How to max your Comms... Press-style!

Firstly, Congratulations William and Catherine - and then onto the press who managed to eek out every inch of story linked to the pregnancy!

I don't often find much to learn from how the press handles itself, but here are a few pointers this time:

1. Find the story USP - let's face it, women give birth everyday... but this IS a ROYAL baby!
2. Start or hint at the story as early as possible... 
3. ...Then build on it and keep it alive and current.
4. Use various (all!) social media platforms - not just to put your story out there, but to check the response to it
5. Engage as many (relevant) people as possible, and...
6. ... Tell the story in real time, considerate of the players involved in the now - but throw in a bit (just a bit) of history, and predict a little (be careful here) of the future.
7. Know your audience and then tailor your pitch and language to them.
8. So there are always some down-sides, but focus on the positives, and...
9. ...Talk about the 'what's in it for me' - in this case, the positivity in the country and possible rise in tourism -> improved economy
10. Link positive stories to 'real' messages - for example, this story has lead to talk about babies born in poverty, general child welface and medical conditions.

Then, not that this is going to happen in this case - know when to move on. Zara over to you!

Footnote: Your communications will not please everyone but you should still communicate anyway.

Have I missed anything?!

Denise

Nelson Mandela - Lessons from bed!

This year three leaders have dominated headlines - two, Margaret Thatcher and Sir Alex Ferguson were, in my opinion, either too controversial or too painful to blog about (you guess which is which!) and both split opinion. The third, Nelson Mandela, largely unifies opinion and is (now) seen almost universally as a great role model.

It's been a long while since I've blogged but I couldn't resist this one as my social media timeline is today full of good wishes for Madiba, who I agree, is indeed an inspiration. There is so much to admire about the man over the years but I'm just going to focus on what I am learning from the great man now - even without him speaking to us - as he lies in his hospital bed... 

Lessons: 

it ain't over until its over, so don't write people off* 
it is possible to unify and inspire people just by being who you are
you will most likely be 'judged' by your achievements and the manner in which you achieved them, long term 
your innate spirit and sheer determination not to quit will carry you through... he survived jail, he is currently surviving illness
a 'negative' trait like stubbornness can work to the good in the right context 
actions, words and values have to be congruent whatever the circumstances
in the end, we will look back and appreciate there is a time for everything 

Just think, only a few short weeks ago the World was thinking about mourning him* and yet here we are celebrating his 95th birthday.

Happy birthday Mr Mandela, and thank you - not just for the old lessons but the ones you are still teaching us.

Please check out these wonderful images and quotes:  http://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/gallery/