By Anna Morris Research shows that people truly begin to understand a company’s values when decisions are made to sacrifice short-term profitability in favor of demonstrating or prioritizing values. In the early months of 2020, we got to witness companies across industries respond in different ways to COVID-19, each in alignment with their principles. PepsiCo…
By Anna Morris Nine years ago, only 20% of companies published a corporate social responsibility (CSR) report. Fast forward to 2020, and nine out of 10 companies in the S&P 500 now publish a report. CSR reports have become an increasingly important way for organizations to formally explain how their operations are impacting the world.…
By Jeff Cochran Much like parenting, the stock market and folding a fitted sheet, there is no instruction manual for preparing your employees to work in the COVID-19 (or even post-COVID-19) world. It has been more than 100 years since a pandemic like this has taken hold in our nation. Considering how much business operations…
By Jasmine Agyemang How many times have you heard the phrase “the new normal” since COVID-19 began? While some of us are still adapting, it’s time for leaders and communicators to look at the next normal. A crisis can cause tunnel vision with leaders only focusing on the here and now, so it makes sense…
Communication is the cornerstone of every business. How companies respond and what they say can shape their brands for better or for worse. Strong communication can inspire change, create action and influence communities around you, while poor communication has the power to tarnish your brand or sever relationships with core audiences. While what you communicate carries a…
I recently read a quote that said, “How you act in a crisis shows who you really are.” The coronavirus is a crisis like nothing we’ve seen before. We’re continuing to see how businesses and the economy are being impacted, but perhaps what is most striking to me is the social crisis it has created.…
The coronavirus has dominated news headlines, affected workplace protocols and travel policies and caused the cancellation of hundreds of global events. No business is immune to a crisis like this one, and COVID-19 is forcing organizations across the world to engage in crisis management and communications—whether they are prepared for it or not. According to…
Trends are always changing, and this is never truer than in the communications industry. Whether you work for an agency or in-house, communicators should embrace these five key trends we expect to influence communities and businesses. 1. Brands Taking a Stand As we roll into another election year, there’s no doubt we’ll see more brands…
You don’t have to leave journalism when you leave journalism. I know, that doesn’t make any sense, but stay with me. When former journalists like myself leave the comfort of a once-bustling newsroom for new careers, they often leave behind what they consider a passion or calling. They didn’t get into journalism for the fame…
Revolution is driving our industry. Communicating in and of itself has become a dead end, and building community has become the path to the future. Channels have been diluted and overrun. The story – as well as when, where and how it is told – has become the starting point rather than the final piece…