Think social media customer service has office hours? Think again…

Using social media for customer service is a trending topic in the PR world at the moment. One of the reasons why it has become so popular is because it offers efficiencies and the chance to boost customer service, both in terms of the response rate and customer satisfaction. However,...


Can law firms learn rebrand tips from a Harry Potter character?

The name Matthew Lewis might not mean that much to you – but Neville Longbottom probably will. Whether or not you’re an avid Harry Potter fan you probably remember the character of Neville Longbottom, the goofy geek who was just never quite in with the cool gang and yet still...


Why you shouldn’t post photos of women’s bottoms on social media

Michael Buble is one of those celebrities who normally can’t seem to put a foot wrong. A voice to die for and an appearance to match, he’s demonstrated a gently cheeky sense of fun and crooner gent attitude over the years in which he has established himself as one of...


What to do when a PR crisis hits

I was interviewed for an article in The Lawyer magazine today about how law firms – and in particular Gibson Dunn - should deal with a crisis. Gibson Dunn is a top 30...


Time for Clarkson to let a professional do his PR?

I’ve read this week’s papers behind my hands. For a PR, watching the steady implosion of Brand Clarkson is a painful experience. Can it get any worse for Britain's king of controversy? Last week’s blog focussed on the ‘fracas’ (and perhaps allowed me to indulge my Hammond crush a little)...


Budgets are about a message, not the maths

Prime minister David Cameron - First Lord of the Treasury - may be the government's PR man by background, but the Budget, the most high stakes public relations event in the politics calendar, is entrusted to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Whatever you think of George Osborne's politics, as an act...


The Clarkson fracas reveals my biggest crush

Dad-dressing petrol head Jeremy Clarkson has rarely been out of the news in recent weeks. Unless you've been camping in an isolated corner of the Outer Hebrides with only some weather worn goats and a Nokia 3310 for company you won't have failed to notice that the presenter, usually never...


Krispy Kreme advert fiasco

Acronyms can easily turn a perfectly acceptable marketing slogan or business name into a laughing stock – for example, the Authorised Service Shop (ASS), the Wisconsin Tourism Federation (WTF), Seattle’s South Lake Union Trolley (SLUT) or Microsoft’s Critical Update Notification Tool (now wisely renamed the Critical Updated Notification Utility). It then...


A video CV for your firm?

I have just hired a fabulous new PR assistant. I was impressed with her and had a sense of knowing the fit before I interviewed her. The reason was that she sent me a video CV. There’s no doubt that communication landscapes in general are changing and, with respect to employment...


50 Shades of $$$

Whether or not you read the book (did you?) there has been no escaping the 50 Shades of Grey publicity wagon as it rolled into action before the official release of the film on 14th February. It was greeted with the same hysteria as a new Star Wars film or...