In the engineering space I have seen a lot more PR blogs/webinars etc. from very senior engineering VPs and the likes. I believe this is an excellent move by companies eager to demonstrate they are being managed by down to earth people who know what they are talking about and not simply fat cats trying to make a fast buck.
Flying Scott - Agree wholeheartedly that engaging technologists in a company's communications program is a wise move. Please see my February post at: http://www.ebnonline.com/author.asp?section_id=1205&doc_id=203807 - which is directed specifically at that idea. Technical staff are the ones who can provide insite to how the technology is evolving and hopefully have a clear picture of the customer's pain points. There are roles for various people within an organization to speak publicly, including Sales and Marketing.The trick is getting the whole team on the same page.
I think the fat cat comapny mentality is overstated (mostly by TV & movies). For the most part, a company would not be able to survive if the leader has that type of mindset. There has to be balance and a desire to succeed in the marketplace more than the $$, so I think after a certain point, pride drives you more than profits.
t. alex - There are many criteria for choosing a PR firm. Most importantly, are they people you like and can work with? After that, do you respect them and will you take their advice? Additionally, agencies should lead their client, not the other way around. Agency senior management should help their client create effective communications strategy that is well differentiated from competitors, not me-too-sounding and acting. Further, they should provide lots of actionable, strategically relevant ideas, show initiataive and work within a defined budget. Clear plans should be in place and be revised as market or business conditions change. Monthly adjustments can make the campaign more agile and effective.
Having been a client myself, I'd suggest your account be among their important ones, not a minor piece of business that doesn't get top level attention. choose and agency that really wants your business. Demand and get senior agency team attention as well as junior staff tactical execution. Lastly, be a good client by taking and using the agency's advice. Remember, they're the experts you hired. Be available to your agency team. Public relations services aren't done "to" a client, they're done "with" them. Various people withing the company can and should participate, including top management. Maintain a budget that allows good work to be done. On and off campaigns rarely gain adequate traction. Pay your agency's bills on time. Slowpayign clients and highly demotivating. Have fun with your agency team and make them truly feel like part of yours. A "them and us," arm's length relationship won't get you the service you desire. Here's more on this topic - http://www.marketingprofs.com/articles/2008/2766/how-to-be-a-good-public-relations-client
It's also covered more extensively in "Connecting the Mind and Voice of Business" - available later this month. More on it at: http://www.prsavvy.com/book.php
PR plays a key role in company’s campaigns. If the employs are getting a proper training, then there is a better chance for them to deal with their customers and public communities. Now a day’s most of the companies have social networking media presents for both employs and customer care. So these PR skills can help them to increase the company’s quality in vision and mission through such social media interactions.
With competition in every high tech sector fierce, all high tech companies have the need to employ a consistent high tech PR strategy that will target their right audience.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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