Posts Tagged ‘PR’

1. Media relationships – it’s important to make them work

   Published on Thursday, January 19th, 2012
   The Press has accused EQC of being unprofessional in its portrayal of two of its reporters – one as “schizophrenic in his writing” and another as a “rogue reporter”.

   The background to this is the EQC’s presentation to field staff on Monday reminding them of the organisation’s responsibilities to the media and that media enquiries should be referred to the designated media contact person.

   This story is evidence of natural tensions between an organisation in the spotlight (and even under siege) and the legitimate role of the media – a fact acknowledged by EQC.

   Any organisation that’s dealt with the media on sensitive issues will have some sympathy for the frustrations of the EQC at this time.  No matter how brilliantly they respond to many claims, some people will remain disaffected and will take their complaints to the media, because they feel that is the only power they have.  Whether these complaints are legitimate or not, the EQC has to accept this.

   If the EQC made a mistake in it presentation to staff, it was in overtly personalising its concerns with individual reporters and preference for others.  For its part the newspaper has over-reacted to this. I suspect there’ve been instances when its own reporters have privately characterised some of the EQC’s personnel in less than flattering terms. That’s just human nature.

   It should not be forgotten that contacts between reporters and organisations are complex human relationships.  In pressure situations there can be an added edge, and what the reporter sees as relatively straight forward is often not so, and the relationship can become prickly.

   There is a long way to go in the repair and re-establishment of Christchurch.  The Press and the EQC are two organisations critical to a successful outcome, and it is vital that they take stock of their respective roles and make the relationship work for everyone.

   For any business, dealing with reporters can sometimes be a fraught experience – never more so than in higher-stake situations such as this.  Getting professional advice is often the best course.

2. The spirit of communicating

   Published on Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
   St Matthew-in-the-City sees the Christmas season as an opportunity to spark thought and conversation in the community.  They’ve put up their Christmas billboard portraying Mary, Jesus’ mother, looking at a home pregnancy test kit revealing that she is pregnant.

   In much less dramatic ways, on one level many of us use the Christmas season to express thanks to our clients or customers, business partners and colleagues using small gifts, cards or a timely call.  It is a time for thinking about and acknowledging others.

   On a more personal level, we are out buying for those near and dear, and preparing for the occasion that is Christmas.

   All this shows that with the right imperative, we are all very good communicators.  Our challenge is to push that spirit of good communication deeper and deeper into New Year. Right?

3. Food for the nation

   Published on Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
   During the next four weeks New Zealanders’ combined spending on food, beverages and other grocery items is likely to once again break records.  Even though purse strings are tighter, people will over-compensate for fear of being caught short.

   Budget pressures aside, we forget how fortunate we are to have access to such an impressive choice of products, particularly as our Christmas falls in the summer season.  It’s a reminder of the critical role the food and grocery industry plays in NZ on many different levels, domestically and in exports.

   These important contributions were recognised at last month’s Food & Grocery Council Annual Conference, opened with a brief televised message from PM John Key.  The PM stressed the importance of the food and beverage sector to New Zealand. Now, he would say that wouldn’t he? But in fact the stature of our food industry has been recognised in a special way by the past two governments.

   When in office, Labour initiated a food and beverage taskforce chaired by Tony Nowell. Research undertaken by the taskforce started to crystallise for politicians the industry’s importance and opportunities.  This has continued under National, no doubt assisted by the foreign earnings’ contributions of food exports that are impossible to ignore in the world’s troubled economic environment.

   Our Government has set a target of tripling the country’s food and beverage exports over the next 15 years, meaning that the food and beverage sector will remain the linchpin of the New Zealand economy for many years to come.

   In its food industry, New Zealand has an enviable strategic advantage and we should celebrate our food heroes, big and small.  In the next month we’ll have every chance to do just that.

   What’s on your food and beverage agenda this Christmas?

4. Mayor Parker and Ballantynes show us how it can be done

   Published on Thursday, December 8th, 2011
   As President of the Public Relations Institute of NZ (PRINZ), I was privileged late last week to present Bob Parker, Mayor of Christchurch with the Institute’s Communicator of the Year award in Christchurch.  It is an annual award bestowed by the College of Fellows, so the selection of Mayor Parker is not simply one of popularity due to level of profile.  It was hard earned and well deserved.

   The word resilience is one I have heard a lot lately and it aptly describes the quality that has been evident across Christchurch as people adapted to these new circumstances.

   Earlier in the year I heard it suggested by one expert commentator that New Zealanders were perhaps less resilient to situations like this because we had, by international standards, such an easy life.  Mayor Parker showed that to be wrong when, as the public face of his city, he consistently demonstrated how resilient they really were (and still are). His wife who was never far from his side and who also carried a significant workload did the same.

   What has emerged is a strong and purposeful community consistently showing resilience in circumstances that none of us dreamt of dealing with.  I would also add: resourceful and proud. Recently we saw this exemplified in the containerised new City Mall that sprung to life and the reopening of Ballantynes, that symbol of classic Christchurch.

   Ballantynes is another brilliant example of the Christchurch resilience. It has shone as a beacon of hope and normality for people. From the start Ballantynes adopted a ‘business as usual’ attitude – even though their iconic store was in the red zone and their own staff were seriously affected – no workplace and in some cases no home themselves.

   It has been a remarkable story of how managing director Mary Devine and her team worked to remain accessible to customers throughout eight months of closure. Their website (online store), household mailers and special customer events held at venues around the city helped maintain precious contact.

   In receiving his award, Mayor Parker said he was not the only one who deserved this acknowledgement as a communicator. That’s undoubtedly true, but leadership through communication sets the path for others and that is what he did. Congratulations to Mayor Parker and his entire crew on being inspiring communicators.

5. New iPads for MPs

   Published on Thursday, December 1st, 2011
   On arriving for their first day at Parliament yesterday, MPs were given a goodie bag with pen and notebook, iPad 2 and iPhone or Blackberry. The iPads were preloaded with key information new members could refer to during their induction programme.

   No doubt there will be some of the usual criticisms leveled at our public servants receiving anything more than the basic tools of the trade, but in reality, issuing iPads makes perfect sense and the substantial benefits will be shared by taxpayers in many different ways.

   While Danish and German parliaments have already announced their adoption of iPads, our own New Zealand Parliamentary Services are just as forward thinking and these modern tools of the trade have been sitting in Bowen House for some time ready for their new users.

   We’ve moved a long way from the desktop computer and mobile phone to a range of items that might include a laptop, smart phone and iPad.  Excessive for some, but basic essentials for others.  Schools too are making iPads essential, and while many may balk at the cost in comparison to some prior technology innovations, it isn’t as bad as we might think.

   Particularly when you bear in mind the cost of the ear-thumping stereo systems or the latest DVD player or flat screen TV – more expensive and probably a lot less essential and multi-purpose.  Even so, here’s hoping those prices continue to lower as these almost essential life tools become as commonplace as televisions and telephones.

   It’s all about the Personal Communication Mixology; the personal customisation of information, communication and technology tools and techniques we each adopt both consciously and unconsciously. This of course is influenced by individual access and ability combined with their learning and communication style.  It’s a complex space that communication specialists like Network are constantly exploring and working in on behalf of clients.

   For MPs, where the volume of reports and information around the house could probably keep a convoy of paper trucks busy, the ability to share and access information on a small device is an opportunity we would be mad to miss.

   But we know that the opportunity is far more than this.  It would therefore be fascinating to study the use of those two items provided in the goodie bags for each MP.  Perhaps someone will do this.  Meanwhile I love my iPad, iPhone and Macbook Pro which I liberally interchange depending on circumstances.  But I am also rarely without a pen and paper.

6. Elections aren’t the only time to exercise democratic power

   Published on Friday, November 18th, 2011
   As the election campaigns unfold, the ‘lolly scramble’ of policy has been in full swing (as has the obligatory media distraction from the real issues at-hand). Political parties, and their people are interacting with their publics like there is no tomorrow… because for some there won’t be, at least not in Parliament.

   The candidates and parties are doing almost anything they can to increase their name recognition and relevance to you. But it is also an ideal time for you to turn the tables and engage with your local MP or party spokespeople to state your issues of concern.

   Of course, you are likely to have far more success if you have had previous and sustained connection with that key person or group.  It’s vitally important that we keep in regular contact with our representatives, not just when they come knocking on your door every three years.

   A common problem for many is knowing how best to contact public officials and what the appropriate protocols and procedures are for this. Granted, there are some unique considerations, but once understood, the opportunities are tremendous.

   Network’s own work in Government Relations spans many years and many governments.  In producing the New Zealand Government Directory we have cause to interact with nearly every single representative, department and organisation.

   We know their pet peeves, such as spelling a name wrong or the incorrect salutation.  And did you know that you do not need to put a stamp on an envelope to parliament?

   One of the significant components of the New Zealand Government Directory is a comprehensive guide to contacting relevant people or government organisations. This essential guidance includes full biographical details and key contact numbers and emails. There’s also a searchable database at your fingertips to group relevant contacts and cross-reference with protocol guides on how to effectively target your concerns to the right people or entities.

   We encourage you to check it out here and exercise your democratic right – not just once every three years!

   

    

    

    

    

7. Never mind policy, what’s on the tape?

   Published on Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
   

   It is hard not to feel that that the 2011 General Election has descended into farce.  We’re now ten days out from the Election, and for nigh on three days our politicians aided and abetted by the national media have given us a diet of irrelevancy about a tape of a private conversation.

   The PM raised a matter of principle about being secretly recorded in conversation over a cup of tea with the aspiring MP for Epsom, but before long our media are excusing the blatancy of this illegality and claiming the PM has something to hide if he’s not prepared to reveal what’s on the tape.  In climbing into this matter,  two of the other main parties, while tut-tutting at the secret recording, have been lavishly proffering public relations advice about what the PM should do because it “doesn’t look good” to have a private conversation and keep it that way.

   It is a sign that politicians are now more interested in doing what “looks good” than explaining the social and economic measures that will advance our wellbeing over the next years.  Is this because they judge us to be totally facile?  Are they right, and is this what we want?  Is it also a sign of the media is more interested in feeding us a diet of gossip and innuendo because they understand  people are so disinterested in policy unless it is to directly affect them?

   Surely it’s time to drop this nonsense of the tape and get back to debating the issues that matter so that we can have some substance on which to cast our votes.  This goes for the lot of them.

8. What we can learn from the Rugby World Cup…so far

   Published on Monday, October 17th, 2011
   AB supporters can breathe easy for another week at least. Monday would have been entirely different had we lost.

   It epitomises the many lessons we can learn from a sport and an international tournament that we may never have the opportunity to enjoy again in quite the same way right in our own backyard.

   Rugby can still bring our nation to a standstill….and that’s a good thing

   Even if you don’t enjoy rugby, it’s been a great reason to come together and celebrate something that truly is part of our DNA.  Those stop-the-nation moments are unforgettable, and even the most hardened bar-humbuggers must have taken some pleasure from it all – surely.

   There can be no question that in rugby we are internationally brilliant, and we should all honour that talent and what it brings to NZ.  A passion and commitment for anything that leads to this level of excellence must be celebrated.

   You can learn from your mistakes

   Graeme Henry was asked his secret to Sunday’s win?  He gave a simple answer – four years of planning. Reappointing him gave him and everyone else a real chance to learn from mistakes, and the results speak for themselves.  Team work is everything, and not just the players on the field.

   Sunday’s game was won by the legion of people who supported the different parts of the “machine”, and who ensured it came together on the night.

   None more so than close family and friends who ensured each squad member could single-mindedly focus on the game.  Piru Weepu’s family made a huge call last week by holding back the news of his Koro’s  passing, and his game changing presence this week was no doubt due to the support of his entire Whanau.

   Have faith

   Martin Sneddon promised an event to remember and encouraged people to get involved.  The meticulous planning, including even changing the school holidays, and the associated events have all delivered beyond expectations.  What parent isn’t pleased the kids are off school today and the long weekend means plenty of time to enjoy the final piece of the festival.  Here’s hoping we pull it off in the final minutes.  I have faith and so should you.

   What are some other lessons you think we have taken on board so far?

9. When sorry is too little too late

   Published on Friday, October 14th, 2011
   It was an outrage, but there was an apology.

   A “stupid thing” had been done and it was now deeply regretted.

   An All Black had gone out drinking (and smoking).  Fortunate for Cory Jane, he played a blinder and the match was won.

   The second apology of the week came from Costamare Shipping Company managing director Diamantis Manos.  His company owns the Rena which is causing a black tide of another type. Yesterday he apologised by video to Tauranga residents and New Zealanders for the “disastrous event”.

   Perhaps his advisers told him that New Zealanders like and accept apologies, as we’ve had a “sorries” from a veritable catalogue of high-profile offenders from current and former All Blacks, and sports commentators, to MPs and church leaders.  Sorry has become the get-out-of-jail-free card.  But not this time, not from owners and managers of the ship that is violating the Bay of Plenty.  It came too late and from too far away.

   There are times when you have to front up in person, and this is one of them.

10. Celebrating the RWC national anthems

    Published on Tuesday, October 4th, 2011
    Never mind the intricacies of backline set-plays, for me one of the most impressive feats of the RWC has been that of the New Zealand Choral Federation in learning 20 different anthems. The lyrics of  these anthems can be found here.

    Some older Kiwis find learning the dual language version of the New Zealand anthem almost an insurmountable challenge, and not infrequently resort to semi-audible mumbling.

    Of their nature, anthems (national hymns or songs) look both back in history and forward to the future.  From the English ones I’ve heard sung, the common themes are protecting boundaries, freedom (even Fiji’s) and hope for the future.

    Some are remarkably un-PC.  For example, the refrain of France’s anthem is:

    Grab your weapons, citizens!
    Form your battalions!
    Let us march! Let us march!
    May impure blood
    Water our fields!

    The Japanese anthem which is the oldest in the world, takes a longer, more patient view:

    May the reign of the Emperor continue for a thousand, nay, eight thousand generations and for the eternity that it takes for small pebbles to grow into a great rock and become covered with moss.

    One of the newest (2000) in terms of lyrics, is Russia’s aspirational anthem:

    Plenty of room for dreams and for life
    The coming years are promising us.
    Allegiance to our Motherland gives us strength.
    So it had been, so it is, and so it always will be!

    The one I find hardest to dislodge from my head is Ireland’s anthem. This is no doubt due to its simplicity. In reality it is one of two anthems the Irish have.  The one we hear is Ireland’s Call, specifically a rugby anthem adopted in 1995 to help cross sectarian and national divides between the Republic and Northern Ireland:

    Ireland, Ireland
    Together standing tall
    Shoulder to shoulder
    We’ll answer Ireland’s call

    The other, more likely to heard in Ireland, is the Soldier Song, and it’s a tad more bellicose.  In part is says:

    We’re children of a fighting race
    That never yet has known disgrace,
    And as we march the foe to face,
    We’ll chant a soldier’s song.

    What’s your take on the anthems we’ve been hearing, and are we happy with what we have?