Color-coded alerts to change

by Michael B. Perini, ABC
perini & associates

Today, officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will announce that the color-coded terrorism alert system that has greeted all of us when traveling will be  phased out over the next 90 days.

Do we “like” or “unlike” this decision to stop using the five-step color codes for informing us about potential terrorist attacks?  Also expected to change is the public-service recording at airports announcing the alert level.

Here are 3 reasons to like or unlike the government’s decision.

Like:

1. Polls have shown that the public hasn’t much cared about the alert system because it was confusing and not useful. Each time the threat level was raised very rarely did the public know the reason or how to proceed or how long to be on guard.  Hopefully, the new system will give law enforcement vital information without unnecessarily alarming or confusing the public.  I support a change in the advisory system.

2.   Though useful right after Sept. 11 – I know it was for me and my family — but it soon became ineffective as there was no messaging to the public when the threat level was increased, i.e.,  useful tips and safeguarding measures. If the new system provides action steps for the public then I am all for it.  Maybe DHS should keep the “Ready” program and market it more aggressively for each alert.

3.  The color-coded chart was just about everywhere.  From websites to airport signage.  You could even get a t-shirt with the colorful chart printed on it.  I liked the fact that it was easy to read and find at a moment’s notice.  If the new system does not use attractive graphics and goes solely to local law enforcement agencies, airlines or businesses like expected,  I would suggest that the method of informing be very visible so that the warning doesn’t get lost in the overcrowded inbox or tweet world for those who are responsible for our safety..

Unlike:

1.  The new alert system is going underground to only law enforcement agencies, airline officials and a few select others.  Why?  Will this effort to NOT scare the public — by limiting  information access — not backfire and cause more public alarm?  I would recommend specific communication plans be developed for each time the new alert is used so that the public can be informed in a logical and timely manner.  And this time, with some specifics without giving the terrorists an edge.  I know it is a challenge to balance the need to provide useful information with the need to protect sensitive information.  But it can be done.  DHS has an experienced public relations staff who can make recommendations.  They should be consulted.

2.  With more and more people using mobile devices to get information, social media tools should be a major element in this new alert notification program.  The Department of Homeland Security already uses social media in their communications with the public.  In my view, this additional integration should be included.  We will know soon if this aspect for keeping the public informed is being implemented within the new changes. Broader public alerts via social media should  be considered if situations warrant.

3.  What will the reaction be for any  terrorists?  Also, will anyone pay attention to the announcement  today?  I mean the color has not changed from orange, or elevated, since 2006.  Information to the public about this major decision has been limited to this point.  I am disappointed.

Here is a link to watch the announcement by DHS Secretary Napolitano 2 p.m. EST  via the web.

I would like to hear from you.  Do you like or unlike this decision?

Occasionally, I will recommend a  news article, book, blog post or a short video clip to view. This “eperini Readview” references FOX NEWS.com report by John Quain.  How many of you listen to Internet Radio? Will your next vehicle have this option?  Comment please.

“Technology companies love to boast about how their services disrupt — in some cases even wipe out — existing businesses. Now they’re taking aim at a business that’s been a mainstay in our lives for over a century: radio.

Streaming music has made incursions against the established music business even since Napster began offering free (illegal) songs; but now a slew of legal online radio stations are crowding the music space. Rhapsody, Slacker, Last.fm, Grooveshark, MOG, and Spotify are just some of the better known services. They range from free streaming radio stations to on-demand subscription services, but the overall goal is clear: they want to take out traditional radio.

There have been threats to radio in the past. When MTV launched in 1981 many expected video to kill the radio star. Of course, that didn’t happen, and now music videos seem like quaint promotional tools, bested by amateur versions on YouTube.

And radio has fought back, notably through HD Radio, which boasts the clarity and fidelity of digital broadcasts. It was a way for local radio stations to compete against satellite radio. While it is widely available across the country and is standard or available as an option on most vehicles, HD Radio isn’t likely to stem the tide of online streaming music.

There’s an important difference today, you see. Until recently, broadcasters didn’t worry much about Internet radio in spite of claims it would kill their. business. Why? Because most podcasts and streaming services were desk-bound. Most people listen to the radio when they’re on the go, so why worry about nerds sitting at their computers playing music.

Now streaming online music is making a serious run at the last bastion of broadcast radio: the car.  Read more

by Michael B. Perini, ABC
perini & associates

Are you wondering where public relations is going in 2011?  Here at Perini & Associates our task is to anticipate communication trends and serve our clients with up-to-date information and counsel so they can thrive in their business, special event or issue advocacy.

So, yes, we have given a lot of thought to what to expect in the instant information age in which we all will work, live and play during the next 12 months.

The impact of new communications methods on building and maintaining relationships brought about by the rapid innovation of products, in a world where many believe that “it’s the economy, stupid,” will continue to be the context in which we address the challenges ahead in public relations strategies, practices and programs.

Here is where we think we are going in 2011.

Search marketing and social media — a collision course. Arron Goldman, chief marketing officer at Kenshoo and author of Everything I know about Marketing I learned from Google said, ” To date, search has been the primary way people have found things on the Internet. Looking for a place to eat? Google it! Want to know what camera to buy? Google it! That’s changing though. As more and more people join Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks, the answer to these questions is no longer, “Google it!” It’s now, “Ask your friends.” Or, “Ask your followers.”

So, whether you like it or not, the future is social.  Organizations, event planners and issue advocates need to be prepared for this shift in search power.

If you aren’t mobile…you aren’t moving. Earlier this week Apple and Verizon announced the iPhone being available to Verizon customers.  This development, with all the communications capabilities contained in the device, plus the popularity as a result of being available to AT&T’s customers for four years now will further accelerate movement to these type of smart, hand-held devices as THE way for consumers to communicate and enhance relationships.  Therefore, understanding how to use the technology, like “delivering just-in-time deals” to better social services and information, is critical and more vital than ever.

Unlocking the marketing budget to elevate credibility. Given the current economy, it isn’t surprising that many companies decided to slash their marketing dollars. Unfortunately, this decision snowballed the spiral of sluggish sales and stalled customer growth. Executives learned — the hard way — that the “C-word” or “credibility”, was tarnished by locking up PR dollars.

Dr. Steve Bistritz, co-author of Selling to the C-Suite, says, “Credibility is a non-negotiable component of a vendor-client relationship, and today it’s more important than ever.”   Establishing credibility through brand loyalty — with positive referral actions as a result — is a trend that will continue to grow in 2011.  There is business out there.  The challenge is identifying and engaging with customers  – establishing credibility — and that’s where a public relations pro comes in to chart the way ahead.

Finally, where we go in 2011 will be a result of two challenges.  First, what will the prescription be to bring our economy back to health?  Second, when will we let the public relations experts coach?

We predict that both challenges will see major improvements this year.  You can count on Perini & Associates being right in the mix of providing advice and counsel as we take public relations to new levels in 2011.

Online video is the fastest growing medium. It’s going to be how we communicate. New series captures the best examples of public relations humor, information and education.

A new series of online videos, titled “pclips” launched in December 2010 initially on the Perini & Associates facebook page and then later on the company website and tumbler has growing interest, according to Michael Perini, company founder.

“Online video has seen tremendous growth in recent years,” Perini said.  ”We wanted to use this medium to help inform, educate and yes even laugh at the public relations discipline,” he said.

Video is being produced for internal communications, training, social media, events, marketing, online advertising, contests, media relations, external communications, awareness, education, and reports, according to industry sources.

Video clips will be selected from the internet and posted on the company’s facebook page weekly.  Producers can also email their public relations-related videos to: customerservice@perinassociates.com.  ”Eventually we will produce our own clips,” Perini said.

Why this new effort now?  ”People react more to visuals than text and we need to use this human characteristic to engage with current clients, company fans and potential customers,” he said. “We  have been building our company during the past year and I thought the time was finally right to go to the next level in demonstrating our ability to use this powerful medium of influence,” Perini said.

The first video posted in early December and have been followed by a mix of content found from a variety of sources.  ”Our picking an online video will increase viewership for the producer as well as showcase some of the best and worst public relations practices,” he said.  ”Using these video case studies we will reinforce what we tell clients about how to tell and not tell their story.”

“In the end it’s all about being able to engage and online videos are the new “handshake” for our society,” he said.

Here is the current list of available videos:

What is PR? Man-on-the-street interviews Part 1 – Watch Video

Media relations screw up – Watch Video

Publicity…that’s what you need! – Watch Video

PR Professional of the Future – Watch Video

Public complaints – Absolute Power (BBC comedy) – Watch Video

The ceremony is called Retreat and happens on every US military post in the world at the end of the day when the flag is lowered for the night. While performing for the troops during the holidays at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait every soldier, sailor, airman and Marine suddenly stopped laughing, stood up and turned away from Robin Williams.  Talk about public relations and education. - Watch Video

Crisis management.  12 o’clock high. Watch Video

What is Public Relations?  The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit – Watch Video

About Perini & Associates: We provide world class public relations counsel based on years of experience, satisfied clients and innovative approaches that produce results. We know it’s a tough time but now more than ever you need to manage conversations. Let’s reach new levels!

For more information: http://www.periniassociates.com

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