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Tag Archives: public relations
White Paper: Shaping the Future of New Media
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It was every PR practitioner’s nightmare and further evidence of the fact that we as marketers are the most out of control and the most in control we have ever been. Editor-in-chief of Wired Magazine and author of the book The Long Tail, Chris Anderson listed the email addresses of 350 names he has blacklisted from his email inbox on his very public and popular blog, thelongtail.com. The 350 offenders had allegedly sent Anderson irrelevant PR “pitches” one too many times. To the mortification of many public relations people who were on that list (with their company name in the email address), it served to show no one is safe from the fire hose, not even the people you hire to protect you from the fire (or to start it) depending on your needs. Anderson’s public protest sends the message that you must choose wisely when picking a PR firm to represent you, and it is essential you select one that knows the rules of the game and how to create compelling messaging directed at the right audience. The fact that mass distribution outlets for information exist these days is no excuse to spam irrelevant information in the hopes it randomly catches a reporter’s attention.
Gaining Recognition as a Thought Leader
Many of today’s top business leaders are successful at getting media coverage simply by stating their opinions of the market. They talk at length with reporters about industry trends and make predictions about what the future might hold, but they never pitch their new product or company specifically.
It’s a Subtle PR Ploy:
The fact is, these executives are promoting their companies, just in a very subtle manner. Positioning a company as a thought leader can enhance credibility and establish a reputation as an industry expert.
Flexing your PR & Marketing Muscles for a Successful Product Launch
Like the seasons, product announcements can move in like a lion or out like a lamb. Some bound out of thin air, leaving marketers and PR pros with little time to prepare; others trudge on and on, extending the deadline for weeks on end. How can you prevent a sneak attack and ensure that you are ready for the next major product announcement? Here are some tips to make sure your kickoff kicks butt.
Staying ahead of the Curve:
Timing is the hardest, yet most critical part. With long publication lead times, it is easy to underestimate the amount of time needed to make a splash. Executives in your organization may have no idea, and it’s your job to tell them, that some magazines require as much as six months advance notice. With three months for monthlies, two for bi-monthlies and one for weeklies plus the time it take to get information ready and build relationships with reporters, the more time, the better.
Skillful Interview Techniques
Although interviews are an important part of the public relations process, they can sometimes be a challenge. You might walk in for a scheduled interview, confident you know your company and marketplace, and before you know it, the reporter starts asking you questions that you’re not prepared to answer. If you handle the situation successfully, you can go far in promoting a positive corporate image. A negative interview, however, can hurt the perception of both the company and the spokesperson. To be effective, adhere to the following:
Be Prepared:
Gather background on the journalist (previous experience, recent articles written, etc.), the publication (circulation, target audience), and the topic of discussion prior to the interview.
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Zenzi Brings Dreyer’s and Nestle Brands to Life for Consumers and Businesses
Situation: Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream selected Zenzi to concept and execute its ”Own the City” campaign in San Diego,Orange County and Los Angeles. The goal of the campaign was to introduce Dreyer’s array of exciting new flavors and products to working professionals and families while abiding by the mantra Small Budget – Big Impact. With limited funds, the team had to utilize unused and unusual resources to create a win-win solution for the Dreyer’s brand suite and customers. Zenzi reached out to different demographics with a multi-touch approach.