Paw-litical Polls, Platform Pings, and Pet Parenting

Navigating the digital landscape for the 2024 EU Elections?

Pieter Cleppe , editor-in-Chief of BrusselsReport.eu , one of our?top 20 ranking #EUinfluencers, delivered some valuable insights. Leveraging his expertise, he discussed his predictions for the 2024 EU Elections and emphasized the pivotal role of social media in shaping political discourse.

This aligns with his previous remarks in 2022,?when he highlighted the significance of platforms like Twitter (now X) in his professional life.

Pieter's consistent perspective underscores the influential and evolving role of social media in shaping policy discussions and political climates within the European Union.?

Experts weigh in: The impactful social media platforms and trends shaping the EU Bubble's future?

During the panel discussion on the future of social media, European media and editorial director at Human Rights Watch and number 6?#EUinfluencer, Andrew Stroehlein and Jon Worth, number 3 #EUinfluencer and an esteemed independent railway commentator, agreed on the efficacy of targeting specific policy audiences, particularly in niche areas.

Stroehlein emphasized that despite having a larger Twitter following, his engagement on Mastodon, with fewer followers, is significantly higher due to the absence of algorithmic filtering.

"More people see my tweets because they don't run through an algorithm the way Twitter does."?

Comparing Mastodon to Twitter's engagement levels from over a decade ago, Andrew said it’s reminiscent of how "Twitter was maybe…13 years ago." However, he added that he's observed "policy makers but not decision makers" on Mastodon and noted that many journalists remain on Twitter or are transitioning to Bluesky.??

Want to know more? Rewatch the debate ???? here .

In this era of digital complexity, delve into our article outlining key takeaways and top recommendations below.

Antonia Loncar , a member of our #ZNetwork, is a communication specialist, public affairs strategist, and advocate for #AllThingsDigital.?

When asked about emerging trends with the potential to shape the digital landscape in the forthcoming years, Antonia stressed the importance of online community-building tools, such as Mastodon. She firmly believes that catering to specific, niche audiences will be of paramount importance.?

Furthermore, Antonia advised organizations to be precise in defining their target audience and honing their message. She cautioned against attempting to appeal to a broad spectrum, emphasizing that clarity in communication regarding where audiences can find you and who you're addressing ultimately leads to more effective engagement.

#ZN25 highlight: Standout moments with our clients?

Inês Rebelo , Communications Manager at UNESDA, and a valued client, shared her reflections on her experiences with ZN. When asked about her most memorable moments with us, Ines stated:?

"I would say all of them are great, honestly. Every interaction we've had, I feel that ZN really understands my needs, they're there to help, they're pretty efficient. They come up with a lot of innovative ideas. So that's what we are looking forward to communicate in our engaging and giving way, but also to follow the latest communication trends that are really effective for reaching out to the audience in the EU bubble."

Her feedback echoes our mission, as we consistently aim to keep our clients at the forefront of communication trends, particularly within the EU bubble. Ines' comments underscore our dedication to staying #OneStepAhead.

The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) and the Agency for Support for BEREC (BEREC Office) turned to us for their brand revitalization. Our mission? To breathe new life into a well-established brand while remaining faithful to their core digital goals.

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The game-changer? Introducing #empoweringEUconnectivity, a first-of-its-kind dedicated hashtag for BEREC. This triggered a comprehensive overhaul: logos, typography, online elements, and print templates. The standout moment? A vibrant brand launch campaign unveiling the revamped logos through captivating animations.

Thank you Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) for trusting us. Find out more here .

#ZNLive with Clare Carlisle (and Dobby the cat)

In the recent #ZNLive episode, host Philip Weiss , along with Irem Turkay Ates , Guido Chiesa and Clare Carlisle from AnimalhealthEurope , discussed the significant impact of pets on our well-being, particularly during challenging times like COVID-19.?Clare noted:?

“After COVID, when things opened up again, and people started going back to work, some people then realized that they didn't actually have the capacity to care for those animals because they were going to the office”.?

?Irem concurred, mentioning the increasing issue of separation anxiety in dogs:?

“That's something that I also noticed, even from my perspective, that's changed a lot. And I think dogs nowadays are less inclined to be left alone. So they do have more separation anxiety issues…”?

Clare emphasized the scientifically supported mental health benefits of pet companionship and their relevance in policy discussions.

In a rapidly changing digital landscape, Clare also advised adapting to change and choosing platforms that align best with one's organization.

Key takeaways:?

• Embrace change – don't fear it.?
• Prioritize user-friendly and accessible platforms.?
• Opt for platforms readily accessed by your audience.?
• Recognize the importance of brand visibility and consider the impact of branding changes (e.g., Twitter's shift to "X").?
• Always prioritize strategies that work best for your organization and its messaging.?

She also recommended the book Daisy's Gift: The remarkable cancer-detecting dog who saved my life by Claire Guest for dog enthusiasts. Guido suggested Originals: How Nonconformists Move the World by Adam Grant for innovative thinking. Irem introduced The Year of the Dogs by Vincent J. Musi , a collection of dog portraits, and shared her dedicated Instagram account @dogsofbxl . Lastly, Phil encouraged following his bunny Cookie on Instagram: @bunnythebunnybutalsocookie ????

Did you miss?#ZNLive ?Last Friday? Check the highlight post on?LinkedIn or rewatch the episode here .

#ZNLive with Mark Dober

Don't miss our #ZNLive tomorrow at 2pm with Mark Dober, a leading Headhunter and Consultant in Communication, Public Affairs, and Association Leadership. We'll delve into the intricacies of the impending EU elections, explore the significance of the BestinBrussels guide, and analyze how digital platforms are shaping policy discussions. This promises to be an insightful discussion!??

In Focus

In a recent LinkedIn update, our COO, Jesús Azogue , underscored the importance of formulating not just any strategy, but the right one. Drawing from 25 years of industry expertise, we possess a profound understanding to craft flexible and accurate strategies. Jesus emphasizes the significance of research, adaptability, and, notably, proficient execution by a capable team. With our extensive global network of experts, we not only conceptualize strategies, but also ensure their triumph. As Jesus aptly states:?

“It's about having the right strategy, executed by the right hands.”

Mike Klein FIIC, FCSCE, SCMP , a seasoned communication strategist and Communication Lead for Accountability.Fish , has recently taken center stage as an NGO representative, addressing the clandestine practices of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) .?

Stepping beyond his accustomed behind-the-scenes role, he stressed the significant distinctions between internal and political communication. Leveraging his extensive background, Klein sheds light on the hurdles organizations encounter in harmonizing their words with their actions. Advocating for transparency and accountability in the Pacific, he emphasized:?

"There is no accountability without openness, and no sustainability without accountability."?

?Read the full article below:

Insights and Inspiration

Can one CEO control a whole network??

In a recent #ZNLive episode, #EUinfluencer Jon Worth discusses the risks of platforms led by one figure and highlights Mastodon's decentralized approach. Catch his insights on X and Elon Musk here .

Feeling the nostalgia of #EUinfluencer and #ZN25? Join us in reminiscing with this video on our TikTok channel .

Stay #OneStepAhead and prepare for the 2024 EU Parliament Elections with our ebook . Grab your copy now!

??Digital news and Trends

Musk & X –?Elon has ditched X’s election integrity team ahead of some key elections around the globe. With roughly 70?votes to be taken worldwide this year, the platform’s CEO casually dropped that this department?team?is “gone”, claiming it was "undermining election integrity”. Read more?here .?

Poland?– The Polish government is currently subject to massive criticism. Opposition leaders claim that medicinal and fuel prices have been artificially lowered to counter inflation ahead of the country’s general elections coming up on October 15th. Pushing this political rather than economic agenda, one may wonder how the government was able to provide?such a?profound price cut. ??

Check the full article?here .?

Brussels?– During an EU Interior Minister’s meeting, Italian Minister for the Interior Matteo Piantedosi pulled an unexpected last-minute move.?By doing so, Giorgia Meloni’s government puts a hold on an 11-hour compromise discussion over a common EU solution to the current migration issue. Despite this set-back, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs?Ylva Johansson?is confident to find a solution in the coming days among all EU member states. ??

Check the full article?here .?

Meet the #ZNetwork: Unveiling the faces behind our weekly newsletter?

Han Le ?, originating from Vietnam,?is a recent addition to our team since August, and a fervent Marketing #Hyperlearner. Her interests span a spectrum of artistic endeavors, encompassing photography, painting, and even knitting. For aficionados of psychology, Han suggests following @the.holistic.psychologist on Instagram, a platform that imparts profound insights and navigational guidance through the complexities of life.

Antonia Loncar is a seasoned communication specialist and digital advocate, effortlessly orders croissants in five languages, and boasts an extensive coffee repertoire, a necessity for her four daily espressos. Despite her Latin name, Antonia proudly hails from Croatia. She's an ardent lover of words and a dedicated dreamer, with "Troy" holding dual honors as her favorite book and film, thanks in part to Brad Pitt's charismatic performance.

Don't miss out – join our community today and stay?#OneStepAhead ?by subscribing to our newsletter. We value your thoughts and would love to hear your take on the topics we've discussed. Comment below and let's keep the conversation going.??