Kass Sells’ Post

PRCA APAC's recently released Perspectives Report offers valuable insights into how communication professionals across the diverse Asia Pacific region view their role in today's landscape. The report explores current opportunities and threats to reputation for businesses and individuals operating in APAC. This thought-provoking research features perspectives from industry leaders, including our very own PRecious Communications Malaysia Country Manager, Joey Gan. A great resource for anyone working in communications, reputation management, or the APAC business world. Delve deeper and connect with Joey Gan to discuss the key takeaways and their implications for your practice. Full report here: https://lnkd.in/gNcVV3wU #WeBePRecious #PRCA #APAC #ReputationManagement #Communication

Two words: 1). Highly. 2) Recommended. That is all..

Discover the Faces and Markets of Public Relations Global Network in 2024! This week, Andy See Teong Leng of Perspective Strategies discusses Malaysia's business readiness, foreign investment, competitiveness, and halal industry leadership, as well as its media landscape adeptly navigates digital trends, showcasing a dynamic economy. #PR #PublicRelations #Communications https://ow.ly/bxQ350QQj17

My last job of being an employee was the deputy managing director of China operation for an international PR group, albeit this was 26 years ago.   There was an interesting incident during my stint with this company. The group’s CEO once paid a visit to China and chaired a so-called town hall meeting with all the employees in Beijing.   In the Q&A session, an account director asked the CEO a question: “What are your advice to compete in the China market which is featured by fierce price-cutting competition?”   In my opinion, this was not a clever question – The global CEO would expect his local managers to give him the answer instead of the other way round!   The CEO’s answer was equally disappointing. He casually gave some cliches like “We should demonstrate our values to clients rather than focusing on price, bah bah bah…”. I expected him, as a leader, to do a better job in terms of mentoring this junior manager even her question was slightly dumb. He should further elaborate how to demonstrate values to clients as well as its implications to managerial maneuvers. Any pragmatic manager would know that the only way out in a cut-throat competition and a price-sensitive market environment is a three-step strategy: Firstly, make offers to clients that they can’t refuse (sounds like the famous narrative from the movie Godfather!). This implies making your price be competitive; Secondly, in order to make up the reducing profit margin, you have to look for more businesses. This means the entire operation may skew towards a volume business; Thirdly, being frugal in terms of cost control is inevitable.   This does not sound polished and stylish, but I think such candid, straight-from-gut managerial advice is key to forge a dynamic and pragmatic company culture. But I did not think this managerial style would be well received in this company.   Therefore, I established my communication consultancy in China in 1998!  

My last job of being an employee was the deputy managing director of China operation for an international PR group, albeit this was 26 years ago.   There was an interesting incident during my stint with this company. The group’s CEO once paid a visit to China and chaired a so-called town hall meeting with all the employees in Beijing.   In the Q&A session, an account director asked the CEO a question: “What are your advice to compete in the China market which is featured by fierce price-cutting competition?”   In my opinion, this was not a clever question – The global CEO would expect his local managers to give him the answer instead of the other way round!   The CEO’s answer was equally disappointing. He casually gave some cliches like “We should demonstrate our values to clients rather than focusing on price, bah bah bah…”. I expected him, as a leader, to do a better job in terms of mentoring this junior manager even her question was slightly dumb. He should further elaborate how to demonstrate values to clients as well as its implications to managerial maneuvers. Any pragmatic manager would know that the only way out in a cut-throat competition and a price-sensitive market environment is a three-step strategy: Firstly, make offers to clients that they can’t refuse (sounds like the famous narrative from the movie Godfather!). This implies making your price be competitive; Secondly, in order to make up the reducing profit margin, you have to look for more businesses. This means the entire operation may skew towards a volume business; Thirdly, being frugal in terms of cost control is inevitable.   This does not sound polished and stylish, but I think such candid, straight-from-gut managerial advice is key to forge a dynamic and pragmatic company culture. But I did not think this managerial style would be well received in this company.   Therefore, I established my communication consultancy in China in 1998!                        

Today, we launched our third annual Sefiani Communication that Matters Report: Building Brand Belonging; Rethinking Communications for Integrity and Impact. To inform our findings, we commissioned global research company Censuswide to survey 100 corporate communication professionals, 500 consumers and 500 employees in Australia. In this complex, post-COVID world, the brands and businesses that will come out on top are those that can demonstrate their commitment to acting responsibly in a way that resonates with their stakeholders, within and outside their organisations while communicating their messages and values with integrity and transparency. Our 2023 Communications that Matters Report provides you with a practical framework, best practice global examples, and global insight to help build long-term trust, loyalty – and a sense of belonging – with your stakeholders. Download your copy of the report here: https://lnkd.in/gPihdqwV Created by: Alice Spraggon and Amanda Galmes #brandbelonging #responsiblebusiness #communicationsstrategy #communicationthatmatters #agentsofchange

Read our writeup about our Leaders' Breakfast Roundtable on Marketing In Asia: https://lnkd.in/gXxRmdQk The event gathered top #PR leaders for a lively discussion, where they offered unique perspectives to influence the future of the PR industry. Participants expressed enthusiasm for more such enriching events in the future, reinforcing the significance of our efforts in driving the PR industry forward. #publicrelations #communications #WhatMattersinPR #malaysia

PRovokeAP: “Measuring Reputation Capital Is Complex, But Critical” Leaders from Sandpiper outlined strategies to bridge the 'insights-action gap' in reputation research and management at the Asia Pacific summit In a conversation at PRovoke Media’s Asia Pacific summit last week, speakers acknowledged there were challenges in measuring corporate reputation, but said bespoke, sophisticated approaches – including taking local and cultural nuances into account – could more closely link reputation capital with business value. https://lnkd.in/d2w4hDya

Fascinated by the Asian mindset, I recently went on an 8,818 km journey to Bangkok. A city that always inspires. Surrounded by new culture, people and experiences, Thai people offered profound insights into growth and success. I observed a striking difference in decision-making. Germans are extra cautious, especially in uncertain times. And Thais embrace change swiftly. More specific: Asian people embrace the culture of 'Trial & error.' They accept ideas readily and implement them. If it works out → give it everything (we all follow this pattern) If it doesn't work → discard → try something new (not everyone of us dares to follow this) Whereas we Germans struggle with 'trial & error,' especially as the cost of error is exorbitantly high Discovering crisis communication through the lens of Thai culture (source: https://lnkd.in/e-4uKaM9), It all boils down to mindset. A heartfelt thanks to my Asian friends for the enriching exchange of perspectives. Here's to the power of diverse mindsets propelling us towards unparalleled growth!🌐 🤝 #MindsetMatters #CulturalExchange #GrowthMindset #AsianPerspective

Great ongoing conversation on the soon to rollout National Data Protection Act. This will definitely call for alignment across all sectors for how we handle consumer data. #DataProtection #ConsumerConsent