Stop the presses: I’m a Millennial February 24, 2010
Posted by Blake Sunshine in millennials.Tags: gen-y, millennial, millennials
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Pew Research Center just came out with a quiz that helps you find out if you are a Millennial.
And, stop the presses, I am one:
Even though I clearly am a Millennial, the quiz doesn’t really ask the right questions to determine this. For example, having tattoos and piercings doesn’t make you a Millennial. Having contacted a government official in the past month also doesn’t make you a Millennial.
Anyway, take the quiz and let me know your score in the comments. Are you a Millennial?
What Makes a Company Trust Worthy? February 23, 2010
Posted by Blake Sunshine in blogging, public relations.Tags: corporate, trust, trust worthy companies
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The only thing a company needs from its consumers is trust. If your consumers don’t trust you, they won’t buy your products or use your services, and they will tell their friends not to either. But what makes one company more trust worthy over another?
Millward Brown just came out with a study on the most trust worthy companies in America.
The study found that the top 10 most trust worthy companies were as follows:
1. Amazon
2. FedEx
3. Downy
4. Huggies
5. Tide
6. Tylenol
7. Toyota (The study was clearly done pre-Toyota recalls)
8. WebMD
9. Pampers
10. UPS
They picked these companies based off millions of consumer interviews where they asked, “how trust worthy is this brand,” and “would you recommend this brand?”
I think there are a few characteristics that make these brands trust worthy:
1. An Exceptional Customer Experience- Customers love Amazon. They provide their users with great customer service and an easy to use site. People know that when they use Amazon they are going to get what the ordered, when they ordered it. Consumers trust an exceptional customer experience, and Amazon does a great job of providing one.
2. A History of Trust- The Tylenol recall is one of the most ancient PR success stories in the book. Tylenol recalled all of their medicine until it was safe for their consumers. But that was years ago, so why are they still one of the most trusted brands? Because they’ve already proved that they can be trusted! A history of trust goes a long way in keeping customer’s trust.
3. An Indispensable Product- Two diaper companies and two delivery companies made the list of the most trust worthy brands. People with babies need diapers and pretty much everyone needs a packaged delivered at some point, and when consumers need these things they need them immediately. And if you can provide these products/services to consumers consistently, they are going to trust you every time. Better yet, if you have an indispensable product, consumers are going to recommend you every time.
Your company can have all of the characteristics that make a company trust worthy. But is your company trust worthy?
Don’t Be Afraid of Questions February 19, 2010
Posted by Blake Sunshine in public relations.Tags: public relations, tiger, tiger woods, tiger woods PR, tigers apology, tigers press conference
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In case you didn’t know this, Tiger apologized today. I could pretty much care less about his apology. After all, he didn’t really do anything to me.
And I’m pretty sure Some ECards said it right with this card…
But what really bothered me about the whole press conference is that Tiger would not accept any questions from the press. Why, you might ask, would he not allow any questions? And the honest truth is that people are afraid of people who ask questions
Tiger tried to cover up his fear by saying the following: “As I proceed, I understand people have questions. I understand the press wants to ask me for the details and the times I was unfaithful. I understand people want to know whether Elin and I will remain together. Please know that as far as I’m concerned, every one of these questions and answers is a matter between Elin and me.”
That answer is fine, but it’s not really an answer. And even if that is your only answer, let people ask it. If you are afraid of what people are going to ask than you shouldn’t come out and do a press conference. If you can’t be honest with everyone, don’t bother saying anything. But when you decide to do something, don’t be afraid of people asking questions.
