A New Year Check-In for Nonprofits: Is Your Board Ready to Speak on Your Behalf?
The beginning of a new year is a natural time for nonprofit organizations to pause and assess what is working and what needs attention. Budgets, strategy and board recruitment often rise to the top of the list. Communication readiness should too. Board leaders and board members are among a nonprofit’s most visible advocates. Whether they […]
Important Differences: Marketing vs. Communications vs. Public Relations
At C2 Strategic, we often explain the difference between marketing, communications and public relations. Many people confuse these areas, which can create problems when trying to sell products, promote a business or build brand awareness. It is important to know that marketing is not the same as communications, and communications is not the same as […]
Break Free from Jargon
Simplify Your Business Communication Ever leave a conversation with a professional feeling lost, unsure of half the things they just said? More often than not, it is due to jargon. Jargon is an ineffective form of communication and often confuses more than it clarifies. While specialized language can speed up communication within an industry, it […]
The Ultimate Guide to Creating an Engaging Media Kit
The Ultimate Guide to Creating an Engaging Media Kit
Master Distiller: What Bourbon Teaches Us About Crafting Stories
By: Derek Doyle, Senior Director, C2 Strategic Communications As Kentuckians, we know a thing or two about bourbon. And as communicators, we recognize that every ounce of bourbon tells a story. From the rich limestone bedrock that feeds flavor to the charred oak barrels aging quietly in rickhouses, each step of the bourbon-making process is […]
You Belong: Reframing Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace
You Belong: Reframing Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace
Podcasting: The Next Frontier in Media Relations
Blog By: Quin Welch, Associate Strategist, C2 Strategic Communications In an increasingly digital world, podcasts have emerged as a powerful medium for storytelling, education and communication. For public relations professionals, they offer a valuable opportunity to reach targeted audiences by appearing as guests or placing stories on relevant shows. Instead of launching a new podcast, […]
3 Lessons in Crisis Communications
During a recent C2 Strategic Communications webinar, our president Kerri Richardson shared practical, proven strategies to help leaders communicate clearly under pressure. From anticipating risk to protecting your organization’s reputation, her insights are rooted in decades of real-world experience. Below are three key lessons from her talk — short, powerful video snapshots designed to help […]
Are You Speaking Your Customers’ Language? Lessons from Puerto Rico
Blog By: Chad Carlton, Founder & CEO, C2 Strategic Communications I love PR (public relations). It’s a big part of our work at C2 Strategic Communications. However, the “PR” in the photo above refers to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Island territory where my wife and I recently vacationed. The week of rest and relaxation — […]
Avoiding A Tough Conversation? We Can Help.
Sometimes, I wish we could scratch out the word “public” from “public relations.” For many, “public relations” brings to mind corporate press conferences, ribbon cuttings with oversized scissors or executives handing over giant foam checks. PR is often far more personal and not just about publicity, it’s about relationships. At C2 Strategic, we specialize in […]
The Role of Public Relations in Business Growth
How effective PR strategies can drive your business expansion and success Our marketplace is full of overused phrases that often lack substance – “thinking outside the box,” “working smarter, not harder,” and “being transparent.” But let’s be real – there’s no box, hard work is irreplaceable, and we aren’t plastic wrap. Instead, success boils down […]
2025 Media Trends
Staying Ahead of Media Trends in 2025: Protect Your Brand and Your Work As we move into 2025, the media landscape is evolving faster than ever, driven by technological advances, shifting consumer behaviors and an ever-growing demand for authentic engagement. At C2 Strategic, we recognize how crucial it is to predict and prepare for these […]
Why Knowing and Sharing “Your Why” Makes Teams Stronger
Deadlines. Goals. Metrics. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the work we do and the need to do it better, faster and stronger. We are so focused on the “who, what, when and where” that we lose sight of the “why.” The “why” is the driving force for what you do and how you […]
Developing a PR Strategy: Key Tips for Clear Goals, Strong Messaging and Real Results
Whether you’re typing away on a keyboard or brainstorming with pen and paper, creating a PR strategy can feel overwhelming. While it’s tempting to jump straight into sending out news releases or scheduling social media posts, doing so without a well-thought-out plan is like casting a line into a dark pond – you’re unlikely to […]
Maximizing Your End-of-Year Budget for Strategic Growth
As the year is coming to a close, many businesses are reviewing their budgets and preparing for the year ahead. It’s a crucial time to assess how resources were used and strategically allocate any remaining funds for long-term success in 2025. In this post, we’ll share insights on conducting an effective year-end budget review and […]
Effective Crisis Communication – Prepare Your Organization for the Unexpected
Crisis Communication: 7 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Organization for the Unexpected In public relations, crisis communication is a critical skill that can determine the success or failure of an organization’s reputation. Whether you operate in the public or private sector, having a well-thought-out crisis communication plan is essential for managing scrutiny, minimizing damage, and […]
Don’t Just Fly, Soar: How FAA-Certified Drone Pilots Can Elevate Your PR and Marketing Strategy
In today’s competitive market, businesses are seeking unique ways to stand out — and nothing captures attention like breathtaking aerial imagery. Drones have revolutionized promotional content, providing a new dimension of visual storytelling. But before launching your own drone for commercial purposes, it’s essential to understand the legalities and benefits of working with FAA-certified drone […]
Maximize Your PR Impact: Why Media Relations Builds Brand Strength and Reputation
In the competitive world of public relations, media relations is pivotal to maximizing your PR impact. Effective media strategies are crucial for building a robust brand and managing your reputation. Leveraging media relations enhances credibility, amplifies your brand’s visibility, and helps navigate reputational challenges. Here’s why media relations is a cornerstone of successful PR and […]
What Should We Say? Brands and the LGBTQ+ Community
Holidays and special events often present opportunities for corporate communications, with Thanksgiving, election day, and the Super Bowl leading to a flood of social media posts, ad campaigns, and news stories. Brands use these occasions to connect with audiences, aiming to associate themselves with a sense of community. However, these efforts can backfire if your […]
How PR Professionals Can Elevate Your CEO’s Public Image and Influence
Even in the high-flying corner offices with sweeping views and sophisticated décor, CEOs are just like everyone else—having strengths and weaknesses. To effectively shape their public image, influence stakeholders, and build their company’s reputation, CEOs need honest and strategic counsel from public relations professionals. Key Strategies for PR Success with CEOs 1. Craft a Compelling […]
Connecting with Lawmakers – Strategies for Telling Your Story Persuasively
For most people, interacting with any government official — from a local council member to U.S. Senator and County Executive — can be extremely intimidating. How do you approach them? What do we talk about? Or, even worse, what if you don’t see eye-to-eye on a particular issue, much less anything? First and foremost, remember […]