Brands interested in communicating with today’s young audiences face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Ward sat down with Worldcom Partner Pollack PR Marketing Group President and author of Disrupted,Stefan Pollack, to hear more about makes iGen tick and how B2C and B2B brands can engage and connect with them. Q. Who makes up the iGen demographic? A. Generally speaking, iGen is the generation after Gen Y. There are different methodologies on determining their specific ages, but we point specifically to those…
Q. As someone who has covered Houston’s real estate market for 30+ years, what do you think sets Houston apart from other major cities when it comes to real estate development? A. Most people would say the lack of zoning is a major difference. That is certainly true but I think what really sets Houston apart is its spirit of entrepreneurship. Other cities are not as accepting or open in welcoming newcomers. In Houston, if you have a…
Despite the pervasiveness of social media in our lives, many real estate organizations struggle to utilize these tools to develop and deepen relationships, invite endorsement and create two-way communication with their audiences and stakeholders. Many organizations use social media as a one-way communication vehicle, talking at instead of with people. They miss out on the valuable feedback and validation social media participants can provide, such as what amenities they want in a residential community or which retailers they…
As communities throughout the U.S. become more urbanized, new real estate projects are at increased risk of opposition from myriad stakeholder groups. Whether a high-end office building in an affluent neighborhood, an upscale apartment complex in a historic district, or an affordable housing apartment complex in a suburban community, each new project can be objectionable to someone. And, many developments present fair game for “anti-new development” activists. And, unlike some activist groups, these opponents frequently have strong and…
Social media wields tremendous influence over the way people get and share information…and the implications for business are profound. Ward sat down with Off Madison Ave Vice President, Partner and Director of Social Media Carol Klimas to hear about the agency’s experience in social media communications and garner insights on the latest trends and strategies by which clients are reaching and engaging with key influencers online. Q. What ways have you seen your clients effectively interact with bloggers…
It happens all the time in the highly-competitive world of real estate. A new multimillion dollar project is announced with lots of hoopla. Company leadership and elected officials turn the dirt at groundbreaking. Local news outlets cover the story. The developer gets color photos on page one of the major daily and everyone is happy. A few months later – zip. Hundreds of new real estate projects – office buildings, retail centers, hotels, manufacturing complexes, hospitals and master-planned…
A speaking opportunity can do a lot to raise awareness of your brand and drive thought leadership, but it doesn’t have to stop at the closing slide. These tactics can help your content stretch beyond the podium to increase message frequency for your company, subject matter experts and products and services. Pitch Bylined Editorial There are many high-quality publications targeting various industry sectors. Based on your company’s industry expertise, identify 3 or 4 top trade publications. Gain your…
An interview with a reporter can do amazing things for your brand. Knowing how to talk about your company is a good start, but being able to lead the discussion and navigate the interviewer’s questions make you a great source and spokesperson. Here, we list some media interview tips to help you gear up for your next media opportunity. 1. Research Learn who you will be speaking with, their reporting style and recent stories they have written. You…
A press release is only as good as its content. For public relations professionals, it is imperative to understand that unintentional mistakes can damage your credibility with reporters and editors. Journalists are time-crunched and under-resourced, and must make quick decisions about allocating time to cover a story. They can’t afford to waste it reviewing poorly written news releases that do not serve a need for their audiences. Here, we list six common mistakes that are easy to avoid and…
Five years ago this month, the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico led to a gushing oil leak that threatened the economy, environment and culture of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. By July 15, 2010 the leak was capped, but the polluted perceptions continued to decimate Louisiana’s $9.4 billion tourism industry. New Orleans-based marketing firm DEVENEY developed a comprehensive crisis response and reputation management campaign within 24 hours of receiving the call…
