Insights
The Value of Patience
by Frank L. Williams Patience is one of the foundational keys to success in public relations, branding, networking, and countless other areas. However, we live in a “show me the quick-fix” world in which nearly everyone wants instant results from processes that naturally take time. Many years ago, one of my clients decided to purchase…
Read MoreDoes Your Organization Suffer from “Irrelevant Great Idea Syndrome”?
by Frank L. Williams In addition to my businesses, I’ve been involved with a wide range of civic, professional, political and other organizations over the years. Nearly every one of those organizations has been afflicted with what I call “Irrelevant Great Idea Syndrome” at some point. This affliction arises when a member of the organization…
Read MoreEight Presentation Killers and How to Avoid Them
by Frank L. Williams During the course of my work on various boards and committees, I am on the receiving end of a wide range of presentations. Some presentations are engaging, informative, and even entertaining. Others are mind-numbingly boring or painful to sit through. I’ve observed a number of common mistakes that tend to torpedo…
Read MoreGet Out of Your Echo Chamber
by Frank L. Williams Oxford Languages defines an “echo chamber” as “an environment in which a person encounters only beliefs or opinions that coincide with their own, so that their existing views are reinforced and alternative ideas are not considered.” Dictionary.com offers a similar definition: “an environment in which the same opinions are repeatedly voiced…
Read MoreBeware a Design with No Plan
by Frank L. Williams In the early- to mid-2000s, I was approached by a soon-to-be entrepreneur who wanted a marketing communication plan for his new business. When we came to terms, he had already engaged a designer to create his website, but they had not yet started work. I advised this aspiring entrepreneur to hit…
Read MoreWhat’s Your Communication “Why”?
by Frank Williams Over the years, I’ve heard clients make resolute statements like “We need to do more press releases,” “We need to get more media coverage,” “We need to attend this event,” or, more in recent years, “We need to do more on social media.” When I hear such a statement, my first question…
Read MoreWhat Comes First: the Pie, or the Slice?
by Frank Williams The idea that your communication activities should be driven by a well-thought-out strategy designed to help achieve your overall business goals is a core underpinning of our philosophy at Pioneer Strategies. Every communication activity should move you closer to your vision and goals. With this philosophy as a guiding principle, we work…
Read MoreEffective Networking Begins With a Strategy
by Frank L. Williams Many of my friends consider me to be a prolific networker. While I do feel I’ve developed a strong network of professional relationships over the years, it was not always so. When I was in my late 20s, I was hired for a sales job because the sales manager – who…
Read MoreDemonstrating Your Expertise
by Frank L. Williams We all prefer to do business with people who are knowledgeable in their fields. If you need a heart surgeon, you want one who has experience and a proven track record of successfully performing the type of surgery you require. If your car isn’t running properly, you want a mechanic who…
Read MoreLessons Learned from 20 Years in Business
by Frank L. Williams I have a hard time believing that Pioneer Strategies is celebrating 20 years in business this August. On the one hand, it seems like I just started the firm, but on the other hand, it’s hard for me to remember doing anything else. Anyone who has been in business for more…
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