The "I'm Sorry" Defense

We regularly advise our clients to always be well prepared for any interaction that could potentially be reported publicly about yourself or your company. We tell them that really good reporters are never off duty and the off-hand conversation on a plane or in line at Starbucks could be captured and reported. It pays to be cautious. We haven't gone so far as to warn them to beware reporters setting up sting operations, which is advice that could have helped...

Traversing the mobile marketing generation gap

I attended a meeting recently of a large group of very bright people who shared ideas, thoughts, products and suggestions for how communicators and marketers need to incorporate mobile devices into their marketing programs. The attendees included some technology specialists and a broader group of practitioners who are using technology, but haven't lived and breathed it over the years in their work. The demographic slanted toward the more experienced, shall we say, which made the overall dynamics in the room...

New grads: Thinking about a career in PR? Here are 7 ways to set yourself apart

The graduation season is in full swing, and it's a lively time around Boston with our concentration of great schools, and in Austin, home of University of Texas. Over that last several months, our talent development team has been actively talking to many soon-to-be grads about career opportunities at LP&P. While the job market by many accounts will be tough for new graduates, it won't be any worse than last year at this time. The improving marketplace has allowed us...

For those who knew Joe Fuentes

Many LP&Pers and LP&P clients, alumni and friends had the privilege of working with Joe Fuentes at StorageTek. Sadly, we lost Joe earlier this year. His lovely wife Christine Fuentes shared with me over Facebook this beautiful tribute video the Denver PRSA chapter put together for Joe. It beautifully describes why we all miss Joe Fuentes. Thank you, Chris!

You Say Iconic, Our Mayor Says Ionic

For sheer entertainment value -- intended or otherwise -- it's hard to beat a speech from Boston's Mayor Thomas M. Menino. Menino is well loved in Boston because most people recognize his heart is in the right place and he is most definitely a man of the people. But an orator he is not, which his nickname "Mumbles" makes clear. But yesterday, at the ceremony unveiling a Bobby Orr statue that depicted his famous goal that won Boston the Stanley...

5 Things Conan Could Learn from the 60 Minutes Interview

Conan O'Brien appeared on "60 Minutes" this weekend in an interview with Steve Kroft that was his first appearance allowed after a contractual blackout period stipulated by NBC as part of a $32M settlement with the comedian. Promised the "Tonight Show" for five years, O'Brien was barely situated as host when NBC decided to pull Jay Leno out of a failing prime time show back into the late night schedule. Rather than mess with the timing of the "Tonight Show"...