Why is it that PR people are unable to apply the lessons that they learned as account execs to their own business. I’ve just been reading about a new hire for a PR consultancy in an announcement including the phrases “innovative digital media strategies”, “influencer connectivity” and “amplify the entrepreneurial spirit”.
Now I’m as guilty as the next man when it comes to overblown language from time to time (maybe more guilty than the next man), but it’s incumbent on all communication professionals to strip away management-speak, jargon and hyperbole to ensure that the clear, pure message is communicated. And a final please from a language pedant: can we please retain the meaning of the word “literally”.
The aforementioned release states that “there is literally electricity in the hallways about her arrival”. Either I could have another crisis to manage as the inhabitants of said office block are electrocuted, or the meaning of “literal” is becoming strangely metaphorical.
Jonathan Hemus
www.insigniacomms.com
As a Birmingham resident I’ve witnessed with great sadness the slow demise of LDV. My sorrow has been doubled by the fact that the company communicated so brilliantly with its stakeholders at this most difficult of times.
Its blog became the number one source of online information for media, employees and all other interested parties. It succeeded in filling the information vacuum and got information out quickly and directly to the people it needed to reach. And it engaged with people, not just via the blog, but also via its Tweets and Facebook page.
I still feel that it’s a great example of how to communicate in a crisis and I just wish that the quality of its communication could have overcome the might of the global economic downturn. But sometimes, just sometimes, I guess that even I have to admit that the power of communication alone is not quite enough.
Jonathan Hemus
www.insigniacomms.com
No one seriously doubts the tangible value of reputation in meeting business objectives. Insignia’s belief is that purposeful communication is the fuel which powers a valuable corporate reputation. Purposeful communication to create the reputation in the first place. Purposeful communication to support and drive business objectives as the company grows and navigates through the ever-changing issues landscape. Purposeful communication to protect the business through effective crisis management in the heat of a major incident.
Insignia hates wasted or random communication – lots of noise, but little actual impact. We believe that the best communication is focused, thoughtful and purpose-built to deliver against business imperatives. This is achieved by always asking “why?” before considering “how”.
Insignia believes that pro-active reputation management unlocks reputational value hidden within a business and to achieve competitive advantage. We also know that valuable reputations are at serious risk through insufficient preparation for potential crises or issues.
Insignia was founded by people with years of experience working with leading communication agencies for global businesses, united by a desire to unleash the power of communication to protect and maximise the value of corporate reputation.
Jonathan Hemus
www.insigniacomms.com
