Ryan Luckin

CALIFORNIA

3

One of the hottest topics in comms at the moment..is your organisation ready? Learn from the experts on how to prepare in this upcoming webinar. #cybercrisis

9

Blindly trusting Microsoft, or any tech, to proofread for grammar is like trusting autocorrect to get your text messages right. Today alone (and before lunch to boot!), Microsoft’s ‘helpful’ proofing suggested I change two words to be grammatically incorrect. Proofreading is a bit like car maintenance – nobody really enjoys it, but everyone can tell when you don't do it. Let's give our readers, colleagues, and customers the gift of error-free writing. Microsoft might save you from typing ‘teh’ instead of ‘the,’ but only a good proofread will help protect you’re image 😉

18

ML’s Monday Morning Musings – 3.5 Reflections from 3.5 Days with IABC Comms Pros “Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” -- Henry Ford Thanks, Henry. Even with 30 years of experience in internal and change communications at global companies, I’m not too old to learn. Last week, I spent 3.5 days with top professionals in the communications field at the IABC World Conference in Chicago. Nearly every speaker told a story of a situation they overcame that I could relate to and learn from. While there were many takeaways, a few reflections stood out for me. If you want more, follow IABC, and attend next year! 💓 1.    Let Your Heart Lead Oscar Munoz, former CEO of United Airlines, told the story of his first 37 days there, which he spent talking with employees in every part of United’s operations. His first priority was to regain their trust. Under pressure, and after suffering a near-death heart attack, drawing inspiration from his grandmother (who raised him as a boy and served as his role model), he led United with heart through one of the most successful turnarounds in modern business. Check out his book, “Turnaround Time.” 😩 2.    Avoid Burnout Carolon Donnally PCC,MSOD, spoke of living with habitual burnout, an experience which took her two and half years to overcome. She reminded me of times in my career when I experienced burnout and shared strategies to avoid it, like having self-compassion and remembering to BARK: B-oundaries (set them) A-dditional identities (you are not only your job) R-est and relationships (see item #3) K-nowing and addressing burnout stressors 🤝 3.    Build & Nurture Relationships I met and reconnected with professionals who, like me, want to keep getting better at what they do, like Steve Crescenzo and Cindy Crescenzo. I first met Steve at an IABC conference where he gave a keynote on making corporate communications simpler. I later hired them. More than once. A former Bayer colleague, Alexandra Borchard (She/Her), and I joined the Crescenzos for dinner because that’s one way to nurture relationships. We had a blast, and I’m working with them on another project. You get out of relationships what you put into them. 🧐 3.5   Have Sponge-Like Curiosity. Be open-minded to new ways of thinking, approaches, perspectives, and technologies. AI and how to leverage this fascinating technology to augment your communications work had its own track. For many, it represents a big change. DM me to learn how to better manage change in your career or life. More at www.helppeopleprosper.com. Listening (another great session) to the challenges and opportunities facing communicators today renewed my faith in knowing that these are the people who create lasting positive change happen, and they are the ones who know how to inspire that change in others.  Thanks Kim Clark, for that reminder. To your prosperity! #IABCWorldConference #change #communications #relationships #burnout #values

33

7 Comments

Question for my followers who do not work in news and journalism -- How much do you care if a news outlet wins any kind of journalism awards? Do you even know if a news outlet you are reading is award-winning? Does it impact your view on that news outlet? Or are you continually judging the news provider on the content yourself and your own experience? I’d really like to know and DMs open if you prefer not to comment on this post. #news #journalism #reporting #newsconsumers

2

Comms Pros: Don’t confuse stakeholder frustration as your failure. Easy to say, harder to do.  - We deliver tough news.  - We expose strategic cracks.  - We challenge, appropriately. Sometimes this frustrates business partners. → It isn't always easy to hear. (I get that, too.) But, the frustration is not always directed at us. → It’s often the situation itself. - We have our finger the pulse. - We identify misalignments.  - We see vulnerabilities.  - We connect dots. Remember: We’re at the sharp end of the stick - the mirror back to the business. So, keep it real & be thoughtful:  - Tell the truth.  - Focus on solutions.   - Use judgement / process. Even when it’s unpopular: Protecting the brand *is* the job. 

46

12 Comments

AI Killed Writing Tests So How Can You Evaluate Editorial Talent?

1

2 Comments

Moments like these are ones you live for as an author. This C-suite reader emails to tell me how my book, "STFU: The Power of Keeping Your Mouth Shut in an Endlessly Noisy World," has helped him: "Recently, during a crucial negotiation with a vendor, I remembered your emphasis on active listening. Instead of pushing my agenda, I focused on truly understanding their needs. This resulted in a serious discount on their services in exchange for a case study on my firm using the product. In a world filled with books on communication, yours stands out. The simple yet powerful message of listening first has become a core principle in my approach, even at the C-suite level of a national law firm. I now keep a white business card with 'STOP TALKING' on my desk as a constant reminder. Thank you for writing such a profound book!"

84

9 Comments

It's essential to clearly understand the various terms and concepts related to streaming video. Many industry pundits often use terminology interchangeably or draw distinctions between terms that may not accurately reflect the technical and business realities of the streaming video landscape. 1. Understand the Difference Between OTT and Streaming OTT (Over-the-Top) refers to delivering content using the internet rather than a specific type of content or business model. Streaming is the act of playing video content without the need to download the entire file. OTT is a method to deliver streaming content, but not all streaming is necessarily OTT. 2. Recognize the Similarities Between IPTV, TV, and Streaming IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a method of delivering television content using Internet protocols. Traditional TV, IPTV, and streaming can often share the same program source. The distinction between these delivery methods is becoming less relevant as devices become more versatile and connected TVs (CTVs) able to receive content from multiple sources, including OTT services and over-the-air signals. 3. Focus on the Content and User Experience The source and delivery method of content are becoming less important to consumers, what matters is the quality and relevance of the content itself, as well as the overall user experience. Industry professionals should focus on creating compelling content and seamless viewing experiences across various platforms. Understanding the nuances of different delivery methods can help optimize content for specific platforms and audiences. 4. Stay Informed and Adaptable The streaming video landscape constantly evolves, with new technologies and business models emerging. Industry professionals must stay informed about the latest developments and be willing to adapt their strategies accordingly Seeking out reliable sources of information and engaging in continuous learning can help navigate the industry's complexities. As the lines between traditional TV, IPTV, and streaming continue to blur, a holistic understanding of the ecosystem and its terms is essential for success. Read Dan Rayburn's excellent blog post to master the streaming video landscape and terminology. It's crucial to look beyond surface-level distinctions and buzzwords. By recognizing the nuances of different delivery methods, focusing on the content and user experience, and staying informed about industry developments, professionals can navigate the complexities of the streaming world more effectively. #streamingmedia #videostreaming #streamingvideo #ottvideo https://lnkd.in/gCrR_7gn

1

Us Comms folks are wired to navigate tricky situations. MacGyver was my favorite show growing up. ‘Mac’ had a knack for solving problems and extensive scientific knowledge.  → He could unlock a vault with a paperclip and some bubble gum. Comms doesn’t always have all the resources, either. But we know how to play the hand we're dealt. - Assess the situation  - Explore options  - Make it work Being great at Comms requires us all to be MacGyvers. → A mix of expertise, experience and resourcefulness. We're strategic. We're scrappy. We're problem solvers.

41

31 Comments

I think a mistake folks make, particularly in larger (or rather “active”) organizations is the various “strategies” (SEO, content, social, PPC, etc.) are too siloed.  I very much believe that they should all sit under a wider communications strategy. There has to be comms consistency across the channels and across the organization. Before you balk at this notion and yell at me for taking control away from “SEO” let me just say I think this benefits SEOs… C-Suite isn’t drooling over your traffic numbers the way you are. They’re drooling over the revenue numbers that your traffic can help create. However, if you don’t have a unified comms strategy you run the risk of a user perceiving you one way on one channel and a different way via the content they find when searching. I don’t have any hard numbers here - but I don’t think it's a stretch to say that messaging and tone inconsistencies are going to make converting harder, not easier. Let me now tell you another mistake SEOs might make here. This is an opportunity for you. Because Search is the most powerful channel across the web it can help influence what the brand talks about, how they talk about, and who they talk about to. You should be using “SEO” data related to brand searches, trends, etc. to be an advocate within the organization and to help course correct. #marketing

2

My inner nerd was interested in the news that is Meta ditching workplace. We see Viva Engage gaining traction with clients, and Slack remains popular, but Workplace environments have become wild wests with it super hard to search for content and the noise-to-signal ratio set to TOO LOUD. Will be interesting to see how this pans out and what AI will do to this digital collaboration space. Ok, it's not as interesting as an episode of The Responder, but it's interesting nonetheless! If you have any questions or thoughts on Workplace or your internal communication channels, feel free to drop a comment or reach out (Victoria.entwistle@hillandknowlton.com). We have helped clients such as Nestlé, Anglo American, Tata Consulting, and Haleon determine the best digital communication platforms and initiate better global matrix collaboration to improve business impact, like SIX's BOOST program. Consequently, 86% of employees reported an improved understanding of the new strategy and vision and satisfaction with communications increased by 18%!

2

"Public relations requires nonstop surveillance and connecting of dots: "If you want to stand out in this role, you need to: 🎯 Know the top thought leaders on the topics critical to your business 🎯 Be familiar with the beats + recent coverage from the journalists you pitch 🎯 Be be deliberate about getting out of your bubble--track media across geographic, political, cultural, and industry groups 🎯 Understand (and be able to explain) what is and isn't newsworthy 🎯 Share insights and recommend meaningful action when appropriate "Staying on top of current events is critical for: ⚡Differentiating yourself as someone who can bring current examples to the group and tell people things they didn’t already know. ⚡ Tracking competitors ⚡ Spotting emerging trends that you can create relevant pitches around ⚡ Identifying opportunities ⚡ Staying current on things impacting your customers lives and consumption behavior ⚡ Being aware of sensitive news cycles so you can know when you should hold off on soft news pitches ⚡ Guarding against crises ⚡ Being attune to looming threats to your company/industry ⚡ Catching news that you need to react to internally or externally 🚨 "If you aren't genuinely interested in the news, this job is not for you." --Sarah Kissko Hersh #quoteoftheday 🗣 | #publicrelations | #PR | #newshound 😉 👌 📰 🗞 📺 📻 💻

6

Transitioning to tech after 10+ years in journalism and communications has taught me one thing: confidence is overrated. Doubt, however, is a far more abundant, incredibly cheaper and much more accessible resource. If it's bold (the irony) enough to periodically plague you, it's bold enough to withstand your exploitation of it. Here's how I've used it (and continue to), and here's how you can too: 1. Doubt as an Endless Fuel for Curiosity ⛽ I know nothing (Jon Snow... sorry, couldn't resist) about Networking, so my decision to ultimately take steps to pursue my CCNA certification has been one deliciously riddled with doubt. As such, I opted to redefine my relationship with the resource. "When I feel doubt, think curiosity". Whenever doubt would come, I'd say those words out loud. Over time, doubt no longer dissuaded me, but became the buzz word or emotion to trigger my enthusiasm for knowledge. Reprogram your relationship with it. 2. Doubt as the Border of Your Ignorance 🚧 If your aim is to grow, doubt is often the beginning of your discomfort and the tripwire waiting at the edge of what you know. Set it off. Pushing the limits of your doubt is the same as shrinking the stronghold of your ignorance. Take that, Subnetting. (Don't mind that last bit. Subnetting and I have beef). 3. Doubt as a Compass If you don't know where to go, head in the direction you doubt to be the best one. The decision to leave the confines of journalism - a bed I've made for 10+ years - for the daunting world of tech, was built on that very premise. I'm transitioning to tech because, among other reasons, I doubt I can. It's a compass pointing me to the thing I feel most anxious about. Fortunately, the business of unmasking the specter of your anxiety is an extremely valuable one. Embrace it. How do you use doubt? #Tech #Journalism #ExploitingDoubt

8

2 Comments

If you handle crisis comms, you know how critical it is to carefully manage the situation. And managing the situation involves much more than quickly developing messaging. Among other things, it involves knowing your audience--both internal and external--as there are likely at least a few (if not many) who want to capitalize on your company's issue. Audiences such as: ➡The disgruntled former employee ➡The disgruntled former employee who's at a direct competitor ➡The disgruntled former employee whose friend is at a direct competitor ➡The disgruntled current employee ➡The disgruntled current employee who's friends with any of the above ➡The disgruntled former customer or partner ➡The disgruntled current customer or partner If you don't have a good pulse on these audiences and don't have good control of the message, there's no limit to the amount of FUD they can create. So know thy audience/s. And control thy message/s. #PR #publicrelations #crisiscomms #crisiscommunications #communications #internalcomms

21

5 Comments

Great reminder to focus on self care. Such a simple message in one picture!

22

1 Comment

🤔 Absolute Craziness… What kind of press release question is this?!   🎉 I'm always thrilled when we receive a call about our press release offerings.   What's less thrilling is the occasional misconception that we can perform magic to guarantee media placement.   📞  Just today, my partner fielded a call that left him quite unimpressed.   👂 I overheard his response, and it was clear he had to clarify a common confusion.   📰 The caller was curious about which publications would guarantee coverage for their press release.   📈 He took the opportunity to explain the crucial difference between "syndicated, pay-to-play news" and "earned media."   PR Karma stand firmly in the latter category. We are not ‘pay to play’.   🤝 Our commitment is to authenticity, not paid spots.   📝 When our clients make the news, their stories are not presented as sponsored content but are crafted uniquely by journalists.   🎲 While not every release will grab headlines, those that do, the results (including SEO) are spectacular. Some grabbing multiple pickups from different media outlets.   ✅❌Sure – it may not happen every time, every second or third time but when it does happen, is magic.   Remember, not every story fits every publication, and that's okay.   🛑 Don’t be discouraged by the "pay-to-play" model.   🏆 Keep striving for real, earned media—it's worth it when it happens! #PressRelease #MediaRelations #EarnedMedia #PRtips

2

We, as communications leaders, are inherently trusted advisors and business partners indeed - that's how we bring value and have a positive impact

1

There’s a big difference between “catchy” and “clickbait”… Appreciate Frank X. Shaw’s reminder of the important role communicators play in cultivating trust between people and organizations. And this, particularly in a moment when trust overall is in decline. I always look forward to the Edelman Trust Barometer, which earlier this year revealed the decline of trust in institutions responsible for steering us through innovation and change: https://lnkd.in/gGtUwSy3

10