I am not a fan of the Star-Spangled Banner being played before sporting events. Did you know that the tradition started during World War II to drum up support for the “war effort?” It, in effect, politicized sports.  And the only place that belongs is in the Olympics, in my opinion. With that being said, [...]

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Can I stand on my soapbox for a bit? At #SXSW, there was a lot of discussion about brand transparency.  Brands need to be open and honest with customers; own mistakes, celebrate successes and provide top-notch customer service/community management. I had all of those lessons in mind on my flight home.  During the trip I [...]

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It’s been quite a year for Charlie Sheen from a public relations standpoint. From rehab to drug busts to porn stars locked in hotels to domestic issues to having his kids taken out of his home, nothing has seemed to go right for the actor. CBS has even halted production on his hit show, Two [...]

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In the PR world, we do everything we can to help clients avoid that public image Whammy.

We try to present our clients in the best light possible, gathering positive sentiment and brand loyalty like all the cash and prizes the contestants tried to win. But, if the client hits a Whammy, it can end right then and there.

Take, for instance, Tiger Woods.

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Let’s play a game.  Totally fictitious situation. You’re a publicist and you represent a second-tier NBA superstar.  Not a LeBron or Kobe, but one notch below.  Still a major player in the game.  Let’s call him, just for fun, “Gilbert Arenas.” And let’s say that “Gilbert Arenas” just plead guilty to felonious gun possession in [...]

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Customer service is the center of business.  Treat your customers well and they will be happy, thus, in theory, become repeat and loyal customers. Sounds fairly basic, right? And yet, here I am, waiting for the DC Water Authority…for a second straight day.  Let me timeline this out for you, and hopefully give businesses a [...]

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