Bob Finnerty

PR types do not need to become tech experts. We do need to learn how to have conversations with them.

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Harris's Innovative Media Strategy Should Continue

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ATTENTION INDIES AND SOLO PR PROS: For independent professionals, success requires more than just top-notch skills. You need the skills and ability to run a business too; however, taking time off to attend relevant trainings and conferences is often cost-prohibitive, especially when you’re a solo practitioner. In addition to the financial burden of registration and travel expenses, there is the intangible cost too: when indies take time off, no one is left “manning the shop.” Work basically stops.  IPA VirtuCon was created to provide members a conference-like program focused on running a business, enabling members to get training they needed without having to shut down their business. Designed specifically as a virtual conference, long before virtual was a norm, it offers an expansion of our monthly webinar programs to help members improve their efficiency and effectiveness to run a successful business. Don’t miss VirtuCon THIS Wednesday, September 25 for an afternoon of fabulous speakers. Register here today! https://lnkd.in/e72Ma9Ym

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I found this article helpful for those wondering how to effectively use AI in public relations. Technology is wonderful. Humans need to learn how to use appropriately and ethically. Remember, AI is a supplementary tool along with the tools you're already using and knowledge you have gained from education and experience. https://lnkd.in/exnaf2NK

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Register now for our Oct. 17 webinar! 💥 Join our experts for a live discussion on the 2024 State of the Press Release Report and get insights on: 🔥Headline optimization for SEO 🤖Generative AI in PR  🖼️ Multimedia power  📣 Multichannel communication

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Thrilled to have hosted a webinar on the Ethnicity Pay Gap with three exceptional experts on the subject. Our discussion delved into systemic biases, actionable solutions, and the imperative for change. Let's turn insights into action for a more equitable future. #EthnicityPayGap #DiversityandInclusion

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PR campaigns rarely succeed by chance and internal alignment is always crucial to the process. Leadership, marketing, product, and sales teams who are aligned have a much better chance of maximizing the impact of a PR campaign. Seems obvious, but we have seen numerous examples of companies who are not aligned and the pitfalls that come with that.

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In today’s media landscape, understanding the difference between pay-to-play and earned media is essential. In this week’s Association Insights, I explore these two approaches and when to use each for your association’s goals. 💸 Pay-to-play means paying for guaranteed placement, like sponsored articles or native ads. It offers visibility and control over your message, but is always labeled as paid content, letting readers know it’s advertising. 📰 Earned media is true editorial coverage. When journalists choose to cover your story because of its merit, it’s seen as unbiased and credible, often carrying more weight with audiences. Trust is a major factor—earned media is vetted by editors and journalists, while pay-to-play is helpful for visibility but doesn’t always have the same impact. Both approaches have their place, and knowing when to use each can help maximize your media strategy. 💬 How does your association approach media coverage? Share your insights below! #AssociationInsights #EarnedMedia #PayToPlay #PRStrategy #OnWrdUpWrd #Communications

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We're a month away from the 14th annual #TCU Nonprofit Communicators Conference, and we invite you to join us to pursue "Advocacy for Connection and Innovation." In a changing political climate with shifting commitments to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, how do we help our internal and external stakeholders advocate for resources that serve vulnerable populations? How can we leverage AI tools for good? How do we develop crisis communication strategies to proactively and strategically respond to social issues, adapt to policy changes, and build relationships with underserved communities? For those on the frontlines of advocacy and activism, how do we pace ourselves for the journey and remain hopeful as we work for a more just and equitable world? We invite nonprofit communicators, leaders, and volunteers to join us as we ponder the answers to these questions and more. Learn from industry leaders and scholars who care deeply about the communities we serve, and take practical communication strategies back to your organizations to work for the betterment of society. Register today (https://bit.ly/4atZdPG), and share this opportunity with people in your networks! The cost is only $35 for the full day, which includes a light breakfast and lunch. See you next month! #NPCC24 #nonprofits #nonprofitcommunication #strategiccommunication #advocacy

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How engaging are your promotions, your #communications, your #PR? Are people tuning IN or tuning OUT? Here’s what happens when you don’t connect w/your #stakeholders: https://lnkd.in/eQsjBf85 #PRtip #WritingTip #MarketingTip

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Many lessons from external communications apply to internal communications. Employees are a vital audience. You reach them with different tools, channels, and messaging, but they’re still human. “It’s a tale of evolving stakeholder behavior and how even the most intensely invested stakeholders may not behave as we hope.” #publicrelations #internalcommunications

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The Journey from Communications Waitress to Communications Business Advisor™ ... Listen in to the latest episode of the Communications Business Advisor™ Podcast to hear more about the career journey and that critical moment where things shift. Available on your favorite podcast player - link in comments.

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Turns out, content creation can do us some good! Our experimental study, published this week in Communication Research Reports, shows that when you make a video “selfie” advocating pro-environmental behavior, you may be more likely to practice it. Read more about the self-effects of user-generated content (UGC) here: https://rb.gy/sf7pbj Plus, it was a true pleasure to work with Laura Arpan, Nick Sellers, PhD, Olivia B. and Zhuxuan Yan on this piece. 👏

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The holidays are coming! Here’s your reminder to think opposites when creating your holiday promotions. The same old holiday discounts or festive packages won’t cut through the noise or grab attention. To make your brand stand out, flip the script. Think about what everyone else is doing and then do the opposite. For example, a Silent Night or Holiday Detox package featuring a deluxe candlelit hotel suite, phones and devices locked away in a safe at check-in, no holiday music, a meditation class, an in-room stress-relief massage, herbal teas, etc. The key is to zig when everyone else zags. What’s the most creative, outside-the-box holiday idea you’ve seen or done?

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Thanks to Ragan Communications and PR Daily for the invitation to present at their inaugural AI for Communicators summit today. Honored to take part in a tremendous day of programming. One key takeaway from the session I co-led with Jt Toomer on visual storytelling, especially for organizations that are using AI video creation tools to streamline production work, is the importance of a well-managed video archive. Ultimately, organizations that can utilize their own images and footage within these tools, securely and efficiently, will be able to extend the value these new tools offer. JT and I spoke about applications for the suite of tools on the market today, including Canva and Pictory, but also the potential for greater customization. As new tools and services are created, words like “metadata” and asset management will become increasingly relevant in the AI production landscape. #AIVisualStorytelling #DigitalTransformation #DigitalAssetManagement https://lnkd.in/eVanZg4Z

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