IT’S A PR THING

Episode 28 -- PR Mail Bag Q&A

PR Mail Bag Q&A (with Bonus Recipes!)
After that heavy helping of trust problems we've dished out over the past three weeks, today's episode is going light and a bit random with our mail-bag format. 
Today we dive into a cornucopia of common questions we get from clients, podcast listeners, new professionals, students and sometimes business leaders with no PR experience. 
We'll dig into which branch of PR is the Big Wheel of them all, what hiring leaders need to consider when scouting new PR talent, why PR pros leave organizations, and what do those letters "APR" mean. 
No notepad needed today. Just kick back, languish in your Thanksgiving Day foodie hangover and ponder the philosophies of public relations. 
 
RECIPES AS PROMISED:
Roasted Butternut Squash with Sausage and Spinach
https://www.crazyblondelife.com/blog/61sq2ztcdhdumwox53ea780xh7ui5b?rq=BUTTERNUT%20SAUSAGE%20
Easy Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia Muffins
https://biteswithbri.com/garlic-rosemary-focaccia-muffins/
Cranberry Brie Bites
https://www.wellplated.com/brie-bites/
 
 

Episode 27 -- The National Trust Deficit -- Part III

THE NATIONAL TRUST DEFICIT - PART III
The U.S. trust deficit is permeating across all of our most-influential American institutions, from government to big business to public health to education and the news media.
And there are some valuable lessons to learn in studying this wide-spread deficit.
But throwing more storytelling, more messaging and more content creation at the problem is fruitless. In fact, following that advice may only dig the hole deeper.
All of the above tactics add up to nothing more than a new verbal varnish on the same old mind set that got us where we are today.
But there is a road to redemption. And while the strategy to get there may not qualify as rocket science, it apparently isn't common sense either.
Join us today for the final episode in our National Trust Deficit series -- and learn what important steps lie ahead in restoring trust in our American institutions.

Episode 26 -- The National Trust Deficit -- Part II

Welcome to this episode of IT'S A PR THING, where we tackle Part II of our series on the U.S. National Trust Deficit.
In Part I, we learned the data that's defining the national trust deficit, but this week we dive into the reasons why -- straight from the public -- and how their lack of trust is impacting and reshaping American life. 
And it boils down to one simple concept that appears to be missing in the public's relationship with all of these institutions.
But the road to redemption is still in sight, yet the first step on that journey requires us to understand and act.
And every organization that represents these U.S. institutions of influence can help to carry that banner.
So hit that button and let's dive into some PR learning tough love.
 

Episode 25 -- The National Trust Deficit -- Part I

The National Trust Deficit - Part I
Today we’re starting a series on TRUST.
If you've have been following the public discussion, you know we have a trust deficit in high gear right now.
It's actually a global issue, aggravated by the public’s perception of how the pandemic was handled.
But we're going to cover the trust deficit from a U.S. perspective - and connect the dots so you can see this trust deficit is not simply due to a singular issue, or industry; or the presidential election or confined to either the public or private sector.
It's a multi-faceted issue that runs the gamut across government, business, education, the healthcare field and the news media. And every PR professional needs to be awake and aware of how this is impacting society.

Episode 24 -- Anheuser-Busch: A Case Study in Corporate Activism

The Anheuser-Busch recent marketing campaign stirred up a lot of conversation and action from consumers -- on both sides of the issue. Now company marketing executives are on "leave," consumers across the board are angry, a boycott is in progress, sales and stocks are down, and other Anheuser brands are feeling the impact as well.
All of this begs the question: Should PR pros be pushing corporate activism? Today we play the game of Survey Says to get some insights on what consumers actually think about corporate engagement in political and social issues.
Every PR pro should be in tune with this data.
Grab a pen and paper, and take some notes today as we dig in to some more PR learning love.
 

Episode 23 -- The Tougher Side of Being a New PR Professional

Tanner tackles the tougher side of being a new PR professional
Leading without authority, imposter syndrome, and more
Tanner Sizemore hosts today's episode of IT'S A PR THING and tackles the hurdles and quandaries inherent in being a new PR pro who's working to grow personally and professionally.
Today Tanner is asking the questions, and he's digging into how to lead without authority, how to handle that nagging feeling of imposter syndrome, how to survive micromanagement and how to work into more responsibility.
Being a new professional in the PR field is no easy road. There are big expectations and high pressures. But, as Tanner draws out in today's interview, those honing experiences can help you become a sharp professional over time.
Learn more about Tanner. Send Tanner an encouraging message about his debut in hosting the podcast: tanner@mcfarlandpr.com

Episode 22 -- East Palestine: How To Host an Arrest-free News Briefing

EAST PALESTINE DERAILMENT
How to host an arrest-free news briefing. 
On February 8, a NewsNation reporter was arrested at a news briefing in East Palestine, Ohio, where a train derailment had occurred, resulting in the burning of toxic chemicals that created havoc for the small Ohio community. 
What led to this arrest, and how could  frustrations and irritation on the ground escalate into something that went so wrong, so fast and in such a big way? Professionals who work crisis management often have to deal with tense media situations. So how can you keep that tension from escalating into confrontation? Today we’ll walk through five practices that can help to build relationships with reporters on site at a crisis news briefing, reduce tension, and create cooperation and even opportunity for collaboration. 
Lots to unpack here today, so grab a pen and your note pad — and let’s dive in for some more PR learning love. 
 
 
 

Episode 21 -- Steps To Check How Inclusive Your Communication Really Is

Are you operating inclusively in how you communicate, or is your organization unintentionally fostering an atmosphere of exclusion? 
Are you spouting the word "inclusion" but actually delivering exclusivity? Or does your organization unintentionally set up barriers so only a select or limited segment can truly connect and interact with you? 
Today we're going to apply an "inclusion check" to your company conversation and content -- from how you talk in your website copy to your social media posts to your product packaging information to product instructions to how your customer service representatives talk to customers, to your customer-service correspondence, etc. 
And we'll walk you through crucial questions you can apply as you look around your organization over the next week and informally assess what you can do to improve your company's efforts to be truly inclusive.
 

Episode 20 -- Your Personal PR Brand in 2023

So many companies today say they want a kinder, more unified society. That's an admirable goal. But how do we get there, and still respect diversity of thought, experiences, beliefs, etc.? And is company and/or legislative policy the way to get there?
Or is it our collective behaviors and actions that make up the real answer?
Today we share five New Year's resolutions to help you become part of the solution by doing five things that enhance your own personal PR brand.
These resolutions are good advice for anyone anywhere, holding any position in any organization.
Grab a pen and some paper, and join in today for some more PR learning love!

Episode 19 -- PR Strategic Planning

If you want to be successful in your public-relations efforts, then you must have a PR strategic plan. Whether you're planning for the organization's reputation, or for a specific initiative or campaign, you must have a thorough and documented PR strategy.
Today, Sam Sims, PRSA incoming board member and Fellow, podcast host of PR for the Rest of Us and president of the Sims Group, chats with our host Stephanie McFarland about PR strategic planning.
Together, Sam and Steph talk about the key components of a good PR strategy, best practices, and how to manage the planning process and collaborate across the organization, and tips on how to implement the plan and measure success.
This is a real and sincere Friday afternoon chat between two experienced PR pros who give some valuable food for thought on the PR strategic planning process.
Grab a pen and paper -- and let's all dive in for some more PR learning love!