Resource Hub for Strategic Communication Professionals
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How Poppi is Fizzing Back Up After Influencer Campaign Falls Flat
Poppi, a soda alternative, launched its first Super Bowl ad campaign this year. To generate buzz in advance of the game, they sent Poppi-filled vending machines to the homes of TikTok influencers.
Consumers hated it and were immediately fired up about the campaign’s direction, criticizing Poppi’s spending on an expensive brand activation that benefitted already wealthy influencers.
The Risks & Rewards of Co-Branding with The White Lotus (AKA Murder Marketing)
Co-branding can be a powerful tool—when done right, it elevates both partners, creating a PR boost that neither could achieve alone.
Take, for example, the unexpected yet wildly successful partnership between HBO’s The White Lotus and the Four Seasons.
How a Trash Can Helped Bring a Team to Victory
Yep. In a tradition that very quickly became a national sensation this year, the UNO Mavericks have turned a locker room celebration into a major communications and public relations opportunity, while also building fan culture.
From American Riviera to As Ever: Lessons on Launching a Brand (The Hard Way)
Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand is now on launch #2. What can we learn from these high-profile repeat brand introductions?
The Power of Storytelling: Lessons from an Anglerfish
Have you ever cried over a fish? Well, a whole lot of people have over the past couple of weeks when the story of a little anglerfish swam into the imaginations of the collective internet.
Public Relations Lessons from Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton once said, “Find out who you are, and do it on purpose.”
This philosophy has led her to do what few can claim: she’s created a universal appeal that has stretched decades and spans generations, socioeconomic classes, and political divides. This beloved icon, who infuses authenticity, humor, and joy into every project she touches, is a public relations genius that every strategic communicator should study.
Our Nation’s Comms Origin Story
In strategic communications we talk about knowing where you came from and telling your story consistently. On this inauguration day, here are links to our nation’s founding documents that define our democracy story.
Six Books for Comms Leaders
Looking for a gift for the communicator in your life? Or are you looking for your next read? Here are some of our favorites.
Gratitude for Great Storytelling
In the spirit of gratitude this week, we’re taking a moment to reflect on some of the best examples of storytelling and strategic communications work we’ve come across this year - stories we’re grateful to have read and learn from. And, we’ve invited some of our favorite communications professionals to share theirs, as well.
How Calm Kept Us Calm During Election Broadcasts
In the strategic communications world, we focus a lot on the right thing to say and how to say it. An equally important tool, however, is knowing when to say nothing at all.
What Does Waffle House have to do with Hurricanes?
Even as unofficial channels, brands and influencers can play an important role in helping with disaster preparedness.
What Do You Meme? Three Filters for Social Trends
Deciding when and if to jump on social trends and memes can be tough - this column gives you three filters to run your content choices through.
Interview with a Pro: Jeffrey Blount, Veteran NBC News Director & Author
With over three decades of experience at NBC News as a television news director, Jeffrey Blount has directed major broadcasts, including Meet The Press, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show in DC and NY, The Chris Matthews Show, and The Sunday Today Show.
Critical Thinking Breaks the Vice President Selection in 2000
As we await Vice President Harris’ selection of her running mate, here is a story from the archives that involves incredible journalistic critical thinking and reporting.
Crisis Comms and Shade at the Espy Awards
The ESPY Awards gave viewers a chance to see a variety of communications approaches, from the use of crisis communications response to address a controversial award acceptance to evening a score with cutting humor.
Grace in Losing and Winning at Wimbledon
In the high-stakes world of professional sports, maintaining grace in victory and defeat is critical not only for an athlete’s personal brand but also as a model for all audiences and for representing the sport well.
Gruns on Instagram/Facebook
Here’s a good example of a company brand engaging consistently with posts.
Meet Beverly Mahone, the Woman Behind All Wordz Matter
If you don’t know Beverly Mahone yet, it’s time! Also known as “Aunt or Auntie Bev,” she is the visionary educator and founder of All Wordz Matter, a platform dedicated to enhancing vocabulary and communication skills.
Are you ready for the Summer Olympics Event Trivia?
July is here, and we are counting the days to the “world’s foremost multi-sports event.” Here are some facts on branding and the event.
Saying Farewell to Sarah Southerland and Her Clever Wildlife Tweets
An homage to Social Media Coordinator Sarah Southerland, the incredible voice and award-winning content strategist behind one of The EO Report’s favorite social media channels: @OKWildlifeDept.