Category: Raleigh PR Agency

Clairemont 2021 year in review

Olivia NolesBlog, Raleigh PR Agency, The Clairemont Team, , ,

From new team members to national recognition, Clairemont Communications has had an outstanding year. Read the Clairemont 2021 year in review to learn more about our accomplishments this year.

Clairemont 2021 year in review:

January: Clairemont partnered with GBS as it embarked on rebranding to ProtectAll.

February: Clairemont was the featured speaker for Shop Local Raleigh’s Tech Tuesday about making meaningful business connections virtually during COVID-19.

March: Clairemont secured news coverage on CBS 17, Wavy News 10 and ABC 11 for the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs (NCAFC) that featured the first black female cadet to graduate from the junior firefighter program at the Gaston Volunteer Fire Department.

April: Clairemont planned the Barre3 class at Dorothea Dix park that secured more than 200 attendees.

May: Anna Beth joined as an intern. 

June: Clairemont was the only agency headquartered in NC to receive the national recognition of winning the 2021 Silver Anvil Award given by Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for its work with client Ingersoll Rand on a campaign called “Owning the Future: Ingersoll Rand’s Equity Grant.”

July: In partnership with client Ingersoll Rand, we helped them release their 2020 global sustainability report.

August: Olivia and Derek joined the Clairemont team. 

Clairemont 2021 year in review

September: Clairemont won nine InSpire Awards, including two Best in Show awards, from NCPRSA. Clairemont received Silver Best in Show for its work with client Ingersoll Rand on a campaign called “Uniting 16,000 Employees Behind One Brand.” Clairemont won Bronze Best in Show for its work with client Wendell Falls. The InSpire Award wins also showcased Clairemont’s expertise in the areas of global communications, internal/employee communications, integrated communications, media relations and video programs with clients NCAFC, International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and WGU North Carolina.

October: The Clairemont team came back to the office.

November: Clairemont won a Queen City PR Award from Charlotte PRSA. Clairemont won this award for its work with client Ingersoll Rand on a campaign called “Owning the Future: Ingersoll Rand’s Equity Grant.”

December: yellowDog : creative, our design partner, moved into the Clairemont house.

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MY PUP’S IN A PANIC: 3 WAYS TO EASE THE TRANSITION BACK TO THE OFFICE

Derek BullingtonBlog, Raleigh PR Agency, The Clairemont Team, , , , , , ,

How many of you with pets returned home from your first day back in the office to torn up furniture, trash cans toppled over, scratch marks all over the baseboards or a note from a neighbor complaining of constant barking? Separation anxiety in pets is very real, but there are ways to ease the transition.

My Pup's In a Panic: 3 Ways to Ease the Transition Back to the Office

With everybody leaving the house during the day, pets are banished to gated rooms or crates. Some are lucky enough to roam through the house freely but what are they supposed to do all day? No longer do they get extended walks, random play time, cuddles on the couch and plenty of table scraps they’ve enjoyed for months.

My dog, Ellie, was no exception. She got used to having me home every day and catering to her every need and want. I could see the anxiety building up in Ellie when I would leave the house, even for short periods of time. Barking constantly when I closed the door behind me and greeting me by jumping and barking when I returned (even if I just took out the trash).

When I heard we would be returning to the office, I was very excited, and I was a little nervous as well. It had been 18 months since I had to leave Ellie for an entire day. As big of an adjustment as it would be for me, I knew it would be an even bigger one for Ellie.

My Pup's In a Panic: 3 Ways to Ease the Transition Back to the Office

3 Ways to ease the transition

Unfortunately, I did not properly prepare Ellie for my return to work. The transition should have started early so she could have adjusted. Take the time to make this transition for your pets as smooth as possible. Your dog has been your support system during these hard times, now it is your time to make sure they are comfortable and ready for the post-pandemic world.

Create a new routine

Ease the transition for your pet by creating a routine similar to your work routine. If your bedtime and wake time are going to change, start that change now. Set fixed times for different activities, including play, exercise, walks and meals. Start leaving your pet alone, no matter how hard it is for your pup, or you! Start small and work up to the 8-10 hour stretch of going to work. When you return, praise them on their good behavior and remind them that you will always come home to them.

My Pup's In a Panic: 3 Ways to Ease the Transition Back to the Office

Take the anxiety out of your departure

Another step you can take to ease the transition is to take the anxiety out of your departure. Try extending your morning walk or spend extra time playing fetch in the backyard before work. Spend quality time tiring them out so they will spend more time snoozing and less time stressing (barking) during the day! Give them something to do by leaving toys or chews. Make sure to rotate the toys to help them stay mentally active and stave off boredom.

My Pup's In a Panic: 3 Ways to Ease the Transition Back to the Office

Remember, your dog is observant. If you are stressed about leaving them, they will pick up on it, increasing their anxiety. Remain calm and patient with your departure and return.

Spend extra time with your pet

When you get home, take time for an extra walk or playtime, no matter how tired you are. If you’re going out after work, consider taking your pup with you! During the weekends, choose activities that include your dog. Go to a park, the beach or plan a picnic. You don’t have to give up your whole weekend, just enough to make your pup feel loved and included. Our pets are just one part of our life but for our dogs, we are their WHOLE life! 

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This Raleigh PR Agency is in (The Office)

Dana PhelpsBlog, Raleigh PR Agency, The Clairemont Team

It was 10:15 a.m. when I surrendered. It was the first day for this Raleigh PR agency to be back in the office. After being barefoot 80 percent of the time since early 2020, how could I possibly make it through an entire workday in heels? Fortunately, no one seemed to mind that I walked around the rest of the day without shoes. Nothing like a nasty plague to relax a slightly stuffy dress code.

In fact, I realized what people really care about in the office has changed drastically. That wasn’t until after planning Clairemont’s return to the office. I had fretted if our new team members would like the location of their desks. New artwork was added to freshen our space. I fussed over details such as having colorful pens in the supply cabinet. I even pondered buying a fancy espresso machine.

One Sunday afternoon before our return to the office, I stood in The Clairemont House by myself. And it felt really lonely. That’s when it hit me. As much as I love tweaking the decor in this beautiful old home in downtown Raleigh that serves as the office of our PR agency, buying snacks and supplies and planning surprises isn’t the most important thing about Clairemont, it is the people.

As I unlocked the door our first morning back in the office, I was giddy with anticipation. I couldn’t wait to see my colleagues walking up the steps and through the front door. I couldn’t wait to gather around the kitchen island and brainstorm creative solutions to a client challenge or simply talk about a cute puppy pic on social media. And I couldn’t wait to invite clients back into our office for face-to-face collaboration that no video conferencing software can replace.

We’ll be writing more about our return to the office journey in the weeks ahead! Follow along and share your own observations about how and where you are working as we round out 2021. In the meantime, check out our return to work fun on Clairemont’s Instagram!

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MEET DEREK, OUR NEWEST MEMBER

Derek BullingtonBlog, Raleigh PR Agency, The Clairemont Team, , , , , , , , ,

For the past three years, I have been a Clairemont Communications client while working with the International Association of Fire Chiefs on the volunteer firefighters campaign for the state of North Carolina. The Clairemont team made us feel like we were their only client. They were going above and beyond on our deliverables. No matter how hard it was to rein in all our crazy ideas. The excitement and eagerness to support the client always impressed me.

Client

During my time as a Clairemont client, I formed a very close bond with the team. I started to really enjoy learning the ins and outs of public relations. A seed was planted in the back of my mind that this would be a great career fit for me. Something I would truly enjoy doing. I also started to see how my background in art and my career in the non-profit sector for 11 years prepared me to work in PR.

If I learned anything in art school, it was to embrace my creative side and to be flexible in the work I do. Creativity and flexibility are important skills in PR. You need to be able to pitch innovative ideas and ready to change directions if they do not work. I had also gained a basic skill set that would be valuable in the PR industry. Writing press releases and building relationships with a variety of companies and individuals throughout my career in non-profits set me up for a career in PR. As my luck would have it, a position opened with the Clairemont team, and I immediately jumped at the opportunity to apply.

Client to employee

After participating in a thorough interview process and the anticipation of a job offer, I was getting ready to switch careers and move down to Raleigh! I am so excited to be here and to learn under Dana and her team! Not only do I get to work with an amazing group, but I get to use the creativity that has been dormant for so long while working a typical desk job. Only 10 weeks into the job and I am already back to creating art in my spare time. This is something that I haven’t done in several years. I think my parents would be glad that I’m finally putting my college degree to good use by carrying that artistic spark over to my work with Clairemont.

My years in non-profit were not all bad, quite the opposite. During this time I worked for some of the top medical societies, the YMCA, Travelers Insurance and the IAFC. I broke out of my introverted bubble and built relationships with diverse groups. I worked with the top pharmaceutical companies and medical research institutions, at-risk youth, did fundraising and helped recruit and retain volunteer firefighters nationwide. While I enjoyed my work in non-profit organizations and collected an amazing amount of knowledge and skills, I am ready to see what I can bring to Clairemont.

Settling in to Raleigh

My career has taken me from Washington D.C. to Tucson, AZ, out to Minneapolis and Northern Virginia. I have experienced some of the hottest and coldest weather the U.S. has to offer. It seems like Raleigh will be a good mix (but the humidity!) and I’m thrilled to settle here. I have enjoyed exploring an amazing city that seems to not stop growing and diversifying. Some of the best food and drinks I have ever had, have been here in Raleigh. I have joined group cycling rides and explored the many parks and festivals Raleigh has to offer. In Raleigh, I believe I have found my new home away from home and look forward to continued amazement with this area. I’m excited to make new memories and reach the next level of my career here at Clairemont Communications.

You can follow Derek on Instagram @DerekBullington

 

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Staying on Top in 2021: PR Trends

Clairemont InternBlog, Public Relations, Raleigh PR Agency, , , , , , ,

This time last year, no one anticipated the economic and social disruption that would be caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nor could we have predicted the months of social and professional acclimating that lay ahead — wearing masks in public, distancing from loved ones and friends, and working from home.

As we approach the one-year “anniversary” of when our lives turned upside down, it remains difficult to imagine what this year will hold. Luckily, public relations is all about identifying creative and strategic ways to come out on top — even in the toughest of situations. While we don’t have a crystal ball (otherwise we’d be able to tell you when this whole thing would be over … ), we are keeping a close eye on the following PR trends that we think will emerge in 2021.

Artificial intelligence (AI) will take a front seat.

The new relationship between humans and intelligent machines is enabling PR professionals to create data-driven campaigns, automate repetition-based tasks, analyze online conversations, predict a crisis and even produce personalized content. AI offers brands an unprecedented ability to increase revenue and reduce costs through more intelligent automation and machine-powered predictions. That’s why McKinsey predicts AI will create up to $2.6 trillion in business value in marketing and sales alone.

New communication channels are here to stay (and will continue to grow!).

The heightened use of software like Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Slack is a rising tide that can’t be turned. From broadcast news to press conferences, the pandemic has forced all organizations to consider other ways to connect with stakeholders. What was once unconventional is now less expensive, less taxing and helps brands connect with an audience like never before. In 2021, PR and marketing collateral with virtual and digital elements will have even more reach and engagement.

2021 will be a new era for accountability.

For all the talk around issues like diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in 2020, this year will be a time for action to speak louder than words. For example, Forbes offers a list of six DEI resolutions that companies should focus on in order to thrive in 2021 and beyond. There’s no “one size fits all” strategy, but there are innumerable DEI lessons that 2020 showed us and that companies must commit to in order to be sustainable. This year, try making a commitment to donate a percentage of revenue to organizations that support the inclusion of underrepresented groups or to diversify the workplace. Actions will speak louder than words!

Earned, paid, social and owned media will continue to integrate.

Gone are the days where we had three teams in their own silos: advertising, public relations and marketing. The pandemic fully reinforced the intersection of these disciplines and today is about integrating paid, earned, shared and owned media because it is true what they say … three heads are better than one. When the PESO Model is working at its best, it can help you establish authority. This is your industry golden ticket. 

LinkedIn will take center stage.

2020 became one of the most fruitful years for LinkedIn. The platform rolled out LinkedIn Live, Events, Polls and Stories. This year will become the year when marketers get a hold of all these different tools and explore LinkedIn opportunities in a new way. To implement these features into your PR strategy, focus on encouraging conversation with your followers. Create polls that your audience will want to vote on, ask irresistible open-ended questions in updates, share candid photos from your workday in stories, or post about celebrating career milestones.

We’re excited to see how the industry will evolve this year, and we hope you are too. Let us know your 2021 prediction in the comments!

Curious about what was in vogue last year? Check out our blog reflecting on the biggest trends of 2020.

By Clairemont intern Maia Guterbock, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill.

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