The Boston 100

 

2017 Speak for Thyself Award, Thursday, June 8

Goodwin Group PR CEO Tara Frier was named 2017 Speak for Thyself Award winner.

I’m thrilled to be named as one of the 2017 recipients of the Alden Kindred Speak Award to be held on Thursday, June 8, at the Duxbury Maritime Academy.

The Speak Award honors women who, in the spirit of Pilgrim Priscilla Mullins Alden, have prompted extraordinary outcomes by speaking up on behalf of themselves or others. Candidates were selected for outstanding civic contributions and have been instrumental in changing the lives they touch for the better. I’m proud to share the stage with Cara Belvin of empowerHER, Deb Samuels of Crossroads for Kids and Duxbury High School’s Siobhan Tierney.

– Tara Goodwin Frier, Goodwin Group PR

 

Q&A with Boston Film Producer, Sam Slater, PART II

Tom Brady hanging out with Sam and Jessica Slater.

Five years from now, what does the film industry in Boston look like?

With a little luck and help from Governor Baker, the local business and jobs will be thriving.

What does your ultimate day off look like?

My perfect day off involves sweatpants, my couch, and Netflix … doing market research of course!

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my philanthropy work. Through the Lenny Zakim Fund and Ellie fund we’re able to help Massachusetts residents, across dozens of causes, receive care they need. I’m honored to be receiving Ellie Fund’s Hope Award this year.

– JoJo Gutfarb, The Boston 100 & Sam Slater, Burn Later Productions

 

Reframing to Persuade

Frame your argument thoughtfully if you want people to pay attention.

Convincing someone to see things your way is more complex than you might think. In fact, neuroscientists and social psychologists have long asserted that people alter facts to align with their preconceived beliefs.

According to George Lakoff, retired UC Berkeley professor of cognitive science and linguistics, if you want to create messages to persuade, you have to understand other worldviews, and facts and rational debate have less value than you’d think. We can use this when seeking to persuade.

Arguing from our worldview can cause others to dig in and defend their position. Seek understanding, then frame your argument accordingly.

– Lisa Cutter, The Colorado 100

 

 

Battle of the Bots: How ‘Instafrauds’ Are Disrupting Trust

#Instafraud trended last month following an uproar over fake accounts.

The rise of ‘instafrauds’, Instagram users that use bots to boost their followers, is becoming an increased area of concern for the integrity of organically established influencers.

The problem continually arises when brands are attracted to the big shiny follower numbers and neglect to see a user’s relevance and engagement rates, paving the way for instafrauds to make money from a false following, and in return leave the brand connecting poorly to its audience.

Finally though, it seems Instagram is making efforts to battle the bots, closing down ‘Instagress’ recently – but there still remains a lot of unravelling to do.

– Rachel Evans, The Dubai 100

 

Nonprofit Spotlight: The Jett Foundation

JettRide teams participate in the annual cycling event to raise funds and awareness to fight Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The Jett Foundation aims to increase worldwide awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) by raising funds for programs, education, research and advocacy to fund treatments, realize a cure and ensure all affected by Duchenne have the opportunity to enjoy a full life.

In 2001, Christine and Stephen McSherry started the Jett Foundation after receiving devastating news their then five-year-old son Jett had DMD, the most common and lethal childhood genetic disorder in the world, affecting one in every 3,500 male births.

For over 15 years, Christine has been a tireless advocate to find a cure. Donate here.

– Tara Frier, Goodwin Group PR

 

Q&A with Boston Film Producer, Sam Slater Part I

Boston film producer Sam Slater talks with the Boston 100 about the film industry and the city of Boston.

How did you begin in the film industry?

I got involved in film when I realized I had a good creative sense and didn’t want to learn golf. Instead my efforts went into a new business and career.

What’s the best part about living in Boston and working in this industry?

I live in the city I love with friends and family… and build up lots of frequent flier miles.

What’s your go-to Boston restaurant?

Tough to deny the exceptional sushi, creativity and ambiance at UNI. Ostra’s up there too! The menu is incredible and everything is worth ordering.

– JoJo Gutfarb, The Boston 100 & Sam Slater, Burn Later Productions

 

Facebook’s Related Articles Feature

Facebook believes using this feature will offer users additional resources to see the complete picture of a story or topic.

Facebook’s latest efforts to minimize the population of fake content integrates a feature that many users have already been using – Related Articles.

Launched in 2013, the Related Articles feature helps users discover new articles they may find interesting about a particular topic. The company is now testing the feature as a key tool for users to test the validity of shared content.

Before users click on an article shared in their News Feed, additional articles – including ones written by third-party fact-checkers – will appear below the shared content to offer additional information and alternative perspectives on the same topic.

– Haley Haas, The Atlanta 100

 

The Social Generations

Research your brand's audience demographics before investing in social media.

As marketers continue to champion social media as viable brand boosters and engagement platforms, it’s important to know how generations interact with each channel and at what level.

According to The Q1 2017 Sprout Social Index, seven in 10 Gen Xers will likely purchase something from a brand they follow online. Thirty percent of millennials engage with a brand at least once a month, and 60 percent of boomers are looking for promotions on social.

Although Facebook is the most popular with every generation, your public relations and marketing strategy should be steeped in research for maximum engagement and conversions.

– Chuck Norman, The North Carolina 100

 

Customize YOUR Next Event!

You can customize every piece of your event to associate with your branding. Think outside the box and your event will surely stand out from the rest!

When it comes to planning events, creative customization can be as simple as integrating a company’s brand or product into the equation. We were recently tasked by Gillette to highlight their new razors at an event in their offices. Utilizing the product look and feel, the space became all about Venus.

Corinthian’s top customization tips:

1. Focus on the unique elements about your company and think about how to create it dimensionally.

2. Bring the color and shape of your branding into all aspects of your event.

3. Brainstorm with your team! All ideas are welcome and you’re sure to develop something amazing.

– Mary Douglas, Corinthian Events

 

The Right Media Hit Isn’t Always the Most Comfortable

Take each media hit and evaluate its effectiveness. Although not all of them will be your ideal hit, most still help to build lasting relationships with the media.

My company has been in business for 15 years and with that tenure we’ve garnered some great media hits – People Magazine, the Today show, Sports Illustrated, etc. What I’ve realized is that in some cases clients push back on certain opportunities because they believe the topic or outlet doesn’t highlight their product or service directly.

Although this might be true, we have to think big picture. The reason the client is being chosen is because they are seen as an expert. By doing such interviews, it’s likely the media contact will seek your opinion over others’ for future media opportunities.

– Tara Frier, Goodwin Group PR

 

The Last of the Dinosaurs

Although we don't always hear about local quarries, there are a few out there with lasting roots, providing services and supplies across the country.

Plymouth Quarries was incorporated in 1915 in Hingham, Massachusetts, when multiple companies merged. They had been quarrying on the property since 1811 and remain one of the few quarries left in Massachusetts.

Owned and operated by the Bristol family, Plymouth’s Weymouth Granite remains a staple in New England and beyond, and has contributed to building parts of Boston College, Yale, University Of Michigan Law, and countless buildings and churches around the country. Being in business for over 100 years, we’re a leading distributor of masonry and hardscape materials in Massachusetts, and a resource for design and education in the state.

– Dean Marsico, Plymouth Quarries

 

The Business of Community Involvement

Engaging with your community is beneficial to your business.

One of the best things you can do for your brand is to actively volunteer in your community. Regular community participation yields benefits in multiple ways by improving brand awareness, better engaging employees, showcasing corporate social responsibility, building beneficial partnerships and finding new business opportunities.

Whether it is volunteering at a homeless shelter or donating your business’ time and resources to the local food bank, you’re helping strengthen the community. Strong communities generate loyalty, and your business should be in that loyalty mix. Most importantly, you’ll know the joy of helping those in need, which is something everyone should experience.

– Natalie Ghidotti, Ghidotti Communications

 

Summer Intern Advice

Colleges offer various resources for students looking for an internship. From the search process to resume building, most campuses have career centers designed to advance students into professions.

As the intern coordinator for Goodwin Group PR, I’ve interviewed several dozen candidates all vying for 2-3 spots each semester. I recall that some were total standouts from the rest of the pack. Below are my top tips to help you land that coveted internship.

• Proofread your resume – if you have spelling and grammar mistakes, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

• Always prepare questions to ask during an interview – be informed about the company and its clients and ask relevant questions.

• Take notes – jot down important information. That will prompt additional and more thoughtful questions to keep the interview flowing.

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

 

Bathroom Debate Far From Over

OSHA released a guide on restroom access for transgender employees in 2015 — one of many recent moves to protect the transgender workforce.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court announced it would not hear arguments in GG v. Gloucester County School Board, which involves a transgender male high school student who was banned from using the men’s restroom.

In the absence of a High Court ruling, “bathroom bills” are popping up across the country along with more expansive state laws that prohibit transgender discrimination.

Given this, employers should be mindful when implementing bathroom usage policies. Employers may also want to consider other best practices for managing transgender employees, such as amending anti-discrimination policies, implementing a transition plan and educating workers.

– Steve Bernstein, Fisher Phillips

 

Communications Is the Conduit to Rebuild Trust

Three out of four respondents agree a company can take actions to both increase profits, and improve economic and social conditions in the community where it operates.

Trust in business can be difficult to come by, and per the 2017 Edelman Trust Barometer, the general population’s trust in business, government, NGOs and media has rapidly declined recently.

Trust in business dropped in 18 countries and credibility of leadership roles dropped to an all-time low of 37 percent.

To maintain trust with clients, businesses must keep consistent, reliable, open communications. By directly addressing issues you can instill trust and loyalty in your audience that you have their best interests at heart.

When it comes to public relations, upholding the principles of ethics is a key trust builder.

– Jane Dvorak, SLJ 100 Communications

 

Working From Home … Efficiently!

Working from home has its perks, but don't let your comfortable surroundings get in the way of productivity.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 25% of all employed Americans do some or all their work from home.

It has its bonuses: low overhead, no commute, flexible schedule and reduced daycare costs. However, at-home employees can get distracted by household tasks, procrastinate and lack creative collaborations.

Tips for at-home efficiency:

• Develop and follow a timed schedule

• Schedule household tasks on breaks

• Pack a lunch so you don’t overindulge

• Schedule conference calls regularly with co-workers/clients/vendors

• Create a real office space

Follow these directives and you’ll optimize your workload from the comfort of home.

– Margrette Mondillo, Goodwin Group PR

 

5 Tips For Pitching Reporters

Pitching newsworthy information to the right people will drastically improve the amount of coverage you receive.

Pitching reporters can be challenging, unless you present catchy and worthwhile information. These are tips to consider:

Know the reporter’s beat – Reporters and editors hate when they receive topics they don’t cover.

Keep pitches short – Most media personnel read pitches on the fly.

Build a Relationship – Coffee meetings are a great way to get to know your contacts.

Visuals – Send images, graphics or videos that enhance your message.

Subject Lines – Keep them short and catchy and use stats when available.

Bonus – Only follow up once if you haven’t heard back. You could ruin the relationship if you push too hard.

– JoJo Gutfarb, Goodwin Group PR

 

Top Five Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read

Entrepreneurs constantly need to learn and grow to keep their businesses running smoothly - books are a great resource.

As a business owner for over 15 years, I’ve read many books on growing a business and managing employees. Below are my five favorites:

• “Reality Check: The Irreverent Guide to Outsmarting, Outmanaging, and Outmarketing Your Competition” – a quick read with practical tips.

• “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable” – stories offering powerful lessons.

• “Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking” – the art of decision making and intuition.

• “Think and Grow Rich” – set those goals!

• “Disrupted: My Misadventure in the Start-Up Bubble” – the story of a downsized journalist who moves to HubSpot, where millennials and baby boomers collide.

– Tara Frier, Goodwin Group PR

 

Why You Need to Invest in Video Marketing in 2017

Utilizing high-end marketing messaging with great videographers may be the key to success in 2017.

Last year truly exhibited the power of video. Who hasn’t seen the viral success of videos like “Chewbacca Mask Mom” or Tasty videos? These are perfect examples of how good content gets watched and shared. It’s vital for businesses to incorporate video into their marketing strategies.

“People connect with video, especially if it’s presented in a way that’s authentic,” said videographer Jeff Dailey. “Video marketing should tap into how a product or service impacts real people and then demonstrate that through video narratives.”

As more companies use video as a marketing strategy, it’ll be important to start with great content.

– Natalie Ghidotti, Ghidotti Communications

 

Influencer Marketing: How to Do It Right

Research, commit, invest

It’s quite the buzzword around the world, but does influencer marketing work? If done right, it certainly can, but if done wrong, it’ll see you burning through cash with little to no return.

• Research – don’t only look at social influencers’ follower counts – find out their passions and interests, and check who their followers are too!

• Commit – this isn’t a hit-and-run exercise – be in it for the long haul to reap long-term returns.

• Invest – recognize the right influencer’s value by rewarding – payment, privileges and perks!

Done right, influencer marketing can create customers who create customers. Now that’s influence!

– Tara Rogers-Ellis, Mojo PR

 

Internship Excitement

In today's world, internships are crucial for gaining experience before graduating from college.

I have been interested in communications and public relations for a long time. I enjoy being part of a team and working toward achieving a common goal for clients.

As a student at Stonehill College, I believe I’ve gained an understanding of PR. I’m curious to see how my studies come to life through day-to-day business operations. Having an internship at a PR company enables me to work with clients and media personnel prior to graduation and exposes me to social media, research and writing beyond the classroom. I’m excited for what’s ahead this semester during my internship!

– Kristin Buckley, Stonehill College

 

Crowdfunding College

Thousands of students are using GoFundMe to pay for their studies.

As many high school students wait on pins and needles to see if they got into the college of their choosing, others are far more anxious about finding a way to pay for that schooling. To avoid the multi-decade financial burden of student loans, soon-to-matriculate seniors are flocking to crowdfunding as an alternative financing solution for their studies.

According to a recent report from GoFundMe, 130,000 students have raised $60+ million for college expenses on their platform to date. The report breaks down the data by state and even offers some tips for hopeful college crowdfunders.

– Thomas Schroder, Krowdfund.com

 

Crisis Interception Helps Companies Before, During and after Crisis

Preparing for a crisis ahead of time is crucial to business success. Planning for a crisis when you are in one, will lead to disaster.

Business veterans Tara Goodwin Frier of Goodwin Group PR and Nancy Capistran of Capistran Leadership, recently announced the creation and launch of Crisis Interception (CI) LLC to help companies better prepare for and navigate crisis situations.

Key crisis tips:

• How your company reacts during the first minutes of an emergency will determine the success or failure of managing the crisis. Be out front – deliver news, don’t react to it.

• How you manage the crisis will have a major impact on your organization’s reputation and long-term success.

• Poorly handled crises damage personal and professional reputations, end careers and destroy companies.

– Margrette Mondillo, Goodwin Group PR

 

Risky Business – Free Seminar for Construction Industry Professionals

Construction can be tricky – don't let the business side of things slow you down.

Group Advisors Information Network (GAIN) will present its Ask the Experts Series for construction professionals on Thursday, March 23, from 4-6 PM at the British Beer Company in Framingham.

The topics are identifying and overcoming business blind spots, including preparing for a crisis, evaluating retirement plans, controlling spiraling health care costs and repairing security breaches.

The panel discussion will be moderated by David Clayman of Twelve Points Wealth Management and will feature seasoned professionals with expertise in business leadership, crisis management, employee benefits, insurance, legal services, wealth management and public relations. To register for the free seminar, click here.

– Tara Frier, Goodwin Group PR

 

Three Ways to Enhance Your LinkedIn Profile

Update your profiles to get more hits. (Pexels.com)

Don’t waste the opportunity to connect with new business prospects that LinkedIn provides. Here are three ways to boost your profile:

1. Don’t waste space by putting your job title under your name; tell people what problems you solve. Mine changed to Communication Strategy, Social Media Content Creation and Audience Engagement.

2. Add videos and presentations to showcase your work – people want to know more about how you think, what you say and the work you do.

3. LinkedIn is about relationship building. A hard sell turns off new connections/prospects. Take time to build the relationship first, sell later.

– Tara Frier, Goodwin Group PR

 

The Time to Think About Crisis Is NOT When You’re in One

Is it true that you can’t plan for a crisis? While you may not be able to anticipate every scenario, I’m betting that you know what could disrupt or destroy your company’s reputation. The question is what are you doing about it?

The best way to start is to gather your managers and spend an hour reviewing what types of crisis situations could negatively impact your business. Identify potential risks in each business category – executive, financial, organizational and environmental.

If you’d like to learn more about crisis planning and receive a tip sheet, send an email to tara@goodwinpr.com.

– Tara Frier, Goodwin Group PR

 

Andy Cohen to Emcee Lenny Zakim Fund’s Casino Night

Andy Cohen hosting his popular "Watch What Happens Live" talk show

The Lenny Zakim Fund has revealed that producer, author, radio and “Watch What Happens Live” talk show host, Andy Cohen, will bring his star power to the nonprofit’s signature fundraiser as Master of Ceremonies for the 8th Annual Casino Night, on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston.

This unique fundraiser features classic casino games, mystery prize boxes, and live and silent auctions featuring exclusive items and experiences. Casino Night is co-chaired by Burn Later Productions co-founder Sam Slater and The Slater Foundation, Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim and philanthropist Amy Belkin Mofenson.

– Margrette Mondillo, Goodwin Group PR

 

Confidence Isn’t About Self-Confidence

Suzanne Bates with "Today Show" hosts, Kathie Lee & Hoda. (L to R: Hoda Kotb, Suzanne Bates, Kathie Lee) (Photo courtesy of Goodwin Group PR)

In analyzing data from a science-based assessment of executive presence (the Bates ExPI™), we’ve concluded that there’s a distinct difference between self-confidence and “leadership confidence.”

Many leaders are plagued by an inner voice that questions their abilities, and our research suggests that others may not see when a leader’s self-confidence waivers. They see the behaviors the leader exhibits, and these behaviors can create the perception of a healthy level of confidence. When it comes to leading and motivating others to get things done, these perceptions are more relevant than the leader’s actual feelings of inner self-confidence.

– Suzanne Bates, Bates Communications

 

What Is a True Wealth Manager?

Co-Founder and Principal David Clayman (front right) with the Twelve Points Wealth Management team.

Currently, 70% of individuals in financial services hold themselves out as Wealth Managers; yet only 7% actually do more than investment management. Clients and prospects do not understand that a true Wealth Manager is someone who helps their clients with all aspects of their personal finance, including: financial, charitable, estate, insurance and tax planning as well as coordinating with a family’s other key advisors.

Most “Wealth Managers” specifically state they are not providing the services outlined above.

As an industry, we have done a poor job getting clients to expect anything more than pure investment advice from their financial advisors.

– David Clayman, Twelve Points Wealth Management

 

Keeping Business Cool

Freeaire CEO Dave MacIsaac

Freeaire, an energy efficiency company, employs a unique way to keep commercial refrigeration spaces cool. As their name implies, a piece of their system is able to use the free cold outside air to assist with refrigeration, reducing wear and tear on the system components.

CEO Dave MacIsaac says, “Typically, businesses using commercial refrigeration spend 50-90% of their electric bill on refrigeration.” Their unique way of saving on this cost started in Vermont when the founder began using the freezing air outside to cool his refrigerated space. Since then, they’ve expanded and provide their service across the United States.

– Josh Sarnowitz, Goodwin Group PR