LAUREL

Let's make the second half of your year a strategic success. Introducing FIT(lite) - A quick guide to Key Opinion Leadership. For nearly a decade, we've helped leaders execute their vision by developing actionable public relations strategy that builds intentional community. Here's something you could do this weekend to step into the next quarter aligned and ready to impact your industry and your goals. For the full guide, visit: https://lnkd.in/gQKpggez

Forbes reports that 44% of a company's market share is attributable to the leader's reputation. It's even more significant for emerging brands. "With 70% of consumers 'somewhat' or 'completely' trusting a brand's website and 69% trusting a company's mentions in editorial content, it's crucial for top executives to be highlighted in articles, reviews and expert pieces." Check out this article from Forbes or join us in August for an Executive PR Strategy interview: https://lnkd.in/gVjcD3CA

Meet our next RISING ICON. Marcus Alipate is the founder of SMOOVE, a fashion brand that was established to help change the narrative behind how someone views their true self. With a background in apparel (former Nike), professional sports (Tonga Basketball) and creative brand direction (Thesis), Marcus has delivered an option that's a nod to all three. "Storytelling is woven into the fabric of human history. It's how we make sense of the world and connect with others. Similarly, clothing is a form of storytelling, expressing who we are before we even speak. Combining storytelling and clothing reveals volumes about our identities." To learn more about about Marcus's leadership story and founder journey, find the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gkajG33k We're rooting for his rise! mentioned: Pierre-Laurent BAUDEY cc: Sheena Butler-Young at The Business of Fashion

This is your weekly reminder that PR is more comprehensive than articles placed, interviews landed and press releases issued. Those are the goods, but not the recipe. Leaders subscribed to our weekly newsletter have started replying as they realize that PR strategy can mean going into a launch, an event or a leadership era with a plan for impact in place. Sometimes that looks like positioning yourself for success by mobilizing your network. Sometimes that looks like platforming your expertise. Sometimes that looks like a top-tier feature, contributed content or exclusive interview. However it looks for you, the difference between having the parts and delivering on the strategy is what separates you from your favorites. Want help getting started? Here's your best option: https://lnkd.in/dR9jhQ56

Every Sunday, we publish a newsletter for innovation leaders who want to level up their PR + comms strategy. Last week's issue was a special one because we welcomed our first advertising partner, PodPitch, to share their podcast database platform with our community. If you pitch podcasts – or ever want to – PodPitch allows you to find, write, and email over 5,000 podcasts per week... in less than 30 minutes. It's the largest podcast database with over 3.8 million podcasts and is AI-powered to learn to write like you, too. Special thanks to the team at PodPitch! Keep an eye out for other great partners who make executing your PR strategy a lot easier. To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/gTtz4uNz

A quick reflection as today marks 200 days into 2024. This year is proof that people on a mission to drive impact can make quantum leaps in a very short amount of time. You may recall, it was just one year ago this month that I exited a nonprofit leadership role to relaunch public relations agency, LAUREL, informed by nearly two years of research within the MSP innovation ecosystem where I studied the needs, capacity and limitations of leaders bringing disruptive technologies and initiatives to life. During that time, in the communications industry, things drastically changed due to the introduction of AI technology and emergence of the creator economy - a $250 billion industry (via Goldman Sachs) that's shifted power in the media landscape from established institutions of journalism to experts with platforms that boast niche audiences and community-based businesses. There's a trend of decentralization. Working with decentralization means integrating these types of media, which is what communications pros are accommodating now. Some are facing challenges to keep up with new technology, to stay relevant and keep their clients competitive in a crowded attention economy. Some, like me, are working to help people understand it and successfully navigate. In the midst of the noise, its more important than ever to be yourself. Ideally out loud, for human connection and sometimes public consumption. Relating is the differentiator. My work now addresses this issue, helping leaders to find and own their voice and deconstruct an outdated image of power. Over the last year, I've had the pleasure of meeting and working alongside some brilliant people as an advisor, board member and collaborator to organizations that have the future in mind. What stands out to me is how important it is to keep global perspective, despite the current size of your footprint. The future is built by those who consider it. And that truth is reflected more than ever in current events. I once heard it said that “life is measured in adventures, not years” and by that logic I've lived a decade since January. We all have. The fullness of life, I believe, is measured by relationships. In business, that means partnership and community. What a wonder it is to witness driven people collaborating to affect change. And there’s potential for a lot of positive change ahead in the remaining 165 days of this year. I hope you make the best of it. Now more than ever, the future is bold. #publicrelations #pr #leadership #communications #innovation

The best time to start relationships with media professionals is when you're not in a rush to announce something or manage a crisis. We're on a mission to make media relations easier for everyone driving innovation ecosystems forward. Join us for our first monthly mixer event to connect journalists with innovators. August is focused on healthcare and social innovation and we welcome leaders from all sectors (research, startup, philanthropy, corporate, government and nonprofit). Please share with someone you think would benefit. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP!

Meet our next RISING ICON. Juan Llerena is an author, entrepreneur and president of digital marketing studio, JLLB Media | Marketing Consulting & Design Studio, that affects growth for small businesses, economic develop centers and social impact organizations.  From his origins in Peru to his longtime home Minnesota, he’s always been an advocate for people who take initiative to build something the community needs. He also founded VamosEntrepreneur, an initiative that supports Spanish-speaking business owners.  “I want more people to explore their creative and entrepreneurial side.” Learn more about Juan's founder story and leadership journey here: https://lnkd.in/df6pFJsY We’re rooting for his rise!  cc: Sahan Journal and Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit