The days following a big event can feel anti-climactic. But having just wrapped up Ragan’s Communications Week, I am lifted up rather than let down.

Something special was in the air last week at the Future of Communications Conference in Austin. That shared oxygen is fueling some much-needed optimism about the state of society and the future for communicators.

Our theme this year for CommsWeek was “All Together Now.” What seemed a bit Pollyanna-ish leading up to the event became prophetic once we gathered 800+ people in the Hyatt Regency to learn, network and get a break from the routine.

Of all the outcomes from CommsWeek — be it advancing communicators around crisis management, brand storytelling, AI, employee engagement (I could go on and on!) — the biggest outcome just might be our success at bringing people together.

So much of a communicator’s role exists behind the scenes, elevating a story, a person, an issue. During CommsWeek, attendees elevated one another. They took center stage.

There was a palpable recognition among fellow attendees: We see you, we hear you, we have each other’s backs. The more we lean on the wisdom of this crowd the taller we stand.

This is the magic of live events.  No language learning model can replace eye contact, a handshake, a hug, collective laughter.

I see a near future where AI will improve productivity so significantly that more time  becomes available for human interactions like these.

What’s working?

I talked to many execs last week who shared how much they missed seeing their co-workers and peers. Going into the office has become novel for some. We’re still working through the calculus of three days, two days, fully remote. It all adds up to less human connection than in decades past.

In an inarguably divisive time, we came together last week and broke bread with people whose ideologies were outshined by their identities as communicators and as storytellers.

To simplify: We need to make connecting a more intentional act, for ourselves and for those in our organizations.

I am fortunate to be part of a “moving office” that allows me to hang out with my Ragan team in person as we hold conferences and other events nearly every month of the year. There is nothing more satisfying for me than seeing my team work together and bond. They even include me in some of their jokes. But connection is no laughing matter: it’s mission critical.

Communications Week’s success will be complete if we managed to not only connect the dots on the tough issues but also helped comms leaders connect with one another. Let me know if we met our goal.

And if we haven’t met yet in person, let’s meet soon.

Don’t miss out next year — Future of Communications 2025 will be held Nov. 12-14 back in Austin, Texas. Register today! 

The post When humans meet other humans appeared first on PR Daily.

The future of communications will require proactive crisis communications management, personalized messages for individual employees and, above all, a willingness to bridge differences and reach across the political aisle.

These were the overriding themes of Ragan’s Future of Communications Conference, held last week in Austin, Texas. More than 700 communicators came together to share their challenges and triumphs and to prepare for the year ahead.

These were some of the takeaways you should know as we head into 2025. For more insights, join us Nov. 19 for a FREE webinar recapping what you missed.

On proactive crisis management

Taking place the week after Donald Trump won the election, the conference was rich with discussion about how and what proactive crisis management will look like over the next four years.

“You shouldn’t respond to every single (political issue) because it goes to an issue of authenticity,” Elizabeth Monteleone, chief legal officer of Bumble said. “But on those that we’ve committed to, regardless of what the political landscape is going to be, we’re going to continue to show up. That consistency builds trust. It builds authenticity in your employee base and your consumer base.”

Monteleone added that Bumble’s aim has been to focus on “policies, not politics.”

With unionization efforts on the rise, Beth R. Archer, director of corporate communications at Constellation, explained how the company’s strong relationship with unions across the country is supported year-round. Each policy change, development, and employee award is shared with unions well in advance.

“We create contingency plans that address every scenario, and our tone we always take with that is positive and forward-looking,” Archer explained. “We’re going to be working with these folks and want to be sure that we don’t erode that trust.”

On personalizing messages for employees

We continue to see internal communicators put their marketing hats on to segment their employee populations and deliver personalized messaging strategies that make “meet them where they are” more than a platitude of jargon.

“As the comms landscape changes the future comes in, customizing communications seamlessly for the deskless population is going to look different,”  said Andres “Dre” Muñiz, associate director of global manufacturing & quality communications, at Eli Lilly and Company. “The core constant is just treating them like people.”

Taking a people-first approach should also be reflected in the leaders you select to speak to your employee population. Effectively personalizing employee messages also means building variety into your company meetings that platforms those doing the work who don’t often get the spotlight, and centers each update around the most timely and actionable developments.

“The idea of a quarterly meeting that follows the same exact format with the same speakers should be sunsetted,” said Christina Furtado, director of AI communications at Dell Technologies. “You have to be flexible in how your executive addresses their team and who they pull in to help them do the storytelling.”

If segmenting your employee population feels daunting, consider how AI can help.

“We started taking our (engagement) data and running it through AI to ask it for trends,” explained Brandi Chionsini, senior manager of internal communications, at LegalZoom.  “Anytime you do a survey, it needs to be immediate and expedient. AI is helping us analyze large groups of data quickly and efficiently so we’re able to turn that around (to let employees know we’re listening) a lot faster.”

On bridging differences to reach across the aisle.

Whether your workforce is red, blue or purple, Archer urged audiences to approach politically-charged conversations “with respectful curiosity,” a phrase she learned from one of Constellation’s attorneys.

“Less words like diversity, and more words like belonging,”  said Joanna Piacenza, vice president of thought leadership, Gravity Research. Piacenza’s point underscores the power that the words we use can reframe the work we’re doing to be less incendiary or politically-charged–while still making room for the work to continue.

Alise Marshall, senior director of corporate affairs and impact at  Pinterest, told the audience in her session that times of polarization are an opportunity to reignite and reactivate shared values.

“Regardless of that polarization that we see across the electorate, folks still want the same basic things out of this life,” she said. “They want to be able to go to work in a dignified manner and role. They want to be able to give back to their communities and to those loved ones.”

Justin Joffe is the editorial director and editor-in-chief at Ragan Communications. Follow him on LinkedIn.

The post Top takeaways from Ragan’s Future of Communications Conference 2024 appeared first on PR Daily.

The modern media landscape presents  opportunities for organizations to take control over their image and messaging.

The longstanding struggles of the traditional news media have presented challenges to those accustomed to working with reporters as a way to get their stories out to customers. However, the evolution of owned channels – such as websites, blogs and social media – allows organizations to share stories directly with their audience, fostering a sense of community and engagement.

“There’s indeed more emphasis on using owned channels, as it provides brands with greater control over their narratives and messaging,” said Aubry Jackson, corporate communications manager for United Airlines. “Those platforms… allow organizations to share stories directly with their audience, creating a greater sense of community and engagement.”

Securing coverage in legacy news outlets remains important, Jackson said. But by blending social media, influencer partnerships, brand newsrooms and earned media content in a thoughtful way, organizations can “share the type of stories they want to tell directly with their audience,” Jackson said.

“It’s no longer just about getting a story placed in a top-tier outlet,” she added.

Adopting a homegrown approach to storytelling

Jackson stressed the importance of prioritizing social media as a channel for storytelling and engagement, not just promotion. United, for instance, is tapping into Instagram and X for real-time customer service and travel updates, allowing for direct interaction with travelers. The goal is to give current and future customers more immediate, usable content, Jackson said.

A recent example Jackson gave was the major CrowdStrike outage that crippled airlines, hospitals and other customer-centric industries.

“It just vanished,” Jackson recalled of the use of much of United’s technology during the outage. “Everyone woke up to find we had to go back to checking folks in with pen and paper.”

In that situation, the team funneled all the operations information passengers through the company’s website, app and social media to create a hub for updates that United controlled. Jackson said the airline has recently improved its app to use generative AI, making it easier for customers to track their flight status.

“This has given us a huge amount of transparency and allows people more control over their travel plans,” she said.

The value of a brand hub

The airline is also turning to influencers to create what Jackson called “authentic narratives” that are more relatable to targeted audiences than a piece that might run in a newspaper or in a local newscast. She gave the example of a series of behind-the-scenes videos that showcase the dedication of its staff or highlight unique travel experiences.

Interactive features like polls or Q&A sessions are great ways to encourage audience participation and feedback as well, Jackson said.

“This not only engages followers but also humanizes the brand, creating a stronger emotional connection,” she added.

Many organizations have established their own brand newsrooms,  featuring high-quality photos, videos and news items that tell their stories directly from the brand’s point of view. United has a dedicated section on its website for news and the latest updates, essentially turning it into a hyper-specific media outlet of its own. It has a variety of multimedia assets, fact sheets and fully produced stories. One of the most recent was about the San Francisco 49ers being the first NFL team to purchase sustainable aviation fuel as a step to address emission concerns.

Jackson stressed that having these tools allows brands to position themselves as thought leaders and not just resources for a reporter’s story.

“This involves not only sharing updates during key moments but also finding opportunities to tell stories that reflect brand values and missions throughout the year,” she said.

Maximizing earned media

There’s still great value in earned media, but it’s essential to integrate it into an overall strategy, Jackson said. Brands can amplify their messages by promoting earned coverage through social media and paid campaigns, driving traffic back to their owned properties.

“This holistic approach not only enhances the effectiveness of communication strategies but also reinforces the overall narrative, making earned media a critical component in a brand’s marketing mix,” Jackson said.

The value of a multi-channel approach lies in its ability to reach diverse audiences through various touchpoints, maximizing engagement and impact. By leveraging different channels brands can tailor their messages to fit the unique characteristics of each medium.

This strategy not only broadens the reach but also allows for more targeted messaging, ensuring that the right audience receives the right information in the most effective format, Jackson said.

Tracking the success of the blended approach also comes down to using the right metrics to calculate engagement. She advocated for drilling into available audience data for traffic to the various platforms on which content gets shared to develop a truly tailored approach.

“It allows companies to not only earn attention but also foster a deeper connection that transcends traditional media relations,” Jackson said.

Aubrey Jackson will be one of the all-star speakers at the 2024 Future of Communications Conference. It will take place Nov. 13-15 in Austin, Texas.

Casey Weldon is a reporter for PR Daily. Follow him on LinkedIn.

The post The benefits of a brand newsroom as part of an overall media strategy appeared first on PR Daily.

As an unusually hot summer clings to many regions across the globe and hurricane season churns on, extreme heat, poor air quality and sudden storms pose hazards to not only residents but those who work outdoors — requiring their employers to be a communications conduit and a source of support.

In these conditions, working outdoors can become life-threatening without the proper resources, policies and support from employers. On top of that, line workers for energy and power providers have received threats in recent months from the very public they’re employed to help.

We spoke with Michelle Delery, director of corporate internal and external communications at Entergy Corporation, and Kim Selph, director of digital customer experience, communications and marketing for Tampa Electric, about the evolving challenges of keeping both personnel and consumers safe, informed and connected.

Simplifying and quantifying messages for frontline workers

Reaching deskless workers is a chronic challenge for communicators across a variety of industries, but is especially important for frontline energy employees. Entergy’s methods for alerting employees of climate conditions have evolved in recent years, expanding to include more multimedia across every available channel — digital signage, employee apps, email, and especially in-person communications from on-site leadership.

“We work with the business to make sure our outdoor safety messages are easy to understand and follow,” Delery said. “And of course, we ensure that they are being updated as the environment changes.”

And although conditions can be more volatile than they were in decades past, communicators have access to more robust, real-time data — weather apps, air quality alerts and tracking technology — which didn’t exist five or ten years ago.

“We have access to information today that we might not have been able to capture years ago,” explained Delery. “In the past, general weather advisories were often sufficient, but now, real-time information and adaptability are crucial to meet our stakeholders’ expectations.”

During the last hurricane, Tampa Electric relied on its employee app, an intranet homepage takeover dedicated to the storm, and regular email updates. “Leaders also received regular, updated talking points which aligned with our messaging for that day, to ensure every based was covered,” Selph said.

Her team makes a point of getting in the field to better understand workers, their mindset and the challenges they face through direct conversation and connection.

“Many communications people work in a corporate office and sometimes have little interaction in the field,” Selph explained. “It’s important to get out there and understand their realities and identify the channels that work best for them. They often get a lot of their information from in-person meetings and communicate with their cell phones. You should keep this in mind when communicating this important information.”

Perfecting policies

Policies must change to keep pace with new climate realities. Delery points to Entergy’s “Work/Rest/Hydration” schedules, which include reminders about staying cool by removing PPE and extra clothing during breaks and spending time in air-conditioned break areas.

That sometimes means working around egos in favor of safety. “We are always cognizant that front-line employees may be overly confident in their ability to manage the heat,” Delery said..

But it’s not just the heat. “Air quality is a more prominent concern today than it was 10 years ago,” continued Delery, citing wildfires and pollution as threats to communities and employees. “Companies now need to incorporate air quality advisories and provide protection against harmful pollutants in addition to heat protection.”

Selph echoes the need for preemptive communication. “We anticipate scenarios in advance, with pre-established language and approval processes to ensure rapid action when needed. Every hurricane season, we prepare templates with before, during, and after-storm messaging for stakeholders, updating them annually to keep them fresh and ready for deployment,” she said.

Nailing the timing

Both Delery and Selph agree that there’s no room for delay when it comes to safety messaging.

To get the right message to the right people — at the right time and in the right way — Tampa Electric works ahead of any disaster warnings through scenario planning, developing pre-established language that can be adapted and deployed quickly, and streamlining approval processes to avoid last-minute revisions.

“For tropical systems, we maintain a set of four scenario-specific templates, which include before, during and after the storm messages for each set of stakeholders,” Selph said. “They are mostly pre-written with segments that can be tailored to the unique situation. We ensure these templates are updated and reviewed annually before the storm season begins to guarantee they are ready for deployment.”

When a storm strikes, a single executive is the “incident commander” responsible for final approvals.

Similarly, Entergy regularly runs tests of its communications response plans to ensure they’re updated. However, “it’s important to remind everyone that safety trumps speed when communicating about hot weather and storm risks,” Delery said. “Nothing is more important than ensuring that our employees, contractors and customers remain safe.”

Know your options and find your allies

Selph advises communicators working in industries that hinge on weather and climate conditions to have a range of options for receiving information, matching those preferences, and ensuring that everyone knows the best place to find the most accurate, up-to-date messages.

“Know your consumers’ preference in terms of whether they’d like to receive a text, email or voicemail and communicate to them in their preferred method,” she said. “For employees, ensure they know what channel should be considered their ’single source of truth’ and have back-up communication methods available for senior leadership in case connectivity is lost due to severe weather.”

One of the best ways to ensure cohesive messaging within a given community is to build a close relationship with emergency management officials and other important partners so information is shared consistently, cohesively and collaboratively. “You want to have these contracts in your phone and to know them prior to the emergency occurring,” said Selph

But don’t try to do it all yourself. After all, an entire community leaps into action when a storm or urgent weather condition arises. “Ensure you stay focused on your lane, which for us includes weather-related incidents that involve electricity,” Selph said. “For example, what to do if you encounter a downed line, how floodwaters can hide downed lines and when and how to safely use generators.”

Her team also works with the government to ensure they have official messaging and resources on hand — even for unexpected occurrences such as scammers who target customers during and after crises.

ESG evolved

For energy companies, environmental, social and governance (ESG) work isn’t a hope or a vague pledge. Their future and the lives of many of their customers relies on the ability to deliver power to communities experiencing unpredictable climate and weather conditions. And in many regions, aging energy infrastructure has strained these companies’ capabilities in recent years.

As a result, Entergy’s ESG policies have shifted to focus on infrastructure resilience. “It’s more important now than ever to strengthen and modernize the U.S. power grid as severe weather events become more frequent,” Delery said. “Accelerating resiliency investments will allow us to respond better to each storm and ensure our customers have not only reliable but affordable power.”

Entergy is aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To keep up with its goals, Delery emphasizes the need for strong corporate governance systems that emphasize ethics, transparency and accountability. “We’ve seen the focus on governance practices continue to grow in recent years,” Delery said. “Good governance measures help businesses manage risks and opportunities.”

Learn more about how communicators are evolving their practices to build resiliency and prepare for the future at Ragan and PR Daily’s 2024 Future of Communications Conference in Austin, Tex., Nov. 12-15.

The post Adapting to extremes: How communicators in the energy industry save lives appeared first on PR Daily.

Many of the world’s largest technology and social media companies face legal or regulatory challenges that threaten to turn those industries on their head.

Google faces the possibility of being broken up. Meanwhile, the European Union charged Apple, Meta and other companies for failing to comply with its Digital Markets Act that aims to rein in the power of big tech companies. The China-based owners of TikTok are fighting to remain operational in the United States.

NVIDA, a leading computer chip manufacturer, faces an antitrust probe from the Department of Justice.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the future of these companies, it’s vital for them to have an approach that not only fuels customer confidence, but also reassures investors.

“Just as you want the best legal minds representing you in the court room, you need experienced communications professionals to help you navigate the court of public opinion,” said Erin Schmidt, a longtime PR pro who formerly worked for Google and has provided comms counsel to healthcare clients navigating legal and regulatory matters. “Winning a major legal battle requires mastery of both arenas.”

Legal matters add new wrinkles to crisis comms

All the usual crisis communications best practices still apply in legal or regulatory matters. But, when it comes to a high-profile court case, Schmidt strongly stressed the importance of having a grasp of the legal landscape, the arguments on both sides, and potential outcomes for the business or brand.

In United States v. Apple, the federal government and 20 states are suing Apple for monopolizing smartphone markets. In its initial public response, Apple said the case sets “a dangerous precedent, empowering government to take a heavy hand in designing people’s technology” and threatens the principles that set the company’s products apart in a competitive consumer market.

“That statement was undoubtedly shaped by a clear understanding of the legal landscape (Apple has every intent to fight; this will be a years-long battle), the arguments on both sides, and the broader implications for both iPhone and Apple’s ecosystems at large,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt, who is now founder and CEO of Lilypad Strategies, highlighted deciding when and how to respond as a company and when to lean on third-party allies and coalitions to carry the needed messaging. An example is TikTok’s decision to allow users of its platform to make the company’s case before Congress. Influencers and small businesses spent a day on Capitol Hill talking to lawmakers about what TikTok means for their livelihoods.

Have an established relationship

Beck Bamberger, founder of tech-centric PR agency Bam, said the effects of tech crises can spread like wildfire, especially among publicly traded companies. NVIDIA lost nearly 9% of its stock value in one day upon reports that it would receive a subpoena from the DOJ.

Overall, the PR team’s relationship with company leaders must “first, be superb and second, be absolutely trusting,” Bamberger said. She described the comms team as being the “in case of emergency contact.”

Bamberger emphasized that the response may come down to whether or not the company’s chief executive is in “founder mode,”  and “obsessed” with the details of their organizations and adamantly “in the weeds,” like NVIDIA’s CEO Jensen Huang, Bamberger said. She described him as being vocal and public, but “not rash nor random.” He is precise and cautious, she added, noting him famously saying that pain and suffering is part of resilience, which he claims is a must for great companies.

In those types of situations, it’s the job of the comms team to take an “arm but allow” approach with the company’s leadership, Bamberger said. That means, give them the training, ruthless feedback and preparation needed to allow them to flourish with the media.

“You ‘allow’ them to interact with the media, if not encourage it,” Bamberger said. She noted that this may feel risky as many PR pros may want to “shelter” or “protect” a CEO from unscripted and on the record situations. But most “founder mode” CEOs want to play a key part in “defending their baby.”

“The DOJ case has just emerged, and I’m sure in timed, when strategically and legally appropriate, Jensen will be speaking out on the matter,” Bamberger added.

Transparency

Court cases can last months or even years, leading to extended periods of uncertainty about the future of the company. Typically, the communications teams are on the front lines of crafting responses from the public and investors – issuing statements, handling media inquiries and ensuring messaging aligns with legal and regulatory strategies.

“Work with your legal and regulatory teams to map out the likely scenarios and stakeholder reactions and have a response plan and messaging for each scenario,” Schmidt said.

While waiting for those decisions to come down, communication with customers, investors, personas – all the people you interact with, including employees – must be as transparent as possible.

“Transparency usually leads the day,” Bamberger said.

“And by transparency, I don’t mean, ‘Oh, we’re waiting for the court to decide.’ No, instead, it can be, ‘Hey, we’re obviously in a legal situation right now, on this date ‘X’ will be determined and after that after that happens, we’ll navigate our business accordingly.”

Messaging doesn’t have to delve into all the possible scenarios and prescribe responses to each one of them. After all, they’re not going to want to show the entire playbook to competitors.

The most important aspect of these situations is providing reassurance to your stakeholders.

“It’s about humans and relationships,” Bamberger said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the investors buying your stock or it’s the consumer buying the latte, or it’s the CTO of a Fortune 1000 buying your software, there’s still a human on the other side of that buying decision.”

Join us during Comms Week at the Future of Communications Conference in Austin, Texas, Nov. 13-15, where we’ll host discussions about navigating crises and stepping confidently into the future.  

Casey Weldon is a reporter for PR Daily. Follow him on LinkedIn.

The post Comms strategies for navigating high-profile legal challenges appeared first on PR Daily.

It’s practically impossible to encounter a space in which people aren’t discussing politics at the moment. Whether you’re setting policies around interpersonal workplace discussion or helping external comms professionals who work with your organization determine when, where and how to navigate choppy political waters, keeping your comms world steady is a tall order. 

There’s no sure-fire, one-size-fits-all way to ensure that tensions won’t flare whenever political (and politicized) topics arise — or that your organization won’t accidentally stumble into a political brouhaha in the public sphere.  

“Fair and consistent methods are ideal, obviously, but the legal and cultural environments that we’re in,” said Christina Frantom, internal communications lead at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc., during a recent Ragan webinar. “It’s like you’re walking a tightrope in heels.”  

But Frantom also offered some practical, actionable advice for training your comms muscles to stay balanced in those stilettos. Read on for her best tips. 

Start with respect and clarity 

At Mercedes-Benz, a global organization with employees all over the world, comms is responsible for defining what respect looks like in the different cultural and political environments where its people and marketing appear. 

“This kind of information is really important, not only to have on the books, but also to communicate clearly and to make sure that you’re communicating in all of the different cultural and language areas that you need to be,” Frantom said. 

It’s not possible to get it right every time, to monitor and discuss behaviors in a wholly neutral way in every environment and interaction. But standardizing policy and procedure helps. 

“Having a general, respectful workplace policy is really important,” she said. And it must stay as adaptive as possible. 

Comms isn’t alone in this venture, and it shouldn’t be. Legal and colleagues in other HR roles should be treated as teammates to help comms leads iron out the different sensitivities across markets and business operations when developing and distributing policies that empower employees to remain informed and respectful. 

The power of memory and positivity 

Frantom recommends what she calls “remember campaigns” that raise visibility and awareness of important cultural moments and political issues that might impact employees or public discourse. It’s a reminder that “hey, we’re here and we’re committed to providing a safe and fair and respectful work environment,” as she puts it. 

Digital signage on comms platforms serves as a visually neutral, positive heads-up for employees that can incite congenial activity and celebration rather than rewarding conversations about news headlines or points of division. 

Frantom emphasized the need for positive reinforcement rather than punitive measures when possible. Rather than “making examples” out of people for less respectful and more harmful choices, try thanking and calling out people who show respectful behavior like celebrating others and navigating difficult topics with grace. Frantom also says it’s important to respect privacy, emphasizing that monitoring private channels is counterproductive unless a complaint arises. 

Of course, conflict has to be addressed when employees don’t respect others.: “Where we draw that hard line is with any kind of inflammatory, aggressive or threatening behavior,” Frantom added. 

Channel manager mentality 

Comms professionals are in the unique position to emulate and influence behaviors through example. While you might write and distribute policies, you’re not an enforcer — and that gives you the ability to connect with employees at their level. 

“The number one goal and the number one role of comms professionals: We are more channel managers than we are executioners of a particular policy or procedure,” Frantom said. 

That includes both internal and external social channels, intranets, newsletters, town halls, Q&As and beyond. 

“If you’re not engaged in social listening, then you’re behind,” Frantom said, and advised comms pros to ensure that social channels are monitored at least eight to 10 hours per day. 

Being that mediator and moderator can be tough, but she encouraged comms pros to take heart, because “there are ways to do it that everyone can get involved in where everyone wins.” 

Remember that most politically or culturally motivated disagreements stem from a lack of understanding and cultural differences rather than malicious intent. 

In case of emergency 

It’s impossible to avoid all politically motivated conflict in the workplace. When that happens, it pays to be prepared with templates and approved language that can be deployed for employees and for press at a moment’s notice. 

Employees can also be an asset in these scenarios. Having your brand’s priorities, position and mission articulated and aligned with employees ahead of time also can save you stress and minimize pitfalls. 

“Understand how you’re representing yourself as a brand, but more importantly, how your organization wants to represent itself to its employees,” advised Frantom, “then flip them to brand ambassadors so that they’re armed with the information they need in their communities or in their work environments.” 

Sometimes that alignment can ensure that employees know what the brand won’t comment on; other times it’s providing policy information.  

The bottom line 

Ultimately, voting is a right and employers must respect that. Unfortunately, the act of voting itself is sometimes a topic of contention around election days, but the best bet for any organization is to ensure that their employees have the space to make their voices heard. 

Encouraging voting participation means ensuring that everyone is aware that employees should have a lighter meeting load, flex time or a work-from-home policy on election days and whenever employees need to participate in their local election process. 

Post-election, join us during Comms Week at the Future of Communications Conference in Austin, Tex., Nov. 13-15, where we’ll host discussions and post-election reflections on lessons learned for tomorrow, and for the future. 

The post A tightrope in heels: Comms advice for politically contentious times  appeared first on PR Daily.

Do you know a communications or public relations professional who just won’t stop? Whose knowledge of the discipline is as exhaustive as the average dictionary? Whose list of achievements resembles a CVS receipt?

Think of someone who has faced down crises and battled reputational risk, a comms champion who wields words and wisdom in the name of clarity, trust, authenticity, compassion and inclusion.

That individual may be destined for induction into Ragan’s Game Changers, Class of 2024.

The Game Changers are selected annually by Ragan’s editorial team and the board of Ragan’s Communications Week — which this year will be held Nov. 12-15 in cities around the world, with our flagship Future of Communications event in Austin Nov. 13-15.

These leaders keep comms current, know how to support each and every employee, have a global media impact, and remain ready for any eventuality.

We are currently accepting nominations using this form.

What makes a Game Changer?

Ragan’s Game Changer honor goes to leaders and luminaries in communications and PR whose work has not just revolutionized their own organizations, but sent a shockwave through the profession at large — and the world beyond.

For instance, among our Class of 2023, we honored Halley Knigge, then-director of co-op communication, and now divisional vice president, communications, community and inclusion at REI. Knigge began as a newspaper reporter, and from there she has charted a nimble course across sectors such as healthcare, nonprofits, education and aerospace, where she reshaped creativity for Alaska Airlines before making waves with her firm commitment to brand purpose and values at REI.

We also honored Angie Hu, vice president of corporate communications for Synchrony, who has a reputation for scoring top-notch media results and opening doors for powerful thought leadership across more than a decade. She also made history as the first Asian American woman on Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s comms team.

Then there was Michael Kaye who, in his role as head of brand marketing, communications and social media, expanded OkCupid’s influence around the world, generating the highest volume of press of any year in its history during his first year in the role.

Know someone like this — or perhaps totally unlike this but equally stellar in their accomplishments? Nominate a leader who has fundamentally changed the way we think about comms and PR using this form, and learn more about our Game Changers award program and Comms Week at CommsWeek.com.

The post Call for entries: Do you know a communications Game Changer? appeared first on PR Daily.

Ragan’s Future of Communications conference in Austin brought together some of the brightest minds in the industry to figure out what’s next. 

If you couldn’t join us in Texas — or you did and just want to relive all the great tips — you can now view videos of the sessions from directly within Ragan Training.  

Here are just a few of the highlights. For the full scoop, watch the videos and let us know what you think. 

Empathy and Urgency: How Communicators Can Lead the Way with Randi Stipes, CMO, The Weather Channel. 

One quote: “Make sure your (crisis) preparation playbook leaves enough room for agility.” 

Watch now.  

A Futurist’s Guide to Tomorrow’s Communications Landscape: Tech Trends, AI and Creative Frontiers with Samantha Jordan, Futurist, The Future Today Institute. 

One quote: “Know what is plausible so you can know what is desirable. You have to have a vision to have a roadmap.” 

Watch now.  

Tune Into the Future: Communications at the Crux of Culture, Policy, Identity and Art with Dustee Jenkins, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Spotify. 

One idea: Find the balance between creativity and safety — it’s key. 

Future-Proofing Comms: What’s Next in AI, Tools and Technology with Megan DiSciullo, US & Mexico Communications Leader, PwC, and Chris Harihar, Executive Vice President, Crenshaw Communications, a Mod Op company. 

One quote: “If you’re going to invest in the tool, you have to invest in the training. Not just the theoretical training, but the actual use case training,” DiSciullo said. 

Watch now.  

Living Up to Our Commitments: The Evolution of ESG and DE&I with Emily Graham, Chief Equity & Impact Officer, Omnicom, Alicia C. Aebersold, Chief Communications Officer, American Psychological Association, and Sean Greenwood, Grand Poobah of PR, Ben & Jerry’s.

One idea: DE&I fails when it works in isolation. Comms people need to take a step up and help lead the charge. 

Watch now. 

Many more sessions are available at at Ragan Training from this year’s conference and from years past. Watch one today! 

The post Highlights from Ragan’s Future of Communications conference appeared first on PR Daily.

It’s often said that there’s no telling exactly what the future might hold. While there’s a lot of truth in that adage, communicators who take an early adopter mentality to stay one step ahead of the curve.

At Ragan’s Future of Communications conference in Austin, Samantha Jordan, futurist at The Future Institute delivered a keynote speech about how communicators can anticipate the technological advancements on the horizon and the right ways to prepare for them.

Preparation not prediction

Jordan began by explaining that futurists don’t predict the future, but instead specialize in modeling outcomes that might lie ahead.

By using a tactic called strategic foresight, communicators can position themselves to prepare for multiple eventualities and give themselves the ability to properly react down the road.

“The key word isn’t really so much preparation, but prediction,” Jordan said.

Comms pros can put this into practice by defining the most plausible outcomes out all possible ones to figure out exactly which ones are best for their message and organization.

“Know what is plausible so you can know what is desirable,” said Jordan. “You have to have a vision to have a roadmap.”

Parsing deeper insights

The ascent of generative AI is something comms pros know about quite well. Whether it’s initial consternation about job security or learning how to harness the tech to more effectively do their jobs, communicators have had the past year to wrap their heads around the longer-term implications of these tools.

Jordan stressed that it isn’t a matter of whether communicators will encounter AI on the job — it’s a matter of when.

“People who use AI will replace people who don’t use AI,” she said.

Elaborating further, Jordan said that AI can help enhance and give deeper insight into information that might have previously been hard to parse by a small team. For instance, it can help highlight the path between emotions and workplace personas.

While communicators still need to be cognizant of the privacy concerns and relative lack of guardrails that come with such a new technology, AI wielded responsibly can greatly help comms teams cater information and messaging to niche or individualized audiences.

“With AI, you are no longer limited to a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Jordan. “You are no longer limited to a one language-fits-all approach.”

A bold new future

Some of the most fascinating parts of Jordan’s keynote centered on some of the plausible futures on the horizon for communicators and the workforce as a whole. Focusing on the future of work, she said that the hybrid-centered work model isn’t likely to fade away anytime soon.

Instead, the future of work is one in which technology allows for increased personalization to drive engaging experiences. Tech will meet us on our own terms and embed emotion into the content that communicators deliver. This might even remove the need to wonder how many exclamation points you put at the end of that email a few years from now.

But Jordan also cautioned the audience to not lose sight of the fact that technology has limitations, and we need to keep an optimistic mindset about it. While technology could exploit human interaction in a dark future, it could bring people closer together than ever before in a brighter one.

“Whether we have an optimistic future or a pessimistic future depends on how we all apply this technology every day,” she said.

Sean Devlin is an editor at Ragan Communications. In his spare time he enjoys Philly sports, a good pint and ’90s trivia night.

The post A futurist’s guide to the communications of tomorrow appeared first on PR Daily.

After another whirlwind year of global crises, advancing AI and continued workforce upheaval, the communications function remains at an inflection point. How communications leaders work with the C-suite, and communicate the value of comms, remains of critical importance.

Ragan Communications partnered with research consultancy HarrisX  to understand how CEOs and communications leaders view each other’s roles and responsibilities, what they value most, and how they feel about the growing influence of AI

The survey was conducted by Ragan and HarrisX from August 11 – September 11 and surveyed 370 CEOs and high-ranking communications professionals.

Here are three things that stuck out.

1. As stakes rise, CEOs feel a heightened responsibility to lead communications for their organization.

CEOs increasingly see themselves as responsible for both external and internal communications, with this sense of responsibility nearly doubling since 2021.  

Unprecedented events have compelled CEOs to take the lead in their organization’s communications. Be mindful that this can swing too far in the wrong direction and leave comms out of the decision-making process. This was the case with many communications professionals in the Ragan community who thought they’d earned that seat at the table were sometimes left out of the room when statements about Israel/Hamas were drafted.

2. CEOs and other communications leaders are preparing for a recession.​

Despite elevated pressure on brands from external audiences and employees alike, a looming recession has organizations bracing for change.

Nearly all CEOs and other communications leaders say their organization is preparing for a recession, and as they do so, trying to minimize the impact on staff, focusing on cost-cutting measures, particularly in travel and operations. Despite this, layoffs have occurred for roughly a quarter of these leaders’ organizations. Most leaders from medium and large organizations are back in the office, though they say that they endorse a hybrid work policy for employees.

Comms can help prepare teams across the org and build cross-functional relationships by codifying their value. This can happen by unpacking the org-chart cross-functionally, creating efficiency through advocacy of new tools and commtech (think AI, project management software) and taking an early-adopter approach to communicating how these tools help teams do more with less, putting flexibility at the forefront.

3. Communications leaders are ready to embrace artificial intelligence.

CEOs and communications leaders are keenly focused on and optimistic about AI.

Three in five believe AI will have a significant impact on their organization in the coming years, and even more see it as a tool to enhance how they perform in their own role.

Download the full study results here. 

The post Research: How CEOs influence communications appeared first on PR Daily.

Lilli Iannella is the NYWICI 2023 Ellen Levine Memorial Scholarship Winner.

There is no set formula to follow in order to pave a successful career in the communications field, and this reality can be daunting for college students who are transitioning to professionals in the industry. Some students spend time every week thinking about where post-graduation plans might take them, while others might seem like they’re cruising through their college years without any worries. Nonetheless, all opportunities start with building bridges and making connections. 

Building bridges to new career opportunities might be the easiest way to a career path in the communications industry -– at least that is a reflection I have made as a member of the youngest generation in the workforce and a graduating college senior. But using connections, experiences and skillsets to build those bridges can be a challenge.  

During my collegiate career, I’ve had a number of resources available at my university and it is evident that access to abundant support, specialized programs and courses have helped me build a solid foundation of connections and progress my relationships within the industry.  

Some of my most important connections have been with professors and classmates, all of which I built from scratch. Once I started making meaningful connections, I was able to learn from industry members of all ages, be exposed to career opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had access to and gain valuable friends and mentors.  

It takes access to build a bridge 

However, it’s not just about making connections but also about maintaining those connections. While you’re busy paving your career path, the connections you have will need some maintenance work. Sure, you can build a a bridge, but how strong is it?  

If it feels like you put in most of the work to make and maintain connections as an early professional in the industry, remember that relationship building is a two-way street meant to serve both parties.  

Connections are key elements that bridge experiences between college and the professional workplace that rising industry members like me work to build.  

 Remember to be present, open-minded, receptive and gracious.  

Being present can allow you to define purpose in what you’re doing and find value in the relationships you form. Since the communications industry is ever-changing, it’s also important to maintain an open mind and listen to what those around you in the field have to say while welcoming the new.  

In other words, lead your own way, but welcome support, new ideas and opportunities. Everyone around you is also working on progressing their careers, and being gracious allows for us to better connect with our teams and work more efficiently. 

Lastly, when you listen to others in the field, you’ll find they have great advice for those of all experience levels. I still keep in mind the advice a NYWICI Board Member shared a few months ago during a discussion on how rewarding the communications industry is -– you get more than you give.  

No matter what point you’re at in your career, every connection you make will provide you with immeasurable value, and every opportunity will leave you with new skills and experiences that will undeniably affect your ever-changing career to come. 

Join NYWICI for “Building Bridges: Cultivating Connections in Communications” on Thursday, Nov. 9 at the IBM Office, 590 Madison Ave., New York City. This event is part of Communications Week. Register now! 

The post From college to colleague: Making and maintaining connections in the industry appeared first on PR Daily.

Whether you’re joining us in Austin, Texas for our Future of Communications Conference, attending a few events in New York City or observing it all virtually, this week is jam-packed with events to jumpstart your creativity and make you a better communicator. 

Here are just a few of the marquee events you can look forward to Nov. 6-10.  Hope to see you there! 

Monday, Nov. 6 

Future of Communications Conference begins in Austin, Texas 

Speed Networking and Mentoring 

Hosted by the Moody College of Communications at The University of Texas at Austin 

Celebrating 100 Years of Public Relations Education 

Presented by NYU School of Professional Studies and the Museum of Public Relations 

Tuesday, Nov. 7 

Future of Communications Conference continues 

CommsWeek Party  

Speed Mentoring 

Hosted by the University of Florida Department of Public Relations, part of the College of Journalism and Communications 

PRSA Educators Academy Virtual Speed Mentoring  

In partnership with PRSA Educators Academy 

Wednesday, Nov. 8 

Future of Communications Conference concludes 

Thursday, Nov. 9 

Building Bridges: Cultivating Connections in Communications 

Presented by New York Women in Communications 

A Game Changer In Conversation: An Exclusive Fireside Chat & Networking Soiree 

Hosted by APCO in London 

Results Are In: State of Global Marketing and Communications Webinar 

Sponsored by IPREX 

How to Harness AI for Elevating Internal Workplace Communications Webinar 

Sponsored by Appspace 

How Audacy’s Intranet Took Employees From Silos to Unified Comms and Culture 

Sponsored by Interact 

Media, Communication, Arts & Entertainment (MCAE) Career Fair 

Hosted by the DePaul University College of Communications 

Speed Mentoring 

Hosted by the University of Rhode Island Harrington School of Communication and Media 

Speed Mentoring & Networking 

Hosted by the NYU School of Professional Studies 

Rebooting Your Internal Operating System to Lead the Future 

In partnership with the PR Council 

Friday, Nov. 10 

Cracking the Code: Using Intranet Data for Better Comms 

Sponsored by Staffbase 

The post Communications Week 2023: List of events appeared first on PR Daily.

Liz Vaccariello is a writer, editor, consultant and member of New York Women in Communications. 

Several editor-in-chief jobs ago, I had the most useful media training of my professional life. I had done dozens of morning television talk show appearances for magazines over the years to promote stories that my teams of journalists had researched and rigorously fact checked. But the head of corporate communications for my publishing company had budgeted money for all the top editors to get next-level media training. 

In my years promoting stories, I had always shown up prepared, having memorized the content to be discussed and practicing my talking points so many times that no matter how nervous I got, the correct words would come out of my mouth.  

Besides, if I didn’t have to work hard to pull out the facts, I could concentrate on my energy and delivery. Morning show producers knew I was a reliable guest, that I would deliver credible, interesting information with a relaxed and polished persona. 

I was also busy busy busy — and perhaps too confident for my own good. I wasn’t sure how much more a media trainer had to teach me. I signed up for the session having no idea my approach to talking on TV was about to change forever.  

That’s when I learned about “attention sentences.” Instead of memorizing the content as it had been written in the magazine – instead of memorizing full sentences period – think about the mind of this audience, this television viewer. “The Today Show” or “Good Morning America” viewer wasn’t reliably hanging on my every word.  

Probably she was also making her coffee, curling her hair, packing her kids up for school. It was pointed out to me that my remarks could quickly fade to mere background noise — especially if it was a few minutes into the segment.  

The guidance was this: once or twice, ramp up to your main point with a short, quick phrase that lassoes the viewer’s attention back to your voice.   

A sentence in my magazine might read like this: “Walking 30 minutes a day lowers your risk of heart disease by 70%.” But what if I say it on television like this: “We know walking is good for you, but we were surprised to learn how good. Doing it just 30 minutes a day…..” 

“We were surprised to learn how good” is the attention sentence. 

Similarly: “The new ski jacket by Burton retails for $3,000, but it’s worth every penny because of the technology built into the garment, which includes Bluetooth in the hood, hand warming mittens and a water repellent Gore tech.” Tuck in this ramp-up sentence to break up your points: “Burton’s new coat warms hands and repels snow unlike anything else out there. But here’s the ingenious part: these Bluetooth earphones sewn into the hood.” 

“Here’s the ingenious part” is, of course, the attention sentence. 

These phrases work to consciously and even subconsciously shift the viewer’s attention back to what you’re saying, making sure it’s where you want it when you make your big point. 

By tapping into the broader communications expertise at my company, I learned how to share a story while always earning the audience’s attention. It was a tactic that was unique to this medium, that made me a better television show guest, and that I never would have learned working alone in my editorial silo.  

After only a few months of rethinking my talking points in this way, my segments rated more highly with viewers and I felt better knowing that even more people retained the information my team and I had worked so hard to develop.  

Selling while telling is  just one of many valuable tactics I have learned from my marketing and corporate communications peers.  

Join NYWICI for “Building Bridges: Cultivating Connections in Communications” on Thursday, Nov. 9 at the IBM Office, 590 Madison Ave., New York City. This event is part of Communications Week. Register now! 

The post The time I learned to tell and sell at the same time appeared first on PR Daily.

It’s almost time to kick off Ragan’s Future of Communications Conference, which is on tap in Austin Nov. 6-8.

The state’s capital, described as the “City of the Violet Crown,” has a fascinating, rich culture.

The diverse city is the ultimate travel destination for BBQ lovers, historians and music aficionados.

A big draw in Austin is the popular annual South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival, which brings tech, music, education, culture and film to the forefront.

In addition to its rich present, Austin is a growing tech hub focused on looking ahead – which is why it was the perfect host for a conference that’s all about the future.

Technology accounts for 10% of jobs in the city, according to data from Cushman & Wakefield. The city has a burgeoning “clean-tech scene” where companies are hyper-focused on bettering the environment and lessening climate issues.

According to Insider, Austin is the place to be for some startups because “the city’s thriving culture also makes it a magnet for tech workers.”

Some companies like Hyliion, which sells electrified powertrains for commercial vehicles, and Incenergy, an energy management software company, are making their names well-known ‘round Austin.

Other mainstream tech companies with ties to Austin include Apple, Facebook and Dell, as well as being home to the headquarters of Whole Foods and Tesla.

Austin is booming population-wise too and is the 10^th most populous city in the country with about 975,000 residents.

Here are three fun trivia questions about the history of Austin to get you thinking and testing your knowledge ahead of your trip.

You’ll find the answers at the bottom. No peeking!

1. Who came up with the “Keep Austin Weird” slogan?
   1. Longtime Austin Mayor Kirk Watson
   2. Actor and Austin native Ethan Hawke
   3. Red Wassenich, former Austin Community College librarian

2. What was Austin’s name when it was founded in 1839
   1. Waterloo
   2. Augustus
   3. Republica

3. Whole Foods originally opened in Austin in what year?
   1. 1965
   2. 1980
   3. 1999

There is still time to register for Future of Communications Conference! Get your tickets today. While advancing your comms skills at the conference, enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Austin.

Correct Answers:

1. C
2. A
3. B

Sherri Kolade is a writer and conference producer at Ragan Communications. She enjoys watching old films, reading and building an authentically curated life. Follow her on LinkedIn. Have a great PR/comms speaker in mind for one of Ragan’s events? Email her at sherrik@ragan.com.

The post Future of Communications will take over Austin: Test your knowledge now appeared first on PR Daily.

Across YouTube, TikTok, Reels, and even Facebook and Pinterest, creators and influencers are rulers of the socialsphere and all the benefits that flow through it.  

Yet after a series of snafus in the creator space over the past few years, as well as tightening marketing budgets and a maturing internet economy, brands have grown more discerning about the partnerships they pursue. Meanwhile, creators have learned the value of their work and are requiring fair compensation and assurances that, say, an army of Bud Light fans won’t come after them for promoting beer and… well, existing. They’re taking matters into their own hands and increasingly expanding their reach beyond phone screens. 

For an eagle-eyed view of what creators are up to — and how brands can get in their games — we went back to school with Dr. Karen Freberg, professor in strategic communication and director of student advertising and marketing agency The Bird’s Nest at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. 

[RELATED: Join us in Austin for our Future of Communications Conference]

Influencer-to-consumer modeling 

Want to chat with MrBeast, Tom Brady or Kendall Jenner? Now you can — or AI-powered chatbot versions of them — in your Instagram DMs and Facebook Messenger.  

“The notable trends we are seeing right now with the creator economy is a shift from public facing content to a direct-to-consumer model with exclusive subscriptions, channels, and interactions,” Karen said. “The move for creators is to share content still for everyone to see, but they are following the social media platforms in a pay-to-play model.” 

TikTok, X and other platforms have recently amped up their subscription-based options for popular creators, enabling fans to pay to access their content directly rather than earn money from a brand seeking to access their audience. (And let’s be real, OnlyFans beat them all to it.) 

Creators are, in a sense, acting as publishers with social media platforms as their content management systems.  

Freberg also cites social media doyen Matt Navarra’s social media-focused Geekout WhatsApp community, which has gone subscription-only with Geekout PRO. 

The concept? “If you want the exclusives… and get the most value, you must pay,” she said.  

The brand opportunity 

For smaller creators and influencers, the DTC take on emerging social can manifest as a means of removing the need for brand partnerships — aside from, of course, the platforms on which they serve content — to earn big.  

“The question is — which creators are succeeding in this new space right now in the dark social creator economy?” Freberg posited. 

The content and hype have to be big enough to get fans to buy into subscription ventures; otherwise they’ll end up creating content for an empty room. 

That’s why the lion’s share of this trend is going to the biggest creators, influencers and even celebrities. Still, good content is good content, and strategic brand partnerships can build up some of that hype. 

Freberg noted the example set by an actual DTC brand, then-small business Little Words Project, maker of friendship-style bracelets. The then-tiny DTC brand was founded in 2013 by Adriana Carrig and rose to popularity through its social media presence. But that presence led to partnerships with Nordstrom, Target, Lizzo’s Yitty, and is now appropriately tapping into the Taylor Swift hype with the help of Dunkin’. As of 2021, the brand has a shop in Manhattan that has topped six figures in sales — all, ultimately, thanks to the audience it built with its strong social content.  

The takeaway for others? “Tapping into pop culture moments with alignment and creative strategy makes a win-win situation for brands and creators,” Freberg said. “If it is forced, everyone will know. If it’s new and unique, everyone will be talking about it. Attention is the most important currency when the brand/creator collaboration inspires, interests, and informs audiences.” 

And given how quickly creators and influencers come and go, brands ought to be keeping an eye on their habits and new ways of interacting with emerging social features will be key to innovative partnerships going forward, rather than pure follower and subscriber counts. 

“I think brands are always looking for the next big influencer and creator, when they should be looking at the one who has the most investment, loyalty, and unique perspective to offer,” she added. 

As these trends evolve, one thing remains constant: Marketers and PR pros could benefit from ensuring that they know why both their fans and influencers’ fans keep coming back, and tap into the heart of that reasoning. 

For more insights into what lies ahead for social media and more, join us in Austin for the Future of Communications Conference, Nov. 6-8, 2023.

Jess Zafarris is a content director, editor, journalist, speaker, social media engagement strategist and creator. Her 13 years of experience in media have included such roles as the Director of Content at Ragan Communications, Audience Engagement Director at Adweek, and Content Strategy Director and Digital Content Director for Writer’s Digest and Script Mag. Follow her on Twitter/Threads/IG and Tiktok @jesszafaris  and connect with her on LinkedIn.

The post Why social media personalities are acting like publishers — and how brands can join in appeared first on PR Daily.

With nearly a quarter-century of experience in the field of public relations and corporate communications, Chintimini Meadow Keith, the senior vice president of corporate communications at Bozzuto, brings a wealth of expertise in various aspects of the industry, including marketing strategy, global collaboration, branding, crisis communications, and visual storytelling. 

Her role encompasses overseeing comprehensive communication strategies across all divisions of Bozzuto. She is responsible for shaping the company’s public image, managing crisis situations, promoting corporate social responsibility, enhancing executive visibility, and ensuring a consistent brand message for the real estate company.

Medow Keith’s biggest challenge she’s overcome plays a part in her journey to embracing leadership roles in unfamiliar settings that have transformed her into a more resilient, empathetic, and inclusive leader and communicator, evolving from a less confident communicator into an undeniable comms pro over time.

Ahead of her session at Ragan’s upcoming Future of Communications conference, we spoke with Meadow Keith to get her take on the future of the communications industry. 

What book, podcast or other media do you recommend to other comms pros?

I recently read Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. I found it to be fascinating on many levels. Having worked in and followed the NYC food scene for decades, I was immediately drawn in by the stories revolving around restaurants I have visited and chefs I have admired. I believe we can all take lessons from hospitality best practices on how to more meaningfully connect with our colleagues, customers and clients. Two books I always recommend, no matter the industry are Presence by Amy Cuddy and Mindset by Carol Dweck.

I try to listen to the Daily as often as possible and I am weirdly obsessed with financial and investing podcasts. This may not seem applicable to communications, but I strongly believe leaders in our industry must excel at both soft and hard skills. Communicators have to understand the financials that drive our business.

What’s your favorite tool you use regularly for work?

Well, Zoom of course. I also remain a longtime fan of Slack and Smartsheet. Oh, and our Digital Asset Manager (DAM).

What excites you most about the future of communications?

Now, more than in any other time in history, communications leaders have a seat at the table. We must take full advantage of this moment and ensure we are advocating for sufficient investment in communications as a business driver. This often requires an important mindset shift for communications practitioners, so that we fully comprehend the significance of our roles.

What communications challenge keeps you up at night?

AI governance, specifically as it relates to security and intellectual property. I fully embrace innovation, and believe it’s a delicate balance of fearless exploration and careful oversight.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your career?

Overcoming my scarcity mindset and shyness born from a childhood of poverty, and learning to acknowledge that I belonged in the spaces (such as executive meetings and board rooms) where I once felt completely out of place.

What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

Aristotle said, “To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.” This is so powerful. After all, not taking any risks in life is the biggest risk of all. Wisdom and life experience have taught me that it is far greater to risk being criticized for having an opinion than for having none at all.

Also, remember no one is thinking about you (your mistakes and shortcomings) as much as you are. Realizing this truth liberates us to focus much less on what others think.

Join Chintimini Meadow Keith at Ragan’s Future of Communications Conference on Nov. 6-8. She will speak alongside communications leaders from AARP, Ben & Jerry’s, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and more.

Isis Simpson-Mersha is a conference producer/ reporter for Ragan. Follow her on LinkedIn.

The post 6 questions with: Chintimini Meadow Keith of Bozzuto appeared first on PR Daily.

With Communications Week just over two months away, Ragan convened our esteemed Comms Week advisory board to learn how they are future-proofing their strategies and responding to the most hot-button issues affecting the communications function.

We first asked how they teach their teams to work with artificial intelligence (AI). Here’s what we learned.

Comms leaders are helping others get more comfortable with generative AI 

We cover AI  extensively at Ragan, sharing tips on everything from writing effective prompts to navigating legal concerns and crafting guidelines. We offered a certificate course on using AI for comms, and partnered with The Conference Board on a proprietary study to look at communicators’ top concerns, which include misinformation and a lack of accuracy, legal uncertainties, data security and privacy.

The Comms Week board echoed these concerns before sharing how they are getting out in front of them.

Peppercomm founder and CEO Steve Cody said that his agency sets aside a half hour every Thursday to brainstorm for either an existing client or a prospective client, making sure whoever leads the brainstorm is using generative AI to supplement their research. “We want them to be comfortable with it,” Cody said.” And we also want our people to try and figure out what was created by the individual versus the generative AI. So it’s kind of like a little bit of a ‘Jeopardy!’ game mixed into a brainstorm.”

AI as the enabler, not the enemy

Tiffany Guarnaccia, CEO of Kite Hill PR and the founder of Communications Week, pulled back a bit to look at the bigger picture. “I think AI should be an enabler and not an enemy when it comes to how we’re working and how we’re thinking about business,” she said, acknowledging that her perspective comes from working in a tech PR agency.

“We launched a tech task force that’s looking at AI as just one piece of the evolving comms tech stack that we’re continuing to evaluate,” she continued. “We’re also following  the PRC guidelines. I think they did a good job of laying out things from an ethical perspective.”

Ultimately, Guarnaccia acknowledged that we are all led by the decisions or applications in different platforms as they apply to our daily workflows.

“The other challenge is how it continues to evolve,” she said, “and in every challenge, there’s an opportunity for the team. It’s also coming back to showing the value of strategy, because AI is replacing some things that are maybe more tactical when we look at our work. It spotlights the opportunity to be more strategic and a strategic partner to our clients.”

Calming employee concerns about AI

Of course, being a strategic partner to clients and colleagues a lot includes addressing their concerns. That’s why Cody’s team leans on the Chief Technology Officer Tejas Totade at parent company Ruder Finn, who gives Peppercomm employees a monthly tutorial on the latest, greatest thinking around what’s new, what to be concerned about and what not to worry about.

“It’s an ongoing, continuous learning part of the professional development program,” says Cody.

The futurist perspectives of a CTO who is comfortable communicating make Totade a perfect leader to address concerns, as he starts and ends each of his half-hour presentations with a focus on what it means to employees.

Totade breaks it down by sharing, “This is what you need to know, this is what it means to me, and this is what I think it means to you,” Cody explained. “This is what you should be worried about, and this is something that you should not worry about. This is what’s going to make you even more effective.”

Upskilling the next generation of communicators on AI

Columbia Business School Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Amy Jaick summarized the breadth of conversations happening around AI at Columbia, where faculty members conduct research and use the tools in the classroom, students are thinking about how to integrate it into assignments when appropriate, and other employees are using it to streamline their productivity.

Witnessing all of this, Jaick shared the stakeholder consensus that we shouldn’t be worried about people being replaced by generative AI — but we should worry about being replaced by the people who use it.

“It’s not quite there yet where it will take our jobs,” she said. “But you should be worried about the person who knows how to use it to do their job better because they will be quicker and more efficient, more creative, whatever the more is.”

This underscored Jaick’s big point—that understanding and being trained on AI should be of primary importance. Beyond writing prompts, training should also include reaching a consensus on what constitutes proper attribution of AI-generated work.

“When does AI go from being a tool to being a substitute for your own ideas, or a heavily defined input,” she asked. “Where is the line between being additive or being a compliment? When is it a substitute?”

Stay tuned for more coverage of this Communications Week roundtable and register now for the signature Comms Week Event, Ragan’s Future of Communications Conference, before it sells out!

The post Communications Week board members share how they’re working with AI appeared first on PR Daily.

Communicators are at their best when they set themselves up to be one step ahead of the game, anticipating the needs of employees and organizations alike to prepare everyone for the latest challenges on the road ahead.

These five factors, which are already emerging as both global and professional albatrosses, will come to shape the role of the communications leader in the coming years. The pros who navigate these rough waters most successfully and make a lasting impact will be those who see these challenges as opportunities to develop support systems and processes when they’re needed most.

External volatility will put pressure on employees and brands

Life is heating up for employees, both literally and figuratively. Environmental factors such as increasing climate volatility puts health and lives at risk as hurricane seasons expand and extreme weather patterns become more common.

Meanwhile, the upcoming 2024 election is already shaping up to be a contentious one, and the urge to doomscroll and sound off on political issues can put strain on interpersonal relationships and escalate existential fears about the future.

On top of that, the U.S. dollar has seen an average rate of inflation of 4.57% per year from 2019 to 2023, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This inflation and other economic challenges will continue to weigh on people merely looking to put food on their tables as they also navigate the pressures that these factors also cause their employers.

The opportunity: For communications professionals, this means doing what they do best — advocating for employees, leading and implementing relief and resource programs, and being an emotional and functional resource in times of stress.

Healthcare needs will evolve

The elements employees look for in health and insurance benefits will continue to shift. According to a 2022 Gallup poll, more Americans are planning to retire later. Older employees may require different resources and leave policies than their younger colleagues. Meanwhile, a decline in the U.S. birth rate may reduce the number of parents who need assistance.

A critical factor that impacts communications and HR leaders directly is the mental health crisis, which is as challenging to navigate as a climate crisis, albeit on a more micro level. The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers resources for approaching this issue with the proper care and consideration.

The opportunity: Comms professionals may wish to pilot support programs for different categories of employees, and they will need to push leadership to take mental health and wellbeing needs seriously. Communicators will also need to see to their own mental health.

Tech revolutions will reshape the workplace

Despite the wearying discourse around it, we’re still in the relatively early stages of the transformation that advancements in AI and machine learning technologies will bring to nearly every industry, but especially communications.

As Ragan’s editors addressed at the recent Employee Experience & Wellness Conference, it will be on comms leaders to provide context around how AI is used within their organization, and by the software that employees use on the job. That will include understanding and shaping policies around privacy and data handling, especially when it comes to apps that collect and parse employee information such as healthcare and wellness apps, as well as copyright issues surrounding AI-generated text and imagery.

The opportunity: Communicators should seize this moment to take the lead on efforts to promote continuing education and upskilling programs at their organizations to ensure existing employees don’t feel at risk of being replaced or left behind.

The career path and workplace reckoning will advance

Speaking of which, the way people educate themselves and train up for career paths has dramatically evolved since the pandemic. Rising costs of higher education, as well as alternative educational paths such as online and on-the-job training programs, have led to an 8% drop in enrollment since 2019.

Among those who are pursuing higher education, 60% are taking most or all of their classes online, which means that they will enter college with different interpersonal experiences and social dynamics than previous generations of employees.

And once they’re on the job, many will not choose roles with on-site requirements, while others will continue to seek in-office collaboration. An August 2023 survey from WFH research reports that less than 60% of employees are back in the office full time, 29% are hybrid and 12% are completely remote, while offices remain half-full compared to pre-pandemic. More companies are also coming around to hybrid and flex policies after an initial wave of in-office mandates.

The opportunity: Comms leaders will be responsible for navigating a range of policies, often within the same organization, as well as talent acquisition, engagement and retention strategies for employees with different needs, preferences and work environments.

The media landscape will evolve

The changing tangle of media outlets, misinformation and shift in social media platforms presents quite the briar thicket for communicators as they attempt to keep tabs on current events and issues that are important to employees and external audiences alike.

The relationship between journalists and communicators is changing; many brands are behaving more like publishers while the media industry shifts and traditional reporting evolves. Social media is taking the place of news outlets for many Americans, and not just younger audiences anymore.

The opportunity: Parsing good information from bad and crafting brand storytelling for employees and customers will be skills for comms professionals to master.=

Industry professionals are equipped with the superpowers needed to help people navigate these communications challenges, but it’s no easy task. Staying informed and aware of trends, as well as keeping a pulse on employee concerns and measuring the success of programs designed to support them, will provide a roadmap as we step into the future.

The post 5 challenges and opportunities comms pros will navigate in the next 5 years appeared first on PR Daily.

Gather a group of communicators and HR professionals in a room to talk about Return to Office strategies and the intensity of the conversation and energy in the room skyrockets. That was the case when attendees at Ragan’s Employee Experience & Wellness Conference in Denver were asked to make two lists: one of the benefits of working from home and another on the benefits of working in the office. Many expected lopsided results.

But when all was said and done, the group was surprised to see that the numbers of benefits in each column were almost equal. A dead heat.

So what’s all the fuss about going into an office, what with the free coffee, spontaneous conversations and the chance to attend a meeting fully dressed?

“All hell’s going to break loose tomorrow when the new return-to-office guidelines are announced,” one executive at a large PR firm told me. “Some people just never want to come into the office.”

At this conference, attended by communications and HR professionals alike, it was clear that communicators have a heavy weight to carry as they struggle to hold together work cultures that are being redesigned and redefined by the new rules of attendance.

This workplace shift, many years after the start of the pandemic, threatens culture, productivity and talent retention. As one conference attendee noted: “We need to focus on culture, not on why Sally is working from home on Tuesdays.”

From RTO to RTC

Framing return-to-office initiatives as a “return to culture” is an effective way of connecting with employees about this issue. Communicators should lead the way through the messiness and be okay with the idea of internal stakeholders figuring it out together. Getting your return-to-office campaign right requires a close partnership between Communications, HR and the C-suite that puts employee experience front and center. Even with the advancements in AI (see trends below), your human employees are the business drivers.

Ragan has distilled five key challenges communicators are facing — issues that also affect business leaders in Marketing, Sales, HR and Finance. The communicator, however, is in the most unique position of being the eyes and ears of the organization while also creating and owning the brand narrative.

As this year’s theme for Communications Week in November – “Leading the Way” — comes into full focus, communicators should take heed of these five major trends:

1. Focus on a return to culture. Employee behaviors, attitudes and engagement levels are defined only in part by whether they need to come into the office. Employees want to feel heard, respected, challenged, safe. Employers have every right to require that employees return to the office. Those companies finding success with their strategy will be the ones that treat employees with respect whether they’re in person, at home or in the field or factory, and are clear and consistent with their messaging and actions.

2. Lean into generative AI. While we’ve been using and benefiting from artificial intelligence (AI) for decades, new tools like ChatGPT, Bard and Midjourney have made the incredible opportunities—and risks—of automation accessible to communicators in unforeseen ways.  On the positive side, we are already seeing the benefits of AI in terms of overall output, with 82% of respondents saying AI can help them be more productive. As communicators seek to trade in their order-taker status and be more strategic within their organization, they must learn how to put AI to the task to free their focus up for higher-level work.

But many aren’t ready to jump in headfirst just yet. Communicators polled in a recent Ragan/Conference Board Survey on AI, said misinformation and legal uncertainties topped the list of major concerns they have with the tools. This underscores why communicators need to be involved early and often in the conversations at their organizations around use of AI among their employees, creating guidelines for responsible use cases and prompt creation while keeping eyes wide open for misuse of the organization’s intellectual property.

3. Pay attention to manager communications. Employees don’t leave companies; they leave bad leaders. A manager ill-equipped to guide and inform their direct reports threatens the viability of that team and the organization. Communications leaders need to pay close attention to how information cascades in their organization and mend the areas where the flow has slowed from their high-level perspective at the top. Not every employee reads corporate emails or actively listens during town halls. Managers will increasingly rely on communications partners to help them keep their teams informed, engaged and connected.

4. Add mixternal to the mix. Another major change, borne of social media plus the increasing influence of the employee on an organization’s reputation, is the partnership between internal and external comms. More teams than ever are now led by a Chief Communications Officer or head of comms who oversees both internal and external communicators. A communicator operates at their peril if they don’t understand that what’s conveyed internally will be shared externally. And external campaigns impact the organization internally, too — what’s internal is external and vice versa. Mixternal communications recognize this truth, and communicators who craft mixternal strategies will see more airtight outcomes.

5. Be purposeful and practical with your communications. Employees, customers and other stakeholders are no longer just curious where a brand stands on social issues — they are taking note and action. In some cases they’ll leave your company, picket outside it or even stop buying from you. Communicators can no longer be on the receiving end of corporate dictates on social issues. They need to be part of the decision-making process. Actions around environmental, social and governance (ESG) will make or break some brands, especially mid to large-size organizations.

Climate communications is another growing area where communicators can mitigate risk and even help save lives. This year’s devastating fires in Maui and hurricane battering Palm Springs are a reminder that no place on earth is immune to a climate event – be it extreme heat, tornados, wildfires, hurricanes or powerful storms. Keeping employees safe, and confident that their workplace has safety measures in place, is now an expectation.

Communicators have made incredible strides over the past three years in navigating a pandemic, social justice issues and workplace culture changes. The next year will undoubtedly test their mettle. Embracing these five major trends will elevate their status as effective, creative and empathetic business leaders.

Want to discuss these topics more? Please join Diane Schwartz and hundreds of your peers at the Future of Communications Conference being held during Communications Week, on Nov. 6-8 in Austin.

The post Focusing on a ‘return to culture’ puts to rest the return-to-office debate appeared first on PR Daily.

Communicators, both external and internal, have had to pivot — a lot. In 2023, significant transformations, ranging from an unstable social media landscape to new RTO policies and evolving roles in crisis management, complicated many comms strategies.

In 2021, HarrisX began partnering with Ragan Communications on an annual survey to better understand how CEOs and communications leaders view each other’s roles and responsibilities. The results from this year’s CEO-Communicators Perceptions Survey will be presented at the Future of Communications Conference in Austin, TX on November 6-8^th.

Ahead of that survey release, we’ve been tracking the emerging challenges and evolving priorities for the communicator, all of which will be covered in the survey this November. Here’s what we’re watching.

The RTO movement is off to a rocky start.

The mandate is clear: Most CEOs are pushing to have employees return to the office. But the reality, according to Appspace, is that work continues to occur outside of the traditional office environment. Just 3% of employees operate entirely in-person, compared to 44% of respondents working fully remote.

For communicators, sharing RTO policies that are unpopular among employees has led to disengagement and dissatisfaction. And once that hurdle has been passed, the challenge becomes finding evolved ways to communicate. Tried and trusted methods of communication and relationship-building continue falling short in work environments that include employees working fully remote, hybrid and entirely in office.

There’s confusion on how to best implement AI.

Communications teams are constantly looking to upgrade to more efficient systems and tools. Emerging artificial intelligence was top of mind for respondents in Ragan’s Benchmark Report who indicated AI will remain a focus over the next three years. That’s far from a surprise considering how ChatGPT has dominated the news cycle since its arrival in November 2022.

A joint survey conducted by Ragan Communications and The Conference Board shared that 82% of respondents believed AI would help them do their work faster. But there’s a lot of unanswered questions, many of which revolve around misinformation, legal uncertainties and data security. Download the full report here.

Internal comms will have external implications. 

In Ragan’s Benchmark Report, 61% of respondents indicated oversight of both internal and external communications. That’s a trend that has been slowly inching upwards, up from 58% in 2022’s report.

This interconnectedness underscores how effective internal communication not only shapes organizational culture, but also extends its impact to external stakeholders and perceptions. As communication functions increasingly converge, internal communicators must become strong bridges between internal strategies and outward-facing messages.

But there’s a right time for everything: Employee leaks ahead of properly delivered messaging are a growing concern. Confidential internal documentation, or rumors being shared on social media ahead of an official press release, can create an avoidable crisis. Here’s one communicator’s advice on how to mitigate or prevent those leaks.

It’s hard to craft strategy around new and emerging social media platforms.

More than ever, communicators are using social media platforms like LinkedIn to craft and deliver clear strategic messaging. But identifying which platform is most effective and relevant for a brand has become a challenge.

Since Elon Musk’s acquisition of X (formerly Twitter) in 2022, more than half of the platform’s top advertisers have fled to spend ad budget with competitors. The social media platform uncertainty has expanded to other social media platforms, including TikTok, which is indefinitely banned for all federal employees and select state employees in 34 U.S. states, with more restrictions likely to come.

With brand new players like Threads going head-to-head with X, it’s critical that communicators stay vigilant about where they invest their time. Ragan and PRDaily will address this hot topic in an upcoming webinar on August 23^rd.

In times of crisis, organizations rely on the communications team, but that’s shifting.

Top executives are keenly aware of unanticipated crises that may occur at a moment’s notice. For instance, the COVID-19 crisis showcased internal communicators’ need to swiftly relay remote work protocols, safety measures and emotional support resources to employees across diverse locations.

According to Ragan’s 2023 Benchmark Report, 58% of organizations rely firmly on communications teams to take the lead in crisis messaging strategy. But that’s been trending down. In-house PR teams are handling more in 2023 than ever before, up to 24%, which is 11 percentage points higher from 2022’s survey.

This shift in crisis management responsibilities can present challenges for communicators striving to secure a seat at the executive table and the ear of the CEO. Internal communicators face the risk of being relegated to a supporting role, potentially diminishing their influence on crucial strategic decisions.

At the Future of Communications Conference on November 6-8^th, we’ll be sharing the results from the third annual CEO-Communicators Perceptions Survey that will address some of these trends.

The post 5 emerging challenges for communicators in 2023 appeared first on PR Daily.

We can’t wait to welcome to Austin, the vibrant host city of the Future of Communications Conference! Make the most of your November visit by immersing yourself in Austin’s rich culture, savoring its culinary delights (hello, BBQ and bourbon), and experiencing its weird, arty side. Here are ten must-do activities to enhance your conference trip.

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest (Nov. 4-5)

Prepare your taste buds for a mouthwatering adventure at the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest, taking place in downtown Lockhart, just an hour from Austin. There, you’ll have the opportunity to attend live cooking demonstrations with seasoned pitmasters who have perfected their craft over generations.

Natural beauty

Calling all nature enthusiasts: Austin’s stunning natural spots are the perfect backdrop for your time at the Future of Communications Conference. Just a few steps from our host hotel is the Congress Avenue Bridge, where over a million bats take flight at dusk. Nearby, you’ll find Zilker Park, an ideal location for a morning stroll with breathtaking views of Lady Bird Lake. A bit further afield outside the city is Hamilton Pool Preserve, a lush oasis boasting a stunning natural pool surrounded by lush greenery. And don’t miss out on the local favorite, Barton Springs Pool, where you can take a refreshing dip in the underground spring-fed waters that provide opportunities for year-round swimming.

Tour by kayak and bike

Take advantage of Austin’s beautiful November weather by exploring the outdoors by bike or kayak. Cruise through bike-friendly paths like the scenic Barton Creek Greenbelt, unearthing hidden gems and awe-inspiring nature. Then, embark on a water escapade by renting a kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake, giving you views of the city skyline from a fresh perspective.

Craft brews and distilleries

No trip to Austin is complete without a quick tour of a craft brewery or distillery. Tasting rooms near to the Future of Communications hotel include Standard Proof Whiskey, featuring rye and flavored whiskeys made in Nashville, Tenn. and the Stay Put Brewery, a dog-friendly brewpub featuring German-inspired drafts. Bonus: If you have an extra day, take a scenic drive to the Texas Hill Country and tour some of the region’s excellent wineries.

The Austin Film Festival (Oct. 26-Nov. 2)

Lights, camera, action! Book your trip a few days early and catch the final days of the Austin Film Festival to get a sneak peek of the most anticipated films of the year. This eight-day event, which transforms Austin into a haven for filmmakers and cinephiles alike, is known for its Q&As with top-tier directors and screenwriters.

Discover Texas history

Step into the past and immerse yourself in Austin’s rich history and the stories of Texas by exploring its historical sites. Start with a tour of the State Capitol building for its architectural significance,then explore the interactive exhibits and displays at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Austin is also home to the LBJ Presidential Library on campus at the University of Texas, where you can learn about the life and legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson.

The Austin Studio Tour (Nov. 4-5; Nov. 11-12; Nov. 18-19)

Taking place over three consecutive weekends, the Austin Studio Tour offers a rare opportunity to step into the inner sanctuaries of Austin-based artists. Immerse yourself in the creative workspaces of the local artists who transform the city into an interactive canvas.

South Congress Shopping

Step into Austin’s vintage paradise on South Congress (SoCo) Avenue. You’ll discover a collection of quirky boutiques, like Feathers Boutique and Triple Z ThreadZ, and vintage treasures sure to make your thrifting experience a nostalgic journey through time. Bonus: This is a vibrant and eclectic thoroughfare known for its delicious food trucks and lively music scene.

University of Texas Football (Nov 4.)

Immerse yourself in the time-honored football legacy of the University of Texas Longhorns as they take the field on November 4th, battling against Kansas State. Attending a Longhorns football game has a rich history with decades of history, tradition, and passionate fandom. You’ll be greeted with a sea of burnt orange regalia and time-honored rituals of school pride, such as the memorable chant and hand gesture of “Hook ’em Horns.”

Spooky Austin

Get ready for a bone-chilling adventure in Austin with spooky things to do that will send shivers down your spine! Embark on a chilling ghost tour through the haunted streets and learn about the legend of the “Woman in White,” a ghostly apparition said to roam the Driskill Hotel. If your arrival time is in October, you’ll have a chance to experience the Halloween event “Boo at the Zoo,” where the Austin Zoo transforms into a hauntingly fun nocturnal adventure. Explore the zoo in the dark (and in costume), complete with train rides, musical entertainment, and unlimited haunted house visits.

The post 10 things to do in Austin while you’re in town for Comms Week appeared first on PR Daily.

In a media landscape filled with uncertainty, misinformation and heightened stakeholder sensitivities to the news of the day, communications professionals are more vital than ever before. To stay ahead of these changes and keep stakeholders informed, it’s crucial that your comms department makes use of the latest tools, technologies and trends.

This November, the comms trend-spotting event of the year will arrive in Austin, TX, just in time for you to shape your 2024 comms strategies. The Future of Communications conference will bring together communication professionals from across the globe to network and learn from comms pros who will showcase cutting-edge strategies and trends that  will chart the course of the industry over the next several years.

The Austin event is designed for communicators of all levels, aiming to provide attendees with the invaluable insights and practical knowledge they need to navigate the rapidly-evolving landscape of communication. The agenda has been released, and highlights include:

• Future-Proofing Comms: What’s Next in AI, Tools and Technology. In this panel discussion, AI experts will share insights on the rapid innovations in automation and AI that have created new tools for communicators – and why becoming an early adopter of emerging tech is not without its risks.
• Shaping Change Comms: Smart Strategies to Break Through the Noise. It’s crucial for organizations to be prepared to communicate strategically and sensitively, whether it’s updates on acquisitions, layoffs, return to office or major news events. We share out-of-the-box techniques like infusing humor to help keep engagement and spirits high (and when it can’t).
• Data-Driven Storytelling in an Age of Short Attention Spans. Learn how to lean into data to help better understand your audiences, as well as the storylines and messages they want to hear. This session includes a preview of emerging AI storytelling tools — plus how to upskill storytellers into data scientists (and vice versa).

These sessions represent just a glimpse of the comprehensive agenda, which promises to equip communication professionals with the tools and strategies necessary to thrive in the fast-paced world of modern communications. As comms professionals play a critical role in managing reputation, mitigating potential risks, and preserving brand integrity – and it’s more critical than ever to remain on top of trends.

Join Ragan in Austin from November 6th to 8th, and be part of this transformative experience. Don’t miss out on the chance to shape the future of communication and propel your career to new heights. Register now!

The post These are the latest strategies shaping the future of communications appeared first on PR Daily.

Editor’s note: We are re-running the top stories of 2023 as part of our year-end countdown. This story was our fourth most-read. 

Be real. Be authentic. Be true to yourself.

That all sounds like great advice, but it’s often difficult to do so on social media, when you’re faced with photos and videos of influencers’ expensive vacations and a constant barrage of ads and sponsored posts. What would a social media platform without influencers look like?

The app BeReal, whose user base has skyrocketed over the last few months, aims answer that question.

“Your friends for real,” the BeReal website tagline reads. “A new and unique way to discover who your friends really are in their daily life.” The app has grown its monthly active users by 315% since the start of 2022.

(Image via)

Users are prompted at different times each day to simultaneously snap a photo of themselves and their surroundings using their phone’s front and back cameras. No filters. No face-altering software. Just you and whatever you happen to be doing when you get notified that it’s time to post.

“Push notifications are sent around the world simultaneously at different times each day,” the company said in a statement published by CNN Business. “It’s a secret on how the time is chosen every day; it’s not random.”

(Image via Emma Atkinson & BeReal)

Axios calls BeReal “an antidote to the pressure young users now face to be creative and look perfect online,” noting that the bulk of the app’s users are members of Gen Z, followed by millennials.

BeReal’s setup doesn’t lend itself to brand accounts or influencers, and using the app for advertising or commercial purposes is prohibited in the app’s terms and conditions.

From CNN Business:

In a statement, BeReal says its goal is to create “an alternative to addictive social networks” that focus on amassing influence, it says.

“BeReal is your chance to show your friends who you really are,” the company says. “BeReal won’t make you famous, if you want to become an influencer you can stay on TikTok and Instagram.”

The challenge for brands

This presents a unique challenge for comms pros: How do you build a presence on an app that explicitly prohibits product promotion?

It all goes back to earned media. Some PR pros might tend to think of earned media in a traditional sense — stories in legacy media outlets like The New York Times or targeted trade publications. But if the only way to get your product or service talked about on a particular platform is for users to promote it organically, you’ll have to shift your influencer marketing strategy quite a bit.

Combining earned media strategy with marketing practices will be crucial to the success of your brand on a platform like BeReal. Heavily branded pay-to-play influencer marketing is waning in popularity with younger generations — and comms pros will likely have to work twice as hard to earn Gen Z’s approval of your products and services.

But don’t rush to put all your eggs in the BeReal basket. It’s very possible that, like some other social media apps, BeReal is simply a passing fad.

Social media analyst Matt Navarra told NBC News that BeReal’s popularity could be fleeting.

“I’d be surprised if it’s around in a year’s time,” he said. “Much like the viral apps before it, they could fail for a number of different reasons.”

So don’t fire all your Instagram influencer partners just yet. But perhaps consider the positive impact that generating more organic buzz around your brand could have.

The post Top stories of 2022: What PR pros should know about BeReal appeared first on PR Daily.

Communications students are the future of the public relations industry.

Diane Schwartz, CEO of Ragan Communications, visited the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in March to talk with students about how they see their future in comms and the workplace.

Students Alana Zeilander, Sophia Torres and Lizette Sta. Maria sat down with Schwartz to talk hybrid and virtual workplaces, what they value in a career path and important lessons they’ve learned during their time at UMass-Amherst.

Watch the full video below:

The post VIDEO: College students share wishlists for comms careers appeared first on PR Daily.

Hello, communicators:

If your kids have been noticeably more zen the past few weeks, you can thank Alo Yoga.

Earlier this month, Alo dipped its toes into the metaverse with the debut of the “Alo Sanctuary” in online video game Roblox.

From the news release:

The Alo Sanctuary experience takes place on an island, with a landscape that encompasses three earthly elements of the brand name Alo, an acronym for ‘Air Land Ocean,’ all set to a meditative and soothing sound bath-style audio track. Upon arrival, visitors will receive a digital Warrior Yoga Mat to carry along on their wellness journey into the metaverse as they explore guided meditation retreats led by contemplative guide Kirat Randhawa and new daily on-demand yoga content from the Alo Moves fitness platform.

Alo’s attempt to “get mindful in the metaverse” is indicative of what the future holds for metaverse brand partnerships, especially for existing virtual platforms like Roblox, Fortnite and even Minecraft.

Here are today’s other top stories:

Oil giants set to divest from Russian interests amid invasion of Ukraine

According to reporting from the BBC, BP will offload its nearly 20% stake in Russian oil conglomerate Roseneft, citing “unprecedented political pressure.”

BP CEO Bernard Looney and BP-nominated director Bob Dudley have both resigned from the Roseneft board.

From the BBC:

Mr Looney said that he had been “deeply shocked and saddened” by the situation in Ukraine and it had caused BP to fundamentally rethink its position with Rosneft.

“I am convinced that the decisions we have taken as a board are not only the right thing to do, but are also in the long-term interests of BP,” he said.

BP isn’t the only major company taking a step back from investments and business in Russia.

Norwegian energy group Equinor announced it would also “stop new investments into Russia” and “start the process of exiting Equinor’s Russian Joint Ventures.”

Anders Opedal, president and CEO of Equinor, wrote in a statement that the company is “deeply troubled” by Russia’s unprovoked aggression and promised a commitment from Equinor to contribute humanitarian funding in Ukraine.

From the news release:

“In the current situation, we regard our position as untenable. We will now stop new investments into our Russian business, and we will start the process of exiting our joint ventures in a manner that is consistent with our values. Our top priority in this difficult situation is the safety and security of our people,” says Opedal.

Why it matters: As doing business in Russia becomes riskier with sanctions and banking restrictions hitting the Russian economy, companies with strong ties to the nation and its oligarchs are looking for an exit. BP and Equinor both emphasized a moral imperative to stop doing business with the nation that has invaded Ukraine, but PR pros should take care not to oversell it. The latest invasion of Ukraine—while horrific—is not the first time Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin have trampled on human decency in pursuit of their ambitions. Putin annexed Crimea in 2014 and many of these same companies did not take action at the time.

Crisis and CSR comms principles will be useful to PR pros looking to explain their organizations’ stance on the Russia-Ukraine crisis, and amid the disinformation and fear coming out of Russia, it will be more important than ever to tell the truth.

MEASURED THOUGHTS

A new report from Morning Consult shows U.S. shoppers are now feeling comfortable with making purchases in person. According to the poll, consumer comfort with brick-and-mortar shopping hasn’t been this high since before the Delta variant of the coronavirus emerged in the U.S.

(Image via)

More than 80% of respondents said they would feel “very” or “somewhat” comfortable going to a grocery store, while about 70% said the same of visiting a department store, local store or boutique.

“Regional variability of COVID-19 infection rates and mask mandates means retailers’ communications plans should continue to prioritize health and safety,” the report says.

It’s important for comms pros to remember that comfortability will vary among customers. Consider how to communicate a store’s COVID-19 policies while leaving room for different needs and desires when it comes to masking, vaccination proof and more.

Download the full report from Morning Consult here.

TAKE OUR SURVEY

We want to know about your career as a social media professional.

How big is your team? Are you valued at your organization?

If you’re interested in helping benchmark the career path potential of social media professionals and shedding light on how social media is internally managed, viewed and evaluated, take our survey. The Social Media Career Survey is a follow-up to a 2020 report by the Institute for Public Relations, Ragan Communications and the University of Florida.

Whether you’re in charge of company social media or involved in social media for a client, we welcome your participation.

Respondents will receive a full report on the findings, which will also be shared on PR Daily.   Responses will remain confidential.

Estée Lauder fires exec following racist Instagram post

Cosmetics giant Estée Lauder announced today it will part ways with John Demsey, executive group president, following a short suspension brought on by Demsey sharing a racist meme on Instagram.

The post depicted Sesame Street characters sick with COVID-19, as well as a comment about the virus and a censored version of the n-word.

Demsey apologized on Instagram just two days ago, writing, “I am so sorry that I let down the Company that I have dedicated my life’s work to as well as its employees, artists, friends and colleagues.”

From the Estée Lauder letter to employees:

This decision is the result of his recent Instagram posts, which do not reflect the values of The Estée Lauder Companies, have caused widespread offense, are damaging to our efforts to drive inclusivity both inside and outside our walls, and do not reflect the judgment we expect of our leaders.

Inclusion, diversity and equity are core to our company’s values and priorities globally. Furthermore, over the past two years, we have worked together as an organization to advance our approach to racial equity and have taken a hard look at where we can and should do better. Together we are making progress against our commitments to our employees, our partners, and consumers.

What it means: Demsey’s firing is a strong statement, suggesting that the company will not tolerate any expression of racism. The letter to employees briefly mentions the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments over the past two years, but doesn’t elaborate on the “progress” it has made, which would have reinforced its message further.

It’s yet another reminder to review that social media policy with all employees, but especially with top executives who face fewer barriers to sharing underdeveloped ideas with a very large audience online.

EVENT ALERT

How is your organization sharing its brand purpose for 2022?

To outline the best practices, pitfalls to avoid and measurement must-haves, we’ve got a special virtual event featuring industry experts with tips and tactics you can implement right away. Join us for PR Daily’s Purpose and Corporate Social Responsibility Summit on March 1, 1-4 p.m. Eastern to learn essential strategies for the year ahead.

Top sessions from the afternoon include:

• The essential ingredients for ESG in 2022
• How to tap employee advocates and brand ambassadors
• Measurement strategies to demonstrate impact
• How purpose has changed—and what it means for communicators

Sign up now for this important virtual event and join the conversation.

The post BP divests from Russian-held interests, shoppers weigh returning to stores and Estée Lauder fires executive over racist Instagram post appeared first on PR Daily.