Is there a swine flu epidemic?  Or not?

The fact that more than 150 people are reported to have died in Mexico is tragic for those who are suffering with what has been labeled swine flu. The question on our minds is, how does it affect us? Should we panic?

This is definitely a classic example of crisis communication and management.  Crisis communication requires very careful handling. The spokesperson should appear to be confident and in charge of the press conference. There should be an expert there to give background information or explanation of the specifics. No one should say “no comment” and no one should act like they don’t have a real clear understanding of the situation as is stands at this moment.                    (more…)

What did you find the hardest about the transition (from journalist to PR professional?)

Kay Paumier of Communications Plus, a Bay Area PR company, asked that question recently. She wanted to hear from journalists turned PR pros. What did you find the hardest about the transition?

For a few decades I ran a magazine publishing company. So as journalists, our job was to get the story done and done right. That was the most important thing. Journalists usually have deadlines– we sure did—and we had to get the story out. The thing I had to learn when I switched to PR is that my job was to make the journalist’s job easier. That was quite a switch. As a journalist, you’re all about production. Get the story done and get on to the next one.                      (more…)

OK, you may ask, what is cause marketing?

Yesterday I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bruce Burtch, the cause marketing catalyst. Bruce has developed many of the most successful cause marketing campaigns in the Bay Area. Cause Marketing is the development of a marketing partnership between a nonprofit and for-profit organization– each party receives benefit toward their individual marketing objectives, while striving to create a greater good through their combined resources. In most cases, the nonprofit organization seeks funding and public awareness; while the for-profit organization seeks increased brand recognition, enhanced public relations and greater sales generation. Very good for both sides!      (more…)