Part 1: PR Buzzwords

by TVG Staff The business world is notorious for using jargon and industry-specific language, and PR is no exception.  Understanding this can help you better communicate what your company needs, or what your communication professionals are trying to tell you. Here at TVG, we’ve created a glossary of common terms used in the world of Read More

Communications Audits Explained: Part 2 – Communication Strategy

By TVG Staff So, you’re re-thinking your company’s communications strategy. Let’s say that you started with the social media audit, but now it’s time to consider other things to make your efforts more successful and achieve the goals you’ve outlined for your communications strategy. Meetings, emails, calls, texts and press releases can all be part Read More

Snapchat’s Fantastic Filters and How to Use Them

It may seem counter-intuitive to think that Snapchat, notable for its vanishing messages and stories, could have a lasting impact on an audience. Yet brand after brand have showcased their products on the app, vying for the attention of the social network’s 188 million users. While the pictures themselves may not last long, the impression Read More

How to Find Your Brand Voice

Creating a Voice for Your Brand To any developing writer, the goal of establishing their “voice” is one that is both all-important and extremely confusing. The term “voice” is often thrown around without any explanation about what it means, or how a writer can work to make theirs consistent and unique. Voice can be complicated Read More

TVG Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Changes over the years In the winter of 1998, most of the world was buzzing about the ongoing Winter Olympic Games being held in Nagano, Japan. But the Vandiver Group was buzzing with a different sort of news—the first community newsletter, Updates, had been written and printed for distribution. At the Olympics, the U.S. took Read More

Sales: The Forgotten PR Skill

By Laura Vandiver, TVG Senior Research Strategist There are many skills required to be a fantastic PR practitioner. Great communication skills, of course, top the list. But it also helps to have social media savvy, be a crisis navigation expert, understand the media and how to deal with them, be a fantastic writer, and also Read More

The Interview: Part 1 – You, the Interviewer

The Video Interview Part One: You, the Interviewer by Rich McEwen, TVG Media Specialist Whether you’re interviewing a Fortune 500 CEO or a local spelling bee champion, good interviewing skills are vital. A clear and concise story is the goal for both the interviewer and interviewee. In part one I will share some of my Read More

The Power of Public Speaking

By Andy Likes, Senior Vice President, The Vandiver Group It’s one of those things that’s typically not on someone’s bucket list; get up in front of an audience and “say a few words.”  There mere thought of public speaking creates anxiety and strikes fear into the hearts of most people.  In fact, it’s one of Read More

The Big Game: A PR Perspective

The Big Game: A PR Perspective While The Big Game had slightly less viewers than previous years, a whopping 111.3 million people tuned in to watch the Philadelphia Eagles’ victory over the New England Patriots. We TVGers were part of that statistic, watching from our homes with our friends and family. Many thought the game Read More

Don’t “Groundhog Day” These Common PR Mistakes

Don’t “Groundhog Day” These Common PR Mistakes By Laura Vandiver, VP of Research and Strategic Insight We’ve all seen the now iconic 1993 Bill Murray movie Groundhog Day, where Murray’s weatherman character (reporting on whether Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow) becomes hopelessly trapped in a time warp, forced to relive the same, awful day over Read More

Bridging the Gap: Understanding Cultural Differences

The Importance of Understanding Cultural Differences By Andrew Woodcock, TVG Account Executive There’s a phrase in Russian that closely corresponds to one in English: “mir tyesen.”  Word for word, this phrase means “the world is tight,” but the base meaning is closer to our phrase “it’s a small world.” Modern communication technology is bringing the Read More

How to Write a Press Release

Crafting a Press Release: Six Steps to Keep in Mind By Andrew Woodcock, TVG Account Executive The backbone to being a good PR pro is being a good writer. I’ve heard it countless times: if you don’t know how to write, you won’t be hired by a PR firm. And it makes sense: writing is Read More