Brandi Williams
corporate social responsibility should not be a ...
corporate social responsibility should not be a brand campaign
Brandi Williams
#pr is more than publicity
#pr is more than publicity
Brandi Williams
raynard jackson: quit stirring the pot!

news one recently reported a story on republican strategist raynard jackson. in the story they point out that jackson believes white women are helping black men more than black women. according to news one, jackson cites black women's faithful support of President Obama as the primary basis for his position.

while i think this is a pretty ridiculous barometer, i will have to agree with the underlying message that President Obama needs to do better and we (black women and black America) need to hold him (and all our leaders) accountable for doing better. i am doubtful that we will see him change his ways in relation to the policies that impact us before his term is out (doesn't mean we shouldn't try). our political leaders will not take a stand to help black folk alone. no one wants to be seen as an ally to black America.

Customer loyalty, WNBA, Public relations, LGBT, Marketing
Brandi Williams
no more campaigns

the wnba announced they will launch a campaign specifically targeted for the lbgt community. this news is significant to me for two main reasons:

no more campaigns
Brandi Williams
for the "LUV" of black boys

what can we do to help black men realize they are powerful beyond measure and have everything they need to provide and protect their families?

for the "LUV" of black boys

Build an army

We've talked about the power of partnerships before (see Make a mighty fist), but I wanted to remind you of their power. The lesson. Alone you can do a little, with many you can do a lot. So, build an army by finding others with similary interests (see my rant on fellowshipping) and inviting them to your party. Not a literal party, but invite them to be a part of your project.

Take a walk in my size 5

Lately I am amazed at human insensitivity. It is like people have no compassion.  They don't understand the value of empathy.  They wouldn't be caught dead sympathizing with anyone because nothing ever happens to them; and if it does, it's nobody's business but their own.

Man's conscience disconnection from man has serious implications for all (a rant for another blog and another time).  It also presents an learning opportunity for PR professionals.

A large part of our job as PR pros is to craft messages that will lead others to action.  How can you do that without understanding the other person's position? It's pretty hard.

The lesson.  Take time to walk in your intended audiences' shoes.  Learn as much as you can about the audience.  What do they like? What do they dislike? How they feel about your client? Your cause? Your competition?  Your communication success depends on your ability to be vulnerable, open to receive that they are giving, your ability to empathize, sympathize and to connect with your audience (s) on a personal level.

Also see:

Human Conversation

Creating a connection

Stop Frontin' and Get Real

 

 

Reality is much better than the imagination

I am a reality TV junkie.  My personal favorites are the shows that allow me to peek inside celebrities lives.  Every time a new celebrity gets a reality show I watch (current favorites are Fantasia for Real and Let's Talk About Pep). I watch because I, like many others, enjoy knowing I share common traits with celebrities.  Reality shows help me see what Lauryn Hill said years ago, "... reality is good. It means that everybody can exhale and let your belly out ….that is the blessing [to be able to] go around and say, 'oh you got one too.' And be free."

I dig that.

I like knowing that there are other women struggling with self-esteem issues. That I am not the only one with crazy family members or the only person trying to find balance and peace in this world.

I know I am not alone.  The ratings and tweets let me know others enjoy reality just like me. People want to see reality, not imagination.  They want to know that they aren't the only people going through the struggle.  Some part of everyone wants to know that their experiences are shared and in some crazy way watching reality television lets you know you are living in reality; you are not an outcast.

The lesson. Operate in reality.  Encourage your clients to open themselves up by:

  • Showing their audience them at their best
  • Showing their audience them at their worst
  • Showing their audience how to be true to self (R&B superstar Monica does this well. Check out this 2003 interview (below) on 20/20. In her words: "...Accept me for who I am ..."