Behind the chocolates in your Advent calendar
You might think that Advent calendars have become nothing more than marketing tools, transformed into showcases for sweets, beauty products, or gadgets. However, behind each little window lies a deeply rooted religious tradition. Discover the fascinating history of Advent calendars in this article from The Conversation.
Could ChatGPT influence your vote?
Did you know that just a few minutes of conversation with a pro-Trump or pro-Harris chatbot is enough to change some voters' minds? That's what American researchers have discovered, highlighting the disturbing potential of AI to manipulate political opinions on a large scale. Learn more in this article from The Atlantic.
Your exclamation points speak volumes!
Every exclamation point in your emails or messages can influence how people perceive you. According to an American study, these little symbols can make your messages sound warmer and more enthusiastic... but also less impactful. It's a subtle balance to strike, depending on the image you want to project! Check out this article from Nautilus to learn more.
Technology, an invisible source of exhaustion
Every message, notification, and app switch on our phones builds up stress that our brains aren't designed to handle. According to Paul Leonardi, department chair and professor of technology management at the University of California, this digital overload wears us out way more than we think. This CNN article shares some easy tips to help you take back control and reduce digital fatigue.
When your brand identity hangs by a click
What if everything you had built to inspire trust could be used against you in a matter of seconds? Cybersecurity expert Chris McKie explains how cybercriminals turn logos, websites, and messages into tools of deception, exploiting customer trust faster than any communications team can react. A must-read from Forbes magazine to understand the invisible risks that threaten brand reputation today.
The key to successful crisis management
We often think that crisis management boils down to hasty or improvised reactions in the moment. According to Maude Blouin, Director of Communications at FLO, effective crisis management requires advance preparation. Building trust, clarifying roles, and putting concrete processes in place are what enable an organization to stay in control when the storm hits. Learn more in this article from PR Daily.
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.