Reputation

Neumann stepped down from his role as CEO on September 24th, and less than a week later, on Monday, September 30th, WeWork’s IPO was halted indefinitely. For PR pros working in a startup environment, WeWork’s very public fall from grace holds many lessons to take back to the open office. Let’s look at a few things that communicators at any startup can take away from WeWork’s problems.

New-product specialist Kip Knight says a significant majority of launches fail owing to a lack of strategic planning. He offers six questions all marketers need to ask before launching a product or brand to market.

Everything old is new again. The nation’s largest public transport system has turned to a newsletter to keep commuters informed and entertained as they learn about the latest developments concerning The L-Train Project. NYC commuters love it.

Admit it, we all know Girl Scout cookies. On the other hand, do we know the important role Girl Scouts play in encouraging young girls to become interested in science, math and technology? Do we appreciate the organization’s history? As the Boy Scouts rebrands and accepts girls in its ranks, the Girl Scouts must respond. Rebranding is the organization’s best way forward.

Working on communications for a startup has its joys and issues. Veteran startup PR pro Shana Starr offers guidance for the communicator who’s just stepping into the startup space. She recommends extensive research, which will inform a solid media relations plan and help PR pros position a startup in the market.

Anything can be politicized, however, it takes a very serious turn when the safety of people is at stake. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, home of the National Weather Service, continues to be at odds following a tumultuous week with the White House on the communication of disinformation regarding Hurricane Dorian and the state of Alabama.

At the Platinum PR Awards Gala next week in New York City, bestselling author David Brier will break down some of the biggest questions in public relations today: What makes great brands great? How can brands can survive in today’s dynamic landscape? And how do you take your brand to the next level with storytelling that inspires? Get a sneak peek as David hammers out the secret to storytelling with PRNEWS editorial director Melissa Hoffmann.

The 100th season of the National Football League got underway earlier this week, with the sort of pomp and circumstance this television behemoth is known for generating. Yet professional football, America’s most popular sport, is showing more than a few cracks. You’d not know it, however, to listen to the vague responses to real issues that emanate from the league office in NY.

Two more brands stepped into the gun control debate. Walmart, which sells arms, said it would halt sales of handguns, though it will continue offering hunting rifles and ammunition. Grocery chain Kroger, which, as far as we know, doesn’t sell guns, joined Walmart in asking customers not to carry arms in its stores. Did these brands make the right call?

On Monday, PepsiCo Inc., the parent company of Frito-Lay’s iconic Doritos chips launched a new advertising campaign during the annual entertainment celebrating the pulse of youth culture—the MTV Video Music Awards. The campaign, titled “Another Level,” removes all logos and names from Doritos packaging, leaving behind unmarked bags of blue and red, and the archetypal triangle snack shape.