5 Underappreciated Things about Twitter

We all love Twitter, right? The random conversations, the celebrities, the opportunities for public relations like no other. But sometimes we forget why we love the things we love. Here are five things people forget about Twitter that make it so useful. (Read more…)

Selecting the Right PR Firm for Your Company

A friend of mine called recently, looking for a public relations firm to handle a new project. He had already interviewed a few potential firms, and he wanted to know if I would sit in with him during a second round of interviews. What we learned should provide entrepreneurs and start-up companies alike with some helpful tips when they decide it’s time to take their public relations strategy to the professional level. (Read more…)

When Blogs Attack, Can Public Relations Survive?

Every time I want to dismiss or ignore the impact of blogs on the public relations industry, I’m reminded of their power. A recent example occurred as I was talking to the head of investor relations for a Fortune 500 company. “My biggest problem right now is dealing with these [expletive] bloggers,” the IR chief said. “The amount of false information and mindless bashing masquerading as commentary is dizzying.” (Read more…)

Mea Culpa for a Failed Press Release

In April 2003, I wrote a column entitled “Anatomy of a Failed Press Release” in which I ripped apart a press release I’d received from Bridges TV, a then yet-to-be-launched television network targeting American Muslims.

“Bridges TV may have a bright future, and I wish them the best of luck. But this press release was a bad way to start a relationship with the media. And if the most important thing in life is perception, the second most important thing is probably relationships,” I wrote last year.

Woe is me. (Read more…)

Preparing For War

The United States finds itself on the brink of war. And if war comes, there are professional challenges that will come with it. (Read more…)