Lois Marsh

Effective Thought Leadership

By Evrim Çalt

Digital and social advancements have increased the importance of thought leadership. Thought leaders are those who shape the future. A recent study reveals that CEOs and other high-level managers in 50% of companies create thought leadership content. Additionally, 65% of businesses include thought leadership in their content marketing strategy. There are several ways brands and companies can use thought leadership to achieve marketing and communication goals.

• Identify your brand values and public perception of that. Define your goals and audience.
• Review existing thought leadership styles and analyze competitors.
• Create POV pieces on significant topics.
• Explore various communication channels that will help you to engage and evolve.
• Organize events in your industry and educate your audience.
• Nominate your most valuable content to win an award from a well-recognized organization.
• Give speeches on TV and social media to increase your online presence.
• Work with influencers and opinion leaders.
• Keep readers updated on the latest news, developments and industry trends.

PR professionals have the necessary expertise and skills to build a thought leader among organizations. A thought leader demonstrates your outstanding industry knowledge, reinforces your brand story and attracts potential clients.

Research link.

https://www.semrush.com/blog/complete-guide-to-thought-leadership-for-business/#step-2:-review-existing-thought-leadership

Planning for the Year Ahead: Insights and Strategies for Success

By Erick Bauer

As we approach the end of another year, it’s time to start reflecting on our achievements and setting our sights on the opportunities and challenges that 2024 will bring.

The importance of planning can’t be overlooked; it provides a strategic framework for setting clear objectives, aligning communication efforts with broader organizational goals, efficiently allocating resources, mitigating risks, maintaining message consistency, and fostering stakeholder engagement.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the key considerations that all communicators should be thinking about right now as we start to plan for the upcoming year.

1. Goal Assessment: Start by revisiting your communications goals from the previous year. Ensure that your objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). Assess your progress and identify any unmet objectives. This analysis will provide valuable insights into where adjustments may be needed in your PR strategy.
2. Audience Analysis: Take the time to understand your target audience better. Have there been shifts in your audience’s preferences, behaviors, or expectations? Are there other target audiences that you should be including in your strategic plan for 2024? This insight will help you tailor your messaging and segmentation strategy effectively.
3. Industry Trends: The New Year is a great time to recommit to professional development. If you’re not sure where to start, consider spending some time familiarizing yourself with the CPRS website. There, you can find a plethora of industry insights, webinar recordings, upcoming event info, and more. These resources are key when it comes to staying informed about emerging technologies, platforms, and strategies that should be incorporated into your PR plans for the new year.

Lastly, as we approach the end of December, don’t forget to take a well-deserved break! Now is the time to reflect, recharge, and spend some quality time with family and friends. From all of us at CPRS Toronto, have a fantastic holiday and a Happy New Year!

Prioritizing mental health over the holidays 

By Janine Allen

While the holidays are a time of joy and celebration, for some, this can also be a trying time for mental health. The fast-paced nature of PR, coupled with the constant demand for quick decision-making and the need to navigate high-pressure situations, can take a toll on mental well-being in the best of times. So, as we practice restraint around beverages and baked goods, it’s also a good time to practice our resilience skills.

To bolster mental health resilience, incorporate proven stress and anxiety management techniques into your routine like adequate sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and open communication about how you’re feeling. Here are some other wellness tips for the holidays and beyond:

1. Set realistic expectations: Understand that perfection is not the goal, and it’s okay if everything doesn’t go exactly as planned.
2. Manage your time: This is the season of events; client/agency dinners, parties, vendor invites fill up our schedules quickly. Prioritize your time and commitments and avoid overloading your schedule.
3. Take breaks: Give yourself time to relax and recharge with activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or practicing mindfulness.
4. Stay connected: While the holidays can be busy, make an effort to connect with loved ones. Loneliness can exacerbate stress, so reach out to friends or family members, even if it’s just a quick phone call.
5. Mindful eating (and drinking): Proper nutrition and a balanced diet can positively impact your mood and energy levels so aim for moderation.
6. Budget wisely: Financial stress can be a significant source of anxiety during the holidays. Create a budget for gift-giving and festivities to avoid overspending.
7. Seek support if you need it: If you’re struggling with your mental health during the holidays, don’t hesitate to seek support. Talk to a friend, family member, or mental health professional. Understand what is offered by your employer in terms of employee assistance programs or other health benefits.

Finally, overcoming the stigma surrounding mental health discussions is essential. As professional communicators, we can help make the language of mental health more common and accessible. Be well everyone!