Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc.

Creative storytelling – Keep it local – Keep the sun shining With summer now gone and fall in full swing, we thought back to iconic Chicago journalist Mike Royko on the closing of his beloved Chicago Daily News in 1978. Sadly, watching newspapers go away is part of the life of a public relations professional. Over the last 20 years, thousands of them have closed across the nation, even a few here in Connecticut and it always leaves a hole. Often they can’t be replaced and their passing should be mourned. In this digital age, however, there are still opportunities to get those stories out to the right audiences. Local websites, social media groups, short videos, blogs and podcasts may not be the same as local journalism. Still, they keep people informed and engaged, and they can spur appropriate action, just as the local paper once did (and many still do). When you have a good story to tell and a creative way to channel it, people will tune in and respond. That’s good news that can keep the summer sun shining for a bit longer.

Creative storytelling – Keep it local – Keep the sun shining With summer now gone and fall in full swing, we thought back to iconic Chicago journalist Mike Royko on the closing of his beloved Chicago Daily News in 1978. Sadly, watching newspapers go away is part of the life of a public relations professional. Over the last 20 years, thousands of them have closed across the nation, even a few here in Connecticut and it always leaves a hole. Often they can’t be replaced and their passing should be mourned. In this digital age, however, there are still opportunities to get those stories out to the right audiences. Local websites, social media groups, short videos, blogs and podcasts may not be the same as local journalism. Still, they keep people informed and engaged, and they can spur appropriate action, just as the local paper once did (and many still do). When you have a good story to tell and a creative way to channel it, people will tune in and respond. That’s good news that can keep the summer sun shining for a bit longer.

Since 2022, the world has been abuzz about artificial intelligence (AI), with many wondering: how does it work, what can I do with it, and should we use it? The reality is, AI is here. Earlier this month, Bill Gates told Oprah on her ABC special?- AI and the Future of Us, that AI is advancing faster and with more impact than anyone in tech ever predicted. The big question now is: how can we use it wisely? Here are a few ways to get started: Start slow and build up Like learning to ride a bike with training wheels, ease into AI before speeding ahead. Focus on repetitive tasks Treat AI as your helper robot, excelling at tasks that require repetition. Use AI for better decision-making Think of it as a "super brain," helping you identify which tools or strategies work best for your team or clients. Fact-check diligently Like constructing a building, AI requires a solid foundation of accurate information to deliver reliable results. Coach your team Ensure your team knows the ins and outs of using AI, including best practices and protocols. AI can be a powerful ally, but as Oprah closed her show, "We are in for the ride of our lives, and it's up to us to steer it in the right direction." Being laser-focused and wise like an owl will set your organization up for success.

I, Dan Tapper, was a daily newspaper reporter for seven years at the start of my career, covering local news in the Greater Hartford area. Sometimes the subjects of the stories were pleased with the results, sometimes they weren’t, but that wasn’t the priority. What mattered most was getting the facts of a story out there that people needed to know about. With Tom Condon’s passing last week, the state lost one of its true stalwarts of local journalism, having spent decades as a reporter, columnist and editorial writer for The Hartford Courant. If Tom Condon was covering it and writing about it, you knew it mattered and it was real. Sometimes there are people who write so passionately and so effectively that they become synonymous with the city or region they cover—Pete Hamill in New York, Mike Royko in Chicago and Mike Barnicle in Boston are a few who pop to mind. That was Tom Condon for the Hartford area and the entire state. It’s hard to imagine a more tireless advocate and champion for the state and its people. Thank you for that, sir, and for reminding us time and again the critical importance of covering and writing about the news here at home, those stories people needed to read. Dan Tapper

Don’t stand on ceremony: Give ‘em the P-I-T-C-H! Were you asked to cut a ribbon or say a few words at the dedication of a library wing or bank branch? Every opportunity to communicate is golden—even a ceremonial speech—so make your remarks memorable by winding up and delivering the P-I-T-C-H. Purpose: What is the purpose of the organization you are addressing? Institution: What’s an institution related to your audience? Community? Democracy? Teamwork is always a ready-made institution to provide inspiring stories.? ? Time: What year was the organization you’re addressing founded, or was a key person born? Look it up! There will always be something you can tie to your remarks. City: Where is your speech taking place? Hero: Find the hero. A teacher or coach, a notable figure—historical or known only to the audience—whose example you can draw upon to inspire. You will only need to find one or two of these idea-generators to leave them with something memorable. After all, one of the greatest speeches of all time—the Gettysburg Address—was a ceremonial speech. So don’t stand on ceremony—give them the P-I-T-C-H!

Check out our article with some tips for businesses on planning and executing communications during a crisis! #connnecticut #crisiscommunications

Irrepressible spirit. Irresistible charm. Indefatigable care for others. Godspeed, Geno.

The Sullivan & LeShane family is sorry to share the news of the loss of our long-time partner, Gene Sheehan. Our loss is profound and our hearts are truly heavy, yet we are filled with an abundance of memories of his infectious energy and his joy for each day, every challenge and every project we undertook together. Gene was truly a special man and a gentle, caring soul. His ever-present laughter and the twinkle in his eyes will be fondly remembered by all who knew him—from SLPR teammates to business and community leaders and clients. Many of the region's top communications professionals learned from Gene, honing their skills under his guidance before advancing their own careers. Gene took immense pride in the wonderful family he and Sandy raised, and his role as a grandfather was one he cherished even more than his position as President of Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations. We join Gene’s many friends in expressing our love and support to the Sheehan family, and we are deeply grateful for the 30 years he spent with the SLPR family.

TODAY’S TIP – “No comment” Means No Control Every time the phrase “no comment” is uttered, public relations professionals grimace. Why? Simple. “No comment” contains no strategy and no plan at all to advocate on your own behalf. All it does is surrender any chance at taking control of the story. And it hardly ever looks good. The only message it sends is, “We don’t care.” So what should be done instead? Even a brief response—“We are looking into this important matter…”—is a better alternative. Because at least then you address this issue. Take control of a story and show the readers/viewers you care. ? https://lnkd.in/eftUVaVy

Struggling to get your unique message heard? It doesn’t have to be so hard. Transform your target audience’s opinion with innovation and community spirit through strategic public relations. A well-executed PR strategy can revitalize your brand, boost your reputation and enhance name recognition. Picture XYZ Light Company hosting a dazzling 4th of July light show on the Green in Hometown, CT, and watch perceptions soar! ? Here’s how it works: - Community Engagement: Connect with locals through meaningful events and initiatives. - Memorable Experiences: Create unforgettable experiences showcasing your products or services. - Social Media & Media Relations: Share positive stories, encourage user-generated content, and cultivate media relationships. - Consistent Messaging: Keep all communications aligned with your brand’s core values. Just like 4th of July fireworks, a strategic PR campaign can light up the sky, transforming your brand from bland to brilliant. With the right approach, your brand can truly sparkle!