Cameron Hardesty

On this week's #MetricMonday we're looking at sentiment, a tricky data point to come by, but an inherently critical one to understand #crisiscommunications challenges in real-time. First, let me say that NO algorithm or tool allows you to push a button and get a perfect sentiment analysis – it just doesn’t work that way (i.e. "cool" means something different to a fashion brand than it does to an HVAC company). However, in most cases, you can train tools to give you relevant directional data on sentiment based on publicly visible conversations. Once you have a well-trained monitoring tool in place, the granular approach to assessing individual posts matters a lot less than how you plan to use the data. Typically, I'm using sentiment data to: 👉 Determine the scale of an issue: While sentiment tells you the balance of negative, neutral and positive conversation, it can also showcase how much of each can impact your reputation. For example, if there are 10 product reviews on an item with 2M SKUs sold, does it matter that 6 of those reviews are negative? Perhaps, but it's worth noting how big or small an issue is relative to the conversation volume. 👉 Understand trends over time: Net sentiment is typically driven by events in a company's history. A positive net sentiment can change overnight on the whims of a bad newscycle. Analyzing sentiment before, during and after a critical issue will typically indicate whether the issue will persist or dissipate, helping you determine what the proper next steps might be. 👉 Understand topical relevance: Within all the comments and reposts are natural indicators of what topics are driving sentiment. The public will usually TELL you why they feel the way they do, and thus give you data on what the proper response might be, what channel to share it on, and how that statement might be received. Example: If your brand experiences a wave of negative comments on Instagram, does it make sense to issue a press release to tamp down the noise? Perhaps, but there's a case that it might not work based on where the conversation volume originated. If you’re planning to issue a response during a crisis that doesn’t include the trending keywords among negative responses, how might that message be received? Hard to say for sure but your odds of shifting the narrative are narrow without letting the data guide your hand. In all, sentiment is a great signifier of brand health, but as with all metrics, it's only a good tool if we use it to full capacity. And one more thing...can we not use neutral sentiment as a leading insight? It's perfectly fine to note that your audience isn't impassioned at a given moment, but neutral sentiment is easily the least impactful metric when facing a public issue. If it's all you have, shrink the data set and retrain your monitor based on influencer, channel type, publication or post type. There are insights there somewhere, sometimes you have to hunt for them.

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In my latest #MooneyOnPolitics #podcast I talk about how parties will engage in the management of expectations in the last week of the campaign, especially as they try to prepare for seat losses or hoped for gains that never materialise (as the independents pick up momentum). #LE2024 #EE2024 https://lnkd.in/e5-yJuzv

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What a time in U.S. history. Last month, poll results released by Morning Consult / Bloomberg indicated that half of voters in swing states fear violence around the upcoming election. Sizeable proportions also expressed concern about the potential impact of misinformation, foreign interference, and voter fraud. Can we step back from the precipice? I sometimes feel I’ve been talking my entire adult life about our world’s descent into chaos and uncertainty—into an era marked by new divisions, fears, and existential threats. It’s a topic I discussed in detail in The New Megatrends (book available on Amazon, published by Random House Penguin). Perhaps especially in the U.S., so many of us feel unmoored and even hopeless—eager for change but not at all certain how best to achieve it or whether it ever will come. As I’ve had the privilege these past few months to talk with people across several states and every political orientation, I’ve become even more convinced that the solution to what ails us as a country can’t be left to chance. We all need to claw our way out of our information bubbles and talk—really talk—to people who are nothing like us. I have found it immensely heartening to discover that the headlines about polarization and hate aren’t telling the full story. Dig deeper, and you’ll find plenty of Americans across the political spectrum who want the same things and are eager for a chance to contribute to rational solutions. Let’s stop letting the polls and pundits define who we are. #citizenship #polarization #change #newmegatrends

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Great read in Axios Communicators today about the importance of crisis communications and preparedness. As a firm believer in the Scout's motto, "Be prepared," I help my clients build out their crisis response plans to include a comprehensive communications component. Many clients have operational response and continuity of business plans, but often these lack a detailed communications plan. My goal is to ensure that as an issue escalates, my clients know what to say, who to say it to, and through what channels. I help clients create processes, playbooks, and plans that make rapid response scenarios move faster and more smoothly. This eliminates the headaches of "Who needs to review this?" or "Should we check with legal?" during a crisis. Once we have a plan on paper, I test these plans with my clients in tabletop scenarios to ensure everyone knows their role and that the processes are appropriate for their business. If you're interested in talking about risk mitigation, issues management, or crisis response, drop me a line. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/exffQStX

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"Omg, I don’t want to be whacked by the citizens." Being a public servant can be daunting. Many are drawn to serve, but the axiom "the customer is always right" isn’t always applicable. There are times when customers are unreasonable, or when adherence to SOPs is necessary to maintain integrity and fairness—both core values of public service. However, the public service also needs to be empathetic and adaptable to the needs of citizens. Below is an article about how the CEO of a supermarket chose to do the human thing by listening to customers, rather than sending in a team of lawyers and negotiators. Notice that there weren’t any “tangible outcomes” from the meeting. Instead, it was a moment to build trust between both sides. https://lnkd.in/gMYwiXqt H/t Liyi Chen

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In the world of media and communications, the relationship between journalists and PR professionals is often misunderstood. However, the reality is far more nuanced and symbiotic. Journalists rely on PR folks to provide them with access to newsworthy stories, expert sources, and valuable insights. In turn, PR depends on journalists to amplify their messages and bring attention to their clients or organizations. A recent report by #MuckRack on the "State of Journalism," found that journalists acknowledge PR professionals 70% "as at least moderately important to their success." This mutual dependence highlights the essential role each plays in the dissemination of information to the public. Trust forms the foundation of our collaboration and ensures that the stories that reach the public are credible and impactful. Journalists rely on us to provide accurate and reliable information, while those of us in PR trust journalists to report the news fairly and accurately. Journalists are skilled storytellers who strive to craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience. PR pros, on the other hand, are adept at identifying and shaping stories that align with our clients' goals and objectives. Together, we work to create stories that inform, engage, and inspire. I encourage you to read the attached report which provides many insights of today's newsrooms. #Journalism #PR #MediaRelations #PublicRelations #NewsMedia #MediaIndustry #JournalismEthics #Storytelling #MediaCollaboration #InformationSharing #MuckRack #StateOfJournalism #PressRelations #MediaPartnership Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Natan Edelsburg

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You know stuff is broken in your country when the cutting-edge #AI is used to find #weapons on #students before they enter #school buildings with lead pipes, no air conditioning, disgusting food, outdated furniture, and overstuffed classrooms. 😐 #WBAL found extensive deferred maintenance in the #BaltimoreCity #schools in a recent report — with the big gaps in schools in low-income areas. The story quoted a city #student: "I'm not trying to come to school to make friends with bugs and mice. 🪳🐁 Like, I'm here to learn. I'm just trying to get my good grades, make a good impression and get out of here." (https://lnkd.in/e8TFp6Fh) #BaltimoreCounty, meanwhile: “Documents from #BCPS show the county has $183 million for maintenance and operations in 2024 -- more than three times the $55 million #maintenance budget that City Schools has.” And three times the maintenance staff, 331 workers vs “more than 1,000” in the county. But not 3X the students: Baltimore City: ~76,000 vs. Baltimore County: ~111,000 #Baltimore is a great place to study how #disparities can hamper the potential of a #city. #ai #education #k12 #highereducation #realcollege #baltimore #charmcity https://lnkd.in/eSNgwHq9

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How do policymakers in D.C. and those who engage them get their information? It depends on their partisan leanings. Check out the results of Avōq's research below.

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A brilliant new column in Observer by Roy Swan that will unpack how we can strive for a better form of capitalism that can work for all of us, rooted in innovation, prosperity, and fairness. Check it out!!

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I will never, ever guarantee press coverage for a client. I will, however, guarantee that I will put you in the best position to earn positive media coverage by: 👉 Crafting compelling, substantive, and timely pitches; 👉 Developing, and conducting extensive outreach to, the right set of media outlets and journalists; 👉 Staying opportunistic and aggressive in pursuing opportunities to raise your visibility and tell your story. If someone "guarantees" you media placements they're full of it (or work in advertising). Genuine Public Relations isn't about empty promises; it's about strategic storytelling, relationship-building, and putting in the hard work. Learn more about how strategic communications can help you achieve your organization's goals at goldbergcommunications.com or email me at zach@goldbergcommunications.com. #PR #MediaRelations #MediaTraining #CrisisCommunications #MessageDevelopment #ExecutiveCommunications #CommunicationsStrategy #CommunicationsPlanning #StakeholderEngagement #CoalitionBuilding

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📣 Exciting news for PR professionals and journalists alike! Peter Shankman's #HelpEveryReporterOut (HERO) and #MuckRack have joined forces to revolutionize the media industry. HERO connects journalists seeking sources with experts who can provide them, while MuckRack is a leading platform for PR software that helps organizations find the right journalists to pitch their stories. The synergy between the two promises to enhance the way media professionals work. With this partnership, journalists can expect reliable sources fast and PR pros can get their stories to the right people at the right time. This means more opportunities to get clients' stories out there, with the confidence that they are reaching the right audience. The HERO and MuckRack collab addresses these needs head-on, making the process more efficient and effective. In today's media landscape, speed and accuracy are critical. This new partnership is a game-changer for the industry and a testament to the power of collaboration. Kudos to Peter and MuckRack! #Journalism #PublicRelations #MuckRack #HERO #Communications #BusinessInsights #LeadershipLessons #Storytelling #Marketing #IntegratedMarketing Natan Edelsburg Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

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Seven years ago I shifted this agency from a traditional staffed firm to a virtual and ala carte agency. That may have started a trend! In the ever-evolving landscape of communcations, the A-la-carte approach is outstripping the traditional model. We saw that long ago by offering our clients unprecedented flexibility by allowing them to tailor their PR strategies. This innovative method brings forth several key advantages reshaping the #PR industry. https://lnkd.in/dJzDPfCh

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Thanks for having me on your podcast, Dana Snyder. This case study proves the power of listening. Have a listen and let me know what you think: https://lnkd.in/eFHBbH6H

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Corporate and Startups keep a close eye on the elections, government affairs and public notices. Why??? Because it impacts their businesses. Politicians are Policy Makers. Policies they make have a direct and indirect impact on the business operations. Corporate Communications professionals need to be an expert in Public Policy tracking and Public Affairs too apart from Public Relations. Government and Politicians are a key external stakeholders and influencers for businesses. Lobbying by entrepreneurs across the globe since a century is a common phenomenon. Industry Bodies of varying ministries gives an option to varying entrepreneurs and organisations to share their feedback to the Ministry, elect their representative for that body, suggest changes in policies, propose policy plans and participate in the engagement for nation building. Public Affairs is a serious business and needs to align with the PR planning. #hemamalini #superstar #loksabha #memberofparliament #parliament #delhi #mathura #legacy #legend #publicpolicy #publicaffairs #corporateaffairs #artist #influencer #keyinfluencer #messaging #governmentaffairs #publicrelations #pr #corporatecommunications #internalcommunication #stakeholdermanagement #stakeholderengagement #brandengagement #thoughtleader #thoughtleadership

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Corporate and Startups keep a close eye on the elections, government affairs and public notices. Why??? Because it impacts their businesses. Politicians are Policy Makers. Policies they make have a direct and indirect impact on the business operations. Corporate Communications professionals need to be an expert in Public Policy tracking and Public Affairs too apart from Public Relations. Government and Politicians are a key external stakeholders and influencers for businesses. Lobbying by entrepreneurs across the globe since a century is a common phenomenon. Industry Bodies of varying ministries gives an option to varying entrepreneurs and organisations to share their feedback to the Ministry, elect their representative for that body, suggest changes in policies, propose policy plans and participate in the engagement for nation building. Public Affairs is a serious business and needs to align with the PR planning. #shatrugansinha #superstar #loksabha #memberofparliament #parliament #delhi #mathura #legacy #legend #publicpolicy #publicaffairs #corporateaffairs #artist #influencer #keyinfluencer #messaging #governmentaffairs #publicrelations #pr #corporatecommunications #internalcommunication #stakeholdermanagement #stakeholderengagement #brandengagement #thoughtleader #thoughtleadership

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Corporate and Startups keep a close eye on the elections, government affairs and public notices. Why??? Because it impacts their businesses. Politicians are Policy Makers. Policies they make have a direct and indirect impact on the business operations. Corporate Communications professionals need to be an expert in Public Policy tracking and Public Affairs too apart from Public Relations. Government and Politicians are a key external stakeholders and influencers for businesses. Lobbying by entrepreneurs across the globe since a century is a common phenomenon. Industry Bodies of varying ministries gives an option to varying entrepreneurs and organisations to share their feedback to the Ministry, elect their representative for that body, suggest changes in policies, propose policy plans and participate in the engagement for nation building. Public Affairs is a serious business and needs to align with the PR planning. #shashitharoor #loksabha #memberofparliament #parliament #delhi #mathura #legacy #legend #publicpolicy #publicaffairs #corporateaffairs #artist #influencer #keyinfluencer #messaging #governmentaffairs #publicrelations #pr #corporatecommunications #internalcommunication #stakeholdermanagement #stakeholderengagement #brandengagement #thoughtleader #thoughtleadership

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