What’s so Funny ‘Bout Peace Love and Understanding?
[rev_slider ASDinner16] Elvis Costello was not thinking of the Al Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner when he wrote those words, but they apply to the 71st edition of the event which occurred last week in New York. Stanton Communications was privileged to support the Foundation and the Archdiocese of New York with media arrangements and […]
As Britain Changes Course, Communicators Should Stay Theirs
On a recent business trip to London I had the opportunity to meet with several PR agency leaders and hear their strong opinions about the potential risks and benefits of Brexit. That was prior to the vote that resulted in the decision that Britain would leave the European Union. Now the question becomes what the […]
A Bulletin from Berlin
When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, a barrier that separated people, families and, in fact, a nation ceased to exist. Recently, in the area that was formerly no man’s land, a meeting occurred in a luxury hotel standing squarely inside what before 1989 was the kill zone for anyone trying to flee from East […]
Pope Francis Said “Collaborate”… and We Did
The recent visit of Pope Francis to the United States was historic on many levels. Even now, weeks after he returned to Rome, the images of his encounters in Washington, New York and Philadelphia remain vivid and moving. Few will forget his silent prayer and humble bow before the South Pool at the 9/11 Memorial […]
One Big Step to the Side
Stanton Communications made a singular change this month, one that is unprecedented in our quarter century history. We replaced our president — me. While changes in executive ranks occur with great frequency in major corporations, the opposite is true in smaller businesses where founders tenaciously hang on. Noam Wasserman of Harvard Business School writes that […]
Four Key Lessons from 25 Years: What Running an Agency Taught Me
This month concludes the 25th year in business for Stanton Communications. What began as a one-person shop today is an enterprise with a track record of success for some of the largest companies in the world and a trophy case full of awards for program excellence. In some respects, little of that matters. Today, there […]
Communication During a Crisis: Words Matter
To say the crisis unfolding in Ferguson, Missouri is one of communication would be a stunning oversimplification. Yet there is no escaping the fundamental truth that the methods and words used to communicate about the tragedy are direct contributors to the unrelenting trauma. From the moment of initial contact between the police officer and the […]
Crisis Communication Begins with Core Principles
It seems the world is in turmoil and each day brings a new horror to the front page. Of interest to our profession is the way each new horror seems to prompt a discussion of communication process and protocol. Comments in PR LinkedIn groups have covered whether Malaysia Airlines is salvageable as a brand; whether […]
Reflecting on 25 Years of Excellence
This month marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of Stanton Communications. I opened the firm after a long and very positive experience at what is now MSL/Publicis. That company had been good to me, but a culture shift increased the emphasis on new business over client service. That wasn’t going to work for me. […]
Lessons in Communication as Taught by Dad
My Dad drove a truck. He was not a professional communicator. Yet, thinking of him as Father’s Day approaches, I am struck by how astute he was about communication, surely without ever realizing it. Here are four lessons he taught me that still resonate today more than 30 years after his passing. I honestly believe […]
