Resource Hub for Strategic Communication Professionals

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How Poppi is Fizzing Back Up After Influencer Campaign Falls Flat
Public Relations, Branding, Culture Kelly Jefferson Minty Public Relations, Branding, Culture Kelly Jefferson Minty

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.

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Southwest Drops a Beloved Perk—Then Fumbles the Fallout
Crisis Communications, Branding, Public Relations Kelly Jefferson Minty Crisis Communications, Branding, Public Relations Kelly Jefferson Minty

Southwest Drops a Beloved Perk—Then Fumbles the Fallout

Last week, Southwest Airlines dropped an unexpected bomb on customers when it announced that it would no longer be offering two free checked bags.

For a company whose longtime slogan has been “Bags Fly Free,” the backlash was immediate. Combined with last year’s decision to eliminate open seating, customers felt like Southwest was rapidly losing its identity, along with any reasons to fly the carrier. What can we learn from this?

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The Power of Thought Leadership: Positioning Your Organization for Success
Public Relations Erin Owen Public Relations Erin Owen

The Power of Thought Leadership: Positioning Your Organization for Success

The leaders of your organization can be some of the most powerful communication tools in your arsenal. By positioning them as thought leaders, you can elevate your brand’s reputation, establish your organization as an innovator, and open the door to opportunities such as media coverage, speaking engagements, and increased social media influence.

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Do I Delete That Comment?
Crisis Communications, Public Relations Kelly Jefferson Minty Crisis Communications, Public Relations Kelly Jefferson Minty

Do I Delete That Comment?

Social media can be a powerful tool for engagement, but it also comes with the challenge of managing public commentary. When an off-topic remark, a negative critique, or outright hate speech appears in the comments section, the question arises: do you delete it? The answer depends on context, and having clear guidelines in place can help you navigate these decisions with confidence.

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The Critical Role of Internal Communication During a Crisis

The Critical Role of Internal Communication During a Crisis

During a crisis, communications internally has to come first, and without a crystal-clear internal communications strategy, employees can be left in the dark, anxious, and unprepared to navigate the situation. Leaders in a crisis must move quickly and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. This is possible when you have a plan.

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Public Relations Lessons from Dolly Parton
Culture, Public Relations Kelly Jefferson Minty Culture, Public Relations Kelly Jefferson Minty

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. 

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Storm Response Excellence: A Leader’s Internal Email Praises OPPD and Models Great Comms

Storm Response Excellence: A Leader’s Internal Email Praises OPPD and Models Great Comms

I received the note below from Omaha World-Herald alum and Comms Pro Erin Grace sharing her praise for Omaha Public Power District’s (OPPD) communications to clients following a wind storm that took out power to over 200,000 homes, some for over a week, with highs in the 90s.

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Sticky Business: When Brands Should (or Shouldn’t) Enter Political Arenas

Sticky Business: When Brands Should (or Shouldn’t) Enter Political Arenas

Sticker Mule, a well-known and successful custom sticker company, took an unexpected dive into political waters last week by sending a political message to its customers after the attempted assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

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