These odd things we call “Clichés”

by AdvertisingMarketingPersonal InterestPublic RelationsUncategorized

Despite being etymologically rooted in French, clichés have become integral both to written and spoken English. “Think outside the box,” “low-hanging fruit,” “read between the lines,” and my favorite, “break a leg,” are popular examples of the thousands of clichés populating – or polluting – the world’s most flexible, widely-used language.

 

While expressing common, even universal experiences, clichés impact our language in a way that’s decidedly mixed. Certainly, they’re responsible for encouraging lazy, unimaginative communication. Common clichés will inevitably slip into nearly everyone’s vocabulary, but too many of us fall back on them at the expense of more descriptive, nuanced usage. While helping ensure a degree of understanding, clichés also rob our exchanges of insight and vibrancy.

 

I’m addressing this topic because today, November 3, is Cliché Day. As a longtime communication professional with a specialty in public relations, I’ve spent decades excising clichés from my writing … while occasionally employing them for humor or intentional overemphasis. If this sounds like me balancing atop a figurative fence, it is — clichés are odd constructs. The degree to which they’re sometimes valuable and sometimes absurd seems to increase as our language evolves.

 

To me, the most compelling aspect of clichés is how they serve as a microcosm for the tasks my public relations, advertising, and marketing colleagues perform for our clients. Just as clichés provide familiarity, the tactics and content we employ must be easily understood by all intended audiences. Confusion about meaning would counter our strategic goals, yet we need to avoid boredom-triggering mundanity. Our content and means of deploying it must be imbued with cleverness and originality – with unexpected sparks that make eyes open wider.

 

It’s not easy. As with the use of clichés, we’re walking a tightrope … it’s a fine line. But it is what it is, and at the end of the day, it’s no walk in the park. So, we keep our eyes on the prize, aware that nothing worthwhile is ever easy, and eventually get ourselves over the hump.

World Communication Week 2024: Navigating the Digital Age

by AdvertisingMarketingPublic RelationsSocial MediaUncategorized

Back in 1988 – when digital tech was in its infancy – November 1-7 was established as World Communication Week by the International Association of Business Communicators. Since then, this week has become increasingly important, given the rise of social media and other forms of digital communication. Even when your organization is closed for the night or for a holiday, your brand continues to be seen by consumers online. In this 24/7 digital landscape, it is important to ensure your brand is available at all times, a unique challenge brought on by the advancing digital landscape.

 

World Communication Week has evolved into an opportunity to reflect on how we can enhance our communication skills in various facets of our lives.

 

Precision in the Digital Age

As communication becomes increasingly complex through digital mediums, the need for clear, precise messaging is vital. The shift to these mediums hinders the ability to express body language and tone, making precision all the more important for effectively communicating.

In response to these challenges, many organizations are turning to public relations to help ensure that their brand’s image is portrayed accurately. And, that their messages are clear and compelling. These challenges have prompted shifts in how we communicate, leading to notable trends that reflect the changes in the field.

 

Trends and the Rise of Short-Form Content

Trends in communication are also affected by these mediums and their limitations. It isn’t a secret that the attention span of the average consumer is lower than it was when World Communication Week was established. The rise of short form content across all platforms reflects those consumer preferences.

Visual storytelling on platforms like TikTok and YouTube are only part of it. Short messages are not only shared, but required. Due to character limits on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, etc. This week should be used as a chance to consider how you are adapting. And, to make sure that your team is aligned on how you are approaching the task.

 

The Role of Public Relations in Digital Communication

As communication technology continues to evolve, the ability for organizations to communicate with confidence and clarity is more important than ever.

Public relations practitioners play a crucial role in optimizing communication for today’s digital world. They help organizations establish trust while limiting miscommunications.

 

About the author:

Justin Picciuto is a fall 2024 intern at SCG Advertising and PR. He is currently a senior Communication and Media Studies major at Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ.

 

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The History of Podcasting

The History of Podcasting

by AdvertisingMarketingPublic RelationsSocial Media

The History of Podcasting

The history of podcasting is celebrated each year on International Podcast Day. Each September 30th, over the past two decades we recognize a valuable opportunity for podcasters and their listeners to connect online.

There are various reasons for creating and distributing a podcast, with emphasis on entertaining, educating, and promoting. But whatever a podcaster’s purpose, creating and deploying a podcast can hold significant value for a brand, company/organization, or individual.

At SCG Advertising + Public Relations, I’ve had firsthand experience producing two separate podcasts, and I’ve learned much about crafting quality content that engages listeners while sounding as smooth as possible. Each episode I produce provides a learning opportunity for both my client and me.

Podcasts can be a powerful tool to help amplify messaging efforts and drive a conversation; they connect people with an audience that finds value in what the host is discussing.

Some fun historical facts about podcasting, according to InternationalPodcastDay.com :

  • The first modern podcast went live 20 years ago
  • The term “podcasting” was pioneered in a 2004 Guardian newspaper article
  • George W. Bush was the first president to have his weekly address delivered as a podcast
  • And … SCG can help you create your next podcast

 

I’m beginning to work on a brand-new project with the social media team to produce an official SCG podcast titled Coffee and Tea with SCG. We are looking to launch the podcast in early fall, and you’ll be able to listen to it on our website.

Pay it forward

Paying It Forward: How Appreciative Thinking Shapes Leadership in the fast-paced world at SCG Advertising and Public Relations

by AdvertisingPersonal InterestPublic RelationsSCG News

Pay it forward

 

In the fast-paced world of advertising, success often hinges not just on creativity and strategy, but also on the power of appreciative thinking and paying it forward. As the president of SCG Advertising and Public Relations, an ad agency in northern New Jersey, I’ve come to realize the profound impact that a mindset of gratitude and generosity can have on both personal growth and the success of our agency. In the 37 years of working in the industry, I have always used this forward-thinking approach to grow and achieve my position. At the heart of our agency’s ethos lies the principle of paying it forward – the idea that acts of kindness and generosity have a ripple effect, creating a culture of appreciation and collaboration that ultimately benefits everyone involved. This philosophy isn’t just a feel-good sentiment; it’s a strategic approach to leadership that has transformed the way we do business.

One of the most powerful aspects of appreciative thinking is its ability to foster strong relationships – both within our team, and with our clients. By taking the time to express gratitude for the hard work and dedication of our employees, we’ve built a tight-knit team that feels valued and motivated to go above and beyond for each other and for our clients. Our agency motto has always been to work as an extended family unit, holding on to employees and cherishing the relationship of those who have moved into new careers.

Similarly, cultivating a spirit of gratitude in our client relationships has been instrumental in our agency’s success. Whether it’s a simple thank-you note or a gesture of appreciation for their business, we’ve found that expressing gratitude not only strengthens our client relationships but also fosters a sense of loyalty and trust that is invaluable in the competitive world of advertising.

It might be a little old fashioned, but this way of thinking goes a long way.

Perhaps the most profound impact of appreciative thinking has been with my own leadership style. As the president of our agency, I’ve learned that leading with gratitude and generosity not only inspires others but also brings out the best in myself. By focusing on the positive aspects of our work and acknowledging the contributions of others, I’ve become more resilient in the face of challenges and more creative in my approach to problem-solving.

By promoting a culture of gratitude and generosity within our agency, we’ve not only created a positive and supportive work environment but also achieved remarkable success in our industry. As we continue to grow and evolve, I am confident that our commitment to paying it forward will remain at the heart of everything we do – driving us forward to even greater heights of achievement and fulfillment.

Dracula

What “World Dracula Day” tells us about the power of stories

by Personal InterestPublic RelationsUncategorized

Dracula

A decaying, Transylvanian castle … baying wolves … mist creeping through a medieval crypt. An undead aristocrat – who for centuries has fed on the blood of the living – plots to make Victorian London his new hunting grounds.

 

Almost everyone recognizes the premise of Bram Stoker’s Gothic masterpiece, Dracula, which was first published on May 26, 1897. And now, 127 years to the day after the novel first appeared on booksellers’ shelves, “World Dracula Day” celebrations are underway around the globe. In Whitby, England – where, in the novel, Dracula first comes ashore in Britain (in spectacularly horrific fashion, of course) – some 1,200 people gathered today, each clad in their finest vampire attire.

 

Stoker’s tale remains remarkably popular. Never out of print, the novel has been translated into more than 30 languages, and adapted more than 700 times for film, television, video games, comic books, and other mass media. By any measure, it’s among the most influential works of fiction ever.

 

But why? Are people uncontrollably enamored of vampires? No; each year, many books and films with undead themes become commercial flops. Is it because of Stoker’s brilliance as a writer? No; while the Irishman was a prolific author of short stories and novels, Dracula was his lone literary success.

 

Why then? Well, I’d suggest the reason for the novel’s long-term popularity is that people adore good stories. And without a doubt, Dracula is a fabulously good story, brimming with horror, tragedy, romance, action, and – depending on your sense of humor – a measure of comedy. The novel’s essential themes include xenophobia, feminism and misogyny, technology and technophobia; friendship and courage; love and lust; and the nature of evil. Stoker crammed a bit of everything into his 27-chapter novel.

 

So, we’re celebrating something as quirky as “World Dracula Day” because Dracula is a great story. That’s a pretty straightforward formula for success, and one I’m ever mindful of in my role as a public relations professional.

 

When I help a client communicate, the tools at my disposal include social media, news releases, speeches, videos, conferences, op-ed columns, events, podcasts, photography, and even a blog like this one. Likewise, there’s a wide range of potential audiences, including the general public, journalists, clients, employees, other influencers, and a host of others. But whatever tools I use, and whoever I’m reaching out to, I know telling a compelling story is a proven, age-old way to attract attention and stimulate interest.

 

Now if I can just figure out how to incorporate a vampire into my next news release…

Poetry Month

National Poetry Month: Our Favorite Books of Poetry

by Public RelationsSCG News

Poetry Month

New Jersey-based writer Amiri Baraka said, “Poetry is music, and nothing but music. Words with musical emphasis.” For this year’s National Poetry Month – also known as “April” – we’re examining a key commonality between poetry and music.

 

For decades now, some popular musicians have focused as much attention on complete albums as on individual songs. A few of these – the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, NWA’s Straight Outta Compton, Nirvana’s Nevermind, and Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black come to mind – became signature creations, with levels of artistic and cultural influence that outstripped any of the included songs. With poetry, there have been books/collections with similarly huge impact. For the sake of clarity, we’re talking about groups of poems the poet intended would exist together and which were published during or soon after the poet’s lifetime. This is to differentiate from the type of “complete works” volume that’s essentially a publisher’s creation.

 

So, with that said, following are Lupe’s five favorite poetry collections.

 

  • On Love, Charles Bukowski, 2015
  • Rest in the Mourning, H. Sin, 2016
  • Nothing Memorable Stays the Same, Kyle Fasel, 2018
  • I Would Leave Me If I Could, Halsey, 2020
  • Love By Night, SK Williams, 2021

 

“I tend to enjoy a lot of free verse poetry,” Lupe emphasized. “It makes me feel like I’m reading a journal entry because there’s little to no structure to what’s being written. For a lot of authors, it’s to their disadvantage to have lack of structure, but not these authors.”

 

In chronological order, Kurt’s list of his five favorite poetry collections – those from the past century, at least – is as follows:

 

  • Death of a Natural Man, Dylan Thomas, 1938
  • Montage of a Dream Deferred, Langston Hughes, 1951
  • Howl and Other Poems, Allen Ginsberg, 1956
  • Paterson, William Carlos Williams, 1946- ‘63
  • Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in Her Head, Warsan Shire, 2022

 

“With poetry, I’m most intrigued by a work or works that broke figurative new ground,” Kurt explains. “I love the idea of a poet creating something that’s different in style or content – or both – than what’s been seen before.”

 

At SCG, we are – first and foremost – communicators. We exist and thrive in a realm of shared ideas, created visions, and directions changed. In a frequently black-and-white world, our expertise lies in countless shades of gray. And that’s why we so love brilliantly executed poetry.

By Lupe Dragon, Public Relations Specialist/Account Executive and Kurt Praschak, Vice President, Public Relations

The World’s Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous. So … How is your organization going to thrive?

by Public Relations

Spend five minutes watching broadcast news or scrolling social media feeds and there’s little doubt the world is becoming increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA). For organizations and those driving communications, this reality presents challenges … and opportunities.  While technology – including AI – functions as an accelerant, it’s people, judgment, and decision-making that will ultimately determine who’s able to thrive in our VUCA world. Information is always imperfect and traditional linear problem solving is simply inadequate for dealing with today’s complex, non-linear issues.

Several recent studies — including those from Edelman, The Commission on Public Relations Education, and Future of PR/Comms and their Social Value  — highlight the importance of critical thinking and effective decision-making in public relations.

And while business publications are filled with ideas and life hacks about making the most of uncertainty, a little-know, often misunderstood military strategy that was developed four decades ago by a maverick fighter pilot may well hold the key to most VUCA concerns. Air Force Col. John Boyd, sometimes called American’s greatest military thinker and strategist, developed a comprehensive theory of warfare known as the OODA Loop. It describes the ongoing cycle of observation, orientation, decision, and action that commanders and organizations should engage in to gain an advantage over rivals. The OODA Loop has been adopted by militaries around the world, and it’s also used in business and other fields.VUCA

Boyd’s theories – which our firm has embraced — depart from linear problem-solving, instead embracing the intricacies of complexity. By recognizing the multifaceted nature of challenges, Boyd’s decision-making process promotes distributed leadership and involves orchestrating interactions and collaboration among diverse elements. These can enable organizations to respond nimbly to evolving contexts and foster innovation.

Collectively, Boyd’s concepts focus on outmaneuvering opponents. He argued that the best way to achieve victory is by thinking and then acting more quickly than rivals. These skills are essential for today’s professional communicators and marketers. Every competition, conflict, controversy, crisis, and even relationship is, by nature, uncertain. The OODA Loop can help public relations professionals make better decisions and act more quickly and effectively in even the most complex, uncertain environment.

Email Mike Cherenson to schedule an appointment and learn how to thrive in today’s VUCA world, mcherenson@successcomgroup.com.

Back to the Classics: A Suggested Reading List

by Personal InterestPublic RelationsUncategorized

I’m a public relations practitioner, and my profession’s core is communication– the development and expression of ideas and information. I’ve been at it for a long while, but I still find it beneficial to periodically return to the artistic classics of communicating, whether in the form of music, film, or literature. These provide us with a standard of excellence, while reminding us what true clarity of thought looks like.

 

With all this in mind– and also for fun– I’ve compiled a chronological list of seven classic novels (complete with general remarks) I enthusiastically recommend to anyone who’s ready to take a break from the here and now and gaze back upon the exceptional.

 

Wuthering Heights (1847), by Emily Brontë

Fabulously atmospheric, it’s a darkly troubling love story featuring multiple narrators and a series of flashbacks. The fact that this was Brontë’s only novel (she died in 1848, at age 30) is a tragedy for all readers.

 

Dracula (1897), by Bram Stoker

Thrilling, harrowing, and terrifying– this is the gothic novel that laid the foundation for modern horror. Dracula is about the vision of pure, ancient evil, and the circle of friends who dare to defy it.

 

Hound of the Baskervilles (1902), by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Sherlock Holmes canon is composed of 56 short stories and four longer works. Collectively, they’re the origin of modern detective fiction, and this novel is the best of them. Also worth noting, Conan Doyle is a vastly underrated writer.

 

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1916), by James Joyce

To me, Irishman James Joyce is the greatest writer of modern English– and this is his most accessible novel. It’s a coming-of-age tale, and though set in late nineteenth-century Dublin, it remains stunningly modern.

 

The Great Gatsby (1925), by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Considered by many to be America’s finest novel, it’s a window into a very different time– but with characters and themes that remain entirely relevant. Speaking of those characters, they’re detailed, layered, and brimming with intrigue.

 

Lord of the Rings (1954-1955), by J.R.R. Tolkien

This series is one epic fantasy tale divided into three volumes. Tolkien draws upon the root myths and legends of northern Europe to weave what I consider the most powerfully magical novel in the English language.

 

Watership Down (1972), by Richard Adams

All the main characters are rabbits. Really. It’s a mesmerizing, edge-of-your-seat story with marvelous heroes and one of literature’s most wicked villains. Also– its author didn’t begin writing until he was 46 years old.

 

Kurt Praschak

Vice President, Public Relations

SCG Advertising & PR

Promotional Products Work From Home

by AdvertisingBrandingMarketingPublic RelationsUncategorized

Promotional products and apparel are an excellent way for companies to build engagement with customers and employees. Strategies have shifted slightly with so many employees working remotely or in a hybrid schedule. We increasingly take into account what items would improve productivity in a home office or move easily with the employee between home and office.

TECHNOLOGY

All those Zoom meetings mean that we need to stay connected and organized.

  • Chargers
  • Ear Buds
  • Mouse Pads
  • Cord Organizer
  • Camera Cover
  • Ring Light
  • Branded Desk Organizers
  • Pens

APPAREL

Since your fellow Zoomers are only seeing the top half of you, you might as well have warm toes with branded socks or slippers. Logoed apparel keeps comfortable clothing professional for those on-camera moments.

TRAVEL

Traveling from home to office is a marketing/recruitment opportunity with branded bags, laptop sleeves, phone wallets, or pop sockets.

GIFT OPTIONS

To keep distribution simple, consider a gift program that allows recipients to select from a range of items that are delivered to their preferred address.

We’ve all seen the social media posts of connections starting a new job with a delivery of employer swag, but I recently saw something even cooler. A departing employee received an Alumni gift thanking them for their service and wishing them luck in their new endeavor. We’ve talked to clients about using “return tickets” officially giving employees in good standing permission to change their minds if the grass isn’t greener within a specified period of time, but this takes it one step further.

There are so many ways to use company swag to reach customers and potential employees. Contact SCG today to brainstorm ideas and make your next event memorable.

 

What if you decide to abandon Twitter?

by AdvertisingMarketingMobile AdvertisingPublic RelationsSocial Media
Tada Images – stock.adobe.com

One of the best-known of all social media platforms, Twitter, is in the process of dramatically altering itself. Some changes that have already been implemented – or are thought to be coming soon – are concerning both to individuals and organizations that have utilized Twitter for years. So, in the event you find yourself making a decision about shifting away from Twitter, here are several alternatives to consider.

Tumblr – It began as a microblogging platform in 2007, and has a vast number of users. Tumblr’s fanbase may not be as passionate as those of other platforms, but the site offers a wide variety of options for posting and sharing text, images, video, audio, and links.

LinkedIn – More sophisticated than many other social media platforms, LinkedIn’s emphasis is on helping users locate new clients and employees, and share details of professional successes. While it may be business-focused, it’s the online home for individuals in a broad range of endeavors.

Hive Social – On the rise since 2019, Hive Social’s audience has grown by one million users since changes began at Twitter. The platform enables users to post content without length limitations and already offers an editing function. The key drawback with Hive Social is loading time and a few other technical irregularities.

Discord – Beginning as a communications app for sharing voice, video and text chat with friends, game communities, and developers, Discord has steadily expanded. It is currently popular for networking, particularly in the music, entertainment, and sports sectors, with emphasis on internal group chats.

Mastodon – It’s a federation of independently operated interconnected servers, offers microblogging features akin to Twitter, but also features other functionality allowing for message that are 500-characters in length. Mastodon also offers extensive privacy features, plus the ability to hide spoilers and add trigger warnings.

Post – For now, there’s actually a waitlist for joining the platform. Post is intended to be “A Social Platform for Real People, Real News, and Civil Conversations,” and is geared toward journalists who want to share stories without being edited.

Or … do nothing – Sometimes, taking no action is the most appropriate action. If you have an audience on other platforms and all is going well, it may be fine to simply step away from Twitter without identifying a replacement.

For more information about the recent and upcoming Twitter changes, check out the following articles:

https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/25/elon-musk-says-twitters-new-multicoloured-verification-will-launch-next-week/

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2022-11-07/twitter-layoffs-media-verification

https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/24/musk-twitter-suspension-policy-00070819

https://www.fastcompany.com/90804776/elon-musk-massive-changes-twitter-one-week