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“Game of Thrones” and Conquering Communications Uncertainties

Posted by Janet C. Tyler, APR in August 30th 2012  

"Winter Is Coming" promotional poster, HBO Game of ThronesIt may be 98 degrees outside, but winter is coming.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have a passion for period TV, and I really love “Game of Thrones.” In case you’re among the uninitiated, the series chronicles seven noble families fighting for control of Westeros, a mythical land that — among several fascinating traits — features seasons and climates of varying and completely unpredictable lengths and severities.

“Winter is coming” is the foreboding promise and motto of House Stark. The meaning behind the words is one of warning and constant vigilance. In a land where seasons are of an indeterminate length, this mantra reinforces that winter remains on the horizon even if we just wrapped what is the hottest July on record, and it very well could be a blazing-hot, ozone action day in your neck of the woods.

Uncertainty is certain: we know that we can’t definitively predict what our next business and communications “season” will be like — or even how long the one we’re in will last. Variables like the presidential election, European and Chinese economic instabilities, groundbreaking R&D and emerging cultural phenomena can shift communications and business climates overnight. But as communications professionals, we shouldn’t feel powerless in the face of unpredictability, because knowing that change is inevitable can actually center us — just as House Stark’s mantra keeps them focused and prepared.

I’m not the type to bask in the sun and deal with winter once it arrives; in fact, I’ve found that the sun’s warmth is all the more enjoyable knowing there’s a plan in place for my firm’s and our clients’ winters. I’ve found that the following steps have helped us prepare even our fastest-moving clients for the inevitable change in seasons, whenever that may occur: 

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under: 2012 International Conference: The Future Starts Now, Corporate Communications and Public Relations, Crisis Communications, Measurement, Research & Evaluation, PRSA Conferences, PRSA International Conference, Relationship & Reputation Management, Strategic Planning, Techniques & Tactics, Trends
Tags: 2012 International Conference: The Future Starts Now, Corporate Communications and Public Relations, Crisis Communications, measurement, prsa conferences, PRSA International Conference, Relationship & Reputation Management, Research & Evaluation, Strategic Planning, Techniques & Tactics, Trends
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The Sweet Popsicle-Social Media Connection

Posted by Janet C. Tyler, APR in June 29th 2012  

As someone who travels all the time, I watch a lot of TV. As CEO of a technology public relations firm, I love all that is “fast” and “new,” but somehow I gravitate toward series that take me back in time. One of the things I love most about retro shows is when I realize that the language, clothes and culture may change, but so many things stay the same.

For example, awesome ideas are timeless. I’m a rabid “Mad Men” fan, and Peggy Olson is the kind of risk taker we love at Airfoil. In her shellacked 1960s bouffant, twin sets and cone bras, she’s come up with campaign concepts I only wish I could have thought of myself — today.

But after reading an article about what life was really like for 1960s-era “Mad Women”, I understand the show doesn’t necessarily reflect the significant number of women who were actually moving-and-shaking on Madison Avenue in the early 1960s. Without the incredible social networking resources women in business have access to today — not to mention a decidedly greater social emphasis on gender equity — this is a real testament to the brains and guts behind these mavericks. I wonder if Peggy would have stayed at Sterling for so long had she been able to put out feelers for opportunities via LinkedIn, demonstrated her industry expertise through Twitter or broadcast her creative ideas and process on a blog.

Even with the assistance of social media, Peggy’s skills would earn her those opportunities (just more rapidly). Her ad concepts work because they speak the truth, plainly but powerfully. She would have no way of knowing, but a Peggy classic — the straightforward “Take it. Break it. Share it. Love it.” for Popsicle — is the essence of a great social media discipline:

  • Take your message.
  • Break it down into digestible chunks.
  • Share it with people who care.
  • And love it.
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under: Advertising, Branding & Brand Management, Corporate Communications and Public Relations, PRSA Conferences, PRSA International Conference, Relationship & Reputation Management, Social Media
Tags: Advertising, Branding & Brand Management, Corporate Communications and Public Relations, prsa conferences, PRSA International Conference, Relationship & Reputation Management, Social Media
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