practical

Tips and information for effective public relations - Winter 2015  

Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterVisit our blogView our profile on LinkedInFind us on Pinterest
Name Dropping

Here's a sampling of what's going on with our clients and staff:
L&F is excited to be working with new client, the Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC). The CMC, headquartered in Canada, represents the bi-national Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway commercial marine industry. L&F will be working with the CMC to promote its message throughout the United States.

  

 

 Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc. has been honored with a Senior Housing News Architecture & Design Award. The award recognizes Hoffman's
work on Lutheran Life Communities' My Rehab Center at Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights, Illinois in the repositioning category. Congrats Hoffman!

 

In 2015, the
 Parelli Education Institute will offer courses at campuses in Ocala, Florida and Pagosa Springs, Colorado. The Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization for the natural horsemanship community that focuses on education for those who teach others; and for youth horsemanship, therapeutic horsemanship and equine welfare.   

 

  Brown County and
 Austin Straubel International Airport leaders held a wall demolition ceremony this fall to mark the start of construction of a new $4.3 million, stand-alone International Arrivals Facility. The facility, which will process international arrivals including private and corporate aircraft, will be located at the airport's former firefighting facility. 

U.S. Oil
, the petroleum and renewable energy distribution division of U.S. Venture, Inc. recently acquired six terminals from Houston-based Noble Petro, Inc. The new terminals add 1.75 million barrels of additional capacity and expand U.S. Oil's existing distribution network from 13 to 19 terminals in North America.  
    
The Fox River Cleanup Project wrapped up the 6th year of dredging, capping and covering in mid-November. More than 545,000 cubic yards of sediment was dredged in 2014, while more than 186 acres of river bottom was capped or covered.

The Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling (WCPG) Helpline received a record number of calls in 2014, totaling 14,731. The 2014 total topped the previous record of 14,604 calls received in 2009.
 
 

Stevens & Stevens Business Records Management of Clearwater, Florida has installed Florida's first Integrated Solar Tar & Gravel Roof System at its headquarters building. The 102kw solar power system was designed and installed by Solar Energy Management of Tampa, Florida. The system was engineered to be integrated into Stevens & Stevens' current tar and gravel roof system to lessen roof penetrations and withstand hurricane strength winds.


The Speed of Social Media:
It Can't Be Ignored
 

In recent weeks, a number of social media crisis situations have been in the spotlight on a national basis. These crisis situations can happen in an instant. Most, but not all, national brands realize this. Unfortunately, that realization often falls off fast for regional and local businesses; but social media can't be ignored.

 

If you have a crisis where the flames are being fanned by social media, you'll need to respond quickly, in a genuine manner, and in the platform where the crisis unfolds. So, if it's Facebook, you'll need to take to Facebook. If it's another platform, respond accordingly. Try to get out in front of it. The basics of crisis management apply: explaining what happened, why it happened and what you're going to do about it. If an apology is in order, apologize but don't make excuses. Chances are, you'll be dealing with emotions and emotions are always more powerful than facts. That knowledge should help shape your response. Rally your supporters and employees to help.

 

Facing a social media attack is never pleasant and rarely simple to deal with; but it can be done. If you feel overwhelmed by it all, bring in professional help. Having an outside perspective and expertise can make a difference. Above all, take action to resolve it and get back to business as soon as possible.

 

Weather as a PR tool? Why Not?
  

Winter wesnowflakes.jpgather can impact everything we do, from driving in to the office, to making sure that we arrive on time for a business meeting. But there are also some clever ways to use weather as a public relations tool. Think about some of the ways your company adapts to meet the challenges of snow and extremely-cold weather.

 

Local reporters are always looking for new and interesting ways to cover the arrival of a snowstorm. Offering an alternative angle that includes your company just might steer them away from the side of a snowy freeway overpass or the local road salt barn. Using weather as a potential hook for a media pitch not only makes your company relevant, you might even be able to direct where the story is going.

 

Does your company provide cold weather gear or warming stations for employees? Do you take extra precautions when it comes to employee safety in severe weather or offer a flex schedule to avoid having to drive in during a snowstorm?

 

Using whatever you have in your P.R. toolbox and being able to quickly respond to whatever is happening is the backbone of good public relations. Finding opportunity, whether it's in the weather or the current newspaper headlines, gives you the ability to react quickly and generate good buzz.

 

Being creative and adaptable can also help you stay out of a P.R. rut, delivering extra positive attention for your business. So the next time you see those large quarter-sized snowflakes falling, picture what the white stuff can do for your company.

 

Are you ready if a reporter calls?
   

Being prepared can be the difference between a good interview and one that you hope no one sees. Leonard & Finco Public Relations has the experts to help you understand today's media and help you prepare if you're approached for an interview. For more information, contact us at (920) 965-7750 or [email protected].

 

Looking for PR tricks of the trade?

 

Like us on Facebook for daily PR tips, thought provoking articles and links to our weekly blog posts filled with ideas! Thumbs up - Like 


Quick Quote

"If you just communicate you can get by. But if you skillfully communicate, you can work miracles."   

 

 - Jim Rohn