Insights
How to Be a Good Client
by Frank Williams I’ve worked with a wide range of clients over the course of my more than 20 years in the public relations profession. We’ve been able to help many businesses, non-profits and individuals accomplish their communication goals. In other cases, however, I felt like something was missing. I get excited when I know…
Read MoreA Refresher in Media Relations
by Frank Williams Technology is transforming the world of public relations and strategic communication, and many now view the press release as a relic of ages past. At the start of my public relations career over two decades ago, much of my work revolved around traditional media relations. These days, more and more of our…
Read MoreWhen Tensions are High, Think Before You Speak, Post, or Send
by Frank L. Williams The events of 2020 have dramatically altered the communication landscape in which leaders must operate. This year has been so filled with crises that memes speculating on what could be next are a prevalent feature in my social media feeds. As leaders, we must understand that emotions run high during a…
Read MoreMy first professional news release (before email was a thing)
by Frank L. Williams In November 1993, five short months after I graduated from the N.C. State University Department of Communication, I wrote and distributed my first press release for a paying client. The client was my pledge brother at Theta Chi Fraternity, Montie Roland, who had recently started a safety consulting business. We took…
Read MoreStarting my first PR Job at the Beginning of a Pandemic
Starting a new job in the PR field, while anticipating my college graduation, was an adventure in itself, so throwing a global pandemic into the mix really made things interesting. At the beginning of March, during the week of the last spring break of my college career, I started a new position as a Public…
Read MoreLeadership, Communication and Setting the Tone During a Crisis
by Frank L. Williams During a crisis, people expect leaders to lead. Whether you are a business owner, association director, elected official or Rotary president, those under your leadership will look to you for direction and hope during a crisis. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, people are craving security and stability during a crisis that…
Read MoreMy first year in the Public Relations profession
It was June 24, 2019 — my first day coming to work for Pioneer Strategies. Right away I was introduced to my office, complete with a spacious desk, business cards and the most essential tools of the trade: a computer and phone. It’s hard to believe that was almost a year ago! Starting off, I…
Read MoreHow I Ended Up in PR
by Frank L. Williams How does a would-be computer programmer end up with a career in public relations? That would-be computer programmer is me. When I was a student at North Brunswick High School in Leland, I won several regional computer programming competitions and was one of a few students who was far ahead of…
Read MoreLeadership, Credibility and Communication During the COVID-19 Crisis
by Frank L. Williams Over the past 45 days our world has been turned upside down by COVID-19 (aka the novel coronavirus). Much of America is under stay-at-home orders. Schools are closed, and parents are suddenly realizing what their kids’ teachers had to put up with all day. Many businesses are closed, and others are…
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