Monthly Archives: December 2015
‘One More Thing’ with PR
(Evigshed Magazine)
Every story has a beginning, middle and an end…
with twists, turns and surprises.
Distinguishing quality between firms/brands (ie- the grocery shelf test) is found on or between known and new. And working with media/journalists is a key dynamic in this task. Perhaps the most critical (and subtle) strategy in working with this relentless force of inquiry is knowing what the fourth estate wants to know and focus on.
One of the ultimate goals of a PR campaign is for its audience to ask about the company and/or products. The media is no different. Instead of focusing exclusively on responses one news release at a time, crafting an interweaving arc for the company sparks next-level intrigue.
Stories are what people want. They want it with their investments, their favorite consumer brands, charities, business partners, celebrities, television shows and movies, books, friends and family.
People read words and financial statements, but they connect with stories. And when this happens, the firm becomes more than a company and the governing philosophy reinforces the balance sheets. The firm transforms into an extension of the customer. Media/journalists want to invest their time in a Steve Jobs and Apple, reporting on the successes and failures alike with curiosity about what will happen next through an optimistic lens.
Steve Jobs > Steve Wozniak in the public eye because his personal journey of ultimately “playing the orchestra” with a hungry and foolish imagination is relatable and inspiring to people.
Strategically developing, promoting, and aggrandizing clients in a variety of ways in the PR universe is a tough, yet highly-rewarding venture. And elevating a company above its competition, in part, requires eye-catching opening statements to the media and the public.
Like a headline.
Happy Monday
2015 MLS Cup at Crew Stadium: 14 vs. 11
Evidenced by the unbelievable (not an exaggeration) non-call on a pass that rolled an unmistakable two yards out-of-bounds by a Portland Timbers player just 6 or so minutes into the game, the continuation of this play that led to a cross into the Columbus Crew box that was headed into the net by a Timber in obvious offside position, the officials made it clear to everybody watching that they were biased against the Crew with destructible consequences.
These two consecutive embarrassing miscalls led to an early 2-nil lead for Portland (instead of 1-nil), defining the tone with a favorite in mind.
Important: The head official, Jair Marrufo (chosen by the league) was the same ref that years earlier had granted a controversial free kick to the Chicago Fire against the Columbus Crew. The Fire scored and won on this undeserved kick. After the game, Marrufo received a signed jersey from the Fire player (Blanco) who benefited from the controversial whistle.
From subsequent yellow card offenses that were never shown to a penalty kick not being awarded to multiple instances of diving by the Timbers (appropriate team name), the officials’ IQ of soccer would scrape the bottom of a grungy gutter.
Disgraceful (and completely inexcusable), especially for a championship game at the professional level.
The crowd was electric and the atmosphere and energy before and during the match was special. Unfortunately, the Crew did not play its best game. That’s the truth. However, the prejudiced officiating changed the game and gave clear advantages to the Portland Timbers that influenced the result.
The final score was 2-1.
There are moments when we just need to laugh to take a break from crying, so here’s a very short, temporary relief for Crew fans everywhere.
Laughing and crying (at the same time) at something completely unrelated to our frustrations can work pretty well serving as a welcomed distraction.
This game will sting for a long, long time, but Crew fans must look on the bright side. Life can be very unfair, yet it’s those who find that shred of light in the blinding storm in the present who are able to find success in the uncertain future.
Have a Massive Week.
Harmonizing a Kaleidoscopic Future
Coldplay’s future is…
“A Head Full of Dreams” was released today for the world to hear and experience. Unlike their previous album “Ghost Stories” (with the exception of one song), Chris Martin and Co. have returned with mostly upbeat, dancing tempos, imaginatively playful lyrics and a positive feeling of being happy no matter what life throws at us.
As Coldplay would say, it’s about finding and hanging onto our everglow.
Now, Chris Martin said that this album could be the band’s last musical journey during an interview several months ago.
Like the highly-lauded and extensive Harry Potter series, is this the end for Coldplay?
Well, the last song on the record is called, “Up&Up.”
A Sky Full of Super Stars
It’s time to take a break from “Throwback Thursday” and engage in a “Throwforward Thursday.”
The day before the highly-anticipated release of their new album “A Head Full of Dreams,” Coldplay was treated to quite the opening act:
Super Bowl 50 will feature Coldplay as its halftime musical performer, offering fans an entertaining break from football…and commercials.
However, the Halftime Show is an awkward setting for any band. The excitement of the people on the field has to be almost manufactured through network choreography to ensure a great show (and visual cutaways) for the millions of television watchers (and advertisers). This doesn’t always allow for genuine reactions to the set or band in the purest sense.
With that being said, make no mistake about it, Coldplay can rock a stadium with the best of them.
Don’t believe me?
Turning the clocks forward, Super Bowl 50’s viewers will experience life in technicolor.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 