Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin

Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
 
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
 OUR CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE WEEK’S NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Bitcoin continues to break records and make headlines across the financial industry. This week marked its crossover into mainstream investment: you can now trade bitcoin futures on Wall Street. What will next week bring for bitcoin’s skyrocketing popularity? Let’s hope it doesn’t FALL-la-la-la-la.
 
Are banks open to open banking? Many banks want to improve the customer experience, but struggle to balance brand strength, trust, innovation and the change from a product-centric to a platform-centric business.
 
Check out our final article today to stay informed on the latest legislation that may affect your business – the Senate soon will debate the Save Local Business Act and what it means to be a joint employer.
 
Only 12 days to Christmas…not that we’re counting!
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
 
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Bitcoin Futures Make Wall Street Debut
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Happy Bitcoin Futures Week!
 
Bloomberg covers the first day of futures trading for bitcoin at Cboe, describing temporary outages on Cboe’s website due to unexpected demand and more. Aptly summing up the phenomenon, an article source states, “It is rare that you see something more volatile than bitcoin, but we found it: bitcoin futures.”
 
Cboe’s launch of bitcoin futures trading is heralded as a “watershed” moment for bitcoin. CME and Nasdaq also will launch bitcoin futures soon, though it may be some time before cryptocurrency becomes an integral part of investor portfolios, according to Bloomberg.
What do you think will happen with the popularity and profitability of bitcoin futures trading as it matures?
 
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
API FYI: Banks Open to Open Banking, but Not Ready Yet
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
 
Banks are at impasse – they must embrace new tech or risk becoming irrelevant. The latest move we’re seeing is the transition to “open banking,” increasing speed, lowering costs and offering customers more choices. However, many banks are still hesitant to embrace this emerging trend. 
 
Open banking allows banks and companies to interact and share data through use of secure open APIs. Now third-party developers can create and offer new and helpful tools to bank customers. This allows customers to take a customized approach to fully managing their financial lives by picking and choosing any channel/app they want to use, all via their bank’s platform.  
 
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Emoji Index
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Will the Senate Save Local Businesses?
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is “trying to put the Browning-Ferris decision back into the bottle,” according to Human Resources Executive Online. In 2015, the NLRB made one of the most controversial moves we’ve ever seen when ruling in the Browning v. Ferris case when it significantly broadened the definition of join-employment status. 
 
Following the ruling, corporations with franchisees and companies working with subcontractors were responsible for ensuring employees of those companies were paid fairly and provided with proper working conditions. If there were any issues, the company, despite not having direct control over employees, could be held liable in court and brought to the negotiating table with unions. 
 
Bill 3441, otherwise known as the Save Local Business Act, will clarify and tighten the definition of a joint employer. It passed in the U.S. House of Representatives in November and will proceed to the Senate.
 
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
» IN THE NEWS
NPR Marketplace interviews Charles Thorngren, CEO of Noble Gold, about why people are abandoning 401(k)s.
Watch Pavia Systems technology solutions for construction job shortages and training on KIRO7 News.
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
» BOTTOM LINE: SEO and Today’s Forward-Thinking PR Pro
It seemed like it wasn’t long ago that when you mentioned “search engine optimization” to a communications professional, their eyes would glaze over or they would immediately pick up their cell phone to call the nearest “IT guy”.
 
Those days are over – or at least they soon will be.
 
SEO can no longer be considered the sole province of a company’s IT or digital marketing department. It needs to be a mainstay, front-and-center consideration for PR professionals as well. There is tremendous value to a company’s communications and SEO contingents working side-by-side. In fact, a properly executed PR plan can be the most effective arrow in SEO’s quiver.
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
»FEATURED CASE STUDY:
ATRIA WEALTH SOLUTIONS
Atria Wealth Solutions (Atria) not only launched as an active holding company, but also announced a significant private equity investment from Lee Equity Partners while simultaneously acquiring two broker-dealers. The client required a PR team with expertise in overseeing complex situations with multiple stakeholder groups and product lines (i.e., the business channels – bank and credit union affiliated advisors, hybrid registered investment advisors and other key stakeholders).
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
 
Wonders & Blunders: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Bitcoin
 

PR Assistant

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 2

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 3

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.