Today we’re starting a series on TRUST.

If you've have been following the public discussion, you know we have a trust deficit in high gear right now.

It's actually a global issue, aggravated by the public’s perception of how the pandemic was handled.

But we're going to cover the trust deficit from a U.S. perspective - and connect the dots so you can see this trust deficit is not simply due to a singular issue, or industry; or the presidential election or confined to either the public or private sector.

It's a multi-faceted issue that runs the gamut across government, business, education, the healthcare field and the news media. And every PR professional needs to be awake and aware of how this is impacting society.

The Anheuser-Busch recent marketing campaign stirred up a lot of conversation and action from consumers -- on both sides of the issue. Now company marketing executives are on "leave," consumers across the board are angry, a boycott is in progress, sales and stocks are down, and other Anheuser brands are feeling the impact as well.

All of this begs the question: Should PR pros be pushing corporate activism? Today we play the game of Survey Says to get some insights on what consumers actually think about corporate engagement in political and social issues.

Every PR pro should be in tune with this data.

Grab a pen and paper, and take some notes today as we dig in to some more PR learning love.

Tanner tackles the tougher side of being a new PR professional

Leading without authority, imposter syndrome, and more

Tanner Sizemore hosts today's episode of IT'S A PR THING and tackles the hurdles and quandaries inherent in being a new PR pro who's working to grow personally and professionally.

Today Tanner is asking the questions, and he's digging into how to lead without authority, how to handle that nagging feeling of imposter syndrome, how to survive micromanagement and how to work into more responsibility.

Being a new professional in the PR field is no easy road. There are big expectations and high pressures. But, as Tanner draws out in today's interview, those honing experiences can help you become a sharp professional over time.

Learn more about Tanner. Send Tanner an encouraging message about his debut in hosting the podcast: tanner@mcfarlandpr.com

EAST PALESTINE DERAILMENT

How to host an arrest-free news briefing.

On February 8, a NewsNation reporter was arrested at a news briefing in East Palestine, Ohio, where a train derailment had occurred, resulting in the burning of toxic chemicals that created havoc for the small Ohio community.

What led to this arrest, and how could frustrations and irritation on the ground escalate into something that went so wrong, so fast and in such a big way? Professionals who work crisis management often have to deal with tense media situations. So how can you keep that tension from escalating into confrontation? Today we’ll walk through five practices that can help to build relationships with reporters on site at a crisis news briefing, reduce tension, and create cooperation and even opportunity for collaboration.

Lots to unpack here today, so grab a pen and your note pad — and let’s dive in for some more PR learning love.

Are you operating inclusively in how you communicate, or is your organization unintentionally fostering an atmosphere of exclusion?

Are you spouting the word "inclusion" but actually delivering exclusivity? Or does your organization unintentionally set up barriers so only a select or limited segment can truly connect and interact with you?

Today we're going to apply an "inclusion check" to your company conversation and content -- from how you talk in your website copy to your social media posts to your product packaging information to product instructions to how your customer service representatives talk to customers, to your customer-service correspondence, etc.

And we'll walk you through crucial questions you can apply as you look around your organization over the next week and informally assess what you can do to improve your company's efforts to be truly inclusive.

So many companies today say they want a kinder, more unified society. That's an admirable goal. But how do we get there, and still respect diversity of thought, experiences, beliefs, etc.? And is company and/or legislative policy the way to get there?

Or is it our collective behaviors and actions that make up the real answer?

Today we share five New Year's resolutions to help you become part of the solution by doing five things that enhance your own personal PR brand.

These resolutions are good advice for anyone anywhere, holding any position in any organization.

Grab a pen and some paper, and join in today for some more PR learning love!

If you want to be successful in your public-relations efforts, then you must have a PR strategic plan. Whether you're planning for the organization's reputation, or for a specific initiative or campaign, you must have a thorough and documented PR strategy.

Today, Sam Sims, PRSA incoming board member and Fellow, podcast host of PR for the Rest of Us and president of the Sims Group, chats with our host Stephanie McFarland about PR strategic planning.

Together, Sam and Steph talk about the key components of a good PR strategy, best practices, and how to manage the planning process and collaborate across the organization, and tips on how to implement the plan and measure success.

This is a real and sincere Friday afternoon chat between two experienced PR pros who give some valuable food for thought on the PR strategic planning process.

Grab a pen and paper -- and let's all dive in for some more PR learning love!

Today on the series finale of Corporate Cultures That Court Crisis, we cover the "Blissfully Oblivious" culture. This culture usually takes one of two forms: Either the organization doesn't want to be aware of anything detrimental brewing in its bowels OR the organization is genuinely naive to the risks its unknowingly taking or facing.

Don't let this business culture invade your organization and invite crisis or controversy. Be the radar system for your organization -- help keep it in a healthy place with the four tips in our final installment.

Grab a pen, grab a pad of paper, and let's dive in for some more PR learning love!