Press Release Archives - South Shore Public Relations

5 Urgent Signs Your Business Needs Professional PR Support

Crisis Communications, Email Marketing, Marketing, Public Relations, Reputation, Social Media / Jackie

Your organization deserves to stand out and thrive. You’ve worked hard to build your organization, but are you getting the recognition and results you deserve? Many successful organizations find that professional PR support is the key to taking their success to the next level. At South Shore PR, we specialize in helping businesses, and nonprofits like yours transform their public image and boost their bottom line.

Are you wondering if your business could benefit from our expert PR services? Here are five key signs that it might be time to consider professional PR support:

1. Media coverage is sparse.

Are you doing great work, but nobody seems to know about it? Do you want people to know, but either don’t know how to get the recognition you deserve, or simply don’t have the time to do it? If your organization is the best-kept secret in your industry, it’s time to change that. Professional PR can help you craft compelling stories that capture media attention, putting your brand in the spotlight where it belongs in front of customers and clients building brand loyalty.

2. The brand message seems unclear.

Does your audience truly understand what you’re all about? If your brand message is muddled or inconsistent or the tone changes to follow trends, you’re missing out on valuable connections with potential customers or clients. Public relations excels at distilling your unique value proposition into clear, concise messaging that resonates with your target audience.

3. Public image needs work.

Reputation will make or break an organization. If your business is struggling with negative perceptions or simply flying under the radar, PR will help you grow strategically. We specialize in reputation management, helping you build and maintain a positive public image that attracts customers and partners alike.

4. Social media engagement is low.

Are your social media posts falling flat? Low engagement on social platforms can indicate a disconnect between your brand and your audience. A skilled PR firm will help you develop a social media strategy that sparks conversations, builds community, and drives meaningful engagement.

5. Crisis management feels overwhelming.

It’s not if, it’s when…In today’s 24/7 news cycle, a crisis can escalate in minutes. If the thought of handling a PR crisis keeps you up at night, it’s time to bring in the experts. We have the experience and tools to help you prepare for, navigate, and recover from crises, protecting your brand’s reputation when it matters most.

If any of these signs resonate with you, it might be time to consider professional PR support. At South Shore PR, we’re passionate about helping businesses like yours harness the power of effective public relations. We don’t just manage your image; we help you tell your story, connect with your audience, and achieve your business goals.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Let’s talk about how we can help you shine in the public eye. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s start crafting your PR success story.

Remember, in the world of business, it’s not just about being the best – it’s about making sure the world knows it. That’s where we come in.

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South Shore PR is Hiring!

Uncategorized / Jackie

South Shore PR is thrilled to announce our first-ever internship call-out! As a local northwest Indiana business, we are thrilled to offer a PR internship opportunity to a current or incoming college student. If you ask any PR professional about this. In that case, they will tell you that the internships they completed in college were some of the most impactful and practical knowledge they learned during their college careers. South Shore PR President Jackie Thomas credits her PR internships during her undergraduate degree as the most beneficial of her education. This will be a comprehensive internship where interns will gain hands-on experience, from strategic planning to execution and more! Here are just a few of the areas where you’ll gain experience:

PR Strategy
Marketing Strategy
Crafting and Distributing Press Releases
Social Media Management
Blogging
Podcasting
Digital Newsletters
Networking with PR professionals (local and Chicago)
And so much more!

So, if you’ve read this far, we are going to assume that you might be interested in this opportunity. Please note that this is a paid internship. This is what we are looking for in our intern:

Public Relations & Integrated Marketing Intern

Company Overview:

South Shore Public Relations is a boutique public relations and integrated marketing firm that plans, develops, and executes communications strategies for a diverse range of clients. We pride ourselves on delivering creative solutions and exceptional results that exceed client expectations while delivering the highest levels of customer service.

Position Overview:

South Shore Public Relations is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic public relations and integrated marketing Intern to join our team. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to gain valuable experience in the fields of public relations and integrated marketing while working closely with seasoned professionals.

Responsibilities:

– Assist in the development and implementation of marketing and public relations campaigns.

– Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends and opportunities.

– Draft press releases, social media posts, blogging, and other written content.

– Support and maintain relationships with media contacts and influencers.

– Assist in the organization and execution of events and promotional activities.

– Monitor media coverage and support reports for clients.

– Provide general administrative support to the marketing and public relations team.

Educational Experience:

– Gain practical experience in integrated marketing and public relations strategies.

– Learn how to effectively communicate with media outlets.

– Develop skills in writing press releases, social media content, blogging, and other promotional materials.

– Gain insight into the planning and execution of marketing campaigns and events.

Qualities We’re Looking For:

– Honesty: Integrity is essential in our industry, and we value honesty in all our interactions.

– Self-Starter: We seek individuals who are proactive and take the initiative to contribute ideas and solutions.

– Motivated: A strong drive to succeed and a passion for marketing and public relations.

– Willingness to Learn: Openness to learning new skills and adapting to evolving industry trends.

– Comfortable Talking on the Phone: Effective communication is key, and the ability to communicate confidently over the phone is highly valued.

Requirements:

– Currently enrolled in a college or university program, pursuing a degree in marketing, public relations, communications, or a related field.

-Strong written and verbal communication skills, with keen attention to detail.

-Ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

-Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) –

-Passion for storytelling, media relations, and staying up to date on industry trends.

– Proficiency in social media platforms.

– Ability to work independently and collaborate within a team environment.

– Availability to work 15-20 hours per week.

-Must be willing to work in the South Shore PR office located in Michigan City, Indiana.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and writing samples demonstrating their communication skills. Applications without writing samples will not be considered. Please email South Shore President Jackie Thomas: Jackie@southshorepr.com

Hours Per Week:

15-20 hours per week, flexible schedule. Occasionally, evenings or weekends may be offered to support client events.

Here is Your First Lesson:

Even if you don’t meet ALL of the requirements, but you meet most of them, apply anyway! Read this article from the Harvard Business Review about applying when you don’t meet all of the requirements here.

Please reach out as soon as possible, as spots are limited!

South Shore PR is Hiring! Read More »

PR Hot Take: Where There is Smoke, There is Fire

Community Relations, Crisis Communications, Media Relations, PR Hot Take, Public Relations, Reputation / Jackie

Recently, an organization I follow announced made a significant announcement about the staff that would significantly impact their daily operations. I will not be naming the organization or giving any identifiable details in this post. While this announcement may have been in the works for months, the news distributed to the public seemed abrupt and came with very little forewarning that this transition would be happening. To add to the abrupt nature of the announcement, was that this change would occur before the allotted schedule that this organization routinely follows. All in all, the announcement caught me, an invested stakeholder, off guard.

Fast forward ten days later, and I happened to be on social media and read a story about alleged missing funds within the same organization. My PR intuition was initially aroused at the announcement; then, with the following news, I acknowledged I was watching a communications crisis develop in real-time. As a crisis communications professional, I had to know more, so I began digging. What is in the public discourse, social media, and press stories leaves more unanswered questions and severe gaps in communication with general stakeholders. For this organization, where trust is paramount, I am deeply concerned about the reputational damage being done in real time.

I share this PR hot take today because, number one, it interests me, and I am interested to see how these issues will resolve as a whole for the organization. I am also sharing this because it is an excellent case of how not to communicate with stakeholders. Below, you will find my perfect recipe for a full-blown crisis communications episode:

Make a significant announcement with little to no warning to the general public that will profoundly impact your organization forever.
Hold closed-door meetings where stakeholders who are usually involved have been shut out or have the perception that they’ve been shut out.
Do not correct accusations of missing funds and or make any statements to clear the record on this matter.
Do not communicate a plan for transition, stability, and transparency.

When an organization goes through a transition with public stakeholders, communication efforts should be ample and provide transparency. The lack of transparency is not good. I was talking to a friend about this organization and the situation, and they said to me the adage, “Where there is smoke, there’s fire.” My friend’s thoughts on the situation illustrated that with the lack of communication from the organization, there is a vacuum for information where stakeholders will be left to make their own conclusions, and that is not good. Reputational damage is being done in real time.

As a communications professional and an interested stakeholder, I find this painful to watch. The point that I am trying to make is that communication is powerful and, when done strategically, makes the difference in building trust and protecting an organization’s reputation. I understand that this organization may not be able to communicate specific details, but the lack of communication as a whole lends stakeholders to feel that the organization is intentionally vague out of wrongdoing or guilt. In my conversation with my friend, I asked what led them to believe that there was alleged wrong-doing in this situation, and they remarked to me, “They’re just not telling us enough, and the way in which things have been communicated doesn’t help matters, it all just feels like a sloppy mess.” I could not fault my friend’s assessment of the situation; the communication, what has gone out publicly, has been sloppy from a strategic point of view.

Communicating ad-hoc to the general public when your organization is heavily public-facing and requires trust at the highest levels from your stakeholders is a bad situation. I hope that this organization realizes what is happening before the reputational damage gets any worse, and if they don’t know how to communicate what is happening within their organization, they seek help from a communications professional immediately.

Examples such as this one can be found easily in business or anywhere where there is public interest within a community. I also want to make clear that I am not criticizing this organization; I am simply using it as a teachable moment. Reader, if you take only one thing away from this post today, take this: communication is key! Don’t leave your stakeholders to come to their own conclusions about the inner workings of your organization; it never ends well. Trust me on this one!

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South Shore PR in Partnership with The Duneland Chamber Offers Members Incredible Opportunity for PR Bootcamp Class Series in March.

Community Relations, Crisis Communications, Marketing, Media Relations, Public Relations, Reputation, Social Media, South Shore PR Update / Jackie

Public relations are not nice to have item for your organizations, it’s a necessary and strategic asset that can propel your organization to reach new customers and achieve your business goals. As businesses strive to make their mark in a crowded marketplace, the importance of a well-crafted Public Relations (PR) strategy cannot be overstated. When combined with a marketing plan, the combination will propel your business to new heights. Without a PR strategy, your organization is leaving money on the table and is not making the most of resources.

That’s where South Shore PR Bootcamp Series in partnership with The Duneland Chamber comes in. Join us in a transformative journey designed to equip organizations of all sizes with the essential knowledge and skills to master the art of PR. Taught by South Shore PR President, Jacqueline Thomas, each Monday morning in March at the Duneland Chamber, you will walk away with the knowledge and know-how to bring excellent PR to your organization.

Unleashing the Power of PR

Why PR? Public Relations is not just about managing crises or getting media coverage; it’s about shaping perceptions, building meaningful connections, and driving business success. Our PR Bootcamp Series is meticulously crafted to demystify the world of PR, making it accessible and actionable for organizations looking to elevate their communication game.

What Makes Our PR Bootcamp Series Unique?

Tailored for All Sizes: Whether you’re a startup, a small business, a non-profit organization or a well-established enterprise, the PR Bootcamp Series is designed to cater to your specific needs. Jacqueline will bring her professional knowledge gain over a career across industries and share valuable insights for each business in attendance. We understand that the challenges and opportunities in PR can vary, and our series addresses them all, providing practical insights that are applicable across industries and organizational scales.

Real-World Insights: This isn’t just theory; it is our goal to give you the tools you need to put what you’re learning into action. Each module is enriched with real-world examples, case studies, and success stories, illustrating how businesses – just like yours – have harnessed the power of PR to achieve remarkable results. The series goes beyond the theoretical framework, offering actionable strategies that you can implement immediately. You will be able to learn in a relaxed and cooperative atmosphere.

Comprehensive Approach: From building a strong brand foundation to navigating media relations, crisis management, social media integration, and more, our PR Bootcamp Series covers every aspect of PR. It’s not just a crash course; it’s a comprehensive guide that empowers you to implement a strategic PR plan, propelling your organization to meet its goals.

Why Your Organization Can’t Afford to Miss This:

Maximize Marketing Dollars: Investing in marketing without a robust PR strategy is like having a powerful engine without wheels. Our series makes the case for why PR is not a luxury but a necessity, showing you how integrating PR into your marketing efforts can amplify your impact and ensure that every dollar spent delivers maximum returns.

Strategic Partner for Growth: Beyond the knowledge gained, our PR Bootcamp Series serves as an introduction to what South Shore PR can offer. We understand the intricacies of PR, and our experienced team is ready to take your organization’s communication strategy to the next level. Consider this series as your gateway to a strategic partnership for sustainable growth and increased visibility for your organization.

Join the PR Revolution!

In a world where effective communication is the linchpin of success, the South Shore PR Bootcamp Series, in partnership with The Duneland Chamber is your key to unlocking the full potential of Public Relations. Elevate your business, connect with your audience, and position your brand for success.

How to sign Up:

Are you ready to embark on this transformative journey? This four-week course will take place each Monday morning in March from 8am- 9am at The Duneland Chamber. This course is open to all Duneland Chamber Members. There is a $50 fee that covers the entire course and supplies. Course space is limited, so sign up today.

Please Note: This course is only open to Duneland Chamber Members who are in good standing with the Duneland Chamber of Commerce.

space is limited, book today!

South Shore PR in Partnership with The Duneland Chamber Offers Members Incredible Opportunity for PR Bootcamp Class Series in March. Read More »

Unlocking Success: Understanding the Power of Public Relations (PR)

Community Relations, Crisis Communications, Marketing, Media Relations, Press Release, Product Launches, Public Relations, Reputation, Social Media, Thought Leadership / Jackie

In today’s business world, the term “Public Relations” (PR) has become increasingly necessary to the success of organizations across various industries. Whether you’re a budding startup, a nonprofit organization, a mom-and-pop business, or an established enterprise, grasping the fundamentals of PR is crucial for enhancing your brand image, fostering positive relationships, and navigating through the ever-evolving and complex media landscape. Today, we will delve into the world of PR, exploring its functions, significance, and the outcomes that can be achieved when executed effectively.

What is Public Relations?

The most basic definition can be boiled down to this: Public Relations is a strategic communication process that builds and maintains positive relationships between an organization and its target audience. It often encompasses various activities designed to create a favorable public image, enhance brand reputation, and establish strong stakeholder connections.

Functions of Public Relations:

Media Relations: PR professionals either work on your behalf or guide organizations to engage with various media outlets to secure positive media coverage for the organization. This involves crafting compelling press releases and building relationships with journalists to ensure accurate and favorable reporting.
Crisis Communication: PR is critical in managing crises and mitigating potential damage to an organization’s reputation. Effective crisis communication involves swift responses, transparency, and a well-defined strategy.
Marketing Integration: PR and marketing, like peanut butter and jelly, go hand in hand. Combining efforts in marketing and PR creates a cohesive strategy that amplifies brand messaging, reaching a broader audience through diverse channels. When PR tactics are added to marketing campaigns, it’s like adding gasoline to a fire; it burns twice as bright and more intensely.
Social Media Management: Social media is the new version of the town square, and if you aren’t engaging in it, you will miss out on your ideal customers finding you, and you won’t have a voice in the conversation. Social media is a powerful platform for communication that should be utilized. PR professionals leverage social media to engage with the public, address concerns, promote positive narratives, and quell adverse outcomes.
Community Relations: Building strong ties with the community is essential for any organization. PR helps create and maintain a positive relationship between your organization and the community it serves.

Outcomes of Well-Executed PR:

When PR is done well, organizations can experience the benefits of many long-lasting positive outcomes:

Enhanced Credibility: A well-crafted PR strategy establishes credibility and trust among the target audience, fostering positive perceptions of your organization. Credibility is more important now than ever, and if you aren’t taking steps to enhance your credibility, then you are damaging it.
Positive Public Image: Successful PR efforts contribute to building a positive public image, which can attract customers, investors, and partners.
Effective Crisis Management: Skilled PR professionals with crisis management experience will guide organizations through crises, ensuring they emerge stronger and more resilient and rehabilitate the organization’s image.
Increased Brand Visibility: PR enhances brand visibility through carefully curated media coverage and strategic communication, ensuring that organizations remain top-of-mind for their audience.
Stronger Stakeholder Relationships: PR’s primary function is to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, and the community, creating a network of support for your organization to thrive.

Why Your Organization Needs PR ASAP:

In today’s media-rich environment, PR is not a luxury but a necessity, serving as a catalyst for success, enabling organizations to effectively communicate their messages, manage crises, and foster positive relationships. Integrating PR into your overall business strategy is crucial for staying relevant and resilient as the digital landscape evolves. Instead of leaving your organization’s reputation to chance or only using marketing to share your mission, partner with a skilled PR agency to communicate the messages that mean the most and reach the customers you truly want.

In conclusion, Public Relations is a dynamic and indispensable component of modern, healthy business strategy. Whether through media relations, crisis communication, or community engagement, the impact of well-executed PR extends far beyond traditional communication’s confines. Embrace the power of PR and unlock the full potential of your organization in the eyes of the public.

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