The concept of brand loyalty has become almost as complicated as coming up with a strategy to earn it. The number of variables that determine loyalty—any one of which can likewise destroy a consumer’s sense of loyalty if mishandled—are changing quickly and often, and...
How AI story crafting can help bring your inner PR book idea to life
If you've been marinating a killer book idea that just needs a one-way ticket out of your brain and onto the shelves, this AI-focused pep talk is for you. Artificial intelligence isn't just for tech buffs; it's the secret to transforming your wisps of thought into...
Bias and ethics in retail AI: Nearly 9 in 10 consumers want retailers to make their AI more diverse, equitable, inclusive, & responsible
As we move into another year of AI dominance, we are seeing the tech becoming ingrained into the very identity of consumer-facing brands and businesses—and consumers want to set some ground rules regarding ethics and bias with retailers before online shopping and...
10 tips to maximize the impact of soft skills training for PR professionals
PR professionals need technical—or “hard”—skills for aspects such as social media management, client research, and data analytics. But interpersonal—or “soft”—skills such as communication, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and organization are just as important...
Marketers’ lead gen and engagement strategies are underperforming, new CMO Council report finds
It’s been debated whether the sales lead is as important as it was in the pre-digital age, and the resulting consensus is that yes, it’s still important, but they need to be higher quality leads to serve a proportional role in the modern age of sales and marketing....
9 steps for developing a complete sales and marketing strategy for small business
Imagine two small businesses. One makes customized wristbands. Their customers love the personalized work and their fair prices. However, this business does not have a marketing and sales strategy. The second business sells premade wristbands at a higher price than...
The ‘AI Gap’ between brands and consumers continues to pose threats: The pivotal moment has arrived for brands to prove the benefits
As we know, earning consumer trust is the fundamental challenge for brands and businesses when it comes to getting the most of AI. A clear divide exists between business leaders and consumers regarding the adoption, enthusiasm, and education around AI. While...
Connecting with nano-influencers: The PR goldmine of 2024
There’s a new influencer in town, and they’re changing the landscape of public relations and marketing. Nano-influencers have emerged as a vital force in the digital realm. Unlike their more famous counterparts with millions of followers, nano-influencers are the...
How to build a strong intern program for your company
Diving into a first internship can be scary; no one wants to end up like Andy Sachs from The Devil Wears Prada—overworked, underappreciated, and dealing with a demanding boss after working hours. While most internship experiences will not end up as extreme, intern...
The reality of Generative AI engagement: 9 in 10 CEOs are waiting to move past the hype, or are just experimenting in small ways
There was so much hype and excitement about Generative AI throughout most of 2023 that most other business innovations were either put aside or occurred in relative silence. It was widely reported by media outlets and sites (including this one) that the mad rush to...
Super Bowl PR: How to break through the clutter and gain earned media during the lead-up to the Big Game
A PR person assigned to gain major earned media publicity for a sponsors’ Super Bowl tie-in during the early years of the Big Game was the equivalent of being given an ice cream sundae by agency management. Reporters were anxious to interview football players that PR...
The tipping point: The impact of DEI on business performance
The “E” in ESG gets plenty of attention as sustainability is such a high-profile worldwide concern for businesses and consumers alike. But with the introduction of both mandatory and voluntary ESG reporting requirements, company managers recognize the increasing...