In the Red

In the Red shares our knowledge, industry best practices, campaign strategy and the people behind it. We look at what’s happening across media, marketing, communications and culture, and what it could mean for brands and the people trying to reach their audiences.

Worldcom 2026 North America meeting

In The Red

Elevated: Reflections on the Worldcom Public Relations Group’s North American Regional Meeting in Park City, Utah

Stefan Pollack reflects on the Worldcom Public Relations Group's North American Region meeting in Park City, Utah.

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In The Red

Consumers Don’t Want Ads. They Want a Reason to Show Up.

Marketers chase attention. The challenge is figuring out how to earn it when consumers can scroll past a brand in a fraction of a second.

AI Search Visibility Report - Fall Coffee Season

In The Red

Sited Visibility Index: Who’s Brewing Up the Best Fall?

The Pumpkin Spice Latte season is here, and we examined the AI search visibility of some of the nation's leading coffee brands.

A mason jar of coins with a small plant growing out of the top against a wooden background.

In The Red

How To Lighten A Nonprofit Director’s Load: 18 Marketing Investments

Wise nonprofit directors look at communications not just as campaigns but as part of their organization's foundational infrastructure.

Stefan Pollack on PR Review Podcast

In The Red

Why Most Brand Messaging Fails Before the Campaign Even Launches

When that message is unclear, inconsistent or disconnected from the audience, even great creative has a difficult job to do.

Muck Rack World Cup AI Visibility Report

In The Red

What FIFA’s Stadium Name Problem Teaches Us About Brand Messaging in the AI Era

The World Cup was exciting, but for PR and marketing professionals, it was also incredibly informative: the playing field is getting larger.

The Pollack Group Brand Visibility Index Powered by Sited

In The Red

Sited Visibility Index: Back to School

We selected 6 retailers and analyzed their AI search visibility on the topic of dorm room essentials, ahead of the Back to School season.

A 2026 calendar propped up on a wooden desk with a window in the background.

In The Red

H2 2026: Five Bold Bets for the Back Half

As we head into the second half of 2026, these are the trends I believe communicators and business leaders should be paying the closest attention to.

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In The Red

Forbes: 15 Of The Smartest Ways To Test A New Business Name

Founders need to do their due diligence to understand whether a business’s name will do its job in the real world.

A magnifying glass sitting on top of an open dictionary.

In The Red

Why Your Brand’s Words Are Its Most Underrated Asset — And How Message DNA Fixes That

Message DNA can create a unified framework that organizations can use across every audience, channel, and platform.

Retail shop opening

In The Red

How To Build The Pre-Launch Buzz A New Local Retailer Needs To Grow

The difference often comes down to how well a retailer builds interest and anticipation before opening its doors.

An open hardcover book resting on top of other hardcover books against a yellow background.

In The Red

AI and the Creative Process: Enhancing Storytelling in PR

The real question isn’t whether communications professionals should use AI; it’s whether we know how to use it strategically.

Puzzles of personas

In The Red

Stop Believing Your Own Personas

Most marketing teams don’t actually know their audiences. They know a story they’ve told themselves so many times that it has become fact.​

A website URL in white text on a black screen with a computer mouse hovering over it.

In The Red

Your Website Isn’t Underperforming. It’s Failing the Credibility Test.

Most brands don’t have a traffic problem in 2026. They have a credibility problem. And their website is where it’s being exposed.

Headset leaning against microphone with brown background.

In The Red

Five Things Brands Get Wrong When Launching a Podcast

If you want to capitalize on the popularity of podcasting, continue reading to avoid the top mistakes brands make when first starting out.

Worldcom AGM 2026 in Paris

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What Global Intelligence Actually Looks Like When the Ground Is Shifting

Brands are operating in a constant state of ambient risk, where reputational threats can emerge from any direction.

A hand solving a rubik's cube against an orange background.

In The Red

When the Client Topic Is “Hard to Pitch”: Strategies That Actually Work

The challenge isn’t convincing a reporter to care; it’s earning the right framing, at the right moment, with the right messenger.

Website development and structure design for SEO

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In 2026, Marketers Can’t Treat Their Website Like a Project. It’s Your Verification Engine.

Treat your website as an active, living architecture of credibility, not a project you launch and revisit annually.

A magnifying glass hovering over an animated silhouette of a man, with two more silhouettes on either side.

In The Red

5 Questions Smart Leaders Ask Before Hiring a PR Agency (And What the Answers Reveal)

If you’ve thought about issuing an RFP or cold-pitching local agencies to acquire more information, you’ve stumbled upon the right article.

USC Annenberg Global Communication Report 2026

In The Red

The USC Annenberg 2026 Global Communication Report: The Quiet Shift Reshaping PR

See our takeaways from USC Annenberg's 2026 Global Communication Report: A Quiet Shift.

Using AI to Empower Communications

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The Communications Role Is Changing: 5 Shifts That Matter Most

When AI becomes the front door, communications becomes the function that makes an organization understandable.

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In The Red

When Generations Collide and Why That’s Good for PR

Right or not, “kids these days” represents the inevitable clash between generations that grew up in two different eras. 

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In The Red

Breaking Through in Crowded News Cycles: How Brands Stay Visible When the Headlines Work Against Them

In this landscape, a pitch that isn’t carefully timed or tailored risks being ignored, or worse, appearing tone-deaf.

Costly scams warning

In The Red

The Hidden Traps in PR: How to Protect Your Brand from Costly Scams

As PR and marketing scams are becoming increasingly widespread, we have outlined common ones to look out for.

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In The Red

What Podcasting Taught Us in 2025 and What to Expect in 2026

As we watch the trends, let’s look at what podcasting taught us about marketing in 2025 and predictions for what’s to come in the new year.

Worldcom predictions for 2026

In The Red

Navigating The Future of PR and Communications: Expert Predictions for 2026

As AI continues to expand its impact across industries, how should PR professionals get ready for all the challenges it brings to the table?

2026 Predictions - PR Industry

In The Red

The Biggest Challenge for Public Relations in 2026

Public relations in 2026 will demand a new operational mindset: one that pairs the precision of data with the intuition of human judgment.

Hand holding a small version of a globe in the middle of a forest

In The Red

Think Global, Pitch Local: How to Win at International Media Outreach

Expanding your brand internationally is exciting, but breaking into new markets requires more than just hitting “send” on an email pitch.

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In The Red

From Foe to Friend: How Smart Brands Harness AI for PR Power

When used as a strategic collaborator, AI can help deliver smarter insights, sharper storytelling, and stronger results.

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In The Red

Building Effective Media Partnerships in a Fragmented Landscape

Effective media partnerships aren't about clinging to a rolodex of legacy names. They’re about knowing when to call and when to sit one out.

USC Relevance Report 2026 key takeaways about sports communications

In The Red

Beyond the Game: How Los Angeles Can Redefine Storytelling for the World Stage

Communicators must now move toward purpose-driven communication. Check out key insights from USC Annenberg's latest Relevance Report.

Business Wire Webinar on the New Realities of PR Visibility

In The Red

The Visibility Imperative: How Brands Win in the AI + Search Era

Check out the framework of Content Creation and AI Visibility, which every communicator and CMO should be thinking about right now.

Worldcom PR Group North America Region Conference

In The Red

Bridging Divides: How Collaboration and Trust Define the Next Era of Public Relations

Amid polarization and economic uncertainty, the future of PR will depend on how effectively organizations build trust.

Five cutouts of white ghosts flying against a charcoal background.

In The Red

PR Nightmares That Still Haunt Brands and What Your Business Can Learn From Them

Let’s dive into a few recent PR nightmares that continue to haunt us long after to learn how to avoid a massive marketing mistake.

Scales balancing two notecards that say "fact" and "fake" respectively

In The Red

Battling Misinformation at Machine Speed: Why Your Brand Needs PR on the Front Lines

AI will only get smarter, and fake content will get harder to spot. But our job stays the same: protect credibility and build lasting trust.

Woman taking a selfie with a red background.

In The Red

Influencer Marketing in 2025: 4 Rules for Campaigns That Convert

If an influencer strategy still revolves around follower count and pretty pictures, it’s probably not working.

A stack of books with one open book on top of them against a red background.

In The Red

Ask TPG: 5 Essential (and Surprising) Books Every Communications Professional Should Read

This is a list of books with diverse topics that encompass culture, creativity, corporate takeovers, and cautionary tales.

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In The Red

If Your PR Still Thinks It’s 2005, We’ve Got Notes.

Here’s what Gen Z really thinks about most current PR trends, and how your brand can level up to meet them where they are.

Powered by Worldcom logo over a map of the world

In The Red

Powered by Worldcom: The Global Advantage Behind The Pollack Group

You need a communications partner that is agile, can scale with confidence, and delivers meaningful impact across every audience touchpoint.

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In The Red

Independent and Impactful: Five Reasons to Partner with an Independent PR Agency

Here are five benefits of working with an independent PR and marketing agency, and how they translate directly into wins for your business.

A microphone, laptop, and headset sitting next to each other against a white background.

In The Red

Flawless Remote Podcasting: Agency-Tested Tips for Better Sound, Conversations, and Credibility

Remote podcasting isn’t just a workaround anymore; it’s the norm, and flawless audio and engaging conversations are still within reach.

A group of microphones on a podium facing towards a gray background

In The Red

The Evolution of Press Releases in the Digital Era

Press releases today aren’t just announcements. Today, they’re digital stories. They’re brand voices in action.

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In The Red

Essential PR Strategies for Startup Success

Read more to see the top PR and marketing challenges startups face and what they can do to combat traditional issues early on.

Magnifying glass hovering over a wooden block with a light bulb on it with other wooden blocks with questions marks on them behind it.

In The Red

The New Visibility Era: Why Brands Must Rethink Everything They Know About Being Found

If your brand is still optimizing for yesterday’s search, you’re already invisible in tomorrow’s results. The time to adapt is now.

Microphone on a stage in front of a crowded room.

In The Red

How to Stand Out at Tradeshows: Proven Strategies to Maximize ROI, Media Coverage, and Foot Traffic

A brand needs event experience to stand out from competitors, attract media attention, and reach new audiences.

Human hand shaking a robot hand against a gray background

In The Red

What OpenAI’s Agent Mode Means for Brands, Marketers, and the Future of Work

A new chapter in AI has just opened, and it demands attention from every brand and business leader navigating a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Woman in a yellow shirt scrolling on her phone

In The Red

The Infinite Scroll: How Scroll-First Platforms Have Updated Our Internal Algorithms

Today’s social platforms haven’t just changed how we consume content; they’ve reprogrammed our brains to hijack our attention.

Microphone stand in front of a crowd

In The Red

Beyond Buzz: How Strategic Media Coverage Builds Brand Credibility

In today’s overcrowded media landscape, smart earned media isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic advantage.

Microphone and headset laying down on an orange background

In The Red

The Case for Business Podcasts in 2025: Humanizing Your Brand Through Voice

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your voice, and your own platform, there’s never been a better time to start.

Group photo of the Worldcom Public Relations Group's conference at Costa Rica

In The Red

Two Years as Global Board Chair: How #WorldcomWorks Elevated Our Partnership and Our Purpose

After two years as Global Board Chair of the Worldcom Public Relations Group, Stefan Pollack reflects on why #WorldcomWorks.

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In The Red

The Next Wave of Search: Why Your Brand’s AI Visibility Matters More Than Ever

GEO is combining the art content and science data when ensuring your brand appears in AI-generated answers, not just search results.

How Smart Brands Win Consumers' Time In The Attention Economy

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How Smart Brands Win Consumers’ Time In The Attention Economy

Every second your audience spends elsewhere is a second they’re not spending on you. In short, every interaction counts.

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In The Red

Thriving Amid Chaos

Change is inevitable. Chaos is uncomfortable. But for brands that understand the power of strategic communication, these moments are the ultimate opportunity.

Natural Products Expo West logo with the Anaheim Convention Center in the background.

In The Red

The Expo Echo: Extending Your Reach Beyond the Show Floor

Natural Products Expo West is a force of nature, drawing thousands of brands, retailers, and media to Anaheim, California, each year.

USC Annenberg Global Communications Report 2025

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The USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations 2025 Global Communication Report: AI, Media Disruption, and the Future of PR

Stefan Pollack discusses key insights from the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations 2025 Global Communication Report.

DNA and biotech research

In The Red

Breaking Into the U.S. Market: A Strategic Guide for French Biotech Companies

To stand out in the U.S. biotech sector, French companies must execute a strategic and phased communications plan. We break it down for you.

Lights in the city at night

In The Red

The Next Act in the Information Age: PR Must Lead, Not Lag

We are at an inflection point in expanding the information age, and PR professionals can lead the charge or be left behind.

A hand holding a warning sign

In The Red

Mastering Crisis Communication in 2025: Essential Dos and Don’ts to Protect Your Brand’s Reputation

How a company handles a crisis can make or break its reputation. Here are the do's and don'ts to protect your brand.

Outdoor advertising billboards on the street

In The Red

Omnichannel Marketing: We Still Live In An Offline World

The dramatic shift to a digital world can often leave us dazed and confused, but marketing always finds a way to return to its roots.

Headphone and mic on a desk

In The Red

From Niche to Necessary: Five Reasons Podcasts Need a Seat at the PR Table

Unlike traditional mass media or even social media, podcasts offer unparalleled access to hyper-focused audiences.

Marketing career tips from Jennifer Lewis of The Pollack Group

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Jennifer Lewis of The Pollack Group: 5 Non-Intuitive Ways To Grow Your Marketing Career

Rest, have fun, take a break; you are still being productive. Jenn shares her personal tips and advice for marketers at all stages.

Building Campaigns That Reflect and Engage Diverse Audiences

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Building Campaigns That Reflect and Engage Diverse Audiences

As communicators and marketers, we can’t afford to let inclusion become just another buzzword.

Soft skills that PR pros should develop - career advice from Forbes Council

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17 Unconventional Soft Skills To Hone

From emotional intelligence and adaptability to active listening, these skills enable PR professionals to navigate complex dynamics

Traditional media and digital media in one cohesive strategy

In The Red

The 2025 Media Landscape: Why Traditional and Digital Media Need to Coexist

The key to success in 2025 lies not in choosing between traditional and digital media but in integrating them into a cohesive strategy.

The Pathfinder Model is a buyer-centric, journey-based marketing approach that adapts to evolving consumer expectations.

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Unlocking Growth: How the Pathfinder Model Transforms Audience Engagement

Take a deep dive into the Pathfinder Model, a buyer-centric, journey-based marketing approach that adapts to evolving consumer expectations.

Happy Holidays 2025

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Setting The New Year Aglow: Happy Holidays from The Pollack Group

See behind the scenes how we created this year's Happy Holiday video, with some nostalgic Lite Brites.

USC Relevance Report 2025

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Navigating AI’s Impact On Marketing: Lessons From USC’s 2025 Relevance Report

The future of marketing is one of ongoing discovery. Stefan Pollack shares his key takeaways from the USC 2025 Relevance Report.

Soft power in marketing and branding

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How To Harness Soft Power To Subtly Attract Consumers

Stefan Pollack shares tips on how brands can leverage soft power to stand out and establish genuine connections with customers.

Affiliate marketing tips for your holiday campaign

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Boost Your Holiday Earned Media Coverage And Exposure With Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is increasingly essential for holiday gift guide placements, and for good reason. See our tips and tested approach.

2025 predictions from The Pollack Group: Shaping the Future of Communications

In The Red

2025 Predictions From The Pollack Group: Shaping The Future Of Communications

With a finger on the pulse of tomorrow, here are the insights we believe will define the future of communications.

PR Fact Checking Panel featuring Emily Greifeld and other experts from the media industry

In The Red

Finding Truth: PR Fact-Checking For Media Success

See our key takeaways from a panel about PR fact-checking featuring veterans in the PR, media, and communications industry.

Close-up of a colorful film clapperboard on a reflective surface

In The Red

3 Ways to Elevate Your Short-Form Content

Focusing on these three key elements—theme, sound, and visuals—can transform a novice creator into a brand warrior. We have pro tips for you.

Colorful bikes on an Amsterdam canal bridge lined with autumn trees under a clear blue sky.

In The Red

Reflections on The Worldcom Public Relations Group’s EMEA Regional Meeting in Amsterdam: Advancing PR through Collaboration and Innovation

Stefan Pollack reflects on his Worldcom experience in Amsterdam and discusses the key takeaways from this year's EMEA Regional Meeting

Guitarist adjusting black electric guitar on stage

In The Red

The Power Of PR In The Music Industry

PR is crucial in various industries as it helps organizations build and maintain a positive image. The entertainment sector is no exception.

Webinar panel on AAPI pathways to marketing careers; includes six expert speakers with a graduation background theme.

In The Red

Discovering AAPI Students’ Pathways to Marketing & Communication Careers

Our intern Jahnavi shares her key takeaways from a career panel hosted by VOICES for AAPI

Red pawn facing wooden pawns on a whiteboard hierarchy chart.

In The Red

Who’s In Charge? Building Your Crisis Management Team And Planning For A Response

Crisis management isn't about scrambling to respond when something goes wrong; it’s about preparing in advance and having a clear structure.

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In The Red

Rethinking The RFP Process: How To Ensure The Best Outcomes In PR Procurement

Stefan Pollack shares his thoughts on how companies can make the RFP process more efficient for all parties involved.

People sitting on a subway bench using smartphones

In The Red

TikTok’s Impact On Modern Marketing: Observations From A Gen Z-er

TikTok presents itself as a potent force within the marketing landscape. Our intern Sydney shares her observations in this post.

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Maximize Your Digital Marketing Impact: Prepping With Meta Pixel And Conversions API For Data-Driven Success

Set up and configure your website's Meta Pixel and Conversions API tag in this step-by-step guide. Our tutorial helps set you up for success.

Speakers on stage at the Ascend Talk event discussing allyship

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Forging AAPI Allyship in the Business World: Ascend’s 2024 Annual Convention Highlights — Pan-Asian Leadership, Inclusive Allyship, and Mental Health Advocacy

AAPI allyship is about recognizing your own privilege and using it to stand in solidarity with marginalized individuals or groups.

Image with the text "Message DNA" in a red circle

In The Red

The Crucial Role Of Effective Messaging In Building A Strong Brand Identity

What are the components of effective messaging? Glad you asked. Check out our insights and recommendations for businesses of all sizes.

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In The Red

From Random To Viral – Retuning Your Brand’s Social Media Strategy

Utilizing random content can help your brand curate an engaging and authentic social media strategy that builds meaningful relationships.

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Winners And Losers: Scoring The 21st Century’s Most Infamous PR Crises

Here are some of this century's most significant PR crises, which we’ve graded on the efficiency and effectiveness of their responses.

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Authentic Influence: The Rise Of Thought Leadership In Modern PR

As we progress through 2024, the role of thought leadership in public relations has evolved from a beneficial addition to a critical necessity.

Human and robotic hands touching

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How To Bolster Media Relations Pitching Efforts With Generative AI

Boost the efficiency of your organic media outreach, with some help from Genrative AI. Check out our recommendations!

Group of award winners in formal attire

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A Journey of Innovation and Collaboration: Highlights from the Worldcom Public Relations Group AGM in Tokyo

The Pollack Group eagerly anticipates exploring new opportunities and tackling challenges as a global family.

CogX Festival badge with colorful neural design on table; text: "The Festival of AI & Transformational Tech."

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Navigating The Future Of AI: Key Insights From CogXFestival LA 2024

Check out our takeaways from this year's CogXFestival LA, and our own thoughts on how AI is transforming various industries.

Podcasting setup with a microphone and laptop on a wooden desk

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Three Reasons To Incorporate A Podcast Strategy Into Your PR Plan

Here are three reasons why podcasts can help boost your PR results, and our industry-proven best practices.

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In The Red

New Nielsen Report On Reaching Asian-American Audiences Reinforces Anecdotal Evidence And The Importance Of Data-Driven Campaigns

Jackie shares her key takeaways from Nielsen's latest report about the AANHPI audience.

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In The Red

Social Media In Crisis Communication: A Modern Lifeline

With social media's meteoric rise in the past decade, crisis communication has taken on a new dimension and urgency.

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In The Red

Corporate Activism in 2024: Navigating Stakeholder Expectations and Societal Values

Understand the key insights from the 2024 USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations Global Communications Report.

Clay Earth model on fresh green grass

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Proven Green Marketing Tactics For Sustainable Brands

As sustainability becomes increasingly important, here's how brands can stand out by embracing green marketing strategies.

Sand flowing through a glass hourglass on a textured stone surface

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Transparency’s Essential Role In Navigating Your Next Corporate Crisis

Corporate crises can evolve fast, but transparent communication helps turn a potential downfall into a testament of resilience.

Yellow sponge cleaning soapy blue glass surface

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Spring Into Success: Revitalize Your Marketing Strategy With Seasonal Auditing And Trend Adoption

Plant seeds for new success with our latest "Spring Cleaning" guide for your marketing strategy.

Person wearing glasses with "AI" reflected

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Bridging The Skills Gap: Empowering Agency Professionals In An AI-Driven World

As algorithms shape interactions and technological innovation redefines engagement, there's a pressing need to address the skills gap.

Group of people posing with "Worldcom" sign in front of lush green mountains

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Reflections on the Worldcom Public Relations Group LATAM Region Meeting

Stefan Pollack reflects on the 2024 Worldcom Public Relations Group LATAM Region Meeting. Check out the top topics in the PR industry!

Chess king stops falling wooden blocks

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Understanding The Basics: Your Guide To Crisis Communications

From unexpected product recalls to social media firestorms, this guide will help you navigate the landscape of crisis management.

Hands typing on a laptop with digital AI graphics and network connections floating above the keyboard.

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Bridging the Gap: Teaching Communication in the AI Era

Agency President Stefan Pollack envisions a vital curriculum that equips tomorrow's digital communicators with an essential AI skillset.

Diverse hands forming a unity circle with fist bumps against a red background

In The Red

Empowering Change: Highlighting Gender-Inclusive Marketing During International Women's Month

In celebration of this International Women's Month, we share thoughts on making gender inclusivity beyond a marketing strategy, but a norm in our daily life.

American football on a USA flag backdrop

In The Red

The Super Bowl Public Relations Playbook: Lessons In Creating Buzz And Impact

Make your brand shine during the big game with these winning PR strategies!

Solutions

Some communications challenges call for a more focused approach. The Pollack Group’s proprietary solutions combine decades of communications experience with specialized methodologies, technology and audience intelligence to help organizations solve specific business and reputation challenges. From strengthening messaging and preparing for a crisis to understanding audiences, elevating leaders and measuring how brands appear in AI-driven search, our solutions give organizations practical tools and insights they can put to work.

Connect to Lead

We believe in creating transformational value - not just transactional.

Leadership Now

Creating leadership platforms that are essential to building audience trust and confidence.

Outmaneuver

Count on us to find ways to overcome the barriers - and out-think the competition.

Message DNA

Because words matter, period.

Activate Now

We help you prioritize and focus on the sources of influence who will drive ROI.

CrisisGuard 365

Your ‘always on’ crisis communications partner available 24/7/365

Audience IQ

You’ll learn what resonates, what doesn’t, and what to do next.

Sited

Your brand. In every AI answer.