Dear BAMf Podcast: Episode 12 with Rob Haralson

Dear BAMf // Episode 12: Rob Haralson of Anzu Partners explains the value of virtual events and dealing with a client that won't listen to your strategic counsel.

In this week's episode on the Dear BAMf podcast, we spoke with Rob Haralson, Principal, Strategic Communications & Government Relations at Anzu Partners. Rob previously worked as Executive Director at TrustInAds.org, where he was responsible for developing and achieving the organization’s overall mission and objectives through daily coordination and collaboration with representatives. In this episode, he shares his insight on how to help a CEO overcome their fear/poor communication skills with the press:

Dear BAMf, 

I run PR for my company and have felt pressure to put my CEO forward for media opportunities, yet he is terrible with interviews. I've had to jump in and interrupt once when what he said was completely not true. Regardless of how many times I've gone through media training with him, he just doesn't get it. What do I do? I want to avoid hurting his ego but need to figure out a solution before we lose more opportunities or get quoted saying something ridiculous.

In the episode, Rob goes into detail about how a third-party agency can provide top-notch guidance and, in this case, possibly recommend an alternative spokesperson for the company. Listen now. 

Dear BAMf: Episode 12

Episode 12 highlights:

• (01:25) If your client has multiple agencies working on the company's messaging, keep in mind that setting aside time to meet, even if the client does not attend, will help the team align on a single message.
• (05:30) Rob explains that diversity shouldn't be used as a PR campaign to gain publicity, but rather celebrated through brand imagery and messaging. "I don't think it's advantageous for any company to promote something that they should have been doing all along, it is 2020."
• (10:20) Rob talks about the value in virtual events and webinars amid COVID-19 and how virtual events will positively impact your company's bottom line, as well as spread brand awareness.
• (12:55) Rob applies his three guidelines for identifying useful news for a press release to determine if a webinar is worthwhile. First, does the story you want to showcase demonstrate momentum in the company?
• (19:40) A strong PR team that can push out your message is critical to your company's success as we all pivot into this new reality.

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