Our interview about crisis PR for amusement parks and attractions:
http://www.iaapa.org/industry/funworld/2010/nov/features/TakeAction/index.asp
Our interview in mint.com about how companies manage their reputations online, and what that means for consumers:
http://www.mint.com/blog/how-to/reputation-management-11042010
Praecere was profiled on Idea Mensch, a great site that showcases up-and-coming entrepreneurs:
Advice for startups on how to hire legal counsel:
http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/08/how-to-hire-legal-counsel.html
Interview with Sully’s Blog, where we discuss how domains, keywords, and SEO play an important role in trend-setting PR tactics:
http://sullysblog.com/PR-Behind-The-Domain
We are featured in the latest issue of Quick Service Restaurant magazine, offering advice to CEOs on customer blogging tips:
http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/corner_office/145/blogs-1.phtml
PRWeek mention on our work for the International League of Conservation Photographers:
http://www.prweekus.com/conservation-photographers-hire-praecere/article/178041/
In the ongoing battle over late-night entertainment slots at NBC, consider the brilliant public relations move by Conan O’Brien in airing his grievances with the network’s behavior. For those who haven’t followed, sagging ratings for Jay Leno’s show encouraged NBC’s executives to ask Conan to move his show back to a later start time. Conan’s statement in response is deft, witty, concise, sublime, aggressive without being arrogant – in other words, a publicist’s dream tactic.
The view from the world of DC PR firms, who regularly deal with issues debates and strategic campaigns, must be one of awe and envy. If you don’t believe how effective Conan’s statement was, let’s see what NBC said in response. Oh wait… can’t seem to find anything in plain view on their site that addresses this matter… I sincerely hope that the ostrich-head-in-the-sand isn’t NBC’s PR strategy.
With that said, let’s analyze the statement to summarize the chessboard public relations tactics employed:
• “People of Earth.” Conan’s introduction reaffirms who the messenger is: A comedian. That it’s also a funny and original way of beginning doesn’t hurt. Lesson: People appreciate when you own up to your identity.
• “I grew up watching Johnny Carson every night and the chance to one day sit in that chair has meant everything to me.” Everyone loves a tip of the hat to an industry idol, and Conan shows humility and respect in his homage to Carson. This makes the statement less about him and more about saving the late night franchise.
• “After only seven months, with my Tonight Show in its infancy, NBC has decided to react to their terrible difficulties in prime-time by making a change in their long-established late night schedule.” Conan puts the ball directly in NBC’s court, by explaining that he has no control over the fate of his show. This puts NBC on the defensive and forces them to react, instead of going on offense.
• “The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn’t the Tonight Show.” Strongest line in the whole statement. This sentence boils the whole ordeal into ten words, one that conveys clear literal and figurative meaning and speaks volumes.
• “My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work.” Conan closes by taking the high road, putting a nice positive end on his rant.
Overall, Conan’s statement reinforces the negative thoughts about the network, while at the same time promoting the positive steps he’s taken to preserve the integrity of the late night franchise. Well played!
As the year winds down (can’t believe it went to fast!), media professionals are gearing up for a very busy agenda in 2010. For DC PR firms, especially those that focus on issues and advocacy, that means keeping an eye out for the biggest public affairs debate so they can ante up and be in the action. When issues debates radiate outside of DC, the public and media want to know – who will be the heroes, villains, rainmakers, underdogs, success stories?
As the nascent narratives develop in the policy world, here’s a sneak peak from the DC PR firm perspective:
• Health care. The jury’s still out on whether the Senate will pass a bill before adjourning, but regardless, the debate will play out aggressively in 2010. Everyone’s got a stake in this debate – the public, politicians, states, insurers, businesses, interest groups, lobbyists and so many more. Look for social media to do its best in dominating media platforms on all relevant issues.
• Net Neutrality. The debate on who controls the Internet’s pipelines will develop at a brisk pace, given that billions and big egos are at the table. With the Democrats in control of Congress, strong scrutiny will be brought to net neutrality issues.
• Global finance. With the U.S. moving aggressively to investigate and scrutinize global financial dealings, the big finance houses certainly will be speaking loudly on this issue. One key to success is who can best demystify these very complex and difficult matters, as the simplest narrative on finance is the one most people will understand and support.
• Environment. The on-going and violent protests in Copenhagen the past few days have allowed dissenting voices to grab the spotlight from ministerial deal-making, thus turning the entire effort into a PR debacle. Look for energized activist movements on both sides to re-double their efforts next year either to gain more ground, or reclaim what leverage they may have lost.
No doubt, every DC PR firm in policy circles will be in on the media and publicity action in these public affairs debates. With so many voices speaking at once, keep your eyes and ears open for who speaks the loudest – chances are, they have the best DC PR firms working for them.
Praecere Public Relations provides traditional and social media expertise and strategies. No matter your publicity needs, Praecere will give you the best solution to move forward.
