Red Banyan Group® Blog

L.A. Kings Offensive Tweet Knocks the Social Media Royalty from Its Throne

Photo courtesy of Hockey Wilderness

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The Social Media Meltdown of Amy’s Bakery

The past few years have held their fair share of social media mishaps as companies learn how best to manage the powerful new outlets. But a particularly sensational story surfaced last week when Amy’s Baking Company began aggressively and … (read more…)

Public Relations Receives High Ranking in List of Best Jobs

CareerCast recently published its annual … (read more…)

The Henry Jackson Society Featured on National Radio Program

Highly regarded U.K.-based think tank the Henry Jackson Society (HJS) was featured on the Armstrong Williams radio show earlier this week. Terrorism analyst Robin Simcox of HJS appeared on the program Monday evening to discuss the increasing threat … (read more…)

Red Banyan Group Supports Local Non-Profit Abi’s Place as Sponsor for Upcoming Casino Night

South Florida PR firm Red Banyan Group is proud to be a table sponsor for an upcoming event benefiting local non-profit organization Abi’s Place. The MOMS Club of Parkland, Florida and Oceans 234 are teaming up with Abi’s Place to host the first … (read more…)

Fort Lauderdale Lauded as a Top City of the Future

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance noted this week that the city has been ranked among the “Top 10 Small American Cities of the Future” by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) magazine.

The 2013-2014 bi-annual report reviewed 422 cities on the … (read more…)

Washington Times Features Henry Jackson Society Op-Ed

The Washington Times this morning published a powerful op-ed from the Henry Jackson Society’s Robin Simcox and former NSA and CIA director Gen. Michael Hayden. The piece highlighted the growing threat of homegrown terrorism in America as evidenced … (read more…)

The Most Reputable Companies in America

Forbes recently reported on a recent study of the most reputable corporations in America. The list of leading companies included many which consumers would expect, but the results also shed light on the critical importance of a brand’s … (read more…)

Fast Company Ranks Florida the Top State for Innovation

Leading technology publication Fast Company in its May issue ranked the 50 states and Washington, D.C. on their startup communities. Florida prevailed over longtime entrepreneurial hubs such as California and Massachusetts as the nation’s (read more…)

The Lance Armstrong Public Relations Crisis Continues…

The Lance Armstrong PR crisis continues to escalate with the renowned cyclist now being sued by the United States government. A recently filed lawsuit claims that by accepting millions in sponsorship money while breaking the rules of professional … (read more…)

Lawser Launches Groundbreaking Social Network to Connect the Legal Community

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Food Website Posts Tasteless Social Media About Boston Marathon Tragedy

The culinary website Epicurious did not do the best job with its social media strategy surrounding the Boston Marathon tragedy. Initially, the company made the wise decision to post a non-promotional tribute tweet. “Our thoughts are with everyone … (read more…)

Who Are You REALLY Following on Twitter?

Most of @BarackObama’s 29 million followers probably realized all along that the president himself was typically not taking time out of his busy schedule to send the tweets that appeared in their Twitter feeds.  But new concerns regarding … (read more…)

Lost in Translation: Target to Rename “Urine” Sandals

Target has been a bit off the mark with its product naming as of late. After catching flak last week for labeling a plus-sized dress “manatee gray,” the … (read more…)

Carnival Subsidiary Accepts $1.3 Million Fine for the Costa Concordia Tragedy

The Carnival Costa Concordia is back in the news this week. Costa Cruises, the Carnival Corp. unit which operated the ship, agreed to pay a $1.3 million fine to the Italian government after a fatal 2012 voyage on the ship resulted in the loss of 32 … (read more…)

Target’s Plus-Size Dress Causes Hefty PR Problem

Language is one of the most powerful and influential tools that we possess. As we know well in the field of communications, words and their implied connotations can elicit powerful reactions from readers. Target now understands this concept … (read more…)

“Behind” the Lululemon PR Crisis: What the Company’s Latest Move “Reveals”

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Runaway Ship Steers Carnival Back Into the Spotlight

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SEC to Companies: Tweet Away

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday demonstrated willingness by at least one part of the U.S. federal government to embrace the 21st century.

Companies now have the OK from the SEC to share their earnings and … (read more…)

Why Litigation PR is Important

In today’s hyper-connected world, information spreads more rapidly than ever before. Unfortunately, not all reports absorbed by the public are credible or even truthful.

Negative publicity, especially in the legal realm, can do irreparable … (read more…)

Inconsistent Messages Spell Trouble for Victoria’s Secret

Consistency is king, especially when it comes to a company’s crisis management messaging. Victoria’s Secret learned this textbook lesson of (read more…)

Red Banyan Group Receives Accreditation and A Rating from the Better Business Bureau

Best Florida public relations agency Red Banyan Group recently received formal accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Southeast Florida. The strategic communications firm was also recognized with an A rating based on the BBB’s … (read more…)

Is Lululemon Asking Customers To Bend Over For Their Refund?

The … (read more…)

The Social Media Champions of March Madness

As March Madness heats up, one PR agency took an interesting new approach to bracketology. Schwartz MSL Insights Group developed “The Social Media Power Bracket,” which determined … (read more…)

Transparent Yoga Pants Leave Lululemon Customers Exposed (Literally)

Transparency … (read more…)

South Florida Business Journal Spotlights Carnival PR Crisis

Carnival Cruise Lines’ reputation challenges were the focus of an in-depth piece in today’s South Florida Business Journal. … (read more…)

NFL General Managers Take the Bait in Catfishing Prank

Recent catfishing scandals such as the highly publicized Manti Te’o incident have led many sports organizations to implement new social media training programs to keep their stars and themselves out of the limelight. The latest news from the NFL … (read more…)

The Carnival PR Crisis: Four Strikes and You’re Out?

Just one day after the most recent Carnival PR crisis, the Miami-based cruise line has encountered mechanical issues on yet another one of … (read more…)

The Lance Armstrong PR Crisis: Why He’s No Bill Clinton

The ongoing Lance Armstrong PR crisis has taken a new and interesting turn with the disgraced cyclist comparing himself to former U.S. President Bill Clinton. The website Deadspin is reporting that Armstrong said in … (read more…)

Yet Another PR Crisis for Carnival Cruise Lines

For the third time in less than a year and half, Carnival Cruise Lines is once again in the hot seat related to problems on one of its cruise ships. Considering the company’s recent track record, Carnival’s crisis PR team hopefully now has a … (read more…)

Policy Conference an Enormous Success for Red Banyan Group Client AIPAC

Red Banyan Group was in Washington, D.C. last week for the annual Policy Conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The conference was a powerful tribute to the U.S.-Israel relationship, and AIPAC did a wonderful job taking … (read more…)

New Report from Red Banyan Group Client The Henry Jackson Society Achieves Prominent Press Attention

As a blog post last week discussed, Red Banyan Group client The Henry Jackson Society recently … (read more…)

Red Banyan Group Client The Henry Jackson Society Releases Groundbreaking New Study on al-Qaeda Terrorism

Red Banyan Group client The Henry Jackson Society today released the most in-depth report ever compiled on al-Qaeda terrorism in America at a Washington, D.C. launch.

The room at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) was filled … (read more…)

Oscars Social Media: Far From Award-Worthy

It has been said that “imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.” If that is true then Oreo’s self-confidence should be through the roof.

During Sunday night’s Oscars, dozens of other companies attempted to imitate the rapid response of … (read more…)

For Oscar Pistorius PR Crisis Looms Regardless of Verdict

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Setting the Record Straight: What Red Banyan Group REALLY Said About Carnival’s Crisis PR Efforts

Much has been written recently about Carnival Cruise Lines and its public relations challenges.  Last week, I was interviewed by phone on the topic.  Reuters news agency called to get my assessment of Carnival’s handling of the Triumph fiasco … (read more…)

Marco Rubio Taps “Watergate” Media Attention to Raise PAC Funds

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Carnival Cruise Lines Crisis PR Efforts Pay Off in Second Major Crisis in Just Over a Year

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Perceived Reality: The Importance of Brand Reputation

Perception is reality, especially when it comes to your company’s image.

A business will likely struggle if the target market finds it untrustworthy or simply doesn’t identify with the brand. On the other hand, establishing core virtues and … (read more…)

Will Kobe Bryant’s Twitter Savvy Help Improve His Image?

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Self-Written “Review” Lands Nokia in Media Limelight

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Oreo Shines During Super Bowl Blackout

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Disgruntled Ex-Employee Uses Company Account to Live Tweet About Layoffs

HMV, a British electronics company, encountered an unexpected communications challenge when working through a set of layoffs last week. Among those let go was the organization’s social media planner, who took her frustration to the company’s … (read more…)

New Case Study Module Added to Red Banyan Group Website

Red Banyan Group recently expanded our website with a PR case studies section. The articles highlight some of our brand-building and crisis communications campaigns … (read more…)

Recovering from the NHL Lockout: How to Win Back Disgruntled Fans

In a previous post, Red Banyan Group gave its crisis PR assessment of the National Hockey League (NHL) lockout. After much back-and-forth … (read more…)

Red Banyan Group Founder Evan Nierman Interviewed on NBC

In a recent interview with NBC News, Red Banyan Group Founder Evan Nierman discussed Lance Armstrong’s crisis PR efforts.

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What Comes Next for Lance Armstrong

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Did Lance Armstrong’s Nonverbal Cues Betray His Crisis PR Prep?

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Lance Armstrong’s Top Secret Crisis PR Strategy Unmasked

 

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Red Banyan Group Predicts Lance Armstrong Will Triumph Over PR Crisis

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Red Banyan Group Founder to Provide Crisis PR Assessment of Lance Armstrong on Live Radio Broadcast

Tune in on Livestream or SiriusXM tomorrow to catch an interview with Red Banyan Group founder and respected crisis PR expert Evan Nierman.  The topic will be Lance Armstrong’s current PR crisis.

The show will be broadcast live at (read more…)

Boeing’s Dreamliner Shifts From Media Darling to Media Danger

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Alex Jones on Piers Morgan: How NOT to Conduct a T.V. Interview

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Social Media Assault: Would You Defend Yourself With a Hammer or a Scalpel?

The digital age has without a doubt empowered consumers like never before. Through social media, blogs and online review services, customers now have the ability to publicly voice their love or disdain for a business.

And these user-generated … (read more…)

The Growing Influence of Google+

Google has made substantial efforts to push adoption of Google+ since the launch of its social network nearly two years ago. The company’s most recent tactic wisely utilizes Google’s range of popular services to prompt users to join Google+. … (read more…)

The Critical Role of SEO in Public Relations Today

In the evolving world of strategic communications, PR practitioners are constantly faced with new challenges as well as new opportunities. Being aware of growing trends and remaining adept at the latest methods are essential for effectively reaching … (read more…)

Starbucks Urges Lawmakers to “Come Together” to Avoid Fiscal Cliff

With the fiscal cliff looming ahead, Starbucks is attempting to use its popularity to foster political cooperation. As lawmakers return to Washington this week for their final attempt at a compromise, Starbucks Chief Executive Howard Schultz is … (read more…)

The Year Ahead for Red Banyan Group

Below is a press release sent out regarding Red Banyan Group’s planned expansion in 2013.

 

Red Banyan Group to Expand its Services in 2013

 

Red Banyan Group, a leading Florida public relations agency, expects to … (read more…)

Christmas at McDonald’s

With the Christmas holiday fast approaching, many across the world are looking forward to the day off work and spending time with their families. But instead, it may be back to business as usual for hundreds of thousands of McDonald’s employees … (read more…)

Instagram Clarifies Terms After Social Media Uproar

Instagram users were up in arms after the photo sharing social network added new conditions to its privacy policy late Monday night. Outraged fans took to social media, threatening to delete their accounts and move to competing services.

The … (read more…)

Red Banyan Group Featured on SiriusXM Radio

The following press release was sent out today regarding Red Banyan Group Founder Evan Nierman’s appearance on the Armstrong Williams show, which was broadcast over SiriusXM Radio.

 

Top Florida Public Relations Agency Red Banyan Group … (read more…)

NHL Hockey Lockout: A Great PR Case Study on Crisis Communications

After more than 80 days of the National Hockey League (NHL) lockout, it appeared earlier this week that things were finally looking up for the fans. Long discussions between the NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) had … (read more…)

Bob Costas, Guns and Newscasters Becoming the News

Tragedy struck the NFL on Saturday when Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher committed a murder-suicide, taking the life of his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins and orphaning the couple’s three-month-old daughter.

As could be expected, the … (read more…)

Red Banyan Group Launches Google+ Page

The following press release went out today announcing the launch of Red Banyan Group’s Google+ page. Be sure to add us to your circles and +1 the page to stay up to date on latest news from Red Banyan Group.

 

Leading PR Firm Red Banyan … (read more…)

McAfee Founder Blogging about Run from Belize Police

The communications tools available in the modern age grant individuals and companies more direct power and visibility than ever before. Never has this been more evident than the recent turn of events with anti-virus software founder, John McAfee. … (read more…)

Gray Thursday Causes PR Headache for Retailers

With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, Americans’ thoughts turn to spending time with family and friends and being grateful for what we have. But just as quickly as we count our blessings, many rush out the door the next morning to get their … (read more…)

Happy Birthday to the Red Banyan Group Blog!

We’re happy to publicly announce that the Red Banyan Group blog is now one year old. We hope you’ll come back often for insights, commentary and expert tips on high-stakes and crisis PR situations.

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A Lesson in Crisis PR from the Petraeus Scandal

Last week, Americans witnessed an abrupt end to the distinguished career of a dedicated public servant and courageous soldier. The infidelity scandal surrounding former CIA chief and decorated Army General David Petraeus has been dominating media … (read more…)

Pamela Armstrong Joins National Crisis PR Firm Red Banyan Group

National crisis PR firm Red Banyan Group was recently featured in The South Florida Business Journal. A post in the People on the Move section highlighted the growing crisis PR agency’s hiring of Pamela … (read more…)

China Demonstrates How NOT to Deal with the Media

The New York Times recently published an investigative article on the businesses dealings of Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and his family. The 4,680 word piece reported that the leader’s relatives had become extraordinarily wealthy during his … (read more…)

Dow Moves Fast to Correct PR Gaffe

Strategy and tactical planning should go into the release of important corporate announcements. The content and the timing of a company’s information can have serious financial implications, and also largely influence how a wide audience perceives … (read more…)

Red Banyan Group Founder Evan Nierman Featured on National Radio Program

The following press release was sent out today regarding Evan Nierman’s recent appearance on the Armstrong Williams radio program.

 

Red Banyan Group Founder Evan Nierman Appears on the Armstrong Williams Radio Show to Provide Analysis … (read more…)

Creative Thinking and a Never-Say-Die Mentality Can Build Your Brand

When it comes to building brands, there are few in the world even in the same orbit as Virgin’s CEO Richard Branson.

Knighted in 2000 for his services to entrepreneurship, Sir Richard has built Virgin into an iconic, global powerhouse.  Part … (read more…)

Red Banyan Group Now Hiring

We are currently reviewing applications for the following position…

Banyan Group Account Executive

This could be part-time or full-time depending upon the candidate’s ability.

Qualifications:

-At least three years of … (read more…)

Why Law Firms Should Work with Red Banyan Group

The press release below illustrates the value that a specialized PR firm that focuses on crisis public relations and high-stakes PR can offer.

Red Banyan Group Client The Lerman Firm is Receiving Invaluable Tips and Information Thanks to … (read more…)

Red Banyan Group Demonstrates the Value of Litigation PR Support

A recent press release from Red Banyan Group explains how the company works with law firms to get results for their clients.

http://news.yahoo.com/red-banyan-group-demonstrates-value-litigation-pr-support-153025294.html

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Red Banyan Group Client Appears on Nightline

Red Banyan Group client the Lerman Law Firm recently appeared on ABC’s investigative news program Nightline.  Below is a press release that we circulated related to the piece:

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/5/prweb9499762.htm

Red Banyan … (read more…)

How a Respected Florida PR Firm Defines Success

Red Banyan Group is a respected and respectable Florida public relations firm that is committed to achieving results for its clients. To that end, our team members work tirelessly and are available around … (read more…)

Legal PR: How Public Relations Can Help Achieve Justice

Lawyers litigating cases (both civil and criminal) often make the determination that they would rather not speak with the media. This decision is sometimes based on an overall distrust of reporters, and other times predicated upon the idea that … (read more…)

Ozzie Guillen’s Castro Comments Prompt Suspension, Statements, Sniffling and Plenty of Crisis PR

Since Time magazine quoted Miami Marlins Manager Ozzie Guillen saying, “I love Castro,” and expressing admiration for the Cuban dictator’s ability to stay in power and avoid attempts on his life, a firestorm has erupted in South Florida that … (read more…)

Spotlight on Scandal- A High-Stakes and Crisis PR Firm’s Perspective

With much fanfare, ABC last night premiered a new T.V. show called Scandal, which is based upon a real-life crisis management practitioner from Washington, D.C. Red Banyan Group, which specializes in (read more…)

How Will the Show “Scandal” Reflect on Crisis Management Firms?

Among Florida public relations firms Red Banyan Group is unique, because we are not just a PR agency, but also a Florida-based crisis management firm.

We are eagerly looking forward to tonight’s … (read more…)

If I Offer Comment, Then Won’t That Make the Story a Bigger Deal?

Today on our blog we at Red Banyan Group would like to tackle a question that we get from our clients all the time. It’s not always expressed verbatim, but the sentiment is the same: “If I give a … (read more…)

Red Banyan Group Client SXLiquors Creating Buzz

If you have not yet done so, then you should check out SXLiquors, which is a fast-growing Fort Lauderdale-based company. In recent weeks the innovative young start-up appeared all over local television in Las Vegas after stealing show at the … (read more…)

Red Banyan Group Client Using Strategic PR to Build Brand Awareness

This week Red Banyan Group will help one of its most interesting clients with building awareness around its brand. The company is a South Florida-based startup called SXLiquors that has created a line of incredible spirits infused with “Sensual” … (read more…)

Red Banyan Group Helps Clients with National Events

Top South Florida PR firm Red Banyan Group has been (and will be) present at a wide range of fascinating events all across America.

Below is the text of a press release from this week explaining the services that Red Banyan Group has been … (read more…)

Should You Accept or Decline That Chance to be on T.V.?

It is has been said (and written) that all publicity is good publicity. Not true.

If you don’t agree, then just ask the next time you have the opportunity to talk with a disgraced political leader forced to resign for tweeting lewd pictures of … (read more…)

Red Banyan Clients Appear in Leading Media Outlets

The last several weeks produced several excellent example of how Red Banyan Group works closely with its business partners to help them communicate to a wide audience. One corporate client had the chance to share its latest news with NPR. The radio … (read more…)

Red Banyan Group Founder Lectures on Media at Community Theatre

Red Banyan Group Founder Evan Nierman recently delivered a speech on “The Media Revolution” to a 100-person crowd at the Tamarac Theatre of Performing Arts. The talk focused upon the ways that the media has evolved, the state of journalism today … (read more…)

A Deeper Look at Carnival’s PR Crisis

The Carnival Disaster: Assessing the Sinking Public Relations Crisis for Carnival Cruises

When disaster strikes companies are thrust into the spotlight and face both remarkable challenges and opportunities. To quickly weather the … (read more…)

Carnival’s Crisis PR Challenge

In recent days Red Banyan Group has been contacted by reporters looking for an assessment of how Carnival has handled its recent communications and (read more…)

The Importance of PR

A recent Inc. Magazine article featured a fascinating article by the CEO of a young startup who asserted that the only line item in her marketing budget was for PR.  The story was notable because of its unabashed support for PR, or strategic … (read more…)

Making a Statement by Not Making a Statement

When dealing with situations that require high-stakes and crisis PR support, one of the worst mistakes that can be made is … (read more…)

Red Banyan Group Working with Local Law Firms

Red Banyan Group has been retained by a pair of Fort Lauderdale law firms to provide litigation support. Specifically, the attorneys are hoping to utilize the high-stakes PR and (read more…)

RBG Supports Local Companies Helping Disabled Kids

Lately a lot of good things have been written about two South Florida companies Sandal Candy and Candy For Toes, which sell hand embellished Swarovski crystal shoes and … (read more…)

PR Errors Add to Pain of Broward Teachers Union

It has been a rough week for the Broward Teachers Union. Local media has been all over the story that the Florida Elections Commission and the Broward State Attorney’s Office have launched investigations of Union President Pat Santeramo. The … (read more…)

Words Cannot Do Justice to an Icon – Understating the Overstated Genius of Steve Jobs

Over radio waves and on television screens all across the world news of the death of Apple co-founder and incomparable innovator Steve Jobs is being repeated.  That sad information is also being read on sleek Apple computers, on hand-held … (read more…)

Letter to the Editor by Red Banyan Group Founder Evan Nierman Appears in Sun Sentinel

The following letter to the editor was posted in today’s edition of the Sun Sentinel. It was written following a recent story in the newspaper criticizing Members of Congress for taking educational trips abroad while the economy here at home was … (read more…)