Anna Wilhelmsen

CALIFORNIA

3

CALIFORNIA

18

1 Comment

A 5-minute litmus test to determine your company or protocol's North Star messaging. Ask your co-founders, CTO, CMO, etc. to dash off a three-sentence explanation of “what we do as a business what we hope to accomplish.” Ask them to give it no more than 1 minute of thought. Then, compare. The difference in answers might shock you. 

9

I learned two things from working in PR agencies: 1. Care for yourself first because your employers can't - and most won't. 2. I get my work fullfilment from sharing stories that can change the world! This opinion article (aka oped) is exactly why we are building Newsary to power the world with all stories worth sharing. Because of what this oped is NOT... It is not generated by AI or written by an intern! This oped is written by Nikki Williams, with guidance from our journalist-trained AI, myself, and Stephanie Palmer-Derrien. Our learnings will help further train our AI. This oped is also worth reading, BTW! This oped was pitched using Newsary, which allowed me to quickly summarise the oped and successfully pitch the story to Eloise Keating (after a round of extensive edits 😅 - thanks again for your patience!) Again, the pitch is NOT written by AI but guided by AI, which takes the guesswork out of the structure or what info to include. Unlike other gen-AI, Newsary ensures information accuracy because all info comes from you and allows you to focus on the story media fit and my knowledge of the journalist/publication you're pitching to. As story sharers, this is a shot at earning the attention you need to change the world. For journalists, this will very soon change the way you find and connect with sources and stories - no more death by irrelevant and overly promotional press releases. As a PR person, this enables me to pitch more and more diverse stories from founders who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford a PR agency! You have to give yourself a stance to stand out. Newsary helps you find your story, voice it in your own words, and frame it in most media-friendly format. Next, we'll index it so it can be found by relevant media on our story and source search engine. Changing the world, your story at a time. 📣 #publicrelations #startup #startupgrowth #mediarelations P.S. Did I mention this oped is worth reading? And Mentwell story's worth following!

4

Sending out your regularly scheduled social posts and e-blasts to people in Los Angeles right now only hurts your brand. Any organization, whether a business, nonprofit, or government agency, communicating in the greater LA region right now needs to focus on value. Use your brand and platform to provide resources, expertise unique to your work, and actionable information that help people navigate this moment. Talk about how you’re caring for your community, whether your employees, clients, or the public. The messages that people will receive right now are the ones with meaning. Anything else right now risks being ignored—or worse, doing damage. Communication and PR professionals, be intentional and find the unique ways your organization can contribute. Actions and words make a difference in times like these.

17

You’ve gotta hand it to Zuckerberg: he’s never afraid to place big bets. This one might be the riskiest yet. Meta is officially pulling the plug on fact-checking for Facebook and Instagram. No filters, no warnings, just unregulated content flowing freely across billions of feeds. Supporters are already applauding this as a win for free speech. But let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: what happens when misinformation spreads unchecked? We’ve seen the damage false narratives can do: eroding trust, fueling division, even endangering lives. Fact-checking wasn’t perfect, but it was something. Without it, we’re left to navigate a content landscape where half-truths and outright lies can thrive. And yet, maybe this is Zuckerberg’s boldest experiment yet: a digital Wild West where users take full responsibility for what they believe and share. It’s an idealistic view, but is it realistic? This move raises bigger questions: Should platforms decide what’s true? Or is it up to us to figure it out? One thing’s for sur; this will test the limits of free speech and social responsibility like never before. What’s your take: bold leadership or reckless gamble?

10

25 Comments

Bravo to the McDonald's team for this internal comms masterclass. The company has been wrangled into the election dialogue on both sides; rather than being red or blue, they leaned into their core values to sit squarely as "golden," as a destination that "opens its doors to everyone." The employee communications clearly states the current reality, reinforces neutrality while staying on brand, elevates brand values, taps into the reality that 1 in 8 Americans have worked at a McDonalds and finally - above all - it thanks the teams who uphold the company's values daily. Talk about building trust and operating authentically. Super impressive, smart work. What do you think?

854

30 Comments

"Why aren't we getting more press?!?!?!" Once someone asks the question, executives, in-house teams, and PR agencies are all quick to point the finger. The reality is, they're all to blame. The media landscape is rapidly evolving, and most companies have failed to keep pace. PR isn't dead (there is always value in telling a differentiated story) but with PR pros outpacing reporters 9:1, companies must rethink their approach all together. This candid interview with John Hallock, Christina Farr, and Jared S. Taylor is an absolute must watch for any company or PR pro interested in building a strategy that leads to media attention. Slice of Healthcare Full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gUCAwc99

41

6 Comments

We're just 3 full work weeks away from the end of year and that clean slate new year feeling is just around the corner. We are helping our clients start on a strong foot by using December to: - reinvigorating visual presence on web and social platforms - examining communications practices to explore whether a pivot is necessary to drive the impact we want to see in the marketplace - dusting off goals, mission statements, and values to see where things have gotten sidetracked - leveraging AI and other new technologies to help those busy tasks get done faster, better, and in a more affordable way - auditing paid plugins and platforms to trim, enhance performance, and save Am I missing something? How is your team getting ready for 2025? Comment below!

6

1 Comment

Pro PR Tip 💡 Build media connections and relationships before you need them. Disinformation is a growing problem and having reporters who already are on your side and know what you stand for is the best way to combat the Internet trolls - which seem to be everywhere (even in places you'd expect to be credible). It's much harder to get your commentary placed in the midst of disinformation if they've never heard of you before -- but if they've covered you before and trust you, they'll continue to trust you. Because while you can't totally avoid the dark side of the Internet - repeating your values publicly, prioritizing a positive message and stacking reporters who champion your work will always help you come out on top. 🔥 P.S. If you'd like more easy and actionable PR advice that is designed to help you get more media coverage right now (and just in time for the biggest PR season of the year!) make sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter Fintech & Friends. #pr #pragency #publicrelations #startups #fintech #media

3

Could not agree more! Follower count is one of about 50+ things we consider when evaluating influencer partners for our clients. When you consider platform algorithms, the ability to expand reach with paid boosting, the importance of engagement, and many other elements, the weight of the "follower factor" is minimal. Not to mention there is and always has been a discrepancy within our industry (even within industry associations that would/should ideally be on the same page) about what defines nano, micro, macro, and mega. It's arbitrary and irrelevant, IMO. #influencermarketing #creatoreconomy

3

1 Comment

In the dynamic world of PR and Communications, 2024 brings both challenges and opportunities. Media landscapes are shifting constantly, key topics are polarized, and with that comes uncertainity. But amidst this flux, there's a chance for bold, proactive actions. It starts with a mindset shift. We must rewrite the playbook to embrace disruption, challenge conventions, and deliver meaningful messages. So we know when to enter the conversation - and how! Join our free webinar on May 16th, "Focus Amidst the Frenzy: Communications Strategies in a State of forever Crisis", to explore scenario planning and crisis management with myself and Lauren Condoluci So, dive in, embrace the uncertainty, and secure your spot. https://lnkd.in/ekk94Hmi #webinar #innovation #CrisisComms #PR #comms

16

After coming off a much needed 6 month sabbatical, I have now entered a 6 month dry spell, anxiously and aggressively looking for work. Who could've predicted this? For those looking for work, what are some tips you can share to navigate our current job market? Freelancers: How are you positioning yourselves as the go 2 instead of a traditional employee? How are you pricing yourselves with keeping inflation in mind? And to those who are currently working .....(I am hearing that some aren't feeling our job climate as well) How are you dealing with the anxiety of mass layoffs and the demands of some companies going back to in office full time? Let's hear it! Talk to me people :)

10

Join our experts as they dive into PR Newswire's groundbreaking AI innovations. We'll explore: ✨ How AI is revolutionizing #PR & comms ✨ Our unique solution that leverages historical data to offer press release insights ✨ Findings from our State of the Press Release Report on how PR pros are embracing #AI Save your spot now and join us as we drive the AI conversation forward!

2

My own tool turned against me 💀 Okay, not really. It just reminded me that writing for my own ear doesn't mean that others will have a positive experience with my copy. Like the Flowpoint team pointed out today, "good writing is easy for everyone to understand." You can test the reading comprehension level of your own writing using our newest free tool: https://lnkd.in/ead687S4

9

1 Comment

You made it into Techcrunch with your latest fundraise story. What next? How do you keep the momentum going? You’ve sent many many pitches to reporters. No one is biting. What are you doing wrong? What’s better to go after: one big exclusive story or a big splash in all top-tier media? We will be tackling these and many more questions in this first-of-its kind virtual meetup with two PR veterans - Bilal M. and Todd Barrish The focus will be on PR tactics and tips that will help you get traction in the North American market. RSVP now, and get all your questions answered on 10th Aug (saturday). Go to the link in the comments below 👇🏼 #publicrelations #corporatecommunications #PR #branding #brand #marketing #startups PR & Comms Collaborative #meetup #saas #founder #startup #automation #tech #digitaltransformation #US #UK #chennai #digitalmarketing #advertising #venturecapital #funding

18

1 Comment

Me and a couple of partners founded ScoopFindr back in 2021 as an app alternative to the old-school newsletter format...I've worked in tech PR for most of my career, but it was my first time on the other side of the fence--experiencing the "build" process as a tech founder. Full disclosure: It has not been easy! Huge learning curve, especially when it comes to balancing two businesses. BUT, I feel like the timing is finally right to accelerate our efforts given what's happening in the world of media relations right now: -High media turnover + a growing economy of freelancers who are craving expert sources -An continuously increasing ratio of PR pros to journalists (which continues to overwhelm email inboxes) who have stories to share -Ongoing changes/frustration with cluttered social platforms like X / LinkedIn I believe we need and deserve a new, niche, easy-to-use platform that offers a seamless way to exchange information that benefits all parties--so we built it for iOS to start, and are looking for honest feedback! In order to do so, we're seeking journalists to test the app so PR pros can prove their value. Please tag your favorite writers here! Download the app for free on iOS today (turn on notifications), and feel free to shoot me a DM with your notes: https://scoopfindr.app/ #publicrelations #HARO #mediarelations #journorequest #media #techstartup #PRweek

8

5 Comments

This is important for #communications pros and our subject matter experts to remember. An interview is a conversation not a rote question asked, prepared answer given. Using talking points rather than scripted answers is more effective for a SME and makes for a better interview. Unfortunately that path isn’t taken as often as it should be.

3

1 Comment

You may groan when you read this, buuuuut trust: You need to write your holiday blogs now, not in November. If you have (or work for) a company that sells anything, especially more things around the holidays, get those blogs done now + pinned on Pinterest. You’ll thank me when that search volume ratchets up in Q3-4. It’s also exactly what I did when I wrote + pinned this blog: https://lnkd.in/gpmSRCGA. #contentwriting #holidaycontent #companyblog #holidayblog #organicsearch

4