Posts Tagged ‘PR’

Practical Strategy: The Trump Card

Friday, May 11th, 2012

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Brad Breininger, who is one of the founding partners of Zync Communications in Toronto. What is unique about Brad and his agency is that they have seamlessly integrated business development ventures with creative services and experience. They have a refreshing vision for branding, which is grounded in the appreciation of raw business objectives. I would highly recommend that you visit their website and see what they are doing because they will revolutionize the entire communications, branding and PR industries. 

I have always believed that marketing, branding and PR are not stand-alone elements of a business plan, yet many people today see these services as just that. The other aspect of this marketplace that has always left me with slight confusion is the unwavering and often blinding focus on strategy. I am the first person to say that strategy drives what you do, but the market today is saturated with people who focus too much on convoluted strategy than they do on practical application, pragmatic decision making and most importantly, business objectives. (more…)

Earned Media: The Cornerstone to Communications Success

Monday, April 16th, 2012

There is considerable discussion around the topics of marketing and advertising, as well as an interesting dialogue about social media’s affect on the age-old Paid vs. Owned vs. Earned Media (POEM) debate.Megaphone

These discussions tend to revolve around the idea of loyalty, branding, and business development from a creative standpoint. I came across an interesting article in Mashable that stated; “It’s clear that the POEM model is obsolete in the social media age.”

POEM

The author went on to describe a more hybrid design that has been created to represent new vocabulary and a digital environment. This article was a fascinating read and I found myself agreeing with their new framework and arguments. However, it made me start thinking about the idea of traditional “earned media” and how, in my mind, it is still a vital piece of any business model or political office. (more…)

Guest Post: Are You Setting the Table with Inbound Marketing?

Friday, March 30th, 2012

 I would like to introduce the very first guest blogger on this site, Byron Fernandez. I have had the pleasure of getting to know Byron over the last few months and there has not been a day that has gone by where he hasn’t displayed his unique knowledge of the PR, marketing, and social media industries. He is a remarkable writer who grounds much of what he creates in empirical evidence and detailed analysis. Aside from being an already successful professional in his own right, he remains one of the most interesting, thought-provoking, and eager individuals in this field. I can comfortably say that my knowledge of inbound marketing was sub-par. After some dialogue and discussion we thought it would be a great opportunity for Byron to deliver a piece that took a different angle. What he came up with was more than just a descriptive post – it’s one that captures his passion and skill. 

 

Recently I’ve begun to use the analogy of setting a table when discussing the process of inbound marketing.

Too many businesses in the digital realm default to tablecloths, doilies and pretty placeholders like candles, ambiance and a 5-course meal.

But where’s the table? Chairs? How about water and napkins? Are you handing them a bill the first time you have them over for dinner?

(more…)

Social Media’s Role in Loyalty’s Elusive Capture

Monday, March 26th, 2012

Loyalty

There is consistent discussion within the social media, PR, and marketing industries today that centres on that elusive element of loyalty, or more specifically, how to increase true loyalty. Our pursuit of this intangible component, which has been closely connected with business success, is synonymous across industries, fields, and environments.

Whether it is a company seeking to garner brand loyalty, a marketing campaign that aims to redefine the connection between consumer and product or service, a political figure who depends on support across time and space, or simply a person who yearns for a companion who offers unconditional faithfulness, loyalty plays a large role in our professional and personal lives. (more…)