companies of any size should be prepared to communicate with their key audiences in the event of an emergency. By key audiences, I don't just mean your customers or clients. There's a wide network of people that you'll need to get information to if 'IT' hits the fan.

Employees and their families
Shareholders
Suppliers
Customers
etc.

Do you have a crisis plan in a binder that simply has to be pulled off the shelf when a crisis situation arises? You should. Maple Leaf Foods was able to react quickly and communicate with their audiences in the event of last year's listeriosis outbreak. It's the reason they're still in business today.

Responding to a crisis should never be done on the fly, in the midst of the situation. A plan must be developed in advance and shelved for future use. Employees should be aware of it and made familiar with it. You should hope you never have to use it - but if you do your company will survive with minimal damage to its reputation and brand.