Archive: 2021

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A Random Act of Kindness at Trader Joe’s

This has nothing to do with communications. Then again, it has everything to do with communications. The demands on my time these days has made it tough to squeeze in time to write for my blog; hence, the dusting off of this Trade Joe’s post. Let me set the stage. My wife and I decided …more

Why Should We Care About Easing the Pain Point of Two Competitors?

Two recent hires asked if they could push out their start dates by a week. They explained that a three-week notice period would be a huge help with their current employers. We needed both of these individuals yesterday. Why should we care about easing the pain of two competitors? Yet, we agreed to the extra …more

The Intersection of Business and Life in General

I came across this photo of Heather and my parents rambling the streets of Singapore a few years ago to celebrate the Agency’s 20th anniversary of operating in the region. It triggered several thoughts on the role our global footprint (Europe + Asia + U.S.) plays across business and life in general. Sure, our expertise …more

Revisiting the PR Crystal Ball

Back in 2015 I wrote that PR’s version of the industrial revolution was underway. Just like the industrial revolution recast the world of manufacturing, digital, the mobile phone and general fight for attention were reshaping communications. We’re also seeing more of those life-is-better-than-fiction events. Who can forget the Republican Party landing at Four Seasons Total …more

Imagine Procurement Shaking Down a Heart Surgeon

All communication consultancies periodically encounter Procurement before contract sign-off and embarking on the fun stuff with a client. I am not a fan of Procurement. They always claim to be there to help the agency and make sure everyone — both the agency and the in-house PR department — enjoy a “happily ever after.” Yet, …more

Time Magazine Journalist Points to Wikipedia as Proof of Fact

A recent interview on NPR’s Fresh Air caught my attention. Terry Gross is interviewing Time Magazine journalist Simon Shuster about the dodgy relationship between Rudy Giuliani and Andrii Derkach, a Russian intelligence agent. The two did their best to sabotage Joe Biden during last year’s presidential campaign. At one point, an incredulous Gross asks if …more

PRovoke Media Recognizes Our Workplace as One of the Best

Understanding a workplace calls for the skills of an archeologist. You might walk into an office and see lava lamps and more versions of trail mix than available at Whole Foods. You might see posters proclaiming the wonders of teamwork. You might see Herman Miller office chairs with spine friendly lumbar support. But the physical …more

PR Tips For Interviewing Sources to Find the Good Stuff

I’ve said this before and continue to believe it. The PR profession under-appreciates interviewing expertise. It starts in college. Try to find a curriculum for mass communications or PR that offers a class on interviewing. Good luck. Every journalism program in the country tackles the art of the interview. But PR curricula ignore the topic. …more

The Hoffman Agency: Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We recognize that all individuals are not provided the same advantages and privileges in our society. The inequities around the world underscore the need to change. With this in mind, we are dedicated to promoting diversity within our business and creating an inclusive organization. To contribute to a more equitable world, The Hoffman Agency is …more