Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc.

TODAY’s TIP – Embrace the Eagle, Embrace the Tiger, Embrace the Walrus - embrace the mascot! Mascots can be incredibly effective as long as they speak to your brand. From the GEICO gecko to the Jolly Green Giant, a successful mascot is a character who is approachable and on-brand. In business, every tool used needs to be strategically thought out and leveraged for success. Picture this: a tech startup and its mascot, a savvy fox named Byte, symbolizing innovation and wit. Byte's persona captivates the audience, becoming synonymous with the brand values. Here's how you can harness similar enchantment: Create depth into your mascot.  Byte isn't just a fox; he is a digital guru leading the charge in the tech universe.   Craft narratives that showcase Byte's adventures. Captivate your client's experience with each interaction with Byte.   Embrace feedback. Byte's journey should evolve to remain relevant and impactful. In the grand symphony of business, a well-utilized mascot like Byte can be the crescendo that elevates your brand above the competition. But one heads up, courtesy of our former SLPR team leader — if you have a mascot, make sure you’re the one who orders the costume - to ensure you’re not the person wearing it!!

"This is one of my favorite quotes –why? You see when I was in 4th grade my teacher called my Mom and told her I was talking too much in class and asked if she could please speak to me about being a bit quieter.   I love my mom for a lot of reasons but this moment stands out to me because she informed my teacher that she would not tell me to talk less. This quote is perfect - It's all about flipping the script on how we see things. Instead of labeling girls as "bossy," or she talks too much - let's celebrate their natural leadership skills. Imagine a world where every little girl is encouraged to shine in her own way, where being confident and assertive isn't a flaw but a fantastic trait! It's all about spreading positivity and cheering each other on to be the awesome leaders we're meant to be. Let's make it happen! As we celebrated Mother’s Day I’ll always thank my mom for sticking up for me and giving me the opportunity to be the best I can be - thanks Mom.” – Paddi LeShane

Using tee shirts and stickers to capture the Capitol news cycle   Yesterday morning dawned on a quiet State Capitol, as the Connecticut General Assembly closed its 2024 session at midnight Wednesday night. Today marks the end of the colorful advocacy season that sees organizations of all sorts fill the Capitol echo chamber bearing tee shirts, stickers and signs of all colors to make their causes known and capture the attention of lawmakers through their presence and media coverage. Pulling off an event like a “Day on the Hill” is a challenge. We were proud of the great job that the CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF BOARDS OF EDUCATION did getting it right this year. They had the right cause: local education; the power of the largest group of elected officials in Connecticut and the right message: “Keep the promise” of education funding. They also had the right amount of luck with weather and timing, drawing lawmakers and the media to their meeting at The Bushnell, from where they marched to the Capitol and onto the front page of the Hartford Courant the next day. This morning, the advocacy groups are tallying up their scorecards and their tee shirts will likely begin to fade as they are relegated to summer picnics and yard work. We look forward to next year’s pageantry of colors, causes and slogans.

Mingle with PRSA members and public relations pros from across Connecticut while enjoying appetizers and drinks at The Brick Room at Parkville Market. John Tintera from PRSA National will join our May Mixer to provide a brief overview of your PRSA membership, how to take advantage of the resources, programs and more available to you as a member. https://lnkd.in/eQCvS_d4 

Wanted Professional Judging – call Ashlyn!  Only kidding... but Ashlyn Lower was recently on a panel of expert judges for the Annual Marketing Communications Awards Golden Gala for SMPS Connecticut.

TODAY’S TIP – Don’t be the person with the “bad haircut.” Years ago a client spoke of the fleeting nature of bad publicity, likening it to a bad haircut. “In two weeks your hair grows back and it’s forgotten about.” “That is true,” we replied. “But if it keeps happening, you become known as the person with the bad haircut.” Today’s tip is this: everyone needs a plan to deal with the “bad haircut.” Especially when it comes to your brand. Don’t get trapped into thinking that bad publicity is fleeting. Instead, tell your story on your terms—make it strategic, and have a message. Don’t just accept it as inevitable. People DO tend to remember bad haircuts, and usually not for a good reason.

PR pros, Parkville Market and PRSA members?! You can't miss this event. Will we see you there?

Did you hear who has once again made the list, this time at #49? Happy International Women’s Day and congratulations to our very own co-founder Paddi LeShane on being named one of Hartford Business Journal's 2024 Power 50!   https://lnkd.in/er4Evw-2

Calling all Swifties, football fans and PR professionals... there is power in simplicity. Check out what our very own Dan Tapper has to say about it.

Times are changing. Are you prepared to stay ahead of the game? Organizations should proactively study the trends, observe the small ripples of activism, analyze how these socio-political issues align with your organization's values and mission and then decide when to engage.