Insights
Hiring a PR Firm? How Your Leadership Style Can Make or Break the Relationship
by Frank Williams Over the course of my public relations career, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients. Some of the engagements were positive, productive, and long-lasting. Others, not so much. It took me a number of years to fully understand the degree to which a client’s leadership style affects my team’s ability to…
Read MoreEffectively Managing Your Ad Budget
Managing an advertising budget effectively is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a small startup or a multinational corporation, allocating your resources wisely can make or break your marketing efforts. The key to success lies in strategic planning, careful analysis, and a willingness to adapt. First ask, “what’s your why?” Before diving into…
Read MoreDetails Matter
by Frank L. Williams Details matter. When you do the small things well, it pays off over time. When you don’t, it can come back to haunt you. Benjamin Franklin said that “a small leak will sink a great ship.” If you get into the habit of ignoring or neglecting the little things, they can…
Read MoreWhere Are You Headed?
By Frank L. Williams “We need to post on Facebook more often.” “We should do some billboards.” “We need to do a newsletter.” “I want to send out two press releases every month.” “We need to be doing ads like the ones that pop up after I search for a product on Google.” “Let’s buy…
Read MoreStrategy First!
by Frank L. Williams In the past, I’ve occasionally gotten strange looks from clients when I ask about their big-picture business or organizational goals. One even seemed a bit defensive and asked me why I wanted to know. The reason is simple: EVERY communication program or activity should be designed to move you toward your…
Read MoreWant Truly Strategic Communication? Seat Your Communicator at the Strategy Table!
by Frank L. Williams “Strategic” can be defined as relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them. Another definition is carefully designed or planned to serve a particular purpose or advantage. In layman’s terms, being strategic means that your actions and decisions are focused on achieving…
Read MoreConnecting Communication with Strategy
by Frank L. Williams Throughout my career as a public relations professional, I’ve adhered to a belief that effective communication flows from a solid strategy. Every communication activity should be designed, planned, and executed to help advance a larger business goal. Unfortunately, in far too many organizations, communication “programs” are anything but programs. They are…
Read MoreThe Dangers of a Communication-Strategy Disconnect
by Frank L. Williams Throughout my career as a public relations professional, I’ve adhered to a belief that effective communication flows from a solid strategy. Every communication activity should be designed, planned, and executed to help advance a larger business goal. Unfortunately, in far too many organizations, communication “programs” are anything but programs. They are…
Read MoreA Plan on a Shelf
by Frank L. Williams Does your business, association or non-profit organization have a well-thought-out strategic plan, communication strategy, or crisis communication plan sitting on a shelf collecting dust? Over the years I’ve been involved with organizations and worked with clients who fell into this trap. In some cases, they invested countless hours developing a well-thought-out…
Read MoreThe Power of Social Engagement
by Frank L. Williams Earlier this month, my wife and I attended the largest promotional products trade show in the world, the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Expo in Las Vegas. We were there to gain ideas for how to grow Pioneer Specialties, our promotional products business and a sister company to Pioneer Strategies. Additionally,…
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