On Sunday, December 4th, The Garner Circle PR held it's annual company retreat at the private Corporate Event Space in the Historic Sweet Auburn District. In preparation to take PR to "The Next Level", the agency theme for 2012, The Garner Circle welcomed industry experts Felicia Joy, Ms. CEO; Davida Selby, Edleman PR; Dre Barnes, DreBarnes.com; Tiffany Wilson, Check Balance Firm; and Lakisha Blake, Image Consultant. Here are a few points from the discussion shared to take PR to the Next Level.
1. "Live in your imagination, not your memory."
Often times, we hinder progress solely operating from a memory of failures and a mindset of complacency. Challenge yourself not to think inside or outside the box, but as if the box doesn't exist. Everything always seem impossible until it's been done.
1. "Live in your imagination, not your memory."
Often times, we hinder progress solely operating from a memory of failures and a mindset of complacency. Challenge yourself not to think inside or outside the box, but as if the box doesn't exist. Everything always seem impossible until it's been done.
2. Milestones to the Next Level.
What does the Next Level look like for the agency? What does the Next Level look like from the client's perspective? If you don't establish milestones to the Next Level, how will you know when you get there? Consider all of these questions to establish unique milestones for your agency to accomplish.
3. Public Relations vs. Public Engagement
People receive a lot of information through word of mouth. They trust the brands their family, friends and coworkers trust. So from our end, we have to build a deeper repertoire with our communities. Take time to really engage and connect with all shareholders; make them feel apart of the brand and they will in turn become true brand advocates. Create more than a buzz, create loyalty.
4.Strategize Social Media
Identify 3 key types of influencers when disseminating brand messages through social media: connectors, mavens and advocators.
Connectors - are great at networking and have contacts of the "who's who" for almost any project or occasion.
Mavens - are very knowledgeable, quality and content driven; providing facts not fluff.
Advocators - believe in the brand and are eager to express their loyalty on behalf of the brand.
Including these influencers to your communication efforts will ensure your target audience is receiving the same message through 3 different voices.
5. Your Most Important Client is YOU!
PR is a 24hr, 365 day career. The public, media, competitors, potential clients and contractors are watching you with an eagle eye as a representation of your agency and already existing clients. The pressure to be the best and keep a smile when you're not is draining. If you fall apart, so does the team, the campaign and your reputation. Be sure to care for your health and take pride in your image. Stay positive. Eat healthy snacks to maintain energy throughout the day. Exercise or visit a spa. Make sure you're neat and presentable. If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of the client.
-Eugenia Johnson, Account Executive, The Garner Circle PR
Photo Credit: Vaughn Dabney
View more photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thegarnercircle/sets/72157628282269445/
Nicole Garner, CEO & President
Daniel Dickey, Executive Vice President
The Garner Circle Team
