At Intesa, we are constantly honing our communications and government relations strategies to optimize current trends and keep our clients ahead of the curve. Today’s fast-paced, 24-hour news cycle keeps all of us on our toes, creating challenges and yielding some blessings in disguise. Never before have there been so many opportunities to get the word out; the hard part is getting the right people to notice and take action. As we embark on a new decade, here are some trends we’ll be tracking:
Public Relations
With increasing connectivity, the tried-and-true, pitch-and-place playbook PR approach can be a recipe for ‘meh’ results. It’s no longer a matter of can we get our message out, but how can we best connect? Here’s a peek into a couple of things we have our eyes on as we stay on top of what’s trending and industry best practices:
Person-centered Content
Whether you are building out blog, vlog, or social media strategies, it’s time to take your content strategy seriously as this trend is here to stay. Finding and using your unique voice as an organization is crucial. Cultivating story-telling talent and spokesperson roles within your organization is also more important than ever. Expect your PR expert to push for more and better content with smarter delivery. Showing the human element behind your work is key to getting people to care why it should matter to them personally, and act accordingly. Need help getting started? Check out this article from The Muse or chat with us about a branding strategy workshop.
Data Transparency
While authenticity has ruled the past few years, we are seeing a surge of attention on the increasing importance of transparency. Transparency demands that brands be honest and proactive stewards of data. Consumers are increasingly concerned that their personal information is unsecured, will be sold or stolen. The responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of organizations to protect any data they collect and effectively communicate their policies to the users. Failure to do this proactively, and your company could lose the most valuable thing of all— your customer’s trust. Is your company in compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act that went into effect in January 2020? We can help assess where you are and get you where you need to be. Just get in touch.
Government Relations
In this high stakes, fast-paced, issue-driven industry, we pride ourselves on bringing level-headed advice and long-term perspective to the conversation, especially when things get tough. As we approach Super Tuesday, here are a couple of items on our radar:
Relationship-based Politics
First a cool fact: California and Texas are moving to early primaries, which means nearly one third of the country will be voting on March 3. That’s a big deal. If your voter registration needs updating, get on it! The deadline to update your registration in California is February 18th.
With politics being a relationship-based gig, the follow-on transition of government can be challenging for those who are new to the scene. We predict the folks who have maintained and nurtured good working relationships over the years — on both sides of the aisle — will rise to the top. Respecting the viewpoints and positions of all stakeholders, even when you don’t agree, is key to success in government relations, especially because one never knows what the future will bring or who will next fill that seat. It’s a matter of organizational philosophy and integrity we ascribe to at Intesa and we’ve found it to benefit our long-term strategy in times of change.
Social Media Restraint
Even though we’re in the throes of a presidential election year, and in the era of highly charged Twitter feuds, we actually think some people will begin to exhibit more self-control on social media and take a beat before issuing a knee-jerk reaction in 280 characters or less. Whether by edict or self-actualization, this will be done not only in the name of political correctness but with the increasing realization that posting passionate, whip-saw tweets can also tip off your opponents to your arguments, your strategy, and could end up painting you into a corner. It may be time to admit that clap-backs and wise-cracks just aren’t worth it as we usher in an era of more, dare we say, restraint? Maybe it’s just wishful thinking on our part…
We’d love to hear your thoughts on what’s catching your eye and piquing your interest at the start of this new decade. What trends do you see in your industry? Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and join the conversation!
And, if it’s time to refresh your communications and/or government relations strategy, contact us — we’d love to be your go-to resource!
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