Strategy
Your Brand: Much More than a Logo
by Frank L. Williams What do you think of when you hear the phrase “brand identity?” For many, the first thing that comes to mind is a visual brand, such as a logo. When I say “Pepsi” or “Coke,” most of us can instantly visualize their respective logos. The idea of a brand being a…
Read MoreBuilding Success Through Effective, Strategic Communication
by Frank L. Williams At Pioneer Strategies, our mission is Building Success Through Effective, Strategic Communication. What exactly does that mean, and why should you care? Let’s break it down. First, let’s define “success.” You don’t “do PR” just to do it – you do it to achieve a larger business goal. We define success…
Read MoreThere is No PR Silver Bullet
by Frank L. Williams We live in a society that demands instant gratification, often seeking it where it simply does not exist. In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey tells the story of a farmer whose goose laid a golden egg each day. The farmer got impatient and decided to speed up…
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 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 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 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…
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