When people talk about improving global PR, the discussion typically gravitates toward infrastructure or titles. But these are supporting pieces. At the core, the most important factor in the success or failure of an international PR campaign comes down to mentality. Two basic questions go a long way toward revealing the presence of a global …more
The media has questions for Tesla. After eliminating its PR department last year, Tesla doesn’t appear to have answers. The Los Angeles Times story “Tesla’s Handling of Breaking Bug in Public Self-Driving Test Raises Alarms” reflects the latest missives aimed at the auto maker: Tesla pushed out a new version of the experimental software suite …more
Last week signaled “World Mental Health Day.” We know mental health is an issue in the communications industry. The PRCA just released a study that showed 48% of PR practitioners in Asia say they’re “going through a particularly stressful period in life right now, and more than a third say the pandemic has worsened their …more
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
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
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
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
By Mark Pinsent, Managing Director, Hoffman Europe It’s an interesting word, provocative. Many (most?) people would feel that it has negative connotations; that it’s about someone looking for an argument, spoiling for a fight. Indeed, if you look at many dictionary definitions, these do lean towards the adverse, for example, “causing an angry reaction, …more
By Chris Owen, Director, Hoffman Europe We recently had a call with a potential PR intern, as part of a series of chats we’re having for new agency hires for the year ahead. He was positive, clearly had a flair for writing, had a great balance between ambition and desire to learn his PR chops, …more
