Don't Get 'Lost in Translation' in 2012

Just as Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson make ideal, yet improbable companions experiencing the culture, sights and sounds of contemporary Tokyo in Sofia Coppola’s 2003 film, Lost in Translation, so too do PR people and members of the press. We are ideal, yet improbable companions – only our shared experiences relate to our client’s key messages. Never before has the need to clearly articulate their value proposition for each audience they are trying to influence been more paramount. Without this...

The Shoemakers' Children Refresh Their Brand

We've always been focused first and foremost on our clients -- on their announcements, their messaging, their branding, their return on investment. Our efforts on growing and evolving our business are always driven by how we can provide our clients with the best resources and services available. This focus has helped us successfully navigate 25 years in the constantly shifting world of strategic communications. But now more than ever there is a major shift in the communications landscape, a shift...

Calling All PR Pros...Be Bold!

Years ago, I had a CEO client who used to like to prod and poke, and wonder when his "story" would be on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, above the fold of course. He'd usually cap it off by saying, "will they need my picture for the pencil sketch, or do they send an artist to draw me?" All joking aside, I used to tell him that I could guarantee prominent treatment like that if he, like...

Why We Love Our Clients!

I know it's not November yet, but I'm already in the thankful mindset, which lately I've been trying to enforce more often than not. We hosted our annual Austin open house event last night at our office downtown. We had a great time visiting with old and new clients and hearing directly from colleagues about how they are doing. I feel lucky to have the clients that we do - we work with a talented and personable group, and I...

4 PR Tips For Embracing Remote Meetings

 I recently read an article in GigaOm, How to Embrace Remote Meetings and it got me thinking about my own experience. Since starting at LP&P almost six years ago, one of the things I've really enjoyed has been learning how to effectively work with team members at our Boston headquarters from my "remote" office in Austin. Not only do we have clients all over the map - across multiple different time zones, but our internal team structures often require...

How to Be a Great -- Not Just Good -- Agency Client

The Council of PR Firms' newsletter, "The Firm Voice," includes an excellent article this week from Ron Culp that draws on his many years as a corporate PR person employing agencies and what he's learned over the past eight years on the agency side. "During my 30 years in various corporate PR roles, I had always thought I was a pretty good client. If I knew then what I know now – after eight years on the agency side –...

How far have we come in Media Relations?

One of the benefits of tidying up the office is you run across presentations, materials and information you forgot you had. Take the presentation I stumbled across under one of several piles on my office floor, "Building Effective Relationships with Press and Analysts," dated June 5, 1996. What struck me most, besides the fact that there were ZERO references to social media, community building and engaging non-traditional media and analysts, were some tips that are still relevant today, after more...

What's Your Magic Number?

There isn't a day that goes by where I don't receive at least 30 emails with headlines like, "Top Ten X," or "Six Best Tips for Y," or "Five Ways to Maximize Your Presence on Z." For those of us in PR, and in particular for those of us who spend hours working in Technology PR, the number varies. Sure, many can point to David Letterman and Late Night TV for some of the best "Top Ten" list creations but...

Celebrating 25 years of looking at what’s next

If you follow us on Facebook, you may be aware that we are celebrating our 25th anniversary this week. Everyone had a great time in Boston last night for our summer outing. The weather was perfect for a scavenger hunt, and for drinks and food at Tia’s on the waterfront. We’re all looking forward to cake and champagne later this afternoon. Looking forward is how we’re all viewing this milestone. Twenty-five years in tech PR is like a century given...

Great Night for LP&P at #PubClubofNE Bell Ringer Awards

For communications pros in New England, The Publicity Club's Bell Ringer Awards are a big deal. Last night, the Pub Club (as it's known in our circles) held its 42nd Annual Bell Ringers Award Ceremony at the Waltham Westin hotel and LP&P was well represented at a table with members of four teams up for awards. Each team was guaranteed at least a "Merit" award, but we all wanted more -- at least a Gold, Silver or Bronze Bell. By...