Carolyn Merchant

Whatever other information you're hearing about podcasting there's one statistic at the top of the heap... podcast listening continues to increase. One in three people now have a podcast habit. And according to the Digital News Report 2024 “Podcasts continue to attract younger, richer, and better educated audiences." #podcasting #podcastproduction

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Having representation in advertisements isn't enough to expand into multicultural markets, though many companies might think it's sufficient. Truly connecting with diverse audiences requires thoughtful research into cultural nuances and strategic thinking. ✨ Sociological methods combined with marketing methods can guide us to connect more meaningfully with multicultural audiences. Learn how companies can effectively expand their market share by engaging with these communities thoughtfully and strategically. Read the case studies here: https://lnkd.in/dcR7T57Q

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Clients often ask, "How do I make contact with media professionals? I have a great story but don’t know how to share it." This forms a large part of my work, but it shouldn't be an industry secret. In our 24/7 world, media professionals are constantly looking for compelling stories to feature. As business leaders, it’s crucial to know how to present yourself professionally. One effective way is by drafting an impactful press release. A great press release starts with a compelling story and is essential for capturing media attention. But it's not just about the content; distribution is key. From personalising your outreach to timing your release perfectly, many factors influence success. Curating a targeted media list, engaging with journalists, and using the right distribution strategies can significantly increase your chances of getting your news picked up. Integrate your press releases with your social media and online presence for maximum impact. Ready to craft a standout press release? Join our newsletter and get a free Press Release Template to kickstart your journey. Plus, gain access to exclusive PR tips and strategies from my two decades of experience in media and communications. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eTvtPdCi #PressRelease #MediaStrategy #Communications #BusinessGrowth #MarketingTips #TheCommunicationsCoach #smallbusinessmarketing

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PRWeek's great 2024 Business Report highlights the key challenge facing our industry. Communications is more important than ever. Comms and policy leaders are being asked to play far larger roles as business partners supporting ever more stakeholders. So why did the industry suffer so much in 2023 after many years of growth? As an sector, we are not adapting fast enough to the needs. Organizations are desperate for help but also under tremendous financial strain. They now need both senior level counsel and advisory support as well as deep domain expertise to actually produce. By and large, our industry is still split by this chasm - between strategic and tactical. Clients cannot afford to separate these, either in time or money. At Bully Pulpit International our goal is to bridge this divide, building a team that can both 'think and do' at the highest levels. It's not always easy. Last year was a challenge. But if you share this vision for the future, please check out some of our open roles: https://lnkd.in/dGQwJUSG

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If we were superheroes, we would be… Earth Avengers. We would use our PR superpowers to drive positive change for our planet. We would leverage communication and our media contacts to amplify environmental initiatives and promote sustainability efforts. We would highlight impactful eco-friendly programs that are making a real difference. But wait, we already do this! 🤣 Thanks to our clients who prioritize Earth and have placed their trust in us to share their stories and vital messages. It’s a true honor! P.S. If you could be a superhero, what would you be? Share in the comments below. #EarthDay #Sustainability #PublicRelations #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalAwareness

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😲 HARD TRUTH: Why Your (and my) Captivating Words Are Rarely Read And Quickly Fade into Oblivion Do your eloquent emails, meticulously crafted reports and profound insights fall upon deaf ears? 🙉 Brace yourself for a revelation that will change how you communicate in our frenetic, distraction-riddled world. 🌍 In Jim VandeHei’s riveting TED Talk, you'll discover the unvarnished data that shatters conventional wisdom - people seldom truly absorb what you painstakingly compose. 😱📝 FEAR NOT! Jim divulges an innovative approach dubbed "Smart Brevity," ingeniously designed to captivate your audience's fleeting attention spans. Prepare to be enlightened as Jim unveils succinct yet potent techniques to resonate with your audience, whether colleagues, students or even spies! ✍️ Begin a journey to reclaim your voice and ensure your ideas cut through the clutter and resonate with your audience and having a profound impact. 💡 CURIOUS? Let this insightful talk be the catalyst for communicating with clarity and efficiency in our noisy, word-saturated world. 🌎 #CommunicationSkills #SmartBrevity #ImpactfulWriting https://lnkd.in/e5xBDyWe

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One of the things I love most about my job is exploring trends that are shaping Canada and the world and developing products that help our clients remain competitive. Our #AI workshop product is a great example of that. We've now road-tested it with several teams and it's been getting rave reviews. Kudos to Anna VanDuzer & Michael Mahoney who really put their minds and hearts into this product. Our workshop provides the tools you need to make good decisions around how to (or not to) integrate AI into your work streams. It's clear to us that organizations need this help because: 💡 Only 1-in-5 organizations currently has an AI policy in place 💡 AI will continue to impact all of them 💡 You can either wait for the change, or embrace the change Our goal with this product is to help people embrace the change.

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“Without a Trinity of Management you will fail” This was hard advice to hear at the time I had to find a CMO, CFO and a CPO, preferably for sweat equity, to join me in leading Our Kinds to our next stage of growth. Then Our Kinds would move to the next stage of advisory for a USA raise -I got the drums beating -I was told it was not possible -I kept going -First a CLO (Legal) -Then a CFO (Finance) -Then a CPO (Product) -Then a new Advisory Board member And now a CMO and not just anyone, but the incredible Anf Chans ☕. Great people attract great people -Attracted to a vision -Respect the movement emerging behind that vision -Understand that there are more problems than solutions -And get behind solving those Anf has only been on board for a matter of weeks and yet his leadership and the energy that he has brought to our team is profound. Anf is taking a break for a few weeks, and we are in good shape. We know what to do in his absence and we will get that done. That’s telling. Anf is a fractional CMO. His business is Authentic Marketer. He role models his brand. If you are looking for a fractional CMO (in a few weeks time) who will provide advice and direction, support your team and get out of the way and let them get on with it – call Anf. #3of100folkstories #trinityofmanagement #justbringitback #500billionsingleusecups #femalefounder

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It's clear that #AI is impacting all facets of our world. In #Communications and #PR, the opportunities are immense. Have a listen to the first of this two-part podcast where Pierre Fitter and I discuss the transformation, how we're using #ArtificialIntelligence to create value for brands and the incredible work we are doing at BCW Global with our partners at Limbik.

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What are the 3 major forces at play in the #Canadian economy and worldwide? Wonderful evening at the #Canada-#Japan #Innovation talk among business and government leaders, featuring Deputy Minister Simon Kennedy, Country Manager Fatih Yedikardeş, and Partner and Chair Eileen McMahon. Sincere thanks for the hospitality extended by Asami Okusawa-san and to Torys LLP for graciously hosting the event. My takeaways: 1️⃣ Green: The vision to achieve net-zero emissions is reshaping industries, particularly in the #automotive sector, with every OEM making significant shifts towards sustainability 2️⃣ Digital: Accelerated by the pandemic, digitalization has become integral for business viability, with data and advanced technologies playing pivotal roles in maintaining a competitive advantage. #AI is turbocharging the action in a major way. 3️⃣ Resilient: The rush for economic resilience, especially in sectors vital for public health and national security, highlights the vulnerability of crucial supply chains, such as advanced #semiconductors. Do you agree? what would you like to add? 👇 👇👇

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AI is a huge part of modern public relations and marketing, but how do you manage the challenges to get to the benefits? Let's discuss!

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Content is exploding yet the time we need to read, watch and listen to it is remaining the same. As a result we have to become ever more discerning in the choices we make. Here are 2 great PR Podcasts that I have just caught up on, and you should too, both highly recommended. First up is the welcome return of The PR Hub Podcast with special guest, #PublicRelations guru Andy Barr of 10 Yetis Digital, rapidly becoming one of our industry's top voices in all things Crisis Comms. Hosted by Jon Wilcox and Adam Tuckwell, they dive into all of the issues surrounding the launch, or lack of a launch, of Co-Op Live. One of the key points discussed is whether this is an operational issue or a PR one, and following from that how difficult it is to communicate your way out of bad behaviour. No doubt great comms would have helped protect reputation and it appears that the comms team were not included early enough in the situation. Have a lesson and see what you think. On another tack entirely, Michael Murphy and Ben Smith are on the PRmoment pod sharing great tips for buying, growing or selling a PR Agency. Michael has reams of experience in this field and as someone who has grown, sold and bought agencies myself, his wise words really resonate. Michael emphasizes the importance of a realistic valuation and the emotional impact of selling, urging owners to recognize the significance of this possibly once-in-a-lifetime decision. Michael also highlights the importance of cultural fit over just financial terms when choosing a buyer. All great points along with many others you won't want to miss. I've shared links to each below.

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Great profile here of Alberta tech visionary and all-round powerhouse Nicole Janssen of Edmonton's AltaML. Nicole's advice for businesses looking to solve complex problems with human-centred AI solutions could just as easily be applied to governments here: "Do not operate in a silo. The more you know about the business problems faced by other businesses/departments, and so on, the better you can be at helping to create an effective solution to the problem." Wise words. https://lnkd.in/gdmxe7_3

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This Earth Month I encourage organizations to join 1% for the Planet and commit to real meaningful change. While April 22nd is an important day to acknowledge, we need to take action that extends beyond this day, and beyond this month. Since 2022, Faulhaber has been a member of 1% for the Planet. As a small-to-mid business we have donated 50K+ in money and pro-bono services to worthy not-for-profits across the country – something that I am incredibly proud of. By joining 1% for the Planet, Faulhaber didn’t just make a financial commitment; we made a bold statement about our values and our vision for a more sustainable future. If you want to learn more about 1% for the Planet, or why this was the right business decision for our agency, read my blog linked below. #earthday #businessforgood #CSR #earthmonth

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