The Public Relations Podcast
By ThePublicRelationsPodcast
Every week, with a guest, we look at ideas from around the world which are generating real emotional relationships between organisations and the public, as well as deep diving into the guest's campaigns and the insights they are seeing.
This is real PR and comms for today, not yesterday.
Hosted by former PR professional, broadcaster, journalist and news editor Richard Midson.
More: www.ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
The Public Relations PodcastJun 29, 2022
Do you send affiliate links with your media pitches?
As you know, I'm always interested in the reality of the world of communications, not just what we might wish to believe.
That's why I was so pleased when April White from Trust Relations reached out recently to discuss their observations.
They've noticed that when pitching consumer products to outlets of nearly any size, including some sort of incentive has become essential.
Note, she specified consumer products. This focus is due to the challenge these products face in developing narratives that transcend blatant advertising.
Unless there's truly something innovative, or you can engage a select group of key outlets in an 'immersive experience,' the primary aim of consumer products PR is usually to drive sales for that new toy or fridge, and the media outlets are well aware of this.
So, whether the idea of 'pay to play' appeals to you or not, April wanted to share her insights on why in-house communications professionals and PR agencies might want to consider offering affiliate link services to their clients, or setting up such links for their own organizations.
Do you agree or disagree? It might be worth listening to what April had to say first."
* GUEST *
April White - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilnicollewhite/
Trust Relations - https://trustrelations.agency/
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Why story trumps facts
A couple of weeks ago a TV drama hit the headlines in the UK. It changed government policy.
It told the true story of how post office workers had been wrongly convicted of fraud by a faulty computer system. But the story wasn't new. Journalists had been trying to report on it for years.
So, why did it suddenly gain national attention now and more importantly what can professional communicators learn from this?
Helen Barnett was a national newspaper website editor for the Express Newspaper in the UK and saw both sides. She's now a content strategist.
She recently wrote a short article about this case and so I invited her on The Public Relations Podcast to discuss it.
*GUEST*
Helen Barnett - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenbarnett/
Helen Barnett Media - helenbarnettmedia.co.uk
* SUBSCRIBE *
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How far can you push a story before it backfires?
The team representing a Bollywood model and actress in India announced she had passed away from cervical cancer a week ago. Newspapers ran tributes, colleagues paid their respects.
But 24 hours later she announced she wasn't dead but had just been trying to raise awareness of the terrible disease.
Did she go to far?
The backlash has been enormous but was it worth it from a PR perspective?
To discuss this and look at what PR people in any discipline can learn from this case, I reached out to Jaideep Shergill this week from Pitchfork Partners in Mumbai, India.
We also talk about two other recent PR stories Jaideep has been talking about on LinkedIn. Firstly, how music bands are taking on the environmental message and winning when they take their band on global tours, and the impact of globalisation on PR.
Find Jaideep at https://www.pitchforkpartners.com/
What works when pitching in 2024
Send a pitch to the media with 50-100 words in it and you have approx 7 times more chance of getting a response than sending 1000+ words.
Obvious?
The data is in from Propel PRM Media Barometer Q1 2024 which came out today.
The data is collected from email pitches and also shows that while the average response rate to pitches is 3.15%, pitches with an email subject line with 5 or fewer get responded to the most at 3.88%.
I grabbed a chat with CEO Zach Cutler today to run through these figures and more to find out what else the data is showing.
#communications #pragency #pitching
Encouraging others to tell your story with Komall Lath, Tute Consulting
PR and its study human nature is of course global and so it was such a delight to finally welcome a true legend of PR in India, Komal Lath from Tute Consulting on the show.
Komal is someone with huge energy and tons of experience. We discussed her campaign with Minimalist, a skincare brand, and how they got influencers to tell the story of the brand.
We talk about whether 2024 is the year that organizations should be keeping quiet and avoiding speaking up. Spoiler - they shouldn't.
We look at internal PR and how influencing internal comms will impact what happens on the outside, and finally, we head to the need to integrate communications more and more for comms teams mixing paid, earned, PR, and marketing techniques.
*GUEST*
Komall Lath - https://www.linkedin.com/in/komallath/
Tute Consult - https://tute.co.in/
*THE PROJECT*
* www.PR-ology.com
* SUBSCRIBE *
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* Connect with me - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
* Website and weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
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How far can you push a PR stunt? and more!
In this episode of The Public Relations Podcast I'm joined by Kathleen Lucente from Red Fan Communications.
One of the topics we focus on this week is the question of how far is too far to go with publicity stunts. Our goal as communicators is to get attention and generate conversations. To do that we have to be saying or doing something that stands out. But, what is too much?
We also talk about influencer fatigue, the role of authenticity, and the importance of integrating both internal and external communication strategies for brand success.
The latest Zara campaign takes up a few minutes as we look at the recent backlash and ask what might have gone wrong.
And in our case study this week, Kathleen talks about work she's been doing repositioning tech companies on the stock market.
Lastly, we talk about the importance of being clear on goals for public relations campaigns.
*THE PROJECT*
* www.PR-ology.com - turning the best ideas in the show into actionable tutorials
* SUBSCRIBE *
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*GUEST*
Kathleen Lucente - @kathleenlucente
Red Fan Communications - redfancommunications.com
When people don't listen to the message
What do you do when people are just not listening to your message? Do you change it? Sit in a room and come up with some new ideas? Listen to industry experts?
In this episode, we use a declining sport as a case study for any organisation to see if we can suggest ways to turn it and bring back its glory days.
We look in detail at how technologists are engaging with public bodies like the military when it comes to products and services with TJ Ortega from Fearless (fearless.tech).
Plus, we explore how Facebook might be influencing the topics PR people are allowed to discuss with the people they want to reach, we discuss the impact of an increasingly divided world and of course, AI.
THE PROJECT
www.PR-ology.com - turning the best ideas in the show into actionable tutorials
SUBSCRIBE
Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
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Connect with me - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
Website and weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
Join the show as a co-host - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
GUEST
TJ Ortega - LinkedIn: @tjortega
How to use timing for impactful PR
Another week discussing PR strategies for in-house teams and independent agencies with PR pros. This time I'm joined by the delightful Amanada Proscia from LightSpeedPR.
This week we look at a study showing TikTok is becoming the new Google when it comes to search for Gen-z. We discuss the way Sam Altman handled his departure and return to OpenAI from a Public Relations points of view and what we can learn from that. We look at working with politicians, how to translate complex tech messages to language the media and content creators will resonate with and we look at using timing, both from the point of view of controlling a narrative but also of how to use timing to get maximum impact in a campagin.
*THE PROJECT*
* www.PR-ology.com - turning the best ideas in the show into actionable tutorials
* SUBSCRIBE *
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* Connect with me - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
* Website and weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
* Come on the show as a cohost - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
*GUEST*
Amanda Proscia - lightspeedpr.com
How to make a thought leader
Kayley Hamilton, 2 times Emmy award-winning entertainment reporter (uplvlagency.com) and I discuss the latest strategies from the world of PR this week.
We take a deep dive into how thought leaders are created focusing on the strategies that have turned Neil Degrass Tyson from a scientist to a global name.
We also look at framing stories when pitching to journalists of different ages and backgrounds. We look at the power of influencers, at the techniques of people like Taylor Swift as well as the economics of influence engagement and how any organisations can take part.
Plus, we look at a campaign Kayley has been running for a TikTok influencer platform called https://soundme.live/
*THE PROJECT*
* www.PR-ology.com - new strategies from the world of PR to apply to your campaigns today
* SUBSCRIBE *
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* Connect with me - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
* Website and weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
* Come on the show as a cohost - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
*GUEST*
Kayley Hamilton Owner of https://www.uplvlagency.com/
Value, Events and Storytelling
David Barkoe joins me this week on the show to discuss the latest strategies in PR.
We focus on conferences and events this time, looking at what any independent agency or in-house PR comms pro should be thinking about when setting up stands at events. We talk about what it takes to get noticed by journalists and give some practical experiences we've had on both sides as journalists and PRs.
We also talk about the role of influencers in pharmaceutical marketing again and any industry that has a negative perception.
David Shares how his team organised his own mini-event for journalists for multiple clients at once and shares his strategies on how they got people there.
We also talk about remote working in PR and answer listener questions on topics like "How far should you spin a message".
*THE PROJECT*
* www.PR-ology.com - turning the best ideas in the show into actionable tutorials
* SUBSCRIBE *
* Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps
* Connect with me - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
* Website and weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
* Come on the show as a cohost - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
*GUEST*
David Barkoe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-barkoe/
Carve Communications - https://carvecomms.com/
Unique ways to get journalists attention
Another episode packed with discussion about PR techniques this week in The Public Relations Podcast.
In this episode, we're talking with Jon Woodroof from Twotone.
We discuss why mass press releases are very much out now and targeted outreach is in and how to do it. We talk about how to become a go-to resource for journalists and how to build lasting personal relationships in the industry.
Among the discussion are unique ways to engage your audience, from hosting tattoo parties to crafting newsletters that actually get read. With the changing landscape in public relations, authenticity and collaboration have never been more crucial.
We also delve into the importance of a long-term focus over quick results, and why data should inform but not dictate your strategies.
We discuss employee advocacy programmes and how they can be implemented.
We even discuss how you could partner with rival firms or organisations in a way that benefits you both.
As usual, the episode is packed with actionable insights and discussion that you can either try yourself or inspire ideas that help in your own campaigns.
* SUBSCRIBE *
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* Website and weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
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* Let me know what you want more or less of as well in the show - info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
Where AI is going to be a benefit and a nightmare to PR pros
What can you expect this week?
Everything from PR work-life balance to influencer marketing, working with clients, picking case studies for content creators and more.
Once again we're delving into the new era of PR.
In this episode with Nathan Miller of Miller Ink Inc. a Los Angeles-based PR and comms firm, we discuss a huge number of topics including:-
- Authenticity in Influencer Marketing: We talk about the need to redefine influencers to clients from traditional makeup and fashion stars to anyone who can influence online.
- We talk about how B2B comms is being done on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
- We discuss a way of using AI for brainstorming while out jogging.
- We discuss client-PR relationships and getting the best out of them.
- We have questions from listeners including how to find good case studies and the importance of spotting trends.
It's a packed show.
Barbie and Public Relations - The Pink Episode
Barbie has dominated the headlines this year. How did PR people, communicators and toy makers take advantage of it? What were the challenges and rewards? I had a good chat with Heather Wagner Reed of Juice Consulting (https://juiceconsulting.com/) about this. We searched for ideas we liked and discussed how it was a great opportunity (for about a month) for Public Relations professionals. We discussed a lot more though from political PR moments to AI tools for PR pros and answered some questions about influencers and working with the traditional press. As usual, we've tried to give our thoughts in the hope that these might help you trigger your ideas for things you can use in your own campaigns. I hope it helps. Guest: Heather Wagner Reed (https://juiceconsulting.com/) * SUBSCRIBE * - Video (subscribe on YouTube) - Audio: Search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps * Website and weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ * Come on the show as a cohost - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/ * Let me know what you want more or less of as well in the show - info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
Season 6 Premiere - Targetting the right audience and lots more
Welcome back to the first full episode of the new format of The Public Relations Podcast.
Today, we look at the work Twitter/X are doing to try to rehabilitate their brand with their most important target audience, their advertisers. We look at the importance of deep research in crafting compelling narratives, how to improve responses from press releases, how to work with influencers in the tech space and the importance of listening to the public and looking for opportunities in what they are saying.
And we're looking for your ideas too. To take part head to https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/poll
A packed show with lots of actionable PR ideas to integrate into your own strategies.
Welcome to Season 6 - A New Direction
I'm thrilled to announce that starting 10th October 2023, we're taking "The Public Relations Podcast" in a fresh direction.
The goal is to create a weekly "must-listen" show where a guest host and I try to unpack recent campaigns, discuss emerging PR tools (especially AI) and dive into questions and comments in our 'Community Bag' segment.
Plus, this show is all about people on the frontline doing the work today. This is "practical PR". That also means I want you on as a guest as well to share what you are finding.
Why the change in the format?
PR is changing fast. As we move into this new era of AI and heightened public scepticism, old-school tactics are becoming obsolete. But the skill of building relationships with the public, in order to achieve a goal, is going to become more important than ever.
I'm hoping this show will be packed with actionable insights that you can use every week, whatever size of operation you belong to and wherever you are in the world, from Europe, to the Americas, to Asia, to APAC.
If you're looking for ideas on how to cope with the future of PR, join us by clicking "follow" or "subscribe", wherever you are.
It starts next week, 10th October. I hope to see you there!
#publicrelations #pr #communications #marketing
The Long Game: Long-Form Content, TikTok Influence, and the Future of Business Strategy
Is long-form content just a passing trend, or is it fundamentally changing how consumers and B2B audiences engage with brands? We discuss it with Jacquie Potter, Managing Director - Corporate & Business at Ogilvy PR ANZ We also uncover some interesting research about where today's decision-makers are really consuming their content - and it's not just LinkedIn. Surprisingly, platforms like TikTok are playing a bigger role than you might think, raising questions about the future of B2B marketing as a whole.
Plus we're looking ahead to series 6.
The Future of PR : Jeroen Bos pr.co
There are just 2 more episodes to go in this interim series 5.5 of The Public Relations Podcast.
This series has the bits of interviews we never got to run in series 5 of the show.
Today it's the final bits from the chat I had with Jeroen Bos from PR.co
If you heard the original chat you'll know it was a fascinating one because Jeroen is a real forward thinker about the industry.
In this un-released section, we discuss AI, it's ability to handle press releases and even chat with itself between organisations. We also reflect on the essence and purpose of public relations.
There is just over a month to go now until Season 6 begins with the totall new format.
Don't forget the free newsletter at ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
Using the power of personal to connect with media
In episode 5 or series 5.5 (how many 5's can you get?) we speak to Kayley Hamilton, a 2X Emmy Award-winning producer from Los Angeles and the founder of KAYLEY Media.
Kayley is not only a PR but a former journalist who understands how to use the "personal" to create connections with journalists and the public.
It's a chat that is packed with actionable ideas.
Kayley talks about the importance of personal narratives in public relations and the parallels between journalists chasing headlines and brands striving for connection.
You'll hear firsthand tales of celebrity encounters and the intertwining of showbiz with PR. Whether you're a PR pro, a business owner, or a media junkie, this episode reveals the secret sauce behind what makes a story truly captivating.
Join us as we bridge the worlds of Hollywood, traditional news outlets, and modern PR tactics to uncover the magic behind the story.
Tech, PR and Crisis with Alexandra Annable of Techfugees
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Welcome back to series 5.5 of The Public Relations Podcast, a series of "parts" of chats which were never or only partly used in the previous shows due to lack of time.
In this one we chat to Alexandra Annable from the non-profit "Techfugees", and shed light on the interplay between technology, the refugee experience and PR.
In the previous episode, where Alexandra first appeared, she shared some of the strategies and techniques she uses in her work but today we get the bigger picture.
Alexandra touches on how her work as a PR impacts displaced individuals. She talks about how she views the people she is working with as an untapped potential for bridging the digital skills gap.
She provides a glimpse into her typical day, highlighting the role of crisis management in her profession. Discussions revolve around the importance of strategic storytelling, ensuring genuine partnerships, and the pitfalls of "greenwashing."
And finally, we talk about the nuances of PR in a humanitarian context and a few techniques.
How to be authentic and PR skills for the future
In this episode, I have two chats for you.
1) We delve into the future of PR, the impact of technology, and the integration of various functions within organizations with Lucy Newcomb from Salt and Shein, an executive recruitment company focused on PR-related roles
2) We talk about authenticity with fearless podcaster, Dr. Rita Jablowski. Her no-nonsense approach has gained her a dedicated fan base despite the fact she makes the show all by herself. So what can PR people learn from her about developing a connection with an audience through "authenticity"?
Note: The chat with Rita contains some candid conversations and some language that may not be suitable for all audiences but it does reflect how being authentic allows you to connect with a target audience who want that.
Influencing a niche industry
In this second episode of series 5.5, I chat with Jon Woodroof from TwoToneams.nl a cycling-focused PR agency.
We delve into the topic of using personal passion combined with strategic thinking to fuel PR success in a competitive niche. We talk about everything from campaigns to managing an agency to AI and more.
If there was one main message it would be this:- Being a 'doer' rather than just a spokesperson builds real connections and trust with the media.
Why PR is changing with Matt Holmes - Poem
We're back for a season 5.5 and if you don't know why it's called 5.5 then you haven't signed up to the newsletter yet at ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com!
In this thought-provoking episode, Matt Holmes from Poem (an international PR agency in Australia) challenges the traditional approach to public relations, stressing the need for data-driven insights and consumer psychology to steer strategies, rather than relying on gut feelings.
We talk about the evolution of the industry and the importance of a two-way conversation with consumers. The conversation further delves into the importance of data, not only as a tool for market trends and consumption behaviour but also in achieving emotional resonance in campaigns.
Matt also emphasizes the need for human-centred narratives and storytelling to captivate audiences.
And we talk about AI. Despite advancements in AI, why the 'human bit' of the profession will always be crucial.
Does AI have a problem and how will this effect PR?
A.I. has a problem.
It's a problem that could influence the future of Public Relations and Communications roles.
In this final episode of series 5 of The Public Relations Podcast, we look at the future of AI in public relations.
Will AI take over the role of communications professionals? How should comms pros adapt to AI and what should they focus on in their work? How might AI redefine PR and communication roles? Will humans still be needed?
.........The Public Relations Podcast will be back for series 6 soon, in about a month. It'll be better, more focused and more useful in any comms role.
Speak soon,
Richard.
Should your organisation have an opinion and learnings from South Korea
I'm sharing some of what I learned from my dinner conversation with a local freelance TV reporter who navigates both journalism and PR fields, revealing valuable insights into how to become part of conversations already happening and how to leverage timeliness to turn a dull story into an engaging narrative.
Also in this episode, we hear from James Wright, global CEO of Havas PR, about the art of being a cause-based business and successfully managing the sensitive terrain of political and social issues today.
If you would like the notes from this to show them subscribe to the newsletter at ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
Mastering Modern PR: Diversification, MarTech Mastery, and the Art of Storytelling?
Will these things be the future of PR? Diversification, Martech mastery... and storytelling?
In this episode, I talk to Damian Frances, a journalist who studies PR and comms.
Damian is also the Editorial Director of Mumbrella, the organisers of CommsCon 2023, the biggest PR-focused event in Australia. He invited The Public Relations Podcast along to the recent event in Sydney.
Once the sessions were over, we sat down for a chat to discuss what we had heard.
The conversation moved from fax machines and press clippings to modern strategies involving diversification and digital. We look at how the general mindset around marketing is likely to change. We look at PR and the problem of measurement with MarTech and how that will help but also talk about the problem of agreeing on measurement standards. And, we talk about this event and how it is helping to inspire people for the future of PR.
Unlocking the Power of Influencer Marketing and Embracing Anti-hero Brands
In this episode, I dive into the world of influencer marketing with Maria Jordan from Fireflies Management, discussing her experience working with a family of influencers and the importance of aligning their brand values with their partnerships. We also explore a thought-provoking article by Trevor Thomas about the rise of anti-hero brands and the potential rewards of taking risks with organizational avatars. Plus, we share insights on how PR trips, content creation, and targeted pitching have evolved in the travel industry. It's a fascinating topic.
Pitching mistakes - Getting the right content in front of journalists
If you want to get your story across to the traditional media then you need to get your pitch right.
There is almost a checklist you can go through to make sure you cover all the bases.
It ranges from a good headline to making sure you have the right pictures in the details.
Jeroen Bos, the CEO of PR.co, joined me for a chat about our experiences with bad pitches and what you need to do to get it right. Then as the episode goes on, I share more of my thoughts on this and break down a recent press release as well, to show what's wrong with so many approaches.
Could you help a journalist's careers in return for coverage?
I've just got off the phone with a seasoned journalist where we were talking about the problem reporters find today or getting back to research in-depth stories. As the media landscape evolves, it raised the question as to whether PR professionals could help in this process but not just by pitching an idea and sitting back but by getting actively involved in helping the journalist's career without compromising their integrity. Let me know what you think. You can reach me on LinkedIn. Details in the episode.
Disaster Fatigue: PR in Humanitarian Crisis
In this eye-opening episode of The Public Relations Podcast, I chat with Alexandra Annabelle, the lead PR from techfugees.com to discuss the challenges and strategies of promoting humanitarian causes in a world plagued by disaster fatigue.
Discover how Alexandra and her team use human stories, meaningful relationships, and collaboration with other organizations to get the message across.
We also talk about what her approach says about the role of PRs and how it's evolving to be much more than just about talking to journalists or influencers.
If you are not already a newsletter subscriber head to thepublicrelationspodcast.com for show notes and more here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/subscribe/
The latest impacts of AI on Public Relations
In this week's "The Public Relations Podcast" we delve into the latest AI breakthroughs that are shaping the PR industry.
Learn why the growth of AI-driven newsrooms and content creators who rely on AI for their content, will put more and more emphasis on PR professionals to deliver high-quality pitches.
We look at why chatbot companies could increasingly become the brand voice of some firms.
We look at a potential job opportunity for you!
And we find out why now, or at least for the next couple of months, could be the perfect time to write a book about your company.
AI is changing everything, and this episode brings you up to speed on a few more ways it's affecting the Public Relations industry.
Are you missing lots of PR opportunities?
In this episode, we delve into the concept of "bridging" and how it can help you expand your reach and tap into new audiences outside of your typical sector.
We explore the common mistakes people make when attempting to "bridge", and share a step-by-step process to identify the right connections and pitch your story effectively.
The technique works whether you are doing this as an individual, in an SME business or in a large PR agency or department.
The episode is packed with tips and real-life examples that will help you understand the power of bridging and how to use it to your advantage.
Learn how to make the most of PR opportunities by building bridges and connecting your story to new audiences.
Crisis Comms : A case study
We discover how he utilized strategic planning, proactive messaging, and collaboration between political parties to provide critical information to the public in a time-sensitive situation.
We'll pick up some valuable insights on crisis management, the importance of preparedness, and the significance of controlling the narrative when every minute counts.
Whatever area of PR or marketing you are involved in, this is a great episode for one in any organisation where a crisis could arise.
Are your PR abilities good enough?
In this episode, we explore the importance of empathy, self-doubt, and passion in the world of PR.
We look at how empathy and sensitivity are key traits for successful PR professionals and how rejecting the hard-sell approach is crucial to lasting success.
We also delve into imposter syndrome, something that many PR practitioners face and how trusting our gut and finding passion in the stories we pitch can help overcome self-doubt.
Richard shares a personal story of a missed opportunity with three of the UKs top news editors that could have been a game-changing moment and he talks about chatting with two PR practitioners in the disaster and hobby spaces about how their personal involvement and passion in these areas have made them successful in their PR efforts.
The episode concludes with a discussion of how our feelings can help us understand the nuances of the stories we pitch and connect with journalists and content creators.
This episode is all about the role of empathy, self-doubt, and passion in the world of PR and how we should all learn to trust our gut in order to find success in our comms efforts.
Getting organic media for founders and thought leaders
She talks about her average day and then shares details about a campaign she is currently working on for two sisters who are "microdosing psychedelic plant medicine" experts.
She explains how consistency and saying yes to every opportunity have helped them to maintain their press presence and grow their business.
There is so much in this episode! You can find Kaley here - www.kayleymedia.com/
Announcement: The future of the show
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT EPISODE
This show has reached a bit of a turning point. I either need to grow it or scale it back.
I've been giving advice to people privately, interviewing, making show notes, etc. It's amazing fun but as most of you know I also have a full-time job. So I've been trying to work out what to do.
What I'm proposing is to build a tool that accompanies the show and I want to see if there is enough interest before I do it.
Here is the idea. Imagine a platform that fixes PR problems during your day. Maybe you are trying to get coverage and it's not working, maybe you need the latest stats to convince a client of the value of PR, perhaps it's preparing a client for a media interview, planning for an emerging crisis, or coming up with an event on zero budget, etc, etc.
The platform would contain all the ideas and analysis from the show (and beyond) but be delivered in clear practical steps you can use to break through that issue at the exact moment you need it. As always the goal would be to not just fix the problem but to allow the user to be that person who stands out in the office for "their" solution. No need to tell anyone where you got it! It'll be constantly updated with new ideas and if something isn't there, you'll be able to ask for advice.
What do you think?
If you "might" be interested (no obligation, this is research) then please do tell me by adding your name to the interested list here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/project/
Depending on the numbers, I'll then decide whether to do it.
Thank you again for your amazing support,
Richard
The lecture : A.I. and PR
It may not have been delivered in a lecture theatre but it's a comprehensive look at how artificial intelligence may impact public relations over the coming years.
This is an extended special episode in which I read aloud the article that is sent out to all new newsletter subscribers.
It covers a lot of different implications for PR people from legal issues to what is possible with A.I. (especially ChatGPT) and what we need to watch out for.
If you would like a hard copy of this talk, sign up to the newsletter at thepublicrelationspodcast.com or head to the PR manual on the website.
Have a good weekend!
Get clients to realise the value of PR
In this episode of the Public Relations Podcast, we explore the nuanced approach to convincing clients and bosses about the value of PR.
While there are certain things you can say and data you can share, getting a client or boss on board with PR requires a more nuanced approach.
In this episode we hear from Kaylee Hamilton, owner of Kaylee Media, who believes that getting a client on board actually starts with them, and that interviewing a potential client (or boss) before signing on the dotted line is crucial.
We also recap some points made by another PR and journalist in the United Kingdom, Funmi Lijadu in which she highlights the fact that sometimes you just to accept you can't work with someone however skilled you are.
But what do you think?
Join the conversation and let us know what you think about this topic or even better, come on the show and share your thoughts. All the details are available on thepublicrelationspodcast.com. When you get there click on the link that says "guest" at the top.
Chould reality TV stars present an opportunity?
In today's episode of the Public Relations Podcast, we talk about arts PR and reality TV.
In particular, we delve into the world of Love Island and how PRs could partner with them.
But we also look at attention fade and how a super-star reality TV show contestant may be worth nothing with months or even weeks of their appearance.
We talk about the need to avoid long-term deals and caution about inflated expectations of their value, the demographic biases that exist in the industry and the competition among agencies for representation of the most popular contestants.
Join us as we explore the practical considerations of using reality TV stars in PR campaigns.
The Mindset of Journalists: From a journalist who is also a PR
If you want to be successful at reaching journalists as part of your public relations effort, then the best way to approach it is to "think" like a journalist.
In this episode, I talk to Funmi Lijadu, a PR and journalist about how she approaches both. What is the mindset?
We look at the unique challenges journalists face when interpreting article briefs, navigating legal issues, and dealing with online criticism.
We also discuss how PR professionals can approach journalists effectively by understanding their publication's needs and crafting a pitch that resonates with their audience's interests.
BITESIZE: Is AI bad for SEO?
Keeping you up to date with the latest developments on how A.I. could impact Public Relations.
Get media attention: Challenge narratives
In this episode, I talk about "narrative challenging" and how powerful it can be. It's a technique anyone can do abd it's mostly about just taking a different mindset to your pitch.
For the show notes, head to thepublicrelationspodcast.com/courses/
A.I. for Public Relations part 2
In part 1 we talked about what A.I. is and how it could affect crisis public relations.
In part 2 today, we're talking about what it will cost and who might use A.I. in PR, whether it will affect people's jobs who build relationships with the public and more.
Plus there is a short guide in the show on how to explore A.I. yourself. For the full article though head to ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com and click on the "PR Manual" option in the menu. Then search for AI on the page.
BITESIZED: An A.I. update for PR pros
There have been a few developments I want to share with public relations folks that raise some more questions about using A.I.
It's over A.I. image generators.
If you would like the full article which currently comes in at 2600 words, then it's free. Subscribe at thepublicrelationspodcast.com/subscribe
How to use A.I. and ChatGPT for public relations
For the detailed guide based on this chat and other research make sure you are signed up for the newsletter at - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/subscribe or go to the "PR Manual" on the website and look for the AI section.
Public Relations is about to change because of AI.
Over the next couple of years, almost every aspect will be touched by this emerging technology.
So, what do you need to know? How do you use it and what are the implications?
Dr Mark van Rijmenam is someone who speaks on AI at large global conferences and has written multiple books, and he is also a friend.
We got chatting and the chat is eye-opening for PRs.
EXTRA: Strategies for turning around a narrative
Following on from this week's episode, I share some extra practical examples of how you can start to turn around a negative narrative against your organisation using public relations tactics and strategies.
When saying nothing is a good idea
Should you just keep quiet if the public seems to be against you?
It's an approach many organisations take.
How do you decide whether to speak up and do some public relations building or just keep a low profile?
Turning around a negative perception
Michelle was facing an issue.
Some members of the public were calling for students at her college to be "hung" because of their behaviour but the attitude was unfair and wrong in Michelle's view.
As the Public Relations person building relationships with the public, what should you do? Tell the public they are wrong?
Why can't you get positive stories in the press
Good news stories are hard to sell to the press, especially if you are working for an organisation that generally always feels like it is under fire.
So, how can you get across good news stories and how can you turn around a long-running negative perception of an organisation?
In this episode, I share some advice on why good news doesn't work and how to package good news so it does get used.
Can organisations fight back - Sailing La Vagabonde
What can we learn from influencers who stand their ground when the critics lay into them.
As always lots more at www.ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
What we can learn from Tom Cruise about connection
It's gone viral and despite you and I not being Tom Cruise, there is a lot we can learn from what he did.
How can we take people into our worlds in order to build a great connection with them.