Public Relations
Social Networking
Key Message Development |
Crisis Communications
Publicity
Community
Relations Website Development
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Introduction Strategies
Change Management
Public Affairs
Leadership Training
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Key Influencer
Strategies Media Training
Personal Executive Coaching
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Public Relations is the practice of managing information flow between an organization and its publics. Whether you need to reach an internal audience, specifically targeted community group, or the general public, Karen Ames Communications has the expertise and experience to guide the process. From personal consulting by Karen Ames to engaging the services of our team on behalf of your organization, we offer personalized programs unique to each client. Take a minute to read through our “menu” below. And feel free to give us a call for a free consultation at any time.
Public Affairs
A solid strategy to incorporate messaging to civic leaders and elected officials is essential. Whether you need advice and guidance or “feet on the ground” execution, we can work together with you to design the right program.
Community Relations
Working “in community” is sometimes harder than you think. It is important to stay connected with the leaders and decision makers who can influence the outcome of your project or the success of your institution. The term “community” can mean reaching out to specific neighborhoods or organizations of a similar size and stature throughout the U.S. Together, we can determine the key influencers in your world and implement a program that effectively transmits your message.
Key Influencer Strategies
There are many campaigns for which an audience of the general public is the appropriate target. However, more often than not, you’ll get better bang for your buck by working out a targeted campaign to reach a specific group. Whether you call them “key influencers” or “thought leaders,” we can work together to identify who can really impact your success or failure. Then we partner to personalize the message, develop a targeted campaign for regular and effective outreach, and measure success along the way.
Change Management/Introduction Strategies
Are you bringing an important artistic or executive leader on board? Or do you need help in gracefully saying farewell to someone leaving your organization? Most organizations do not effectively communicate about change and, as a result, do not achieve the highest possible level of success. Together we can develop a thorough internal plan to make certain that internal audiences are messaged correctly and kept apprised at the correct time within the process. To prepare for a public announcement, we’ll work together to strategize the appropriate target groups, key messages, and timing to guarantee success. In this business environment, no one can afford to make a mistake with leadership change.
Key Message Development and Delivery
So often we are disappointed in the results of a campaign or announcement because we haven’t taken the time to think through – in advance -- what we really want to say or perhaps more importantly…what we really want folks to think after we’ve completed our project. Our process starts with the question – what do we want to accomplish? Once we know what we want the story to sound like or the audience to feel, then we go back and figure what to say in order to reach the goal. It sounds simple, but it often isn’t. Whether you need help with messaging for brochure copy, quotes in a press release, or a speech before a neighborhood organization, we can help with the process, the implementation and the coaching.
Media/Key Message Training
Whether you need a one-time session to prepare for a key interview, full scale training for the leadership team, or help in developing a training program throughout your organization, we can help. Advance preparation is key – and the training we offer is useful not only for media interviews but in helping get your message across in fundraising solicitations, staff meetings or press conferences. Learn how to develop and then deliver your strategic message. Practice staying on message under fire and explore helpful bridging techniques. Participate in a workshop session of answering tough questions to avoid embarrassing mistakes in public. Karen Ames has nearly three decades of experience helping senior executives and performing artists develop these important skills on key message delivery.
Crisis Communications
Your reputation is your most important asset. We live in challenging times and the media environment is an unrelenting 24/7 news cycle. Having a new perspective is invaluable when outside events overwhelm and threaten. Whether it is crafting a thorough and compelling statement, acting as a media spokesperson, offering communications training, or assisting with connections to key influencers and experts, our firm can help you prepare for – and then weather -- a communications crisis. We’ve done it for others – we can do it for you.
Integral Coaching/Executive Coaching
More than two decades of leadership and managerial expertise in communication informs Karen’s private coaching practice. Certified through the acclaimed New Ventures West program, Karen incorporate the integral coaching model into client work -- developing skill and competency in conversation and communication. Karen has coached senior executives in strategizing and delivering key messages, training for public speaking, working with the media, resolving conflict with colleagues or board leaders, meeting personal and professional goals, and in developing language skills for improving interpersonal relationships.
Publicity
Get the word out about your event to build awareness, enhance interest, and promote ticket sales. With superb media contacts in the Bay Area, national, and international cultural arena, we can get your “news” into the right hands, generate stories, and focus attention on your organization.
Social Networking
We live in a new world where people aren’t just talking, they are tweeting. We can help you navigate this arena – and use the power of internet based communication to achieve your goals. The secret is…..there’s no real secret. Working with online social network is not that different from traditional networking. You still have to have the right message. You still have to put in the hours to make “friends,” whether you are talking to them face to face or just on Facebook. And you still have to have an interesting angle or story. From Facebook to blogging to You Tube, you can be a part of the new media world in the RIGHT way for your institution…with a little help from your ‘friends’ at Karen Ames Communications!