LINK representatives give insight to biz and public relations
Representatives from the Golden Triangle Development LINK spoke to the Starkville-Mississippi State University chapter of Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM) about public relations strategies that the LINK incorporates.
Speakers for Wednesday's event were Chelsea Baulch, project manager for the Golden Triangle Development LINK, and Macaulay Whitaker, vice president of internal and external affairs for the LINK.
Whitaker said one important thing to do as a business is to embrace your company and its identity.
"Embrace your brand — from top to bottom, good and bad," Whitaker said. "Look at your brand as a whole, use it, and respect what's already there … but also drive that brand and cultivate it."
One factor for a business owner or member to keep in mind, she said, is what the business endorses and supports.
"What you attach yourself to is every bit as important as what you create," Whitaker said. "We have a policy that, if we do not have direct control of the outcome of the particular program, initiative, or whatever it may be, then we are not going to do it."
Another tip she gave touched on the importance of discussing faults as much as discussing success.
Baulch suggested for those in public relations to make sure to effectively utilize time, and not to schedule meetings just for the purpose of meeting. She stressed that time is important to each individual in the company, and meetings should be given goals and should stay on focus.
Baulch also said not to overlook the small things. She said to target everything, from making someone comfortable to knowing how to best communicate with individual contacts. Baulch gave the example of a contact that is easier to get in touch with through text message than through email.
Baulch said when it comes to investments, don't be afraid to back away from things that are not what a business or individual believes in.
"It is okay to tap out or say, 'this is not something that I feel comfortable with,'" Baulch said.
Finally, Whitaker stressed the importance of keeping in contact with clients and contacts, and said the LINK strives to maintain good relationships with its industries, big and small.
"They are assets for us and we are still assets for them," Whitaker said. "After-care is very important."
The next Starkville-MSU PRAM meeting will be on June 21 at 11:45 a.m. at Harvey's. The guest speaker in June will be Dennis Sankovich, the executive director for the MSU Riley Center for Performing Arts and Education in Meridian, Mississippi.