By Brandon Levesque
As communication professionals, we’re constantly scouring the press and social media for trends and storylines in which to insert our clients. We are the frontlines between the public and the perceptions of the brands that we work with everyday. We are also tirelessly acting as newsrooms for clients by crafting curated content and media releases to announce significant milestones for the brands.
So, what happens at times when the news is slow from our clients or perhaps the very opposite, when there has been a negative saturation of these brands in the media yet we still feel the need to deliver results? This is where, as professionals, we should start thinking outside-the-box and focus on the company our clients keep.
Learning that an “In Good Company” piece has the power to help achieve either of those goals when original news is sparse, the little extra legwork on your part is definitely worth it. Every press outlet loves a positive story; one that makes everyone just feel good talking about it. This is about thinking beyond a typical client newsroom and finding ways to solidify them as a player on the scene when news can be slow. Ask yourself the following questions to mine news about your client: Are there local art walks, events or innovative site activations that the brand or other local third parties are doing that would garner some press attention? Are there any interesting sustainable initiatives taking place in the area? Are there local events that neighbors are attending where you can help in promoting the client to the press? Does your client do any educational outreach; can you do a profile on it? How about neighboring restaurants, stores and shopping districts; are they making any impacts and can your clients somehow get involved in crafting a larger area story?
“In Good Company” pieces are a great way to build alliances and to help cement your client as a leader to their neighbors, local politicians, customers, charity organizations and press. From a communication professional’s perspective, any small inroads you can make in building the brand’s reputation through strengthening its ties to its locale, are great steps to a job well done.
