A Return to Regular Order Means New Opportunities for Communicators
The House of Representatives is under new management and its newly elected Speaker, Paul Ryan, has pledged a return to regular order. But what does that mean? It’s been so long since the House adhered to its standing rules and policies that many of my colleagues in Washington haven’t actually seen a Congress operate as […]
Quality or Quantity: What Defines a Successful Media Event?
After much planning and coordination, I recently had the opportunity to attend my first on-site media event. This particular event, held in conjunction with a major education technology conference, proved the perfect time to bring our client face-to-face with important media contacts and influencers to educate, exchange ideas and simply get to know one another. […]
Process Matters
Stanton Communications has enjoyed wonderful new business success in recent weeks. With each new client engagement, we take time to assess why we were chosen, what factors or attributes made a favorable impact on the decision makers, and what we might learn that would help us do even better the next time. Lately, we find […]
Tips for Becoming Your Own Editor and Cutting the Fluff
“So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads.” Wise words from the revered writings of Dr. Seuss, and also relevant to journalists, bloggers, Twitterati and public relations professionals alike. As communicators, our job is to tell a story, paint a picture and sell an […]
Steps for 4th Quarter Planning
It’s that time of year when corporate communicators get serious about year ahead planning. It’s a regular routine and an utmost priority both for firms and in-house communication teams. Yet, while much is written on strategy and planning, for many the process remains daunting and difficult. It doesn’t have to be. With the right focus […]
A Plea on Election Day
With the polls barely opened and voting just underway, I write this with absolutely no idea of how this election is going to turn out. I cast my ballot already, one among the millions of early voters who decided they couldn’t wait until November 6th to record their choice for President of the United States. And […]
Special or Not Special – Is that the Real Message?
So, class of 2012, are you special or not? To hear David McCullough Jr.’s commencement speech at Wellesley High School last weekend, today’s graduates are not special at all, except maybe to their own circle of family and friends. While this harsh dose of reality is no doubt true, the message has created a firestorm. […]
Poor Communication Takes Netflix from Hero to Zero
Until recently, Netflix, which provides DVDs by mail and access to streamed video content, seemed to be loved and appreciated by its loyal customer base. For a relatively low cost, customers have had access to hours of movies and TV shows, which they could choose by using Netflix’s easy-to-use online platform. Things took a turn […]
Group-Buying: Get It Right or Pay the Price
In the past few years, group buying has become a phenomenon. Consumers can save on working out, dining out, and everything in between, by keeping a watchful eye on sites such as Living Social and Groupon. For businesses, Groupon and Living Social are great ways to draw new customers in the door and build the […]
Three Reasons Sarah Palin’s Shooting Response Video is All Wrong
Link – Palin Response to Tucson Tragedy In her song “American Dream”, country music artist Lucinda Williams laments over and over again that, “…everything is wrong.” While the song’s focus is on a different type of tragedy, its chorus could just as easily apply to Sarah Palin’s latest attempt to respond to the tragedy in […]
