Jeff Klineman

An interesting idea from SmartBrief Food & Beverage: Do you have food and beverage industry insights to share? SmartBrief publishes original articles about food and beverage news and trends on our Latest Articles page. Submitting guest posts is a great way to share your perspective and strengthen your credibility. 📝 Details below: ⬇

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💡 From the fediverse to the Kamala Harris election campaign, SEO, and more: Insights in FIR 425. In this episode of our For Immediate Release podcast, Shel Holtz, SCMP, and I explore six key topics that are shaping the future of business, communication, and technology: 🔹 Fediverse and Digital Sovereignty: We discuss the growing disillusionment with platforms like X and the potential for governments to establish their own instances on the fediverse to maintain digital sovereignty and control over public discourse. 🔹 The Decline of Individuality: A recent study shows a significant decline in people’s desire to stand out over the past 20 years, which has implications for society and how businesses engage with their audiences. 🔹 Corporate DEI Backlash: With growing political and social backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, some companies are scaling back their efforts. But are they abandoning these goals or just changing how they communicate them? 🔹 Impact of Disabling Social Media Comments: Research reveals that disabling comments on social media can harm the perception of influencers and public figures, making them appear less sincere and likeable. 🔹 Kamala Harris’s Gen Z Campaign Strategy: We delve into how Kamala Harris’s campaign successfully engages Gen Z voters by mastering platforms like TikTok and leveraging influencers to drive massive engagement. 🔹 AI and the Future of SEO: The rise of generative AI and concepts like 'zero-click search' are changing the SEO landscape, with new strategies needed to maintain visibility in an increasingly AI-driven search environment. 🔊 For a deeper dive, listen to episode 425 of the podcast - check out the full blog post with audio player here: ⬇️ #Podcast #BusinessTrends #AI #DEI #DigitalMarketing #SEO https://lnkd.in/eCM9mj9d

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I don't often share news analysis, but a recent New Yorker piece by Nathan Heller on the 2024 election grabbed my attention. The big insight? We don't seek news anymore - it "rubs against us" through fragments across platforms. Think about your last major story: did anyone read the full announcement, or just catch pieces across social? Five crucial shifts: 📢 Ambient Presence: "It's about seeding the ambience of information... like minnows released individually into a pond, they will eventually school and spawn." 📰 National Media 2.0: Legacy media matters - not for readers, but as a launching pad for credibility that travels. 🎯 Events Evolved: Modern events exist "simply to set a vibe and keep certain broad suggestions" circulating. 🔍 Details Don't Always Travel: The article puts it bluntly: "Detail, even when it's available, doesn't travel widely after all. Big, sloppy notions do." 🌊 Platform Power: Success means maximizing presence where your audience naturally encounters information - where they're "rubbed by the news." 🔑 The Bottom Line: The new benchmark isn't about perfect messages. It's about creating an environment where your story lives naturally "in the wild." https://lnkd.in/eFBsUmSX

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"Stories are data with a soul." I read that this morning, in Rishad Tobaccowala’s wonderful newsletter The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past. https://lnkd.in/gtGKvxw4 “I read a lot and besides marking the finest sentences in books, I copy down the best sentences which I then read re-read and admire. So far all of these sentences to the best of my knowledge are human created, driven by human insight, observation and feeling.” In our seemingly increasing AI-driven world, this statement gave me hope and encouragement that I am doing this right. This mixing of GenAI, human experience, and a commitment to crafting stories to share those experiences, ideas, and facts with others. As a creative strategist, I look at a lot of data throughout the day, trying to make sense of things, looking for a red thread, an outlier, the space between the notes, that might bring the data to life, that might find a compelling insight, and a thing that can be acted on. My frog for the day is to understand why humans do a particular set of things. It’s an exercise in understanding the behaviour, intent and sentiment behind a set of actions. It will most likely start down a road filled with statistics, then a detour into learned behaviours based on a cultural habit or tradition. I’ll get lost somewhere between ‘we have always done it that way’ and the uncharted territory of ‘what if we did it differently?' Data to story, observe and refine. While data provides facts and AI generates content, it's the human experience that breathes life into information. Machines, no matter how advanced, lack the singular, irreplaceable element that makes stories truly powerful: lived human experience. Consider: 1. AI can analyse trends, but it can't feel the weight of a decision that changed a company's trajectory, made by a person, while in the shower, alone with the weight of an unavoidable decision. 2. Algorithms can generate text, but they can't capture the nuanced emotions of a team overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, betting on gut, instinct and experiences earned. 3. Machine learning can predict outcomes, but it can't understand the accumulated wisdom from years of trial and error, wins and failures. The most impactful insights come from blending data with authentic human narratives. It's the difference between reading about a statistic and understanding the faces and lives behind the numbers. This is why I wake up each morning, coffee in hand, and unlock my machine. “Good morning Claude.” Our unique experiences, our struggles, our triumphs – these are our superpowers, our gifts to the world around us. They're what make our stories resonate, inspire, and drive real change. GenAI is a mirror of ourselves, not always perfect, often prone to exaggeration, albeit a faster version, but still, when you come down to it, it can only take what humans have created and work from there. At least for now. 

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The data from our first poll with The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter and GS STRATEGY GROUP is a sobering look at the current landscape in American politics. Check out our research here:

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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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We believe it's time to focus on the “S” in ESG! And that's why we launched the Center for Social Capital last year. https://lnkd.in/gSJ7wSk6 People are hurting in our nation and beyond. Extreme hunger, poverty, lack of education, health care and adequate housing as well as an exponentially growing mental health crises are just a few of the catastrophic, existential threats facing us. So, no single other issue facing our world right now is more important than taking care of each other and preventing the treatment, lack of treatment and depravation that is occurring in this nation and all over the world. Yet much of the world’s media, and a whole lot of governing bodies, seem to think it much more important to focus on other issues. So much so that we allow other supposedly “big” problems to pit us against each other or worse overshadow these real, present day, solvable human plights that a majority agree on needing to be fixed. Are we cutting off our nose to spite our “race” – the human race that it? It's time to get back to basics to bring together the mighty forces on the planet to save humanity – led believe it or not by the private sector that simply does capitalism right and the way it was intended to be done That’s right –a whole new microcosm of social impact “people-centric” corporations that are making it their purpose to improve the plight of humanity simply by adhering to the philosophical precepts of capitalism. Learn more and join the movement below where you can check out their amazing insights, articles and interviews and join the movement. #people, #ceomindset, #socialcaapital, #leadership

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From the editor of Business Green: “Fresh polling and results suggest Number 10's decision to rollback climate policies - and crucially to be seen to do so - has backfired quite spectacularly.” UK Local elections: Results and polling suggest voters 'as committed as ever' to net zero: https://lnkd.in/e3gDbTvA #netzero #UK #voters #politics

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Learn how to keep #personalcare products safe and fresh in my July 2024 deep dive feature for happi into the #preservatives marketplace. Leading industry experts share the latest components and regulations you need to know now...

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I rarely comment about individual companies I’m not working with, but in this case I feel compelled to share this article by Antonio Regalado from way back in Aug 2021. Headline of the story was: “Is Ginkgo’s synthetic-biology story worth $15 billion?”and I remember reading all the heat on Twitter he took about the article and people flaming him for writing it. To go from $15B valuation to $475M market cap today in 3 years is certainly a wild ride. In biotech, anything can happen. One day, you’re the darling of the industry, in all the news headlines - and the next day you just trying to survive. Industry is not for the weak, that’s for sure. Anything can change in seconds. Which is why proper comms is so important, especially during a crisis. I commend the founders for trying to keep the company alive, but definitely think communications needs to be improved. Surprised there was no release. The last earnings call was also interesting. More importantly, this case highlights objective reporting and the value of journalism and not following the crowd. I hope that we continue to see more investigative reporting to keep companies accountable in terms of what the funding is being used for.

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Sharing the exciting, yet humbling news that I’ve been named CEO of Inkhouse - https://lnkd.in/g6wVzB86 If you know me but not Inkhouse, we have 140 of the most talented people in PR, social media, digital content, visual communications and operations. We’re also the tech PR agency for Orchestra, a collective of best-in-class agencies that were built in the age of media disruption and social media. I am so incredibly grateful for this opportunity and that I still get to work so closely with Beth Andrix Monaghan, our founder and the new Technology Group chair for Orchestra. Leading an agency built on the idea that the key to reputation and growth is the hiring and retention of smart, amazing people has been a dream of mine and I am so happy it’s at Inkhouse. A huge thank you to all of my current and past colleagues, managers and mentors who have supported me, and the clients who trusted me to help lead their PR campaigns over the past 26 years. We are truly a team first. Also, a quick shoutout to my wife who agreed to move to the west coast 18 years ago (for, ahem, two years). It was a crazy life decision made relatively impulsively for a couple of central Massachusetts kids with a house, three kids 6 and under, and three pets, but one that had to happen for me to get here. Looking ahead: artificial intelligence is disrupting every industry, including ours, meaning the intellectually curious will win. Innovation will solve some of the most important challenges of our time including climate change and disease. We’re here to partner with the organizations effecting positive change in the world; companies who need help crafting and driving engagement with stories that matter.   I am so excited for the future of Inkhouse, Orchestra and the tech communications industry writ large. It’s a new chapter for Inkhouse and me personally, and I am ready to work with our team to write it. 

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A lot of the conversation around top-quality tequila focuses on the importance of being additive-free. Emerging, though, is the conversation around the value, both to the quality of the product and to the responsible stewardship of the planet, of single-estate tequila, like Tequila Ocho. Dylan Ettinger reports for InsideHook. https://lnkd.in/gEj8N4-g

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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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This week, a frenzied year of elections around the world culminates with the Presidential polls in the United States on November 5, which turns on a knife-edge. Against this backdrop, a special report on Trust by my colleagues is especially worth a read. It shows that governments in many parts of the world- especially in developed countries - are distrusted, and thought to be deliberately misleading their people! Another key finding is a troubling skepticism about the electoral process itself, particularly among Gen Z voters. Significantly, the findings show that the less people have a habit of reading the news and keeping themselves informed about what’s going on in the world, the more they tend to be sceptical about their political systems, reflecting views that may be as strongly held as they are weakly backed-up. The greater the doubts in the electoral system, the more likely that polls results might be contested, giving rise to further polarisation in society. These are findings that anyone who believes in the rule of law and rational public discourse should be concerned about. You can see the detailed report here :

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Authors Republic Is Now Promoting Edward Segal’s ‘Whistle-Stop Politics’ Audiobook Authors Republic, which distributes audiobooks by independent authors to dozens of audiobook retailers and library channels, is promoting my new audiobook, “Whistle-Stop Politics: Campaign Trains and the Reporters Who Covered Them” in its monthly newsletter to retailers. Here is what they have to say: “Segal is a former press secretary, campaign manager, contributor to Forbes.com, and aide to Democratic and Republican congressional and presidential candidates. “Discover the entertaining story of how campaigning by train shaped American politics, elections, journalism, and culture in ‘Whistle-Stop Politics.’ “Memories of the pivotal role campaign trains played in American elections fade with the passing of each generation. Also forgotten are the stories documented by the reporters who traveled with hundreds of whistle-stopping politicians, including Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, and Ronald Reagan. “The trains were the backdrop of political drama, intrigue, humor, and triumph for more than 185 years. Campaign trains were an American invention that enabled politicians to connect with as many voters as possible in the country’s largest cities and smallest towns.” Order your copy today from audiobook retailers. For more information, visit WhistleStopPolitics.com. #Elections #Politics #Reporters #Trains #Railroads #Journalism

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Grateful to Agility PR Solutions for featuring my brand new book, 𝐁2𝐁 𝐏𝐑 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬! "New Book from Influential PR Vet Michelle Garrett, B2B PR That Gets Results, Just Released" "I felt there was a need for this type of book that explains—in a straightforward fashion—the work of PR professionals and the challenges they face so that companies can get the most out of engaging with a PR consultant or agency and achieve their public relations goals." #B2BPRbook #newauthor #publicrelations

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In a must-read article from the current issue of The Atlantic, Ron Brownstein describes a large and pivotal group of undecided voters: the "irregulars" — those who are unsure if they will actually vote at all. These are persuasion voters as well.   As I mention in the piece, these infrequent voters have some common characteristics. Namely, this electorate has a) a lot of anger and b) discouragement. People are discouraged about their lives and feel as though they are trying really hard but getting nowhere.    Against that backdrop, the challenge for Democrats is to give these voters some sort of agency to feel like their vote matters, because a lot of them feel that no one is paying attention.   Give the article a read: https://lnkd.in/gwmhrjsC

68% of journalists say the press release is still one of the most useful types of content for building earned media coverage and brand equity. But first, you need a news angle. Read when to use and when not in the new 2024 report from Cision. #publicrelations #pressrelease #earnedmedia

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