Stories by Diane Schwartz

Every day we throw something out, tossing it into the garbage or recycling bin without much thought. At home, we cart the trash can up to the curb (or have our kids do it) and go on with our lives. Meanwhile, back at the office, we are letting a lot of work garbage pile up. We hold onto projects, ideas and missions that are starting to stink up the place. Either we feel we can’t toss them out or we just don’t think about the notion that some ideas expire, that products or campaigns need to be sun-setted. So, what garbage do you need to clear out?

Every day, PR is doing its job rather well. Communicators are masterfully engaged in storytelling, managing reputations and fostering relationships with its various and varied constituencies. But one major constituency it’s still suffering reputation problems with is the media. Is there a misunderstanding that PR is called in only when all else is lost, when it “comes to that”?

As a former reporter, I received my share of misguided story pitches, voice mails asking if I received the press release and invitations to parties and lunches followed by product pitches. I’ve also been on the receiving end of outstanding communications tactics, story ideas loaded with article fodder, introductions to top sources, and helpful intel… Continued

A packed theater at CES welcomed the hour-long advertisement for Yahoo that CEO Marissa Mayer brought to the stage because, well, it was interesting and entertaining. It was about the most important people: us.