Public Relations Tips
At STOKESIHERZOG, we handle PR for large companies all over the United States, and as former television news journalists, co-owners Chris and Sarah have a unique perspective on public relations. As a team, we are able to see both the business end and the media angles. Businesses can plan the perfect PR moment, but it can all go wrong if they’re not ready. Here are the top three tricks to think about before putting your business in the media.
What's the intended outcome the entire team needs to know?
Where do you want things to go so the team can help move that company in the right direction? If the outcome is to draw people to an event, what needs to be put in place to achieve that? Again, the big idea could fall flat if parts of the company don’t know how you're measuring success.
What if that plan goes awry?
If I were in the conference rooms at Nike when they came up with the plan for the campaign featuring that polarizing former NFL player, I’d want to know what our plans were for the culture of outrage that America tends to find itself in these days. In terms of your company, though, ask what is the message to your critics, and who will deliver it on behalf of your company? Is everyone ready to stick with that message? Is the company's message authentic and heartfelt, or does it need to be strong and commanding? Whatever it is, make sure it helps your company reach the intended goal.
Make sure the whole business (everyone down to the interns) knows the plan.
Even a simple email will do. This is especially important during crisis communication. Know your point person, your central message, the intended outcome, and make sure we are all aware as part of your company. We've found in client PR situations that a well-meaning member of the staff will answer a seemingly harmless question on Facebook or give a reporter a quote, then it can get away from you.
This blog is intended to help your business put a simple plan into place to help with your public relations strategy this year or to create a crisis communications plan. If you need help, we're your people. We have decades of media experience and multiple successful businesses, as well, so we are the team with the right blend for you. We love helping clients publicly or as your confidential consultants. Contact us today so you're ready when the media comes calling.
Former news anchors Sarah Stokes and Chris Herzog started the STOKES|HERZOG family of companies back in 2014. The two own the marketing and consulting agency, STOKES|HERZOG Realty which is a Wisconsin based commercial real estate brokerage, and The Juicy Good Life, an online success training company designed for women.