StrategyVerse Consulting

Dear N, I’m struggling right now with a feeling I get near the end of every project — the feeling that it’s ending too soon. Part of it is my yearning as a consultant to feel needed — are you sure things won’t fall apart without me? Part of it is also that, as you ripple out the narrative to your team, people are having opinions about it, and they’re asking you to change it. CEOs changing it as they ripple it out is part of my process, but I worry that one day, when I’m no longer around, you’ll change it in ways that I don’t love. For a long time, I tried to come up with a different way of ending engagements, a way that would help me feel more closure. A way that would make me feel more like it was “done.” But after 10 years of doing this, I’m giving up on that goal. It's simply never final. And the fact that your team is taking it on — maybe even the fact that they will make changes that I don’t love — is proof that they are owning it, which is maybe more important than everything being “right” when I send my final invoice. We still have a couple more weeks. Let’s see how it plays in real sales calls, and in your CEO keynotes that we talked about, and do our best to improve it. After that, I’ll be here whenever you want to talk about it, but I’ll also do my best to let go. Yours,  Andy

Nobody knows the truth. Everyone is groping in the dark. Therefore… Avoid people who ‘argue’ to be right. Meet people who ‘converse’ for a better understanding.

Love comes from long-term relationships. Health comes from long-term good habits. Wealth comes from long-term investment. Peace comes from long-term self-reflection. Talent comes from long-term focused efforts. You want value, think and act long-term. @adamcolb_

PR gets complicated when you forget your audience. Want to see your name in The Economic Times? Sure, that’s great for your ego. But what does your audience need? They want credible, relevant information—on platforms they trust. Focus on them. Meet them where they are. And watch your PR efforts gain real traction. PS: The Economic Times may be a platform your audience trusts, but are you sure that it is the only one?

“We’ll issue a press release” is not a strategy. It’s a default reaction. A crutch. Instead, try this: “We’ll analyze the situation and share tailored recommendations.” Admitting you need time to craft a strategy isn’t a weakness—it’s professionalism. The best outcomes come from thoughtful action, not knee-jerk reactions.

“Clients criticize freely but appreciate sparingly.” Sound familiar? It’s frustrating, especially when it happens over and over. But there’s a way to fix it. Here’s the process: 1. Write down the brief and deliverables, and get client approval 2. Involve clients in the process—drafts, edits, media rounds 3. Review results against clear goals 4. Ask for feedback in writing, even if it’s negative 5. Use that feedback to plan the next activity 6. Repeat Why does this work? - People pause before criticizing in writing. - When they’re involved, they own the results too. It’s not about silencing criticism. It’s about turning criticism into collaboration. And collaboration leads to appreciation.

PR has a set of simple rules. But over time, they’ve been buried under layers of complexity. Here are the fundamentals that never change: - The right message wins. - Timing is everything. - Know your audience, deeply. - Trust is earned, not spun. - Great stories need no fluff. Yet, the industry often complicates these basics with jargon, endless strategies, and unnecessary processes. Here’s the truth: PR isn’t a maze to navigate; it’s a path to walk. Get back to basics. Simplify your approach, stay consistent, and let the results speak for themselves. PR is simple. Don’t overthink it.

CXOs, if you’re saying “We want coverage in Economic Times / Times of India” in the early days of PR, check yourself. Your ego is talking. PR isn’t a tool to boost your ego. PR connects you to your target audience by discussing solutions they need on their trusted platforms. That takes: 1. A clear understanding of your audience. 2. A deep dive into your solutions. 3. Knowing the media platforms that matter. All of this requires time. Engage in PR only if you’re ready to commit.

Saying “we need PR” is easy. Doing what PR needs you to do is hard. Don't be the person who wants to lose 5 kg in a month while lounging on the sofa. PR demands action, commitment, and alignment. Not just wishful thinking.

Media engagement feels like a waste of time to some clients—until a crisis hits. Harsh reality: Once you’re in the middle of a crisis, the media already have what they need. They might not be interested in hearing your side. I am telling you this because you need to engage with the media during your good times. Build those relationships when things are steady, so you have a foundation to lean on when the tide turns. A proactive approach today means an open door tomorrow.