PR's Top Pros Talk

Doug Simon talks to Annie Pace Scranton, Founder and CEO of  Pace Public Relations  and Author of  The Guide to Earned Media . Annie explains how communicators can build authentic relationships with journalists. She talks about what to include in an email pitch. Annie also shares her journey of becoming an entrepreneur.  Buy a copy of  The Guide to Earned Media  here .

Seth Linden, President of  ⁠Dukas Linden Public Relations⁠ , describes how to effectively work with clients when they want to secure earned media coverage. Seth explains key skills he’s learned including understanding the news cycle and building strong relationships with journalists. Seth also discusses the importance of local news in the public relations industry.

Byron Calamese, Managing Director of Zeno East for  Zeno Group , shares his knowledge on navigating multicultural communications in an ever-changing landscape. He highlights Zeno Group’s partnership with  EGAMI Group  on projects including “ The Multicultural Mandate 2023 ” report. Byron also explains how the findings from the report can guide brands with their multicultural marketing strategies.

Aaron Sherinian, Senior Vice President of  Deseret Management Corporation , explains how the deforestation of local news is making an impact on the media landscape. Aaron also explains the opportunity the media has if they engage more stories of faith with their viewership. Aaron also discusses how faith and media continue to form a strong community. Learn more about D S Simon Media here: https://...

Mitch Germann, Global Managing Director of Retail, Sports and Lifestyle for FleishmanHillard , shares how brands can get the most value out of their sports sponsorships. Mitch highlights the impact that the younger generation is having on sports culture and how organizations are marketing to those audiences. Mitch also explains his approach to securing earned media coverage.

Jackie Cox Battles, New York Consumer Brand Practice Lead and North America Consumer Brand Practice Growth Lead at  Weber Shandwick , explains the importance of earned media as more consumers feel disconnected from brands. Jackie describes valuable approaches she uses with clients such as “story doing” and more. Jackie also shares key data from the ‘ Earned Effect Study ’.

Tina Beaty, Acting Chief Marketing & Experience Officer for SHRM , explains how businesses can advance their employee brand and experience by hosting events and training in the Metaverse. Tina also discusses how companies can redefine their relationship with technology.

Binna Kim, Group CEO and Co-Founder of Vested , shares how communicators can deliver stories to a wider audience besides just sending a press release. Binna discusses the rise of employer brands after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Binna also shares a powerful message for current and aspiring leaders. For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

Paul Holmes, Founder and Chair of PRovoke Media , explains why companies should not only lead with their values but obtain a greater business purpose. Paul discusses current events such as the Disney lawsuit and Bud Light's recent ad campaign. Paul also reflects on the growth of the PR industry. Read Paul's article here: https://www.provokemedia.com/long-reads/article/the-pr-industry-needs...

Sarah Berman, President of The Berman Group , explains how the global real estate industry can utilize the Metaverse. Sarah also shares how Metaverse 3.0 events can be accessible and engaging to clients and participants alike. Learn more about Metaverse 3.0 here: https://www.dssimon.com/metaverse/

Troy Blackwell, Director of Press Relations and Spokesperson for the  Peace Corps , explains how he navigates public relations and storytelling for the agency. He dives into the importance of having open and inclusive conversations. He also describes the impact behind the ‘ Bold Invitation ’ campaign and how the message is reaching audiences of all backgrounds. Troy Blackwell is the Director of Pr...

Tony Welz, Principal at W2 Communications , shares his advice for growing a specialized boutique agency including fostering community with media professionals and conducting research reports. Tony also discusses the importance of collaborating with clients and adapting to the current market. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: dougs@dssimonmedia.com or news@dssimonmedia.com - 212.736.2727...

Danny Franklin, Partner at Bully Pulpit Interactive , discusses the critical role of identity when it comes to political research and communications. Danny shares his insights on how brands can transmit their messages into the consumer experience. Danny also reflects on emerging technology such as AI and the Metaverse. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: dougs@dssimonmedia.com or news@dss...

Eleanor Hawkins, Communications Strategist and Writer for Axios , shares valuable insights into how communications leaders can cut through the noise by getting comfortable with data, leaning more into what their audience is saying, and more. Eleanor also discusses the research behind the successful Smart Brevity® method. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: dougs@dssimonmedia.com or news@d...

Katie Riley, Vice President of Communications for The Alliance for Aging Research , gives valuable advice on effective ways to pitch the media. Katie discusses how she navigates challenges as a consumer advocate by humanizing news stories. Katie also shares how her team utilized social media for the “Valve Disease Day Challenge” campaign. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: dougs@dssimonm...

Christa Conte, EVP and Head of Client Services for Hotwire Global , explains the vital role communicators have in expanding their knowledge about the Metaverse. Christa walks through the first steps brands and agencies can take if they want to discuss Metaverse opportunities with clients. Christa also shares her perspective on the future of the public relations industry. Download "PR and the...

We are excited to share PR's Top Pros Talk episodes that revolve around PR and the Metaverse. The first guest in our special series is Gini Dietrich, CEO of Arment Dietrich and founder of Spin Sucks . Gini gives her insights on D S Simon Media’s newest survey, “ PR and the Metaverse 3.0 ”. She shares examples of how communicators can utilize the Metaverse 3.0 for crisis communications and more...

Kasey Christolos, Senior Media Lead at Next PR , shares insightful data from the firm’s 2023 client survey. Kasey talks about how communicators can maximize ROI. She emphasizes the importance of connecting the PR and sales teams in an organization. Kasey also explains the abbreviation, FUD, and shares a client example. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: dougs@dssimonmedia.com or news@dss...

Lori Russo, President of Stanton Communications , describes the benefits of working for an independent agency versus a large agency. Lori also explains the valuable lessons she has learned from traveling including the importance of understanding cultural expectations. Lori also shares an exciting announcement. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: dougs@dssimonmedia.com or news@dssimonmedia...

Sara Whitman, Chief People Officer at Hot Paper Lantern , shares insightful data from The 2023 War for Frontline Talent report. Sara explains how HR and other communications professionals can work together to re-recruit employees. Sara discusses why the C-suite should utilize LinkedIn to highlight employee achievement. Sara also shares her excitement for the future of work. Download the full repor...

Linda Descano, CFA®, Executive Vice President of Red Havas , explains that understanding the business of business is one of the most important skills communicators can have. She explains how communicators can conduct their own research about their companies by asking themselves key questions and utilizing valuable resources. Linda also predicts future trends for 2023 and beyond. To share your feed...

Karen Clyne, Executive Vice President & Technology Sector Lead at BCW (Burson Cohn & Wolfe) , explains how technology companies can best utilize PR. Karen also shares her excitement about the Metaverse and its growth opportunities. Karen also highlights the role of education when working with client partners.  To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: dougs@dssimonmedia.com  o...

Sharon Robustelli, founder and CEO of TEN3 Public Relations , discusses why thought leadership and executive visibility should be a standalone service. Sharon explains why companies should utilize the service to effectively communicate change. Sharon also talks about why companies are shifting away from having one company spokesperson and highlighting multiple members of the C-suite instead. To sh...

Teresa Bigelow, Founder of Spiral5 , talks about the agency's Starter Publicist Incubator program which teaches communicators how to be freelancers by developing their skill sets and networks. Teresa also explains the impact of the program and gives valuable advice for new freelancers. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: dougs@dssimonmedia.com  or news@dssimonmedia.com - 212.736.2727...

Tina McCorkindale, President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations , explains the characteristics of disinformation that communicators should look out for. Tina shares what communicators should do to prepare ahead of disinformation including creating a crisis plan. Tina also shares valuable insights from the 2022 Disinformation in Canada report. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon:...