Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks

Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks

 
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
 OUR CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE WEEK’S NEWS
 
We are sweating in San Diego! It’s 105 degrees outside our office downtown as we’re writing this, so there may be a few heat-induced hallucinations in this week’s commentary on the news. We sure wish that Yankees loss was a mirage…
 
United Airlines is making headlines again, and it just can’t win. The stock plummeted after CEO Oscar Munoz fought with analysts on an investor phone call last week. This blunder proves that external communications can definitely impact a business.
 
The creator of the World Wide Web himself, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, gave us his thoughts on blockchain’s use in fintech during a conference this week. His views included a blockchain browser security feature where you would never need to remember a password. Can’t wait!
 
Finally, have you ever visited a company website and spent a few minutes scrolling around, trying to figure out what the company actually did? We have, so we want to emphasize that no matter how trendy you are trying to make your business appear, communicating your company’s services and value is very important!
 
Check it out!
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
 
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Mayday, UAL Stock is Going Down!
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
We prefer to focus on the positive, but boy has United Airline presented us with another cringe-worthy blunder. CEO Oscar Munoz sent stocks spiraling on Thursday when analysts pressed company management for proof that cutting ticket prices and adding flights is helping to improve financial performance.
 
United Airlines stock fell 10 percent following the analyst call. The company’s trouble spurs from two places, the first being that the airline promised a number of changes last year at an investor day and claims that implementation is going well … however it declined to give any specifics whatsoever. The second being that Munoz avoided direct answers and instead told analysts “I just need a little more time.”
 
As a Barclays’ analyst told Munoz, “The CEO should know that when a company makes public statements about financial targets, investors will want to measure it against those numbers.”
 
There’s no denying that running a publicly traded company is a delicate and stressful job, but we can tell you that transparency is key. If your competitors’ stock gained 17 percent this year and your company’s stock has fallen 17 percent, you best be ready and able to answer investors’ questions.
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
WWW Creator Talks Blockchain + Fintech
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Tim Berners-Lee, creator of the Internet and obvious voice of authority in technology, predicts internet browsers and blockchain will merge together in the not so distant future. At a recent fintech conference, Berners-Lee spoke about the record-keeping power of blockchain.
 
Commonly known as the technology behind bitcoin, blockchain is a secure technology that keeps track of all phases of a transaction. It is essentially a ledger. The technology is becoming prevalent in the banking industry, such as IBM’s launch of blockchain technology enabling almost instantaneous cross-border payments.
 
Berners-Lee explained that browsers like Chrome and Firefox enter the fintech/blockchain mix by making it easy for even the casual internet buff to use blockchain authentication tokens to verify their identity. Which means no more pesky passwords!
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Emoji Index
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
What Does Your Company Do?
This Should Be an Easy Answer
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
An article about indecipherable company websites made our team chuckle this week, describing the all-too-common practice of talking about your company in ways only you understand. Kasper Kubica’s article “For the love of god, please tell me what your company does” on Hacker Noon goes hand-in-hand with the trend of jumping on the bandwagon to try to make your company appear to join “hot” industries, like WeWork calling itself a tech company instead of a company that rents office space. (On a side note, saying your company is fueled by “Silicon Valley Pixie Dust” may not be the wisest PR move to prove your monetary value to investors. Moving on.)
 
“More and more often, upon discovering a new company or product, I visit their website hoping to find out what it is they do, but instead get fed a mash of buzzwords about their ‘team’ and ‘values’. And this isn’t a side dish — this is the main entrée of these sites, with a coherent explanation of the company’s products or services rarely occupying more than a footnote on the menu,” Kubica says.
 
While celebrating your company’s values and beliefs is all well and good, we think it’s best to be clear about who you are and what services and products you offer when introducing yourself to potential clients on your homepage.
 
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
» IN THE NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
ABC 10 News covered CCOE’s Secure San Diego cybersecurity event live from Qualcomm last week.
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
» DON’T MISS THIS
Today!
Kevin will be speaking on two panels, Personal Branding: Raise Your Professional Profile” and “Presentation Skills: What to Say and How to Say It.”
DATE: October 25-27, 2017
LOCATION: San Diego
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
SORRY YANKEES FANS!
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
» BOTTOM LINE: Five Key Benefits of Outsourcing PR and Marketing Efforts
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
True or false – when an organization is working to increase its industry presence, increase brand recognition or launch a new product or service, public relations is one of the most valuable and effective tools.
If you answered true, you are on to something, my friend. Furthermore, outsourcing your public relations and marketing efforts can save you time and ensure that your brand is excellently positioned with a strategic and effective method behind it. The decision to outsource must be both strategic and tactical. What’s the right choice for your organization?
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
»FEATURED CASE STUDY: CCOE
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
KCD PR was selected to promote the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE), a nonprofit organization that promotes alignment and collaboration within the cyber community.
KCD PR developed a comprehensive public relations strategy by first thoroughly understanding the nonprofit organization space, then establishing a set of measurable objectives and communications guidelines to guide the overall strategy that would help CCOE position San Diego as the hub for all things cyber-focused.
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
Wonders & Blunders: Heat Wave High Jinks
 
 

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.