LT Public Relations

The discussion of twittering came up today during a lunch meeting with a group of top-notch public relations professionals (or as we heard someone say “PR Ballers.”).  The question on the table was . . . is twittering a legitimate communications tool? 

The conclusion is that twitter is blogging + Instant Messagering on crack.  It’s an extremely fast and timely way to communicate, on-the-spot, thoughts and reactions from wherever you are in the world.

The conclusion is that twittering is here to stay and should be monitored, but we couldn’t find many ways for our clients to capitalize on this new communications tool.  However, we did find merit in monitoring other people’s twitters (e.g. journalists) to determine their slant on a particular trend or story.  Also, twittering might be useful to review at a live conference or event to gauge others thoughts.

Otherwise, we say stick to blogs.  They’re more journalistic and less haste.

Of course, we here at LT Public Relations want to hear your thoughts on the legitimacy of twittering.  Contact us!

Google is once again leading the search engine industry in finding ways to best serve its paying customers . . . this time with a simple concept.  Today’s Wall Street Journal reported that Google will soon unveil a new service that measures Internet use intended to help advertisers identify the best sites to buy online ads by telling them which Web sites their target audiences visit–see article “Google to Offer a Tool to Measure Web Hits.” 

The concept seems pretty simple (although the sophistication in Google’s technology might not be easy to understand).  Basically, Google is making it very simple for advertisers to fish where the fish are.

As this is a public relations blog and not necessarily an advertising blog, LT Public Relations believes this same concept applies to how an organization communicates its news to its target audience.  Although we might not have the sophisticated tools of Google (yet!) to specifically identify the sites most visited by a professional and financial organization’s audience, we do know to a very certain degree where their audience goes to read information (from credible sources) about similar organizations (or products and services).

With pubic relations, we’re not concerned necessarily about the number of clicks, but rather the credible, targeted sources we respect that would spread the favorable word about our clients. 

Now that Google’s got this online ad buying thing figured out, we’re more than happy to sit down with them and share some ideas about how they might capitalize on this concept for public relations purposes.  Our phone lines are open . . .

Greetings . . . we’re here LIVE at the 103rd Oregon Bankers Association’s (2008) Summer Convention in beautiful Gleneden Beach, OR at the Salishan Spa & Resort.

Beyond being taken back by the remarkable beauty of this part of the country, we were even more impressed about the attention the conference and some of the speakers gave to bank customers.  While listening intently to many of the speakers (U.S. Senator Gordon Smith, Oregon State Treasurer Randall Edwards, etc.) and jotting down notes on some of the key trends and phrases, there was an underlining theme . . . that bankers care about their customers.

Granted, there was plenty of talk about politics, financials and the “recession,” but many of topics (especially the break-out sessions) discussed what mattered the most . . .the bank’s customer.

There are too many specifics from today to cover in this blog, but we must commend the bankers who truly care about their customers and the issues that they’re currently facing in this challenging economic environment.  Knowing that banks are genuinely concerned for their customers should give those in the market for a trusted bank solace that your best interest is at heart.

Nice work bankers . . . LT Public Relations commends you for knowing what’s truly important. 

Nike continues to amaze us.  They are always on the cutting-edge of capitalizing on the new mediums to communicate their story as proven in this week’s news regarding their “Ballers Network.”  Adweek reported on Nike’s innovative program on Facebook that connects basketball players, aka “ballers,” with pick-up games, leagues, and/or each other.

Friends, this is the new “face” of public relations and the innovative way organizations must connect with their target audience.

The idea of the “Ballers Network” program is brilliant for numerous reasons, but want to highlight a few:

• The communication is targeted and highly interactive (It’s not only saying, but doing).  We all know that if you can convice your audience to pay attention and then participate . . . you’ve got ‘em
• It’s cost effective.  Facebook is free.  The cost of developing and maintaining the project might cost a few bucks, but relative to standard banner advertising, this is cheap!
• Nike’s Global Director of Digital Media Services Stefan Olander said, “It’s really hard to convey a brand message through Web ads.”  This is true for any ads.  That’s why this program is an excellent way to not only taut Nike’s basketball offerings, but to solidify its basketball brand.
• Like the name of the program, it builds a “network.”  What better way to communicate and to establish a brand than to build a network that validates your brand?

We can go on and on about effectiveness of this non-traditional medium to communicate an organization’s offerings.  But the most significant point to underscore is the importance to be innovative in the way you communicate.  Don’t be lazy and just “send a news release” or “buy an ad.”  Folks, this is the future of communication.  Pay attention.

We here at LT Public Relations will be watching, practicing and executing on these new ways to communicate for our professional and financial services companies.

The NBA’s Commissioner David Stern has been a remarkable ambassador for the game since his arrival in 1984.  He has seen some exceptional talent and competition in those 24 years and should be commended for his work in promoting the league.

But we’re here to give this guy some serious props for his public relations work.  There should really be an ongoing blog just on Stern’s PR accomplishments, but it’s worth noting that he epitomizes what good PR is . . . constant, clear and credible communications–while incorporating new mediums and progressive thinking to raise a positive buzz (and stave off negative publicity).

Think about it . . . this guy almost single handedly expanded the game internationally (215 countries in 43 languages), exponentially increased revenue for the league (fifteen-fold increase in revenues during his tenure), launched the WNBA, drives silly-numbers to its Web site (www.nba.com - over 3 million visitors a day!), spearheaded the leagues global commitment to social responsibility with NBA CARES and so on and so on . . . 

The most impressive is the exceptional way he addresses the MANY ugly issues the NBA faces daily with their cry-baby players, gambling refs, fan-punching players (hello, Ron Artest), etc., etc., etc. The moment issues arise (and they do often), David Stern communicates . . . and communicates fast and often.  The guy is in front of the media and give its fans a minute-by-minute update on what’s going on.

LT Public Relations gives kudos to Mr. Stern because he does PR right through his constant, clear, and consistent communications efforts and innovative approaches to communications.

Nice work, David Stern. 

In so many facets of life, when times are tough, you should communicate more often.  Communication provides openness, transparency and ensures all parties are on the same page.

In the recent Wall Street Journal article, “In Tough Times, Spend Even More?”, WSJ Advertising Reporter Aaron O. Patrick explores the importance of companies spending more on ads to attract attention during tough economic environments like we’re facing now. *Today’s (6/16) WSJ, “Don’t Back Down” highlighting Stefan Tornquist of MarketingSherpa is also a good, relevant read.

We agree with much of the article and the examples of companies that advertise during these challenging times, but at LT Public Relations, we encourage our clients to communicate more when times are tough.

Many companies want to “hold tight” on their spending and take a “wait-and-see” approach during such economic conditions–when in fact this is the BEST time to communicate to target audiences (especially financial and professional services organizations).  We’re not advocating spending copious amounts of money, but rather ratcheting up the public relations efforts to tell customers that the company understands the situation and is taking many steps to ensure things will be fine when this proverbial economic storm blows over. 

Not communicating heavily during these times makes the company seem that it’s in hibernation–customers then begin to draw their own conclusions that since the economy is struggling, then the company must be struggling.  This isn’t always the case–but even if it is, it’s important for a company to proactively communicate more about why things are tough and how the company is addressing the situations.

Bottom line, companies should always proactively communicate news about the company and the trends affecting their customers and industry–especially during the tough times.

Online polls are nothing new, but have recently become the subject of debate regarding their viability and their accuracy for representing the population they’re attempting to poll.  Check out this week’s BusinessWeek article, “Online Polls: How Good Are They?” 

Although the article didn’t cover it, there’s another important angle for public relations professionals/firms and LT Public Relatons clients to explore . . . Online Polls can be an excellent medium to attract customers to Web sites (or a tool to have them “stick around” a site a bit). We’ve used Harris Interactive and YouGov in the past to cull some important data from well crafted polls and have been pleased with the results (and media coverage), but these polls didn’t really provide our clients much in the way of attracting their customers.

Many of our clients are asking us to find ways for customers to visit (and stay on) their Web sites. This is important for two primary reason 1) provides customers with a comprehensive online source of information about the company 2) the ability to track visitors, their clicks and their time spent on the site. They call this Web analytics.

So why not develop an online poll? It’s a cost effective way for your company to:

• Learn more about your customers and their views
• Attract customers and give them voting power on topics that interest them
• Drive more traffic to the Web site

*Be sure to periodically change the poll question(s) to keep it fresh!

There are a host of other reasons for having an online poll, but it really does give customers a simple way to interact with the company and lets them stick around.

Last two points (for the PR pros reading this):

1. As online polls can increase Web traffic, it’s also an excellent measurement for public relations campaigns show ROI (Did the online poll campaign increase traffic to the site?)
2. The online poll questions should be community or demographic based to give your target customers a fun, yet informative way to interact with both the company, as well as learn a bit more from their peers.

So “gallup” your way to learn more and incorpoate online polls into your Web sites.

The Business Of Innovation

Just a head’s up to watch CNBC’s five-part series, The Business of Innovation hosted by the easy-on-the-eyes Maria Bartiromo. The program attracted tons of excellent executives and dignitaries from the business world–all who came to the table with candid insights on the importance of innovating.

At LT Public Relations, we continue to push our clients to innovate–because “status quo” just ain’t gonna cut it.  Keep on growing and moving forward–which ultimately sparks innovation.

Check it out!

Ever since video killed the radio star (Thanks for nothing, MTV), radio has been plotting its revenge.  Now its day has come.

BlogTalkRadio (blogtalkradio.com) has quietly became the next medium of blogging.  Here’s how it works: any blogger can contact BlogTalkRadio and become a host and discuss essentially any topic and interview anyone they want . . . simply by using their computer as dashboard to manage incoming calls.  No extra equipment is required.

After perusing through their site, the topics and hosts are all over the board from sports to politics to economics.  *Sports fans–don’t be surprised to learn about one of your favorite teams or players as guests.  Today (6/9/08) Caleb Jones interviews Los Angeles Dodgers 1st baseman, James Loney.

Public relations professionals, this has the potential to be something special and we’ll continue to monitor BlogTalkRadio and determine if it’s a viable communications tool for our professional and financial services clients.

Don’t touch that dial.

Read an interesting, but yet oh so simple, article in Inc. Magazine on how to beat the competition. The premise came from Joel Spolsky’s time in the Army and lessons learned from his infantry training on attacking the enemy . . . You fire at the enemy and move forward at the same time. It’s called “Fire and Motion.”  You fire at your competion so they take notice, and at the same time, you take steps closer. Pretty simple.

Spolsky goes into depth on his take on this relatively simple concept and we agree with all of it.  When it comes to being competitive in the financial and professional services industries, the key is not to do exactly what your competiton is doing (i.e. fire back and forth), but to fire and proactively grab new unchartered territory.

With motion comes innovation.  So keep firing, clients . . . but more importantly . . . keep moving forward.  LT Public Relations can provide the ammunition and mobilty to both differentiate yourselves from, and beat, the competion.