#MuellerReport – Managing the ‘Spin’ Game

The long wait is over.  Special Counsel Robert Mueller has issued his report  – on his investigation into alleged collusion by President Donald Trump’s campaign and Russia during the 2016 election and obstruction of justice by President Trump into the investigation – to the Department of Justice.  After reviewing it, Attorney General William Barr and ..

Navigating Brand Messages In Today’s Polarized Society

Today’s politics and society are more polarized than ever before.  This is constantly brought home via social media and the news.  Brands traditionally shy away from making statements and taking stands on political issues but in today’s culture consumers and employees no longer accept that nor expect that from a brand.  They are looking for ..

#Boycott: What You Need To Know

Our society is more polarized today than at any moment in recent memory. Our politics is divisive. Opinions have become more outspoken and outraged. Driving all of this is social media. Social media has allowed millions to have a voice and share their opinion. It is also a driving force in spreading disapproval of a brand when it takes a stand that someone disagrees with. Brands need to be prepared when this happens

Is Your Brand Ready for A Social Media Crisis Based On Today’s Politics?

Social media drives narratives.  That cannot be said enough.  Social media can also create a crisis where none existed.  Many brands are finding this out firsthand in the current politically charged and polarized environment. Today’s consumers expect brands to tell a story and share their values including their political values.  Many brands have for years ..

Communications Lessons From President Trump

A little over a week into his presidency and Donald Trump is making a mark that has both critics and supporters going wild.  His presidency is in many ways unprecedented.  Yet in terms of communications strategy, he is pursuing tried and tested ways to reach his audience that were pursued by other politicians, and businesses ..

Five Communications Lessons From Trump’s Win

Americans elected Donald Trump as President on Tuesday.  It was the political upset heard around the world as every poll and pundit had predicted a Hillary Clinton victory.  Without a doubt it was our version of the famous Harry Truman upset over Thomas Dewey in 1948.  Even more so for business communicators Trump’s strategy provides ..

#MelaniaTrump Speech – A Crisis Communications Lesson

The first night at the Republican Presidential Convention was supposed to highlight Melania Trump, Donald Trump’s wife and introduce the next potential First Lady to millions of Americans. Also it was hoped that Melania’s speech would start to soften the image of Donald Trump and allow voters a glimpse of the private man. With polls ..

What To Look For When Using A PR Agency For Public Affairs

More and more businesses are realizing the massive impact that public policies and regulations have on their operations.  The idea of public affairs programs is no longer just for Fortune 500 companies.   Many medium sized businesses realize that they need a public affairs/government relations program in their operating budget.  That is why many companies are ..

2016 Presidential Election – Throwing Away the Rules of Politics and  Communications

It has been said that the 2016 Presidential Election and Donald Trump have thrown away the rules of politics and communications. Yet in many ways Trump and those in the Republican Party opposing him are replaying the communications strategies of the Republican Party in the 1960s when the Party would battle between conservatives and the ..

The Republican Party’s Trump Messaging Strategy – What’s Next?

Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump has set off yet again another media firestorm. The Republican frontrunner has called for all Muslims seeking to enter the United States to be barred from doing so. This came as the focus of the presidential campaign has turned to terrorism after the terror attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, ..