Strategic Lee Speaks

Over the last 15 years we have seen a lot of companies make the same PR mistakes over and over again. We have also seen an equal amount of innovative approaches to evangelism. And day by day we are in the trenches talking to the journalists, analysts, companies and customers. We have even been known to attend an industry conference or party as well. So we’re writing this blog for our clients and colleagues to capture what works and what doesn’t. Hopefully someone will learn something…otherwise we’re really just venting.

I often find that clients are afraid to ask a journalist what they need. You gotta understand - journalists have a specific job to do and are very aware what their readers want. Recently I sat in a room with five of the most renowned journalist in the gaming industry and they outlined exactly what we all want to know – what they do all day. Three things they said are worth mentioning:

1. 1. Media days are not necessary. They are happy to take a briefing over the phone.
2. 2. Spread the news out. Bundling news together just means less coverage and readership.
3. 3. Pros and cons are part of the story. It’s their job to tell their readers what works and what doesn’t. So expect it. And make sure that the product actually does what you said it does.

Well the same thing could be said for this blog! But just in case someone is listening… We just want to highlight the press release. Every release should have an audience. Sometimes you’re talking to our colleagues in the industry but often you’re trying to reach new customers. So are you speaking your customer’s language? Are they walking around looking for the premier, integrated, on-demand infrastructure? Or are they looking for a better way to work with their partners? Make sure your releases are talking to the audiences they are intended for and not in the alien language of the internal company “we have drunk the cool-aid” culture.

September is traditionally trade show hell but I must say there is an energy in the air about this season. Or maybe this is just a way to highlight where StrategicLee and our clients will be for the next month or so. Check out the following shows:


Office 2.0 Conference September 5 – 7, San Francisco, CA
Intel Developer Forum September 18 – 20, San Francisco, CA
DemoFall September 24 – 26, San Diego, CA
Web 2.0 Summit October 17 – 19, San Francisco, CA