Blog
Why do communications pros so often lack confidence in the value we bring to organizations? Data-driven tools can help, but let’s be real: Unless we take the time to dive deeply into the tools or learn just enough to be dangerous so we can properly guide the experts supporting us, we’ll still doubt our…
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Last year, I spoke with a CEO who lamented the fact that communications consultants don’t do a better job of explaining how they work and what they really need from her to be successful. She wanted clarity so she wouldn’t be surprised by bills she felt were “nickel and diming” her. She’s not wrong. I…
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In October, I attended the Spark with Luly B conference and was inspired by both the energy in the room and her intentional efforts to give women a voice. When a conference attendee shared her story, she said she was constantly asking herself “How dare I think that I could do XYZ”? Luly challenged her…
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It’s the “spooky season,” but that doesn’t mean you have to be afraid of pushing back when senior leaders ask you to develop external communications about an issue or topic you know is not aligned with the reality of what’s happening inside the organization. 😅 If you want to be the trusted advisor your company…
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When I talk to organizations about living out core values in every area of the business, it’s really because I care deeply about internal staff and I want them to know that the company they work for stands for something bigger. Whether it was great customer service or quality products, knowing that my past employers stood for…
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Communications is a critical, capacity-building function for nonprofits. And not just for fundraising, but for the entire organization. Or at least it should be. In this interview with Jarrett Ransom of The Nonprofit Show, I share this little nugget about communications as capacity-building. It was a surprise to Jarrett, but this belief has always driven…
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When communications pros talk about messaging, I think they really mean “talking points.” They are not the same. 👏 Talking points are tactical and created for very specific purposes, like a media interview. They serve a purpose, but they can also stifle big-picture thinking. And if you never break free of them, you’ll miss the…
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If you’re like me, you love a great story of triumph. We find them in books, movies, and even songs. We want the underdog in these stories to win, and we celebrate when they finally do. There’s usually a situation or someone who guides them or facilitates their journey- and we’re especially moved if they…
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I knew I had something special when I launched Corporate Messaging for Communicators a few years ago. I wanted to advocate for communicators to embrace strategic communications as the de facto way they work and I wanted to provide a powerful tool for them to do that. As I developed the program, I interviewed PR and marketing…
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As communications professionals, we’re constantly working to serve our companies, our clients, and for many of us – our families, communities, and others around us. Your dedication to others is beautiful – but remember to make time for yourself! Just as I advocate for PR professionals to embrace communications planning, I also strongly encourage you…
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