There’s nothing new under the sun, but that doesn’t mean that your idea should be a copy of someone else’s idea. First of all, the internet exists, so everyone will find out. Second of all, it’s not respectful of your audience’s time to sell them on … [Read more...] about Build, don’t copy
Idea/conversation fit
Having a great idea is essential, but so is situating that idea within or adjacent to an existing conversation. Idea/conversation fit is the communications version of product/market fit. The market doesn’t buy what it doesn’t understand or recognize. … [Read more...] about Idea/conversation fit
A provocative and useful idea
Every great communicator has a truly provocative, useful idea. Your delivery is vital, but if you’re delivering boring crap, who cares?? You need an idea that doesn’t just get your audience’s attention. It makes them think, talk, and act. A … [Read more...] about A provocative and useful idea
Doing the Kabuki dance
A media interview looks like a normal conversation, but it’s really a carefully proscribed Kabuki dance. Every participant fills a well-defined role. A spokesperson’s role requires discipline, charm, and tenacity. The spokesperson has a message to … [Read more...] about Doing the Kabuki dance
What to say?
Writing a good corporate statement in a global crisis is like trying to balance a massive pyramid upside down atop a highwire. A company’s entire reputation may rest on a few sentences that get endlessly parsed on Twitter. I’ve been the PR person … [Read more...] about What to say?
Not too cold, not too hot. Just right!
Being too nice in media interviews is a liability. Being a brilliant jerk is a recipe for disaster. So what’s the happy medium? Treat the reporter as an equal - you are respectful, but you feel absolutely no obligation to answer questions that … [Read more...] about Not too cold, not too hot. Just right!
But don’t be a jerk!
In my previous post, I said don’t be too nice in media interviews. Nice is great, but being assertive is essential in a media interview. On the other hand, it’s easy to go too far. Maybe you are that brilliant jerk running this week’s super-hot … [Read more...] about But don’t be a jerk!
Be nice – but not too nice
You’re an authentic, open, relatable person. You love to listen. You are the boss everyone fights to work for. You are the leader every customer trusts. Being a good person is important to you. GREAT. But if you bring your “nice” mindset to a … [Read more...] about Be nice – but not too nice
Why can’t they see me?
The 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer found that 56 percent of respondents believe business leaders are “purposely trying to mislead people by saying things they know are false”. But you are not like the other business leaders that are lying! You are a … [Read more...] about Why can’t they see me?
Who’s with you?
A majority of people believe business leaders are “purposely trying to mislead people by saying things they know are false”, according to the 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer. This is not good for you, business leader. But instead of raging that you’re a … [Read more...] about Who’s with you?
