Toni Harrison

The October monthly episode of our For Immediate Release podcast explores critical communication trends. Shel Holtz, SCMP, and I discuss six compelling topics, including Reddit's potential for crisis comms, the state of blogging in 2024, ethical concerns in celebrity news coverage, workplace connection challenges, and AI's impact across industries. In a blog post, I've set out some key takeaways that present opportunities for communicators, including leveraging Reddit for stakeholder engagement and preparing to guide organisations through AI adoption. Read more and listen now for valuable perspectives and insights on navigating today's complex communication landscape. https://lnkd.in/e5_CcMR2

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If you missed our Junapr webinar on 2025 trends for marketing communications, do not fret! We have the webinar and the slides available at the link below. https://lnkd.in/eTicnDTw #communication #PR #MarketingCommunications #2025Trends

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I’ve always believed in the power of public service to make a difference in people’s lives, and that’s why I’m so grateful to be part of Civic Marketplace. It’s exciting to work with a platform that’s directly helping local governments improve resident outcomes while also opening doors for historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) and small businesses. I’m proud of the impact Civic Marketplace is having in streamlining processes and creating opportunities for communities to thrive. This collaboration with the North Central Texas Council of Governments TXShare program is a HUGE step forward. Together, we’ll make government services more efficient, helping cities deliver better outcomes to residents faster and more effectively. #PublicServiceImpact #CivicInnovation #GovernmentTech #GovTech #ResidentOutcomes #ProcurementRevolution #InclusiveEconomies #SmallBusinessSupport #HUBOpportunity #LocalGovLeadership #NCTCOG #CivicMarketplace #ProcurementTransformation

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Come see me and Robyn Egbert as we share with you the steps you can take today to help your organization recover from a crisis.

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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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When it comes to crisis communication,everything ends or starts with your decision to be truthful.Register for #PRfundiMasterclass to discuss this and more. 

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🚀 Why You Should Attend the 2024 Women Communicators of Austin Get Smart Conference! 🌟 Are you ready to embrace change and unlock new opportunities? This year’s theme, Transitions, couldn’t be more relevant. Whether in our personal lives or careers, transitions often bring uncertainty, but they also offer incredible chances for growth and reinvention. Join us on Friday, Oct. 25 where you'll hear from expert speakers on essential communications topics: 💡 Invaluable Insights: Learn how to navigate transitions effectively and turn them into stepping stones for personal and professional development. 🤝 Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of intelligent, forward-thinking professionals who can inspire and challenge you. 👩‍💼 Engaging Speakers: Gain fresh perspectives and strategies from industry leaders who have successfully navigated their own transitions. 💬 Collaboration and Community: Participate in discussions that foster collaboration and innovation. 💫 Fun Surprises: Enjoy a delicious lunch, swag, and exciting door prizes throughout the day! 📅 Early Bird Registration ends Oct. 7: $75 Members | $90 Non-Members 📅 Regular Registration until Oct. 21: $90 Members | $105 Non-Members 🎓 Student Registration: Just $30! Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Invest in your growth, expand your network, and prepare for the transitions ahead. https://lnkd.in/d4-uQb-9 Let’s embrace change together! 💪✨ #GetSmart2024 #ProfessionalDevelopment #Networking #Transitions #WCA

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📢 Amplifying Your Association's Voice in the Media 📢 In this week's edition of Association Insights, I explore why having a prominent voice in the media is indispensable for your association. Here’s why media presence matters: 👉 Influence Public Perception: Shape how the public and key stakeholders see your industry, managing your reputation and addressing misconceptions effectively. 👉 Advocacy for Change: Use media channels to advocate for beneficial policies and initiatives, driving positive changes for your members and industry. 👉 Establish Leadership: Enhance credibility and attract new members by positioning your executives and members as go-to experts. 👉 Energize Membership: Boost engagement and loyalty by demonstrating proactive stances on critical issues impacting your field. Having a strategic media presence isn't just about being seen—it's about being heard and making an impact. 👥 To all my communications directors out there: What challenges have you faced in getting your leaders on board with media engagement? Share your experiences and tips in the comments! #MediaPresence #AssociationLeadership #PublicRelations #Advocacy #MemberEngagement #IndustryLeadership

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I hear from many founders and executives about their insecurities about speaking at events and talking to the media so I wrote a Forbes article to help! https://lnkd.in/dxJJb9Hi #PR #thoughtleadership #executivecomms

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My book "WOKE: A Cultural Competence Guide for Communicators" includes A BASIC GUIDE TO PUBLIC RELATIONS, a useful guide for those considering a career in PR. "In our modern world, effective communications are key. As organizations and individuals navigate the dynamic landscapes of our interconnected lives, public relations have become a critical element that helps shape perceptions, nurture relationships, and drive visibility, leading to success. Public Relations is the art and craft of managing internal and external communications between an organization, its stakeholders, and the media. A well-crafted and executed public relations plan can establish credibility, build trust, and maintain a positive reputation. Early in my career, I became aware of the incredible power of public relations to shape public perceptions. It was also clear to me that portrayals of Latinos in mainstream media were overwhelmingly negative. Therefore, I chose a career in public relations to play my part in transforming America’s perception of Latinos and to educate the public about the many positive contributions of Hispanics to the United States. I launched my agency, Reyes Entertainment (www.reyesentertainment.com), in Los Angeles, one of the largest bilingual media markets and Latino communities in the U.S. In addition, Los Angeles is home to Hollywood’s entertainment industry, one of the largest purveyors of media images seen by millions worldwide. https://lnkd.in/gDvjeppU

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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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A new survey from PR measurement platform Memo is a feel-good story for chief communications officers and their teams, but there is a catch. The survey highlights a 34% increase in communications teams reporting directly to the CEO versus last year and a 26% decrease in comms reporting to marketing. In today’s complex, politicized, multi-stakeholder world, getting communications pitch perfect is mission critical for every organization. That’s more likely to happen when comms teams have the CEO’s ear. BUT: The more separation there is between comms and marketing functions, the greater the risk of strategic dissonance between earned and paid media. Blending them creates powerful synergy. Here are 8 ways to do it, starting today: 1. Align your messaging across earned and paid channels for cohesive brand storytelling. 2. Amplify earned media coverage using paid to reach audiences who don’t consume through traditional channels. 3. Boost press coverage with paid media to enhance credibility and trust. 4. Extend the lifespan of strategically relevant earned media using engaging paid formats that keep the story alive. 5. Ensure a well-rounded narrative by promoting owned content that fills gaps in your brand story not sufficiently covered by the media. 6. Redirect key earned media storylines to specific audience segments (e.g., investors, future talent) by leveraging niche paid targeting. 7. Transform earned media outcomes into compelling multimedia formats — animations, videos, or carousels — to enhance your storytelling. 8. Report results holistically by showing exec teams how earned and paid media can work together to create greater impact. A well-rounded, cohesive media strategy is essential for breaking through the clutter. Separate reporting lines and bifurcated budgets shouldn't stand in the way. ♻️ Repost if you find this helpful or add to my list of tips. How do you integrate earned and paid media? #CommsStrategy #EarnedMedia #PaidMedia

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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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From Fired to TEDx: Nkechi Taifa's PR Makeover Witness Nkechi Taifa's inspiring journey from obscurity to recognition! Learn how strategic professional development, image enhancement, and leveraging media platforms like PBS and TEDx propelled her career. This video reveals actionable steps for boosting your public profile. ##NkechiTaifa ##ProfessionalDevelopment ##PublicImage ##MediaExposure ##CareerGrowth ##BrandBuilding ##TEDxTalks ##PBS ##ReputationManagement ##PersonalBranding

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Are the tools of journalism applicable to #corporate communications? Without a doubt. I recently had the opportunity to discuss three of those tools, and how to apply them, at a gathering of comms professionals from @Method Communications, @Sling&Stone, @Harvard and other teams from our @VCCP family. I’d love to hear about other skills from #journalism you think are applicable to helping companies tell their best stories in authentic, media-genic ways. Comment below!

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What role does creativity play in business? 💡 I recently had the chance to explore this at HCC Collaboration - Ignite Fireside Conversations: A Mindset Series at the West Houston Institute! In my session, "The Creative’s Mindset," I shared ways we can use creative skills in business through real-world examples. It was so rewarding to connect with small business owners and dive into how a creative mindset can drive innovation and problem-solving. Huge thanks to Connie Leon for inviting me! It’s always inspiring to see entrepreneurs eager to learn and grow. 🙌 How are you using creativity to move your business forward? Let’s keep the ideas flowing! 💼✨ #CreativeMindset #SmallBusiness #Innovation #WestHoustonInstitute #HCC #Entrepreneurship #IgniteConversations

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Great webinar through U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for municipal and state governments, universities and colleges, K-12 schools and hospitals (MUSH) to learn about funding and financing options for Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) projects. Informative for my energy and facilities journalist connections as well! #energyefficiency #MUSH #buildingdecarbonization #retrofit

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