Think Big

Why is the private equity sector so hot at the moment, and what does this say about the type of advice CEOs and C-suites require to navigate the complex worlds within which they operate? Alexander Geiser of FGS Global and Ken Mehlman of KKR answered this and more during the “PR in the Spotlight as Private Equity Targets Sector” panel at #PRDecoded. Ken Mehlman relates the recent mergers, acquisitions and investments to the first Gutenberg moment, the invention of the printing press that revolutionized the world: “What the Gutenberg 2 moment means is that suddenly that wall that companies had is much lower, because there is radical transparency around what they said was unique: their knowledge, their base, their domain, their product. So one, every single CEO in the world, every single company loses the information advantage that they used to have, because of radical transparency. Every one of their competitors, every one of their critics, every one of their employees knows the secret sauce and by the way it's not so secret. The second thing that happens is that all of these institutions have essentially their negative externalities exposed.”

Just finished up four days at the Public Affairs Council’s Advocacy Conference. Grateful for the candid conversations, insightful sessions, and expecially the time spent with clients, old friends, and hopefully some new partners. Excited to keep the momentum going in 2025! #Advocacy25 #PublicAffairs

People moves: Marketing and public affairs agency Think Big has hired former WE Communications EVP Aaron Walker to lead a newly launched PR and crisis communications practice. Details:

Ongoing, Proactive Content Strategy vs. Crisis Comms Content Strategy What's the old saying? "A stitch in time saves nine"... (my kids said they have never heard this saying, have you heard it? Apparently I am the keeper of old timey sayings. My wife still doesn't believe me that "soup to nuts" is a real saying.) For public and government affairs professionals, the importance of a proactive content strategy cannot be overstated. Here's why investing in a proactive approach is not only easier but also more cost-effective compared to managing crises reactively. Ongoing, Proactive Content Strategy: ?? Thoughtfully planned initiatives and campaigns ?? Steady engagement with stakeholders and policymakers ??? Strategic use of communication tools and platforms ?? Strengthened relationships and enhanced trust Crisis Comms Content Strategy: ?? Reactive ?? Dangerous ?? Expensive ?? Risk to reputation and stakeholder relationships I'm not saying you shouldn't have a crisis communications strategy, however a proactive strategy allows you to build a solid foundation, making it easier and more cost-effective to navigate any challenges that arise. AND you are better prepared when the crisis hits. #WinWin How are you staying ahead in your strategic planning? Share your insights below! ?? #PublicAffairs #GovernmentAffairs #ProactiveStrategy #CrisisManagement #StakeholderEngagement #ContentStrategy

This Championship winning NBA team faced a challenge they wanted us to solve.... How to gain a deeper understanding of their highest value season ticket and suite holders to better serve their corporate sponsors. They needed insights into what drove these VIPs to maintain their loyalty and how to provide exceptional value back to their sponsors. We discovered that these elite ticket holders were not just looking for a great view of the game. They craved exclusivity, unique perks, and the status that came with being part of an elite group. They valued experiences that made them feel special and distinguished. To address this, we crafted a strategy that highlighted the exclusive elements these VIPs loved: Private Bars and Restaurants: Offering secluded areas where they could unwind away from the general crowd. Exclusive Access: Providing access to premium levels and special zones within the arena. Meet and Greets with Players: Organizing intimate events where they could interact with the players, similar to college booster events. Our approach wasn't just about making these VIPs feel special; it was about leveraging data to show where else these high-value ticket holders were spending their time and money. By using independently validated data on their Ideal Customer Profile's (ICP) buying behaviors, we identified new potential markets for business partnerships. This revelation allowed the team to tap into fresh corporate sponsorship opportunities, enhancing their value proposition to sponsors and increasing revenue. Through this tailored strategy, the organization was able to: Deepen their understanding of their top clients. Provide more value to their sponsors. Unlock new markets for partnerships. This success story is a testament to the power of data-driven marketing strategies and the importance of understanding your audience's unique needs and behaviors. How are you leveraging data?