Crisis management: lessons from the Cracker Barrel case
Everyone has heard about Cracker Barrel's failed attempt to modernize its image. By removing its traditional logo and modernizing its restaurants, the chain underestimated its customers' symbolic attachment to the brand. The negative reaction affected its reputation and stock market value, forcing the company to restore its visual identity and suspend its plans.
But what lessons can be learned from this? And above all, how can such waste be avoided? In this Forbes article, experts compare Cracker Barrel's misadventure with others such as Jaguar and Bud Light, in order to draw lessons from best practices and things to avoid. Hint: having a crisis management plan is a good practice!
Does your first name have an effect on your career?
What if your first name influenced your career? This is the hypothesis put forward by researchers based on the linguistic phenomenon known as the “bouba/kiki effect.”
According to this theory, the sound of a first name is not neutral: some names, considered “softer” or “rounder,” may be perceived more favorably, while others, ‘harder’ or “angular,” may have a different impact on the image we project.
It's an intriguing idea that makes us think about the unconscious importance of sounds in our judgments.
Fight fire with fire
California Governor Gavin Newsom surprises with a communication strategy that is counterintuitive to say the least: he is appropriating the codes of Donald Trump, his notorious ideological opponent.
He's using a forceful style, a direct tone, and, even more surprisingly, launching his own online store in the style of a “Trump-style” campaign. It's a bold way to grab attention and rally supporters!
The New York Times analyzes this original approach, which almost makes you want to order a Newsom-branded cap.
Why public relations are essential for your organization
Bill Gates is quoted as saying, “If I had only one dollar left, I would spend it on public relations.” Indeed, investing in brand awareness and reputation often translates into additional revenue... and avoided expenses! This article by specialist Wanja Muthee provides concrete examples that illustrate the added value of public relations for your business plan.
Communicating with your team when things are going badly
In difficult times, leaders have a huge responsibility that can be summed up as follows: deciding what to say and how to say it. By being transparent, many fear demotivating their team. By focusing on the positive side of things, many fear creating a false sense of security. This article from the Harvard Business Review tells you how to choose the right messages for your situation.
When AI controls the summary, public relations must control the message
For several months now, Google's first suggested answer has been generated by artificial intelligence, and according to the Pew Research Center, more and more internet users are satisfied with this answer. So how can you influence Google's famous “AI Overview”? This article from PR News offers tactics for using it to your advantage.
Taking action in uncertain times
Waiting for the storm to pass? Not a good idea. In today's context of permanent crisis, you have to make decisions without being able to anticipate the future. Cheryl Strauss Einhorn, a specialist in the field of decision-making, suggests four simple questions for dealing with complex situations. Read full article here.
Stop asking “Do you have any questions or comments?”
It's a familiar phenomenon: right after the meeting, you get an email (a call, a text, a visit) from a participant who wants to share his opinion... in private. But he didn't reply when you asked: "Questions? Comments?"... The author of The Imposter Syndrome and management coach Phil Roberts suggests a completely different way of getting your colleagues' opinions... and ending your meetings more effectively! Read full article here.
How to get the most out of LinkedIn
Are you one of those people who says “I could be more active on LinkedIn”? This article is for you! International author Jodie Cook (Ten Year Career) offers a series of tips to help you stand out to your target audience.
Keeping Control of a Tough Interview: A Myth?
Faced with a persistent journalist ready to push you to your limits? Rather than let him throw you off balance, keep your cool and learn about some possible strategies.
How to Stay Focused in a World Full of Distractions
Notifications, text messages, emails, newsletters: everything has been designed to grab our attention. We’ve become so used to juggling multiple tasks at once that many of us no longer realize how harmful multitasking can be
Five Tips for Speaking with Tact
Tact is the art of saying the right thing, at the right time, in the right way. In a world where everything can quickly get blown out of proportion, learning to communicate with finesse is essential.
Breaking Through the News in a Trump-Saturated World
If you're like us, you're probably tired of seeing Trump all over the news. In a world where he dominates the headlines, how do you manage to get your messages heard without getting lost in the political noise?
9:00 AM: The Best Time for Your First Coffee of the Day
If, like us, you love staying on top of trends, you should know that recent studies suggest delaying your first cup until after 9:00 AM.
Remedies for Doomscrolling
Did you know that the word of the year in 2020 was doomscrolling? You’re probably familiar with this habit—endlessly scrolling through negative news, crisis after crisis, on your phone.
Is It Really Possible to Be Authentic at Work?
Being yourself and being vulnerable can be detrimental to the image of competence and confidence you want to project to your colleagues and employees. How can you balance transparency and professionalism without losing credibility?
The Art of Declining an Interview Request
Is there added value in sharing my point of view? Could the interview tarnish my reputation or that of my company?
What Will Be the Public Relations Trends in 2025 ?
How will public relations reinvent itself in 2025 in a world where information is fragmenting in lightning speed?
New Year, New Resolutions: How to Break Bad Habits
If you’ve ever tried to break a bad habit, you know it’s not a question of willpower, but of strategy!
The Art of Using Strategic Storytelling to Make a Lasting Impression
We remember stories from 7 to 22 times more effectively than facts alone. And that’s the power of strategic storytelling: a well-crafted story can not only capture attention but also spark real change.