Grace Sheehan

New from me on the FCP Blog: Nonprofits thrive on visibility, trust, and community support. That's where nonprofit #PublicRelations comes in! Discover three powerful ways PR can boost your cause and make a real difference. Read: https://bit.ly/4b3uTve

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How do policymakers in D.C. and those who engage them get their information? It depends on their partisan leanings. Check out the results of Avōq's research below.

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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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Avōq just released insightful research into the changing media preferences of D.C. policy insiders. LinkedIn is up, Twitter is down... but there is a lot more to it than that! To get a deeper look, download the topline and schedule a full briefing to learn what these changes mean for your policy communications strategy: https://lnkd.in/eMpRhMZh

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In the world of media and communications, the relationship between journalists and PR professionals is often misunderstood. However, the reality is far more nuanced and symbiotic. Journalists rely on PR folks to provide them with access to newsworthy stories, expert sources, and valuable insights. In turn, PR depends on journalists to amplify their messages and bring attention to their clients or organizations. A recent report by #MuckRack on the "State of Journalism," found that journalists acknowledge PR professionals 70% "as at least moderately important to their success." This mutual dependence highlights the essential role each plays in the dissemination of information to the public. Trust forms the foundation of our collaboration and ensures that the stories that reach the public are credible and impactful. Journalists rely on us to provide accurate and reliable information, while those of us in PR trust journalists to report the news fairly and accurately. Journalists are skilled storytellers who strive to craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience. PR pros, on the other hand, are adept at identifying and shaping stories that align with our clients' goals and objectives. Together, we work to create stories that inform, engage, and inspire. I encourage you to read the attached report which provides many insights of today's newsrooms. #Journalism #PR #MediaRelations #PublicRelations #NewsMedia #MediaIndustry #JournalismEthics #Storytelling #MediaCollaboration #InformationSharing #MuckRack #StateOfJournalism #PressRelations #MediaPartnership Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Natan Edelsburg

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Chapter 2 of my new book, "WOKE: A Cultural Competence Guide for Communicators," includes A Basic Guide to Public Relations, which offers an overview of the practice of PR. Available now on Amazon! 2. A BASIC GUIDE TO PUBLIC RELATIONS 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. https://lnkd.in/gCAHTsP8

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🌟 Brand moments that came across my desk recently that I can't stop thinking about: 📚 Miu Miu's Summer Reads pop-up complete with books and popsicles – A great example of tapping into consumers' parallel interests to gain their attention (and leave a lasting impression!). https://lnkd.in/e3RJc8CS 🎤 Travis Kelce x Livvy Dunne's behind-the-scenes video of their Accelerator Active Energy shoot, using trending audio to bring Taylor Swift into the conversation – Could this one TikTok have been more impactful than the full brand campaign shoot? We'll see! This serves as a reminder that content should be made FOR social, and not be force-fitted onto the platform. https://lnkd.in/euVAW5kC ⛺ Camp Saie brought effortless beauty to life through glamping trip complete with nostalgia, GRWMs, and fireside fun. Beyond this, they had their employees present who created content themselves and provided attendees with even more brand immersion – furthering the ongoing trend that employees can be your best advocates when they are set up for success. https://lnkd.in/eyVvXYbz 🛍 Krystal Bick + Courtney Halverson delivering one of the most creative #ads on behalf of Banana Republic – Another reminder to trust your influencer partners, allow them the freedom to create and the structure for how to position your brand, but step back and watch the magic happen! https://lnkd.in/ekiKNUnz #influencermarketing

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“I just need a few key messages that I should hit.” It’s a common request that every communications pro has encountered many times ahead of a media interview. And if you’re anything like me, you roll your eyes. Why? Because key messages are fine and good, but only if they are used to form a broader narrative. More often than not, they’re seen as a license to be repetitive, robotic and focused only on your own outcome. Brute-forcing key messages down a reporter’s throat doesn’t help them do their job. Media opportunities are a two way street - you give value, share expertise and contextualize whatever you’re talking about in exchange for the profile the media outlet can give you and your business. The best and only way to respect this duality is to shape a simple and memorable story which contains the messages you want to hit, and which shows instead of telling why what you’re discussing is important and meaningful. I used to keep a folder of video clips that could’ve been titled “when key messages go wrong” - often depicting some hapless executive or politician stumbling through a repeated response straight from the message sheet he or she was handed. They universally looked silly and unprepared, and the interview did nothing but undermine trust and damage the speaker’s reputation. Next time, before the camera starts rolling, think about a story instead of a key message. Your brand will thank you.

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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 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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"But NPR’s troubles extend far beyond concerns about its journalism. Internal documents reviewed by The Times and interviews with more than two dozen current and former public radio executives show how profoundly the nonprofit is struggling to succeed in the fast-changing media industry. It is grappling with a declining audience and falling revenue — and internal conflict about how to fix it." This article sheds good light on the disruption facing the media industry. #Media #Communications #PR

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SPOILER ALERT 🚨🚨🚨 I don't think TikTok is going anywhere. But, the debate happening among policymakers makes for pretty good conversation. In my latest thought piece for H/Advisors Abernathy, I examined the newscycle to see how a potential #TikToK ban could play a big role in the 2024 election cycle, rankle #BigTech data collection and lay the groundwork for more #dataprivacy advocacy. https://bit.ly/T1kT0kban

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"I already have a communications team." Is there a scientist among them? PR, social media, and UX/UI folx expertly build awareness and, depending on your product, bring consumers to your door. But when it comes to stakeholders -- I'm talking funders, regulators, policymakers, community groups, affiliates, enterprise clients -- they want to dig deeper. To check your math, so to speak. These are the people you create reports, briefs, white papers, and proposals for. The ones who want a sophisticated, persuasive document that show you're worth your salt. The ones whose impression of you will determine the impact your initiative will -- or won't -- have. Don't ask your Marketing Lead to proofread your white paper. She's trained in communications, not science and engineering. She'll do her best. But she'll end up skirting around the technical explanations. Or watering down their robustness. (And honestly, she has enough work already.) Don't miss the chance to make a lasting impression on those all-important stakeholders. Get a Science Interpreter. When you see the results (and the TIME you'll not be spending eeking out a report over the weekend) you'll be glad you did.

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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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As the digital landscape shifts, so must our strategies in #advocacy and #publicaffairs. Looking forward to attending today's Summit and participating in discussion on the intersection of public opinion, message and tech. https://lnkd.in/ed__dgHA #digitaladvocacy #digitalstrategy #DMAS24

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🗽 Breaking news: Brace yourself for the 2024 election season as the political environment is as stable as a Jenga tower built by a toddler. Check out the latest edition of our "Compass for the Chaos" newsletter, in partnership with our public affairs and social impact colleagues Meghann Curtis, John Files, and John McCourt. Hope is not a strategy, so read up on how brand safety is the key to protecting your PR campaigns and corporate reputation. #2024election #politics #businessimpact

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Don't know where to start with AI in public affairs? I've got something for you. Last week, we embarked on a journey to use AI for scoping out scenarios and simulating stakeholder interactions. This week, we’re taking it a step further. Join me Saturday as we refine our approach, explore intensive training methodologies, and establish robust systems for ongoing scenario management and documentation. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲? In Part Two of this series, we will: - 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆: Using insights from previous simulations to enhance communication tactics. - 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀: Create dynamic training sessions to keep your strategy sharp and effective. - 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗢𝗣𝘀: Work with ChatGPT to build a sustainable repository of scenario documentation and Standard Operating Procedures. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲? To learn how to: - Refine your strategy based on real-time feedback from AI simulations. - Develop targeted training modules to improve team response strategies. - Establish continuous learning practices that keep your team adaptive and proactive. - Standardize your team’s responses to enhance coherence and efficiency in stakeholder interactions. The newsletter drops every Saturday. If you haven’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out. Link in my bio.

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It was great to join a Quorum webinar today with my colleagues Khadija Butt Hina Razzaq & Bryce Ballard from Rational 360 talking about how we work to quantify impact in the integrated campaigns that we run across clients -- and discussing some of the trends that we're seeing in public affairs, social listening & digital campaigns. Thanks for the opportunity to join in this discussion and to the many great questions that came in!

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Does your digital advocacy campaign need a bubble bath? Axios has identified 12 bubbles impacting the 2024 presidential campaign and there are implications for issue advocacy here as well. It's useful to think in "bubbles"- it provides a way of thinking about reaching your audience that's less tactical than thinking channel by channel. How many places can you reach your audience? How can you surround them with your message in their bubble? And be nimble...bubbles burst. And new ones form.

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