From What’s Now to What’s Next

LPP is keeping a finger on the pulse of top industry headlines and conversations buzzing around social media, so you don't have to. Below is this week's round-up to serve as information and inspiration for discussions around real-time trends. Did we miss anything? What are your thoughts on what’s happening this week? Top Stories Cyber attack Awareness: Recent cyber attacks have spurred more discussion around social media security for brands, future targets including embedded systems and concern within the U.S....

Taming Tesla: Product Review Drama was Years in the Making

It's been hard to miss the recent Tesla vs. The New York Times story. For those who have missed it, I'll give you the quick rundown. John Broder wrote a review for The New York Times on Tesla's Model S electric car after driving it along the east coast supercharger network. Broder said the car died on him and its driving range did not line up with Tesla's claims. Broder opened up his review by saying "theory can be trumped...

Gearing up for RSA 2013

While I admit, I’ve walked many a show floor for clients over the years this is a first – I’m headed to RSA 2013 in San Francisco next week. Emails about conference details have steadily filled my inbox over the past month, and I have to say the show organizers have done a really nice job of laying out the agenda. There are more angles on security than I would have thought possible – and certainly more than a few...

Times to Sell Globe, or Are They Just Crying Wolf, Again?

The New York Times Co. said Wednesday it is looking to sell the country's 23rd largest newspaper, The Boston Globe, as well as "other New England properties." In addition to the Globe, which the Times bought in 1993 for $1.1 billion, the Times owns BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Telegram.com and direct mail firm GlobeDirect. The Times also owns a 49 percent stake in Metro Boston, which is also up for sale. The Times last said it would sell...

From What’s Now. To What’s Next

LPP is keeping a finger on the pulse of top industry headlines and conversations buzzing around social media, so you don't have to. Below is this week's round-up to serve as information and inspiration for discussions around real-time trends. Did we miss anything? What are your thoughts on what’s happening this week? Top Stories Cyberattacks Galore: Apple confirmed an attack by the same cyber criminals who infiltrated Facebook employee computers last week. The company rolled out a Java and Malware...

The Devil is in the Details for M&A

There is a reason that experts in M&A and financial communications, like our own Christine Simeone, are fanatical about building and adhering to a strict "playbook" that details down to the day, hour and sometimes minute each aspect of a pending announcement. A merger, like the one just announced between Office Depot and OfficeMax, involve a widening circle of people who need to be informed, so adherence to a strategy and careful plan is critical. M&A have to be handled...

More Water in the Watering Hole Please

It’s been a sad few days for any bourbon aficionado. Ever since Maker’s Mark announced the watering down of their trademark red-wax whisky, fans have not shied away from expressing their anger, and media outlets have not stopped criticizing. Initially, Maker’s Mark Chief Operating Officer Rob Samuels made the announcement via email to all brand ambassadors. Due to product shortages from high demand, the new plan was to water down their famous whisky without having to increase the price. This...

Carnival Shows a Crisis Plan is a "Need to Have," not a "Nice to Have"

As I write this, more than 4,000 poor souls have finally arrived on land after being trapped on a broken cruise ship with minimal food, water, and sanitation and no air conditioning for days after they were supposed to dock. The Carnival Triumph towing of this ship to Mobile, Alabama was on the 24-hour news stations daily. The media gathered at the pier in Mobile waiting for them to arrive, which finally came late last night. Any news reporter who...

Joe Kennedy and Technorati Know Where it's At

For the past few months, I've been reading Doris Kearns Goodwin's book The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys - sad, but I work and have two toddlers, so getting through a lengthy book can take years! Joe P. Kennedy, Sr. was a fascinating and truly brilliant businessman. He no doubt laid the foundation for his famous offspring. Joe Kennedy had incredible instinct and foresight and always placed himself in the right industry at the right time. During World War II, he...

From What’s Now To What’s Next

LPP is keeping a finger on the pulse of top industry headlines and conversations buzzing around social media, so you don't have to. Below is this week's round-up to serve as information and inspiration for discussions around real-time trends. Did we miss anything? What are your thoughts on what’s happening this week? Top Stories Obama’s State of the Union Address: The President pledged to help the middle class achieve prosperity. Obama also made proposals for investments in schools, technology and...