Blog Archive
From optimist to optimize – a way forward for PR
The PR profession has long relied on 'the kindness of strangers'. In fact, I'd venture to guess that if you’re in PR and of a certain age, you’re probably an optimist. Or were at some point. How else could you survive in an industry with no guarantees, a lot of...
Experience turned to arrogance is never a good thing
Should a PR person ever call a journalist? In many cases, the answer is a resounding NO. Yet it's something senior practitioners tell juniors all the time. 'Why are you emailing, pick up the phone!' We live in an age where relationships and trust are more important...
In praise of bad ideas, not bad judgment
We’ve all heard the expression: there are no bad ideas. And you know something? That is just. not. true. There are some awful ideas out there. Real stinkers. But many times absolutely ridiculous-sounding, bottom of the barrel sludge can become the creative equivalent...
Content marketing: how to unlock creative ideas
After I graduated from university my first real job was playing the role of junior copywriter at Canada’s largest ad agency. I had an office, clients - even a secretary to type memos and schedule appointments. I was in the company of Mad Men...almost. The thing that...
Content pollution: it’s time to de-clutter de content
“If you visit American brand, you will find it very grand, just two things of which you must beware – don’t click the content, you don't want to share…” Anyone who remembers Tom Lehrer's iconic and hilarious social satire, Pollution, will know those aren't the words...
Online crisis training: real-time scenarios sharpen skills
For the past few years, I've been going back to school in the fall - as lead instructor in University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies Digital Strategy Certificate program. You can follow our Twitter conversations #digitaledu. This semester, I'm teaching the...