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PR: Done & Doner

PR: Done & Doner

By Bob Geller

Hosted by Fusion PR executives, this podcast features top experts with advice that helps tech PR and marketing pros achieve the best results. You have questions? We have answers! Done, and doner.
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Episode 4: Tales from the PR Client Side with Dan Prince

PR: Done & DonerNov 29, 2021

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42:00
Interviews that Went off the Rails in 2023

Interviews that Went off the Rails in 2023

For this end-of-year epsisode, we invited a roundtable of comms experts to critique high profile videos of interviews that went off the rails in 2023.

We discussed what went wrong, what went right, and offered tips (and yes, maybe a little snark), through the lens of long time PR pros.  Participating were:

  • Bob Geller, host
  • Jordant Chanofsky, Fusion PR CEO & Founder
  • Olga Shmuklyer, Fusion PR SVP
  • Mark Prindel, Fusion PR Director

It was a lot of fun (not that we take great pleasure in painful interviews; spend a lot of time helping clients avoid or navigate such situations). 

There were many cringeworthy moments, and unforgettable quotes, from interviews of Elon Musk, X CEO Linda Yaccarino, several Ivy League universtiy presidents, and Oracle CEO Saffra Katz.

So check it out, we'd love to hear any feedback and hope you enjoy. And thanks, panel, for offering your insights.

Jan 10, 202454:23
Friends from Israeli Tech Speak out on the Conflict and Media

Friends from Israeli Tech Speak out on the Conflict and Media

This is a special episode covering the situation in Israel, recorded one month after the terrible attack.

It is a time of tragedy and strong emotions; and it is not always clear how to best respond - how should companies communicate? Should they get politcial and react to anti-Israel sentiment?

We invited guests who work on the ground in the Israeli tech community, a Fusion PR partner and a client:

It was an intense, wide ranging and sometimes emotional discussion that sought answers to these questions:

  • Impact on lives, families and the tech community
  • How to best respond and communicate
  • What should the message be to employees, customers, investors and the world?
  • Thoughts on the US reaction

Also, Shai Alani spoke about an effort organized by Israeli marketing executives to bring stories to the media and counter anti-Israel narratives. If you want to find out more, and help, please contact Shai on LinkedIn.

Thanks, Shai and Yotam! Stay safe and strong.



Nov 20, 202343:38
Eric Yaverbaum on Crisis Management Lessons from the Latest Influencer Scandals

Eric Yaverbaum on Crisis Management Lessons from the Latest Influencer Scandals

This episode features a chat with Eric Yaverbaum, CEO of ⁠Ericho Communications⁠ and author of Public Relations for Dummies and Leadership Secrets of the World's Most Successful CEOs.


He uses the latest influencer scandals (e.g., with Twitch star Kai Cenat and YouTuber Mr. Beast) as a lens to view the state and future of crisis management. Eric speaks at length about crisis strategy with newer social platforms such as TikTok and Twitch, and impications for crisis comms in the next six months to ten years and beyond.

It was a fun and interesting conversation. Eric shared examples, citing some famous names he has worked with (celebrities, influencers and brands). He shed light on these topics and others:

  • The new rules of crisis management
  • Unintended consequences of working with influencers
  • Advice on working with influencers
  • The importance of being prepared for a crisis, having a plan
  • Eric gets caught up in the Kai Cenat scrum in Union Square, NYC

Thanks, Eric, for joining and sharing your insight!


Sep 06, 202332:12
Stacey Ross Cohen on the Personal and Company Branding Connection

Stacey Ross Cohen on the Personal and Company Branding Connection

Host Bob Geller spoke with Stacey Ross Cohen recently about her new book, Brand Up (co-authored by Jason Shaffer and Alan Katzman), and the personal and company branding connection.

Stacey is an accomplished PR pro and entrepreneur who earned her stripes on Madison Avenue and at major TV networks before launching and growing her own agency, Co-Communications.  She is a frequent speaker at TedX and industry conferences.

We discussed the challenges and opportunities in personal branding, from the junior employee to the C-suite, covering these topics and others:

  • Why it’s important to get started early on in personal branding
  • The CEO as a brand asset
  • Countering personal branding misperceptions
  • The 3Ds of personal branding: discovery, development, and delivery
  • Magnetic content: why you need to be your own communications channel
  • How to encourage employees to advocate for the company brand
  • Should brands get political?
  • Managing the tension between personal branding and your work

Thanks for tuning in! And thank you, Stacey, for sharing your insights.

Aug 07, 202338:35
Episode 18: Master Body Language to Increase the Power of Your Message, with Gregory Hartley

Episode 18: Master Body Language to Increase the Power of Your Message, with Gregory Hartley

In this episode, PR D&D host Bob Geller interviews Gregory Hartley, a renowned body language expert and a panelist on the popular Behavior Panel YouTube channel. Gregory shares insights about human behavior gained from the battlefield and boardroom.  He got his start as an army interrogator and instructor and brought the expertise to the business world, where he has been advising execs about the art of mastering and reading body language.

It was a wide ranging discussion which covered these topics:

  • Myths and misperceptions (spoiler alert, there is no foolproof liar's "tell")
  • How to increase the power of your message
  • 5 kinds of body language to watch and improve
  • Why Trump's behavior is weird (and why Bill Clinton adapted his "illustrator" gestures)

We had a great conversation. Since body language is inherently visual, you may want to watch the video on video-enabled podcasts or our YouTube channel. Thanks for tuning in! And thank you, Gregory, for sharing your insights.


Here is The Behavior Panel website and a link to Gregory Hartley's books - he's written ten on the topic.


For more information or to suggest guests or topics, please email bob.geller@fusionpr.com

Jul 12, 202335:17
Episode 17: How AI and ChatGPT are Transforming PR

Episode 17: How AI and ChatGPT are Transforming PR

Last time the podcast covered ChatGPT and its impact on PR, media and other fields. In this episode, we invited a panel of experts to discuss the adoption of LLM, generative, and other forms of AI in PR. Two vendors and a PR tech blogger spoke at length about challenges, opportunities and use cases.  Host Bob Geller moderated the session which, included

  • Frank Strong, CEO of Sword & the Script Media
  • Zach Cutler, Co-Founder, CEO & Chairman at Propel
  • Tressa Robbins, Vice President of Customer Onboarding, Burrelles

We covered these points and others:

  • PR tech vendor landscape, adoption of AI
  • AI to generate & analyze content, monitor media, and hone and target pitches
  • Challenges
    • Will AI take your job away?
    • Avoiding quality pitfalls, ensuring responsible usage 
  • Where are we going with AI in PR?
    • Current and emerging use cases

Thanks for tuning in! And thank you, panel, for sharing your insights with PR, Done & Doner.

For more information or to suggest guests or topics, please email bob.geller@fusionpr.com

Apr 03, 202343:19
Episode 16:  ChatGPT Roundtable - What are the applications and implications for PR and AI fields?

Episode 16: ChatGPT Roundtable - What are the applications and implications for PR and AI fields?

Is ChatGPT a threat or opportunity for creative and knowledge-driven fields like PR and journalism?

We invited two PR pros and  an AI wonk / entrepreneur to help us understand what is happening and where things are going.  Host Bob Geller moderated the discussion with these panelists:

  • Mark Prindle, Director, Fusion PR
  • Diana Bost, Director, Fusion PR
  • Stefano Pacifico, CEO and Co-founder of Epistemic AI, a company that uses AI for drug discovery

It was a lively and wide ranging conversation.  The participants covered these points and others:

  • Real-world PR use cases for ChatGPT today
  • Pitfalls of ChatGPT
  • State of AI, how far off is Artificial General Intelligence?
  • Impact on AI vendor landscape
  • How PR teams can responsibly harness its power
  • Other generative AI solutions

Please contact bob.geller@fusionpr.com to offer feedback, and suggest topics and podcast guests.  Thanks for tuning in!



Mar 14, 202335:23
Episode 15 - Renée Warren on PR Attribution

Episode 15 - Renée Warren on PR Attribution

PR, Done & Doner kicks off a new season with a discussion about achieving and proving great PR results.

Renée Warren of We Wild Women, an agency that helps female entrepreneurs turn vision into impact, shares her experiences over many campaigns involving startups and tech companies.   Host Bob Geller spoke with Renée about these topics:

  • The importance of measuring and connecting PR to business outcomes
  • Tech tools ranging from spreadsheets to commercial solutions
  • PR attribution: what it is, how to do track
  • Case studies

Renée is a dynamo, a great speaker, author, entrepreneur and a fellow podcaster.  You can read more about PR attribution in her article on the PRowly blog

https://prowly.com/magazine/pr-attribution/

About Renée Warren:

Renée Warren is an award-winning entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, author, and founder of We Wild Women, a platform that helps women-led businesses amplify their visibility. She’s also the host of the celebrated podcast, Into the Wild, a program that features curated interviews with women entrepreneurs and provides actionable advice to women who are launching or growing their own dream businesses.

Renée firmly believes that the best advice comes from someone who has successfully done it before. Her approach to PR comes from over 23 years of experience as an entrepreneur, running marketing and PR agencies, and being an unapologetic risk-taker.

When she's not crafting the ultimate pitch for her clients or podcasting, you can find Renée spending time with her family. In addition, she loves CrossFit, travel, and refining her drumming skills.

Jan 24, 202335:51
Episode 14: Sh**t I Learned from Tech PR Podcasts (2022 recap)

Episode 14: Sh**t I Learned from Tech PR Podcasts (2022 recap)

This special episode of PR, Done & Doner features highlights from interviews over the past year.

It wasn't easy picking the best moments, because there were so many truly great guests covering important topics.  Here, we share insights that the hosts found to be interesting, informative and actionable, in snippets of 1-3 minutes each. We have combined experience of many decades of PR work - yet learned new and surprising things through these interviews.

So check it out. The podcast includes three groups of clips, about creating influence, executive leadership, and PR in tech segments, featuring the following speakers:

  • Kevin Maney, co-author of Playing Bigger, management consultant, top-tier journalist
  • Mark Traphagen, SEO guru and influencer
  • Robin Schaffer, analyst relations consultant
  • Chris Holscher, analyst relations consultant
  • Diego Pineda, thought leadership guru and author
  • Brette  Goldstein, executive coach and casting director
  • Daniel Nelson, crypto journalist
  • Mark Hollmer, insurtech journalist
  • Joseph Steinberg, cyebrsecurity influencer and top-tier contributor

There were many other great moments and speakers, feel free to go back and binge on our episodes.  We will be running other roundups, as it is impossible to get everything into one episode.

Thank you PR, Done & Doner fans - wishing you joyous holidays and a happy new year!

Dec 22, 202228:22
Episode 13: State of Insurtech Round Table

Episode 13: State of Insurtech Round Table

PR, Done and Doner sometimes takes a deep dive into the verticals that Fusion PR serves.  In this episode we explore the state of buzz, innovation and funding in insurtech, via a panel of experts:

  • David Gritz, co-founder of InsurTechNY, the largest such community in North America that connects carriers, investors and startups
  • Mark Hollmer, a veteran journalist who has covered the property/casualty insurance industry for more than a decade
  • Layla Atya, serial insurtech entrepreneur; serves as CEO of Quantumerge, the first and only transactional liability MGA for small deals; and founder and CEO of Zala Technology, an insurance developer for tech companies and tech developer for insurance companies

It was an informative conversation around these questions and others.

  • The state of Insurtech - what it is, why it matters, where is it today?
  • How have insurtechs been coping in light of reduced funding, and other economic stresses?
  • What are VCs looking for?
  • How is the playing field different today vs. a few years ago?
  • Which technologies are hot, what's next?
  • What's the number one tip for startup success?
  • What are the best PR tactics for insurtech startups?

Bios

Layla Atya

Before joining the insurance industry, Layla spent eight years in the Middle East, creating predictive models to understand behavior and the emergence of insurgencies in Iraq.  In 2016 Layla transitioned to insurance, which allowed her to combine her technology and legal expertise to improve the underwriting processes. After working for Victor Insurance for four years, she became the principal insurance consultant and the CEO of her first US-based company - Zala Technology. Zala was created to serve rising insurtech companies in the United States. In 2021 Layla founded an insurtech in the transactional liability space. Quantumerge officially became the first insurtech servicing small transactions in the United States.

David Gritz

David Gritz is an InsurTech community leader, public speaker, and InsurTech advisor. He has been featured in recognized Insurance media including Carrier Management, Digital Insurance, IIR, AM Best TV, and the Re/Image Podcast. David is the co-founder of InsurTech NY, the largest InsurTech community in the NY metro area. David also serves as a strategic advisor to high-growth InsurTechs to help them go from concept to scale. Previously David has served as the Director of Innovation for the Silicon Valley Insurance Accelerator (SVIA) and has led product at Zero, a behavioral safety focused InsurTech acquired by EverestRe. He holds a J.D. from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law and business and industrial engineering degrees from Lehigh University.

Mark Hollmer

Mark Hollmer is a veteran journalist who has covered the property/casualty insurance industry for more than a decade. For Key Media he helped launch two technology email newsletters focused on insurtech and mortgage fintech, respectively. At Wells Media, he wrote about the property/casualty insurance industry and co-edited a daily email newsletter for Carrier Management. He also launched a twice-monthly InsurTech newsletter in June 2019, under the Carrier Management umbrella. In addition, he helped plan and execute online InsurTech events for Wells, designing content and curating speakers. 

To contact Bob Geller about the podcast or features he can be reached at Bob.Geller@Fusionpr.com

Nov 17, 202246:30
Episode 12: New Study Reveals how to Maximize Industry Analyst Relations

Episode 12: New Study Reveals how to Maximize Industry Analyst Relations

Most startups recognize the key role of industry analysts, and the value of getting into their reports.  But they may not understand exactly how (and when) to engage analysts for best results. Now,  the Universtiy of Edinburgh, with analyst relations experts Robin Schaffer and Chris Holscher, have released the results of a groundbreaking study that sheds light on the topic.

We had Robin and Chris on the show to discuss the research, which is based on a survey of 500 startups, VCs, accelerators and industry analysts.

They explained how the study refuted common myths, and shared actionable insights to help startups understand how and when to engage analysts, what to expect and how to improve collaboration and results, including:

  • How to get on analysts' radars
  • Jumpstarting success
  • Working with analysts to ensure the best product-market fit
  • The disconnect in perceptions that prevents many from deriving the most value
  • Why analysts value startup relationships, and the right time to get started with A/R

Thank you, Robin and Chris, for coming on the podcast and discussing the research.

You can contact Robin Schaffer via her email robin@schafferar.com.  Feel free to reach out to Chris Holscher on LinkedIn.

To contact Bob Geller about the podcast or features he can be reached at Bob.Geller@Fusionpr.com

To obtain the report, you can visit either of the following links:

https://www.holscher.one/ssia

www.schafferar.com/ssia



Sep 27, 202233:59
Episode 11: Acting the Part, with Casting Director & Exec. Coach Brette Goldstein

Episode 11: Acting the Part, with Casting Director & Exec. Coach Brette Goldstein

Can you ace media interviews and up your exec preso skills by learning to channel your inner George Clooney or Meryl Streep? In this episode Brette Goldstein shares her advice and insight, as someone who helps both actors and executives put on their best performances.

Brette chatted with host Bob Geller, and explained:

  • The importance of identifying your "special sauce"
  • How to get out of your own way and flex your charisma
  • The importance of archetypes and role models
  • Six questions that can prepare you for any interview or presentation

Brette Goldstein

Brette Goldstein has cast over 50 films, five TV series, over 300 commercials, countless plays, seven pilot presentations, and various new media projects.  Brette also works with executives at large, well known enterprises, non profits, and tech startups, bringing their authentic voice to the “role” for presentations, interiews, etc.

You can read her full bio and find Brette's contact details at https://www.brettegoldstein.com/



Aug 03, 202244:58
Episode 10: Diego Pineda on Why you Need Thought Leadership Vs. Content Marketing
Jun 28, 202228:24
Episode 9:  CoinDesk's Danny Nelson on the State of Crypto, and Media & PR Implications
Jun 01, 202234:32
Episode 8: Are you Committing a Hype Crime?
Apr 27, 202222:22
Episode 7: The State of PR Tech, with Frank Strong of Sword & the Script

Episode 7: The State of PR Tech, with Frank Strong of Sword & the Script

In this episode, acclaimed PR blogger/influencer and tech PR pro Frank Strong joins host Bob Geller to discuss the state of PR tech.

We have always relied on various tech tools, but they are becoming increasingly important amidst shortening news cycles and a fragmented media landscape.

Tech marketing and PR folks probably know Frank and turn to his blog Sword & the Script as a resource. He has become an authority on PR tech, and shares his insight with the PR Done & Doner audience, answering these questions and others.

  • The state of PR tech: Is it still lagging ad and martech?
  • What tech tools should the typical agency or internal PR team have in their quiver?
  • What is the point of all this tech, anyway?
  • Point solutions vs. suites, incumbents vs. startups
  • Has AI made a big impact?
  • Why does blogging make you a better PR pro?

Bob and Frank also discuss PR blogging and social media, and Frank shares his thoughts on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.   He worked in the military for the first part of his career and offers great insight, especially regarding PR implications, e.g. answering: “Is it OK to newsjack this?”

You can email Frank at: frank@swordandthescript.com

Here are some of his relevant posts:

Want to come on our podcast?  Have an idea for a show?  Please email bob.geller@fusionpr.com with your suggestions, and thanks for listening.

You can see the videos of the interviews on Fusion PR's YouTube channel.


Apr 12, 202244:30
Episode 6: PR on a Global Scale, with Tina Loncaric

Episode 6: PR on a Global Scale, with Tina Loncaric

In this episode, friend and former colleague Tina Loncaric speaks with PR Done & Doner host Jordan Chanofsky about how to achieve success with international PR programs. Originally from Sweden, Tina began her PR career in the US at Fusion PR. Since then she has gone on to achieve success for a range of agencies, nonprofits and tech companies, in roles that have taken Tina from Texas, to London, Croatia and Silicon Valley. She currently is a Global PR Manager for Agora.io, the leading video, voice and live interactive streaming platform

In a wide ranging conversation, Tina answers questions such as:

  • The difference between PR in the US and Europe
  • The role of culture in PR, for various geographies
  • How can teams adapt their approaches, press releases and messages?
  • How to be agile and go international without a massive budget
  • The importance of localization and nuances of translation
  • Do customer stories work beyond their home markets?
  • How to prioritize international efforts?
  • What are the potential barriers?
  • Do you need a large global agency or smaller shops in each region?

Tina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinaloncaric/

Agora's LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/agora-lab-inc/ 


To contact Bob Geller about the podcast or features, he can be reached at Bob.Geller@Fusionpr.com

Want to be a guest on a future episode?

We'd love to hear who you'd like us to feature as a guest. Simply reply to this email and let us know who you think would be a great fit—even (and especially) if that's you!



Mar 01, 202230:52
Episode 5: How to Stand Out in Cyber Tech with Joseph Steinberg

Episode 5: How to Stand Out in Cyber Tech with Joseph Steinberg

In this episode, top cybersecurity influencer Joseph Steinberg joins host Bob Geller to discuss the state of the space and how to stand out in a crowded market. We cover the following topics:

  • Are there too many cyber tech companies?
  • The 3 three things that will grab CISOs and CSOs
  • Avoiding common PR errors
  • Why you need to be on TikTok and Instagram
  • Tips for working with influencers

Joseph Steinberg is known for his keen insights and unique perspectives on cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the impact of technological developments on society. He amassed millions of readers as a regular columnist for Forbes and Inc. magazines. Joseph’s blog gets millions of monthly views, making it one of the most read columns in the fields of cybersecurity and AI. His opinions are also frequently cited in books, law journals, security publications, and general interest periodicals.

Joseph Steinberg serves as a cybersecurity expert witness, and an advisor to both businesses and governments around the world. He has been a leader and innovator in the cybersecurity industry for nearly 25 years, is one of the top cybersecurity influencers worldwide, and has written books ranging from Cybersecurity for Dummies to the Official Guide that many Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) study for their certification exams.

Engage with Joseph Steinberg:

Website:JosephSteinberg.com

Email: Via Contact Form

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosephSteinberg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephsteinberg/

To contact Bob Geller about the podcast or features, he can be reached at Bob.Geller@Fusionpr.com

Want to be a guest?

We'd love to hear your idea. Send an email and let us know who you think would be a great fit—even (and especially) if that's you!

Jan 25, 202230:22
Episode 4: Tales from the PR Client Side with Dan Prince

Episode 4: Tales from the PR Client Side with Dan Prince

In this episode, host Bob Geller speaks with Dan Prince, a B2B PR and marketing pro who achieved success at companies like Accenture, Alliant, Deloitte, Marsh, and Willis for over 20 years before launching his own shop, Prince Communications.

Dan discusses his career at length, and lessons from the client side that helped him grow as a PR professional and agency owner. It is a great POV, because Dan worked with many PR agencies, and managed teams that were responsible for PR and MarCom.

We cover topics such as:

  • Does agency size matter?
  • How not to pitch a PR prospect
  • Measuring and reporting results
  • Connecting PR and MarCom to sales
  • How to keep programs on track
  • Setting and managing internal stakeholder expectations

To contact Dan Prince, you can email him or check out his website and Linkedin.

  • Email: dan@princecomms.com
  • Website: https://princecomms.com/
  • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danprincecomms/

Want to be a guest?  Feel free to contact Bob Geller at Bob.Geller@Fusionpr.com with a topic and speaker suggestion.








Nov 29, 202142:00
Episode 3: "SEO Clarity" with Mark Traphagen
Oct 19, 202144:34
Episode 2: Kevin Maney on How to Create and Own a Category in Tech

Episode 2: Kevin Maney on How to Create and Own a Category in Tech

On Episode 2, guest Kevin Maney, co-founder of strategy consulting firm Category Design Advisors, joins host Bob Geller to discuss how tech companies can achieve market leadership.

It's a noisy and competitive world in technology. How to stand apart? It gets down to creating and owning a category.  Kevin will offer learnings based on his many years working as a consultant, top journalist, and co-author of Play Bigger.

We also get into PR tactics, explore what tech marketing can learn from infomercials, and how to reinvent the press release.

Kevin's book "Play Bigger" is available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Play-Bigger-Dreamers-Innovators-Dominate/dp/0062407619

You can contact Kevin Maney via his email: kevin@categorydesignadvisors.com

To contact Bob Geller about the podcast or features, he can be reached at Bob.Geller@Fusionpr.com

Want to be a guest on a future episode?

We'd love to hear who you'd like us to feature as a guest. Simply reply to this email and let us know who you think would be a great fit—even (and especially) if that's you!



Sep 14, 202132:29
Episode 1: Analyst Relations with Robin Schaffer

Episode 1: Analyst Relations with Robin Schaffer

Welcome to our first PR, Done & Doner podcast.  In this episode, Bob Geller interviews Robin Schaffer, an industry analyst relations expert.  Her company Schaffer AR helps B2B tech companies maximize results with analysts and get into the reports.  Here, Robin counters myths and misperceptions about analysts, answers the most common questions asked by PR teams, and explains how to influence these key influencers.

Robin Schaffer's Book "Analysts on Analyst Relations" is available on Amazon using the following link: https://www.amazon.com/Analysts-Analyst-Relations-Robin-Schaffer/dp/0906378133

You can contact Robin Schaffer via her email robin@schafferar.com

To contact Bob Geller about the podcast or features he can be reached at Bob.Geller@Fusionpr.com


Jul 29, 202130:48