Jason Fell

Are you leading market development funds on the table? Or having difficulty securing it from a vendor? Tonya Gentry with some great tips for finding and using #MDF as part of your marketing strategy. Read more in this #CompTIACommunity blog.

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Check out how I approach editing human-written content vs AI-generated content. (Secret: There's always a human in the loop!)

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T-minus...not very many hours until Election Day. Are you ready? ***Those in the PR/Comms industries: How are you handling Election Day for your brand/org, your employees, and most of all...yourself?*** [Me: We have the editorial calendar planned this week with flexibility for important election-related pieces if they come in. I'm working on several election-unrelated pieces. Taking time out to vote on Tuesday. Taking walk breaks/cat cuddling breaks Tuesday and Wednesday. Buying MORE candy. Already decided on ordering out for dinner Tuesday night with husband. ] Take care. Be gentle with yourself and others. Eat as much candy as you want.

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Is your company or client exhibiting at a trade show? Why not set up meetings with reporters and editors who are attending the show? Here’s how: ➡️ If you’re paying to exhibit, you can ask for what is known as the pre-registered press list. This includes publications that are sending editors to the event. ➡️ Then, you can review the list and contact relevant publications to schedule brief meetings with your spokesperson in your booth at the show. It’s a great way to meet face-to-face – which helps build relationships. You can chat about what’s new at your company, what you have coming up and how it might fit into what they’re covering in their publication. I do this often when working with my manufacturing PR clients, and it really does help you get to know each other. This means editors may be more likely to remember your company when they have story opportunities that may be a fit. #manufacturingPR #PRTips #B2BPR #publicrelations

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I appreciate PRWeek’s recent stories on agency Q3 earnings. According to the reports, agencies experienced low single-digit growth at best, and most anticipate a continued challenging operating environment ahead. As Big Valley Marketing’s Founder and CEO Tim Marklein put it, Q3 was “lumpy and bumpy.” While we were able to achieve double-digital growth, it was definitely hard work. When organizations are not performing as expected, it is rarely a “math problem.” It is usually an operation and/or a leadership problem. Most successful agencies have a deliberate business strategy that deploys several approaches to enable growth. Developed annually and visited regularly, this strategy has to include how to drive organic and inorganic growth and lines of action to minimize client churn. Here are five simple things agencies can consider to not just survive but thrive: ✅ set a long-view plan early, ✅ manage your practices and client portfolios with discipline and agility, ✅ mobilize your team vertically and horizontally, ✅ activate your collective network, and ✅ not lose sight of what your clients need and what you are good at. Client needs will evolve, markets will shift, and securing the desired budget or scope will always take work. For meaningful growth creation, it is simply not enough to have a “chief growth officer,” an "agency growth driver," or a "head of business development." As agency leaders, we all need to be more intentional or skilled in orchestrating a growth strategy. What do you think? #agency #holdingcompany #publicrelations #PR

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🚀 Exciting news in the world of podcasting! Steve Pratt's new book has been reviewed, offering insights and the first chapter. 🔮 **Prediction**: With the rise of podcasts as a popular medium for information and entertainment, Steve Pratt's book is poised to become a go-to resource for podcasters looking to enhance their content and reach a wider audience. 🎙️ **Commentary**: - Podcast hosting platforms are crucial for budget planning in 2025, with SoundStack offering monetization solutions to add value for podcasters. - As the podcast industry continues to evolve, tools like SoundStack's delivery and monetization services will be essential for podcasters looking to grow their audience and revenue streams. 📚 Dive into Steve Pratt's book and stay ahead of the curve in the dynamic world of podcasting - innovation is key! #Podcasting #Innovation #PodcastIndustry #SoundStack Command Your Brand

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Fascinating piece by Axios’ Sara Fischer about Substack and its growth. ❓ A question for my PR friends out there.... Has it become a go-to venue for you? Have you had success offering clients as sources to the newsletters? Key takeaways: 📈 "More than 22 politics, news, business and tech Substack newsletters have "tens of thousands" of paid subscribers." …And “More journalists are heading to Substack following layoffs and volatility at their former outlets, instead of freelancing.” Please share your thoughts/insights in the comments…   #mediarelations #PR #publicrelations #marketing

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Wherever you are in your publishing process, here’s a tip you can use right now: Leverage every opportunity to build your brand.   Got an interview or podcast spot? Don’t let it vanish into the ether. Share it across all your channels, add the media logo to your website, and link back to the full interview. This positions you as an expert and keeps your audience engaged. Want to build momentum like this consistently? The Author Brand + Bestseller Launch School starts October 3rd, and I’ll teach you how to maximize every opportunity, no matter your stage.   Let’s get you ready. 🔗underneath

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“Media opportunities are for more established authors and experts than myself.” It’s time to bust this Smith Myth. Richelle Zizian Fredson and I do just that in my recent interview on her Bound + Determined podcast. From established publishers to innovative hybrid presses, from independently published debut authors to influential keynote speakers and industry luminaries, we explore strategies for amplifying the voices of 𝒂𝒍𝒍 authors. Some key points from our conversation include: 🗓️ The ideal timeline for book PR 🎤 What media is really looking for right now 📰 How the media landscape has changed for authors 📖 Why your book is the supporting character, not the main character It was such an enlightening and inspiring discussion. You can listen to all of our actionable takeaways at the link here: https://bit.ly/3yYS0JC. #Marketing #Author #Publishing #MarketingStrategy

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An important insight here. A lot of planning goes into the big events like Money20/20 with my fintech clients, and we've had to have these types of conversations with them to make sure the announcement clears the bar to be meaningful, or if they should announcement something before to build some momentum (or announce after on your own terms).

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📣 Did you miss PR Newswire's recent webinar? Don't worry! Watch the on-demand webinar now and learn how to unlock the secrets of expanding your story's impact. Our esteemed panel of industry experts dove deep into: * Unlocking maximum media coverage * Amplifying visibility and engagement * Mastering the essential distribution tools for success Seize this opportunity to level up your #PR game! Watch now and let us propel your story to new heights. #Webinar #ProfessionalDevelopment #Networking

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Both CNN and Reuters report today that they will add paywalls to their websites. Many other news media outlets already have paywalls, while others offer some free content with registration and email address. In my business, subscribing to multiple news outlets (and supporting journalists!) is a must - including mainstream print and broadcast media, business and sector-specific trade pubs. How do you evaluate what news you're willing to pay for? What are some of your trusted, go-to news sources these days? #PR #comms #journalism #news #media #marketing #communications #reporter #editor

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This column is for my strategic and crisis communication peers. "Inreach" is a real word. And a solid Inreach strategy can enhance a meaningful Outreach Strategy. #internalcommunications #strategiccommunications #outreach #engagement

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Journalists are spilling the tea about what they like and don't like. Frank Strong of The Sword and the Script shared the results of a recent Cision survey. He pulled the stats that PR pros need to know about to improve their odds of success. 42% of reporters say credibility is the top challenge facing journalism. Tip: Avoid adjectives and hyperbole when you pitch. 67% of journalists use social media to source information. Tip: Keep your social feeds active and relevant. 55% of journalists want exclusives. Tip: Consider using them judiciously. #PR #publicrelationsagency #journalism

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How are brands preparing for the Trump Administration? Thanks to PRWeek for including some of my thoughts: "We’ve been in this divisive moment for some time, so most brands are actually well prepared. Outside of politics, 51% support doesn’t mean victory – it means total failure. Smart brands are seeking to find areas where they can lead change by galvanizing supermajority support. Fortunately, there is still plenty Americans agree on, so long as it’s in a non-political context. Who doesn’t want an America that is more competitive, offers greater opportunity, grows local jobs, invests in US manufacturing, supports our veterans, prioritizes skills-first hiring and, of course, values freedom?" "As the nature of influence changes, leaders are looking to expand on what’s authentic for them and bring these narratives to life for new audiences and increasingly in emerging cultural centers. From sports to podcasts, gaming, and niche communities, there’s a greater recognition of what media is actually being consumed. In 2025 brands need not abandon who they are. But they must realize that culture sits upstream of policy.” https://lnkd.in/e5HeQFaM

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Should you publish your book independently or traditionally? It’s a great question and one I hear from a lot of authors-to-be. Here’s how I break down certain differences, with the caveat that not all indie or traditional publishing is created equal: Indie Publishing: ✅ Full creative control & faster to market. ✅ Higher percentage of sales in your pocket. ❌ You handle (or hire out) all aspects & upfront costs. ❌ Harder to land in bookstores. The indie route is empowering, teaching you the ropes of the industry, offering direct earnings, and tight-knit community support. It’s about taking charge and learning on the go. Traditional Publishing: ✅ Professional editing, design, and marketing support. ✅ Little to zero upfront costs & broader bookstore distribution. ❌ Less creative control & longer time to publication. ❌ Smaller slice of the sales pie (unless you’re publishing with Authors Equity – excited to see what’s to come with their model!). Traditional offers a support system that takes on the heavy lifting, but requires patience and flexibility with your vision. Ask yourself: Why are you publishing? What does success look like to you? Whether it's creative freedom, financial gain, or market reach, understanding your priorities is key. Remember, there's a spectrum between indie and traditional publishing, with hybrid options offering a middle ground. These can vary in the level of control and support provided, so exploring these avenues is worthwhile. Ultimately, the choice between indie and traditional publishing is deeply personal and should align with your goals, values, and vision for your book. Whether you carve your own path or follow the trodden road, each journey offers its own rewards and lessons. #marketing #publishing #author #marketingstrategy

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Reflections on the U.S. Election Results As the results came in, with Donald Trump emerging as the winner, the 2024 U.S. election has underscored both the intensity of the democratic process and the power of communication in modern campaigns. For communication and PR professionals, this election offers significant insights into messaging, perception management, and the role of media in shaping public opinion. From targeted messaging and relentless social media engagement to mastering digital platforms and addressing diverse demographics, Trump’s campaign demonstrated a keen understanding of data-driven outreach and direct communication with his base. His ability to resonate with core supporters while sparking conversations across media channels highlights the importance of clear, consistent messaging, even in polarizing times. This election also reflects the power of authenticity in public perception. Regardless of political stance, Trump’s direct, unfiltered communication style continued to attract supporters, showcasing a trend where authenticity—perceived or real—can outweigh traditional political decorum. For brands and professionals, the key takeaway here is the power of knowing your audience and speaking directly to them, staying consistent, and harnessing the potential of data and digital platforms. The election results remind us of the need to remain agile, responsive, and mindful of public sentiment. As we digest these results, let’s consider how we can apply these lessons in our own fields to engage meaningfully and authentically with our audiences. #USElectionResults #CommunicationInsights #DataDrivenMarketing #AudienceEngagement

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Are your PR metrics giving you a false sense of success? 🤔 Millions of impressions, endless mentions, and sky-high AVE... but what’s the real impact? As we wrap up AMEC Measurement and Evaluation Global Measurement Month, it’s the perfect time to rethink outdated metrics and focus on what truly matters in modern PR. I explored together with my colleague Syanditya Utama why traditional measurements like AVE might be holding us back and learn how to track metrics that drive meaningful engagement, shift perceptions, and deliver real business outcomes. 🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gzRCyZwm #amecmm #measurement #pr #communication #measurewhatmatters

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