A Trail Not a Trial

We have worked on a range of public relations campaigns since the launch of Gem PR & Media in 2013, but most recently we were involved in a congressional campaign in Illinois, USA. We learnt a lot during this campaign, from conception to completion; we helped create a strategy, messaging and managed media relations, but most importantly we developed a candidate. 

Our job was to guide him through the political maze, which includes the electorate and the media. It was one of the most challenging public relations campaigns we have ever worked on, but also one of the most rewarding. In a congressional campaign where the district covers numerous counties there’s plenty of travel involved, the media is widespread and so are the many meetings, rallies and parades. 

In a political campaign, a key to success is fundraising. Fundraising events are crucial, but also one of our favorite aspects because the support the candidate receives from friends, family, colleagues and proponents encourages them - it reminds them why they are doing this in the first place. 

We had the opportunity to work with intelligent, well-informed and passionate individuals including, people working on the campaign, supporters and journalists. We are excited about Gem PR & Media’s next political adventure. Watch this space.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

Like Rockefeller said: “next to doing the right thing, the most important thing, is to let people know you’re doing the right thing.”  

Public Relations is a proven way for organizations to connect with their audience, but how can you ensure that what you are communicating is reaching your publics?

Something we always discuss with our clients is the importance of creating and sharing newsworthy content. Make sure the information you are providing is of interest or benefit to the media and your target audience.

There’s been a debate, for a while now, about the use of traditional press releases. I would say that the effectiveness of a press release depends on the company, the subject and the audience.

At Gem PR & Media we work with the media, more often than not, to provide them with the stories that best suit their audience. So, if we have an event that we want to publicize, such as a political fundraiser or meet and greet, we’re likely to issue a press release to relevant media and follow that up with a call to our politic editor or journalist contacts.  

If we are working with a client in the health industry and our aim is to educate the public about the benefits of a particular treatment, we’ll likely liaise with relevant print, radio, online or TV media and provide them with an article, interview or video clip.

As well as establishing a relationship with reporters online, through Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, for example, it’s also a good idea to get out of the office and grab a coffee with them from time-to-time. You easily know any old school from a newbie. How? Because old school will pick up the phone and talk to you nine times out of 10.  

“At Gem PR & Media we pride ourselves on our ability to develop meaningful and lasting relationships with our clients and the media.”

At Gem PR & Media we pride ourselves on our ability to develop meaningful and lasting relationships with our clients and the media. So much so that we provide articles to a range of publications through our press service because, aside from pitching and providing relevant content, the majority of our team are, or were, journalists themselves.

It’s all about knowing your client, their audience and the media.