# Pierpont Communications > Stay up-to-date on the latest PR, marketing and digital trends by reading Pierpont's News & Insights blog. --- ## Pages - [Trusted Partner for International Businesses](https://www.piercom.com/about/international-business/): Pierpont has assisted businesses from all over the world strategically enter or expand their presence in across the U.S. - [Silver Sponsor of Entrepreneur Of The Year®](https://www.piercom.com/about/culture/ey-entrepreneur-of-the-year/): Pierpont Partners with EY to Honor Vision, Leadership, and Community Innovation in the Gulf South, Southwest & Mountain West regions. - [Technology PR - Pierpont Communications](https://www.piercom.com/technology-pr-pierpont-communications/): Pierpont has decades of PR experience in the technology industry. We help our clients grow while protecting their reputations. - [Financial Services PR - Pierpont Communications](https://www.piercom.com/financial-services-pr-pierpont-communications/): Pierpont has decades of PR experience in the financial industry. We help our clients grow while protecting their reputations. - [Senior Living PR - Pierpont Communications](https://www.piercom.com/trust-reputation-pr-senior-living/): Pierpont has years of PR experience in senior living industry. We help our clients grow while protecting their reputations. - [Healthcare PR - Pierpont Communication](https://www.piercom.com/pr-for-healthcare-clients/): Pierpont has decades of PR experience in the healthcare industry. We help our clients grow while protecting their reputations. - [Renewable Energy PR - Pierpont Communications](https://www.piercom.com/driving-awareness-and-growth-for-the-renewable-energy-industry/): Pierpont has decades of PR experience with the energy industry. We help our clients grow while protecting their reputations. - [Private Equity](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/professional-financial/private-equity/): Pierpont has a proven track record of amplifying and enhancing the profiles some of the nation’s leading private equity firms. - [Class Action Litigation Intelligence](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/professional-financial/class-action-litigation-intelligence/): Pierpont Communications' litigation support program offers comprehensive web, social and media monitoring and analysis for defense law firms. - [Subject Matter Experts](https://www.piercom.com/subject-matter-experts/): Pierpont’s seasoned leaders are ready to share their expertise as podcast guests, news sources, public speakers, or guest lecturers. - [Denver](https://www.piercom.com/denver/): Pierpont provides full-service PR & marketing services in Denver. Our experts build brands via earned media, marketing & digital strategy. - [Download AI Best Practices Guide](https://www.piercom.com/ai-best-practices-guide/): Download AI Best Practices Guide from the experts at Pierpont Communications. - [Senior Living](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/healthcare-wellness/senior-living/): Pierpont has decades of experience in marketing & PR for senior living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing communities. - [Reputation Management](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/crisis-management/reputation-management/): For 35+ years, Pierpont has managed corporate reputation for clients by implementing a variety of time-tested strategies and tactics. - [Zoho Form Test](https://www.piercom.com/zoho-form-test/): - [Job Opening: Senior Account Executive](https://www.piercom.com/careers/senior-account-executive/): Pierpont Communications, the premier PR & marketing firm in the southwest, is recruiting for a new Senior Account Executive. Apply today. - [Job Opening: Account Supervisor](https://www.piercom.com/careers/account-supervisor/): Pierpont Communications, the premier PR & marketing firm in the southwest, is recruiting for a new Account Supervisor. Apply today. - [Job Opening: Vice President](https://www.piercom.com/careers/vice-president/): Pierpont Communications, the premier PR & marketing firm in the southwest, is recruiting for a new Vice President. Apply today. - [Energy PR - Pierpont Communications](https://www.piercom.com/energy-pr-marketing-agency/): Pierpont has decades of PR experience with the energy industry. We help our clients grow while protecting their reputations. - [Externship Program](https://www.piercom.com/externship/): Pierpont will be hosting our fourth annual free virtual externship program Oct. 16-18, 2023. Last day to register is Oct. 13, 2023. - [Test password protected](https://www.piercom.com/test-password-protected/): This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: - [Culture](https://www.piercom.com/about/culture/): Commitment to our culture is why Pierponters choose to stay—and why we’ve been a Houston Business Journal “Best Place to Work” 14 times. - [Education](https://www.piercom.com/about/education/): Pierpont’s commitment to education is an embodiment of our entrepreneurial spirit. We are passionate continuous learning & knowledge sharing. - [Community](https://www.piercom.com/about/community/): Stewardship within the communities where we live, work and play is the heart of who we are: we actively engage as volunteers and leaders. - [Internships](https://www.piercom.com/careers/internships/): Interested in joining us for your PR internship? Our PR & digital marketing internships applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. - [Houston](https://www.piercom.com/houston/): PR & marketing firm with offices across TX. Our HQ in Houston builds and amplifies brands via earned media, marketing and digital. - [Dallas](https://www.piercom.com/dallas/): Pierpont's Dallas office specializes in PR communications, marketing and digital services for brands across different industries. - [San Antonio](https://www.piercom.com/san-antonio/): Pierpont's San Antonio office specializes in PR communications, marketing and digital services for brands across different industries. - [Energy Transition](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/energy-transition/): Pierpont partners with established energy companies and emerging cleantech innovators to help them navigate energy transition. - [Technology & Innovation](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/technology-innovation/): Our PR and marketing expertise helps technology and innovation companies increase their capabilities to achieve successful growth and ROI. - [Healthcare & Wellness](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/healthcare-wellness/): Pierpont has decades of experience in strategic marketing & PR for hospitals, medical device manufacturers, Rx companies, & medical practices. - [Consumer & Retail](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/consumer-retail/): Launching a new retail store? Pierpont helps grow brand awareness with multi-channel campaigns for successful retail marketing strategies. - [Commercial & Industrial](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/commercial-industrial/): The Pierpont team, with over 30 years of experience, provides marketing services that help manufacturers and industrial companies grow. - [Professional & Financial](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/professional-financial/): At Pierpont, we offer specialized PR, marketing and communication services for law firms, insurance companies and large financial brands, - [Nonprofit & Education](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/nonprofit-education/): Pierpont offers a wide range of PR & marketing services to help nonprofits & associations grow their reach & increase their community impact. - [Crisis Management](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/crisis-management/): Pierpont offers fully integrated crisis management strategies and tactics to defend and enhance your organization's reputation. - [Real Estate & Development](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/real-estate/): Pierpont Communications specializes in PR & marketing for real estate companies, real estate agents, home builders and industry associations. - [Public Relations](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/public-relations-pr/): Pierpont Communications provides media relations guidance and strategic PR planning to help businesses define, grow, and protect their brands. - [Marketing & Creative](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/marketing-creative/): Pierpont provides innovative, creative services to help companies define, grow and protect their brands with corporate marketing initiatives. - [Public Affairs](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/public-affairs/): Pierpont helps organizations improve government relations, execute stakeholder communications strategies, or launch a public sector engagement campaigns. - [Media Training](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/media-training/): Pierpont provides media training in Houston and other locations. Our media training services include media crisis training. - [Accessibility](https://www.piercom.com/accessibility/): If you have trouble accessing any of the information on piercom.com, please contact us online or call 866-959-0799. - [Sitemap](https://www.piercom.com/sitemap/): Pierpont Communications site map iIncludes links to our home page, services, industries, locations, news & insights and case studies. - [News & Insights](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/): Stay up-to-date on the latest PR, marketing and digital trends by reading Pierpont's News & Insights blog. - [Newsletter Signup](https://www.piercom.com/newsletter-signup/): Sign up today to receive the latest news and insights from the experts at Pierpont Communications right in your inbox. - [Austin](https://www.piercom.com/austin/): Pierpont Communications, Austin's top marketing & PR firm. We build awareness and reputation for innovative clients. Contact us today. - [Contact](https://www.piercom.com/contact/): Pierpont Communications: Public relations and marketing agency with offices in Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, San Antonio. Contact us today. - [Careers](https://www.piercom.com/careers/): See job openings at Pierpont Communications, an award-winning PR agency with offices in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. - [Our People](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/): Pierpont's team of industry-leading PR & marketing specialists use their experience and expertise to bring the best results to our clients. - [About](https://www.piercom.com/about/): With 35+ years of experience, Pierpont helps the world's biggest brands reach key audiences and enhance and protect their reputations. - [Work](https://www.piercom.com/work/): PR, marketing, & digital case studies from Pierpont's clients, including Walmart, Emirates Airlines, Halliburton, Waste Management, BP & more. - [Energy & Power](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/energy-power/): A leading marketing firm for the energy & power industries, we provide PR & marketing guidance to oil & gas as well as renewable companies. - [Digital Marketing](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/digital-marketing/): Pierpont's Digital Marketing experts help clients improve their websites, excel on social media, boost their search engine rankings, and more. - [Expertise](https://www.piercom.com/expertise/): With over 30 years of experience, Pierpont provides personalized PR and marketing expertise for clients, delivering successful ROI-driven campaigns. - [Home](https://www.piercom.com/): Award-winning PR agency. Delivering measurable results for tech, energy, healthcare & finance clients. Contact Pierpont Communications today. - [Privacy Policy](https://www.piercom.com/privacy-policy/): This privacy notice discloses the privacy practices for piercom.com. This privacy notice applies solely to information collected by this website. --- ## Posts - [The Evolving CMO Role: Decades of Change in the Last Six Years](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-evolving-cmo-role-decades-of-change-in-the-last-six-years/): The role of the CMO has evolved significantly over the last several years, reflecting broader shifts in technology, buyer behavior, and more. - [Lessons from the PR trenches: Terry Hemeyer Shares the Importance of Effective Communications](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/lessons-from-the-pr-trenches-terry-hemeyer-shares-the-importance-of-effective-communications/): PR industry expert Terry Hemeyer shares lessons learned from his storied career. - [Has X Been Dethroned? The Dynamic Landscape of Social Discourse Networks](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/x-threads-bluesky-dynamic-social-discourse-network-landscape/): X (Twitter) poses questions for its users, including journalists and advertisers. Can Threads and Bluesky fill the void? - [7 Essential Digital Marketing Skills for PR Professionals in 2025](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/7-essential-digital-marketing-skills-for-pr-professionals-in-2025/): Discover the 7 key digital marketing skills PR professionals need in 2025 to adapt to the evolving media landscape. - [Pierpont's Passion for Education: Leaders in the Classroom](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierponts-passion-for-education-leaders-in-the-classroom/): Pierpont highlights our leaders who are shaping the next generation through their college courses, exemplifying our commitment to education. - [Pierpont Recognized as one of CEOWORLD’s “Best Public Relations Agencies” for 2025](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-recognized-as-one-of-ceoworlds-best-public-relations-agencies-for-2025/): CEO WORLD recently listed Pierpont Communications as one of the world’s best public relations (PR) agencies. - [The Potential Impact of a TikTok Ban on the Digital Marketing Landscape](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-potential-impact-of-a-tiktok-ban-on-the-digital-marketing-landscape/): Explore how a potential TikTok ban could reshape digital marketing strategies, affecting brands, influencers, and advertising dynamics. - [Digital Marketing Trends to Watch in 2025](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/digital-marketing-trends-to-watch-in-2025/): From AI Agents to Zero-Click: Digital marketing trends to watch in 2025 and what businesses and marketers should do to stay ahead. - [Key Developments in Digital Marketing: A 2024 Overview](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/key-developments-in-digital-marketing-a-2024-overview/): SVP Chris Ferris explores the key developments that shaped digital marketing in 2024, with insights on AI and more trends. - [Public Relations in Denver: Strategies for Growing Colorado Companies](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/denver-public-relations-growing-companies/): Discover expert public relations (PR) strategies for Colorado to navigate this dynamic market with Pierpont's VP of the Denver office. - [Will AI Replace Public Relations?](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/will-ai-replace-public-relations/): Will AI replace Public Relations? AI seems to be everywhere, integrating itself rapidly into every industry. But PR is here to stay. - [PR vs. Marketing: Understanding the Difference](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pr-vs-marketing-understanding-the-difference/): Understand the key differences between public relations and marketing, and how each plays a crucial role in shaping a company's reputation. - [Is SEO Dead? Spoiler Alert—It’s Not! It’s Just Evolving](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/is-seo-dead-spoiler-alert-its-not-its-just-evolving/): Is SEO dead? AI is upending organic search as Google and others are becoming more answer engines than search engines. But SEO is not dead yet. - [Crisis and Reputation Management: Tips For When a PR Crisis Strikes](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-presents-corporate-crisis-and-reputation-management-webinar/): When a crisis occurs, it's important to ensure your legal and PR teams are aligned. Chris Jones, Senior VP at Pierpont, and Dennis Duffy, Director at Kane Russell Colemen Logan PC, discuss the evolution of crisis response and tips to preserve your brand integrity during a crisis. - [Moneyball for PR & Marketing: A Strategic Approach for Growing Businesses](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/moneyball-for-pr-marketing-a-strategic-approach-for-growing-businesses/): By applying the principles of “Moneyball” to PR and marketing Pierpont Communications can help businesses improve their bottom line. - [Navigating the Denver Media Landscape with Pierpont’s Expertise](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/navigating-the-denver-media-landscape-with-pierponts-expertise/): Pierpont is is deeply connected to the Denver media landscape and dedicated to driving business success using our PR experience and expertise. - [Discover Why Email Marketing Remains a Vital and Cost-Effective Tool for Digital Success](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-email-marketing-is-important/): Discover the impact of email marketing: versatile, personalized, cost-effective strategies for optimal engagement. - [Why Pierpont Communications is the Strategic Partner Denver Brands Need](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-pierpont-communications-is-the-strategic-partner-denver-brands-need/): Dan Mahoney, VP and General Manager of Pierpont Denver, shares his insights on why Pierpont is the strategic PR partner Denver brands need. - [What Should Businesses Do If TikTok is Banned in the US](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/what-should-businesses-do-if-tiktok-is-banned-in-the-us/): With TikTok's future uncertain, how should businesses prepare for a potential TikTok ban in the United States? - [5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn Presence](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/5-tips-to-improve-your-linkedin-presence/): Whether you are a seasoned professional, or new in your career, LinkedIn is a valuable tool that can do wonders for your personal brand. - [Pierpont Communications Announces Denver Market Entry with Two Strategic Local Hires](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-denver-market-entry/): Pierpont announces Denver market entry with the hire of Dan Mahoney as Vice President & General Manager and Pete Webb as Senior Counsel. - [Shaping Future Business Leaders: Pierpont’s Experts Bring Real-World Lessons to the Classroom](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierponts-experts-bring-real-world-lessons-to-classroom/): Pierpont celebrates our experts teaching at colleges, shaping young minds and promoting continuous learning among business leaders. - [How to Develop a Digital Marketing Strategy for Your Business](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-develop-a-digital-strategy-for-your-business/): When developing a digital marketing strategy, we first clarify business goals and then focus on website, SEO, social and online advertising. - [Maximizing Marketing Impact: 6 Ways Content Repurposing Powers Integrated Marketing](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/maximizing-marketing-impact-6-ways-content-repurposing-powers-integrated-marketing/): Staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses. One trend that has gained significant traction in recent years is content repurposing. - [Overcoming the CFO's Challenge: Telling Public Relations Story for Financial Impact](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/overcoming-the-cfos-challenge-telling-public-relations-story-for-financial-impact/): Help your CFO tell the story of why PR matters in language boards appreciate. Your CFO will appreciate you by supporting your PR budget. - [Pierpont Communications Announces Entry-Level Hires in Austin and Houston](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-entry-level-hires-brown-mann/): Pierpont Communications is excited to announce the entry-level hires of Jillian Brown and Ashley Mann. - [Energy Transition Begins with “And” in More Ways than One](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/energy-transition-begins-with-and-in-more-ways-than-one/): Pierpont VP Meghan Gross shares recent learnings from the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment annual meeting. - [Has Threads Replaced Twitter? The Rise and Stagnation of Threads](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/has-threads-replaced-twitter-the-rise-and-stagnation-of-threads/): Pierpont SVP of Digital Strategy looks at the rise and stagnation of Threads and its struggle to rival X (formerly Twitter). - [Why CEOs and Executives Should be on Linkedin](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-ceos-and-executives-should-be-on-linkedin/): Explore the primary reasons executives should be active on LinkedIn and how it can help boost brand awareness and networking efforts. - [Pierpont Wins "Best Places to Work" Award for Fifteenth Time](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-wins-best-places-to-work-15-times/): Pierpont Communications is a 15-time winner of "Best Places to Work" award from the Houston Business Journal. - [Why Your Organization Needs Generative AI Guidelines for Employees](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-your-organization-needs-generative-ai-guidelines-for-employees/): Looking to create an generative AI policy for your PR or marketing organization? Download our AI guideline recommendations. - [A Summary of New York Energy Week: One Decade Later](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/a-summary-of-new-york-energy-week-one-decade-later/): VP Meghan Gross shares her insights after attending New York Energy Week. - [From Data to Decisions: How GA4 Transforms Analytics for Businesses](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/from-data-to-decisions-how-ga4-transforms-analytics-for-businesses/): Utilizing GA4 provides businesses with powerful insights and actionable data to make informed decisions and drive growth. - [Maximizing Returns: Is the ROI of PR Investment Ellusive?](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/maximizing-returns-is-the-roi-of-pr-investment-allusive/): Vice President Tad Druart provides tips on explaining the ROI of a public relations investment to your executive team or board of directors. - [Should Businesses Be On Threads?](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/should-businesses-be-on-threads/): Threads, Meta's new alternative to Twitter, went live in July. Many of our clients have asked if they should join Threads. We provide answers. - [Why a Mid-year Marketing Communications Review is Vital in 2023](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-a-mid-year-marketing-communications-review-is-vital/): Kenneth Kracmer explains why a mid-year marketing communications review is vital to successfully execute your marketing plan and strategy. - [Pierpont Celebrates Finalists & Winners at EY Entrepreneur of the Year Gala](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-celebrates-finalists-winners-at-ey-gala/): Pierpont was proud to sponsor the 2023 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Event for the Gulf South Region last week. - [Does your sales team love your PR firm? If not, something is wrong.](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/does-your-sales-team-love-your-pr-firm-if-not-something-is-wrong/): How does your sales team feel about your PR firm? VP of Client Services explains how PR results can positively impact sales. - [Pierpont Communications Announces New Hire to Support Continued Growth](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-communications-hires-tad-druart/): Pierpont Communications has hired Tad Druart at Vice President, Client Services supporting the Pierpont Austin office. - [A Day in the Life of a Pierpont Intern](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-pierpont-intern/): Learn more from a Pierpont intern on their typical experience and day-to-day responsibilities. - [What You Need to Know About Gold Checkmarks on Twitter](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/what-you-need-to-know-about-gold-checkmarks-on-twitter/): What businesses need to know about gold checkmarks on Twitter. VP of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris explains what options companies have. - [How to Give Your Organization What It Needs to Succeed in Today’s Competitive PR Environment](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-give-your-organization-what-it-needs-to-succeed-in-todays-competitive-pr-environment/): Terry Hemeyer explains the challenges facing PR professionals, evaluating the current landscape, succeeding in the workplace and understanding how professionals can support their organization’s success. - [Pierponters Make an Impact at Local Universities](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-communications-professors/): Pierpont has a long-standing commitment to education. Four members of our staff are teaching classes at universities across the country. - [Should Businesses Pay for Twitter Blue or Meta Verified?](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/should-businesses-pay-for-twitter-blue-or-meta-verified/): VP of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris sees more likely value for Meta Verified, especially for businesses who want to protect their identities. - [The Importance of Internal Communications: How it Varies and What It Looks Like Today](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-importance-of-internal-communications/): Senior VP Chris Jones explains the importance of internal communications, how it varies, and what it looks like today. - [Is ChatGPT a Threat to Public Relations Professionals?](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/is-chatgpt-a-threat-to-public-relations-professionals/): ChatGPT can provide PR professionals with a great starting point in laying the foundation for a press release, but it lacks the human touch. - [Why Effective PR is like Conducting an Orchestra | Q&A with Senior VP Dave Stump](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/managing-pr-like-conducting-an-orchestra/): Pierpont's senior VP Dave Stump explains in this Q&A how achieving success in PR is like conducting a symphony orchestra. - [Common Misconceptions About Public Relations Pt. 2](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/common-misconceptions-about-public-relations-pt-2/): In part 2 of our series, we're addressing four more of the most common misconceptions about public relations. - [Why PR and Digital Marketing Teams Should Be Integrated](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-pr-and-digital-marketing-teams-should-be-integrated/): VP of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris explains why earned media still matters, especially when complemented and amplified by digital marketing. - [Externship Participants Gain PR Insights from Pierpont Experts](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/externship-participants-gain-pr-insights-from-pierpont-experts/): Pierpont hosted our 3rd annual Externship Agency Program with learning and development sessions guided by our experts. - [The Evolution of PR | Q&A with Pierpont Senior Leaders](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-evolution-of-pr-qa-with-pierpont-senior-leaders/): Two of Pierpont's senior leaders discuss the evolution of PR, what skills are most valuable, and how young pros can get a seat at the table. - [Senior Account Executive Deanna Werner Serves as IABC Houston President](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/senior-account-executive-deanna-werner-serves-as-iabc-houston-president/): Deanna Werner, senior account executive, began her term as President of the IABC Houston chapter in July 2022. - [Common Misconceptions About Public Relations Pt. 1](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/common-misconceptions-about-public-relations/): In part 1 of our ongoing series, we're addressing three of the most common misconceptions about public relations. - [It's Not Too Late to Add GA4 to Your Website](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/its-not-too-late-to-add-ga4-to-your-website/): VP of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris explains why it's vital for businesses to install GA4 on their websites now, rather than wait until 2023. - [Public Relations: What is PR?](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/what-is-pr/): If you have ever wondered what exactly public relations means or how it can benefit your organization, you're not alone. - [SEO vs. SEM: What's the Difference?](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/seo-vs-sem-whats-the-difference/): SEO vs. SEM: VP of Digital Strategy recently authored an article for UpCity, "SEM 101: How It’s Different Than SEO." - [Pierpont Communications Announces New Hires in Austin, Dallas Offices to Support Continued Growth](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-communications-announces-new-hires-in-austin-dallas/): Pierpont Communications announces two new hires in Austin and Dallas offices to support continued growth: Jaylon Brinkley and Jordan Brown. - [Pierpont Communications Celebrates 35th Anniversary](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-communications-celebrates-35th-anniversary/): Phil Morabito, founder and CEO of Pierpont Communications, celebrates 35th anniversary of one of the premier PR firms in the southwest. - [New Career Opportunities at Pierpont, the Southwest's Premier PR Firm](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/new-career-opportunities-at-pierpont/): Pierpont is looking looking for candidates at the Senior Account Executive, Account Supervisor and Vice President levels. - [Why PR is the Secret Ingredient for Successful SEO](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-pr-is-the-secret-ingredient-for-successful-seo/): The secret ingredient to successful SEO is PR branded keywords because they have better click-through-rates than non-branded keywords. - [How to Develop an Effective Crisis Communications Plan](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-develop-crisis-communications-plan/): Senior Vice President Chris Jones, who explains how companies across a wide range of industries should prepare for a crisis situation. - [The Importance of Trust, Credibility and Influence for Communications Professionals](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/importance-of-trust-credibility-influence-for-communications-professionals/): Terry Hemeyer shares tips for building credibility, establishing trust and communicating effectively as a PR practitioner. - [Pierpont Communications Announces Leadership Promotions in Austin Office](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-communications-announces-leadership-promotions-in-austin-office/): Pierpont named Allison Murray Vice President and General Manager of the Austin office, and Christine Rashman was promoted to Vice President. - [Reinforcing Resilience](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/reinforcing-resilience/): Pierpont Communications co-hosted a webinar with IABC Houston on the role of communications in disaster response and recovery. - [First-Party Data: Invest in The Future](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/first-party-data-invest-in-the-future/): Google announced that it is delaying the removal of cookies from Chrome, which will inevitably affect the way agencies and businesses advertise and market. - [Terry Hemeyer presents at PRSA Houston’s PR Day 2021](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/terry-hemeyer-presents-at-prsa-houstons-pr-day-2021/): In his session, Terry outlined the current PR landscape and critical skills today’s PR practitioners need to manage crises at warp speed. - [New Hires Bring Additional PR, Crisis and Brand Expertise to Pierpont’s Clients](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/new-hires-bring-additional-pr-crisis-and-brand-expertise-to-pierpont-clients/): We are thrilled to welcome three new team members to our offices in Dallas and Houston. They are experts in PR, crisis and media training. - [Pierpont Executive Emphasizes Importance of Increased Internal Communication During Remote Crisis Management](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-executive-emphasizes-importance-of-increased-internal-communication-during-remote-crisis-management/): Chris Jones, Senior Vice President, recently commented in Forbes on how remote working during COVID-19 is changing crisis management. - [Preserving Media Relationships: How to Comment Without Saying “No Comment”](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/preserving-media-relationships-how-to-comment-without-saying-no-comment/): When dealing with the media, one should be truthful, giving as many facts as possible while still protecting a client’s reputation. - [Creating Valuable and Meaningful Client-Partner Relationships ](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/creating-valuable-and-meaningful-client-partner-relationships/): While the pandemic has forced many businesses to change the way they operate, one thing remains the same: people need to make connections with others in order to succeed. - [How to Communicate Clearly During Times of Uncertainty](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-communicate-clearly-during-times-of-uncertainty/): Communication is the foundation for growth and will help bring stability through the end of the pandemic. - [How Apple’s iOS 14 Update Will Impact Facebook Ads](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-apples-ios-14-update-will-impact-facebook-ads/): Updates to Apple’s iOS operating system will lead to big changes in data tracking, impacting performance and reporting on various channels. - [How Public Relations Can Grow Brand Credibility](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-public-relations-can-grow-brand-credibility/): On the Digital Freelancers podcast, Meghan Gross discusses how organizations can use public relations to grow and promote their brand. - [Pierpont Invests in Talent, Promotes from Within](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-invests-in-talent-promotes-from-within/): Pierpont announced two senior management promotions in Houston - Elysa Nelson to SVP and Dave Stump to SVP, Business Development. - [How to Effectively Promote Community Giving During a Crisis](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-effectively-promote-community-giving-during-a-crisis/): Terry Hemeyer recently discussed the importance of striking the right tone when communicating about community involvement during a crisis. - [How to Effectively Collaborate in a Virtual Workplace](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-effectively-collaborate-in-a-virtual-workplace/): In a recent article, Kaitlin Ross provides insight on how to effectively collaborate with your coworkers while working remotely. - [Pierpont Austin Celebrates 20 Years of Business](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-austin-celebrates-20-years-of-business/): Please join us as we raise a virtual glass to celebrate 20 amazing years of Pierpont in Austin and to many more. - [Why Visibility is Critical to Your Company’s Survival](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-visibility-is-critical-to-your-companys-survival/): CEO Phil Morabito stresses the importance of enhanced marketing and sales efforts to remain visible during and after a crisis. - [Houston Business Journal Announces Pierpont as a 2020 Best Places to Work Finalist](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/houston-business-journal-announces-pierpont-as-a-2020-best-places-to-work-finalist/): The Houston Business Journal recently released its list of Best Places to Work finalists, including Pierpont among the 2020 honorees. - [Hemeyer Comments on Retail Crises Amid COVID-19](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/hemeyer-comments-on-retail-crises-amid-covid-19/): Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer addresses Winn-Dixie’s reversal of its in-store mask policy and how to successfully communicate the change. - [Pierpont Named to Austin Business Journal’s 2020 List of Top Agencies](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-named-to-austin-business-journals-2020-list-of-top-agencies/): The Austin Business Journal recently named Pierpont Communications a top Austin-area advertising and marketing agency for 2020. - [A Guide to Using Snapchat for Business](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/a-guide-to-using-snapchat-for-business/): Snapchat has revolutionized social media and how companies advertise. Read on to learn how to leverage Snapchat for your business. - [How to Navigate a Social Media Crisis](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-navigate-a-social-media-crisis/): Social media plans should be designed to coordinate with broader crisis communications plans, and the social media playbook. - [Pierpont Ranks Among Top PR Firms Nationally by O’Dwyer’s](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-ranks-among-top-pr-firms-nationally-by-odwyers/): O’Dwyer’s recently named Pierpont a top public relations firm, ranking #58 nationally and #3 in Texas. - [Pierpont Executives Teach University Classes Through COVID-19 Pandemic](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-executives-teach-university-classes-through-covid-19-pandemic/): The three professors amongst Pierpont’s staff managed to guide their metaphorical planes through the spring semester to a safe landing. - [Morabito Joins Silver Fox Advisors 2020 CEO Education Series Panel Discussion](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/morabito-joins-silver-fox-advisors-2020-ceo-education-series-panel-discussion/): Pierpont CEO Phil Morabito discussed the topic of customer acquisition from four angles: thinking, modeling, marketing and sales. - [What to Expect from Digital Marketing in the New Normal](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/what-to-expect-from-digital-marketing-in-the-new-normal/): We had a conversation with Chris Ferris, our VP of Digital Strategy, on how digital marketing will change in the wake of COVID-19. - [Pierpont Exec Explains Importance of Local Media to Facebook and Google](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-exec-explains-importance-of-local-media-to-facebook-and-google/): The two tech giants had recently been ordered to pay Australian media companies for publishing their news stories after negotiations failed. - [Building a Crisis Communications Plan](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/building-a-crisis-communications-plan/): Every company should have a crisis communications plan to address and minimize the impact of potential issues. - [“Unprecedented” Times Call for “Unprecedented” Commitment to Thoughtful Internal Communications](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/unprecedented-times-call-for-unprecedented-commitment-to-thoughtful-internal-communications/): Unprecedented. It’s the one word dominating the reports on the COVID-19 pandemic and its universal impact. - [Hemeyer Addresses Student Leaders at Regional PRSSA Conference](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/hemeyer-addresses-student-leaders-at-regional-prssa-conference/): Hemeyer talked to the aspiring public relations professionals about how the industry has changed and the skills it takes to be in PR. - [Communication Recommendations in Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/communication-recommendations-in-response-to-coronavirus-covid-19/): During this time, it is more important than ever for organizations to create strategies to protect employees, customers and operations. - [Pierpont Sheds Light on Rebuilding Your Organization’s Reputation After a Crisis](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-sheds-light-on-rebuilding-your-organizations-reputation-after-a-crisis-2/): Pierpont Senior Vice President and Crisis Management Expert Chris Jones recently spoke with KPRC, an NBC affiliate, in Houston about... - [What Communicators Often Overlook in Crisis Planning](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/what-communicators-often-overlook-in-crisis-planning/): In a Q&A article by Jack Holmes for PR News, Terry Hemeyer takes a look at crisis communications strategies and techniques that are often overlooked. - [Pierpont’s IABC Members Shoot for the Stars at NASA’s Johnson Space Center](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierponts-iabc-members-shoot-for-the-stars-at-nasas-johnson-space-center/): Lauren Williams and Carrie Whittlesey joined other IABC Houston members for an exclusive look at NASA’s Johnson Space Center communications. - [Pierpont Hosts Marketing & Communications Executive Panel](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-hosts-marketing-communications-executive-panel/): Pierpont hosted prominent Houston-based marketing and communications executives for the Houston Business Journal's Table of Experts series. - [Creating Meaningful and Memorable Connections](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/creating-meaningful-and-memorable-connections/): This holiday season we especially cherish the new connections we have made over the past year and the relationships we have further grown. - [How an Earned Media Strategy Can Drive Business Performance](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-an-earned-media-strategy-can-drive-business-performance/): A recent Cision webinar discussed the impact an earned media strategy can have on the success of your organization. - [Pierpont Wins #2 Best Places To Work Award](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-wins-2-best-places-to-work-award/): Pierpont was recently honored in the Houston Business Journal’s Annual Best Places to Work Awards, ranking #2 in the small companies category. - [Pierpont Partners with IABC Houston as the Chapter’s Diamond Sponsor](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-partners-with-iabc-houston-as-the-chapters-diamond-sponsor/): Pierpont is committed to serving clients, empowering employees and building strategic partnerships, like that with IABC Houston. - [Uncovering the Secrets to Innovation in the Workplace](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/uncovering-the-secrets-to-innovation-in-the-workplace/): The key factors to an innovative workplace were revealed in a recent study conducted as part of Pierpont’s research endowment. - [Pierpont Celebrates Five Year Partnership with Cristo Rey](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-celebrates-five-year-partnership-with-cristo-rey/): Over the past five years, students from Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory of Houston have connected with Pierpont through a work study. - [Risks & Rewards: Engaging Social Media Influencers](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/risks-rewards-engaging-social-media-influencers/): The Houston Chronicle article discusses major oil and gas companies’ use of influencers for marketing campaigns and their effectiveness. - [The Key to an Effective Crisis Response](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-key-to-an-effective-crisis-response/): The best approach to an effective crisis response is to prepare, survive and rebuild. Read on to learn more. - [Jones Discusses Cyber Security Crisis Communications in the Houston Business Journal](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/jones-discusses-cyber-security-crisis-communications-in-the-houston-business-journal/): Cyber crimes require a unique marketing approach then traditional issues explains Jones in his Houston Business Journal article. - [Three Takeaways from the Out of This World PRSA Southwest District Conference](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/three-takeaways-from-the-out-of-this-world-prsa-southwest-district-conference/): The conference featured speakers from NASA, other industry professionals discussing the public relations industry’s changing trends. - [Williams Named IABC Houston Volunteer of the Month](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/williams-named-iabc-houston-volunteer-of-the-month/): Account Executive Lauren Williams was recently named IABC Houston’s Volunteer of the Month for her time volunteered within the organization. - [Pierpont Sponsors 2019 University of Texas McCombs Business Outlook Events Statewide](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-sponsors-2019-university-of-texas-mccombs-business-outlook-events-statewide/): Business leaders in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio gathered for a series of events hosted by the Texas McCombs School of Business. - [Pierpont Delivers Client Wins at World’s Premier Energy & Tech Events](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-delivers-client-wins-at-worlds-premier-energy-tech-events/): Pierpont had the honor of working with clients on two of the business world’s biggest stages during SXSW in Austin and CERAWeek in Houston. - [Pierpont Professors Bring Industry Knowledge to the Classroom](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-professors-bring-industry-knowledge-to-the-classroom/): This semester Phil Morabito, Chris Ferris, Terry Hemeyer and David Gonzalez are carried on the Pierpont legacy of classroom instruction. - [Jones Illustrates Marketing’s Role in a Crisis at AMA Houston](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/jones-illustrates-marketings-role-in-a-crisis-at-ama-houston/): At an AMA Houston Academy, Chris Jones discussed crisis preparations for marketing teams and how to maximize the company's reputation. - [Pierpont Hosts Houston Business Journal Digital Roundtable](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-hosts-houston-business-journal-digital-roundtable/): Digital marketing experts gathered at the Pierpont office to discuss current and future trends in Houston as part HBJ's table of expertise. - [Pierpont Expands Team Statewide with New Hires in Dallas, Austin and Houston](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-expands-team-statewide-with-new-hires-in-dallas-austin-and-houston/): Pierpont is pleased to announce the addition of three strategic team members in Texas, who bring years of marketing expertise to the company. - [Morabito Honored by the Legionaries of Christ Houston](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/morabito-honored-by-the-legionaries-of-christ-houston/): Pierpont CEO Phil Morabito was the guest of honor at the Legionaries of Christ’s 80’s Night Gala for a Cause, who supports seminary students. - [Three Ways to Effectively Communicate to Underserved Communities](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/three-ways-to-effectively-communicate-to-underserved-communities/): Authenticate your message through partnerships with local non-profits and key community leaders to create an effective message. - [Pierpont Hosts Houston Business Journal Reputation Roundtable](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-hosts-houston-business-journal-reputation-roundtable/): Business leaders gathered at the Pierpont office to discuss brand perceptions and reputation management in Houston for HBJ's roundtable. - [Gehrig Talks Crisis Management at the Association of Corporate Counsel’s Annual Meeting](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/gehrig-talks-crisis-management-at-the-association-of-corporate-counsels-annual-meeting/): The ACC annual meeting, the world’s largest gathering of in-house counsel, took place in Austin, Texas this year. - [Pierpont Sponsors Press Club of Dallas North Texas Legends Awards](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-sponsors-press-club-of-dallas-north-texas-legends-awards/): A crowd of media personalities and marketing professionals gathered to honor distinguished Dallas journalists for the annual Legends Awards. - [How to Update Your Website to Meet Chrome’s New Security Standards](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-update-your-website-to-meet-chromes-new-security-standards-2/): Google has announced that the new version of Chrome will no longer trust SSL certificates, here's how to update your website. - [Pierpont Among Top Four Agencies Ranked by Austin Business Journal](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-among-top-four-agencies-ranked-by-austin-business-journal/): The Austin Business Journal list for 2018 recently named Pierpont Austin among the top four firms in Central Texas. - [Pierpont Relocates Headquarters to New Office at Park Towers in Uptown](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-relocates-headquarters-to-new-office-at-park-towers-in-uptown/): Pierpont Communications recently relocated its flagship office in Houston to the newly renovated Park Towers building in Uptown. - [Three Ways to Improve Your Brand’s Presence on Facebook](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/three-ways-to-improve-your-brands-presence-on-facebook/): What does the string of stumbles by Facebook mean for businesses that use the social media platform to connect or advertise to customers? - [Pierpont Recognized for Community Involvement by Austin Chamber of Commerce](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-recognized-for-community-involvement-by-austin-chamber-of-commerce/): The Austin Chamber of Commerce recently recognized Pierpont Communications as an Austin Gives Business for its excellence in giving back. - [Banding Together: How to Strengthen Communities in a Crisis](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/banding-together-how-to-strengthen-communities-in-a-crisis/): Being prepared as an organization is critical to the success of managing a crisis and making sure that everyone involved is well. - [How to Be A Leading Intern: 9 Skills to Practice Today](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-be-a-leading-intern-9-skills-to-practice-today/): Internships allow both interns and employers an opportunity to determine if they are a culture and work style fit for one another. - [Ferris Joins TMC Innovation Institute Advisor Network](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/ferris-joins-tmc-innovation-institute-advisor-network/): Ferris's background in digital strategy and marketing, make him a valuable addition to the innovation center located in the TMC. - [Is Your Website Compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act?](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/is-your-website-compliant-with-the-americans-with-disabilities-act/): Websites that are not easily accessible to people with disabilities may be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). - [Crisis Management: Controlling the Chaos](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/crisis-management-controlling-the-chaos/): Being prepared in knowing that crises are only a matter of time help organizations prioritize and handle issues in the most effective way. - [4 Tips to Navigate the Changing Media Landscape](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/4-tips-to-navigate-the-changing-media-landscape/): Whether we are in-house people serving corporate colleagues or external agencies serving clients, media relations is central to what we do. - [Words Matter: A Lesson in Message Discipline](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/words-matter-a-lesson-in-message-discipline-2/): Words matter and language is critical, especially when speaking for a public company, speak clearly to effectively communicate. - [Beyond People, Planet and Profits: The Triple Bottom Line Evolves](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/beyond-people-planet-and-profits-the-triple-bottom-line-evolves/): Focusing on this multi-stakeholder, long-view storytelling approach allows anyone, for the most part, to endure changes large and small. - [How to Use Social Media for Marketing and Public Relations](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-use-social-media-for-marketing-and-public-relations/): Social media can be used for marketing, but that’s not all–social media is also an important part of public relations. - [Ferris Appointed Vice President of Digital Strategy](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/ferris-appointed-vice-president-of-digital-strategy/): Pierpont announced the addition of Chris Ferris as a vice president of digital strategy, expanding the firm’s digital practices in marketing. - [How to be an MVP Intern: Top 5 Training Tips](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-be-an-mvp-intern-top-5-training-tips/): Whether you consider yourself a key player or a benched backup, we can all take some training tips from the top stages in sports. - [Here’s the No. 1 Personal Trait Innovative People Have](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/heres-the-no-1-personal-trait-innovative-people-have/): When you think about what personal traits one needs to be innovative, you might think of intelligence, passion, logic or creativity. - [How to Build an Innovative Team](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-build-an-innovative-team/): We talk about the importance of creating teams that understand how to balance risk and innovation. But what about staffing the teams? - [The Innovation Paradox: Embracing Risk and Uncertainty In Order to Succeed](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-innovation-paradox-embracing-risk-and-uncertainty-in-order-to-succeed/): Here are the top three things innovative organizations do to pursue innovation without opening their business up to too much risk. - [The Role of Failure in Innovation](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-role-of-failure-in-innovation/): Experts interviewed weighed whether or not they pursued an innovation project on what skill sets and knowledge their employees would gain. - [Hemeyer Keynotes ULN Leadership Summit](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/hemeyer-keynotes-uln-leadership-summit/): Hemeyer recently shared his insights on leadership with the next generation of leaders at the 3rd Annual ULN Leadership Summit. - [Paging the Innovation Department: Structuring Your Organization for Innovation Workflow](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/paging-the-innovation-department-structuring-your-organization-for-innovation-workflow/): Regardless of industry or size, the challenges organizations face in embedding innovation in the workplace are the same. - [Palacios Represents American Red Cross on Telemundo](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/palacios-represents-american-red-cross-on-telemundo/): As a Public Information Officer for the American Red Cross, Pierpont's Sylvester Palacios recently appeared on Telemundo Austin. - [Celebrating 30 Years by Giving Back](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/celebrating-30-years-by-giving-back/): To celebrate 30 years in business, we dedicated our time and our talents to give back to the communities we live in, work in and love. - [Pierpont Names New CFO, Senior Vice President](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-names-new-cfo-senior-vice-president/): Pierpont announced the promotion of Brian Banks to Chief Financial Officer and Chris Jones to Senior Vice President. - [What Marketers Need to Know About GDPR](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/what-marketers-need-to-know-about-gdpr/): Many organizations headquartered in the EU or with a significant customer base overseas have been working on GDPR changes for months. - [Five Ways Corporate Communicators Can Get a Jump Start on 2018](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/five-ways-corporate-communicators-can-get-a-jump-start-on-2018/): As we countdown to 2018, here are five often-overlooked strategies your team can implement to start next year on a strong foot. - [Pierpont Receives PRSA Pegasus Award](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-receives-prsa-pegasus-award/): PRSA honored Pierpont Communications with a Pegasus Award for Consumer Media Relations during the 2017 PRSA Dallas UnSummit on October 27. - [After the fanfare: HQ2 and employee engagement](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/after-the-fanfare-hq2-and-employee-engagement/): Last month, 238 cities, states and regions submitted their bid to host Amazon’s much-anticipated second headquarters, HQ2. - [Morabito, Hemeyer Present at PR Day](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/morabito-hemeyer-present-at-pr-day/): Morabito’s presentation shed light on what it is like to work for and run a public relations agency. - [Best Practices for 2018 Communications Planning](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/best-practices-for-2018-communications-planning/): Things will never go according to plan, they’ll go nowhere if you don’t have a plan at all, so now is the time to put that plan into place - [8 Ways to Optimize Your News Releases for SEO](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/8-ways-to-optimize-your-news-releases-for-seo/): Media relations and SEO go hand-and-hand and by following a simple checklist, you can ensure that you optimize your news releases. - [Hemeyer Presents at Hurricane Harvey Recovery Workshop](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/hemeyer-presents-at-hurricane-harvey-recovery-workshop/): Pierpont Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer spoke on crisis management best practices at the recent GHP workshop. - [Fast Forward Friday: From Nestlé to Equifax—The Evolution of Crisis Management](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/fast-forward-friday-from-nestle-to-equifax-the-evolution-of-crisis-management/): Given this changing landscape, organizations cannot always control every variable, communicators can control their preparedness. - [Fast Forward Friday: Content May Reign but Storytelling Will Never Die](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/fast-forward-friday-content-may-reign-but-storytelling-will-never-die/): What we know about audiences today—just as audiences from the decades and centuries before—is that they want to be informed and entertained. - [Mastering the Art of Networking](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/mastering-the-art-of-networking/): Networking is less about the number of people that you meet and more about the quality of the relationship developed. - [The Evolution of Ad Blockers and the Impact to Online Marketing](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-evolution-of-ad-blockers-and-the-impact-to-online-marketing/): Now, in 2017, ad blocking usage has grown and now is blocking over 615 million devices. So what does this mean for marketers? - [Pierpont’s Phil Morabito Honored with Legacy Award](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierponts-phil-morabito-honored-with-legacy-award/): Pierpont’s CEO Phil Morabito was honored as the 2017 Legacy Award winner at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Excalibur Awards. - [The Top 5 Questions Nonprofits Ask About Social Media](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-top-5-questions-nonprofits-ask-about-social-media/): In today’s high-touch digital world, almost every nonprofit organization has a presence on social media. - [Making the Most of a Special Session](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/making-the-most-of-a-special-session/): For those who did not see their supported bills make it to the Governor’s desk, this is a last-ditch effort to be heard. - [Social Media Handles](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/social-media-handles/): Brands often consider whether they should change their social media handles, but there are necessary steps to ensure your bases are covered. - [Fast Forward Friday: The Dictatorship of Data & Quest for ROI](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/fast-forward-friday-the-dictatorship-of-data-quest-for-roi/): Going forward, this type of approach will be absolutely necessary for marketers and communicators to convince data-driven executives. - [Hot Take: United Airlines Caught in the PR Crosshairs](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/hot-take-united-airlines-caught-in-the-pr-crosshairs/): What happened on United Flight 3411, of course, is now a global media story, spurred by the viral video popping up in everyone’s feed. - [Lessons from the Rebranding Trenches](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/lessons-from-the-rebranding-trenches/): Rebrands create new focus for your business goals, infuse new life into your organizational culture and provide a refreshed messaging and visual framework to share your unique brand story. - [The Evolution of Video on Social Media](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-evolution-of-video-on-social-media/): Today, live streaming video is quickly becoming king in the social media world, with innovators like Snapchat leading the change. - [Eminent Domain and the Future of Infrastructure](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/eminent-domain-and-the-future-of-infrastructure/): Such as eminent domain and environmental impact surveys, determine the ultimate fate of an infrastructure project and communications. - [Morgan Moritz Named to PRSA Austin Board](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/morgan-moritz-named-to-prsa-austin-board/): Assistant Account Executive Morgan Moritz has been named to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Austin's committee. - [How Small Businesses Can Maximize Marketing Dollars](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-small-businesses-can-maximize-marketing-dollars/): Morabito shared his 10 fundamental tips for small businesses to achieve marketing success and developing a message. - [Celebrating 30 Years of Success](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/celebrating-30-years-of-success/): While I’ve enjoyed building Pierpont over the past 30 years, the best is yet to come. We’re only getting better from here. - [The Fine Lines of Public Policy](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-fine-lines-of-public-policy/): During this truly unique era in politics, it is necessary to approach public policy issues with an understanding of issues facing Texas. - [How to Amplify Earned Media Through Digital Strategy](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-amplify-earned-media-through-digital-strategy/): Measuring the success of earned media is where everything comes full circle, and can help identify which messages have more value. - [Buckle-Up, The Texas Legislature’s Back in Session](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/buckle-up-the-texas-legislatures-back-in-session/): Texas has a “citizen’s” Legislature, which means we pay legislators a mere $7,200 a year, plus per diem during the Session. - [Are You Ready for Bigger, Braver, Bolder Content in 2017?](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/are-you-ready-for-bigger-braver-bolder-content-in-2017/): Content programs are beginning to mature, including more cohesive content strategies and better content creation processes. - [Marketing in a Down Economy](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/marketing-in-a-down-economy/): The image your business has is important. It conveys to prospects why they should work with you and gives them an idea of your values. - [Energy Execs Share Insights at Women’s Global Leadership Conference](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/energy-execs-share-insights-at-womens-global-leadership-conference/): Pierpont’s Sally Ramsay moderated a panel at the Woman's Global Leadership Conference in Energy, exploring how to network more effectively. - [The Most Common Mistakes in Crisis Communications Planning](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-most-common-mistakes-in-crisis-communications-planning/): By creating a crisis communications plan in advance, you can prepare to handle crisis incidents that could impact your organization. - [What You Need to Know About the 85th Texas Legislative Session](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-85th-texas-legislative-session/): At the Texas Tribune Festival last month, state and local leaders opened up about key issues and challenges going into the session. - [Communicate Quickly with International Crisis Planning](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/communicate-quickly-with-international-crisis-planning/): Pierpont's Chris Jones recently appeared on the PKF Texas Entrepreneur’s Playbook radio show to discuss the trends in the social media. - [The 4 Rules of Managing a Crisis on Social Media](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-4-rules-of-managing-a-crisis-on-social-media/): By putting a social media strategy in place now as part of your overall crisis communications plan, you can ensure that your team and company can activate quickly when a crisis does strike. - [Developing a Public Affairs Strategy for Your Pipeline Project](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/developing-a-public-affairs-strategy-for-your-pipeline-project/): Utilizing public relations to develop effective and proactively communicate throughout the project is the first step to ensure success. - [How to Measure Your Content’s Success](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-measure-your-contents-success/): Our content marketing programs can be tracked, measured and reported just like our ad buys or earned media mentions. - [Social Media Trends Changing the Game (Again)](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/social-media-trends-changing-the-game-again/): Every day at Pierpont, we help our clients keep pace with the latest social media trends to adjust their communications strategy. - [Businesses Catching New Customers with Pokémon GO](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/businesses-catching-new-customers-with-pokemon-go/): Perhaps it’s the brilliant use of augmented reality or the cross-generational appeal—but in only a few short weeks, Pokémon GO has gone viral. - [“Hemeyerisms” for Staying Relevant in Your Career ​](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/hemeyerisms-for-staying-relevant-in-your-career-%e2%80%8b/): Pierpont’s Executive Counsel, Terry Hemeyer, knows more than a thing or two about staying relevant throughout a career. - [Texas is Big, and Getting Bigger, in Population and Influence](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/texas-is-big-and-getting-bigger-in-population-and-influence/): Texas leaders have been open about their efforts to woo businesses and investments from the East and West Coasts. - [Bust Through Your Bias to Write Great Stories](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/bust-through-your-bias-to-write-great-stories/): The ideas of brand journalism and content marketing are the go-to solutions of late to more deeply engage audiences. - [Meet Terry Hemeyer: Pierpont’s “Most Interesting Man in the World”](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/meet-terry-hemeyer-pierponts-most-interesting-man-in-the-world/): There’s a little-known fact that Pierpont owes a portion of its talent to our Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer. - [Dave Stump to Help GirlStart Expand into Houston Market](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/dave-stump-to-help-girlstart-expand-into-houston-market-2/): Pierpont’s Vice President of Business Development, Dave Stump, was recently appointed as the GirlStart’s expansion into the Houston market. - [Winning Media in An Era of 8-Second Attention Spans](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/winning-media-in-an-era-of-8-second-attention-spans/): The reality is, if reporters can’t read your entire subject line on their phones, they won’t take the eight seconds to open it. - [Don’t Play Whack-A-Mole with Your Reputation](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/dont-play-whack-a-mole-with-your-reputation/): Any crisis has the potential to harm an organization’s long term reputation, but a crisis that is well-managed will likely do much less harm. - [Breathe New Life into Your Outdated Social Channels](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/breathe-new-life-into-your-outdated-social-channels/): Sometimes organizations will create a basic account on every popular social platform, even though the channel may not be the right fit. - [Buzzwords Gone Bad](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/buzzwords-gone-bad/): Typically defined as a word or phrase that gains popularity for a period of time, buzzwords usually have little real meaning. - [5 Surefire Ways to Craft Powerful Interview Sound Bites](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/5-surefire-ways-to-craft-powerful-interview-sound-bites/): Whereas a key message qualifies an organization’s brand position, an interview sound bite is the pull-through of the message in a snippet. - [Communicating Your Data in a Single Bullet​](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/communicating-your-data-in-a-single-bullet%e2%80%8b/): For several of our clients, that’s all the space they’ll get to share the success of their latest initiative with their leadership team. - [3 Essentials to Writing More Engaging Content](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/3-essentials-to-writing-more-engaging-content/): At the end of the day, it’s not the volume of words that matters most. It’s about finding ways to use words to engage your targeted audience. - [Millennials Are Hungry for Video](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/millennials-are-hungry-for-video/): Unlike older generations, Millennials aren’t as responsive to television commercials and print advertisements. - [Layoffs – Lessons from a Reputation Management Specialist](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/layoffs-lessons-from-a-reputation-management-specialist/): There are lessons to be learned from traditional crisis communications response that can help reduce uncertainty and minimize damage. - [How the Situational Theory of Publics Helps You Communicate with Your Audiences](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-the-situational-theory-of-publics-helps-you-communicate-with-your-audiences/): This theory still seems relevant for today’s landscape in the media, pop culture, social media, and social issues. - [Clint Woods has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO)](https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/clint-woods-has-been-named-chief-operating-officer-coo/): As COO, Woods will focus on firm operations, including the management of day-to-day functions and further developing Pierpont’s expertise. --- ## Work - [Moss | Strengthening Brand Authority and Industry Influence](https://www.piercom.com/work/moss-strengthening-brand-authority-and-industry-influence/): Pierpont Communications elevated Moss’s brand visibility and thought leadership in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. - [FoodChain ID | Raising Brand Recognition and Lead Generation Under a Tight Deadline](https://www.piercom.com/work/foodchainid-pr-case-study/): Pierpont drove FoodChain ID’s lead generation and brand awareness with strategic media outreach ahead of a critical USDA compliance deadline. - [Forvis Mazars | Key Messaging Drives Widespread Media Coverage for New Global Accounting Network](https://www.piercom.com/work/forvis-mazars-key-messaging-drives-widespread-media-coverage-for-new-global-accounting-network/): Pierpont elevated Forvis Mazars' visibility and reputation by leveraging thought leaders and securing extensive media coverage. - [Acadian Ambulance Service | Driving EMT Recruitment Through Strategic Communications](https://www.piercom.com/work/acadian-ambulance-service-driving-emt-recruitment-through-strategic-communications/): Pierpont implemented an integrated marketing strategy for Acadian that resulted in a surge in student registrations and revenue growth. - [Ronald McDonald House of Dallas | Strategic Media Strategies Drive Record Attendance and Fundraising Success](https://www.piercom.com/work/ronald-mcdonald-house-of-dallas/): Pierpont's proactive media relations campaign for Ronald McDonald House of Dallas elevated drove record attendance and fundraising success - [JB Poindexter & Co. | Positioning the CEO for EY’s 2024 Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award](https://www.piercom.com/work/jb-poindexter-co-positioning-the-ceo-for-eys-2024-entrepreneur-of-the-year-award/): Pierpont positioned John Poindexter of JBPCO for EY’s 2024 Entrepreneur Of The Year® award by leveraging proactive public relations. - [Cresta Fund Management | Laying the Foundation for Enhanced Presence in the Energy and Industrial Sectors](https://www.piercom.com/work/cresta-fund-management-laying-the-foundation-for-enhanced-presence-in-the-energy-and-industrial-sectors/): Pierpont’s PR campaign enhanced Cresta Fund Management’s visibility and thought leadership in the energy sector. - [Denbury | Community Engagement to Champion Sustainable Energy Solutions](https://www.piercom.com/work/denbury-community-engagement-to-champion-sustainable-energy-solutions/): Pierpont successfully increased public awareness for Denbury, leading to successful project application submissions. - [BigCommerce | Driving Visibility for BigCommerce Amongst Priority Sales Targets](https://www.piercom.com/work/bigcommerce-driving-visibility-for-bigcommerce-amongst-priority-sales-targets/): Pierpont Communications targeted PR campaign generated nearly 100 stories, significantly boosting BigCommerce’s share of voice. - [Offsite Modular Construction | Increasing Brand Awareness Through Strategic Marketing](https://www.piercom.com/work/offsite-modular-construction-increasing-brand-awareness-through-strategic-marketing/): Learn how Pierpont's marketing strategies elevated OMC, resulting in a 488% increase in social media followers and improved brand recognition. - [Kids' Meals | Amplifying a Local Nonprofit to the National Stage on Good Morning America](https://www.piercom.com/work/kids-meals-amplifying-a-local-nonprofit-to-the-national-stage-on-good-morning-america/): Learn how Pierpont Communications helped amplify local nonprofit Kids' Meals to the national stage on Good Morning America. - [HMEIC : Driving Record Engagement and Attendance Through Digital Marketing](https://www.piercom.com/work/hmeic-driving-record-engagement-and-attendance-through-digital-marketing/): Learn how Pierpont's digital marketing strategies helped HMEIC increase LinkedIn followers by 10% and surpass 500 conference attendees. - [Velentium | Enhancing Digital Presence Through Targeted Marketing](https://www.piercom.com/work/velentium-enhancing-digital-presence-through-targeted-marketing/): Pierpont utilized different digital marketing strategies and platforms to increase online visibility and awareness for Velentium. - [Improving Community Engagement and Visibility in a Competitive Market](https://www.piercom.com/work/improving-community-engagement-and-visibility-in-a-competitive-market/): Pierpont increased media visibility and strengthened Edgemere's reputation and credibility as a top provider in senior care. - [Alchemy3 | Amplifying Lottery Promotion Through Strategic Public Relations](https://www.piercom.com/work/alchemy3-amplifying-lottery-promotion-through-strategic-public-relations/): Pierpont generated over 200 pieces of media coverage announcing The Space Perspective Cash Adventure Promotion in partnership with Alchemy3, - [University of Texas Permian Basin | Driving Online Attendance at a Top-Tier Educational Institution](https://www.piercom.com/work/university-of-texas-permian-basin-driving-online-attendance-at-a-top-tier-educational-institution/): University of Texas Permian Basin partnered with Pierpont to generate awareness of its online education program through earned media - [CyrusOne | Elevating Organic Social Media Strategy for Data Center Leader](https://www.piercom.com/work/cyrusone-elevating-organic-social-media-strategy-for-data-center-leader/): CyrusOne, a global data center leader, turned to Pierpont for a data-driven social strategy to boost brand awareness and engagement. - [CyrusOne | Increasing Awareness and Driving New Business for a Data Center Leader](https://www.piercom.com/work/cyrusone-increasing-awareness-and-driving-new-business-for-a-data-center-leader/): CyrusOne aimed to boost brand awareness and website conversions. Pierpont helped design and deploy a proactive digital marketing campaign. - [Cumberland Estate | Increasing Awareness of Upland Bird Hunting Experience with Influencer Marketing & Earned Media](https://www.piercom.com/work/cumberland-estate-increasing-awareness-of-bird-hunting-with-influencer-marketing-earned-media/): Cumberland Estate is a historical, luxury hunting destination located in New Kent County, Virginia. - [African Energy Week | Increasing Event Attendance Through Social Media and Digital Advertising](https://www.piercom.com/work/african-energy-week-increasing-attendance-social-media-digital-advertising/): African Energy Week engaged with Pierpont to increase registrations and build brand awareness among new audiences. - [Center for Hydrogen Safety | Empowering Expertise & Driving Dialogue to Up Brand Awareness](https://www.piercom.com/work/center-for-hydrogen-safety-empowering-expertise-driving-dialogue-to-up-brand-awareness/): - [EVP EyeCare | Increasing Brand Awareness Through Focused Media Relations and Thought Leadership Initiatives](https://www.piercom.com/work/evp-eyecare-increasing-brand-awareness-through-focused-media-relations-and-thought-leadership-initiatives/): EVP EyeCare needed to increase brand awareness as increasing competition within the market and as eye surgeries became more commoditized. - [CyrusOne | Building a Robust Online Presence for Data Center Giant](https://www.piercom.com/work/cyrusone-building-a-robust-online-prescence-for-data-center-giant/): Subject matter experts and stakeholders from CyrusOne and Pierpont designed, developed, and deployed a redesigned website. - [YTexas | Brand Recognition Through Strategic Thought Leadership](https://www.piercom.com/work/ytexas-brand-recognition-through-strategic-thought-leadership/): - [Broad Reach Power | Supporting PE-Backed Energy Storage Company from Inception to Billion-Dollar Exit](https://www.piercom.com/work/broad-reach-power-supporting-pe-backed-energy-storage-company/): Throughout Pierpont’s four-year engagement with Broad Reach Power, we supported thirteen major announcements - [Launching an Influencer Marketing Campaign to Reach New Customer Segments | Cibolo Creek Ranch](https://www.piercom.com/work/launching-an-influencer-marketing-campaign-to-reach-new-customer-segments-cibolo-creek-ranch/): - [HMEIC | Driving Engagement and Attendance with Social Media](https://www.piercom.com/work/hmeic-driving-engagement-and-attendance-with-social-media/): - [Public Affairs | Using Communications Research and Insights to Support and Inform Legal Strategy](https://www.piercom.com/work/public-affairs-using-communications-research-and-insights-to-support-and-inform-legal-strategy/): - [Neara | Expanding Brand Awareness from Australia to North America](https://www.piercom.com/work/neara-expanding-brand-awareness-from-australia-to-north-america/): - [Stoller | Maintaining Stakeholder Trust Amidst a Company Transition](https://www.piercom.com/work/stoller-maintaining-stakeholder-trust-amidst-a-company-transition/): - [Opportune | Training CPAs for Effective Client, Conference & New Business Meetings](https://www.piercom.com/work/opportune-training-cpas-for-effective-client-conference-new-business-meetings/): - [Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center | Protecting a World-Renown Brand Midst a Crisis](https://www.piercom.com/work/baylor-st-lukes-medical-center/): Pierpont worked closely with the crisis management and media relations teams, monitoring media coverage and providing recommendations. - [Hyliion | Fostering Relationships Among the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs](https://www.piercom.com/work/hyliion-fostering-relationships-among-the-next-generation-of-entrepreneurs/): - [Seventus | Cooperative Messaging](https://www.piercom.com/work/seventus-cooperative-messaging/): - [Facebook | Generating Nearly 200 Pieces of Earned Media Coverage](https://www.piercom.com/work/facebook-generating-nearly-200-pieces-of-earned-media-coverage/): - [Softeq | Repositioning to an Innovator & Technology Accelerator](https://www.piercom.com/work/softeq-repositioning-to-an-innovator-technology-accelerator/): - [Vital Branding | The Menninger Clinic](https://www.piercom.com/work/vital-branding-the-menninger-clinic/): - [Advancing Analyst Relations | Texas Instruments](https://www.piercom.com/work/advancing-analyst-relations-texas-instruments/): - [Belmont Village | Driving Awareness & Growing Followers on Social Media](https://www.piercom.com/work/belmont-village-driving-awareness-growing-followers-on-social-media/): - [Monolith | Increased Investor and Customer Attraction](https://www.piercom.com/work/monolith-increased-investor-and-customer-attraction/): - [AcctTwo | Building Credibility with Key Decision Makers](https://www.piercom.com/work/accttwo-building-credibility-with-key-decision-makers/): - [Little Soya | Sending Soy Sauce to Space](https://www.piercom.com/work/little-soya-sending-soy-sauce-to-space/): - [SilverStone Events | Company Refresh and Rebrand](https://www.piercom.com/work/silverstone-events-company-refresh-and-rebrand/): - [Magnolia Oil and Gas | Targeted Awareness for a Complex O&G IPO](https://www.piercom.com/work/magnolia-oil-and-gas-targeted-awareness-for-a-complex-og-ipo/): - [IHI Corporation | Expanding Brand Awareness & Employee Retention](https://www.piercom.com/work/ihi-corporation-expanding-brand-awareness-employee-retention/): - [TEAM Industrial Services | Multi-Subsidiary Integration & Marketing Plan](https://www.piercom.com/work/team-industrial-services-multi-subsidiary-integration-marketing-plan/): - [Univar Solutions | Complete CMS & Site Redesign for Brand Acquisition](https://www.piercom.com/work/univar-solutions-complete-cms-site-redesign-for-brand-acquisition/): - [Strategic Marketing Plan for Higher Education | UH Bauer College of Business](https://www.piercom.com/work/strategic-marketing-plan-for-higher-education-uh-bauer-college-of-business/): - [Rockspring Capital | ROI Through Local, Trade & National Media](https://www.piercom.com/work/rockspring-capital-roi-through-local-trade-national-media/): - [Opportune | Growing Visibility in the Marketplace](https://www.piercom.com/work/opportune-growing-visibility-in-the-marketplace/): - [Hart Energy | Repositioning a Houston Publisher](https://www.piercom.com/work/hart-energy-repositioning-a-houston-publisher/): - [Halliburton | Merger & Acquisition Communications Integration](https://www.piercom.com/work/halliburton-merger-acquisition-communications-integration/): - [ClearSign | Content & Digital Audit for a Cohesive Strategy](https://www.piercom.com/work/clearsign-content-digital-audit-for-a-cohesive-strategy/): - [BP | Diversity and Inclusion Survey Drives Strong Response](https://www.piercom.com/work/bp-diversity-and-inclusion-survey-drives-strong-response/): - [BakerCorp | Defining a New Market Sector and Positioning for Acquisition](https://www.piercom.com/work/bakercorp-defining-a-new-market-sector-and-positioning-for-acquisition/): - [CyrusOne | Repositioning A Leading Brand and Driving Awareness Through Marketing](https://www.piercom.com/work/cyrusone-repositioning-a-leading-brand-and-driving-awareness-through-marketing/): - [Schumacher Electric Corporation | Power in Positioning](https://www.piercom.com/work/schumacher-electric-corporation-power-in-positioning/): Schumacher Electric Corporation partnered with Pierpont to boost brand, product launches, and CSR, and innovative partnerships. - [GoExpedi | Emerging Tech Company Leverages PR to Grow Market Share](https://www.piercom.com/work/goexpedi-pr-grow-market-share/): Emerging Tech Company Leverages PR to Grow Market Share - [Velentium | Launching a Successful Ongoing Media Relations & Thought Leadership Campaign](https://www.piercom.com/work/velentium-pr-thought-leadership-campaign/): Launching a Successful Ongoing Media Relations & Thought Leadership Campaign - [Catalyze | Executing a Platform Launch and Leveraging M&A Activity](https://www.piercom.com/work/catalyze-pr-platform-launch/): Executing a Platform Launch and Leveraging M&A Activity - [Banorte Securities | Executing a Brand Launch and Domestic Market Entry for Mexico’s Largest Financial Institution](https://www.piercom.com/work/banorte-securities-brand-launch/): Executing a Brand Launch and Domestic Market Entry for Mexico’s Largest Financial Institution - [Koelsch Communities | Increasing Brand Awareness to Drive Occupancy](https://www.piercom.com/work/koelsch-communities-brand-awareness-drive-occupancy/): Facebook Partnership Results in Nearly 200 Pieces of Media Coverage in Fewer Than 60 Days - [Oil & Gas Leader | Cleaning Up a Partner Community with Oil and Gas Leaders](https://www.piercom.com/work/oil-gas-pipeline/): A publicly traded oil and gas company engaged Pierpont following a reputation crisis to provide swift and effective communication support. - [Money Management International | Increasing Brand Awareness and Consumer Education for Leading Financial Counseling Nonprofit](https://www.piercom.com/work/money-management-international-increasing-brand-awareness-and-consumer-education-for-leading-financial-counseling-nonprofit/): Money Management International reengaged Pierpont during the pandemic for media relations to increase education of their counseling services. - [CFI | Promoting Healthcare Financing through Thought Leadership & Brand Awareness](https://www.piercom.com/work/cfi/): CFI, a leading fintech company, engaged Pierpont to help promote healthcare financing through thought leadership and brand awareness. - [Walmart | Establishing a Back-to-School Destination](https://www.piercom.com/work/walmart-back-to-school/): To kick off the Tax Free Shopping Weekend in Houston and Beaumont, Pierpont executed a highly-targeted media campaign to secure coverage. - [Walmart PR & Marketing | Positioning a National Retailer Through Regional PR & Marketing](https://www.piercom.com/work/walmart-pr-marketing/): Walmart aimed to position itself as the one stop shop for consumers’ holiday shopping needs and engaged Pierpont to tell its story. - [Walmart | Expanding Walmart’s Footprint](https://www.piercom.com/work/walmart-public-affairs-case-study-pierpont-communications/): When the world’s largest retailer, Walmart, looked to expand their operations in the Greater Houston region, they called on Pierpont. - [Standard Renewable Energy | Taking a “Clean and Green” Message to the White House](https://www.piercom.com/work/standard-renewable-energy/): SRE turned to Pierpont to help expand its media presence and ensure their inclusion in the national discourse on renewable energy. - [Stage Stores | Adapting to Changing Consumer Behaviors](https://www.piercom.com/work/stage-stores/): Pierpont supported several initiatives that would encourage shoppers to take notice of the brand and increase sales in person and online. - [SparkCognition Series C | Pierpont Secures Top-Tier Media for SparkCognition’s $100M Funding](https://www.piercom.com/work/sparkcognition-series-c/): SparkCognition partnered with Pierpont to roll out the company’s $100 million Series C funding round in October of 2019. - [SNC-Lavalin Tradeshow Support | Personalizing the Midstream Conversation](https://www.piercom.com/work/snc-lavalin-tradeshow-support/): Pierpont and SNC-Lavalin maximized the company’s executive leadership via personal introductions to midstream and national business media. - [Skanska | Skanska USA Topping Out of Smith Clinic](https://www.piercom.com/work/skanska/): Skanska looked to its public relations partner, Pierpont, to plan and execute the important topping out ceremony for the Smith Clinic. - [Shop LC | Jewelry Retailer Gets Recognized for its Campaign to End Kid Hunger, Business Success](https://www.piercom.com/work/shop-lc/): Shop LC looked to Pierpont to create buzz about its new partnership aimed to end kid hunger stateside as well as its donation milestone. - [Pediatric Academic Societies | Driving Event Interest & Attendance](https://www.piercom.com/work/pediatric-academic-societies-annual-conference/): PAS engaged Pierpont to help drive interest in the conference among attendees, drive additional signups, and to develop media interest - [Norma’s Cafe | Supporting a Beloved Neighborhood Dining Institution During Nationwide Closures](https://www.piercom.com/work/normas-cafe/): Norma’s Cafe engaged Pierpont to develop a robust public relations campaign that would promote the brand, its offerings and reputation. - [Messina Hof | Toasting to Media Success](https://www.piercom.com/work/messina-hof/): Pierpont worked with Messina Hof to amplify its brand narrative and highlight its diverse product offering. - [Cheeses of Europe | #MakeItMagnifique](https://www.piercom.com/work/cheeses-of-europe/): Pierpont created an experiential high-profile media tour with broadcast and print outlets and food bloggers. - [Jim Whitten Roof Consultants | Promoting a New President, MBE Certification Milestones](https://www.piercom.com/work/jim-whitten-roof-consultants/): JWRC wanted to generate awareness of its new MBE certification and president amongst regional and national target audiences. - [Imperial Sugar | Introducing a New Product to the Market](https://www.piercom.com/work/imperial-sugar-product-launch/): The company engaged Pierpont to introduce the new product to consumers and further develop the company’s brand portfolio. - [Group 1 Automotive | Driving Performance for an Iconic, Global Automotive Retail Leader](https://www.piercom.com/work/group-1-automotive/): Pierpont supports Group 1’s executive leadership team with strategies that advance their business objectives and increase brand awareness. - [Greater Houston Restaurant Association | Reestablishing Political Strength](https://www.piercom.com/work/greater-houston-restaurant-association/): Greater Houston Restaurant Association tapped Pierpont to lead and manage the Association’s governmental affairs and political initiatives. - [Encore Live | Amplifying the Production Story of the Presidential Inauguration](https://www.piercom.com/work/encore-live/): Encore Live brought on Pierpont to help launch a Dallas-Fort Worth focused media relations campaign to generate local awareness. - [ECO Roof and Solar | Colorado Roofing Company Merges with Texas Firm](https://www.piercom.com/work/eco-roof-and-solar/): ECO wanted to use the merger news to not only alert its network of its new footprint in Texas, but to also tap into new markets. - [Aramark | Scoring a Big Win for Big Game Food](https://www.piercom.com/work/aramark-super-bowl/): Aramark and Pierpont teamed up for the opening of NRG Reliant Stadium, Super Bowl XXXVIII, celebrity chef partnerships, and Super Bowl LI. - [Offshore Technology Conference | Announcing ‘d5’ – Live and Online](https://www.piercom.com/work/offshore-technology-conference/): With Pierpont, OTC launched d5, a new event designed to share game-changing ideas and drive exponential growth in the energy industry. - [Wood Group | Proactive Incident Preparation](https://www.piercom.com/work/wood-group/): Pierpont developed video-conference-based training, including remote media interview simulation capabilities. - [WellAware | Building Brand Awareness](https://www.piercom.com/work/wellaware/): In 2015, WellAware engaged Pierpont to help drive greater brand awareness for the company and its products within the industry. - [Waste Management | Thinking Green for the Community](https://www.piercom.com/work/waste-management/): By matching skills, interests, etc. against Houston’s nonprofit service opportunities, Pierpont placed all 70 executives in board positions. - [Walmart Community Relations | Cementing a National Retailer](https://www.piercom.com/work/walmart-community-relations/): Pierpont was tasked with engaging several Walmart markets within the Houston region via one cohesive campaign. - [Verizon Wireless | Launching a Retail Destination](https://www.piercom.com/work/verizon-wireless/): Pierpont established a new Verizon store as a destination for consumers to discover wireless solutions tailored to them. - [Veeder-Root | Fueling an Industry Leader’s Market Awareness](https://www.piercom.com/work/veeder-root/): The goal was to reach convenience store owners and operators to encourage them to upgrade their fueling equipment. - [UBS | Elevating the UBS Brand Across Texas](https://www.piercom.com/work/ubs/): We built a strategic thought leadership program to amplify the expertise of UBS financial, wealth advisors and the South Texas Market Heads. - [Uber | Rides into Houston](https://www.piercom.com/work/uber/): Uber partnered with local experts, including Pierpont’s government affairs team to educate and influence the Houston City Council. - [Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals & Clinics | Healthcare Giant Seeks to Sell](https://www.piercom.com/work/trinity-mother-frances-hospitals-clinics/): Pierpont was charged with creating a communications strategy and execution plan that would convey the importance of this strategic sale. - [Total Wine & More | Localizing a National Consumer Retail Brand](https://www.piercom.com/work/total-wine-more/): Total Wine & More engaged Pierpont to drive community awareness, foot traffic and product sales to support the retailer regional growth. - [Thumbtack | Launching in the Lone Star State](https://www.piercom.com/work/thumbtack/): Pierpont showcased the varied services of Thumbtack’s business partners to the community and bloggers through an event. - [The Rose | Expanding Breast Care](https://www.piercom.com/work/the-rose/): Pierpont built a brand platform that uncovered differentiating factors and developed proactive brand messaging to reach its target audience. - [TPG Pace Energy Holdings | Targeted Awareness for a Complex O&G IP](https://www.piercom.com/work/tpg-pace-energy-holdings/): In less than two weeks Pierpont developed a media strategy, messaging, press materials, internal communications and more for the announcement. - [ITW | Engaging Automotive Influencers to Elevate Brand Awareness](https://www.piercom.com/work/itw-global-brands/): To elevate brand awareness among prominent auto influencers, Pierpont coordinated an exclusive tour of the ITW laboratory and test garage. - [IPT Global | Elevating the World’s Leading Digital Pressure Testing Software](https://www.piercom.com/work/ipt-global/): IPT Global partnered with Pierpont to increase brand visibility, elevate their messaging and boost their sales enablement toolkit. - [INEOS Styrolution | Research-Driven Media Relations and Content Creation](https://www.piercom.com/work/ineos-styrolution/): Pierpont was selected by INEOS Styrolution to promote its advanced recycling technologies and the transition to a closed-loop economy. - [Imperial Sugar | Responding to an Industrial Crisis](https://www.piercom.com/work/imperial-sugar-crisis-management/): Pierpont’s goal was to help Imperial Sugar rebuild its relationships with key stakeholders and articulate its long-term business strategy. - [Husch Blackwell | Elevating a National Law Firm’s Market Presence](https://www.piercom.com/work/husch-blackwell/): The firm chose Pierpont for its ties to the region, knowledge of local influencers and significant experience working with law firms. - [Huntsman | The Heart of the Huntsman](https://www.piercom.com/work/huntsman/): Pierpont has supported Huntsman with media relations, thought leadership, crisis readiness, market intelligence, event planning and more. - [Holly Energy Partners | Coordinating a Corporate Crisis Response](https://www.piercom.com/work/holly-energy-partners/): Holly Energy Partners engaged Pierpont to create an effective Crisis Response Plan that would prepare them to respond effectively. - [HNTB | Increasing Thought Leadership in the Transportation](https://www.piercom.com/work/hntb-corporation/): HNTB Corporation engaged Pierpont to work closely with local office leaders, and meaningfully engage with stakeholders and the community. - [HMEIC | Building Awareness and Driving Attendance Through Social Media](https://www.piercom.com/work/houston-marine-energy-insurance-conference/): In an effort to build awareness and drive attendance, the conference engaged Pierpont to manage and grow its digital presence. - [HISD | Getting out the Vote. Passing a Historic Bond.](https://www.piercom.com/work/houston-independent-school-district/): A series of community meetings was conducted, neighborhoods were engaged, media coverage secured and a social media campaign implemented. - [Harris County Community Services Department | Power in Numbers](https://www.piercom.com/work/harris-county-community-services-department/): Pierpont developed a widespread community relations initiative that raised awareness and spoke to the importance of a complete Census. - [Halliburton Labs | Launching an Innovative Lab to Accelerate Clean Energy Development](https://www.piercom.com/work/halliburton/): Pierpont worked with Halliburton to reinforce its commitment to the science and continued evolution of sustainable, reliable energy. - [GulfMark | Equipped for Anything](https://www.piercom.com/work/gulfmark/): Pierpont produced a crisis communications plan, tailored to a genuine understanding of the issues that GulfMark faces across the globe. - [TMGcore | Launching a Data Center Platform](https://www.piercom.com/work/tmgcore/): TMGcore turned to Pierpont to bring new products to market and take a creative approach to garner interest from potential customers. - [The University of Texas at Austin | Positioning the University as an Innovative Thought Leader](https://www.piercom.com/work/the-university-of-texas-at-austin/): After launching Texas OnCourse and UT OnRamps, the University looked to Pierpont to increase local, regional and national awareness. - [Texas Board of Legal Specialization | Building Awareness of Board Certification](https://www.piercom.com/work/texas-board-of-legal-specialization/): Pierpont determined the best way to achieve the organization’s objectives was through a comprehensive media relations and marketing program. - [Texas REALTORS® | Amplifying the Voice of Texas Real Estate](https://www.piercom.com/work/texas-association-realtors/): Pierpont produces the Texas Quarterly Housing Report and promotes seven other reports about the Texas housing market for Texas Realtors. - [Technip | Crisis Communications Management & Training](https://www.piercom.com/work/technip/): Pierpont reviewed the Technip Integrated Response Plan and developed enhanced regional response drills to test the crisis communications plan. - [Tax Advisors Group | Rebranding to Establish Market Leadership](https://www.piercom.com/work/tax-advisors-group/): TAG partnered with Pierpont to refresh its branding, logo, key messaging, website, collateral, and sales training. - [Target Lodging | Longstanding Integrated Communications Support](https://www.piercom.com/work/target-lodging/): Pierpont worked with Target Lodging through two branding exercises, as the company expanded and diversified its offerings. - [Sunoco Logistics | A Pipeline’s Boots on the Ground](https://www.piercom.com/work/sunoco-logistics/): Pierpont helped Sunoco prepare for crisis situations by serving as the PIO and communications support during drills. - [Sunnova | Executive Positioning](https://www.piercom.com/work/sunnova/): Pierpont created the messaging, thought leadership campaign, and media access program to secure local, regional, and national media. - [SparkCognition | Engaging a Vertical Audience](https://www.piercom.com/work/sparkcognition/): Pierpont conducted media tours which introduced the company’s vertical subject matter experts to top-tier national business and trade media. - [Solugen, Inc. | Breakthrough Chemical Technology](https://www.piercom.com/work/solugen-inc/): Solugen partnered with Pierpont, who delivered media results, as well as a refreshed company website and integrated social media strategy. - [SNC-Lavalin Media Relations | Short Deadlines and High Stakes](https://www.piercom.com/work/snc-lavalin-media-relations/): Pierpont developed a custom media preparation and response workshop that covered the realities of working with today’s media. - [Sikorsky | Market Presence Takes Flight](https://www.piercom.com/work/sikorsky/): Given our extensive knowledge of Houston and the energy industry, Sikorsky engaged Pierpont to support its market debut. - [Siluria | Game-Changing Energy Tech Story](https://www.piercom.com/work/siluria/): Pierpont’s editorial strategy connected Siluria with the leading media covering fuels, petrochemicals, and oil and gas technology. - [Sidecar Health | Introducing a Healthcare Innovator](https://www.piercom.com/work/sidecar-health/): Pierpont partnered with Sidecar Health to support the company’s Texas launch with executive media training, a direct marketing campaign, etc. - [Sempra | Preparing for Critical Media Interviews](https://www.piercom.com/work/sempra/): Pierpont conducted a workshop for the Sempra executives because they realized the enormous stakes when interacting with today’s media. - [Greenbuild | Elevating the 2019 Greenbuild Conference to a national audience](https://www.piercom.com/work/greenbuild/): The Greenbuild Conference and Expo partnered with Pierpont to increase overall awareness of the conference, its speakers and title sponsor. - [Great Lakes Educational Loan Services | Recruiting Strong Candidates](https://www.piercom.com/work/great-lakes-educational-loan-services/): To support Great Lakes in finding talent, Pierpont executed an integrated marketing and public relations program spanning eight weeks. - [Glidepath Ventures | Raising Brand Awareness Through Media Relations](https://www.piercom.com/work/glidepath-ventures/): Glidepath Ventures sought Pierpont’s help in raising its profile among solar and energy industry media and influencers. - [FuelQuest | Designing an Integrated Communications Campaign](https://www.piercom.com/work/fuelquest/): FuelQuest enlisted Pierpont for multi-faceted change management communications, thought leadership, media relations and digital programming. - [EYP | Building Community Support for a Long-Awaited Project](https://www.piercom.com/work/eyp/): Pierpont developed and implemented a comprehensive community relations plan and strategy, helping navigate intricate discussions. - [ETS | Taking an Energy Industry Event from Infancy to a National Brand](https://www.piercom.com/work/energy-thought-summit/): Pierpont leveraged the conference’s unique dialogue and key speakers to attract important national and regional energy media influencers. - [Exa Corporation | Driving Market Penetration for a New Oil & Gas Technology](https://www.piercom.com/work/exa-corporation/): Exa Corporation engaged Pierpont to create and execute an integrated communications program to support its DigitalROCK product. - [Zpryme | Defining the Zpryme-ETS Brand Story](https://www.piercom.com/work/zpryme/): Zpryme engaged Pierpont to establish a compelling messaging framework for both brands that would also clearly define their relationship. - [Energizing Health | Launching a Health Equity Movement](https://www.piercom.com/work/energizing-health/): Pierpont partnered with Energizing Health to support their onsite activation at SXSW with message creation, media relations and more. - [Employer Flexible | Creating Thought Leaders in a Crowded Space](https://www.piercom.com/work/employer-flexible/): Employer Flexible looked to Pierpont to create a marketing strategy, revise messaging, develop a lead generation program, and more. - [Skanska | Thought Leadership and Power Mapping](https://www.piercom.com/work/skanska-thought-leadership/): Pierpont team aided with by-line articles, speaking engagements, board opportunities, media coverage, expert commentary and more. - [Shell | Shell Colors Paint Industry Green](https://www.piercom.com/work/shell/): Shell engaged Pierpont, a legacy partner who has supported in previous campaigns, to develop a media strategy supporting market entry. - [Seton Healthcare Family | Delivering Compelling Media Coverage](https://www.piercom.com/work/seton-healthcare-family/): Seton asked Pierpont to provide public relations strategy and an ongoing media relations program to further its message and elevate its brand. - [Service Corporation International | Strategic Communications & Community Engagement](https://www.piercom.com/work/service-corporation-international/): Pierpont worked with SCI on many initiatives, including on an extensive national community engagement platform. - [Science History Institute | Influencer Engagement to Drive Event Attendance](https://www.piercom.com/work/science-history-institute/): Pierpont leveraged relationships with thought leaders and influencers in innovation to help drive interest in the symposium and attendance. - [Saulsbury Industries | Managing a Website Redesign and Content Strategy](https://www.piercom.com/work/saulsbury-industries/): Pierpont crafted a content strategy and worked to transform all content to reflect the updated service capabilities and industries. - [Sara Lee® Frozen Bakery | Sweet Media Strategy](https://www.piercom.com/work/sara-lee-frozen-bakery/): Pierpont supported the launch of the new company and its new CEO with an earned media strategy complementing the online and social presence. - [San Jose Clinic | Bridging the Gap to Quality Healthcare](https://www.piercom.com/work/san-jose-clinic/): With the goal of building awareness to support the grant process, Pierpont helped San Jose Clinic with events and social media engagement. - [Sabre | Measuring Social Media Success](https://www.piercom.com/work/sabre/): In 2018, Sabre contacted Pierpont and asked for assistance in developing and executing a more robust social media strategy. - [Rockspring Capital | SEO & Real Estate: All About Location](https://www.piercom.com/work/rockspring-capital-2/): Rockspring engaged PR and marketing partner Pierpont to increase its digital profile as the leading fund manager in Texas land investment. - [Rockspring Capital | Launching to Engage Foreign Investors](https://www.piercom.com/work/rockspring-capital/): With a deep understanding of Rockspring, the Pierpont team worked to have existing website content translated to French and Chinese. - [Rimkus Consulting Group | Elevating Industry Thought Leadership](https://www.piercom.com/work/rimkus-consulting-group/): With nearly a decade of partnership with Pierpont, they called on our team to elevate the visibility of their technical consulting experts. - [Qualspec | Integrated Digital & Media Relations Campaign](https://www.piercom.com/work/qualspec/): Pierpont was successful in capturing the essence of all four companies into one cohesive brand to launch the new combined entity. - [ProFrac | Crisis Communications Planning and Training](https://www.piercom.com/work/profrac/): Leveraging the expertise of ProFrac head of safety, Pierpont amended ProFrac’s crisis planning document to include communications tactics. - [Primus Green Energy | New Uses for Flared Gas](https://www.piercom.com/work/primus-green-energy/): Pierpont worked with Primus to announce the launch of a front-end engineering and design study of its technology solution located in Texas. - [Peak Performers | Integrating PR, Advocacy & Digital Engagement for a Purpose](https://www.piercom.com/work/peak-performers/): Pierpont launched a cross-channel program to reach community leaders, members of the public, and prospective employees. - [Pediatric Academic Societies 2019 Meeting | Driving Engagement and Attendance](https://www.piercom.com/work/pediatric-academic-societies-2019-meeting/): Pierpont exceeded all goals at PAS 2019, with extensive news coverage, robust social media growth and activity, and full attendance. - [OTC Global Holdings | Building Thought Leadership & Brand Voice](https://www.piercom.com/work/otc-global-holdings/): Together with Pierpont, OTCGH has launched more than a dozen subsidiary companies across the U.S. and in Europe. - [Emirates | Strategic Planning Leads to Successful Launch](https://www.piercom.com/work/emirates/): Pierpont’s strategy included a series of launch parties, supported by aggressive media outreach, influencer engagement, a media tour and more. - [Detechtion Technologies | Brand Messaging & Lead Generation](https://www.piercom.com/work/detechtion-technologies/): Detechtion engaged Pierpont to promote the brand in the U.S. and global oil and gas industry markets through thought leadership. - [Denham Capital | Building Brand Equity in Private Equity](https://www.piercom.com/work/denham-capital/): Denham Capital sought to differentiate itself from its peers to better attract management teams when Pierpont partnered with the firm in 2011. - [Daikin | Global Brand Goes Local](https://www.piercom.com/work/daikin/): When Daikin looked to increase brand awareness at a local level, the company called on long-time public relations partner, Pierpont . - [Cubility | Positioning a Brand for Acquisition](https://www.piercom.com/work/cubility/): Cubility teamed with Pierpont to help strategize the optimal conference sales enablement program, through media relations. - [Coder Camps | Measuring and Monetizing Digital Marketing](https://www.piercom.com/work/coder-camps/): After implementing a campaign that utilized digital and social strategies application numbers soared to their highest in company history. - [ClearSign | Combustion Increasing Brand and Market Awareness](https://www.piercom.com/work/clearsign-combustion/): ClearSign engaged Pierpont to increase its brand and market awareness within the energy sector and investor community. - [Clark Hill Strasburger | Elevated Brand Awareness & Industry-Specific Thought Leadership](https://www.piercom.com/work/clark-hill-strasburger/): Clark Hill Strasburger engaged Pierpont to bolster its proactive media relations initiatives to elevate attorneys’ profiles throughout Texas. - [CHI St. Luke’s Health | Elevating Brand Awareness & Thought Leadership](https://www.piercom.com/work/chi-st-lukes-health/): CHI St. Luke’s partnered with Pierpont to elevate the visibility of their Texas Division presence, primarily in Houston and southeast Texas. - [Chamberlain Hrdlicka | Securing the Big Win](https://www.piercom.com/work/chamberlain-hrdlicka/): With Pierpont’s support, Chamberlain Hrdlicka was established as an industry pioneer through their case’s extensive coverage. - [Chamberlain Hrdlicka | EB-5 Issue Leadership](https://www.piercom.com/work/chamberlain-hrdlicka-issue-leadership/): Working directly with Chamberlain’s attorneys, Pierpont developed a strategy to engender credibility, trust and engagement. - [Central Texas Fuel Independence Project | Creating Brand Clarity for Multiple Stakeholders](https://www.piercom.com/work/central-texas-fuel-independence-project/): CTFIP engaged Pierpont to develop messaging that reflected the project’s evolution and goals, while taking into account its many stakeholders. - [Center for Offshore Safety | Supporting Industry-Wide Communications with Integrated Strategies and Tactics](https://www.piercom.com/work/center-for-offshore-safety/): Pierpont was engaged to deliver a full suite of strategies and tactics, including thought leadership, executive media training, and more. - [car2go | Inspiring Creative Content](https://www.piercom.com/work/car2go/): car2go engaged Pierpont’s content practice to facilitate a creative writing workshop for the North America team’s annual retreat. - [Capital One | “Principal for a Day” Program](https://www.piercom.com/work/capital-one-leader/): Pierpont team helped strengthen their partnerships with key educators and government officials, as well as make a difference in local markets. - [Capital One | Expanding Retail Banking](https://www.piercom.com/work/capital-one-expansion/): Capital One tasked Pierpont with initial market research, grand opening execution, community engagement and brand awareness. - [Capgemini | Launching Thought Leadership and Advanced Technology and Development Centers](https://www.piercom.com/work/capgemini/): Pierpont partnered with Capgemini to build a thought leadership platform as the company unveiled its advanced technology, development centers. - [Cantata Health | Elevating an Industry Leader Through Media Relations and Executive Visibility](https://www.piercom.com/work/cantata-health/): Pierpont worked with Cantata to identify, draft and apply for both healthcare and executive visibility awards. - [BP Upstream | Boosting Recruitment Through a Webcast Series](https://www.piercom.com/work/bp-upstream/): Pierpont was tasked with effectively explaining what the Upstream reorganization meant to potential employees. - [BP | Global Recruitment for an Expanding Brand](https://www.piercom.com/work/bp/): Pierpont partnered with BP to develop a 5+ year integrated reputation management and employer branding campaign. - [ATPE | Aligning Membership Goals with Communications Strategy](https://www.piercom.com/work/atpe/): Pierpont analyzed ATPE’s website, email marketing and social media analytics and conducted a messaging session with key team members. - [Boot Ranch | Leading a Luxurious Media Campaign](https://www.piercom.com/work/boot-ranch/): Pierpont assisted in various web site upgrades, digital and social media marketing support, public relations and event engagement. - [BOK Financial | Helping a Major Regional Bank Get the Recognition it Deserves](https://www.piercom.com/work/bok-financial/): Pierpont developed a financial media program encompassing focused training, messaging and regional to national media relations. - [BIGHORN Golf Club & Properties | Driving Social Media Engagement and Lead Generation](https://www.piercom.com/work/bighorn-golf-club-properties/): Pierpont collaborated with BIGHORN to generate measurable and valuable results for the BIGHORN Golf Club and BIGHORN Properties. - [Big Data Energy | Building Brand Awareness](https://www.piercom.com/work/big-data-energy/): Big Data Energy partnered with Pierpont to implement an integrated marketing and PR campaign to build awareness among its client targets. - [BHP Billiton | Recruiting for Growth](https://www.piercom.com/work/bhp-billiton/): Pierpont successfully executed the recruitment program, which included several internal and external campaigns. - [Belmont Village | Connecting Residents, Families & Employees through Social Media](https://www.piercom.com/work/belmont-village/): Pierpont developed Belmont’s social media and content strategy from the ground up and launched the program in April 2017. - [Belmont Village | Connecting Communities Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic](https://www.piercom.com/work/belmont-village-2/): Pierpont increased its presence and activity on social media to help their residents stay connected to loved ones. - [Boston Consulting Group | Elevating Brand Visibility through Strategic Thought Leadership](https://www.piercom.com/work/boston-consulting-group/): The company partnered with Pierpont to elevate the visibility of its global oil and gas team and proprietary research. - [Battelle | Bringing Energy to Battelle](https://www.piercom.com/work/battelle/): Pierpont raised the profile of the organization and its experts by activating thought leadership platforms. - [BakerCorp | Developing Brand Identity, Social Media and Innovative Thought Leaders](https://www.piercom.com/work/bakercorp/): BakerCorp engaged Pierpont to develop new comprehensive messaging and identify key audience segments for their expanded offerings. - [Baker Botts | Showcasing Emerging Technology Through Media Relations](https://www.piercom.com/work/baker-botts/): To build awareness and interest in the inaugural event, Baker Botts partnered with Pierpont to engage national and local media. - [Bahri Logistics | Successfully Launching in the Houston Market](https://www.piercom.com/work/bahri-logistics/): To create brand awareness, Bahri partnered with Pierpont to launch a strategic media and influencer engagement campaign. - [Austin Board of REALTORS | “Keep Austin Affordable” Campaign](https://www.piercom.com/work/austin-board-of-realtors/): Pierpont spearheaded the development and implementation of the “Keep Austin Affordable” campaign, collaborating with homeowners and media. - [ATCE | Managing Media Relations for an Industry Conference](https://www.piercom.com/work/atce/): Handling press registration, interviews, event announcements and more, Pierpont developed content to support media and marketing efforts. - [Aramco Services | Expat Recruiting Campaign](https://www.piercom.com/work/aramco-services/): Pierpont refreshed and transformed ASC’s orientation program into a session that would educate recruits with candor. - [Antpool | Houston Rockets Go Crypto with AntPool](https://www.piercom.com/work/antpool/): The world’s largest Bitcoin mining pool company selected Pierpont to engage media and build consumer confidence in alternative currencies. - [Andeavor | Positioning a New Brand Following a Merger](https://www.piercom.com/work/andeavor/): Andeavor engaged Pierpont to demonstrate how its refining and logistics assets contribute to both the community and economy. - [Opportune | Elevating National Brand Awareness](https://www.piercom.com/work/opportune/): Pierpont helped Opportune launch a robust thought leadership program, securing hundreds of media placements, interviews, and byline articles. - [OliverMcMillan | Bringing the Luxe Life to Houston](https://www.piercom.com/work/olivermcmillan/): Pierpont developed an integrated communications campaign to position River Oaks District as a unique world-class experience in Houston. - [Numed | Implementing an Innovative Image Refresh in Healthcare Technology](https://www.piercom.com/work/numed/): Pierpont worked with Numed to develop a social and media strategy and content, and manage the company’s overall digital engagement. - [Nitya Capital | Realizing high dividends by investing in your own brand](https://www.piercom.com/work/nitya-capital/): Pierpont developed an integrated marketing communications plan, incorporating media, marketing, digital, social strategies and more. - [NASA Johnson Space Center | Mission-Critical Communications Training](https://www.piercom.com/work/nasa/): Pierpont developed a comprehensive and engaging one-day Crisis Management and Risk Communication training program. - [National Association of Industrial Office Parks | Managing Back-to-Back Industry Events](https://www.piercom.com/work/naiop-houston/): Pierpont produced two events in three months that highlighted individuals who demonstrate leadership, integrity, and industry contributions. - [Money Management International | Increasing Brand Awareness and Consumer Engagement](https://www.piercom.com/work/money-management-international/): Pierpont partnered with Money Management International to support its branding, PR, crisis communications and social media needs. - [MatthewsDaniel | Engaging the Marine & Energy Insurance Market](https://www.piercom.com/work/matthewsdaniel/): Pierpont developed a proactive and strategic content strategy to amplify MatthewsDaniel's outstanding projects and services. - [Marine Well Containment Company | Training and Preparing for Deepwater Crisis Response](https://www.piercom.com/work/marine-well-containment-company/): Pierpont helped MWCC leaders and experts fine-tune their communications to better share critical messages in interviews and presentations. - [Magellan | Laying Groundwork for a TX Pipeline](https://www.piercom.com/work/magellan/): Pierpont has helped support right-of-way acquisition and lead outreach efforts with influential elected officials along the routes. - [Maana | Leveraging Event Presence to Launch a Brand](https://www.piercom.com/work/maana/): Pierpont crafted an enterprise-wide message platform, built marketing materials and developed a robust public relations strategy. - [LyondellBasell | Managing a Major Website Redesign](https://www.piercom.com/work/lyondellbasell/): Pierpont worked with more than 50 subject matter experts across 14 countries to facilitate the production of its website content. - [Lexicon | Brand Awareness & Community Relations](https://www.piercom.com/work/lexicon/): Pierpont drove brand awareness, created favorable community sentiment, and established the company in a diverse, innovative business scene. - [Kepner-Tregoe | Celebrating Sixty Years of IT Leadership in Technology Media](https://www.piercom.com/work/kepner-tregoe-60th-anniversary/): Pierpont launched a targeted top-tier technology media outreach program, using awards, testimonials, content and more to reach reporters. - [Kepner-Tregoe | Improving Business One App at a Time](https://www.piercom.com/work/kepner-tregoe/): Kepner-Tregoe engaged Pierpont to launch its app, developing key messages, producing a promo video, developing marketing materials and more. - [KBR | Transforming a Company Narrative](https://www.piercom.com/work/kbr/): Pierpont built a strategic thought leadership and media relations program to amplify KBR’s government services-focused expertise. - [Kairos Aerospace | Positioning the Brand and Increasing Awareness](https://www.piercom.com/work/kairos-aerospace/): Kairos Aerospace partnered with Pierpont to support its marketing efforts, position the company as thought leader, and raise its profile. - [Amplify Credit Union | Amplifying Awareness to Grow Membership & Boost Traffic](https://www.piercom.com/work/amplify-credit-union/): When Amplify went through a website refresh, Pierpont put a unique spin on the organization’s ongoing media relations program. - [Amplify | A Season for Caring](https://www.piercom.com/work/amplify/): Pierpont developed a proactive communications campaign that would increase exposure for Amplify as well as its philanthropic efforts. - [American Chemistry Council | Driving Conversations on Hurricane Preparedness](https://www.piercom.com/work/american-chemistry-council/): To generate media coverage and participation from elected officials and regulators, ACC called on Pierpont’s petrochemical experts. - [Altus Health | Shaping Integrated Communications Strategies in Healthcare](https://www.piercom.com/work/altus-health/): Altus Healthcare System partnered with Pierpont to shape communication programs for a wide cross-section of its healthcare verticals. - [Alpha Troop | Bringing Distinction to Vietnam Soldiers](https://www.piercom.com/work/alpha-troop/): With the significant media attention secured, the Alpha Troop received an honor with a televised broadcast ceremony in the White House - [Academic Partnerships | Expanding Education Conversation](https://www.piercom.com/work/academic-partnerships-conference/): Academic Partnerships turned to Pierpont Dallas to further expand this conversation in national media and create online engagement. - [AAPL | Driving Deal-Making in a Down Oil & Gas Market](https://www.piercom.com/work/aapl/): NAPE engaged Pierpont to develop a robust media relations campaign positioning NAPE Summit as a must-attend event during a downturn. - [AAPL | Introducing Landmen to the Public](https://www.piercom.com/work/aapl-meet-us/): AAPL partnered with Pierpont to develop a national advertising campaign to educate landowners about the role of landmen in their communities. - [Allegiance Bank | Increasing Brand Awareness](https://www.piercom.com/work/allegiance-bank/): Allegiance Bank engaged Pierpont to help promote the bank’s community presence and financial offerings through social media. - [HopSkipDrive | Driving Media Results in Texas Markets](https://www.piercom.com/work/hopskipdrive/): Pierpont was able to drive home a successful media campaign that helped the company build its local customer base. --- ## People - [Kaeley Vaughan](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/kaeley-vaughan/): Kaeley Vaughan is an Assistant Account Executive specializing in media relations, social media and messaging at Pierpont Communications. - [Abby Cosenza](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/abby-cosenza/): Abby Cosenza is a Senior Account Executive specializing in media relations at Pierpont's Denver office. - [Darby Vrba](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/darby-vrba/): Darby Vrba is an Assistant Account Executive at Pierpont Communications specializing in media relations and integrated marketing. - [Glen Orr](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/glen-orr/): Glen Orr is Senior Counsel at Pierpont Communications. He has a 25+ year career in communications and investor relations. - [Dan Mahoney](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/dan-mahoney/): Dan Mahoney is VP & General Manager of Pierpont Denver. He has 20+ years experience in strategic communications and integrated marketing. - [Ashley Mann](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/ashley-mann/): Ashley Mann is an assistant account executive focused on business development at Pierpont Communications. - [Pete Webb](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/pete-webb/): Pete Webb is Senior Counsel at Pierpont Communications in Denver. He has 32 years of agency professional PR experience. - [Jillian Brown](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/jillian-brown/): Jillian Brown is an Account Executive at Pierpont Communications. - [Tad Druart](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/tad-druart/): Tad Druart is Vice President of Client Services at Pierpont Communications in Austin, Texas. - [Carly Herbert](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/carly-herbert/): As an Account Executive, Carly works to deliver strategic marketing and public relations solutions to clients. - [Deanna Werner](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/deanna-werner/): Deanna Werner is an account supervisor with Pierpont Communications. - [Stephanie Pelaez](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/stephanie-pelaez/): Stephanie is an digital account executive at Pierpont Communications who specializes in online advertising, social media and analytics. - [Andy Baron](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/andy-baron/): Andy Baron is a Senior Counsel at Pierpont Communications. - [Julia Covini](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/julia-covini/): - [Jaylon Brinkley](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/jaylon-brinkley/): - [Amanda Spaeth](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/amanda-spaeth/): Amanda Spaeth, Accounting Manager at Pierpont Communications, brings over 20 years of accounting experience to her invaluable work. - [Uniqua Williams](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/uniqua-williams/): Uniqua Williams helps clients amplify brand awareness through media relations, innovative content creation, and social media engagement. - [Scott Tims](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/scott-tims/): His client work includes media relations, thought leadership, reputation management, crisis and issues management, social media and corporate communications. - [Martha Cook](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/martha-cook/): - [Chelsi Smith](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/chelsi-smith/): Chelsi Smith: Vice President at Pierpont Communications. Helping clients meet business objectives through proactive PR. - [Philip Morabito](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/philip-morabito/): Philip Morabito founded Pierpont Communications in 1987 and now oversees the largest independent integrated marketing and PR firm in the southwest. - [Victoria Cook](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/victoria-cook/): Victoria advises clients on strategic planning, crafts integrated communications campaigns and manages crisis and reputation risk challenges. - [Tracy Price](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/tracy-price/): For more than 20 years, Tracy has been building brands and creating integrated communications designs across traditional and digital platforms. - [Sylvester Palacios](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/sylvester-palacios/): Sylvester helps to position clients as industry leaders, as well as communicate relevant company news and insights to key contacts in the media. - [Shannon Campbell](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/shannon-campbell/): Shannon provides counsel on media strategy, messaging, internal communications and thought leadership. - [Sally Ramsay](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/sally-ramsay/): Sally is an expert counselor and strategist, in public relations, crisis and reputation management, corporate communications, and marketing. - [Morgan Moritz](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/morgan-moritz/): Morgan Moritz specializes in influencer marketing, media relations, content development, marketing and spokesperson training. - [Lauren Blalock](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/lauren-blalock/): Whether she is pitching stories, drafting bylines, or managing crisis situations, Lauren fosters media relationships through thought leadership and content creation. - [Krystal Patout](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/krystal-patout/): Krystal implements brand management and internal communications programs to contribute to the success of both her clients and Pierpont. - [Kenneth Kracmer](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/kenneth-kracmer/): Kenneth Kracmer, SVP, spearheads business development for Pierpont’s Dallas office, connecting with prospects and determining their needs. - [Kathy Nethercutt](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/kathy-nethercutt/): Kathy supports overarching agency operations and organization of Pierpont initiatives, working cohesively with employees and clients. - [George Michael](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/george-michael/): With over 30 years of agency experience, George focuses on assisting clients in research and planning to help grow their business. - [Elysa Nelson](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/elysa-nelson/): Elysa is a trusted advisor to her clients and can effectively balance the big picture business strategies with detail-oriented solutions. - [Dave Stump](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/dave-stump/): Dave is focused on pinpointing clients’ strengths and strategizing to use them to the best of their organizations’ advantage. - [Clint Woods](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/clint-woods/): Clint is responsible for client and employee development, setting firm-wide strategy and overseeing many functions across the agency. - [Christine Rashman](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/christine-rashman/): With more than 10 years of experience, Christine is leading the growth of Pierpont’s burgeoning education and consumer verticals. - [Chris Jones](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/chris-jones/): Chris is driven to help organizations leverage their communications channels to support business objectives. - [Brian Banks](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/brian-banks/): As Chief Financial Officer, Brian's financial acumen and attention to detail ensures the company runs smoothly every day. - [Terry Hemeyer](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/terry-hemeyer/): Terry guides clients through the delicate world of reputation management while advising them on best communication practices. - [Irma Gray](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/irma-gray/): Irma provides critical support to clients’ needs and inquiries, and Pierpont’s daily operations and business functions. - [Chris Ferris](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/chris-ferris-phd-digital-marketing/): Chris Ferris, PhD, SVP of Digital Strategy, brings 25+ years of experience in digital marketing to his clients across industries. - [Hunter Dodson](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/hunter-dodson/): Hunter balances both strategy development and tactical execution for his clients in real estate, finance, healthcare, consulting and energy. - [Bradlee Borgfeldt](https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/bradlee-borgfeldt/): Bradlee Borgfeldt helps her clients develop thought leadership campaigns, earn media coverage through PR, and boost social media success. --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages ### Trusted Partner for International Businesses > Pierpont has assisted businesses from all over the world strategically enter or expand their presence in across the U.S. - Published: 2025-05-21 - Modified: 2025-05-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/international-business/ Engage with government officials & constituents --- ### Silver Sponsor of Entrepreneur Of The Year® > Pierpont Partners with EY to Honor Vision, Leadership, and Community Innovation in the Gulf South, Southwest & Mountain West regions. - Published: 2025-05-19 - Modified: 2025-05-19 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/culture/ey-entrepreneur-of-the-year/ --- ### Technology PR - Pierpont Communications > Pierpont has decades of PR experience in the technology industry. We help our clients grow while protecting their reputations. - Published: 2024-10-14 - Modified: 2024-12-04 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/technology-pr-pierpont-communications/ --- ### Financial Services PR - Pierpont Communications > Pierpont has decades of PR experience in the financial industry. We help our clients grow while protecting their reputations. - Published: 2024-10-11 - Modified: 2024-12-04 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/financial-services-pr-pierpont-communications/ --- ### Senior Living PR - Pierpont Communications > Pierpont has years of PR experience in senior living industry. We help our clients grow while protecting their reputations. - Published: 2024-10-11 - Modified: 2024-12-04 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/trust-reputation-pr-senior-living/ --- ### Healthcare PR - Pierpont Communication > Pierpont has decades of PR experience in the healthcare industry. We help our clients grow while protecting their reputations. - Published: 2024-10-08 - Modified: 2024-12-04 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/pr-for-healthcare-clients/ --- ### Renewable Energy PR - Pierpont Communications > Pierpont has decades of PR experience with the energy industry. We help our clients grow while protecting their reputations. - Published: 2024-09-25 - Modified: 2024-10-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/driving-awareness-and-growth-for-the-renewable-energy-industry/ --- ### Private Equity > Pierpont has a proven track record of amplifying and enhancing the profiles some of the nation’s leading private equity firms. - Published: 2024-08-30 - Modified: 2024-08-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/professional-financial/private-equity/ --- ### Class Action Litigation Intelligence > Pierpont Communications' litigation support program offers comprehensive web, social and media monitoring and analysis for defense law firms. - Published: 2024-08-30 - Modified: 2024-08-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/professional-financial/class-action-litigation-intelligence/ --- ### Subject Matter Experts > Pierpont’s seasoned leaders are ready to share their expertise as podcast guests, news sources, public speakers, or guest lecturers. - Published: 2024-03-04 - Modified: 2024-03-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/subject-matter-experts/ Pierpont's leaders are sought-after subject matter experts, ready to share their insights and expertise. Whether you’re looking for a podcast guest, a knowledgeable source for a news story, a dynamic public speaker, or an industry expert to guest lecture in your class, our executives are ready. --- ### Denver > Pierpont provides full-service PR & marketing services in Denver. Our experts build brands via earned media, marketing & digital strategy. - Published: 2024-02-01 - Modified: 2024-09-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/denver/ --- ### Download AI Best Practices Guide > Download AI Best Practices Guide from the experts at Pierpont Communications. - Published: 2023-09-06 - Modified: 2023-09-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/ai-best-practices-guide/ Artificial intelligence (AI) tools and products have proliferated since the public introduction of ChatGPT in the fall of 2022. These new applications have the potential to significantly change the way marketing, public relations and communications firms and their workers operate. In this free, downloadable guide, we outline best practices for agencies to maximize opportunities and minimize risks when using generative AI, including: Identifying the right tools Evaluating the risks Establishing clear guidelines Training and education Revisiting policies   --- ### Senior Living > Pierpont has decades of experience in marketing & PR for senior living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing communities. - Published: 2023-04-12 - Modified: 2023-04-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/healthcare-wellness/senior-living/ --- ### Reputation Management > For 35+ years, Pierpont has managed corporate reputation for clients by implementing a variety of time-tested strategies and tactics. - Published: 2023-03-01 - Modified: 2023-03-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/crisis-management/reputation-management/ Protect & enhance your reputation --- ### Zoho Form Test - Published: 2022-04-28 - Modified: 2022-07-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/zoho-form-test/ --- ### Job Opening: Senior Account Executive > Pierpont Communications, the premier PR & marketing firm in the southwest, is recruiting for a new Senior Account Executive. Apply today. - Published: 2022-02-07 - Modified: 2022-03-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/careers/senior-account-executive/ Basic Function: More sophisticated client involvement. Strong understanding and execution of social media strategy and tactics. Movement toward independent management of account(s) and staff. Requires minimal editing and supervision on moderate-level assignments. Begin to establish specialization or practice preference. Carries out communications programs for clients with an increasing role in direct client involvement. Supervises Assistant Account Executives and interns. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Account Management: Handles and, in some situations, supervises the various public relations, social media and/or public affairs activities of client programs within a designated account team(s) and within designated budget. Works on a range of activities under the direction of supervisor(s) within one or more accounts, including research, writing, event planning/organization, and logistical support; writes and presents programs elements. Represents, and in some situations supervises, client(s) to the media and manages all aspects of media relations, including news conferences, promotions, product launches, editorial board meetings, etc. Executes media tours, training and pitch/release distribution from start to finish with minimal oversight. Demonstrates superior media relations abilities and garners significant coverage for clients in all types of media outlets. Initiates creative ideas and suggests proactive, forward-thinking account management tactics, taking ownership of ideas and suggestions. Assists with and/or supervises monthly activity reports. Represents clients before various public/audiences. Supervises special events. Liaison between client and Pierpont. Client Service: Earns clients’ trust, serving as a go-to resource for information and account updates. Can serve as primary client contact. Maintains regular client contact, ensuring that client is proactively updated and regularly briefed on... --- ### Job Opening: Account Supervisor > Pierpont Communications, the premier PR & marketing firm in the southwest, is recruiting for a new Account Supervisor. Apply today. - Published: 2022-02-07 - Modified: 2022-03-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/careers/account-supervisor/ Basic Function: Independent management of accounts and staff. Participate in new business efforts. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Account Management: Responsible for supervision and retention of assigned business base. Supervise the various communications activities of client programs within a designated account team(s), on time and within designated budget. Works on and supervises a range of activities within multiple accounts, including research needs, writing, strategic planning, and budgeting. Supervises preparation of monthly activity reports. Responsible for staff allocation of client work. Supervises team members. Client Services: Takes responsibility for regular client contact, ensuring that the client is satisfied with relevant account activity. Responsible for interpretation and resolution of client needs and problems where applicable. Maintain regular client contact, ensuring that client is updated and briefed on all relevant account activity. Identifies opportunities for further account expansion/development. Ensures quality standards are met in servicing the client, including presentation of all work product. Creates and directs implementation for client programs. Staff/Self Management: Works effectively with account team, including project supervision of subordinates and others assigned and acts as a liaison with Vice President/Senior Vice President level. Projects personal characteristics of positive attitude, professional appearance, solid communication skills, initiative, and ability to work as part of a team environment. Thinks creatively and strategically on all account assignments. Manages time effectively, meets deadlines, pays attention to detail, and sets priorities for all assignments. Financial Management: Works with VP/SVP to approve budgets, client programs and invoices for all accounts. Responsible for account profitability. Oversees monthly and/or weekly budget... --- ### Job Opening: Vice President > Pierpont Communications, the premier PR & marketing firm in the southwest, is recruiting for a new Vice President. Apply today. - Published: 2022-02-07 - Modified: 2024-03-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/careers/vice-president/ Flex working position: In Houston HQ office and remotely per current schedule Pierpont Communications, the largest independent communications firm in the Southwest with offices in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Denver, continues to grow in each of our core markets with industry leading clients around the world. The ideal candidates will have agency experience or a strong track record of PR/Communications, crisis and issues management and marketing. A proven leader of people and teams is preferred to add strategic depth to our deep senior team to support our growth. Energy, energy transition, technology and healthcare industry experience are a plus. You can define your future and realize your ambitions with Pierpont, based on your experience, performance and aspirations. Basic Function: Responsible for management of client service and strategic client accounts. Responsible for participating in our new business development system, promoting the firm in the marketplace and oversight/supervision of direct reports. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership Expectations: Thrive in an entrepreneurial atmosphere that promotes teamwork, participation, and empowerment. Acts as a team leader and facilitator and fosters an open exchange of views on different issues. Empowers direct reports to provide input that increases the quality of decisions, not just buy-in. Be genuinely interested in learning from diverse viewpoints and proactively seek feedback. Account Management: Coordinates and recommends staffing assignments of direct reports on all applicable accounts. Supervises the various public relations, integrated digital marketing, crisis counsel, trainings and/or public affairs activities of client programs with designated budget. Supervises and determines direction... --- ### Energy PR - Pierpont Communications > Pierpont has decades of PR experience with the energy industry. We help our clients grow while protecting their reputations. - Published: 2021-11-23 - Modified: 2024-12-04 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/energy-pr-marketing-agency/ --- ### Externship Program > Pierpont will be hosting our fourth annual free virtual externship program Oct. 16-18, 2023. Last day to register is Oct. 13, 2023. - Published: 2021-11-11 - Modified: 2023-09-22 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/externship/ Pierpont will host our fourth annual free virtual externship program on October 16-18, 2023, from 11:00 a. m. to 1:00 p. m. CST. Each day will consist of hands-on learning and development sessions guided by Pierpont experts. Participants will choose breakout rooms where they will dive into specific skills and techniques including: Media Relations & Pitching Influencer Marketing Social Media & Digital Marketing How a PR Agency Operates Networking & Today's Job Market By attending and participating in this externship program, participants will receive a certificate to boost their LinkedIn profiles and demonstrate working knowledge of agency skills on their resumes. Additionally, participants will have an opportunity to interview for a Spring 2024 internship position at the conclusion of the program. Last day to register is Friday, October 13, 2023. For questions or inquiries, please contact externship@piercom. com --- ### Test password protected - Published: 2021-09-23 - Modified: 2021-09-23 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/test-password-protected/ This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: --- ### Culture > Commitment to our culture is why Pierponters choose to stay—and why we’ve been a Houston Business Journal “Best Place to Work” 14 times. - Published: 2021-04-15 - Modified: 2025-05-19 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/culture/ --- ### Education > Pierpont’s commitment to education is an embodiment of our entrepreneurial spirit. We are passionate continuous learning & knowledge sharing. - Published: 2021-04-12 - Modified: 2024-03-19 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/education/ --- ### Community > Stewardship within the communities where we live, work and play is the heart of who we are: we actively engage as volunteers and leaders. - Published: 2021-04-12 - Modified: 2024-04-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/community/ --- ### Internships > Interested in joining us for your PR internship? Our PR & digital marketing internships applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. - Published: 2021-03-12 - Modified: 2025-05-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/careers/internships/ --- ### Houston > PR & marketing firm with offices across TX. Our HQ in Houston builds and amplifies brands via earned media, marketing and digital. - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/houston/ --- ### Dallas > Pierpont's Dallas office specializes in PR communications, marketing and digital services for brands across different industries. - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-11-10 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/dallas/ --- ### San Antonio > Pierpont's San Antonio office specializes in PR communications, marketing and digital services for brands across different industries. - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-11-10 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/san-antonio/ --- ### Energy Transition > Pierpont partners with established energy companies and emerging cleantech innovators to help them navigate energy transition. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2024-11-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/energy-transition/ --- ### Technology & Innovation > Our PR and marketing expertise helps technology and innovation companies increase their capabilities to achieve successful growth and ROI. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2024-04-23 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/technology-innovation/ --- ### Healthcare & Wellness > Pierpont has decades of experience in strategic marketing & PR for hospitals, medical device manufacturers, Rx companies, & medical practices. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2023-04-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/healthcare-wellness/ --- ### Consumer & Retail > Launching a new retail store? Pierpont helps grow brand awareness with multi-channel campaigns for successful retail marketing strategies. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2023-03-24 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/consumer-retail/ --- ### Commercial & Industrial > The Pierpont team, with over 30 years of experience, provides marketing services that help manufacturers and industrial companies grow. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2023-03-23 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/commercial-industrial/ --- ### Professional & Financial > At Pierpont, we offer specialized PR, marketing and communication services for law firms, insurance companies and large financial brands, - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2024-09-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/professional-financial/ --- ### Nonprofit & Education > Pierpont offers a wide range of PR & marketing services to help nonprofits & associations grow their reach & increase their community impact. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2024-08-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/nonprofit-education/ --- ### Crisis Management > Pierpont offers fully integrated crisis management strategies and tactics to defend and enhance your organization's reputation. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/crisis-management/ Protect & enhance your reputation --- ### Real Estate & Development > Pierpont Communications specializes in PR & marketing for real estate companies, real estate agents, home builders and industry associations. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2023-03-24 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/real-estate/ --- ### Public Relations > Pierpont Communications provides media relations guidance and strategic PR planning to help businesses define, grow, and protect their brands. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/public-relations-pr/ Amplify your message & grow your business --- ### Marketing & Creative > Pierpont provides innovative, creative services to help companies define, grow and protect their brands with corporate marketing initiatives. - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/marketing-creative/ Develop, design & deploy effective marketing campaigns --- ### Public Affairs > Pierpont helps organizations improve government relations, execute stakeholder communications strategies, or launch a public sector engagement campaigns. - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/public-affairs/ Engage with government officials & constituents --- ### Media Training > Pierpont provides media training in Houston and other locations. Our media training services include media crisis training. - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/media-training/ Train & prepare for crisis communications --- ### Accessibility > If you have trouble accessing any of the information on piercom.com, please contact us online or call 866-959-0799. - Published: 2021-02-05 - Modified: 2022-03-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/accessibility/ Pierpont is continually looking for ways to improve the usability of our website for all customers, including individuals with disabilities. If you have trouble accessing any of the information on piercom. com, please contact us online or call 1-866-485-4980. 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Send us your question or request today, and we will connect you with the right team member to help right away. Austin Office: 512-448-4950 Dallas Office: 214-217-7300 Denver Office: 720-715-8414 Houston Office: 713-627-2223 San Antonio Office: 210-952-3313 --- ### Careers > See job openings at Pierpont Communications, an award-winning PR agency with offices in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. - Published: 2021-01-05 - Modified: 2025-03-04 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/careers/ --- ### Our People > Pierpont's team of industry-leading PR & marketing specialists use their experience and expertise to bring the best results to our clients. - Published: 2021-01-05 - Modified: 2024-03-14 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/ At Pierpont, we’re focused on building strong and lasting client partnerships. By drawing on our deep industry knowledge and expertise, we provide the insights you need to build and evolve your brand, drive business performance, and mitigate risk. Many of Pierpont’s experts are also available to share their insights and expertise with reporters, on podcasts, as public speakers, and as guest lecturers at colleges and universities. --- ### About > With 35+ years of experience, Pierpont helps the world's biggest brands reach key audiences and enhance and protect their reputations. - Published: 2021-01-05 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/ Pierpont is one of the nation's top public relations, marketing, communications and public affairs agencies, focused on delivering measurable outcomes for our clients --- ### Work > PR, marketing, & digital case studies from Pierpont's clients, including Walmart, Emirates Airlines, Halliburton, Waste Management, BP & more. - Published: 2021-01-05 - Modified: 2024-02-19 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/ --- ### Energy & Power > A leading marketing firm for the energy & power industries, we provide PR & marketing guidance to oil & gas as well as renewable companies. - Published: 2021-01-05 - Modified: 2025-04-10 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/energy-power/ --- ### Digital Marketing > Pierpont's Digital Marketing experts help clients improve their websites, excel on social media, boost their search engine rankings, and more. - Published: 2021-01-05 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/digital-marketing/ Develop proactive & business-focused digital strategy --- ### Expertise > With over 30 years of experience, Pierpont provides personalized PR and marketing expertise for clients, delivering successful ROI-driven campaigns. - Published: 2021-01-05 - Modified: 2023-05-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/expertise/ Pierpont has the market insights, industry expertise and established relationships you need to meet and exceed your business objectives. 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Information Collection, Use, and Sharing We are the sole owners of the information collected on this site. We only have access to/collect information that you voluntarily give us via email or other direct contact from you. We will not sell or rent this information to anyone. We will use your information to respond to you, regarding the reason you contacted us. We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than as necessary to fulfill your request, e. g. to ship an order. Unless you ask us not to, we may contact you via email in the future to tell you about new products or services, or changes to this privacy policy. Your Access to and Control Over Information You may opt out of any future contacts from us at any time. You can do the following at any time by contacting us via the email address or phone number given on our website: See what data we have about you, if any. Change/correct any data we have about you. Have us delete any data we have about you. Express any concern you have about our use of your data. Security We take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected. You can verify this by looking for a lock icon in the address... --- --- ## Posts ### The Evolving CMO Role: Decades of Change in the Last Six Years > The role of the CMO has evolved significantly over the last several years, reflecting broader shifts in technology, buyer behavior, and more. - Published: 2025-05-27 - Modified: 2025-05-23 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-evolving-cmo-role-decades-of-change-in-the-last-six-years/ - Service Categories: Marketing The role of the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) has evolved significantly over the last several years, reflecting broader shifts in technology, buyer behavior, and business priorities. Here's a breakdown of some of the key differences between CMO job descriptions from 2019 and those in 2025 and what these changes tell us: Shift Toward Results-Driven Focus: My review of job postings from 2019 compared to those from 2025 shows a strong shift from CMOs being brand stewards, focused on storytelling, brand equity, and traditional marketing channels to becoming results driven. In 2025, the postings reflect a strong emphasis on revenue generation, customer lifetime value, and performance marketing—in effect CMOs are expected to be growth officers. The shift from brand to demand and then to growth is easy to see. Emphasis on AI & Technology: The rapid evolution of technology and use of AI is also playing a significant role in changing expectations of the CMO. In 2019, digital transformation was already underway with leaders expected to integrate and consolidate their tech stack and provide analytics and advanced reporting. People management was mentioned more often and listed as a higher priority as well. In 2020, we began to see mentions of video technology as adaptations to Covid began to change the business landscape. In 2025, CMOs are expected to be fluent in digital marketing, automation, and data science, while also being on the forefront of AI. There are expectations of using AI to drive personalization, efficiency and automation, leverage predictive analytics for... --- ### Lessons from the PR trenches: Terry Hemeyer Shares the Importance of Effective Communications > PR industry expert Terry Hemeyer shares lessons learned from his storied career. - Published: 2025-04-22 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/lessons-from-the-pr-trenches-terry-hemeyer-shares-the-importance-of-effective-communications/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Relations Recently as a part of the learning and development opportunities at Pierpont, I had the pleasure of speaking to Pierponters across all of our offices about my career spanning several decades. During the presentation, I shared key learnings and memorable stories from my career, along with advice for the next generation of PR professionals at Pierpont. In my time as a communication expert, I assisted Presidents, managed national brands, received the bronze star for service in Vietnam, and navigated many business and human resource crises. I believe that when a problem arises, there is always a solution. For example, in the 7th grade when I didn’t make the basketball team because of my height, I learned a key lesson of life: “play the cards that you’re dealt. ” I, instead, became the first male cheerleader in my junior high school. I never gave up and that mindset served me well throughout my career. I recounted another experience that highlighted the importance of effective communication. I was in a situation where I had to terminate a difficult employee. Despite the employee's anger and threats, I remained calm and professional. A year later, the same employee called to thank me for my actions, acknowledging that it helped him improve his behavior and career. I learned that in the PR industry, the power of thoughtful communication has a positive impact on relationships and reputation. My experience with assisting five different Presidents taught me the importance of understanding and navigating different environments. When I... --- ### Has X Been Dethroned? The Dynamic Landscape of Social Discourse Networks > X (Twitter) poses questions for its users, including journalists and advertisers. Can Threads and Bluesky fill the void? - Published: 2025-04-21 - Modified: 2025-04-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/x-threads-bluesky-dynamic-social-discourse-network-landscape/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations While X (formerly Twitter) continues to pose difficult questions for its users, including journalists and advertisers, Threads and Bluesky are seeking to fill the void. The launch of Meta’s Threads app in July 2023 arrived with much fanfare, as the new social media channel quickly amassed 44 million daily active users (DAUs). Initially, the engagement on Threads stagnated. However, as users began their exodus from X (Twitter), Threads began to see a resurgence in interest. By the end of 2024, Threads reported to TechCrunch that it had reached 100 million daily active users and is expected to continue this growth. This rapid increase in daily active users puts Threads in a position to catch up to X. (The daily active user count for X remains a subject of debate, as X reports its DAU count is increasing, while Social Media Today and other sources report that X is stuck at 250 million daily active users with numbers projected to decline. ) So while Threads still has a ways to go to overtake X in terms of users, a study from Buffer found that Threads drives 73. 6% more engagement than X, suggesting that Threads may have an advantage over social network formerly known as Twitter. What’s New with Threads? Meta announced to Verge in December 2024 its plans for future updates including: custom user feeds and the ability to choose your own default feed, inspired by Bluesky. While the platform remains ad-free for now, there is discussion surrounding the possible... --- ### 7 Essential Digital Marketing Skills for PR Professionals in 2025 > Discover the 7 key digital marketing skills PR professionals need in 2025 to adapt to the evolving media landscape. - Published: 2025-03-31 - Modified: 2025-04-02 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/7-essential-digital-marketing-skills-for-pr-professionals-in-2025/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing, Public Relations Digital technology continues to change public relations in large and small ways. **Updated March 31, 2025** Twenty-five years ago, when I was a full-time PR professional, public relations and digital marketing were two separate disciplines. There was little overlap. But technology has changed a lot in the last 25 years. Instead of using fax machines, beepers, landlines, and dial-up internet connections, most PR professionals simply have smartphones. In addition, the internet—which now includes websites, online news sources, social media, blogs, podcasts, organic search, SEO, AI—has completely changed how the news, earned media and public relations operate. The basic fundamentals of PR have not changed. Most PR professionals still must be good at: Developing messaging Cultivating relationships with journalists Writing press releases Pitching stories Crisis communication planning Media training To excel as a PR professional in 2025 and beyond, it is still essential to possess a strong command of the fundamentals. But you also need to know how the internet affects news, public relations, and earned media, and how they interact with the digital space. How Earned Media and Digital Media Influence Each Other Decline in Print Circulation: Pew Research studies show that print circulation has been on a consistent decline from 2015 through 2024 with 120 out of 136 major news outlets experiencing declines in circulation. They gained some ground in digital circulation, but it’s not enough to make up for the loss in print circulation or ad revenue. This has resulted in fewer news outlets and fewer reporters with... --- ### Pierpont's Passion for Education: Leaders in the Classroom > Pierpont highlights our leaders who are shaping the next generation through their college courses, exemplifying our commitment to education. - Published: 2025-03-24 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierponts-passion-for-education-leaders-in-the-classroom/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing, Public Relations Pierpont has long understood the importance of learning and development—so much so that Pierpont's leaders share their knowledge through teaching at colleges and universities in their communities. Read below to see how Pierpont CEO Phil Morabito, Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris, Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer, and Account Executive Uniqua Williams channel their passion for education with students across Texas. Phil Morabito For the 37th year, Phil Morabito is teaching Integrated Marketing Communications at the University of Houston. The course is offered to graduate students in the business school and explores the uses of integrated communication marketing. Phil designed the course to highlight the importance of public relations, advertising, and marketing strategy and tactics to business students. Phil’s commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. His popular Real Life Nights bring industry professionals to speak directly to students, offering firsthand insights into various fields. He advises his students to “never stop learning and to keep trying to expand their knowledge. ” Chris Ferris Since 2018, Chris Ferris has been teaching Digital Marketing to MBA students at Rice Business. While the core topics—SEO, websites, social media, paid digital advertising, email marketing, and analytics—remain the same, the digital landscape evolves rapidly. “Last year, I wasn’t talking about AI optimization,” Chris explains. “And I was just starting to explore AI-powered content creation. This year, AI is woven into nearly every aspect of digital marketing, and I’m constantly analyzing how the landscape is changing. ” That’s what he loves about digital marketing... --- ### Pierpont Recognized as one of CEOWORLD’s “Best Public Relations Agencies” for 2025 > CEO WORLD recently listed Pierpont Communications as one of the world’s best public relations (PR) agencies. - Published: 2025-02-27 - Modified: 2025-02-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-recognized-as-one-of-ceoworlds-best-public-relations-agencies-for-2025/ - Service Categories: Public Relations This honor places Pierpont among the world’s best PR agencies CEOWORLD, in partnership with United Global Guardian Press, has ranked the world's top public relations agencies. Over 122,800 industry experts and 260,500 customers nominated more than 2,000 firms. Based on this input, CEOWORLD recognized Pierpont as one of the best public relations agencies globally. With thousands of firms evaluated by both industry professionals and clients, Pierpont is proud to have risen to the top of our industry. This ranking highlights our dedication to delivering measurable results while maintaining strong, lasting client relationships. Thanks to our team of public relations and marketing professionals, we have successfully developed and executed communications strategies for businesses throughout the U. S. and across the world, helping them build their brands and expand their reach. Founded in Houston 38 years ago, Pierpont has grown to establish offices in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Denver. We have represented the country’s most influential brands in energy, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, retail, real estate, and more. Industry experts at Pierpont specialize in a variety of communications consulting areas, including media relations, reputation management, corporate communications, crisis management, digital marketing strategy and stakeholder engagement. CEOWORLD Magazine is a premier global business publication tailored for high-level executives such as CEOs, CFOs, and other senior management professionals. Established to provide insightful analysis and reporting on various industries, it serves as a vital resource for business leaders and high-net-worth individuals worldwide. --- ### The Potential Impact of a TikTok Ban on the Digital Marketing Landscape > Explore how a potential TikTok ban could reshape digital marketing strategies, affecting brands, influencers, and advertising dynamics. - Published: 2025-02-04 - Modified: 2025-02-04 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-potential-impact-of-a-tiktok-ban-on-the-digital-marketing-landscape/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing As a digital marketing professional, I’ve been closely following the discussions around a potential TikTok ban. With over 170 million active monthly users in the U. S. , TikTok has become a cornerstone of digital marketing strategies for brands nationwide. The platform's unique ability to foster genuine connections and drive user-generated content has made it indispensable. But what would happen if TikTok were eventually banned in this country? Let's explore the potential impacts on the digital marketing landscape. The Rise and Influence of TikTok TikTok's growth has been nothing short of meteoric in the U. S. It has transformed from a platform for quirky dances and viral challenges into a powerful marketing tool. Brands have leveraged TikTok's massive reach to engage customers, run creative campaigns, and even sell products directly through the platform’s new TikTok Shop feature. The app's algorithm, which promotes content based on engagement rather than follower count, has democratized content creation, allowing even small brands to go viral. Potential Impacts of a TikTok Ban Loss of a Major Advertising Channel: TikTok has become a significant advertising platform, with U. S. advertisers spending an estimated $12. 34 billion on the app in 2024. A ban would force brands to reallocate these ad dollars to other platforms, potentially leading to increased competition and higher costs on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Disruption of Influencer Marketing: Many influencers rely heavily on TikTok for their income and audience engagement. A ban would disrupt their revenue streams from brand deals, affiliate links,... --- ### Digital Marketing Trends to Watch in 2025 > From AI Agents to Zero-Click: Digital marketing trends to watch in 2025 and what businesses and marketers should do to stay ahead. - Published: 2025-01-06 - Modified: 2025-01-06 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/digital-marketing-trends-to-watch-in-2025/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations From AI Agents to Zero-Click Experiences, here's what to watch in 2025. Last week, I reviewed some of the most important digital marketing trends I observed in 2024. Now, I’m looking ahead to 2025. Here’s what I’m keeping my eye on in the new year and what you should do as a marketer or business owner. Zero-Click Online Experiences Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, ChatGPT – all these digital entities are moving more and more toward what digital marketers call “zero-click online experiences. ” Zero-click online experiences are interactions where people get the answers or information they need directly on a platform (like Google search results, LinkedIn posts, or a chatbot like ChatGPT) without needing to click through to a business’s website. This is accelerating thanks to: Search engines becoming answer engines Apple’s cookie changes Anti-tracking and privacy laws More use of ad blockers Increasing use of apps Why Will Zero-Click Experiences Become More Prominent in 2025? Controlled Environment: Online businesses and app developers believe that delivering immediate answers directly on a platform improves user satisfaction and retention by reducing the need for additional clicks. Monetary Benefits: Companies believe they will make more money when you stay on their sites or platforms or apps. That’s because the longer you are engaged, the more opportunities they have to present you with advertisements, cross-sell products, gather valuable data about your preferences, and ultimately, increase the likelihood of making a purchase or taking a desired action within their ecosystem, all while minimizing distractions from competitors... --- ### Key Developments in Digital Marketing: A 2024 Overview > SVP Chris Ferris explores the key developments that shaped digital marketing in 2024, with insights on AI and more trends. - Published: 2024-12-30 - Modified: 2024-12-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/key-developments-in-digital-marketing-a-2024-overview/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations 2024 was a year of significant changes in the digital marketing landscape. In this blog, I’ll review a few of the major trends that shaped the year and provide some insights. Check back in January and I’ll share my predictions for 2025. Artificial Intelligence (AI) This almost seems too obvious, but it has to be said: AI has revolutionized how knowledge workers do their jobs and perform daily tasks. It's now used by digital marketers for: Brainstorming ideas Conducting research Outlining blog posts or website content Reviewing and revising content Segmenting audiences and personalizing content for these segments Summarizing information Combining and refining ideas And much more. Digital marketing professionals are (or should be) aware of the risks associated with AI, such as overreliance, inaccuracy, hallucination, plagiarism, confidentiality and data security, poor content, and inherent biases. To mitigate these risks, digital marketing departments or agencies should have a clear AI policy that includes: Purpose and scope Data protection and confidentiality measures Addressing potential biases Allowed use cases Training and education Monitoring and evaluation Drafting and promulgating clear AI guidelines will empower digital marketers to safely and confidently use AI tools to make them more efficient, productive and creative. Impact of AI on SEO SEO has been a cornerstone of digital marketing for years, but its value has diminished (see this recent blog post from Rand Fishkin for more details), as the Google home page has become more and more crowded with less and less helpful links. In addition, more people... --- ### Public Relations in Denver: Strategies for Growing Colorado Companies > Discover expert public relations (PR) strategies for Colorado to navigate this dynamic market with Pierpont's VP of the Denver office. - Published: 2024-11-11 - Modified: 2024-11-11 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/denver-public-relations-growing-companies/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Healthcare & Wellness, Technology & Innovation Denver is booming, and with it, opportunities for companies across key industries looking to establish a strong presence in one of the nation’s fastest-growing business hubs. Denver offers a diverse ecosystem—including healthcare, energy, tech, quantum computing, and education—that draws businesses seeking growth in a city renowned for its innovation and quality of life. As the VP of Pierpont Communications’ Denver office, I’ve seen firsthand the value of a strategic approach to PR in helping companies navigate this unique market. Here’s what new companies and marketers should know to succeed in Denver’s competitive business landscape. Engaging with Denver’s Business Community and Industry Networks Denver’s business environment is deeply rooted in community, and building connections within key business groups and industry networks can significantly boost a company’s presence. The Colorado Chamber of Commerce, Denver Metro Economic Development Corporation (EDC), and Denver Chamber of Commerce are essential starting points for any company looking to establish a foothold. These organizations offer invaluable networking opportunities and insights into local industry trends and economic initiatives. Beyond these foundational groups, Denver is home to a variety of industry-specific associations. For example, the Colorado Technology Association serves as a critical resource for tech firms, while the Colorado Cleantech Industries Association (CCIA) supports companies in the renewable energy sector. Companies in education, healthcare, and quantum computing can find their own niche networks, which often provide a platform for collaboration and thought leadership. A knowledgeable PR partner will maintain strong relationships with these industry groups and understand how to leverage... --- ### Will AI Replace Public Relations? > Will AI replace Public Relations? AI seems to be everywhere, integrating itself rapidly into every industry. But PR is here to stay. - Published: 2024-10-30 - Modified: 2024-10-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/will-ai-replace-public-relations/ - Service Categories: Public Relations A question that is asked a lot among public relations professionals these days is: Will AI replace public relations? The short answer is: No. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into nearly every industry is reshaping how professionals approach their work. While the notion of AI replacing PR practitioners might seem daunting, the reality is far more nuanced and promising. AI is not here to take over our jobs but to expand our capabilities as PR professionals, providing helpful tools that enhance our efficiency, accuracy, and strategic insights. This blog will explore the multifaceted role of AI in PR, demonstrating how it serves as a valuable ally rather than a replacement. It will also offer practical advice on leveraging AI to elevate your PR game while being mindful of the risks of using AI carelessly. Impact of AI on Earned Media and PR One of the indirect impacts of AI relates to earned media and the news business. AI tools are still notorious for hallucinating and getting basic facts wrong. To improve the quality of the answers provided by these tools, many AI companies are working to identify and strike arrangements with reliable, fact-checked sources of information. These efforts are resulting in partnerships between AI firms and news outlets because of the desire to feed trustworthy, accurate information into AI models. A recent article from the Wall Street Journal details a $250 million deal between NewsCorp and OpenAI that allows the AI firm to utilize NewsCorp’s consumer-facing news publications to... --- ### PR vs. Marketing: Understanding the Difference > Understand the key differences between public relations and marketing, and how each plays a crucial role in shaping a company's reputation. - Published: 2024-10-23 - Modified: 2024-11-11 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pr-vs-marketing-understanding-the-difference/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing, Marketing, Public Relations In the constantly evolving landscape of business communication, two ideas often get mistaken for one another: public relations (PR) and marketing. While both professions work to enhance an organization’s reputation, they operate within different frameworks. Being able to understand the differences is important for a company to effectively connect with its audiences. There are a few distinctions to establish to understand the difference: Definitions and objectives Target audience Messaging Metrics of success Definitions and Objectives Public relations' focus is to manage the relationship between an organization and its various external stakeholders, including the public, the news media, and investors. Its primary goal is to build and protect a company’s image and foster goodwill in the public sphere. PR professionals can achieve this in many ways including: Writing and issuing press releases Cultivating proactive media relations Securing earned media coverage Communicating to potential and current investors Developing community engagement Marketing primarily focuses on promoting a product or a service to increase sales and meet revenue goals through mostly paid methods, such as advertising. Marketing professionals identify customer needs through market research and make sure they can be met through advertising and other sales strategies. The key to understanding one of the primary differences is that PR focuses on earned (or unpaid) media attention. Marketing efforts tend to focus on paid methods for raising awareness, building brand reputation, or driving leads. Target Audience An important distinction between PR and marketing lies within their target audiences. PR professionals’ primary audience is reporters and... --- ### Is SEO Dead? Spoiler Alert—It’s Not! It’s Just Evolving > Is SEO dead? AI is upending organic search as Google and others are becoming more answer engines than search engines. But SEO is not dead yet. - Published: 2024-09-04 - Modified: 2024-09-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/is-seo-dead-spoiler-alert-its-not-its-just-evolving/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing AI is upending organic search: Google and other companies are becoming more answer engines than search engines. Five key elements for SEO in 2024: Focus on branded search terms and choose carefully which non-branded terms to include in your SEO efforts B2B businesses should include Bing in their SEO Public relations and other marketing efforts often drive demand for branded search terms Adjust and adapt to generative AI optimization as it evolves Remember to optimize videos on YouTube for search A question I get asked a lot lately is: “Is SEO Dead? ” The short answer is no, but it is evolving. In the early years of Google, having pages ranked in the top ten spots on search engine results pages (SERPs) was valuable. But in recent years, search engine optimization (SEO) has changed dramatically. A position on the first page of Google search results isn’t as valuable as it once was. Today, digital marketing experts must learn how to broaden their approaches to expand beyond traditional organic Google SEO. The State of Organic Search in 2024 In 2024, SERPs are more crowded than ever before, especially on Google: Google Ads, featured snippets, people also ask, and the new AI Overview. All these new features can drive down the traditional organic search results so far down the page they might as well be invisible. These changes to Google are all part of the tech giant’s move to become less of a search engine and more of an answer engine. That... --- ### Crisis and Reputation Management: Tips For When a PR Crisis Strikes > When a crisis occurs, it's important to ensure your legal and PR teams are aligned. Chris Jones, Senior VP at Pierpont, and Dennis Duffy, Director at Kane Russell Colemen Logan PC, discuss the evolution of crisis response and tips to preserve your brand integrity during a crisis. - Published: 2024-08-22 - Modified: 2024-08-23 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-presents-corporate-crisis-and-reputation-management-webinar/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Public Relations In late July, Pierpont Communications held its first “Pierpont Presents” webinar. Chris Jones, Senior VP at Pierpont, was joined alongside Dennis Duffy, Director at Kane Russell Colemen Logan PC. Moderated by Christine Rashman, Vice President at Pierpont, this webinar focused on the evolution of crisis response and how crisis and legal teams work hand-in-hand to ensure brand integrity. Chris Jones reflects on the webinar and shares his key takeaways. In the first installment of “Pierpont Presents,” I had the privilege of discussing the crucial collaboration between legal and communications teams in PR and crisis communications. Alongside Dennis Duffy, we unpacked the necessity of cross-functional teamwork in managing crises. Evolution of Crisis Management Reflecting on my past career in the oil and gas industry, I was given an extraordinarily rich crisis experience across various sectors. Dennis, with his extensive legal expertise spanning 40 years, highlighted how the legal and PR teams have evolved over the years. “30 years ago, the two (legal and crisis communications) would’ve stayed in their lanes. In today’s world, it’s essential to make crisis communications part of the legal team, and vice versa. ” Decisions made by one party directly affect the other, and over time the two teams realized how crucial it is to collaborate and make key decisions together. Working together ensures that all steps are completed and that all decisions are beneficial for all parties involved. Prioritizing & Aligning Goals During our discussion, Dennis and I emphasized the importance of prioritizing risks and aligning... --- ### Moneyball for PR & Marketing: A Strategic Approach for Growing Businesses > By applying the principles of “Moneyball” to PR and marketing Pierpont Communications can help businesses improve their bottom line. - Published: 2024-07-10 - Modified: 2024-07-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/moneyball-for-pr-marketing-a-strategic-approach-for-growing-businesses/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing, Public Affairs Businesses can leverage data-driven strategies, optimizing their marketing and communications efforts and maximizing ROI The principles of “Moneyball,” a strategy that revolutionized baseball by using statistical analysis to build a winning team, can be applied to the world of PR and marketing to improve a company’s bottom line. Data-Driven Decision Making: “Moneyball” revolutionized baseball by using statistical analysis. Similarly, analytical communications firms can leverage data for their marketing and PR strategies. Analyzing market trends, consumer behavior, and campaign performance allows for allocating resources more efficiently. Targeted Messaging: Similar to “Moneyball,” where undervalued players are acquired based on statistics, businesses can target their messaging more effectively. Understanding the audience’s preferences and consumption patterns leads to engaging content and improved conversions. Value of “Earned Media”: Earned media (unpaid articles) has always been valuable due to its perceived accuracy and objectivity; but in the modern world of AI for search, research, and engagement, it is more valuable than ever. Combining high-quality media relations with holistic marketing will amplify and enhance the value of earned media. Data-Driven Decision Making Just as “Moneyball” focused on using empirical data to make decisions, astute PR firms can use data analytics to inform their marketing strategies. Analyzing market trends, consumer behavior, and campaign performance allows agencies to identify what works and what doesn’t. This allows them to allocate resources more efficiently, focusing on high-performing strategies and discarding ineffective ones. “By partnering with a firm that understands the value of information combined with industry expertise businesses can leverage data-driven... --- ### Navigating the Denver Media Landscape with Pierpont’s Expertise > Pierpont is is deeply connected to the Denver media landscape and dedicated to driving business success using our PR experience and expertise. - Published: 2024-07-08 - Modified: 2024-07-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/navigating-the-denver-media-landscape-with-pierponts-expertise/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing, Public Relations As one of the largest independent PR and marketing agencies, Pierpont is deeply committed to providing unparalleled PR services and maintaining deep-rooted connections within the Denver media landscape. Our understanding of the local media market, combined with our extensive network, positions us uniquely to help clients amplify their messages effectively. Understanding Denver’s Media Market Denver’s media landscape is both dynamic and evolving, reflecting broader trends observed across Colorado. A recent report by COLAB, titled State of News in Colorado 2023, provides valuable insights into these shifts. According to the report, Colorado's media market is characterized by a blend of traditional outlets and an increasing number of digital platforms, mirroring national trends but with unique local nuances. Key highlights from the COLAB report include: Growth of Digital Media: Digital news platforms are rapidly gaining traction, with a significant portion of the audience now consuming news online. This shift necessitates a robust digital strategy for effective media outreach. Trust in Local News: Despite national trends showing a decline in trust in media, local news outlets in Colorado continue to enjoy a relatively high level of trust. This underscores the importance of building and maintaining relationships with local reporters and editors. Diverse Media Consumption: The report highlights the diversity in media consumption patterns among different demographic groups, emphasizing the need for tailored communication strategies to reach various segments effectively. Challenges Faced by News Outlets: Colorado’s news organizations are navigating challenges such as financial constraints and staffing shortages, impacting their ability to cover news... --- ### Discover Why Email Marketing Remains a Vital and Cost-Effective Tool for Digital Success > Discover the impact of email marketing: versatile, personalized, cost-effective strategies for optimal engagement. - Published: 2024-06-05 - Modified: 2024-07-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-email-marketing-is-important/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing Email remains an effective digital marketing tool that lends itself to every stage of the sales funnel. Email marketing may not be a flashy way to market, but it remains remarkably effective. Email marketing success stems from its versatility, personalization, and cost-effectiveness. You can improve your email marketing by growing your lists with first party data, personalizing content, and including clear CTAs. Email marketing often flies under the radar in the flashy world of digital marketing, overshadowed by the latest trends in social media, AI, and influencer marketing. However, it remains a cornerstone of effective online marketing strategies, offering unmatched benefits and a solid return on investment. Let’s explore what email marketing is and why it should be a key component of your digital marketing efforts. What is Email Marketing? Email marketing is the process of sending targeted emails to a list of subscribers who have opted in to receive communications from your business. These emails can serve different purposes, such as promoting products, sharing news, nurturing leads, or simply maintaining a relationship with your audience. The success of email marketing lies in delivering valuable and relevant content that resonates with your subscribers. The History of Email Marketing Email marketing has been around for decades. The first email was sent by Ray Tomlinson in 1971, a simple test message that read “QWERTYIOP. ” Fast forward to today, and over 333 billion emails are sent daily, underscoring the immense reach and potential of this medium. Why is Email Marketing Successful? 1.... --- ### Why Pierpont Communications is the Strategic Partner Denver Brands Need > Dan Mahoney, VP and General Manager of Pierpont Denver, shares his insights on why Pierpont is the strategic PR partner Denver brands need. - Published: 2024-05-07 - Modified: 2024-07-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-pierpont-communications-is-the-strategic-partner-denver-brands-need/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing, Marketing, Public Relations Unlocking the Potential of Denver Businesses In the fast-evolving landscape of public relations and marketing, Denver has often been overlooked by national agencies. As the economy in the Denver metro area has flourished, local brands and businesses increasingly require sophisticated, strategic communications support, especially in areas like merger and acquisition communications and high-profile public relations. This is where Pierpont Communications steps in, poised to fill a critical gap and provide the expertise that Denver’s dynamic market demands. Unmatched Expertise in Strategic Communications Pierpont, a leading independent PR and marketing agency, brings over 35 years of experience in managing complex communication challenges. Known for enhancing brand reputations and ensuring effective stakeholder communication, Pierpont is adept at navigating intricate scenarios such as mergers and acquisitions and orchestrating impactful PR campaigns. With a track record across various industries native to Denver including technology, cybersecurity, cleantech and energy, Pierpont delivers industry expertise and strategic prowess to meet this region’s unique business needs. Tailored Approach for Denver's Unique Needs Unlike the massive national agencies that often deploy generic strategies and tactics, Pierpont prides itself on a tailored approach. The agency commits to better understanding the Denver community and engaging with local brands to craft personalized strategies that resonate locally while achieving national or even global reach. Meeting Denver's Growing Demands Denver's growth in sectors like technology and professional services has escalated the need for advanced PR and marketing strategies. Pierpont’s expansion into Denver is perfectly timed to meet these demands, bringing a high level of... --- ### What Should Businesses Do If TikTok is Banned in the US > With TikTok's future uncertain, how should businesses prepare for a potential TikTok ban in the United States? - Published: 2024-04-22 - Modified: 2024-04-22 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/what-should-businesses-do-if-tiktok-is-banned-in-the-us/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing Don't panic. TikTok’s American users are also on plenty of other social networks. **Updated April 22, 2024** Let's talk about TikTok, the popular video-sharing app that allows users to create and share short-form videos on diverse topics. In the last five years, it has become one of the most popular apps, not just for American teenagers, but among millennials as well. As a result of its popularity, TikTok has become a powerful marketing channel for businesses large and small to reach younger audiences. The U. S. House recently passed a bill that could force ByteDance, the Chinese internet company, to sell TikTok. Per CNN, The bill passed this weekend closely resembles the earlier version approved in March that would ban TikTok from US app stores unless it finds a new owner. With President Biden's apparent support for the measure, the reality of a TikTok-free U. S. market seems possible. This potential shake-up in the digital space has prompted an important question: How should businesses prepare for a TikTok-less environment? My advice? Do not panic. And here is why: People use an average of 6. 6 different social networks every month. This means that if a business’s customers are active on TikTok, they are also active on other social media apps. Data from Meltwater and reported by DataReportal backs this up. A majority of TikTok's audience also interacts with other major platforms. 80% use Instagram, 82% are on Facebook, and 77% frequent YouTube. These reports also reveal that only 0. 1%... --- ### 5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn Presence > Whether you are a seasoned professional, or new in your career, LinkedIn is a valuable tool that can do wonders for your personal brand. - Published: 2024-04-22 - Modified: 2024-04-22 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/5-tips-to-improve-your-linkedin-presence/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Media Training - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Your LinkedIn profile is an extension of your personal brand. **Updated April 22, 2024** What Is LinkedIn? LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network on the internet, with 1 billion users as of late 2023. In short, it’s the social media platform that acts as a professional networking site, designed to help people make business connections, learn from experts, share their experiences, and find jobs. Your LinkedIn profile is an extension of your personal brand and an extension of your company’s brand. Like it or not, people judge your company by your profile, so you want to represent it well. It details who you are, your professional interests, past experiences, skills, education, and more. Here are five LinkedIn strategies for elevating your personal brand and setting yourself apart from competition online. 1. Best practices for LinkedIn There are certain attributes every profile should have to succeed. According to Leisure Jobs, users who list their education appear in searches up to 17 times more often than those who don’t. Filling out the location field on your profile will also help you appear in more searches. A professional-looking photo is another must-have. Profiles with a photo get up to 21 times more views and up to 36 times more messages, according to Brett Power. Your profile should have a compelling background picture. It sets the tone for your profile, allowing you to convey a message about your personal brand and the company you work for. 2. How to Position Your Current Role... --- ### Pierpont Communications Announces Denver Market Entry with Two Strategic Local Hires > Pierpont announces Denver market entry with the hire of Dan Mahoney as Vice President & General Manager and Pete Webb as Senior Counsel. - Published: 2024-04-15 - Modified: 2024-04-22 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-denver-market-entry/ - Service Categories: Media Training, Public Relations Texas’ Leading Independent PR and Digital Marketing Agency Appoints Industry Veterans Dan Mahoney as General Manager and Pete Webb as Senior Counsel to Drive Expansion Pierpont Communications, a leading independent public relations and integrated digital marketing agency headquartered in Houston with operations in all major Texas markets, announced today it has hired two Colorado communications experts. Dan Mahoney will serve as Vice President & General Manager and Pete Webb as Senior Counsel, both sharing a focus on establishing a Denver market presence and supporting existing clients and industries of the firm. “For more than 37 years, we have grown our depth in core sectors such as energy & power, energy transition, enterprise technology and financial services by building around highly experienced talent,” said Phil Morabito, Pierpont’s Chief Executive Officer. “The greater Denver market is home to many companies that fit our ideal industry categories. Our team is excited to welcome Dan and Pete, who are exceptional agency leaders with deep expertise and a proven track record within Colorado’s vibrant business community. ” Dan Mahoney has been appointed as Vice President & General Manager of Pierpont’s Denver operations. He brings two decades of agency experience focused on high-impact marketing and communications strategies within the Denver area. Throughout his career, Mahoney's crisis management, executive communications, investor relations and public affairs skills have made him a highly sought-after strategist across both mature industries such as financial and professional services, and emerging industries including CleanTech, space and industry 4. 0 technologies. Additionally, Mahoney is... --- ### Shaping Future Business Leaders: Pierpont’s Experts Bring Real-World Lessons to the Classroom > Pierpont celebrates our experts teaching at colleges, shaping young minds and promoting continuous learning among business leaders. - Published: 2024-04-10 - Modified: 2024-07-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierponts-experts-bring-real-world-lessons-to-classroom/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing, Media Training, Public Relations Pierpont takes pride in educating and shaping the minds of young professionals. One of the key ways we do this is through our employees who teach at colleges and universities in their communities. Read below to see how Pierpont CEO Phil Morabito, Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris, Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer, and Account Executive Uniqua Williams approach teaching at these local schools. Phil Morabito Pierpont CEO Phil Morabito, for the 36th year, is teaching Integrated Marketing Communications at the University of Houston. This course for graduate students in the business school explores integrated communication marketing. Phil designed this course because he realized the importance of business students understanding public relations, advertising, and marketing strategy and tactics. Phil goes above and beyond to ensure that his students soak up all the knowledge he has accrued over the years. He created “Real Life Nights,” a series of guest lectures that provide insight into different industries. He wants his students to hear from professionals who are implementing the skills that the students are learning. When asked one thing he would like for his students to take away from his class, he said “hustle,” and to always be learning: “Life is about continuously learning. ” Chris Ferris Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris has been teaching digital marketing to MBA students at Rice Business since 2018. Chris says while he covers the same general topics every year—website design and development, SEO, social media, paid digital advertising, email, and analytics—the... --- ### How to Develop a Digital Marketing Strategy for Your Business > When developing a digital marketing strategy, we first clarify business goals and then focus on website, SEO, social and online advertising. - Published: 2024-04-04 - Modified: 2024-05-02 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-develop-a-digital-strategy-for-your-business/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing Focus on website, SEO, social media, and digital advertising, all build around business goals. **Updated April 4, 2024** In the digital era, it is essential for all businesses to have a clear digital strategy that will help grow your brand, reach your target audiences, establish an effective online presence, and accomplish business goals. Developing a digital strategy will help you surpass your competitors online. When we work with our clients to develop a digital marketing strategy, we start with making sure they have a clear idea of their business goals and how various online tools can align with and support these goals. Then we review the following: Website First, we make sure our client’s website is secure, responsively designed, hosted by a reliable vendor, accessible to people with disabilities and has clear calls to action. When developing or revising a website we recommend having the end user in mind, rather than the internal audience. This ensures that the website works for the users. It is essential that your website loads quickly on a mobile device. According to a statistic from WebFx, “75% of users are more likely to return to a website if it’s mobile-friendly. ” If the site must be rebuilt, we usually recommend WordPress as the CMS (content management system). It’s user-friendly, customizable, and widely supported. To ensure our clients’ digital strategy is on the road to success, it is necessary to have a web analytics service that tracks your website’s performance. Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is a... --- ### Maximizing Marketing Impact: 6 Ways Content Repurposing Powers Integrated Marketing > Staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses. One trend that has gained significant traction in recent years is content repurposing. - Published: 2024-02-15 - Modified: 2024-02-15 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/maximizing-marketing-impact-6-ways-content-repurposing-powers-integrated-marketing/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing In the fast-paced, rapidly evolving world of integrated marketing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses looking to capture and retain audience attention. One trend that has gained significant traction in recent years is content repurposing. According to recent statistics, content repurposing efforts have surged by an impressive 93% over the last five years. While some marketers are increasing reliance on AI-generated content, a steady stream of relevant organic content is still the best way for organizations to make a meaningful connection with target audiences and influencers. Let’s explore the ways in which companies are leveraging content repurposing to optimize their integrated marketing strategies and achieve maximum impact. Cost-Effective Content Creation: Creating fresh, high-quality content on a consistent basis can be a resource-intensive process. Content repurposing offers an effective alternative by allowing businesses to extract additional value from existing content to reach, engage and educate audiences. By adapting and reusing content across different platforms and formats, companies can maximize their return on investment and extend the lifespan of their marketing assets. This could include providing an update to outdated news and insights or sharing a reflection on how things may have changed. Multi-Channel Engagement: Integrated marketing involves reaching audiences across various channels seamlessly. Content repurposing facilitates this by tailoring content to suit different platforms and audience preferences. There simply is no single best way to reach any audience so it’s ideal to leverage a mix of options. For example, a blog post can be transformed into a series... --- ### Overcoming the CFO's Challenge: Telling Public Relations Story for Financial Impact > Help your CFO tell the story of why PR matters in language boards appreciate. Your CFO will appreciate you by supporting your PR budget. - Published: 2024-02-15 - Modified: 2024-02-15 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/overcoming-the-cfos-challenge-telling-public-relations-story-for-financial-impact/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Public Relations Over the past few weeks, I have had several conversations with CMOs, Vice Presidents of Marketing and other marketing professionals about their challenges in preparing their budget requests for the new fiscal year. In virtually every conversation these professionals have lamented their inability to convince their CFO that public relations (PR) is important or to defend increased investments in PR. Similar to challenges with the CEO who might think PR is “just press releases and media coverage,” the CFO struggles to understand how it aligns with business goals, reporting and metrics, and how to ensure accountability, especially when their marketers too often struggle to articulate the ROI. Yet, in a business and social culture where social media can quickly take customer complaints, product defects, legal matters, or personnel or financial scandals to damaging levels and cause reputations to quickly spin out of control, as well as changes in browser “cookie policies” investment in PR to help reach key audiences is more critical than ever. Add to that how integrating PR with demand generation can increase lead flow, revenue, and retention, and PR is positioned as one of the more cost-effective investments a business can make. One of the challenges is that most marketing professionals have built careers through more traditional demand generation/revenue marketing or brand advertising roles where there are clearer metrics of lead flow, conversion and velocity tracking, an analysis of sourced versus influenced, all the way through the process to closed/won deals. The good news is that looking... --- ### Pierpont Communications Announces Entry-Level Hires in Austin and Houston > Pierpont Communications is excited to announce the entry-level hires of Jillian Brown and Ashley Mann. - Published: 2024-02-05 - Modified: 2024-02-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-entry-level-hires-brown-mann/ Pierpont Communications is excited to announce the hiring of two new employees to support Pierpont's Austin and Houston offices. Jillian Brown joined the Austin office as an Assistant Account Executive and Ashley Mann joined the Houston office as an Assistant Account Executive, Business Development. Brown will leverage her PR experience by delivering strategic public relations solutions to our clients, while Mann will be assisting Pierpont’s sales team by researching new business opportunities and developing strategic business outreach plans. Brown joined Pierpont in September 2023 as an intern where she supported a variety of industries including technology, energy, consulting and financial services. As an Assistant Account Executive, she will support her key account teams with comprehensive marketing and public relations solutions. In her day-to-day role, Brown will be assisting with strategic media relations, creative message development and proactive social listening. Brown graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s in public relations and a minor in Spanish. Mann also joined Pierpont as an intern in September 2023. In her new role, Mann will be working alongside the sales and marketing teams as she works to discover untapped business opportunities and execute strategies that align with a prospect’s objectives. She brings with her a background in public relations, retail sales and the rigor of advanced collegiate dance. Mann graduated with honors from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a minor in sociology. --- ### Energy Transition Begins with “And” in More Ways than One > Pierpont VP Meghan Gross shares recent learnings from the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment annual meeting. - Published: 2023-12-08 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/energy-transition-begins-with-and-in-more-ways-than-one/ - Industry Categories: Energy & Power I’m a remote-always worker, but recently I had the opportunity to attend the annual meeting of the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment and was able to experience three things I rarely get on screen: energy in the room, an opportunity to see thought leaders I read about in real life, and the chance to hear from talented, innovative students about research projects that may one day form the basis of policy. Attendees were treated to a keynote from Amory Lovins, founder and chair of the Rocky Mountain Institute among other roles, which included his views on the next decade technologies we need to support energy transition, the mindset we should adopt, and the importance of stakeholder collaboration to achieve it. Following the keynote, attendees heard from experts in direct ocean and air carbon capture, utilization and storage. Later in the afternoon, we heard about hydrogen, from the unique and accessible aspects of geologic hydrogen to the challenges of building infrastructure to create green hydrogen and how to make it more accessible to all parts of the US. One common thread through all the sessions was captured perfectly by GE Vernova’s Jeff Goldmeer when he expressed that energy transition is not an ‘or’ problem, it’s an ‘and’ solution. How fitting we heard this at the Andlinger Center’s annual meeting. It was well said that every region is on its own journey in the energy transition. It will take time and many forms of energy, modes of working, and technologies... --- ### Has Threads Replaced Twitter? The Rise and Stagnation of Threads > Pierpont SVP of Digital Strategy looks at the rise and stagnation of Threads and its struggle to rival X (formerly Twitter). - Published: 2023-11-20 - Modified: 2023-11-20 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/has-threads-replaced-twitter-the-rise-and-stagnation-of-threads/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations Meta's Threads is still trying to gain traction as a viable social media channel, while X (formerly Twitter) continues to pose difficult questions for users and advertisers. **Updated November 20, 2023** The launch of Meta’s Threads app in July 2023 arrived with much fanfare, as the new social media channel quickly amassed 44 million daily active users. This initial engagement proved short-lived, however, with the daily active user base dwindling to just 8 million by August. Meta claimed recently that Threads had 100 million monthly users—a notable figure considering the app is not yet available in Europe. But the daily active user count is a more salient number to measure its success. Additionally, Threads’ users spend an average of three minutes daily on the platform, which is relatively low compared to the time spent on other social media channels. Meta clearly wants Threads to succeed, as evidenced by the notifications that appear in Instagram and Facebook encouraging users to switch over to Threads: In July, my advice was to delegate a social media team member to dive into Threads, keep tabs on the platform's evolution, and watch competitors closely. The platform was new and, as with anything in its infancy, subject to rapid change. But what about now, four months later? What's New with Threads? In my view, Threads is still a pale imitation of what Twitter once was: The search functionality is still basic. It also lacks hashtags, and a discovery page, making it a challenge to track or... --- ### Why CEOs and Executives Should be on Linkedin > Explore the primary reasons executives should be active on LinkedIn and how it can help boost brand awareness and networking efforts. - Published: 2023-11-17 - Modified: 2023-11-20 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-ceos-and-executives-should-be-on-linkedin/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing LinkedIn remains the most powerful and important B2B platform for professionals. In 2021 I wrote about why CEOs and executives should be active on LinkedIn. I've updated that post in light of the news about LinkedIn members reaching 1 billion. **Updated November 17, 2023** I have been surprised by the number of clients who have asked me this question: “Why should my CEO and senior executives be on LinkedIn? ” To me, it seems self-evident: As a professional, LinkedIn is the primary way to make connections and brand yourself online. But some senior executives still treat their LinkedIn profiles with what could charitably be described as benign neglect. In this blog post, I will explain: What LinkedIn is and why it’s important Why the c-suite should take LinkedIn more seriously What best practices are for LinkedIn profiles Which metrics to track to evaluate your progress What Is LinkedIn? LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network on the internet, with 1 billion users as of late 2024. In short, it's a social media platform that acts as a professional networking site, designed to help people make business connections, share their experiences and resumes, and find jobs. LinkedIn is similar to other social media sites like Facebook. It’s built around: linking to friends (or, in the case of LinkedIn, “connections”) posting updates sharing content liking and commenting on others’ posts direct messaging other users LinkedIn also just introduced a button that will summarize long posts into a few key bullet points tailored... --- ### Pierpont Wins "Best Places to Work" Award for Fifteenth Time > Pierpont Communications is a 15-time winner of "Best Places to Work" award from the Houston Business Journal. - Published: 2023-11-02 - Modified: 2023-11-02 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-wins-best-places-to-work-15-times/ The Houston Business Journal recently named Pierpont Communications to its "Best Places to Work" list for the fifteenth time. For many years, the Houston Business Journal has surveyed and recognized companies in the Houston area that demonstrate a positive company culture and employee appreciation. Pierpont ranked #8 in their category with a score of 97. 60, as measured by culture, amenities, benefits, worker retention and attraction strategies. This ranking results from Pierpont’s outstanding commitment to culture, which is why Pierponters choose to stay. As a creative agency of strategic thinkers, Pierpont has cultivated an environment of compassion, collaboration and commitment to work/life balance. Pierpont’s long-lasting commitment to employee satisfaction does not go unnoticed. “I am so proud of all the Pierponters who strive to make the workplace an enjoyable environment and grateful to have won one of the 'Best Places to Work' 15 times,” said CEO Phil Morabito. Over the past 36 years, Phil and the entire Pierpont team have established a positive work culture and environment for everyone. --- ### Why Your Organization Needs Generative AI Guidelines for Employees > Looking to create an generative AI policy for your PR or marketing organization? Download our AI guideline recommendations. - Published: 2023-09-21 - Modified: 2023-09-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-your-organization-needs-generative-ai-guidelines-for-employees/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Relations With the integration of AI becoming increasingly common in business settings, leadership needs to acknowledge the potential generative AI has to help employees reach goals and improve efficiency—especially in fields like public relations, communications, and marketing. But understanding and acknowledging the potential risks of using AI are necessary first steps in creating an AI policy that is both clear and actionable for your workplace. Guidelines for generative AI usage are crucial so that the extent of AI’s use is not left up to interpretation by employees. The use of generative AI has plenty of risks—like inaccuracies, bias, or plagiarism—that are important to consider when developing an AI policy. Education about these risks as well as guidance on how to navigate them will empower teams as they tackle projects that use AI-based technology, as well as build their confidence in your organization’s stance on using the technology to draft content, create ideas and more. What does an AI policy look like? The policy should include a clear understanding of what artificial intelligence and generative AI are and what kinds of tools use AI. Your policy should also include plans for training on select AI tools if necessary for your organization. Lastly, your policy should define the ethical use of the technology and how your organization is prepared to monitor compliance with the policy. This shouldn’t be used to intimidate employees, but rather to guide them in creating the best possible outcomes. AI training and policies are never finished. Technology like AI... --- ### A Summary of New York Energy Week: One Decade Later > VP Meghan Gross shares her insights after attending New York Energy Week. - Published: 2023-09-08 - Modified: 2023-09-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/a-summary-of-new-york-energy-week-one-decade-later/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power I was fortunate to have attended one of the first New York Energy Week (NYEW) convenings after moving from Boston to the New York area in 2013. Fresh off of an immersive assignment working for a major electric and gas utility company in New England, the programming presented by the organizers and sponsors hit all the high notes for me: resilience, climate change and women in energy. Fast forward one decade and a pandemic later, New York Energy Week is still convening thought leaders around important topics and it is interesting to observe what has changed and what remains the same. Programming is now hybrid like many of our workplaces, and though I was unable to participate in the in-person events that bookended the conference, the virtual speakers still provided insightful content. As evidenced by the heat dome in the southwest and the Canadian wildfires impacting the midwestern and northeastern U. S. , climate change remains front and center for companies in energy and adjacent industries. Roberta Boscolo, climate and energy leader at the World Meteorological Organization, shared valuable, data-driven insights about the state of our air and water quality and our rising temperatures. It was an important reminder that quantifying statements and high-impact visuals in our data-driven world will go a long way toward spurring behavior change among stakeholder groups and consumers. I also had an opportunity to hear from the executive director of the Electrification Coalition, Ben Prochazka. Ben walked participants through the early successes in transportation electrification... --- ### From Data to Decisions: How GA4 Transforms Analytics for Businesses > Utilizing GA4 provides businesses with powerful insights and actionable data to make informed decisions and drive growth. - Published: 2023-08-28 - Modified: 2023-08-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/from-data-to-decisions-how-ga4-transforms-analytics-for-businesses/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing Digital marketers are now several months into the era of Google Analytics 4 (GA4). Initially, there was some skepticism surrounding GA4 due to the significant changes it introduced, and the learning curve associated with the new features and interface. But GA4 is not just an upgrade; it's a major leap in analytics that will reshape how you understand and engage with your online audiences. This new analytics tool offers businesses a more comprehensive and user-centric understanding of their data. Here’s how digital marketers should consider GA4 a positive development for several reasons: Enhanced user-centric measurement Expanded data collection capabilities Advanced machine learning capabilities Event-based data model Privacy and consent-focused approach While there might have been initial worry about this new tool, GA4's benefits and alignment with evolving industry trends make it a powerful tool for businesses seeking valuable insights into user behavior and optimizing their online presence. Key Features and Benefits of GA4 Cross-platform tracking in GA4 is fundamental for businesses navigating the digital landscape. It allows seamless monitoring and analysis of user interactions across diverse platforms and devices (from website to app, for example). By embracing GA4's robust cross-platform tracking capabilities, businesses can attain a holistic understanding of customer behavior, optimize marketing strategies, and elevate their overall operational performance. Here’s how GA4 captures more actionable data about customers’ online journey: Comprehensive customer journey: In a mobile-driven world where users frequently switch between devices and platforms, tracking their interactions across various touchpoints is essential. GA4's cross-platform tracking allows businesses to... --- ### Maximizing Returns: Is the ROI of PR Investment Ellusive? > Vice President Tad Druart provides tips on explaining the ROI of a public relations investment to your executive team or board of directors. - Published: 2023-07-26 - Modified: 2023-09-13 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/maximizing-returns-is-the-roi-of-pr-investment-allusive/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Relations One of the most difficult challenges for marketing leadership has been the ability to deliver metrics that the executive team or board of directors can understand and review to determine if they are getting a return on investment with public relations. Most marketing leaders build their careers through the demand or revenue generation function where there are clearer metrics of lead flow, conversion and velocity tracking, an analysis of sourced versus influenced, all the way through the process to closed/won deals. While the direct measurement of influence has been historically problematic, over time leadership and boards have grown to understand the nuances and accept a level of ambiguity because of the story that the data helps tell. Yet, the same level of ambiguity is not typically acceptable when one talks about PR. However, when one measures the right things, the compelling PR story can be as powerful as the other marketing metrics and more cost-effective. Virtually all marketing leaders will tell you that in today’s B2B market, the buying journey and the number of people involved in the buying decision have grown more complex. This is often because of the growing number of channels available to reach people, as well as the increasing number of people involved in the buying process, either as a member of the buying committee or an influencer on the committee. With that increase in personas and changes in privacy regulations, it’s more difficult for marketers to target efficiently and effectively outbound and/or digital spend. With... --- ### Should Businesses Be On Threads? > Threads, Meta's new alternative to Twitter, went live in July. Many of our clients have asked if they should join Threads. We provide answers. - Published: 2023-07-07 - Modified: 2023-07-07 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/should-businesses-be-on-threads/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing Meta’s new social media application—Threads—launched this week. The app, which is thus far only available on smartphones, is the social media giant’s attempt to offer a competitor to Twitter. As of Friday morning, it already claims to have 50 million users. According to Slate, because setting up an account can only be done via Instagram, “this new app will have tonnage that no new competitor can match. ” Many of our clients have asked us: Should our business be on Threads? Here's a brief summary of Threads, followed by the advice we're giving to our clients. How Is Threads Different Than Twitter? Think of Threads as a stripped-down version of Twitter: it’s a microblogging app that allows users to publish “threads” of comments in 500-word posts that can include photos and videos. But as of yet, there is no hashtag feature, trending topics, or edit function. Per The Washington Post: “here’s no way to make Threads show you only the posts from accounts you’ve chosen to follow. There’s also no way to make your feed ordered chronologically—instead, it’s organized by what the Threads algorithm thinks you might find most interesting. ” In addition, “Threads will apply the same content rules that currently exist on Instagram. That means users on Threads won’t be able to praise terrorist or hate groups, buy firearms or make threats against people or groups. Users under 16 are also automatically defaulted into a private account. And Threads will allow users to limit replies to their threads... --- ### Why a Mid-year Marketing Communications Review is Vital in 2023 > Kenneth Kracmer explains why a mid-year marketing communications review is vital to successfully execute your marketing plan and strategy. - Published: 2023-07-07 - Modified: 2023-07-07 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-a-mid-year-marketing-communications-review-is-vital/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Relations Jump into a conversation with a group of marketing communications professionals and the one thing just about everyone can agree upon is that 2023 is a stark contrast to 2022. In nearly every category, market momentum has shifted and created some challenges making it necessary to recalibrate. About a month ago, results from the Gartner 2023 CMO Spend and Strategy Survey revealed and validated many of the trends we have seen play out in the first half of this year. The key takeaway? Seventy-one percent of CMOs say they lack the budget to execute their strategies in 2023 fully. “Suppressed budgets, increasing costs and lower productivity are squeezing CMOs’ spending power,” said Ewan McIntyre, Chief of Research and VP Analyst in the Gartner Marketing practice. “As volatility becomes the new normal, many CMOs are pricing disruption into their 2023 plans. ” This means about three-quarters of CMOs are facing increased pressure to “do more with less” to deliver profitable growth in 2023. This is precisely why this year, more than last year, marketers can benefit from mid-year reviews and resets of strategy, tactics and resources. The business environment is in a state of flux, and market dynamics are no different in 2023. Businesses that can successfully navigate these changes will be the ones to thrive. With a mid-year marketing communications plan review, you can make the necessary updates to refresh your efforts for the second half of the year. My advice to marketers is to: Review marketing results for the... --- ### Pierpont Celebrates Finalists & Winners at EY Entrepreneur of the Year Gala > Pierpont was proud to sponsor the 2023 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Event for the Gulf South Region last week. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2023-06-22 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-celebrates-finalists-winners-at-ey-gala/ Congratulations to the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 Gulf South Region winners, who were selected by the independent panel of Gulf South judges. These entrepreneurs will go on to compete against the other regional winners for the Entrepreneur of the Year National Awards in November. Pierpont attended the Gala last week in support of the entire program, but we were especially proud of our finalist clients and sponsored companies: Softeq, Wan Bridge, BB’s Tex-Orleans, Solugen, and Murphy Oil. As a Silver Sponsor, Pierpont works with the Entrepreneur of the Year committee to identify and nominate companies that exemplify exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, impact, and community support. Last week's dinner and awards honored the finalists and winners—special congratulations to Entrepreneurs of the Year Roger Jenkins of Murphy Oil and Gaurab Chakrabarti and Sean Hunt of Solugen! Here’s the full list of Gulf Coast Entrepreneur of the Year winners: Peter Wang | Anaconda | Austin Omair Tariq | Cart. com | Austin Armir Harris | CharterUP | Austin Mark D. Walker and Keith Smith | Direct Digital Holdings | Houston Mohammad A. Millwala | DM Clinical Research | Houston Bret Biggart | Freedom Solar Power | Austin Joyce Durst | Growth Acceleration Partners | Austin Steve Altemus | Intuitive Machines, Inc. | Houston Ludmila Golovine | MasterWord Services, Inc. | Houston Roger W. Jenkins | Murphy Oil Corporation | Houston Allison Ellsworth and Stephen Ellsworth | Poppi | Austin Gaurab Chakrabarti and Sean Hunt | Solugen | Houston Matthew Haddad... --- ### Does your sales team love your PR firm? If not, something is wrong. > How does your sales team feel about your PR firm? VP of Client Services explains how PR results can positively impact sales. - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2023-06-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/does-your-sales-team-love-your-pr-firm-if-not-something-is-wrong/ - Service Categories: Public Relations As I am transitioning to my new role here at Pierpont, one of the most exciting parts is reengaging with people in my network (something I should have continued doing more of, but that’s another post). Last week I was having coffee with a sales leader I have worked with in the past. When I told him about my opportunity at Pierpont and reminded him of our previous work with the firm, he said to me. “I remember them. I loved them. ” The comment caught me off guard, and so I asked about it. His direct interaction with Pierpont was virtually non-existent – in fact, I was surprised he remembered them. “What do you mean, you loved them? ” I asked. His answer was a great reminder that when a firm is achieving its client’s objectives and is a true partner, the value is significant. He reminded me: “Remember, we had a fairly long sales cycle and several upsell opportunities. The media coverage and content they delivered gave us reasons to reach out and engage with prospects and customers outside of 'just’ selling. I missed that in my last couple of roles. ” It was an important reminder to me of one of the core values of the results the Pierpont team delivered—especially in our current economic environment where sales cycles are trending longer—internal budgets are being scrutinized, and buyers and customers are facing uncertainty. The steady cadence of media results and related content can and should give salespeople... --- ### Pierpont Communications Announces New Hire to Support Continued Growth > Pierpont Communications has hired Tad Druart at Vice President, Client Services supporting the Pierpont Austin office. - Published: 2023-06-01 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-communications-hires-tad-druart/ Tad Druart has joined the Austin office as a Vice President. Druart will leverage his more than two decades of branding, communications, performance-marketing, and investor relations experience to deliver measurable marketing and public relations services to clients. “Tad brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our clients to help them create and execute data-driven marketing and communications programs that support the brand, demand, and revenue goals of the business,” said Allison Murray, vice president and general manager of Pierpont’s Austin office. “His experience developing and managing holistic communications and marketing programs, partnering with sales teams to drive revenue, and communicating those result in the board room can provide an additional layer of insight and success for our clients. ” Prior to joining Pierpont, Druart has served in marketing and revenue generation roles as a member of the management team for venture-backed start-up and private equity growth and turnaround opportunities such as Abila, Eagle Eye Networks, Cantata Health, and Alcatraz AI, and has served as a trusted advisor to technology leaders such as National Instruments, Dell and Convio, helping to lead and guide the organizations to increased levels of awareness, market share, revenue growth, and customer retention. Druart’s hiring represents continued growth for the Austin office as it serves the most innovative and respected brands in the technology, energy, private equity, higher education, healthcare and professional service industries in Central Texas and beyond. --- ### A Day in the Life of a Pierpont Intern > Learn more from a Pierpont intern on their typical experience and day-to-day responsibilities. - Published: 2023-05-15 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-pierpont-intern/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Relations Working as a public relations and marketing intern at Pierpont Communications, a leading PR firm in Texas, is an incredibly rewarding, exciting and educational experience. The role of an intern here is to assist your account teams with various projects, and most importantly, gain an understanding of what it’s like to work in the agency world. No two days are alike, and each day brings new challenges, opportunities and valuable experiences that allow interns to learn and grow in their roles. In this blog post, one of our spring interns, Chloe Willig-Friedrich, shares some insight into her day as a Pierpont intern. My workday begins at 9 am, and the first task is to check emails and review any pending updates or assignments from your account teams. After checking emails, it's time to grab a cup of coffee and prepare for the day ahead. At 9:15, the office will have a morning huddle, where everyone discusses their schedules for the week and takes the time to celebrate the successes of our account teams. We love celebrating one another here at Pierpont! Once the team huddle is over at 9:30, I’ll dive right into my assignments for the day. A few of the projects I regularly work on as an intern include sending out pitches to secure media coverage for clients, drafting blogs and social media copy, updating website content, gathering client research, analyzing competitors and generating media lists. So, let’s break the projects down a little bit further: One of... --- ### What You Need to Know About Gold Checkmarks on Twitter > What businesses need to know about gold checkmarks on Twitter. VP of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris explains what options companies have. - Published: 2023-04-24 - Modified: 2023-04-24 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/what-you-need-to-know-about-gold-checkmarks-on-twitter/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing What should businesses do about Twitter's new checkmark policy? Twitter has started to remove blue checkmarks from users who have elected not to pay for the verification indicator. Twitter verification for individuals currently costs $8/month (or $11/month though iPhones). Twitter also started offering a discounted $84/year subscription this week. Official organizations, such as the White House, will continue to be verified with a grey checkmark. Companies and businesses can pay $1,000/month for verification and receive a gold checkmark; an additional $50/month will verify their affiliate or employee account. Twitter does not verify blue or gold accounts to ensure they are who they say they are, as was the case with the previous blue check system. And Twitter now appears to require that advertisers will also have to pay for verification. But an email from Twitter published by TechCrunch seems to suggest that if the advertiser is already paying at least $1,000/month in advertising, they would be granted a gold checkmark. “Business accounts spending in excess of $1000 per month already have gold checks or will soon, and they’ll continue to enjoy access to advertising without interruption at this time. ” Some users, including many news organizations, have vowed not to pay for accreditation, arguing that it no longer signals authority if any user can purchase a checkmark. After the New York Times announced that it would not pay for verification, Twitter removed its blue check. Some companies, however, appear to have paid for the gold checkmark, including Samsung, Nike, Adobe,... --- ### How to Give Your Organization What It Needs to Succeed in Today’s Competitive PR Environment > Terry Hemeyer explains the challenges facing PR professionals, evaluating the current landscape, succeeding in the workplace and understanding how professionals can support their organization’s success. - Published: 2023-03-28 - Modified: 2023-03-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-give-your-organization-what-it-needs-to-succeed-in-todays-competitive-pr-environment/ - Service Categories: Public Relations In my years of experience in branding and communication, I’ve identified some key approaches crucial for overcoming challenges in the increasingly volatile and competitive workplace. Today, it is important to keep in mind the challenges that PR professionals face, evaluate the current landscape, learn how to succeed in the workplace and understand how professionals can support their organization’s success. These are the four pillars that form the basis of effective public relations: Identify the action to take and the message to share Determine when to execute Decide how to craft the message and which medium is best used to spread awareness Clarify the target audience and execute the type of communication that best serves them To build upon this foundation, PR professionals should keep the following best practices top of mind: Know what your organization wants from you, how you can deliver and what your company really needs. The key to delivering is to be sure you don’t try to carry out more projects than you can accomplish. Do one thing at a time and do it right. In addition, professionals should understand how their company operates and be able to support all the different working parts. Discover what skills you truly require in your organization. Some of the skills necessary to succeed in the workplace; being analytical, a good communicator, a strong writer, strength in networking and being able to collaborate. It is also important to give credit where it is due and being able to fail fast and... --- ### Pierponters Make an Impact at Local Universities > Pierpont has a long-standing commitment to education. Four members of our staff are teaching classes at universities across the country. - Published: 2023-03-28 - Modified: 2023-03-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-communications-professors/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing, Public Relations Pierpont CEO Phil Morabito, Vice President of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris, Vice President Meghan Gross, and Assistant Account Executive Uniqua Williams share their teaching experiences this semester. Pierpont has a long-standing commitment to education. This spring, four members of our staff have dedicated themselves to making an impact by teaching classes at universities across the country. Meghan Gross Meghan Gross, Vice President, teaches Public Relations in the fall and Advanced Public Relations in the spring. Her love for teaching PR began in 2005 at her alma mater, Boston College. Meghan taught at BC until 2011. In 2021, she started teaching again, this time at New Jersey City University. In 2022 she moved to Seton Hall University, also, in New Jersey. Meghan loves to teach: “It’s an opportunity to give back and share my knowledge with an industry that has been filled with great colleagues and interesting clients and stories. " “I also truly enjoy the process of creating a great learning environment,” she continues. “It’s fun to design interactive classes and brainstorm ways to get the class involved in the current news cycle. Finally, I enjoy helping young professionals launch their careers. ” Meghan hopes to encourage students to change their perspectives on brands and how companies and their products gain attention in the media. “Every semester I have at least one of those moments where I see a student ’switch on‘ and get really invested in the subject matter,” she says. “They begin to spot trends and bring in... --- ### Should Businesses Pay for Twitter Blue or Meta Verified? > VP of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris sees more likely value for Meta Verified, especially for businesses who want to protect their identities. - Published: 2023-03-01 - Modified: 2023-03-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/should-businesses-pay-for-twitter-blue-or-meta-verified/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing Is it worth it for businesses to pay for verification on these social media platforms? Social media companies have seen advertising revenue decline recently. As a consequence, they have sought ways to bring in more revenue, most recently by charging users for certain benefits. I recommend that our clients calculate the return on investment from additional online spending on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. I see more likely value for Meta Verified, especially for businesses who want to protect their identities or who want better access to customer service. Twitter Blue: $8 or $11/month Should businesses pay for Twitter Blue? To start, businesses should ask themselves: "Do I want to be on Twitter at all? Am I gaining any measurable visibility, awareness, new customers, or sales from current Twitter activity? " If you can attribute existing value or revenue to Twitter, then you can decide if the $11 or $8 a month is worth it. The next question to ask is: Does your business really need any of the benefits offered by Twitter blue? These include: Higher visibility: Twitter promises that verified accounts’ tweets will be more visible, which could help grow awareness of your brand. Ability to edit or undo a tweet: How much is this worth to you? NFT profile pictures: If your business is interested in crypto this might be appealing. Longer video upload: If your business counts on videos to drive business, this might be worth it. There are some downsides (besides the cost) to Twitter Blue,... --- ### The Importance of Internal Communications: How it Varies and What It Looks Like Today > Senior VP Chris Jones explains the importance of internal communications, how it varies, and what it looks like today. - Published: 2023-02-07 - Modified: 2023-02-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-importance-of-internal-communications/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Public Relations While many companies see the benefits of a strong focus on external communications, fewer recognize the strategic value of a robust internal communications program. Consider the following four situations: Mergers/Acquisitions: When a company decides to embark on a merger, acquisition, or any major cost-cutting expansion, internal communication is key. It keeps everyone within the company on the same page, helps them all understand the reasons for new initiatives, and clarifies what the business objectives are. Launching a New Product: Many times external communications managers oversee internal communications when launching a new product, as the company tries to get the new information out to the public and press. Yet, this is where internal communications is especially critical for preparing employees for the launch and letting them know exactly what the new product will mean for the company’s financials and growth. Company Culture: As a company grows over time, it must retain the healthy culture that kept it together in the first place. For example, during and following the acquisition of another company, internal communications is essential to orient employees from the new company and to allow for an effective integration of company values and culture. Reputational & Crisis: Before a company faces an operational or reputational crisis, it is essential to use internal communications to establish core values from the top down. Then, when a crisis occurs, the foundation has been laid for a clear restatement of what the company stands for, rather than trying to convey it for the first... --- ### Is ChatGPT a Threat to Public Relations Professionals? > ChatGPT can provide PR professionals with a great starting point in laying the foundation for a press release, but it lacks the human touch. - Published: 2023-02-01 - Modified: 2023-02-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/is-chatgpt-a-threat-to-public-relations-professionals/ - Service Categories: Public Relations While Artificial Intelligence is not new, Generative Artificial Intelligence is a fairly new offshoot of AI that has captured the public’s imagination in recent weeks. Released only two months ago, ChatGPT—which stands for “chat generative pre-trained transformer”—is a natural language processing tool driven by AI technology that engages in human-like dialogue based on whatever prompt it is provided with. Its capabilities are vast, and its applications seem endless. With its unique ability to solve complex mathematical problems, explain and write code, give relationship advice, create customized cover letters and resumes, and even write a 500-word essay in just under 2 minutes, it’s no surprise that ChatGPT continues to capture the public’s imagination. As interest in ChatGPT has ballooned, some in the PR industry have asked: Is ChatGPT a threat to public relations professionals? If ChatGPT can write a reasonably accurate essay over any prompt in just a few minutes, why shouldn’t it be able to create a press release or a pitch on behalf of a client? ChatGPT can in fact do many of these things, but in a fashion that represents the bare minimum. In other words, the results are adequate, but the quality is simply not the same as if it were coming from a real-life PR professional. This tool can provide PR professionals with a great starting point in laying the foundation for a press release or pitch, for example, but it most certainly should not be considered the final draft. It lacks the nuance, human touch,... --- ### Why Effective PR is like Conducting an Orchestra | Q&A with Senior VP Dave Stump > Pierpont's senior VP Dave Stump explains in this Q&A how achieving success in PR is like conducting a symphony orchestra. - Published: 2022-12-21 - Modified: 2022-12-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/managing-pr-like-conducting-an-orchestra/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Media Training, Public Relations Pierpont Senior Vice President of Revenue Operations & Business Development Dave Stump explains why achieving success in PR is like conducting a symphony. As senior vice president of revenue operations & business development at Pierpont, Dave Stump has to understand how all the various parts of PR work in concert. This understanding makes him the ideal person to explain how and why achieving success in PR is like conducting a symphony orchestra. This interview was condensed and edited for clarity. Conducted and written by Julia Covini. First, when you think of hobbies or creative pursuits, what do you compare public relations to and why? I compare it to classical music. There has to be a consistent, coordinated, and passionate commitment to performing well—otherwise the results won’t please the audience. And just like a classical piece, it requires many to come together as one, each playing their own part in creating a compelling end result. What about the role of a composer being similar to that of a PR person? They’re almost identical. The PR pro will coordinate internal, external, stakeholder, digital, social, thought leadership, and news interview messaging so that they all are in concert with each other, driving a consistent message. Just as a composer relies on all of his instruments to bring a piece to life, a talented PR team will know when to implement all of their communication tools to amplify persuasive content. In your opinion, what does a good PR program look like? What components should... --- ### Common Misconceptions About Public Relations Pt. 2 > In part 2 of our series, we're addressing four more of the most common misconceptions about public relations. - Published: 2022-12-08 - Modified: 2022-12-16 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/common-misconceptions-about-public-relations-pt-2/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing, Marketing, Media Training, Public Relations In the second part of our ongoing series, we continue to debunk some of the common misconceptions about public relations. (You can read part 1 here. ) As straightforward as PR sounds, the industry often works in many different specializations. The day-to-day tasks of a PR pro will undoubtedly never look the same, so let’s clear up four more common misconceptions. Misconception #4: Public relations results happen overnight. PR is a useful tool for helping companies generate sales. While sometimes you can drive immediate coverage with high value media, in most cases media coverage is not something that happens immediately. There is never a guarantee that promoting a product or service will encourage buyers to come pounding on your door. However, good PR strategies and building positive coverage amongst your priority audiences with a steady cadence of on-message coverage is a steadfast way of increasing leads and public interest that will captivate prospects and lead to conversions. Misconception #5: Public relations is just sending out press releases. Sending out good-quality press releases is part of a great PR strategy, but gaining the attention of editors and reporters in a way that leads to high-value coverage is often a result of going the extra mile – through direct contact via phone calls and emails that are direct, brief, and relevant to the upcoming article. The most successful PR pros are also constantly seeking out and landing opportunities for their clients through different platforms, including news segments, podcasts, blog posts, social media... --- ### Why PR and Digital Marketing Teams Should Be Integrated > VP of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris explains why earned media still matters, especially when complemented and amplified by digital marketing. - Published: 2022-11-17 - Modified: 2022-11-17 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-pr-and-digital-marketing-teams-should-be-integrated/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing, Public Affairs Earned media still matters. But it should be complemented and amplified by digital marketing. Here’s why and how. In the early 2000s, I changed career paths, moving from public relations to digital marketing. And at the time, it seemed like a radical departure because the two areas barely overlapped. But now, 20 years later, the lines between PR and digital have become blurred—and I find myself running digital strategy at a public relations firm. Yet many agencies and businesses still treat PR and digital as distinct and separate departments. In this blog post, I will explain: The impact of the internet on PR and traditional media Why PR matters now more than ever The next steps PR professionals should take The benefits of an integrated communications strategy The Impact of the Internet on PR and Traditional Media In the last 20 years, the digital migration of Americans has intertwined traditional earned media and the online world: more people sought out news and information online, social media use grew, and circulation of local newspapers dropped, along with ad revenue. Source: Pew Research Center PR Matters Now More Than Ever According to the Pew Research Center, today the proportion of Americans who consume news from digital platforms exceeds the amount who rely on TV, radio, or print. Yet people are still wary of the role social media plays in news consumption and delivery. In another study from Pew, Americans were asked to rate their trust in national and local news organizations as... --- ### Externship Participants Gain PR Insights from Pierpont Experts > Pierpont hosted our 3rd annual Externship Agency Program with learning and development sessions guided by our experts. - Published: 2022-10-20 - Modified: 2022-10-20 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/externship-participants-gain-pr-insights-from-pierpont-experts/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing, Marketing, Media Training, Public Relations To remain committed to continuing education, Pierpont hosts an annual Externship Agency Program filled with learning and development sessions guided by our very own experts. Wrapping up our 3rd annual Externship event, we were fortunate enough to have more than 100 attendees representing dozens of schools and organizations across the country. Over the course of the program, students were given the necessary tools to expand their PR and marketing skills, giving them a working knowledge of agency life upon completion! Media Relations & Social Media Our externship began with a high-level overview of a few of our areas of expertise, including media relations and social media. Pierpont experts Hunter Dodson and Jack Holmes coached the attendees on key strategies regarding storytelling and identifying a target market, building the perfect pitch, and the current state of the media. As a compliment to media relations, students were additionally guided through social media tactics and strategies by Bradlee Borgfeldt and Uniqua Williams. No social channel is used the same way, so Bradlee and Uniqua relayed the importance of cross-platform posting and how to adjust a company’s brand voice based on the social media platform, industry, and target audience. Students then practiced social media content writing and shared their efforts with their peers. Digital Marketing & Crisis Communications Day 2 of Pierpont’s Externship kicked off with a presentation by Chris Ferris and Stephanie Pelaez that covered all things related to digital marketing. Chris and Stephanie gave students the tools to understand responsive website designs,... --- ### The Evolution of PR | Q&A with Pierpont Senior Leaders > Two of Pierpont's senior leaders discuss the evolution of PR, what skills are most valuable, and how young pros can get a seat at the table. - Published: 2022-10-19 - Modified: 2022-12-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-evolution-of-pr-qa-with-pierpont-senior-leaders/ - Service Categories: Media Training, Public Affairs, Public Relations Pierpont Executive Counsels George Michael and Terry Hemeyer share veteran industry insights. Pierpont is blessed to have two executive counsels on staff who, collectively, have more than 70 years of experience in PR and Marketing. George Michael has worked in 12 major industries and helped more than 200 companies achieve their communications and business goals. Terry Hemeyer has served various high-profile companies and has personally advised two U. S. presidents on communication strategies. His career has spanned the globe and led him to work in 16 different countries. Recently, Terry and George talked about the evolution of PR, what skills are most valuable, and how young professionals can get a seat at the table. These interviews were condensed and edited for clarity. Conducted and written by Julia Covini. How has PR changed from the beginning of your career to now? Terry: Much has changed but at the same time there is a lot that hasn’t. There are four basic pillars that still hold true that we, as PR professionals, need to answer no matter the situation. The pillars will always be identifying what we are going to say, when we say it, how it is said, and who the target audience is that receives the crafted message. What has changed is that companies need us now more than ever. As a result, our credibility and trust are improving. Work speed and digital tools have also changed. While we have always needed to be experts in digital, now we must be... --- ### Senior Account Executive Deanna Werner Serves as IABC Houston President > Deanna Werner, senior account executive, began her term as President of the IABC Houston chapter in July 2022. - Published: 2022-10-13 - Modified: 2022-10-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/senior-account-executive-deanna-werner-serves-as-iabc-houston-president/ - Service Categories: Public Relations Pierpont’s Deanna Werner began her term as President of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Houston chapter in July 2022. Deanna joined IABC in 2018, quickly became involved as Secretary and was soon named VP of Finance. Last year, she served as President-Elect while fellow Pierpointer Lauren Blalock served her term as President. Werner was involved in presenting at the 2021 IABC Virtual Leadership Institutes on Revenue & Reputation Hacks and Financial Management. She was also on the board when IABC won the 2020 International Chapter of the Year and 2020 Medium Chapter of the Year. In her role as president, Werner will lead the board of directors to accomplish chapter goals, serve as an advisory resource to all chapter members, and foster long-range chapter planning. At Pierpont, Deanna works to deliver effective public relations and marketing solutions for clients across a variety of industries including energy, higher education, chemicals, and technology. --- ### Common Misconceptions About Public Relations Pt. 1 > In part 1 of our ongoing series, we're addressing three of the most common misconceptions about public relations. - Published: 2022-09-28 - Modified: 2022-12-16 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/common-misconceptions-about-public-relations/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing, Marketing, Media Training, Public Relations After 35 years in the public relations business, we’ve noticed some common misconceptions about PR. In part 1 of our ongoing series, let’s clear up three of the most common misconceptions about public relations. Misconception #1: All publicity is good publicity. Wouldn’t it be great if it were that easy? Though it certainly attracts attention, negative publicity can seriously hurt a brand’s reputation and sales. And that’s the kind of brand elevation you don’t need! Ongoing, proactive messaging in media and across your owned digital/social channels is a better way to build positive brand image and at the same time prepare to minimize the impact of any negative stories that might come along. There’s some truth to the old saying, “It can take 20 years to build a reputation and only five minutes to ruin it,” but that long-term commitment to engaging, positive content will be a potent dose of goodwill for your brand in difficult times. Misconception #2: Public relations is just like advertising. While both good PR and good advertising are dependent on a deep understanding of a client’s strategy and position in the market, achieving effective media coverage takes time to curate the storytelling, develop focused pitches, and socialize with reporters. Buying and placing an ad is immediate, and quantifiable for cost and scheduling. A PR pro cultivates reporter relationships and facilitates the supporting content and context the reporter needs to write the story. And unlike an ad, it’s the reporter that controls what goes into the... --- ### It's Not Too Late to Add GA4 to Your Website > VP of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris explains why it's vital for businesses to install GA4 on their websites now, rather than wait until 2023. - Published: 2022-07-15 - Modified: 2022-07-15 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/its-not-too-late-to-add-ga4-to-your-website/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing Google is changing how it measures website performance. And now is the best time to add Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to your website. Google will no longer support the current version of Universal Analytics (UA) effective July 1, 2023. and replacing it with Google Analytics 4 (GA4). In a post published on LinkedIn, Pierpont Vice President of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris explains: "Any business that currently relies on Google Analytics—regardless of size—should be sure to install GA4 in immediately to provide enough preparation time for the transition. " Read the entire article on LinkedIn. --- ### Public Relations: What is PR? > If you have ever wondered what exactly public relations means or how it can benefit your organization, you're not alone. - Published: 2022-05-27 - Modified: 2022-05-31 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/what-is-pr/ - Service Categories: Public Relations We often are asked, “What makes Pierpont different? ” And “How will your PR strategies work for my business? ” These are some of our favorite questions and the answer is not one-size-fits-all. From a 30,000-foot view, public relations positions a company executive or brand as a leader within their industry. This entails drafting and pitching press releases, securing earned media placements, facilitating one-on-one interviews with leading reporters, conducting spokesperson media training, garnering speaking and award opportunities, and so much more. PR professionals wear many hats and can pivot at a moment’s notice as breaking news or a crisis could strike at any time. After all, building out a thought leadership campaign for an executive is vastly different than planning for a new product launch. Because public relations goes further than crafting and implementing strategic PR plans. The role requires: Creative thinking, strong writing skills and the ability to collaborate. The ability to create a unique story angle that goes beyond the current conversation and can get the story placed with the right media outlet. A critical part of our job is building out a successful PR campaign or strategy to align with business goals and yearly KPIs. Successful PR pros know that the strategies and tactics we employ are built on having an innate understanding of a client’s industry and knowing what moves the needle. After all, our work goes beyond cultivating conversations and relationships; we build legacies. Here are three common myths about the world of PR: Any... --- ### SEO vs. SEM: What's the Difference? > SEO vs. SEM: VP of Digital Strategy recently authored an article for UpCity, "SEM 101: How It’s Different Than SEO." - Published: 2022-05-05 - Modified: 2022-05-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/seo-vs-sem-whats-the-difference/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing Have you ever puzzled over the difference between SEO and SEM? Or, better yet, have you ever wanted to know how you can integrate SEM into your company’s digital marketing strategy? If so, look no further! Pierpont’s Vice President of Digital Strategy, Chris Ferris, has the answers in a recently published UpCity article. It explains the differences between SEO and SEM and how to best utilize them for your business. "The best website traffic tends to come from organic search results (SEO)," Ferris explains. "But some keywords are simply too difficult to rank organically on SERPs. That’s where search engine marketing (SEM) in the form of Google Ads comes into play. By carefully planning a digital marketing strategy that includes both SEO and SEM, you can increase your online visibility and drive more converting customers to your website. These dual approaches are not competitors but rather complements of each other. " Read the entire article on UpCity. --- ### Pierpont Communications Announces New Hires in Austin, Dallas Offices to Support Continued Growth > Pierpont Communications announces two new hires in Austin and Dallas offices to support continued growth: Jaylon Brinkley and Jordan Brown. - Published: 2022-03-04 - Modified: 2022-03-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-communications-announces-new-hires-in-austin-dallas/ - Service Categories: Public Relations Jaylon Brinkley joined the Austin office as a Senior Account Executive and Jordan Brown was hired as an Assistant Account Executive in Pierpont’s Dallas office. Brinkley will specialize in building brand awareness for clients through earned media campaigns and thought leadership, and Brown will further her experience at Pierpont by delivering cutting-edge marketing and public relations solutions to clients. “Jaylon and Jordan are both new hires at Pierpont who repeatedly surpass expectations, demonstrate an incredible and invaluable work ethic, and deliver innovative, strategic client services. Both work across our client portfolio and have the ability to traverse various industries and sectors with high-level thinking and energy. Never shying away from a challenge, Jaylon and Jordan both represent Pierpont’s core goals in fearlessly thinking, embodying an entrepreneurial spirit and most importantly, having the passion to learn and grow,” said Clint Woods, Pierpont’s Chief Operating Officer. Brinkley joined Pierpont in 2022 after years of traditional PR and digital communications experience working in the energy, technology and industrial spaces at Frost & Sullivan. Since joining Pierpont, Brinkley has supported his clients by securing media placements, contributing to in-depth client research, landing speaking opportunities and developing robust social media campaigns. Throughout his time, Brinkley continues to exhibit his learned experience with digital tools and media and foster his passion for technology, energy and industrial business. Brown joined Pierpont in August 2021 as an intern and brought with her a drive to learn, engage, and deliver a solid work ethic across many clients. Now, as... --- ### Pierpont Communications Celebrates 35th Anniversary > Phil Morabito, founder and CEO of Pierpont Communications, celebrates 35th anniversary of one of the premier PR firms in the southwest. - Published: 2022-02-14 - Modified: 2022-02-15 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-communications-celebrates-35th-anniversary/ - Service Categories: Public Relations Today marks the 35th anniversary of Pierpont Communications! Characterized by years of longevity, vitality, and award-winning PR and marketing, this milestone serves as a signifier of excitement, anticipation, and curiosity for what is yet to come. The long and fulfilling road to today’s Pierpont is abundant with highs and lows, cross-country experiences, and the essential people that tell its story. Pierpont’s 35th anniversary is only the beginning of such landmarks. In my eyes, the future is brimming with even more adventures—ones that will further exemplify independence, grit, and a commitment to hard work as they did in the years before. From as far back as I can remember, I have always been an entrepreneur. I was a lemonade-stand kid. I had my own paper route. This calling of independence and autonomy over my work started from a young age and later became a reality in 1987. Leaving the hustle and bustle of New York City, I headed down south to the Lone Star State with my portfolio, a salesman-like way of going about business, and a genuine passion for networking. I didn’t have much then, but I knew I had the ability to hustle. The beginnings of Pierpont were born out of a fledgling idea written down on a notepad, a fast-paced Manhattan-mentality I had learned on Madison Avenue, and an entrepreneurial itch that I could only describe as a beckoning call to a future. With help from a friend of mine here in Houston, true to Southern hospitality, I... --- ### New Career Opportunities at Pierpont, the Southwest's Premier PR Firm > Pierpont is looking looking for candidates at the Senior Account Executive, Account Supervisor and Vice President levels. - Published: 2022-02-07 - Modified: 2023-06-20 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/new-career-opportunities-at-pierpont/ - Service Categories: Public Relations We're hiring! Pierpont Communications—the largest independent communications firm in the Southwest with offices in Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio—is continuing to grow in each of our core markets with industry-leading clients around the world. We are specifically looking for candidates at the Senior Account Executive, Account Supervisor and Vice President levels, preferably in one of our core markets. But we are open to remote candidates with the right combination of experience. The ideal applicants will have agency experience or a strong track record of PR/Communications and marketing performance in corporate, as well as add strategic depth to our proven team to support our growth. You can define your future and realize your ambitions with Pierpont, based on your experience, performance and aspirations. Pierpont has a 35-year track record with leading market share in all major Texas markets We offer profit-sharing, 401k match and incentive compensation program Pierpont is a 14-time Best Places to Work winner We work with tier-one clients Our employees benefit from continuous learning and development programs Pierpont employees work in a flexible remote work environment If interested in applying, please visit our LinkedIn profile or send a cover letter and resume to Kathy Nethercutt, knethercutt@piercom. com.   --- ### Why PR is the Secret Ingredient for Successful SEO > The secret ingredient to successful SEO is PR branded keywords because they have better click-through-rates than non-branded keywords. - Published: 2021-12-21 - Modified: 2021-12-17 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-pr-is-the-secret-ingredient-for-successful-seo/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations Ranking well in search engine results pages (SERPs) is getting harder and harder—especially for non-branded search terms. (Branded search terms are queries on search engines that include the name of a company, business or brand. Non-branded searches don’t feature brand-specific terms — for example, “men’s clothing” vs. “Banana Republic. ”) But what are the reasons for the increased difficulty among non-branded search terms? Increased competition: More and more businesses are taking SEO seriously and working hard to rank high in SERPs. Search Engine Journal reports that more than 50% of businesses increased their SEO budgets in the last year. Crowded SERPs: Even if a business manages to have some pages rank in the top 10 in search, their entry may be so far down the results page that searchers don’t even notice it. This is due to the proliferation of Google Ads, the “People also ask” section and featured snippets. Here’s a screenshot of a recent search for the non-branded term “pr firm. ” Note that the first two results are ads. Before we even reach the actual organic results, Google presents “People also ask. ” And unless you’re ranked in the top five in organic search, you’re far less likely to get clicked on: most users don’t scroll past the 5th result. So what’s a company to do about SEO? Invest in PR built around your branded search terms. Here’s why: Branded search terms perform better: In general, branded keywords have better click-through rates than non-branded keywords. This makes... --- ### How to Develop an Effective Crisis Communications Plan > Senior Vice President Chris Jones, who explains how companies across a wide range of industries should prepare for a crisis situation. - Published: 2021-12-20 - Modified: 2021-12-20 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-develop-crisis-communications-plan/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Media Training, Public Relations The latest edition of Pierpont Perspectives features Senior Vice President Chris Jones, who explains how companies across a wide range of industries should prepare for a crisis situation. In the video, Jones outlines who can be impacted by a crisis, different types of crises, new risks to consider in an ever-evolving business landscape, and the process our experienced team deploys to design a tailored crisis communications plan. “Any size business, regardless of size, can be impacted by a crisis, and they will need to manage it and respond,” Jones explains in the video. “New risks need to be considered and incorporated into the plan that we didn’t think about a few years ago. ” Watch the full video below or visit our crisis management page to learn more and read impactful case studies. With 25 years of experience and his background in engineering, Chris Jones brings a unique perspective to Pierpont’s clients. He is a FEMA-certified crisis communications professional, leading the crisis preparation and response team for many of the firm’s clients. From developing effective crisis plans, to leading media training and emergency response exercises, Jones works with his clients to strengthen and protect their reputations among all key stakeholders. --- ### The Importance of Trust, Credibility and Influence for Communications Professionals > Terry Hemeyer shares tips for building credibility, establishing trust and communicating effectively as a PR practitioner. - Published: 2021-12-16 - Modified: 2021-12-17 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/importance-of-trust-credibility-influence-for-communications-professionals/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Affairs, Public Relations During his recent talk to communicators involved with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Houston, Terry Hemeyer reviewed the current PR and marketing landscape set against the intersection of business and digital communications. He outlined important tips for building credibility and establishing trust in business, staying up-to-date on current media influence, and how to communicate effectively to executive leadership as a PR practitioner. Pierpont Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer focused his presentation on the varying roles and decision-making power of PR practitioners and communications professionals in business. Reflecting on his decades of experience, he highlighted the importance of thoughtfulness and patience in building trust and confidence in business to be able to execute a job effectively. Hemeyer outlined how any type of communications professional, from PR to advertising, can build influence in their organization to “get a seat at the table. ” He talked about the current state of the communications and business industry, spotlighting misinformation, controlling messages, and the influence of social media and the news. He spoke about PR and communications professionals’ ability to assess whether their work is valued in an organization and with executive leadership. Hemeyer underscored that the PR industry is a field with its own unique pressures and stresses, and said that it takes time to gain credibility, trust and the necessary ability to work with different types of people and personalities. “I think it’s important in our business, because we’re under pressure, if you cannot take the pressure, you should not be in... --- ### Pierpont Communications Announces Leadership Promotions in Austin Office > Pierpont named Allison Murray Vice President and General Manager of the Austin office, and Christine Rashman was promoted to Vice President. - Published: 2021-11-16 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-communications-announces-leadership-promotions-in-austin-office/ - Service Categories: Media Training, Public Relations Pierpont recently announced the promotions of two senior executives in Austin. Allison Murray was named Vice President and General Manager, and Christine Rashman was promoted to Vice President. Murray will oversee strategy, business development and operations for Pierpont’s Austin office, and Rashman will further expand Pierpont’s retail practice. “Allison and Christine are the right leaders at the right time to build on Pierpont’s successful 20-plus year track record in the Austin market. Both are drivers of our agency’s success across our client portfolio, working with tier-one brands in education, enterprise technology, clean-tech and energy transition. More importantly, they are trusted stewards of our clients’ reputations, hands-on curators of our culture and proven leaders of our growing team,” said Clint Woods, Pierpont’s chief operating officer. Murray joined Pierpont in 2019 after more than a decade in various roles at global public relations firms. Since joining Pierpont, Murray has led multiple client engagements and grown the firm’s robust roster of technology, energy and healthcare clients. She also serves as a crisis communications expert, bringing deep experience in reputation management and incident response to Pierpont’s clients. Within the firm, Murray spearheads Pierpont’s Learning & Development program designed to create continuing education and training opportunities for the firm’s growing staff. Rashman joined Pierpont in 2018, bringing with her a passion and expertise for media relations. Rashman has a proven track record of securing high-value media coverage for Pierpont’s clients, managing complex projects and designing highly successful integrated communications campaigns. Within Pierpont, Rashman facilitates the... --- ### Reinforcing Resilience > Pierpont Communications co-hosted a webinar with IABC Houston on the role of communications in disaster response and recovery. - Published: 2021-08-16 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/reinforcing-resilience/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Public Affairs Pierpont Communications co-hosted a webinar with IABC Houston on the role of communications in disaster response and recovery. Moderated by Pierpont vice president Allison Murray, the panel featured Northeastern University’s Dr. Stephen Flynn and Rice University’s Judge Ed Emmett. Emmett joined Pierpont in 2020 as senior counsel. Flynn and Emmett shared insights into: the programs and curriculum that are being developed around critical resilience topics how key industry players should prepare to activate in the case of an emergency or crisis how entities involved in an emergency response should coordinate. Watch the whole webinar online. --- ### First-Party Data: Invest in The Future > Google announced that it is delaying the removal of cookies from Chrome, which will inevitably affect the way agencies and businesses advertise and market. - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/first-party-data-invest-in-the-future/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing The recent announcement from Google that the company is delaying the removal of cookies from Chrome is a mix of bad news and good news for agencies and business who rely on search juggernaut for advertising and marketing. The bad news is that third-party data, used by Google and others to target online advertising, is still going to be less precise in the relatively near future. The good news is that the delay gives online advertisers more time to pull together their own first-party data. Here’s what you need to know about online data: Third-Party: Third-party data is any information collected by an online entity that does not have a direct relationship with the user the data is being collected on. Often times, third-party data is collected from websites, like Google, or social media sites, like Facebook. Third-party data providers break down the characteristics of their users or visitors into audience segments, allowing advertisers to target audiences based on key characteristics like age, gender, interests, geography, etc. Traditionally, the largest collection of consumer data has been in this third-party realm. But this kind of audience information is becoming increasingly less available, as evidenced by the recent Google announcement and the ongoing battle between Facebook and Apple. First-Party Data: First-party data, by contrast, is information that businesses and advertisers have collected from their own online sources, such as a website, social media channels, email subscriptions or apps. AI Multiple’s research shows that for audience segmentation purposes, using first-party data is comparably... --- ### Terry Hemeyer presents at PRSA Houston’s PR Day 2021 > In his session, Terry outlined the current PR landscape and critical skills today’s PR practitioners need to manage crises at warp speed. - Published: 2021-07-07 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/terry-hemeyer-presents-at-prsa-houstons-pr-day-2021/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Public Relations In his session, Terry outlined the current PR landscape and critical skills today’s PR practitioners need to manage crises at warp speed. Terry Hemeyer has over 40 years of communications experience and currently serves as Executive Council at Pierpont Communications. He has advised two U. S. presidents on communications strategies and has worked for several high-profile companies. He also serves as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, teaching public relations and communications. Hemeyer’s presentation centered around the current landscape of the PR industry and the political and social environments makes good PR critical, including factors like the spread of disinformation, the disappearance of news media, and cancel culture. He focused on the critical skills needed to succeed in communications as well as how to communicate with C-suite officials to manage a crisis. He spoke about understanding a company’s vulnerabilities as well as what makes them run in order to prevent a crisis. He went on to talk about how a typical CEO handles around 15 crises each day and how important it is for public relations professionals to be in the room when these crises are discussed. Hemeyer also highlighted the importance of engaging with one’s community. He explained, “A company just making a profit is no longer enough. These days companies need to be involved in the community. And when they do this, all employees need to buy in, not just the CEO. ” PR Day is an annual gathering of public relations and communications professionals... --- ### New Hires Bring Additional PR, Crisis and Brand Expertise to Pierpont’s Clients > We are thrilled to welcome three new team members to our offices in Dallas and Houston. They are experts in PR, crisis and media training. - Published: 2021-04-28 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/new-hires-bring-additional-pr-crisis-and-brand-expertise-to-pierpont-clients/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing, Media Training, Public Relations After a year that challenged businesses around the globe to adapt, our firm leaned on the strengths of a talented team to continue providing clients with the highest possible service level. With that came growth, and we are thrilled to welcome three new team members to our Pierpont offices in Dallas and Houston. Martha Cook joined Pierpont in Dallas as a Vice President in March, providing expertise in media relations, crisis and issues management, event marketing, community relations and corporate communications. She focuses on building influence and delivering impactful communications strategies for clients that enhance awareness and protect reputation, while helping drive revenue. Martha prides herself on creating results-oriented public relations strategies for her clients that ultimately increase target audience involvement with the brand. Her experience crosses a broad range of industries, from senior living to healthcare, consumer products to real estate, and hospitality to professional services. Chelsi Smith, a motivated PR professional—who excels in media relations, community relations, crisis communications and media training—also joined the Dallas office in March as a Senior Account Executive. She prides herself on creating results-driven public relations strategies that meet the needs of her clients, as well as helping clients meet business objectives through proactive media relations. Chelsi’s experience as a television reporter covering multi-state and local news brings a unique perspective to Pierpont, and her knowledge of the media industry helps her develop and maintain strong relationships with media contacts, excelling at securing earned media across the country. In Houston, Austin Staton, an... --- ### Pierpont Executive Emphasizes Importance of Increased Internal Communication During Remote Crisis Management > Chris Jones, Senior Vice President, recently commented in Forbes on how remote working during COVID-19 is changing crisis management. - Published: 2021-04-12 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-executive-emphasizes-importance-of-increased-internal-communication-during-remote-crisis-management/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Public Relations Chris Jones, Senior Vice President, recently commented in Forbes on how remote working during COVID-19 is changing crisis management. When the pandemic forced companies around the world to adopt remote working, corporate leaders also adapted their preparation, response and management of crisis situations. With the continuation of remote arrangements for the short- and long-term, knowing how to communicate with and manage home-based employees during a crisis will continue to be critical. “The biggest adjustment to responding to a crisis when in a remote working environment is probably the need for increased internal communications,” Jones said. “Without employees being able to be physically in the office to see and hear how leadership is responding, it is important that they receive more frequent updates on the situation and what is being done. ” Read the entire Forbes article. --- ### Preserving Media Relationships: How to Comment Without Saying “No Comment” > When dealing with the media, one should be truthful, giving as many facts as possible while still protecting a client’s reputation. - Published: 2021-04-12 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/preserving-media-relationships-how-to-comment-without-saying-no-comment/ - Service Categories: Media Training, Public Relations In the age of social media and fast trending hashtags, navigating the relationship between the media and the client is more important than ever. Based on his experience, Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer believes that when dealing with the media, one should be truthful, giving as many facts as possible while still protecting a client’s reputation. PR crisis situations are often fast-moving and leave little time for deliberation. In many cases, clients can be caught off guard when asked a question they may not be ready to answer, because they don’t have all the facts yet. A reporter’s job is to obtain accurate and timely information. Although the phrase “no comment” may seem harmless enough, it often results in the opposite effect – admission of guilt. “There are many situations in which it would be improper to respond to the media without facts,” says Hemeyer. “However, you have to be able to talk to the media in both good and bad times to maintain a relationship with them. ” In other words, there are ways to provide information without saying no. In the case of a client being caught off guard by a reporter’s fast-hitting questions, a good alternative would be a follow-up response. “We are investigating and when we get all the facts you will be the first one we call,” is a good alternative to “no comment” says Hemeyer. This response not only allows the client the opportunity to give the media something, no matter how incomplete, but also... --- ### Creating Valuable and Meaningful Client-Partner Relationships  > While the pandemic has forced many businesses to change the way they operate, one thing remains the same: people need to make connections with others in order to succeed. - Published: 2021-04-09 - Modified: 2021-10-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/creating-valuable-and-meaningful-client-partner-relationships/ - Service Categories: Marketing While the pandemic has forced many businesses to change the way they operate, one thing remains the same: people need to make connections with others in order to succeed. From personal relationships to professional ones, it’s more important than ever to build strong partnerships with friends, family members, colleagues and clients to ensure personal and professional growth. As a result of the pandemic and associated economic pressures, many companies were forced to scale back on spending that was not crucial to keeping their business afloat. Marketing budgets were slashed for many while some chose to invest in their business in hopes of coming out of the pandemic stronger. While these investments can pay off in the long run and create a competitive advantage, this approach does come with some risk. It may seem illogical for companies to increase any investment in marketing while sales are down, but if done properly, the relationships developed and reinforced can help alleviate those complications. It is up to you and your sales and marketing team to help earn the trust of your client contacts. When they feel safe with your business and your brand, they will safe investing their own hard–earned resources to help grow and sustain their work. By bringing in external communications resources to view a company’s current practices, a business can receive an outside perspective on what will work and what won’t work. For public relations and communications professionals, this relationship begins with an introduction. Whether the potential client connects through... --- ### How to Communicate Clearly During Times of Uncertainty > Communication is the foundation for growth and will help bring stability through the end of the pandemic. - Published: 2021-04-07 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-communicate-clearly-during-times-of-uncertainty/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Relations The year 2020 was one of uncertainty and change. And for many, 2021 has already had its share of challenges. This relentless series of unexpected events has tested even the most successful and resilient companies. The circumstances surrounding the global pandemic, its enduring impact, and ensuing economic fallout have forced just about every business to adapt to a new world and unforeseen challenges. With so many businesses in key sectors across the country floundering or even failing, communication has become a vital way to keep many businesses actively engaged with stakeholders. Organizations have been releasing statements, updating their social media presence, and finding more ways to connect with their customers, employees and stakeholders. But are these methods effective? The long continuation of COVID-19 protocols and uncertainty has forced open the lines of communication at a rapid rate, and many professionals are looking for the right words to describe the issues they are facing and the policies they are forced to change and adapt. While we all know at this point that these times are “unprecedented,” we don’t know what that will mean in the long run. As a communications professional with both corporate and agency experience, I know firsthand the importance of businesses acknowledging uncertainty while still assuring people they are doing everything in their power to make their customer and work environments safe and fruitful. These communications elements are part of an ongoing process and must be customized to fit the needs of different audiences. At the onset of... --- ### How Apple’s iOS 14 Update Will Impact Facebook Ads > Updates to Apple’s iOS operating system will lead to big changes in data tracking, impacting performance and reporting on various channels. - Published: 2021-01-25 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-apples-ios-14-update-will-impact-facebook-ads/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation Upcoming updates to Apple’s iOS 14, the operating system for all iPhones, will lead to big changes in data tracking. These changes, which are expected in January or February 2021, will ask iPhone owners for permission to track user data across apps and websites on their phones. This update will impact performance and reporting across various platforms and apps, but especially Facebook. Because of this update, Facebook is worried that many, if not most, users will not permit tracking on their iPhones. The primary concern for platforms like Facebook is that the update will make ad targeting more difficult, attribution less clear, and reporting on ad performance much less detailed. Specifically, Facebook claims the ability of advertisers to deliver targeted ads will be compromised or eroded. For our clients who run Facebook ads, we advise the following: Ensure your domain is verified. Here’s how Facebook recommends you do that. If you track conversions in your Facebook ads, prepare and prioritize their conversion events. Facebook says to plan for 8 conversion events per domain. Be prepared for a decrease in the number of reported conversions, especially if you use longer conversion windows (meaning you try to attribute conversions over a long period of time, like 28 days). Plan to monitor Facebook ads and Business Manager closely in the coming weeks and months to see what impact these changes have on your Facebook campaigns. Facebook itself predicts that ad revenue will decrease. There is a lot more to this than what is... --- ### How Public Relations Can Grow Brand Credibility > On the Digital Freelancers podcast, Meghan Gross discusses how organizations can use public relations to grow and promote their brand. - Published: 2021-01-21 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-public-relations-can-grow-brand-credibility/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Relations In a conversation with the Digital Freelancers podcast, Vice President Meghan Gross discusses how organizations can use public relations to grow and promote their brand. “A lot of businesses jump into PR without really knowing what it is or why they are doing it,” says Gross. “We always advise clients to think about what they want the end game to be before they start planning. ” She explains that PR is one of the easiest marketing communications methods for brands to get the highest impact for their investment. There is an audience for everything and publication for everyone, no matter what line of business a brand is in. When you secure a media placement in a publication that your customers, clients or donors read, that adds credibility to your brand. To hear the full conversation, listen to this episode of the Digital Freelancers podcast online here. --- ### Pierpont Invests in Talent, Promotes from Within > Pierpont announced two senior management promotions in Houston - Elysa Nelson to SVP and Dave Stump to SVP, Business Development. - Published: 2021-01-21 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-invests-in-talent-promotes-from-within/ Pierpont Communications began the new year announcing two senior management promotions in its Houston headquarters – Elysa Nelson to senior vice president and Dave Stump to senior vice president, business development. Nelson and Stump join a group of eight Pierpont employees who have been promoted over the past year as part of the company’s continued commitment to fostering talent from within. “Despite all the challenges our industry and economy have faced over the past year, we prioritize our people at Pierpont and chose to grow our teams and build the leaders within our organization,” said Clint Woods, Pierpont COO. For more details on this announcement, read the full release here. --- ### How to Effectively Promote Community Giving During a Crisis > Terry Hemeyer recently discussed the importance of striking the right tone when communicating about community involvement during a crisis. - Published: 2021-01-07 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-effectively-promote-community-giving-during-a-crisis/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Public Relations Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer recently discussed the importance of striking the right tone when communicating about community involvement during a crisis in The Economist. He explained that companies should reflect on how and when to share positive stories about community engagement. “If your firm has bad news... announce that first. Charity activities should only be mentioned separately and later, lest the juxtaposition appears crass. ” Hemeyer goes on to say that charitable giving should extend beyond the traditional check presentation and monetary donation. “Get staff involved in charitable activities, he says, and highlight that in your PR. ” Not only will employee involvement in community initiatives improve company culture, but it will also provide an opportunity to build brand purpose. To read the full article, visit The Economist online here, and to learn more about how Pierpont can elevate your PR strategy through community engagement, contact us today. --- ### How to Effectively Collaborate in a Virtual Workplace > In a recent article, Kaitlin Ross provides insight on how to effectively collaborate with your coworkers while working remotely. - Published: 2020-12-30 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-effectively-collaborate-in-a-virtual-workplace/ - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial In an article for the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Senior Account Executive Kaitlin Ross provides helpful insight on how to effectively collaborate with your coworkers while working from home. The shift to working remotely for many in 2020 challenged employees who were previously accustomed to operating within dynamic office environments. Ross reflects on her transition to work from home and shares best practices for teams to stay connected and collaborate with one another, including: how engaging video chats can be how to effectively communicate through virtual channels what the future of collaboration will look like in our digitally focused workspace To read the full article, visit the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce online blog. --- ### Pierpont Austin Celebrates 20 Years of Business > Please join us as we raise a virtual glass to celebrate 20 amazing years of Pierpont in Austin and to many more. - Published: 2020-12-17 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-austin-celebrates-20-years-of-business/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial We’ve watched Austin go through a lot of changes over the last 20 years. From the city’s first tech explosion during the Dot. com craze to today’s exponential growth driven by big tech, our presence in Texas capital city has remained consistently strong. Over the last two decades, our team has had the honor of representing a client base comprised of the most innovative and respected brands in Central Texas in technology, real estate, education, finance, and energy while at the same time supporting clients across the state, nation, and globe. We have also been a constant in the community thanks to our involvement with and support of influential organizations and institutions such as the University of Texas at Austin, Austin Chamber of Commerce, American Marketing Association, Public Relations Society of America, the American Red Cross, and more. While we have to celebrate this occasion differently, we still must recognize this outstanding achievement and thank our fantastic Austin clients and Austin Pierponters, both current and former, for their support and hard work. Please join us as we raise a virtual glass to celebrate 20 amazing years of Pierpont in Austin! --- ### Why Visibility is Critical to Your Company’s Survival > CEO Phil Morabito stresses the importance of enhanced marketing and sales efforts to remain visible during and after a crisis. - Published: 2020-10-22 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/why-visibility-is-critical-to-your-companys-survival/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail CEO Phil Morabito stresses the importance of enhanced marketing and sales efforts to remain visible during and after a crisis in a recent article for the Houston Business Journal. During the pandemic, many businesses have chosen to either slow or completely stop their marketing efforts. However, marketing and sales cannot function in a vacuum where operations are switched on and off. Instead, they should be monitored and thoughtfully developed on a consistent basis, ensuring your organization remains at the forefront of the competition. Morabito shares several tips to maintain visibility in marketing and sales, including enhanced digital efforts, community involvement, and thought leadership. He explains that “$1 spent on marketing today is like spending $3 in a normalized economy” with so many organizations no longer focusing their efforts on marketing and sales. In times like these, marketing is essential to your company’s survival. To read the full article, visit the Houston Business Journal‘s digital edition online, and learn more about how Pierpont can boost your brand visibility through strategic marketing that supports sales efforts. --- ### Houston Business Journal Announces Pierpont as a 2020 Best Places to Work Finalist > The Houston Business Journal recently released its list of Best Places to Work finalists, including Pierpont among the 2020 honorees. - Published: 2020-09-08 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/houston-business-journal-announces-pierpont-as-a-2020-best-places-to-work-finalist/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Affairs, Public Relations The Houston Business Journal recently released its list of Best Places to Work finalists, including Pierpont among the 2020 honorees. At last year’s awards, Pierpont ranked #2 in the small companies category. The 2020 Best Places to Work rankings will be announced by the Houston Business Journal during a live broadcast on October 22. The awards program recognizes companies in the Houston area that demonstrate positive company culture and employee appreciation. Results are compiled by Quantum Workplace, which sends a survey to employees of nominated companies and compiles scores based on corporate culture, amenities, benefits, worker retention, and attraction strategies. To learn more about this year’s program and see the full list of finalists, visit the Houston Business Journal. Pierpont is the largest independent PR, marketing, digital and integrated public affairs firm in Texas, serving clients regionally, nationally, and globally. For over 33 years, Pierpont has represented the country’s most influential brands in energy and power, healthcare and wellness, technology and innovation, and more. Industry experts at Pierpont specialize in a variety of communications consulting areas, including media relations, reputation management, corporate communications, crisis management, digital marketing strategy, and more. --- ### Hemeyer Comments on Retail Crises Amid COVID-19 > Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer addresses Winn-Dixie’s reversal of its in-store mask policy and how to successfully communicate the change. - Published: 2020-09-08 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/hemeyer-comments-on-retail-crises-amid-covid-19/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail In the PR News Crisis Insider August issue, Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer addresses Winn-Dixie’s reversal of its in-store mask policy. The southern supermarket changed its stance on wearing masks in its stores in July after months of allowing shoppers and employees to chose for themselves amid the COVID-19 pandemic, citing customer feedback as the reason for the reversal. However, some questioned the company’s motivations, as it also coincided with a new messaging from President Trump. While the true motivation behind the adjusted policy may be unknown, Hemeyer explains that “it’s OK to change your position as long as you communicate it. ” He shares examples of how a retailer like Winn-Dixie can effectively communicate to its customers, like posting signs in and around the store, and emphasizes the importance of training employees on how to properly enforce the new policy. To read the full article in this special issue on crisis communications, visit PR News online, and learn more about how Pierpont can help your organization with crisis management, response and communication.   --- ### Pierpont Named to Austin Business Journal’s 2020 List of Top Agencies > The Austin Business Journal recently named Pierpont Communications a top Austin-area advertising and marketing agency for 2020. - Published: 2020-08-19 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-named-to-austin-business-journals-2020-list-of-top-agencies/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing, Public Relations The Austin Business Journal recently named Pierpont Communications a top Austin-area advertising and marketing agency for 2020. This ranking, which is based on Austin office revenue in 2019, is a result of Pierpont’s consistent client work in the marketing and advertising space, and position as a communications leader in Central Texas. For 20 years, Pierpont’s Austin office has represented a client base comprised of the most innovative and respected brands in Central Texas in technology, real estate, education, finance, energy, and more. Industry experts at Pierpont specialize in a variety of communications consulting areas, including media relations, reputation management, corporate communications, crisis management, digital marketing strategy, and more. Learn more about Pierpont Austin and how our team in Central Texas can help you build a strategic communications campaign and drive measurable business results. --- ### A Guide to Using Snapchat for Business > Snapchat has revolutionized social media and how companies advertise. Read on to learn how to leverage Snapchat for your business. - Published: 2020-07-29 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/a-guide-to-using-snapchat-for-business/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation Snapchat is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. On average, 229 million people around the world use it daily and more than four billion snaps are created every day. The app continues to grow and build an extensive audience, and despite Generation Z and Millennials being the top app users, Snapchat is expanding into older generations through a variety of interactive elements including location-based filters, creative tools, and lenses. Snapchat has revolutionized social media and the way companies use their services to advertise. The multimedia messaging app recently introduced Snap Focus, a learning portal dedicated to illustrating advertising strategies and how brands can better fulfill their business objectives through the app’s collection of innovative services. We took a deep dive into Snap Focus and distilled what you need to know. Get Started on Snapchat Advertising Snapchat provides a variety of advertising tools, allowing brands to develop objective campaigns aimed at their target audience. Depending on the goals and budget of a campaign, Snapchat can provide results increasing the return on investment. Types of advertisements include: Snap Ads: A single image or video that appears in stories and content. Dynamic Ads: Pre-existing templates that adjust according to product changes. Commercials: Curated content, designed to drive brand awareness. Story Ads: Branded tiles located in the Discover section. Users can tap on the story and watch a series of three to 20 snaps featuring brand stories. Collection Ads: Content and product showcase that appear in stories, which users... --- ### How to Navigate a Social Media Crisis > Social media plans should be designed to coordinate with broader crisis communications plans, and the social media playbook. - Published: 2020-07-28 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-navigate-a-social-media-crisis/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing Using social media monitoring as a “canary in a coal mine” can help you identify problems or issues that, if not addressed, could metastasize into full-blown, mainstream media crises. Frequently, a problem with a business or organization first manifests itself online – usually on social media. Identifying, addressing, or containing the problem before it is covered in the local, regional or national news is the best strategy. Social media plans should be designed to coordinate with broader crisis communications plans so that when a crisis communications team is activated, the broader plan comes into action along with the social media playbook. Other times, an external crisis crosses into social media, and significant reputation damage can occur if not detected and managed by the social media plan within the broader response. In short, coordination between public relations and digital teams is paramount to ensure coordinated responses. So, how can you ensure your organization is ready for a social media crisis? Start by following these three steps: Prepare before you need to respond to a social media crisis. Create a social media policy and educate your employees. This will help reduce the likelihood of an employee posting something inappropriate or embarrassing on social media. This can also include copyright guidelines and privacy safeguards, something that is especially true for healthcare organizations that have to protect patient privacy. Change your social media passwords often, and audit who has access to your accounts. Former employees or agencies you no longer work with may still... --- ### Pierpont Ranks Among Top PR Firms Nationally by O’Dwyer’s > O’Dwyer’s recently named Pierpont a top public relations firm, ranking #58 nationally and #3 in Texas. - Published: 2020-06-29 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-ranks-among-top-pr-firms-nationally-by-odwyers/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing, Public Relations O’Dwyer’s recently named Pierpont a top public relations firm, ranking #58 nationally and #3 in Texas. For more than 50 years, O’Dwyer’s has ranked PR firms nationally and regionally based on worldwide fees. The 2020 Top PR Firm Rankings categorizes them by 19 specialties, from education and nonprofits to energy and technology. Pierpont’s national rank improved by 3% from 2019 and it was listed as #5 in energy, #28 in financial public relations and investor relations, #46 in healthcare, #8 in home furnishings, #8 in industrial, #4 in nonprofits, #21 in professional services, and #40 in technology. Since 1987, Pierpont has partnered with clients in energy, technology, commercial and industrial, professional and financial services, healthcare, consumer and retail, nonprofits, and education. Serving clients regionally, nationally, and globally, Pierpont’s team of industry-leading PR and marketing experts specialize in a variety of communications consulting areas, including media relations, reputation management, corporate communications, crisis management, digital marketing strategy, and more. To see how Pierpont can work with you to achieve your business goals, contact us today. --- ### Pierpont Executives Teach University Classes Through COVID-19 Pandemic > The three professors amongst Pierpont’s staff managed to guide their metaphorical planes through the spring semester to a safe landing. - Published: 2020-06-29 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-executives-teach-university-classes-through-covid-19-pandemic/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofit & Education Pierpont CEO Phil Morabito, Vice President of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris, and Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer, shared how they successfully navigated teaching classes through the 2020 spring semester. Since sweeping across the United States in March, the COVID-19 pandemic has reconfigured almost every facet of our society. The education system was not spared, as university faculties across the country were forced to adapt seemingly mid-lecture. “It was sort of like repairing an airplane while you were flying,” said Ferris, who teaches a self-designed digital marketing course for MBA students at the Jones Graduate School of Business (Rice Business). The three professors amongst Pierpont’s staff managed to guide their metaphorical planes through the spring semester to a safe landing. Although university classrooms may never look the same, professors and students alike learned valuable lessons over an unusual three-month span. Learning While Teaching The journey did not come without turbulence. The most obvious hurdle was effectively implementing technology to host class sessions remotely, Ferris said. “We had a couple of glitches where the audio would go out or something like that,” Ferris said. “Every week brought a slightly different technical challenge. ” The professors agreed the transition was made easier by support from their respective universities, whether that meant having an omnipresent technical assistant or being provided with best practices from a variety of sources. Hemeyer, who teaches a public relations strategies course, said the University of Texas at Austin gave him more capabilities than he could handle. “I would call it... --- ### Morabito Joins Silver Fox Advisors 2020 CEO Education Series Panel Discussion > Pierpont CEO Phil Morabito discussed the topic of customer acquisition from four angles: thinking, modeling, marketing and sales. - Published: 2020-06-05 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/morabito-joins-silver-fox-advisors-2020-ceo-education-series-panel-discussion/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Relations The opening session of this year’s CEO Education Series, titled “Revving Up Your Business After COVID-19,” featured Pierpont CEO Phil Morabito, along with host Joseph Tung and panelists Ralph D’Onfrio, Austin Tenette, and Mark Miller, who discussed the topic of customer acquisition from four angles: thinking, modeling, marketing, and sales. Morabito mapped out recommended marketing activities in 10 digestible steps: Reevaluate your business – find out what your customers need right now, what is selling well for you, and which products or services have the biggest margins with the shortest sales cycle. Reshape your messaging – when everybody says the same thing, nobody says anything. Appeal to your customers’ needs, strike a chord and be bold, and give customers what they want; they are hungry for answers, guidance, and solutions. By reshaping your message, you can better focus on what your customers really need. Narrow your targets – don’t try to market to everybody because you won’t have the resources. Break your targets down into categories (geographic, industry, or a specialty that you provide), and focus your time, money, and effort towards that area. Develop a tight marketing plan – look at everything you’ve done and consolidate it into a short-term plan that will get you through the current situation. For example, plan for the next 90 to 120 days. Utilize hard-hitting, immediate resulting tactics – you must be visible while others are invisible. Use these in abundance: webinars, media, social media, email marketing, database touching, website, SEO, and pay-per-click.... --- ### What to Expect from Digital Marketing in the New Normal > We had a conversation with Chris Ferris, our VP of Digital Strategy, on how digital marketing will change in the wake of COVID-19. - Published: 2020-05-18 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/what-to-expect-from-digital-marketing-in-the-new-normal/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation We recently had a (virtual) conversation with Chris Ferris, Vice President of Digital Strategy at Pierpont Communications about how digital marketing will change in the wake of COVID-19 and its aftermath. Chris, who also teaches a digital marketing class at the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University, discussed how digital marketing will evolve, recommended best practices for businesses, monetizing platforms like Zoom, and much more. How do you expect digital marketing to change? As explained in this Barron’s article, advertising spending is expected to keep falling, even once things return to something close to normal. This provides an opportunity for aggressive and ambitious companies—that have the means—to capture market share from their less proactive or financially stable competitors. The bidding cost to be shown first in Google Ads, for example, will likely fall, making it easier for companies to increase their impressions share, as noted in this CNBC story. Although people are more connected and plugged in overall, online advertising has already begun to bottom out because of the pandemic and subsequent economic crisis. What do you recommend for companies trying to navigate the industry moving forward? As noted above, the opportunities to get more bang for your advertising buck are there. So, if you have the budget to do so, I would look at this as a chance to capture more online market share at a potential bargain price. A big difference between advertising on TV or in print is that those agreements are usually made weeks... --- ### Pierpont Exec Explains Importance of Local Media to Facebook and Google > The two tech giants had recently been ordered to pay Australian media companies for publishing their news stories after negotiations failed. - Published: 2020-05-07 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-exec-explains-importance-of-local-media-to-facebook-and-google/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing Chris Ferris, Vice President of Digital Strategy, recently commented in the Financial Review on Australia’s attempts to make Facebook and Google share advertising revenue with local media companies. The two tech giants had recently been ordered to pay Australian media companies for publishing their news stories after negotiations with the two global digital giants failed. American publishers, media groups and lawmakers are closely watching the Australian situation for clues about how Google and Facebook will respond. According to Ferris, letting too many local media companies go under would be “penny-wise and pound-foolish” for Google and Facebook, who count on these outlets for much of their content. Read the full article online. --- ### Building a Crisis Communications Plan > Every company should have a crisis communications plan to address and minimize the impact of potential issues. - Published: 2020-04-22 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/building-a-crisis-communications-plan/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management Every company should have a crisis communications plan. Organizations should be ready to address and minimize the impact of potential issues that could materially affect their reputation or ability to conduct business. Your plan should be an organized, consistent, and strategic response to external and internal audiences during a crisis. But if you don’t have a plan in place yet, where should you start? Begin by walking through a crisis checklist with your team that factors in the following key elements: Assessment of Identified Key Risks Process to Escalate Structure of the Crisis Communications Team Initial Response Templates Assessment of Identified Key Risks Before starting or reviewing any crisis management plan, begin with an assessment of your organization’s most likely and/or impactful risks and vulnerabilities. Keep in mind the various factors that could affect your organization – operations, personnel, outside factors or events, etc. Process to Escalate Ideal crisis plans reflect some form of tiering when measuring the increasing level of severity and impact that a potential incident could have on your organization. By preparing for the various issue levels you could face, a crisis plan can be flexible enough to escalate when needed, but also handle and track lesser issues that have the potential to develop. Structure of the Crisis Communications Team Establish the roles and definitions for the crisis communications team, the entity that will be responsible for communications information to executives, employees, the community, media, customers, regulators, and other publics during a crisis. Initial Response Templates An... --- ### “Unprecedented” Times Call for “Unprecedented” Commitment to Thoughtful Internal Communications > Unprecedented. It’s the one word dominating the reports on the COVID-19 pandemic and its universal impact. - Published: 2020-03-30 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/unprecedented-times-call-for-unprecedented-commitment-to-thoughtful-internal-communications/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Unprecedented. It’s the one word dominating the reports on the COVID-19 pandemic and its universal impact. This unprecedented crisis has already impacted just about every organization, business, community, and government entity – interrupting all facets of our lives as we knew it. Additionally, the total impact of the event and the inflection point toward a rebound is still largely unknown. However, we do know this too shall pass, and one day in the somewhat near future, we must collectively dust ourselves off and step back into the ring to rebuild our lives and livelihood post-COVID-19. Professional communicators are trained to warn clients about the importance of having a crisis communications program in place. Following the COVID-19 experience, the phrase “it’s not a matter of if but when” will take on a whole new context and create a baseline for future discussions. What we “have done” and what we “have not done” will have an exponential impact on the speed and potency of our comeback or failure to do so. We are two weeks into a shutdown and most major brands with loyalty programs of any sort have taken the time and effort to reach out to customers regarding the status of business operations. But the truly “unprecedented” companies must have a laser focus to communicate directly and transparently with their most important audience, employees. From the board room to the mailroom. At all times, employees are your true brand ambassadors and your company’s most valuable asset. Even the most prepared... --- ### Hemeyer Addresses Student Leaders at Regional PRSSA Conference > Hemeyer talked to the aspiring public relations professionals about how the industry has changed and the skills it takes to be in PR. - Published: 2020-03-24 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/hemeyer-addresses-student-leaders-at-regional-prssa-conference/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofit & Education Pierpont Executive Council Terry Hemeyer recently spoke to a group of student leaders representing schools from multiple states at the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Southwest District Conference. At the Pierpont-sponsored event, hosted at Sam Houston State University – The Woodlands Center, Hemeyer talked to the aspiring public relations professionals about how the industry has changed, how to get a job in PR, and some important skills that all industry professionals should possess. There are more opportunities within the PR industry today, Hemeyer said, due to the amount of disruption and innovation. But with opportunity comes action, especially when it comes to a crisis. “Everything is warp speed,” Hemeyer said. “You don’t have time to go home and come back the next day and figure out what you’re going to do. Crises don’t happen between eight and five. They happen on Christmas day they happen at two in the morning. There’s no timetable on those. We are now on call seven days a week. ” Despite major changes and new trends within the industry, Hemeyer said PR is still needed to do four things: help build brands, maintain brands, protect brands and, if necessary, rebuild a brand after facing a crisis. “We are in charge of what to say, when to say it, and ‘who’s our audience? ’” Hemeyer said. “Those haven’t changed in years. It’s just different techniques and different technologies. ” Hemeyer also gave the students some tips on how to land a PR job across... --- ### Communication Recommendations in Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) > During this time, it is more important than ever for organizations to create strategies to protect employees, customers and operations. - Published: 2020-03-12 - Modified: 2021-12-10 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/communication-recommendations-in-response-to-coronavirus-covid-19/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Operating during a global pandemic and period of uncertainty can stress even the most thorough of plans. COVID-19 often referred to as coronavirus, has already had a massive impact on the global economy, and forced major disruptions, causing a shift in business operations across industries. In addition to the health and safety of their loved ones and employees, what’s top of mind for many company leaders is how to communicate to stakeholders during periods of uncertainty and restore confidence in the face of an unprecedented global challenge. During this turbulent time, it is more important than ever that organizations, regardless of size or industry, revisit or create strategies, policies, and procedures meant to protect employees, customers, and operations. In the absence of information from a company’s leadership, stakeholders will create their own narrative. Agile communications coupled with sensibly operational adjustments will play a decisive role in how organizations are able to manage their risk and reputational resilience. Below are some basic steps to consider for organizational leaders grappling with the situation. First, Focus on the Core: Internal Audiences Operational guidance for businesses is often rightly reflected in Emergency Action, Workplace Safety, or Business Continuity plans. Recommendations specific to employers are also available from trusted resources including the Centers for Disease Control. However, for many organizations, internal communications in the face of a pandemic are uncharted territory. A recent survey by Willis Towers Watson of 158 employers found that 70 percent of North American companies have already or plan to increase... --- ### Pierpont Sheds Light on Rebuilding Your Organization’s Reputation After a Crisis - Published: 2020-02-19 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-sheds-light-on-rebuilding-your-organizations-reputation-after-a-crisis-2/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management Pierpont Senior Vice President and Crisis Management Expert Chris Jones recently spoke with KPRC, an NBC affiliate, in Houston about the best ways an organization can move forward after being affected by a crisis. Jones explains that the best way any organization can begin the long, hard road to recovering its reputation after a crisis is to first understand what happened and take corrective actions. In order to rebuild your reputation and regain the trust of your key stakeholders, you need to recognize what went wrong and make the necessary changes in your organization – own it and fix it – then you can begin to move forward. To see the full interview with Jones, visit Click2Houston. com and to learn more about how you can better prepare your organization for a crisis or grow your brand’s reputation, contact Pierpont today. --- ### What Communicators Often Overlook in Crisis Planning > In a Q&A article by Jack Holmes for PR News, Terry Hemeyer takes a look at crisis communications strategies and techniques that are often overlooked. - Published: 2020-01-23 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/what-communicators-often-overlook-in-crisis-planning/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management In a Q&A article authored by Assistant Account Executive Jack Holmes for PR News, Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer takes a look at the crisis communications strategies and techniques that are often overlooked. Hemeyer provides tips on how to remain calm during a crisis, respond factually in a timely manner and more. He explains why it is important to assign a team to follow media sources and track coverage in case false information starts to spread about your company that needs to be corrected. To read the full article, visit PR News online here, and to learn more about how Pierpont can help you prepare to protect your brand in a crisis, contact us today. --- ### Pierpont’s IABC Members Shoot for the Stars at NASA’s Johnson Space Center > Lauren Williams and Carrie Whittlesey joined other IABC Houston members for an exclusive look at NASA’s Johnson Space Center communications. - Published: 2020-01-03 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierponts-iabc-members-shoot-for-the-stars-at-nasas-johnson-space-center/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations Account Executive and IABC Board Member Lauren Williams and Assistant Account Executive Carrie Whittlesey joined other members of the IABC Houston chapter for an exclusive look at how NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) navigate both internal and external communications. The group was treated to presentations from the public relations staff as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, the original 1969 Mission Control and the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, where scientists and astronauts train on to-scale replicas of space equipment. Of all the out-of-this-world communications insights the team at JSC shared with the group, there were three mission critical takeaways. The Communications Team is Responsible for Understanding and Translating Knowledge for the Public Communications Officer Debbie Sharp explained the necessity for the communications team to be familiar with the equipment production and training side of each operation. She specializes in translating the Orion mission into stories that the press and public can easily follow and become invested in. Public relations professionals wear many hats and, like Sharp, are often expected to be as knowledgeable in their company or client’s industry as the subject matter experts they’re representing. Research and close communication help ensure information is passed between the organization and the public correctly and accurately. Internal Communication is a Valuable Asset For Both Internal and External Success Attendees also met with Isidro Reyna, senior communications specialist, who explained that in an organization like JSC, the communications team isn’t just the designated public relations and public affairs staff,... --- ### Pierpont Hosts Marketing & Communications Executive Panel > Pierpont hosted prominent Houston-based marketing and communications executives for the Houston Business Journal's Table of Experts series. - Published: 2019-12-30 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-hosts-marketing-communications-executive-panel/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Marketing and communication executives from some of Houston’s most prominent companies gathered at the Pierpont office to discuss the trends, campaigns and best practices that help elevate their brands and drive change as part of the Houston Business Journal‘s Table of Experts series. The panel, which was moderated by Pierpont’s COO Clint Woods, discussed how their organizations effectively convey meaningful information and generate substantive engagement and trust among stakeholders. Panelists included: Heather Browne, Director, Corporate Communications, Freeport LNG Philip Ivy, Vice President, Global Marketing & Communications, KBR, Inc. Anne Knisely, Director, Corporate Communications, Huntsman Corporation Maripat Sexton, Head of Corporate Affairs, Global Brand & Positioning, BHP Rob Whitney, Director of Marketing, USA & Canada, Univar Solutions To read the full discussion among this table of experts, visit the Houston Business Journal here. And, if you’re interested in learning more about how to effectively connect with your stakeholders and stand out in a sea of sameness, contact us today. --- ### Creating Meaningful and Memorable Connections > This holiday season we especially cherish the new connections we have made over the past year and the relationships we have further grown. - Published: 2019-12-10 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/creating-meaningful-and-memorable-connections/ - Service Categories: Public Relations The holidays are a time to be shared with others, celebrating the season and creating lasting memories together. This holiday season we especially cherish the new connections we have made over the past year and the relationships we have further grown with our family, friends, community, and partners. Here are a few ways we have enjoyed connecting with others in 2019. Family At Pierpont, we have built a culture centered around family, where we welcome new employees and interns throughout the year, and continuously foster the development of our long-time Pierponters. This year, we expanded our team across Texas, made strategic investments in key talent across the region, and were recognized for our outstanding culture and work environment. We remain closely connected with one another across cities and regions, celebrating the successes of our teams and learning from our failures together. In January, we kicked off the new year with our annual retreat in Las Vegas, where we celebrated a record year for the agency in 2018 and set our goals for 2019. “Making new connections with my Pierpont team has been the most rewarding part of 2019. Through the incredible work that we do on behalf of our clients, I have been able to establish meaningful connections with my colleagues that make me excited to come to work each day. Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with clients that are doing innovative, impactful work and helping them achieve their communications and business goals. ” – Allison Murray, Vice... --- ### How an Earned Media Strategy Can Drive Business Performance > A recent Cision webinar discussed the impact an earned media strategy can have on the success of your organization. - Published: 2019-11-06 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-an-earned-media-strategy-can-drive-business-performance/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing Contemporary media outlets, including digital publications, social media platforms and online forums, have changed the way brands interact and engage with their stakeholders. A recent Cision webinar discussed the impact an earned media strategy can have on the success of your organization. An increasing number of brands have realized the value behind the growing media landscape and are using it to their advantage through a strategic brand awareness initiative focused on earned media. Content marketing generates more than three times the amount of leads produced by outbound marketing and costs 62% less than paid content and advertising. This is not to say that outbound initiatives aren’t also an effective tool to incorporate into an integrated marketing plan, but in 2019, nearly 26% of all Internet users have installed ad blockers, further contributing to the challenges online advertisers face. What is Earned Media and Why Is It Important? Earned media, or earned content, are non-paid mentions of brands from third-party sources that boost awareness of your organization. Whether this is in the form of a blog, article, or online review, earned content is critical in gaining public trust. The continued growth of online and social media platforms allows individuals to voice their opinions for the entire world to see, and believe it or not, these opinions matter. Not only do they affect your company’s reputation, but they also strongly influence the decisions of potential customers. According to HubSpot, 70% of people say they’d rather learn about new products through content over... --- ### Pierpont Wins #2 Best Places To Work Award > Pierpont was recently honored in the Houston Business Journal’s Annual Best Places to Work Awards, ranking #2 in the small companies category. - Published: 2019-11-06 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-wins-2-best-places-to-work-award/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Pierpont was recently honored in the Houston Business Journal’s 18th Annual Best Places to Work Awards, ranking #2 in the small companies category. The awards program recognized companies in the Houston area that demonstrate positive company culture and employee appreciation. Results are compiled by Quantum Workplace, which sends a survey to employees of nominated companies and compiles scores based on corporate culture, amenities, benefits, worker retention and attraction strategies. Pierpont is the largest independent PR, marketing, digital and integrated public affairs firm in Texas, serving clients regionally, nationally and globally. For over 30 years, Pierpont has represented the country’s most influential brands in energy, healthcare, manufacturing and industrial, technology, retail and more. Industry experts at Pierpont specialize in a variety of communications consulting areas, including media relations, reputation management, corporate communications, crisis management, digital marketing strategy and more. --- ### Pierpont Partners with IABC Houston as the Chapter’s Diamond Sponsor > Pierpont is committed to serving clients, empowering employees and building strategic partnerships, like that with IABC Houston. - Published: 2019-10-08 - Modified: 2021-12-10 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-partners-with-iabc-houston-as-the-chapters-diamond-sponsor/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Relations The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Houston chapter recently announced its exclusive Diamond Sponsor partnership with Pierpont through 2020. As the largest independent PR and marketing firm in Texas, Pierpont is committed to serving clients, empowering employees and building strategic partnerships, like that with IABC Houston. Pierpont has been a longtime advocate for organizations like IABC Houston that build the PR and marketing profession and empower communicators to excel. Several Pierpont employees have also dedicated their time and talent to the professional organization over the years. Lauren Blalock, who has been a member since 2018, is currently serving on the 2019-2020 IABC Houston Board as the Vice President of Marketing. Additionally, Carrie Whittlesey has been an active volunteer with the chapter, serving on the 2019 Bronze Quill Awards planning committee and judging award entries for various IABC chapters across the nation. IABC Houston is part of a global network of more than 10,000 communications professionals in 70-plus countries. With approximately 200 members, and a broader network with more than 2,200 influential Houston-based communicators, IABC Houston’s members are committed to improving personal and professional growth as well as organizational effectiveness through strategic communications. --- ### Uncovering the Secrets to Innovation in the Workplace > The key factors to an innovative workplace were revealed in a recent study conducted as part of Pierpont’s research endowment. - Published: 2019-09-30 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/uncovering-the-secrets-to-innovation-in-the-workplace/ - Industry Categories: Nonprofit & Education In a recent Austin Business Journal article, Vice President and General Manager of the Austin office Mike Gehrig shares how to create a culture of innovation in the workplace with the University of Texas at Austin professors Brad Love and Jeffrey Treem. “Researchers found that the most frequent pathways companies take to create an innovative culture are some of the least effective. ” Gehrig, Love and Treem explained that “consistently and intentionally crafting an innovative culture based on three concepts – language, storytelling and authenticity” proved to be far more effective in the workplace. The key contributing factors to an innovative workplace were revealed in a recent study conducted by the university as part of Pierpont’s research endowment with the Moody College of Communication. Learn more about the Pierpont Endowment and our continued investment in education. --- ### Pierpont Celebrates Five Year Partnership with Cristo Rey > Over the past five years, students from Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory of Houston have connected with Pierpont through a work study. - Published: 2019-09-20 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-celebrates-five-year-partnership-with-cristo-rey/ - Industry Categories: Nonprofit & Education Over the past five years, eight students from Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory of Houston have had the opportunity to connect with and learn from the Pierpont team through the school’s corporate work-study program. These students, who are typically from communities with limited educational options, experience a bustling corporate environment while preparing for their life post-graduation. With two to three high school students working in the office each week, there is no shortage of interaction among students and employees, and students often choose to return to Pierpont for multiple years. Additionally, the first Cristo Rey student to have completed their work-study program in high school with Pierpont went on to complete their college degree and graduated earlier this year. Pierpont’s commitment to education is an embodiment of our entrepreneurial spirit. We are equally passionate about knowledge sharing and continuous learning, and value the educational opportunities available to students in our community. Our continuing partnership with Cristo Rey epitomizes this commitment to education through a student program unique to the school.   --- ### Risks & Rewards: Engaging Social Media Influencers > The Houston Chronicle article discusses major oil and gas companies’ use of influencers for marketing campaigns and their effectiveness. - Published: 2019-09-20 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/risks-rewards-engaging-social-media-influencers/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing In a recent Houston Chronicle article on attracting millennial talent through social media influencer marketing, Vice President of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris shares the risks of influencer marketing. The article discusses major oil and gas companies’ use of influencers for marketing campaigns and their effectiveness in today’s digital society. Influencer marketing has been proven to be one of the best ways for these brands to appeal to younger generations and drive sales within a different audience. “Companies need to vet influencers, which can add to the costs, and they must be wary of influencers who may try to boost their follower count by buying fake followers or post something controversial that could reflect poorly on their brands,” Ferris explains in the article. To read the full article, visit the Houston Chronicle online here (note that the article is only available to Houston Chronicle subscribers). --- ### The Key to an Effective Crisis Response > The best approach to an effective crisis response is to prepare, survive and rebuild. Read on to learn more. - Published: 2019-09-13 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-key-to-an-effective-crisis-response/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management As a fully integrated PR firm, our crisis management clients benefit from our ability to bring the full breadth of services to bear on their crisis, rather than simply providing in-the-moment crisis response. Of course, we do provide crisis response when things happen—providing on-site crisis communications support as a formal Public Information Officer or as a member of a crisis response team providing advice and counsel to protect the value and reputation of the client company. But we believe the best approach to effective crisis management can be thought of as a series of books in a trilogy, with your crisis communications plan right in the middle: Preparing for a storm Surviving the storm Rebuilding after the storm Preparing for a Storm Preparing for a storm is everything we are able to do for our clients to build their reputation, establish and communicate their culture and values, and position themselves as leaders in their industry or market. Surviving the Storm Surviving the storm refers to the traditional crisis response – activating a team, creating statements, managing the media and communicating with key stakeholders. Rebuilding after the Storm Rebuilding after the storm is the process of moving past a crisis, addressing any impact to the company’s reputation, returning to a normal cadence of communication, and potentially initiating or resuming appropriate marketing campaigns and social media activity. https://youtu. be/FPJMIzmpp_Y   Pierpont’s experts have deep experience in all aspects of effective crisis management across a wide range of industries and sectors. Contact us... --- ### Jones Discusses Cyber Security Crisis Communications in the Houston Business Journal > Cyber crimes require a unique marketing approach then traditional issues explains Jones in his Houston Business Journal article. - Published: 2019-07-11 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/jones-discusses-cyber-security-crisis-communications-in-the-houston-business-journal/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management In his Houston Business Journal article “Cyber Crimes Are An Issue That Should Not Be Taken Lightly,” Senior Vice President Chris Jones discusses the unique crisis communications challenges that come with ransomware attacks. “Cyber-crimes require unique responses compared to many traditional scenarios a company might anticipate in their response plans,” explains Jones in his article. “The best approach is to treat this risk like any other and plan for it, conduct exercises around it, and keep plans current as the nature of the threat continues to evolve. ” To read the full article, visit the Houston Business Journal here (only available to Houston Business Journal subscribers). If you would like more information on how to prepare your organization’s communications response to a cybersecurity crisis, contact us today.   --- ### Three Takeaways from the Out of This World PRSA Southwest District Conference > The conference featured speakers from NASA, other industry professionals discussing the public relations industry’s changing trends. - Published: 2019-05-17 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/three-takeaways-from-the-out-of-this-world-prsa-southwest-district-conference/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial PR and marketing professionals across the region recently attended the 2019 PRSA Southwest District Conference in Houston. The conference featured speakers from NASA, local content creators and PR professionals discussing the industry’s leading trends surrounding PR campaigns, thought leadership and media relations. Here are some key takeaways we observed at the conference. Takeaway One: Social Media Provides a “Bird’s Eye View” in Outer Space During the conference, we heard from NASA Astronaut Reid Wiseman as he discussed his use of social media to inspire the world during his time aboard the International Space Station. Weisman’s biggest takeaway was that some of his tweets would serve as a “bird’s eye view” of the world. For example, his tweet containing a photo from the space of Typhoon Vongfong in the Asia-Pacific region went viral with over 13,000 retweets and was subsequently picked up by news outlets around the world, like NBC. Takeaway Two: Treat Influencers like Journalists In the digital age, online influencer-based content is becoming more prevalent across social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok. These content creators are reaching larger audiences than ever before, and brands are taking notice. During a panel discussion, local influencers discussed best practices PR professionals and brands should follow when working with content creators. Influencers prefer that agencies target them like journalists by researching and knowing what they cover before outreach. And instead of looking at follower count, agencies should look at the influencer’s engagement rate. Takeaway Three: It’s Time to... --- ### Williams Named IABC Houston Volunteer of the Month > Account Executive Lauren Williams was recently named IABC Houston’s Volunteer of the Month for her time volunteered within the organization. - Published: 2019-05-03 - Modified: 2021-12-10 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/williams-named-iabc-houston-volunteer-of-the-month/ - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Account Executive Lauren Williams was recently named IABC Houston’s Volunteer of the Month for her time and dedication to the professional organization. Williams was recognized for her work managing the organization’s social media content and strategy this year alongside the marketing director. Starting this summer, she will join the IABC Houston Board and fulfill the chapter’s marketing position. She has been a member of IABC Houston since 2018. Williams supports her clients in the healthcare, consumer and energy sectors at Pierpont with integrated communications campaigns and projects, incorporating her expertise in media relations, marketing and more. --- ### Pierpont Sponsors 2019 University of Texas McCombs Business Outlook Events Statewide > Business leaders in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio gathered for a series of events hosted by the Texas McCombs School of Business. - Published: 2019-04-05 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-sponsors-2019-university-of-texas-mccombs-business-outlook-events-statewide/ - Industry Categories: Nonprofit & Education Business leaders in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio gathered for a series of events held at the Federal Reserve Banks in each city and hosted by the University of Texas McCombs School of Business, where several of the top economists and executives in the state shared their predictions and thoughts on the economic outlook for 2019. While some panelists estimate a state economic growth of only one to two percent, many emphasized the importance of improving education and embracing connectivity. They explained how investing in education will aid in replenishing the aging workforce. They also shared some of the factors that would drive economic growth statewide, including the expansion of the Houston Ship Channel and local governments' spending on technology to improve utilities and infrastructure. As a longtime advocate for investing in education and economic thought leadership, Pierpont has sponsored and attended the University of Texas McCombs Business Outlook events statewide year over year. To learn more about the 2019 Business Outlook events and watch the panel discussion from each city, visit the school’s website here. --- ### Pierpont Delivers Client Wins at World’s Premier Energy & Tech Events > Pierpont had the honor of working with clients on two of the business world’s biggest stages during SXSW in Austin and CERAWeek in Houston. - Published: 2019-03-27 - Modified: 2021-12-06 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-delivers-client-wins-at-worlds-premier-energy-tech-events/ - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial, Technology & Innovation The Ides of March was a busy time for the Pierpont team! Over the course of just a few short days, we had the honor of working with clients on two of the business world’s biggest stages during SXSW in Austin and CERAWeek in Houston. At CERAWeek, the annual gathering of senior energy executives, innovators and government officials, Pierpont led the announcement strategy for a partnership between our client Maana with Microsoft. We engaged media including the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, Economist, Energy Intelligence, E&P, Platts, Bloomberg TV regarding the company’s efforts to accelerate the oil and gas industry’s digital transformation. To drive dialog with key influencers, we leveraged Maana’s CEO’s participation in one of the conference’s key executive panel sessions. Meanwhile, as SXSW was taking over Austin we helped Energizing Health execute four days of programming around innovation in healthcare at their Health House, providing ongoing consulting services leading up to and during the event. At the same time, we also engaged national and local media about Baker Botts’ first annual SXSW Emerging Company Showcase, which focused on AI and IoT investing and included panelists from Toyota Al Ventures, Samsung Catalyst Fund, Chevron Technology Ventures and Cisco Investments as well as current and former clients Maana and SparkCognition. --- ### Pierpont Professors Bring Industry Knowledge to the Classroom > This semester Phil Morabito, Chris Ferris, Terry Hemeyer and David Gonzalez are carried on the Pierpont legacy of classroom instruction. - Published: 2019-03-13 - Modified: 2021-12-10 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-professors-bring-industry-knowledge-to-the-classroom/ - Industry Categories: Nonprofit & Education Education has been a longstanding cornerstone at Pierpont Communications, with employees investing in continued education and professional development, and numerous Pierponters teaching university classes outside of the office over the years. This semester CEO Phil Morabito, Vice President of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris, Ph. D. , Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer, and Account Supervisor David Gonzalez are continuing to carry that legacy, instructing classes at the University of Houston, Rice Business, and the University of Texas at Austin. Morabito is an adjunct professor at the University of Houston, teaching Integrated Communication Strategies. This course provides a graduate-level look at all communications tools as part of a total marketing strategy, taking an overview approach to combining the elements of complete, effective communications in meeting marketing objectives. Morabito earned his Bachelor’s in Marketing from the University of Charleston and his MBA from the University of South Florida. Ferris is a lecturer in Digital Marketing and Management at Rice Business. His class with MBA students addresses digital marketing tactics and strategies in business, including understanding digital marketing channels, developing a comprehensive digital strategy and measuring digital marketing efforts. He has a Master’s in Communication from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph. D. in Health Policy from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Also at Rice Business, Hemeyer leads the Corporate Crisis Management Strategies class, in which MBA students study the crisis and issue management through practical application, drawing from numerous current and recent real-world... --- ### Jones Illustrates Marketing’s Role in a Crisis at AMA Houston > At an AMA Houston Academy, Chris Jones discussed crisis preparations for marketing teams and how to maximize the company's reputation. - Published: 2019-03-06 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/jones-illustrates-marketings-role-in-a-crisis-at-ama-houston/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Marketing At an AMA Houston Academy, Senior Vice President Chris Jones discussed crisis preparations for marketing teams, and the efforts marketers should own to minimize reputation damage and help ensure a better recovery after a crisis. He addressed what marketers need to know and be responsible in crisis response, from understanding who key stakeholders are and how to communicate with them, to maintaining your organization’s key messages and reputation through a crisis response. Among the many strategies and tactics he shared, Jones highlighted several key takeaways: Use your knowledge of the market, product and customer to inform your organization’s crisis management plan Know where exactly marketing fits into or supports the crisis management plan Ask to participate in any crisis exercises or drills Make sure your social media is tuned for crisis detection and response Stress test key marketing tools to make sure they are ready for crisis pace Additional information from Jones’s presentation is available here, but if you’d like to explore how Pierpont can help prepare you and your marketing team for a crisis, contact us today. --- ### Pierpont Hosts Houston Business Journal Digital Roundtable > Digital marketing experts gathered at the Pierpont office to discuss current and future trends in Houston as part HBJ's table of expertise. - Published: 2019-02-08 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-hosts-houston-business-journal-digital-roundtable/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Digital marketing experts gathered at the Pierpont office to discuss current and future digital trends in Houston as part of the Houston Business Journal‘s Table of Experts series. The digital panel, which was moderated by Pierpont’s Director of Marketing Dori Albora, discussed the changing landscape of digital marketing, how marketers are incorporating data analysis into their business’ bottom line and what applications are essential to have in any marketer’s toolkit. Panelists included Russ Capper, Executive Director at Houston Exponential; Mark Chiles, Chief Digital Officer & Senior Vice President of Digital for Hart Energy; Jennifer Haubein, Social Media Specialist at BP; and Anaye Milligan, Director of Digital Marketing at Houston Methodist Hospital System. To read the full digital roundtable discussion, visit the Houston Business Journal here. And for more information on how to improve your digital marketing strategy, contact us today. --- ### Pierpont Expands Team Statewide with New Hires in Dallas, Austin and Houston > Pierpont is pleased to announce the addition of three strategic team members in Texas, who bring years of marketing expertise to the company. - Published: 2018-12-19 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-expands-team-statewide-with-new-hires-in-dallas-austin-and-houston/ - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Pierpont is pleased to announce the addition of three strategic team members in Texas – Vice President Allison Lowe Burum in Dallas, Account Supervisor Christine Rashman in Austin, and Account Executive Kaitlin Ross in Houston. “Pierpont’s expanding global client roster demands talent that blends strategic communications and marketing expertise in a manner that drives business performance,” said Clint Woods, COO of Pierpont Communications. “These new additions possess the business acumen and experience to ably advocate for our client’s agendas while upholding the high standards set by our dedicated professional staff. ” Burum, Rahman, and Ross join Pierpont with more than 23 years of combined industry experience, working with internationally recognized agencies and corporate leaders in healthcare, technology, and financial services, bringing their diverse expertise to Pierpont’s client base across Texas and nationally. Learn more about their background and expertise in the full release here. --- ### Morabito Honored by the Legionaries of Christ Houston > Pierpont CEO Phil Morabito was the guest of honor at the Legionaries of Christ’s 80’s Night Gala for a Cause, who supports seminary students. - Published: 2018-11-28 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/morabito-honored-by-the-legionaries-of-christ-houston/ - Industry Categories: Nonprofit & Education Pierpont CEO Phil Morabito was the guest of honor at the Legionaries of Christ’s 80’s Night Gala for a Cause, which raised funds to support the seminary students preparing for priesthood. The fundraising dinner, held at the Wynden in Uptown Houston, was attended by 120 supporters with the goal of raising money to house and support 91 college seminarians seeking their mission to provide others with spiritual guidance. A total of $100,000 was raised through live and silent auctions, ticket sales, and donations. The evening concluded with an 80’s costume contest and dance party featuring the decade’s greatest hits. --- ### Three Ways to Effectively Communicate to Underserved Communities > Authenticate your message through partnerships with local non-profits and key community leaders to create an effective message. - Published: 2018-11-27 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/three-ways-to-effectively-communicate-to-underserved-communities/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations Whether you’re relaying information about a new public health policy, publicizing recently enacted legislation or introducing a brand to a community, effectively reaching traditionally underserved communities can be a unique challenge. While conveying authenticity and instilling trust is key to any effective communications plan, all communities – regardless of socioeconomic status – are seeing their media landscapes change dramatically. As someone who has spent the past 10 years communicating with underserved communities on behalf of national non-profits, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions, I’ve learned that a one-size-fits-all approach to media outreach and community engagement is entirely ineffective and that success is found when you keep a couple of tips in mind. Earn trust through partnerships Trust is paramount to the success of any communication campaign. Trust makes a message authentic and believable; it encourages action and – most importantly – it is only earned over time. That said, it’s crucial to recognize that deeply-rooted factors are at play outside of your control – including decades of systematic disparities – which make earning the trust of underserved populations a challenge. How does a brand earn such trust? It’s a two-step process. First, take the time to talk to residents and community leaders to truly understand the needs of the population. Then, once understood, authenticate your message – through partnerships with local non-profits and alliances with key community leaders – to speak to those specific needs. These trusted individuals – oftentimes referred to as “Centers of Influence” – will serve as gatekeepers... --- ### Pierpont Hosts Houston Business Journal Reputation Roundtable > Business leaders gathered at the Pierpont office to discuss brand perceptions and reputation management in Houston for HBJ's roundtable. - Published: 2018-11-19 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-hosts-houston-business-journal-reputation-roundtable/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Business leaders gathered at the Pierpont office to discuss brand perceptions and reputation management in Houston as part of the Houston Business Journal‘s Table of Experts series. The panel, which was moderated by Pierpont’s COO Clint Woods, discussed the opportunities and challenges they face with reputation management and how they manage their companies’ messages and brand perceptions. Panelists included Trina Payne Grier, PHR, SHRM-CP, regional human resources director at Walmart Inc. ; John Griffin Jr, principal at Frazer Ltd. ; Gregg T. Reyes, president and CEO at Reytec Construction Resources Inc. ; Philipp Sitter, principal at King’s Group; and Michael Waldron, vice president of global corporate communications at LyondellBasell Industries. To read the full reputation roundtable discussion, visit the Houston Business Journal here. And, if you’re interested in learning more about how to effectively manage your company’s reputation, contact us today. --- ### Gehrig Talks Crisis Management at the Association of Corporate Counsel’s Annual Meeting > The ACC annual meeting, the world’s largest gathering of in-house counsel, took place in Austin, Texas this year. - Published: 2018-11-04 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/gehrig-talks-crisis-management-at-the-association-of-corporate-counsels-annual-meeting/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Mike Gehrig, vice president, and general manager of Pierpont’s Austin office, shared his insights on crisis management and the importance of preparing crisis response plans as a featured panelist during the Association of Corporate Counsel‘s (ACC) annual meeting. Any company should have internally prepared crisis plans at the ready, Gehrig noted. It’s vital to be prepared to address and minimize the impact of potential crises that could threaten a company’s reputation or ability to conduct business. He advised companies to respond instantly to stakeholders with an initial statement, have a consistent message internally and externally, and remain authentic to their brand. The ACC annual meeting, the world’s largest gathering of in-house counsel, took place in Austin, Texas this year. It brings together in-house lawyers for a four-day conference covering complex legal and regulatory challenges, cyber risks, and business strategies. --- ### Pierpont Sponsors Press Club of Dallas North Texas Legends Awards > A crowd of media personalities and marketing professionals gathered to honor distinguished Dallas journalists for the annual Legends Awards. - Published: 2018-10-26 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-sponsors-press-club-of-dallas-north-texas-legends-awards/ - Service Categories: Public Relations A crowd of media personalities and communications professionals gathered at the Sixth Floor Museum on October 13 to honor distinguished Dallas journalists during the annual Press Club of Dallas North Texas Legends Award ceremony. Emceed by long-time WFAA-TV anchor Gloria Campos and sponsored in part by Pierpont, this year’s award ceremony showcased the following honorees: Charean Williams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram David Woo, Dallas Morning News George Getschow, University of North Texas Jacquielynn Ford, Dallas Morning News John Sparks, WFAA, KDFW, KXAS and others Marty Haag, WFAA Mercedes Olivera, Dallas Morning News Sam Baker, KERA-FM Shaun Rabb, FOX 4 There were many laughs and a few tears, especially for the posthumous awardees. One of the new legends quoted a former newsroom boss with saying, “There are no bad stories... just bad storytellers. ” We couldn’t agree more. It’s an honor to tell our client’s stories at Pierpont, and we look forward to continuing to do so for many more years. To learn more about how we can help tell your brand’s story, contact us today. --- ### How to Update Your Website to Meet Chrome’s New Security Standards > Google has announced that the new version of Chrome will no longer trust SSL certificates, here's how to update your website. - Published: 2018-10-11 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-update-your-website-to-meet-chromes-new-security-standards-2/ - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation Google will release Chrome 70, the latest version of the Internet’s most widely used browser, on October 15. It will have stricter requirements for website security. Google has announced that the new version of Chrome will no longer trust SSL certificates issued by Symantec “due to a pattern of questionable certificate issuance practices. ” If your site is not secure (using https://) or if it uses a security service not considered safe by Google (Symatec is the largest such vendor now considered unsecure), Chrome may no longer display your site or it may mark it as unsecure to site visitors. This means your site could become inaccessible or unusable to visitors who access your site via Chrome (the most popular browser, used by more than two-thirds of internet users worldwide). To determine if your site is not secure, do the following: Go to the website in Chrome Click on the lock next to the URL Check to see if the connection is secure Click on “Certificate” to see who provides the security and look for the name “Symantec Corporation” If your site is not secure, contact your hosting company immediately and request that they host your site securely (using https://). If your site currently uses Symantec, ask your hosting company to change the Symantec certificate as soon as possible. DigiCert and Let’s Encrypt both offers free replacement certificates for anyone affected by this change to Chrome. For help with digital strategy and best practices, contact Chris Ferris, Vice President Of... --- ### Pierpont Among Top Four Agencies Ranked by Austin Business Journal > The Austin Business Journal list for 2018 recently named Pierpont Austin among the top four firms in Central Texas. - Published: 2018-10-08 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-among-top-four-agencies-ranked-by-austin-business-journal/ - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial The Austin Business Journal list of public relations agencies for 2018 recently named Pierpont Austin among the top four firms in Central Texas, which were ranked by local revenue in 2017. This ranking is a result of Pierpont Austin working with notable clients and becoming a leader in public relations and marketing services in the market. For nearly 20 years, Pierpont Austin has represented a client base comprised of the most innovative and respected brands in Central Texas in technology, real estate, education, finance, energy and more. Some of Pierpont’s current and former clients in Austin include Boston Consulting Group, Denham Capital, Austin Energy, Seton Healthcare Family, Texas Association of REALTORS®, SparkCognition, Society of Petroleum Engineers, HNTB, BP and more. Learn more about Pierpont Austin and how our team in Central Texas can help you build a strategic communications campaign and drive measurable business results. --- ### Pierpont Relocates Headquarters to New Office at Park Towers in Uptown > Pierpont Communications recently relocated its flagship office in Houston to the newly renovated Park Towers building in Uptown. - Published: 2018-10-05 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-relocates-headquarters-to-new-office-at-park-towers-in-uptown/ Pierpont Communications recently relocated its flagship office in Houston to the newly renovated Park Towers building in Uptown, located at 1233 West Loop South, Suite 1300. Pierpont appointed Ziegler Cooper Architects to design its new space, which was completed in September 2018. Among the upgraded features incorporated in Pierpont’s new space are a media studio for video creation and editing, interview simulations and trainings; interactive touchscreens and responsive presentation technology for collaborative meetings; customizable workstations and a wellness room for employees; and a café/bar and state-of-the-art meeting spaces that can accommodate large gatherings and signature client and community/philanthropic events the firm holds throughout the year. The firm’s lease will be one of Park Towers’ first since it completed renovations on the building last year. Named a finalist in the Houston Business Journal’s 2017 Landmark Awards in the Rehabilitation and Renovation category, Park Towers offers upgraded amenities, including a fitness center, enhanced security technology and state-of-the-art facilities. Read more about Pierpont’s new Houston office in the full release here and find directions to visit us here. --- ### Three Ways to Improve Your Brand’s Presence on Facebook > What does the string of stumbles by Facebook mean for businesses that use the social media platform to connect or advertise to customers? - Published: 2018-08-27 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/three-ways-to-improve-your-brands-presence-on-facebook/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing The tagline for “The Social Network,” the 2010 film about the founding of Facebook was: “You don’t get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies. ” Now that Facebook is up to 2. 2 billion friends, the social network and its founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, seem to have made more than a few enemies. But what does the string of stumbles by Facebook mean for businesses that use the social media platform for connecting with customers or for online advertising? First, let’s review some of the latest problems currently plaguing Facebook. Use of Customer Data During the 2016 election, a political firm hired by the Trump campaign acquired access to private data on millions of Facebook users. According to the New York Times, these data “included details on users’ identities, friend networks and ‘likes. ’ The idea was to map personality traits based on what people had liked on Facebook, and then use that information to target audiences with digital ads. ” When this story broke earlier this year, Facebook encountered a fierce backlash from users, politicians and investors. The Federal Trade Commission opened an investigation into whether the company violated a 2011 consent decree to keep users’ data private and Facebook’s stock dropped. Users and Engagement Levels Are Flat or Falling Just last month, Facebook revealed that North American daily active users fell last quarter. It also reported that it lost daily European daily active users in the second quarter. And earlier this month, Buffer released... --- ### Pierpont Recognized for Community Involvement by Austin Chamber of Commerce > The Austin Chamber of Commerce recently recognized Pierpont Communications as an Austin Gives Business for its excellence in giving back. - Published: 2018-08-13 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-recognized-for-community-involvement-by-austin-chamber-of-commerce/ - Industry Categories: Nonprofit & Education The Austin Chamber of Commerce recently recognized Pierpont Communications as an Austin Gives Business for its excellence in giving back to the community. Austin Gives is a community program through the Austin Chamber of Commerce that recognizes business philanthropy in metropolitan Austin. To qualify, companies must donated 1 percent or more of their pre-tax earnings to the local community. This includes financial contributions, the donation of products/services and volunteer hours. Pierpont was recognized for its engagement in the community and for giving initiatives in three areas – education and mentorship, community wellness and industry excellence. Learn more about Pierpont’s community engagement initiatives and the organizations we proudly support here. --- ### Banding Together: How to Strengthen Communities in a Crisis > Being prepared as an organization is critical to the success of managing a crisis and making sure that everyone involved is well. - Published: 2018-07-31 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/banding-together-how-to-strengthen-communities-in-a-crisis/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management After events like the shootings at Stoneman Douglas High School and Santa Fe High School, natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey, which devastated the Gulf Coast in 2017, and mental health epidemics like suicides on the rise, providing mental health assistance in a calm and collected manner to those directly affected by such tragedies is more important today than ever. Terry Hemeyer, Pierpont Executive Counsel, recently led a discussion with the Houston and Bay Area Mental Health Providers NET on how these talented mental health care providers can respond to crises and further promote mental health in today’s world. During the discussion, members of the NET engaged Terry by running through different scenarios, all of which are events that could happen at any minute and spur a crisis in their communities. They talked through their questions relating to these real life events, and though every situation presented was unique, their responses to these crises had several key underlining best approaches. Have a Plan in Place It is important for organizations to have a crisis management plan, no matter if they have two employees or thousands. While crisis situations are inevitably daunting and it is tempting to run from problems, it is important to not let the heat of the moment overtake the need for a levelheaded calm demeanor. Having a plan in place beforehand reduces the burdensome stress that comes when disaster strikes. For example, if a smaller organization with only a few employees comes face to face with a crisis,... --- ### How to Be A Leading Intern: 9 Skills to Practice Today > Internships allow both interns and employers an opportunity to determine if they are a culture and work style fit for one another. - Published: 2018-07-26 - Modified: 2021-12-10 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-be-a-leading-intern-9-skills-to-practice-today/ - Service Categories: Public Relations Internships are often the gateway to junior positions in an organization. They allow both interns and employers an opportunity to determine if they are a culture and work style fit for one another before both commit to fully investing in their long-term relationship. At Pierpont, we’ve had the opportunity to work with many great interns over the years and hire some of the best in our profession. While many entry-level candidates may begin with little professional experience on their resumes, it’s their work ethic and employee characteristics that often differentiate them from other interns and junior employees. In addition to developing professional skills with experience, there are several actions interns can take right away that showcase their ability to perform at a high level and be a leading intern. Making the effort to think through these actions will not only be great for your personal professional development, they will give you the opportunity to leave a positive impression on your coworkers and employer. Be on time. Show your appreciation for whatever opportunity you’re given by being where you need to be before you need to be there. It shows your dedication and respect for the opportunity, your employer and coworkers. Have a good work ethic. Show your passion in what you do and give your best effort at each assignment, no matter how small you perceive it to be. Every piece of each project comes together to create something amazing at the end. Go the extra mile. Make anything you... --- ### Ferris Joins TMC Innovation Institute Advisor Network > Ferris's background in digital strategy and marketing, make him a valuable addition to the innovation center located in the TMC. - Published: 2018-06-21 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/ferris-joins-tmc-innovation-institute-advisor-network/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Pierpont Vice President of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris recently joined the Texas Medical Center (TMC) Innovation Institute Advisor Network. His background and expertise in digital strategy and marketing, along with his years of experience within hospital systems and digital health startups, make him a valuable addition to the innovation center located in the TMC. In his new role, Ferris will be offering lectures to TMC Innovation Institute participants and holding remote office hours, leveraging his PhD in Health Policy and current role teaching digital marketing to MBA students at the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University (Rice Business). He joins a network of advisors that represent various fields and provide a range of expertise from entrepreneurship, investor, clinical, technical, legal guidance and more. The TMC Innovation Institute is a unique learning environment aimed at impacting the health care industry through the collaboration of medicine and cutting-edge technology from around the world. The program works to unite promising innovators with the best minds in academia, science and medicine. The TMC Innovation Institute Advisor Network is an integral piece in the success of the overall program, providing strategic and tactical guidance to the innovation community. --- ### Is Your Website Compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act? > Websites that are not easily accessible to people with disabilities may be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). - Published: 2018-05-21 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/is-your-website-compliant-with-the-americans-with-disabilities-act/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing Is your company’s website accessible to people with disabilities? If it isn’t, you may be breaking the law and putting yourself at risk for a lawsuit. Websites that are not easily accessible to people with disabilities may be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We find many of our clients are unaware that ADA applies beyond their physical facilities and offices, but in fact, the ADA is now being widely applied to websites so no one is denied access. This is especially true in industries like banking or websites that offer employment opportunities. So anyone who works in digital marketing—especially on website design and development—has to understand accessibility guidelines to ensure compliance. Here’s what you need to know: What is the ADA? The ADA is a civil rights law passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, and transportation. It also applies to all public and private places that are open to the general public. Title III of the ADA requires (with a few exceptions) that businesses take affirmative, proactive measures to ensure individuals with disabilities are afforded equal access to their goods and services—including websites. Since 2013, there has been a steady increase in the number of lawsuits filed in federal court under Title III. The primary complaint underlying these lawsuits is the allegation that websites constitute public accommodations and should be, but are not, accessible to individuals with disabilities. What should I do about... --- ### Crisis Management: Controlling the Chaos > Being prepared in knowing that crises are only a matter of time help organizations prioritize and handle issues in the most effective way. - Published: 2018-05-17 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/crisis-management-controlling-the-chaos/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management Warp speed communications, fake news, lack of diversity, harassment, mental health issues and safety are just a few challenges facing organizations, companies and academic institutions today. Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer recently was the keynote speaker at the Deans of Student Affairs Annual Meeting. The meeting, which was hosted by the State Bar of Texas in Austin and sponsored by the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program, brought together law school deans of student affairs from across the state. Hemeyer led a discussion among the deans about potential challenges and issues that could arise at their schools, and shared the biggest challenges when managing crises in academic environments. Here are some of the challenges he addressed that resonate with today’s most troubling vulnerabilities and situations facing academic, organizational and corporate entities. Timing is Critical Crises do not age well, like a fine wine. It is imperative to handle a crisis immediately. You cannot ignore the problem, go home and hope that it doesn’t exist in the morning. In the first hours after a crisis, your mission is to determine what action to take, what to say, whom to say it to and when to say it. There is often no time to think and strategize with big-picture crisis policies when a crisis is happening. Those policies need to be prepared ahead of time. In today’s world, perception is everything. A lie repeated enough is eventually perceived as the truth, so it’s important to address developments in a timely manner. If misinformation gets out... --- ### 4 Tips to Navigate the Changing Media Landscape > Whether we are in-house people serving corporate colleagues or external agencies serving clients, media relations is central to what we do. - Published: 2018-05-10 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/4-tips-to-navigate-the-changing-media-landscape/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Media Training - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial I recently attended the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Tri-State District’s annual Meet the Editors roundtable and had the opportunity to enjoy the media panel’s spirited conversation and debate. The media panel participants ranged from daily to monthly media outlets, print and digital to broadcast delivery methods, business to consumer beats, corporate to franchisee-owned, and everything imaginable in-between. At the close of the panel I was struck by the old adage “the more things change, the more they stay the same” because although our media landscape has evolved significantly in the last 10 years, the core principles of what we do as communicators remain the same even after decades of change. As an industry, it’s easy for us to get wrapped up in our own debates over who owns what, the future of public relations, and earned-owned-paid models. This panel was a good reminder that above all, it’s still about adding value and building relationships. Here were a few highlights from the media panel’s discussion: Meet us where we live. (Hint: It’s digital. ) Most of the reporters on the panel wholeheartedly agreed that the best thing public relations professionals can do is begin to serve up more digital content because that’s where they live on a daily basis. This means companies should be featuring their subject matter experts (SMEs) in videos and podcasts more often. While the print piece isn’t dead, even the most seasoned professionals agreed it is incumbent on public relations professionals to guide clients toward... --- ### Words Matter: A Lesson in Message Discipline > Words matter and language is critical, especially when speaking for a public company, speak clearly to effectively communicate. - Published: 2018-05-03 - Modified: 2024-02-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/words-matter-a-lesson-in-message-discipline-2/ - Service Categories: Public Relations On April 24, Caterpillar announced its quarterly earnings. As the CFO ticked off some of the company’s major accomplishments during the quarter, both the market and industry analysts seemed to like it. In fact, the stock was up 5 percent... until something happened. With an off-handed, throw-away remark from the CFO, the market heard something concerning, and the company’s stock plummeted, ending 6 percent below where it started the day. With just a moment, the company saw millions of dollars in value disappear. This is why message discipline is so very important, whether on an earnings call, during a television interview or in the midst of a crisis. The words were rather unimportant. The CFO simply said the quarter’s profits were a “high-water mark” for the year. Unfortunately, what the CFO intended to say was that commodity prices were lower than expected and created a greater than expected profit margin, which could not be counted on in the future. It was not intended to preview anything about the company’s performance in the coming months, and it was certainly not something included in talking points prepared by the communications team. But before the call had even ended, the damage was done. So what can we learn from this? We have outlined three key points that communicators must keep in mind at all times, especially when speaking for a publically traded company that is constantly being scrutinized by the market. Always be “On” When you are talking to reporters or analysts, you... --- ### Beyond People, Planet and Profits: The Triple Bottom Line Evolves > Focusing on this multi-stakeholder, long-view storytelling approach allows anyone, for the most part, to endure changes large and small. - Published: 2018-04-30 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/beyond-people-planet-and-profits-the-triple-bottom-line-evolves/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations The recent letter from Blackrock’s Larry Fink to CEOs just may have upped the ante on our current thinking about sustainability. While the phrase “triple bottom line” has been in mainstream conversation for several years now and always sounds good in theory, in practice the concept remains a bit elusive for many companies. Social responsibility initiatives are often pursued when times are good and there is ample staff and budget to focus on it. Or, it is pursued in a prescriptive way to fix visible cracks in the foundation. But triple bottom line thinking does not always make the list of priorities even though it should, because it not only helps organizations tell better stories but helps them be more resilient, too. In the letter, Fink calls upon companies not just to be good corporate citizens for themselves and their shareholders but to help solve our biggest societal challenges, such as low wage growth and inadequate retirement systems – two items he believes are spurring the polarization we are experiencing among ourselves today. In the letter he explains the company’s plan for expanded shareholder engagement initiatives because “engagement needs to be a year-round conversation about improved long-term value. ” With that one line, Fink has served up on a silver platter a formula for reputation management that just might make every Chief Communications Officer jump for joy. It’s brilliant in its simplicity: Articulate your strategy for long-term growth. Achieve financial performance, but understand the societal impact of your business. Be... --- ### How to Use Social Media for Marketing and Public Relations > Social media can be used for marketing, but that’s not all–social media is also an important part of public relations. - Published: 2018-04-17 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-use-social-media-for-marketing-and-public-relations/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations A few weeks ago, I started teaching a class focused on digital marketing to MBA students at the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University (Rice Business). The curriculum touches on every element of digital marketing – designing and building a website, search engine optimization, paid search, display advertising, email and social media. As I was preparing my lecture, I realized that in my first draft I was talking about social media only as a marketing tool. After thinking about it for a while, I decided that was necessary but not sufficient. In fact, social media can be used for marketing, but that’s not all–social media is also an important part of public relations. In fact, any well-executed public relations initiative must include social media strategy and tactics. Marketing Your Brand with Social Media Using social media is an essential part of online marketing, because it allows you to talk in your own voice about your company, organization, brand, product or service. Whether it’s a video on YouTube, a photo on Instagram or a post on Facebook, social media allows marketers to communicate to current or potential customers in unfiltered terms. By empowering customers to become brand advocates and use word of mouth, social media can amplify positive brand messages that come from the most important and reliable source – real people. Furthermore, engaging with customers on social media allows marketers to communicate directly with consumers, fostering a mutual connection that can strengthen brand loyalty, and develop and cultivate... --- ### Ferris Appointed Vice President of Digital Strategy > Pierpont announced the addition of Chris Ferris as a vice president of digital strategy, expanding the firm’s digital practices in marketing. - Published: 2018-03-26 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/ferris-appointed-vice-president-of-digital-strategy/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing Pierpont Communications announced the addition of Chris Ferris as a vice president of digital strategy, expanding the firm’s digital practices in marketing, social media and analytics. “As many of our clients incorporate increasing amounts of digital into their brand and communications efforts, we will continue to help them keep digital top of mind in their integrated communications strategies,” said Chief Operating Officer Clint Woods. “The experience Chris brings to Pierpont will further enhance our depth of knowledge, capabilities and offerings in digital, allowing us to provide our clients with the best service possible. ” Ferris joins Pierpont with extensive experience in public relations, communications, and digital roles at St. Luke’s Health System and Texas Children’s Hospital. He began his career as a communications specialist for the President’s Office of Management & Budget in Washington D. C. In his new role, Ferris will lead Pierpont’s digital services in digital marketing and customer focused technologies. Read more in the full release here. --- ### How to be an MVP Intern: Top 5 Training Tips > Whether you consider yourself a key player or a benched backup, we can all take some training tips from the top stages in sports. - Published: 2018-03-15 - Modified: 2021-12-10 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-be-an-mvp-intern-top-5-training-tips/ March Madness is kicking off this week, both on the court and off. As the top college basketball players prepare to play in the NCAA tournament, soon-to-be graduates are preparing to launch their careers and applying for internships. While it can be a competitive environment, interns can avoid upsets in their job search by bringing their A-game to interviews and showing employers that they are MVP candidates. What does it take to be an MVP – Most Valuable Professional – in the office? Whether you consider yourself a key player or a benched backup, we can all take some training tips from the top stages in sports and apply them at work. Here are the top five lessons learned that you can bring into the office. Patience is a virtue, so practice it. The 2017-2018 football season was dubbed the “Year of the Backup” after backup quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a National Championship and backup quarterback Nick Foles led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory. With the heartwarming stories of their eventual rises to the top, the two quarterbacks demonstrated grace, hard work and patience, as they waited for their time in the spotlight to arrive. Practicing patience is something we can all apply to our careers, whether you’re just starting out or counting down the days to retirement. However, it is especially important for interns, who are new to the industry and still learning the ropes of their chosen profession. Whatever you... --- ### Here’s the No. 1 Personal Trait Innovative People Have > When you think about what personal traits one needs to be innovative, you might think of intelligence, passion, logic or creativity. - Published: 2018-02-04 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/heres-the-no-1-personal-trait-innovative-people-have/ - Industry Categories: Nonprofit & Education When you think about what personal traits one needs to be innovative, you might think of intelligence, passion, logic or creativity. You might wonder if being more left-brained or right-brained leads to brighter ideas and stronger processes. But you would be missing the mark. Over the last year, Pierpont and the Moody College of Communication at The University of Texas at Austin have been conducting a joint research study on defining expertise in innovation, as part of a five-year research endowment. Throughout more than 60 interviews with innovation leaders at well-known companies, one personal trait came up again and again: empathy. Above and beyond, the experts we interviewed said that empathy – the ability to put ourselves in other people’s shoes and see the world through their eyes – proved to be more influential than any other personal quality in spurring innovative ideas. The B2C sector is already seeing empathy being practiced in the form of User Experience (UX) and Customer Experience (CX), and communicators of major brands will say how important it is to align communications strategies with operational data and processes to make sure that messaging addresses the real pain points of their stakeholders. Excellent customer service models could be argued as practicing empathy as well. But the companies we interviewed talked about taking this a step further, striving not only to see their work form the view of their customers but also other departments, lines of business and experience levels within the organization. They talked about actively... --- ### How to Build an Innovative Team > We talk about the importance of creating teams that understand how to balance risk and innovation. But what about staffing the teams? - Published: 2018-01-25 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-build-an-innovative-team/ - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Last week, we learned that the pursuit of innovation must be embedded in a company’s culture before it can evolve into an enterprise-wide initiative. We’ve talked about the best departmental structures for driving innovation, the need for teams to be comfortable with failure and risk in order to innovate, and more. But what about staffing the teams themselves? Is there a specific talent mix that is the most likely to yield innovative ideas? Through Pierpont’s ongoing research series with The University of Texas at Austin on expertise in innovation, we were pleased to find that the answer is “yes. ” Here are the four core components of innovative teams, as collected from more than 60 interviews with innovative companies. httpss://www. youtube. com/watch? v=I20L5Z-Z7fM&t=7s Raise ‘em Young Proactively give junior and mid-level employees opportunities to expand their skillsets and gain exposure to different departments and arms of the company. By training up your junior staff to broaden their horizons, you’ll produce groundswell creators for innovation. The panelists we interviewed linked their innovative abilities to an aptitude for transitioning across departments, willingness to “get uncomfortable” in new scenarios and the intentional development of diverse skill sets. Capture the “Newness” of New Talent It’s no secret that hiring talent from diverse backgrounds and experience levels provides a beneficial outside-in perspective into your organization. To maximize this process, however, innovators also instill systems for capturing the “newness” of an employee – their points of view and initial impressions – before their mindset becomes too... --- ### The Innovation Paradox: Embracing Risk and Uncertainty In Order to Succeed > Here are the top three things innovative organizations do to pursue innovation without opening their business up to too much risk. - Published: 2018-01-05 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-innovation-paradox-embracing-risk-and-uncertainty-in-order-to-succeed/ - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Last week, we explored the inextricable role that failure and risk play in innovation. But how do companies find the balance between pursuing innovation, mitigating risk and maintaining revenue growth? Evolving out of ongoing research from Pierpont’s Endowment with the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin, here are the top three things innovative organizations do to pursue innovation without opening their business up to too much risk. httpss://www. youtube. com/watch? v=8pE_jX-QNm4&t=8s Pursue Innovation in Small Bites To mitigate risk, panelists recommended using agile methodology – exercising all-in, two-week sprints to complete a new project or experiment. That way, if a project fails, organizations have only lost two weeks (instead of months or even years) of time. Requirements in this process are a) having a deliverable at the end of the sprint, b) having buy-in of key executives at the outset of the project, and c) keeping an open mind about the final deliverable of the project. Be Flexible When pursuing an innovation project, it’s crucial that companies stay flexible and open-minded throughout that exploration process – as outcomes of innovation projects are often very different than what is envisioned at the outset. Participants warned against “hand-cuffing yourself” to firm KPIs at the start of a project, but instead recommended constantly measuring, evaluating and adjusting course. Maintain a fresh look at what you’re working on to not inadvertently dismiss novel approaches and ways of doing business. Stay Committed Many innovative ideas fail because management becomes preoccupied... --- ### The Role of Failure in Innovation > Experts interviewed weighed whether or not they pursued an innovation project on what skill sets and knowledge their employees would gain. - Published: 2017-12-28 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-role-of-failure-in-innovation/ - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial The bad news about the pursuit of innovation is the inevitability of failure. Instead of shying away from risk and loss, however, today’s innovative companies are embracing it as a non-negotiable to success. As part of the Pierpont Endowment with the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin, Associate Professor Brad Love and Assistant Professor Jeffrey Treem have interviewed more than 60 innovation leaders on defining expertise in innovation. I recently sat down with Love to dive deeper into the unique way that innovative companies are approaching failure in their work. httpss://www. youtube. com/watch? v=JT81N58HJAM&t=10s “While the balance of risk vs. revenue is always present, innovative companies accept the fact that doing something that’s never been done before requires going somewhere you’ve never gone,” Love explained. “That means potential failure. ” Love said that the leaders he interviewed described actively leaning into failure by consciously instilling a company culture that prioritizes curiosity, openness and empathy (qualities that have been proven to spur innovative ideas – but more on that later this month). Others went further, actively applauding or even rewarding failure among internal teams as a sign that the organization was striving in the right direction. “If you never fail, then you haven’t done anything. ” – Seth Godin But how does one determine what’s a “useful failure” and what’s just... plain old failure? Among the interviewees, the general consensus was that if the failed project moved the needle, then it was a good failure. But... --- ### Hemeyer Keynotes ULN Leadership Summit > Hemeyer recently shared his insights on leadership with the next generation of leaders at the 3rd Annual ULN Leadership Summit. - Published: 2017-12-27 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/hemeyer-keynotes-uln-leadership-summit/ - Industry Categories: Nonprofit & Education Every team needs a leader. Whether the title is appointed or the role matures naturally over time, the effectiveness of a leader greatly impacts the overall success of a team. Terry Hemeyer, Executive Counsel to Pierpont Communications, has worked with and acted as a leader many times over the past four decades. He recently shared his insights on leadership with the next generation of leaders to emerge from The University of Texas at Austin at the 3rd Annual University Leadership Network (ULN) Leadership Summit as the keynote speaker. His expertise originates from a lifetime's worth of experiences, having worked with the Air Force as a combat photographer and marching band conductor and spending many years in the field of communications. He has also worked with the likes of President George H. W. Bush, and other well-known public figures, learning from their many successes and failures as leaders. The ULN is a nationally recognized incentive-based scholarship program for students with demonstrated financial need at the University of Texas at Austin. The ULN Leadership Summit is a half-day professional conference for students designed to provide ULN juniors with additional networking and leadership skills as they prepare for their careers and graduate or professional schools after graduation. --- ### Paging the Innovation Department: Structuring Your Organization for Innovation Workflow > Regardless of industry or size, the challenges organizations face in embedding innovation in the workplace are the same. - Published: 2017-12-18 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/paging-the-innovation-department-structuring-your-organization-for-innovation-workflow/ - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Regardless of industry or size, the challenges organizations face in embedding innovation in the workplace are the same. We all agree that innovation is essential to growth, but how does an organization actually go about making innovation happen? Should the pursuit of innovation warrant its own department or executive? Which organizational structures yield the most innovative ideas? httpss://www. youtube. com/watch? v=y1STH9PBuEs&t=4s As part of the Pierpont Endowment with the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin, Associate Professor Brad Love and Assistant Professor Jeffrey Treem interviewed more than 60 innovation leaders on embedding innovation in the workplace. Here were the most common responses among the experts: Don’t Fence Me In Innovation doesn’t happen in a silo. While a company’s initial instinct might be to name a Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) or establish an Innovation Unit, but experts agreed that it’s often a mistake to place the task of innovation on a single executive or department, as doing so often discourages the pursuit of innovation elsewhere throughout the firm. Instead, the responsibility of driving innovation must be embedded and empowered throughout the entire company. Larger companies reported establishing innovation hubs within business units, to keep ears closer to the ground and better discover problems and opportunities. Tear Down the Walls Team-based projects are proven to produce stronger work products. Interviewees were astounded at the increase in idea-sharing and problem-solving when they approached problems from a team perspective – particularly when the teams consisted of individuals from various... --- ### Palacios Represents American Red Cross on Telemundo > As a Public Information Officer for the American Red Cross, Pierpont's Sylvester Palacios recently appeared on Telemundo Austin. - Published: 2017-12-15 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/palacios-represents-american-red-cross-on-telemundo/ - Industry Categories: Nonprofit & Education The holiday season brings with it increased risks for residential fires due to spikes in space heater use and Christmas lights, but having a working smoke alarm can make a life-saving difference. As a Public Information Officer for the American Red Cross Serving Central Texas, Pierpont Account Supervisor Sylvester Palacios recently appeared on Telemundo Austin to talk about the Red Cross’ recent Sound the Alarm event. Alongside several volunteers, Palacios installed free smoke alarms in Austin homes and educated residents on the importance of maintaining a working smoke alarm and having a fire evacuation plan. Working smoke alarms in a home cut the risk of death by half and having an escape plan further improves the odds of survival. Since launching its Home Fire Campaign in 2014, the Red Cross has saved at least 285 lives and installed more than one million free smoke alarms. Pierponters across Texas have many hobbies and talents and are encouraged to put them to positive use, especially when serving the community. The Red Cross is just one of the many community organizations Pierponters have served over the last 30 years. Click here to learn more about the Red Cross’ fire prevention campaign. --- ### Celebrating 30 Years by Giving Back > To celebrate 30 years in business, we dedicated our time and our talents to give back to the communities we live in, work in and love. - Published: 2017-12-14 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/celebrating-30-years-by-giving-back/ - Industry Categories: Nonprofit & Education The traditional gift for a 30th anniversary is the pearl. In 2017, we decided to celebrate 30 years in business by sharing pearls of wisdom – dedicating our time and our talents to give back to the communities we live in, work in and love. In the spirit of the season, Pierponters have shared stories of their most cherished community engagements over the last year. Some of us shared stories of community organizations that have been part of our lives for many years, while other Pierponters sought out new ways to give back. Check them out in the video below. httpss://www. youtube. com/watch? v=K14BZHAn6Yo&t=17s In addition to individual efforts, several Pierponters teamed up throughout the year to give back to worthy initiatives. Pierpont’s Austin office spent a day at the Central Texas Food Bank this summer to help create more than 23,850 meals for Austin-area families in need. Nearly 46,000 Central Texans, one-third of them children, count on the Central Texas Food Bank each week to get nutritious food they need and otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. Pierpont’s Dallas office volunteered with Bonton Farms to expand access to healthy food for South Dallas residents. The Bonton neighborhood is a food desert, where 63 percent of residents lack personal transportation and the nearest grocery store is a 3-hour roundtrip bus ride away. Bonton Farms reclaims vacant land sites and employs local residents to restore health, create jobs and ignite hope. And when Hurricane Harvey descended upon Houston, Houston Pierponters rallied... --- ### Pierpont Names New CFO, Senior Vice President > Pierpont announced the promotion of Brian Banks to Chief Financial Officer and Chris Jones to Senior Vice President. - Published: 2017-12-08 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-names-new-cfo-senior-vice-president/ - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Pierpont Communications has announced the promotion of Brian Banks to Chief Financial Officer and Chris Jones to Senior Vice President. “Brian and Chris are proven leaders in their respective areas and their promotions to key positions will ensure the agency continues to deliver superior client service and growth,” said Chief Operating Officer Clint Woods. Banks has more than 30 years of experience in accounting, finance and international business. Prior to joining Pierpont’s Houston office in 2015, Banks held a range of senior financial roles within the manufacturing, energy and healthcare industries throughout the Gulf Coast area. As CFO, Banks joins Pierpont’s Executive Leadership Team and is the second addition to the firm’s executive team this year. As Senior Vice President, Jones will continue to lead strategic accounts for Pierpont and shape its crisis management practice. With more than 25 years of experience in crisis, financial and corporate communications, Jones specializes in developing integrated, scalable communications programs that improve brand awareness and mitigate risk for clients in the energy, industrial and power sectors. Read more in the full news release here. --- ### What Marketers Need to Know About GDPR > Many organizations headquartered in the EU or with a significant customer base overseas have been working on GDPR changes for months. - Published: 2017-12-06 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/what-marketers-need-to-know-about-gdpr/ - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation The industry is abuzz with how the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will change the way organizations interact with their customers in the European Union. Many organizations headquartered in the EU or with a significant customer base overseas have been working on GDPR changes for months while others are unsure how this impacts them. Do you fall into the latter camp? If so, read on to learn why GDPR matters to marketers no matter their geography and find out how you can adjust your marketing plan to comply. GDPR is a newly minted European Union (EU) regulation that is replacing the 1995 EU Data Protection Directive. The regulation’s goal is to significantly enhance the protection of personal data from European citizens and place more stringent rules on those who handle that data. Once the changes go into effect on May 25, 2018, organizations will no longer be allowed to collect, process or use an EU citizen’s data without explicitly asking for consent and providing context on how the data will be used. This rollout will impact data management and marketing across the European Union and the world and organizations need to implement changes now to avoid penalties later. We’ve compiled the below Q&A to help explain what this shift means for you. Download our Guide to Updating Your Marketing Strategy for GDPR Who’s Affected by GDPR? As expected, this impacts organizations located within the EU, but it also impacts companies located elsewhere (i. e. , here in the U. S.... --- ### Five Ways Corporate Communicators Can Get a Jump Start on 2018 > As we countdown to 2018, here are five often-overlooked strategies your team can implement to start next year on a strong foot. - Published: 2017-12-05 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/five-ways-corporate-communicators-can-get-a-jump-start-on-2018/ - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial It’s December, which means many of us are closing out the year, wrapping up outstanding projects and sending well-wishes to customers, clients and colleagues. It’s also time to bring that 2018 strategic communications plan to completion. But after the ink is dry on next year’s communications plan, there’s still a lot that corporate communicators can do to get a head start before January. As we countdown to 2018, here are five often-overlooked strategies your team can implement to start next year on a strong foot. Each will pay dividends in the form of increased productivity, greater industry awareness, faster ramp-up after the New Year and/or increased collaboration internally. 1. Employee Engagement How are your internal stakeholders feeling as the year ends? What have they accomplished? What have they endured? Think about sending a pulse survey to see what’s on the minds of employees right now. Find out where the pockets of inspiration and discord are hiding. That way, before the larger strategic plan rolls out in January, you’ll have time to adjust or move around elements as needed. What could be a highly important initiative to one functional area could be a snooze for another. It’s important to know that before allocating resources. 2. Competitive Insights You may scroll through several newsfeeds every day and feel sufficiently informed about current events, but are you looking beyond today? December is a great time to read between the lines on your competitors’ news coverage and see where they might be focusing next... --- ### Pierpont Receives PRSA Pegasus Award > PRSA honored Pierpont Communications with a Pegasus Award for Consumer Media Relations during the 2017 PRSA Dallas UnSummit on October 27. - Published: 2017-11-10 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierpont-receives-prsa-pegasus-award/ The Dallas Chapter of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) honored Pierpont Communications with a Pegasus Award for Consumer Media Relations during the 2017 PRSA Dallas UnSummit on October 27. The Pegasus Awards recognize the most outstanding public relations and strategic communications efforts by Dallas-area public relations professionals. Pierpont Account Supervisor Shannon Campbell accepted the award on behalf of Pierpont and Encore Live, a full-service events management agency based in Fort Worth. The Pegasus Award is named after the iconic red Pegasus in downtown Dallas. It serves as a symbol of public relations excellence in Dallas and North Texas. --- ### After the fanfare: HQ2 and employee engagement > Last month, 238 cities, states and regions submitted their bid to host Amazon’s much-anticipated second headquarters, HQ2. - Published: 2017-11-09 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/after-the-fanfare-hq2-and-employee-engagement/ - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial, Technology & Innovation Last month, 238 cities, states and regions submitted their bid to host Amazon’s much-anticipated second headquarters, HQ2. Since then, technology and business commentators have been speculating nonstop about which location will receive the project and with it the tax incentives, revenue, increased workforce and the general halo effect from having one of the most admired companies anchoring the local business community. Where the rubber meets the road (or perhaps where product hits doorstep might be a more apt metaphor) is in the execution of the move. Specifically, how will HQ2 impact the people already there and how will the company be impacted by the existing business community? It’s easy for both sides of this development to get caught up in the excitement of the process. But after the last photo opportunity and the last clink of champagne glasses, there’s a lot of work to be done in preparing a massive workforce for a new location. Similarly, the winning city needs to be ready to receive the influx of new people and ideas. HQ2 is a good reminder to any company considering growth, geographic expansion or the relocation of its workforce that employee engagement takes hard work and diligence, and it also pays huge dividends if done correctly. As someone who has moved locations both voluntarily and involuntarily in her career, as well as helped clients of all sizes guide employees through change, HQ2 prompted me to think about the individual aspect of what’s to come: Employee retention for those “left... --- ### Morabito, Hemeyer Present at PR Day > Morabito’s presentation shed light on what it is like to work for and run a public relations agency. - Published: 2017-10-27 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/morabito-hemeyer-present-at-pr-day/ Pierpont CEO Phil Morabito and Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer presented to public relations and communications professionals on agency life and leadership skills during the recent PRSA Houston PR Day Conference. Morabito’s presentation shed light on what it is like to work for and run a public relations agency. He shared the story of his entrepreneurial journey, beginning his career at a prestigious Madison Avenue public relations firm in New York City to founding Pierpont Communications in Houston. When describing what agency life is like, Morabito said, “Everyday is like an adventure. No two days are the same. ” During his presentation on critical leadership skills for communicators, Hemeyer shared how to recognize good leadership attributes in others, develop the skills needed throughout a career, and motivate one another to be successful. He emphasized the importance of having discipline and the guts to fail fast. “A good leader cannot make everybody happy, but they understand that people are still the key to business,” Hemeyer explained. PR Day is an annual gathering of public relations and communications professionals, hosted by PRSA Houston. Morabito and Hemeyer were joined by several Pierpont representatives at PR Day, some of which serve in leadership roles for PRSA across various chapters in Texas. Pierpont participated in this year’s event as an exhibiting sponsor. --- ### Best Practices for 2018 Communications Planning > Things will never go according to plan, they’ll go nowhere if you don’t have a plan at all, so now is the time to put that plan into place - Published: 2017-10-26 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/best-practices-for-2018-communications-planning/ - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial As temperatures finally start to drop and murmurs of holiday parties are upon us, many of us are wondering how we got to the end of the year so quickly. I enjoy this season because it’s when I get to work with clients in reflecting on the progress made so far this year and begin one of my favorite tasks: communications planning for the year ahead. I am a firm believer that while things will never go according to plan, they’ll go nowhere if you don’t have a plan at all, so now is the time to put that plan into place. If you have the discipline to do it before everyone gets distracted with the holidays, you won’t find yourself looking up at the end of Q1 and wondering what happened. Having led this process for organizations of myriad shapes and sizes, I’ve learned a few things that could make this year’s plan your best yet, presented in my five favorite quotes... 5 Quotes to Guide Effective Planning “Nothing for me without me. ” I thank Kelley Peterson, past president of the Professional Chapters Council of the American Marketing Association, for this one. She articulated perfectly the concept that if you’re launching a program that affects others, you must include them in the process to reach success. When it comes to planning, that means including other departments within your organization, as well as input and involvement from outside stakeholders. This process will take longer but it will also yield... --- ### 8 Ways to Optimize Your News Releases for SEO > Media relations and SEO go hand-and-hand and by following a simple checklist, you can ensure that you optimize your news releases. - Published: 2017-09-28 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/8-ways-to-optimize-your-news-releases-for-seo/ - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation We’re all familiar with the original purpose of news releases: disseminate important news to media outlets with the goal to secure coverage and drive awareness. While this goal remains, we’re now squarely in the era where a brand’s search results and website traffic are equally as important as the number of impressions their latest media hit secured. Media relations and SEO go hand-and-hand and by following a simple checklist, you can ensure that you optimize your news releases for search so that they help reach your ranking goals, drive traffic back to your website and ultimately boost your pipeline and customer engagement. The 8 Essentials for Your Releases As you look to your media strategy, particularly heading into 2018, keep in mind these eight ways that you can optimize your news releases and media relations wins for search: Focus on the content. A key part of your content strategy is identifying what keywords you want your brand to rank for in search. While you want to include those keywords as often as possible in your content, quality content and readable content should come first, followed by content optimization. Finding natural ways to integrate your keywords into your news releases will help with search and ensure that your readers make it all the way to the end of the piece. Write a blog post for your website. An easy extra step that can help in the long run involves adding a synopsis of the news release to your blog. If you... --- ### Hemeyer Presents at Hurricane Harvey Recovery Workshop > Pierpont Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer spoke on crisis management best practices at the recent GHP workshop. - Published: 2017-09-28 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/hemeyer-presents-at-hurricane-harvey-recovery-workshop/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management In an effort to recover and rebuild, Houston area business leaders are working to reestablish and grow their businesses in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Pierpont Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer spoke on crisis management best practices at the recent Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) workshop to help businesses following the catastrophic impact from Hurricane Harvey. This workshop was one in a series made to bring together government organizations, nonprofit institutions and the corporate sector to deliver valuable and timely information allowing companies to recover, rebuild and grow. Hemeyer used his years of experience in crisis management to stress the need to have a solid crisis communications plan in place ahead of time. He emphasized the importance of taking action without personal bias, ensuring you have correct facts before responding and utilizing a specialized, trained team in a moment of crisis. “Crisis management starts with understanding where you’re vulnerable and, once it hits, minimizing effects, controlling further severity and fixing the problem to get back to normal,” said Hemeyer. As Executive Counsel for Pierpont, Hemeyer advises clients on reputation and communications management, as well as preventing and navigating crisis situations. He is also an award-winning educator, teaching at both The University of Texas at Austin and Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business, where he teaches crisis management in the MBA program. --- ### Fast Forward Friday: From Nestlé to Equifax—The Evolution of Crisis Management > Given this changing landscape, organizations cannot always control every variable, communicators can control their preparedness. - Published: 2017-09-15 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/fast-forward-friday-from-nestle-to-equifax-the-evolution-of-crisis-management/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Public Relations As a continuation of our Fast Forward Friday series, we sat down with Pierpont’s expert crisis communications team of Terry Hemeyer, Chris Jones and Travis Lawson to discuss how crisis management has evolved over the years—and what key strategies organizations and communicators need to have in place to appropriately respond to crises in the future. More than forty years ago, Nestlé became the central player in one of the first major corporate reputation crises. The manufacturer faced controversial media allegations regarding its baby formula. The crisis began in 1974 when an article came out in an anti-poverty charity booklet accusing Nestlé of getting mothers in developing countries hooked on using baby formula. The situation continued with a New York Times article published in 1981 and later led to the company facing worldwide boycotts. Then, just a year later, in 1982, Johnson & Johnson faced an even more critical incident when seven people in Chicago died from taking Extra-Strength Tylenol, which had been laced with cyanide. With a recall of more than 30 million bottles of its pain reliever, the Tylenol incident became a textbook example of how to respond in a crisis. Certainly, both Nestlé and Tylenol took significant hits to their brands and bottom lines, as did other companies facing crises in the pre-Internet era. But as technology has evolved, so has the escalation and impact of crisis situations—just look at the latest Equifax data breach impacting an estimated 143 million people. This makes the Target breach of the... --- ### Fast Forward Friday: Content May Reign but Storytelling Will Never Die > What we know about audiences today—just as audiences from the decades and centuries before—is that they want to be informed and entertained. - Published: 2017-08-04 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/fast-forward-friday-content-may-reign-but-storytelling-will-never-die/ - Service Categories: Marketing From the pre-historic drawings of cavemen and the dawn of the printing press to today’s blogs and videos, telling stories is inherent in our DNA. Yet, in a world where the average attention span is less than a goldfish, we now have to be far smarter about how, when and where we share those stories. For those of us who have been around the proverbial block more than once, it’s been an interesting evolution to witness. In fact, when I began my career as a journalist 20 years ago (at the outset of the dot-com boom and years before LinkedIn changed how we network), there were very clear sandboxes for content creation between journalists and marketers. After all, my charge wasn’t to make the story—it was to report it. And never in my wildest editorial dreams would I have imagined inviting readers to take a video on a cell phone (a fraction the size of my Motorola brick that cost a dollar a minute to use)—and then using said video on my magazine’s website and calling that content, “news. ” Around the dawn of the new century, however, as I began moving into higher education marketing and the Internet chomped away at the world of traditional journalism, the tables seemingly turned overnight. Stories were no longer something we reported—but rather created. Now, in the haze of channels and data points, many of us are left wondering how did we get here? And better yet, where in the world is this... --- ### Mastering the Art of Networking > Networking is less about the number of people that you meet and more about the quality of the relationship developed. - Published: 2017-07-18 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/mastering-the-art-of-networking/ - Service Categories: Marketing If you’ve ever found yourself binge-watching several episodes of your favorite show on Netflix, the program may ask you a deep philosophical question, “Are you still there? ” While couch potatoes understand the internal debate (continue watching or venture into the world), it can be easy for all of us to get stuck in the same routine, day in and day out. You know, wake up, go to work, come home, eat dinner, watch TV and go to bed—then rinse and repeat. If we want to keep excelling at something other than knowing every last detail of House of Cards, it’s up to us to find ways to shake up our daily routines. One way to add some variety to your week is to attend a professional development or networking event. For introverts and Netflix lovers alike, networking can seem like a daunting undertaking, but with a few simple steps, it can become something that you look forward to. Your next opportunity to network is coming up July 28, as each summer, we host our annual Summer Shindig—bringing together 150+ communicators from the Austin area. To help you prepare for the event, here are a few tips to keep in mind. Arrive Early We’ve all had the feeling at some point in our professional journey of walking into a sea of people dressed in suits, crammed shoulder to shoulder talking loudly with hands gripped around wine glasses and appetizers. Suddenly your stomach drops. Where do you even begin? One of... --- ### The Evolution of Ad Blockers and the Impact to Online Marketing > Now, in 2017, ad blocking usage has grown and now is blocking over 615 million devices. So what does this mean for marketers? - Published: 2017-07-07 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-evolution-of-ad-blockers-and-the-impact-to-online-marketing/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing There’s been a lot of buzz about ad blockers in the past couple of years. A report by PageFair earlier this year explores the sharp increase in blockers since 2015 (as illustrated in the graph below). Now, in 2017, usage has grown by a staggering 30 percent to a total of 11 percent of all internet users. That equates to 615 million devices now blocking ads. So what does this mean for marketers? First of all, it’s important to first understand what an ad blocker does and does not. An ad blocker does block ads that could potentially be served up via ad networks and media publishers to the advertiser’s target web user. This could include display ads, search ads, video pre-rolls and even some in-feed sponsored content depending on the platform and software. However, they do not count impressions in your media buy (at least they aren’t supposed to). Therefore, you should not be charged for that impression, which is the good news for marketers because most likely, your total target universe is quite large (hundreds of thousands to millions of users). So, pointing back to Page Fair’s data, even an 11 percent decrease still leaves the potential for plenty of folks to see your ad. Ad Blockers and the Demand for Privacy At the end of the day, I believe marketers should be less concerned about the loss of actual eyeballs on ads, and more concerned about the user perception of your ad when they do see it.... --- ### Pierpont’s Phil Morabito Honored with Legacy Award > Pierpont’s CEO Phil Morabito was honored as the 2017 Legacy Award winner at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Excalibur Awards. - Published: 2017-06-30 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/pierponts-phil-morabito-honored-with-legacy-award/ - Service Categories: Public Relations Pierpont’s CEO and Founder Phil Morabito was honored as the 2017 Legacy Award winner at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Excalibur Awards Gala in Houston on June 29, 2017. The annual PRSA Houston Excalibur awards event recognized the most outstanding accomplishments in the development and execution of comprehensive public relations programs and individual tactics. The prestigious Legacy Award honors a distinguished professional for outstanding lifetime achievement in the field of public relations. Morabito joins an elite group of 18 others, who have previously received this award. Morabito has more than 30 years of experience in public relations and marketing, beginning with the firm of Robert Marston & Associates. He founded Pierpont Communications in 1987 after leaving New York City and a prestigious Madison Avenue public relations firm. Hiring his first employee in 1992, he now oversees the state’s largest independent integrated marketing and PR firm–with offices in Houston, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio. Passionate about education, Morabito is an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Bauer School of Business, where he teaches integrated marketing communications to graduate students. He was selected as the 1999 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Houston Partnership CEO Roundtables for small businesses. In 2006, he was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Services category. Under his leadership, Pierpont has consistently been named a “Best Place to Work” and in 2005 was named Houston’s No. 1 Best Places to Work by the Houston Business Journal. --- ### The Top 5 Questions Nonprofits Ask About Social Media > In today’s high-touch digital world, almost every nonprofit organization has a presence on social media. - Published: 2017-06-28 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-top-5-questions-nonprofits-ask-about-social-media/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Nonprofit & Education In today’s high-touch digital world, almost every nonprofit organization has a presence on social media. Whether that’s simply “set and forget” the channel and feeding it every so often or whether you have full-on engagement, it can be challenging for nonprofits with small staff to keep pace with the demand. Pierpont’s Dori Ludwig and Amy Lach recently led a two-part session on nonprofit social media covering a range of topics — from the importance of monitoring social media and reviewing analytics to community engagement and uniform branding. As part of our 30th anniversary giving campaign, Pierpont experts are sharing industry knowledge and professional insights with Houston-area nonprofit organizations through a marketing series. Below we recap the top 5 questions communicators had during the sessions. Q: How can we best publicize our events? A: Your social media posts, whether about an upcoming event or other featured content, should engage your audience by informing them, while including a call to action. One of the best ways to publicize an event and encourage participation is to link your social posts to more information, such as an event landing page or registration page. Using visuals (e. g. , great photography/images, infographics or videos) is another way to engage your audience. Additionally, sponsored social media posts enable you to amplify your event promotion further. Paid social media content increases the reach or impressions received, so your content can touch more people. Another way to engage your community and boost event awareness is to develop a... --- ### Making the Most of a Special Session > For those who did not see their supported bills make it to the Governor’s desk, this is a last-ditch effort to be heard. - Published: 2017-06-19 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/making-the-most-of-a-special-session/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs Temperatures are rising in Texas. The official start of summer is just around the corner, and so is the first special session of the 85th Texas Legislature. On July 18, Texas legislators will reconvene at the Texas Capitol to resurrect and readdress 20 priority issues outlined by Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this month. For those who did not see their supported bills make it to the Governor’s desk during the regular session (and there were many), this is a last-ditch effort to be heard and to get your legislation across the finish line. While special sessions are limited to addressing only the specific issues chosen by the governor, this year’s ambitious list of priorities—from property taxes and school finance reform to union dues and tree regulations —opens a new door of opportunity for many organizations and issues advocates. There’s just one catch—you only have 30 days. Less than that, actually, when you consider that the first few days of the special session will be spent addressing Gov. Abbott’s top priority issue—critical “sunset” legislation that will allow several key state agencies to maintain operations after September 1. No other legislation can be considered until sunset legislation has been passed. In short, this is a time game. The pace of a special session moves much more rapidly than that of a regular session and as of today, it’s about to get a lot faster. Today marks the first day that legislators can begin filing bills for consideration next month. If you’re hoping... --- ### Social Media Handles > Brands often consider whether they should change their social media handles, but there are necessary steps to ensure your bases are covered. - Published: 2017-05-24 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/social-media-handles/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing, Public Relations Brands often consider whether or not they should change their social media handles. But changing social media handles can be bothersome, and even troublesome, if you don’t take the appropriate steps to ensure your bases are covered. I just completed this exercise for a client recently. The client’s brand position had changed from being a consumer-facing hospital to one that partnered with other consumer-facing hospitals, going to market with the brand recognition of the partner, while acting as the silent partner (or the holding company). In order to communicate their new positioning, from a B2C to a B2B focus, they sought to change part of their name from “hospital” to “holdings. ” Since this was a direct shift in overall company direction and we did not want to cause confusion with their new target, we recommended a change in their social media handles—and helped them implement across channels. Before embarking on this for my client, much thought went into the strategic approach. That said, there are some instances where brands actually stand to lose more than what’s gained when changing handles. That’s why it’s a decision that must be considered carefully. How to Know When to Switch In exploring whether to change social media handles, it’s first key to understand what are the triggers driving this decision, as this can directly impact your approach. For example, are you going through a rebrand, refresh or evolution? Did you pick the wrong handle to begin with? Are your handles inconsistent across platforms... --- ### Fast Forward Friday: The Dictatorship of Data & Quest for ROI > Going forward, this type of approach will be absolutely necessary for marketers and communicators to convince data-driven executives. - Published: 2017-05-19 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/fast-forward-friday-the-dictatorship-of-data-quest-for-roi/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation Recently, I attended a national marketing summit in Dallas that brought together an eclectic collection of Fortune 500 CMOs, CCOs, advertisers, marketers and communicators. In this diverse group, there were two unifying truths expressed by all. First, the triumph of digital media now means we’re awash in data. And, second, we still struggle to show the C-suite (or for agencies, to prospective clients) how marketing and communications budgets yield a clear return on investment. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to some emerging trends. It’s All in the Numbers Better data should lead to better decisions and better outcomes. But the quest for a “hard data” answer based solely on numbers can be misleading at best and disastrous at worst. There’s an interesting parallel here with the world of economics. The dangers of ignoring contextual intelligence were one the great lessons to come out of the 2008 financial crisis, and economists have increasingly considered in their deliberations various kinds of behavioral and attitudinal “soft data,” such as surveys of consumer sentiment or business optimism. Today, the dictatorship of data means that too many marketers have become obsessed with lower-funnel issues, such as conversion and lead generation, all the while neglecting the importance of awareness, reputation and affinity—all upper funnel considerations that defy easy measurement, especially online. The power of storytelling, influence and reputation, in other words, the upper funnel “soft data,” have never been more important. Ultimately, the Holy Grail here is to build a... --- ### Hot Take: United Airlines Caught in the PR Crosshairs > What happened on United Flight 3411, of course, is now a global media story, spurred by the viral video popping up in everyone’s feed. - Published: 2017-04-12 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/hot-take-united-airlines-caught-in-the-pr-crosshairs/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Media Training, Public Relations What happened on United Flight 3411, of course, is now a global media story, spurred by the viral video popping up in everyone’s Facebook feed and Twitter timeline. The United Airlines cabin crew of Flight 3411 had security officers drag a man off a plane in Chicago when he wouldn’t give up his seat for an airline employee. The man in question, a medical doctor who claimed he could not leave the flight as he had to return home to see patients, refused to budge and was consequently bruised and bloodied as he was dragged down the aisle while horrified passenger filmed and photographed the incident with their phones. Those images, in turn, quickly went viral on social media. But, as we all know, what continued to transpire only made matters worse. United CEO Oscar Munoz released a statement April 10 about the “upsetting event” that read in part, “I apologize for having to re-accommodate these customers. Our team is moving with a sense of urgency to work with the authorities and conduct our own detailed review of what happened. ” The strange, stilted language of the response fueled an even greater wave of social media outrage, as well as a number of genuinely clever and funny takes on “re-accommodate” (although no one at United’s headquarters is laughing). Further compounding the problem, the CEO released an internal memo to employees, which presented a very different story. The memo stated the customer “defied” security officers and “employees followed established procedures,” and... --- ### Lessons from the Rebranding Trenches > Rebrands create new focus for your business goals, infuse new life into your organizational culture and provide a refreshed messaging and visual framework to share your unique brand story. - Published: 2017-04-11 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/lessons-from-the-rebranding-trenches/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Media Training, Public Relations That’s why the successful organizations initiate a rebrand around key triggers or junctures in their business lifecycle. For example, sometimes a rebrand is the outcome of reimagining your business’ purpose through updating your vision, mission and strategic plan. At other times, it’s to accommodate new growth through an acquisition or add a new product or service line. In other cases, it’s to celebrate milestones or anniversaries, which was the case for Pierpont. We initiated the rebranding process last fall to honor our 30th anniversary this year. However, we’ve used this rebrand to not only reinvigorate our messaging and visual identity, but more importantly, to also refocus our strategy for continued success over the decades to come. No doubt going through a rebrand can be an arduous undertaking, but the payoff is well worth the time, money and effort invested. That’s because rebrands create new focus for your business goals, infuse new life into your organizational culture and provide a refreshed messaging and visual framework to share your unique brand story. So if you’re in the process of exploring a rebrand refresh, here are a few lessons learned from our recent experience. Get an outside perspective. After 30 years in the public relations and marketing industry, at Pierpont, we clearly know how to work with clients to identify differentiators, map strategies and creatively execute to achieve powerful results. Yet, our time in the marketing trenches, working with diverse clients from all types of verticals, means we also understand how difficult it... --- ### The Evolution of Video on Social Media > Today, live streaming video is quickly becoming king in the social media world, with innovators like Snapchat leading the change. - Published: 2017-04-07 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-evolution-of-video-on-social-media/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation As part of our 30th anniversary, Pierpont is launching its Fast Forward Friday thought leadership series, where subject matter experts explore the historical implications of industry trends—and where we may be headed in the years to come. Today, live streaming video is quickly becoming king in the social media world, with innovators like Snapchat paving the way and forcing competitors to quickly innovate and adapt to stay relevant. Last week, Facebook unveiled its Stories feature, which is nearly an exact replica of Snapchat’s model. This update came several months after Instagram also launched its Stories. The competition is fierce and options for users are abundant, as live video streaming and vanishing video content continue to sweep across social media platforms. To better predict how social video will grow, we have to first understand how it started, failed and succeeded. Video Created the Social Media Star Video began to emerge as a popular content choice with the debut of YouTube in 2005. The video sharing platform allowed users to experiment with self-produced content, which led to a new era of self-appointed influencers. From makeup tutorials to viral “Gangnam style” dance crazes, YouTube proves that just about anyone or anything can “go viral” on the Internet. Now, the channel sees more than 4 billion daily views and has more than 1 billion users worldwide. Nearly 10 years after YouTube began, Twitter unveiled a video sharing app called Vine, which allowed users to create six-second video loops. Its popularity quickly faded, however, when... --- ### Eminent Domain and the Future of Infrastructure > Such as eminent domain and environmental impact surveys, determine the ultimate fate of an infrastructure project and communications. - Published: 2017-03-30 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/eminent-domain-and-the-future-of-infrastructure/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial While regulatory issues, such as eminent domain and environmental impact surveys, often determine the ultimate fate of an infrastructure project, having an appropriate communications strategy is essential in moving a project forward in the increasingly important court of public opinion. In his first address to a joint session of Congress, President Trump stressed the crucial need for maintaining and building infrastructure. Within the energy sector, the Trump administration has specifically encouraged the completion of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access crude oil pipelines by removing federal roadblocks. In a memo to employees last year, the CEO of the company building the Dakota Access Pipeline said: “Our corporate mindset has long been to keep our head down and do our work. ” He went on to say that he preferred to avoid engaging in a media and PR battle. Months later, as the opposition to the pipeline built to a crescendo, he said that they had underestimated the ability of social media to facilitate organized opposition. Similarly, TransCanada’s Keystone XL Pipeline had been previously stopped in its tracks because of, in large part, organized opposition that pressured the previous administration to withhold required federal approvals. Two major infrastructure projects—both of which appeared to be certain when construction began—were delayed and nearly stopped by opponents who questioned their presumed “license to operate. ” Map Your Communications Strategy Given these historical challenges, how can companies navigate through opposition and successfully build infrastructure that is otherwise approved and has demonstrated market need? While there... --- ### Morgan Moritz Named to PRSA Austin Board > Assistant Account Executive Morgan Moritz has been named to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Austin's committee. - Published: 2017-03-01 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/morgan-moritz-named-to-prsa-austin-board/ - Service Categories: Public Relations Assistant Account Executive Morgan Moritz has been named to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Austin Chapter’s Communications Committee and 2017 Board of Directors. In this new role, Moritz will be responsible for communicating with existing and prospective members of PRSA and the local PR and Communications community. This includes sending e-mail blasts to PRSA Austin subscribers, updating the PRSA website and social media channels with engaging content, initiatives, and more. During her time as a student at Texas State University, Moritz was an active member of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). She joined the PRSA Austin chapter after graduating in 2015 to continue her professional growth. In her position at Pierpont, Moritz supports the day-to-day initiatives of accounts for clients in real estate, private equity and professional services. --- ### How Small Businesses Can Maximize Marketing Dollars > Morabito shared his 10 fundamental tips for small businesses to achieve marketing success and developing a message. - Published: 2017-02-17 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-small-businesses-can-maximize-marketing-dollars/ - Service Categories: Marketing How can business owners maximize their exposure, without maximizing their marketing spend? That’s what CEO Phil Morabito discussed last week at the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce’s networking event. “You have greater strength and greater power against much larger businesses when you are the best at what you do,” said Phil Morabito to the room full of small-business owners, entrepreneurs and executives at the chamber event. “You want to communicate that over and over again. ” Morabito shared his 10 fundamental tips for small businesses to achieve marketing success, including knowing your niche, doing your research and developing clear messaging to articulate that value. One of the most critical touch points for small businesses is creating a user-friendly website with crisp content that utilizes relevant keywords optimized for Google. “Your website must be easy to find and relevant,” he explained. “That means you have to share content that lets people know you’re consistently growing and that you’re active and doing business. ” In addition Morabito shared some of his favorite ways to market a brand cost effectively, including networking, public speaking and overall office appeal. He shared that one of his favorite ways to market Pierpont is through office supplies like coffee mugs. “Lots of people say no one does business with you because you give them a coffee mug,” said Morabito. “No they don’t, but it’s a touch point. So, when they see your name, they think of you then follow up with you on a regular basis. ” --- ### Celebrating 30 Years of Success > While I’ve enjoyed building Pierpont over the past 30 years, the best is yet to come. We’re only getting better from here. - Published: 2017-02-14 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/celebrating-30-years-of-success/ - Service Categories: Public Relations In 1987, I left New York City and moved to Texas to start my own public relations firm. Today, I can say the journey has been better than I could have imagined. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pierpont Communications on February 14, 2017, I am reminded of the company’s humble origins and how we’ve grown over the years. A Portfolio and a Monte Carlo After earning my MBA in marketing, I moved to New York City to work in the fast-paced PR and marketing industry. Struck with the entrepreneurial bug, however, I decided to take control of my career and future. I didn’t set out for world domination, but I did want to do something different, something my way. Torn between the possibilities of sports marketing in Boston and following a gourmet barbecue sauce venture (a story for another time), a friend suggested I consider moving to Houston. With the low cost of living, a business friendly environment and an economy on the upswing from a historic oil downturn, I was convinced that Texas was the perfect place to start a business. So I grabbed my portfolio, hopped into my 1979 Monte Carlo and headed south to the Lone Star State. The Exchange Rate of Great Business Entering the Bayou City with a handful of clients and a few referrals, Pierpont had no ability to lease office space. Instead, I traded marketing and public relations services with a friend at a CPA firm, in exchange for an empty... --- ### The Fine Lines of Public Policy > During this truly unique era in politics, it is necessary to approach public policy issues with an understanding of issues facing Texas. - Published: 2017-02-13 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-fine-lines-of-public-policy/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Professional & Financial Where does the line among federal, state and local authorities lie? That was the million-dollar question and central theme explored at the recent Texas Lyceum public policy conference in Austin. Founded in Dallas in 1980, the Texas Lyceum brings together people from across the spectrum—from business to academia—to explore pressing issues in a non-partisan, non-political and non-adversarial setting. During this truly unique era in politics, it is necessary to approach public policy issues with an understanding of issues facing Texas. From pension funds to ride-sharing, this year’s Lyceum showcased unique discussions, worthy of every Texan’s attention. With a long list of bold-faced policymakers presenting at this year’s conference, attendees were offered diverse perspectives on the future of Texas. Notable speakers included Mayors Steve Adler (Austin), Maher Maso (Frisco) and Sylvester Turner (Houston); City Council Members Ellen Cohen (Houston) and Phillip Kingston (Dallas); Texas Senators Don Huffines and Sylvia Garcia; Texas Representatives Rafael Anchia, Jeff Leach and Donna Howard; and Land Commissioner George P. Bush. Where Cities End and State Begins For years, Texas policymakers (largely through the actions of former Attorney General and now Governor Greg Abbott) have pushed back against the authority of the federal government, whether in dealing with healthcare, border security or environmental regulations. And now Texas localities have begun to take notice of such tactics as many Texas cities have also begun to exercise their autonomy from the state government. For example, last year Austin voters passed a safety regulation on ridesharing in their city, while... --- ### How to Amplify Earned Media Through Digital Strategy > Measuring the success of earned media is where everything comes full circle, and can help identify which messages have more value. - Published: 2017-02-08 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-amplify-earned-media-through-digital-strategy/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing, Public Relations There’s nothing better than the rush of adrenaline when an interview finally runs or your product gets mentioned by a key influencer. Big or small, positive earned media coverage is a win. Yet, many times that coverage only ends up in a report or perhaps a mention on the company website. In today’s digital world where we can track every like, share, click and conversion, there are more opportunities to maximize that exposure to elevate media relations wins. In many ways, media relations, content creation and digital strategy are now seamless, and it’s up to us as communicators to ensure we’re thinking about how to best integrate at each stage of the process. Amplify on Social The line between media and social channels are blurred more than ever before. This trend, which largely began with consumers, is also now impacting how business leaders gather, digest and use the information they find on social to influence their decisions. That said, many audiences still view media outlets, whether the local TV station, an industry magazine or a national daily, as more reputable and trustworthy than purely branded content. Social channels, however, are the catalyst to amplify that earned media coverage and share it with new audiences. Use paid social to receive more click-throughs. Facebook’s Boosted Posts (which you can also set to run on Instagram) and LinkedIn’s Sponsored Content are the fastest and most affordable ways to drive traffic back to your website or a recent article. You can target each ad... --- ### Buckle-Up, The Texas Legislature’s Back in Session > Texas has a “citizen’s” Legislature, which means we pay legislators a mere $7,200 a year, plus per diem during the Session. - Published: 2017-01-31 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/buckle-up-the-texas-legislatures-back-in-session/ - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Healthcare & Wellness, Nonprofit & Education, Real Estate & Development There’s an old Texas saying that “no person’s life, liberty or money are safe while the Texas Legislature is in Session,” and there’s a lot of truth to that statement. According to the Texas Constitution, the Texas Legislature must meet every two years for 140 days. In today’s lingo, however, we say that they meet every other year for about five months. Texas has a “citizen’s” Legislature, which means we pay legislators a mere $7,200 a year, plus per diem during the Session. We have 150 state representatives in the Texas House and 31 members in the Texas Senate. These diverse “citizens” from all over the state have just a few months to agree on leading and funding a state with a population of approximately 28 million people. Top of this year’s agenda will be social issues that require attention due to federal court orders and/or potential lawsuits. They don’t directly affect business, but will ultimately require increased funding somewhere along the way. State Comptroller Glen Hegar informed the Legislature that they have an estimated $104. 87 billion for this year’s budget. Dedicated funds for the Rainy Day Fund, infrastructure and public university funds have already been removed from the $104. 87 billion working budget number. So what specifically is in store for the Texas Legislature this Session? Below are the issues that will likely rise to the top of the docket. Education & Foster Care A growing Texas population continues to place more and more demand on our systems.... --- ### Are You Ready for Bigger, Braver, Bolder Content in 2017? > Content programs are beginning to mature, including more cohesive content strategies and better content creation processes. - Published: 2017-01-06 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/are-you-ready-for-bigger-braver-bolder-content-in-2017/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Relations With the ornaments now packed and the leftover black-eyed peas now gone (and I actually ate two heaping spoonfuls this year, so my luck is certain to double, right? )—here we are with a New Year stretched before us. By now, your 2017 content planning may already be complete or at least well underway. But as you begin to actually put those plans into practice, it’s important to keep asking yourself (and your team): how can we push the boundaries on our content program a little bit further this year? Content programs are beginning to mature, including more cohesive content strategies and better content creation processes, according to Content Marketing Institute’s 2017 Benchmarks, Budgets and Trends. And this maturation can be seen across both B2B and B2C environments. In other words, we’re beginning to figure this content puzzle out a little more. We’re developing sound content plans that integrate across our channels. We’re establishing better content creation processes. And we’re socializing that content effectively. Now that we’ve mastered the content marketing basics, the key to winning in 2017 will be creating content that truly connects and engages. At the recent Digital Summit Dallas, content was naturally the centerpiece of the conversation. While many great insights were shared, one of the best summations of how to elevate content came from MarketingProf’s Ann Handley. In her keynote, she discussed how we can arrive at what she dubbed, “bigger, braver, bolder content. ” The Big Story Sets You Apart Producing content itself isn’t... --- ### Marketing in a Down Economy > The image your business has is important. It conveys to prospects why they should work with you and gives them an idea of your values. - Published: 2016-12-05 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/marketing-in-a-down-economy/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial Many businesses have the misconception that marketing is an unprofitable tool that is nothing but fluff. So in leaner times, business leaders are apt to slash marketing budgets. In a recent article for the Houston Business Journal, I explored why looking for bandwidth by cutting marketing budgets isn’t a smart business decision. Here’s a summation of what I shared. You Don’t Need a Ph. D. to Deliver Your Story Learning to write a news release is one of the most essential (and cheapest) forms of public relations you can practice. Learning to write effective releases is just a Google search away, but targeting the message and creating a compelling story is what takes strategy—and practice. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Investigate the local, national or international media you want to target. Tailor your news release to the style and voice of the outlet and offer something that will manage perceptions and motivate a call-to-action. The news release should always answer these asks: “What? ”, “So What? ” and “Now What? ” Have an Inside Joke with Everyone If idle hands are the devil’s playground then filled schedule is next to godliness. Fill up your breakfast, lunch and dinner plans. Reach out to new contacts and old clients early and often to understand what’s keeping them up at night and how you can mitigate their business pain. Networking and keeping a constant conversation with everyone you meet is crucial to sustainability. If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join... --- ### Energy Execs Share Insights at Women’s Global Leadership Conference > Pierpont’s Sally Ramsay moderated a panel at the Woman's Global Leadership Conference in Energy, exploring how to network more effectively. - Published: 2016-11-07 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/energy-execs-share-insights-at-womens-global-leadership-conference/ - Industry Categories: Energy & Power Networking plays a critical role in any professional’s career development, but especially for women in a male-dominated industry, like energy. During the Women’s Global Leadership Conference in Energy (WGLC) in Houston, Pierpont’s Sally Ramsay moderated an afternoon panel discussion that explored how to network more effectively. The panel specifically focused on the importance of young, mid-level and even senior professionals in having mentors and supporters (of both genders) to provide constructive feedback and counsel throughout a woman’s career. Panelist Carol Lloyd, Vice President of Engineering at ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, admitted how she didn’t see the value in networking early on in her career, but grew to recognize the importance of fostering relationships in addition to mastering her engineering skills. “Networking has to be genuine,” added panelist Dolon Gundoju, Managing Consultant of Leadership, Learning and Performance at Williams. She went on to explain that networking can also help you achieve a work-life balance, through joining social groups outside of your professional community. “Networking is a buzzword for increasing your sphere of influence,” said Carri Lockhart, Senior Vice President at Statoil US Offshore. Certainly, there is relationship aspect to networking, but there is also a transactional aspect to it, explained panelist Rachel Clingman, Vice President of Legal at BHP Billiton Americas. Clingman went on to encourage attendees to not shy away from that aspect, as it can be intimidating at times. Pierpont also served as a sponsor of the 2016 Women’s Global Leadership Conference in Energy (WGLC), which is one of... --- ### The Most Common Mistakes in Crisis Communications Planning > By creating a crisis communications plan in advance, you can prepare to handle crisis incidents that could impact your organization. - Published: 2016-11-07 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-most-common-mistakes-in-crisis-communications-planning/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Media Training Do you know how your team would handle a crisis situation or who would be responsible for communicating to employees and stakeholders in the midst of an incident? If you don’t, you’re like the majority of other companies that will be caught unprepared when a crisis occurs—and risk suffering more than necessary in the aftermath. Even more concerning, the mere lack of a crisis communications plan could increase your legal liability in the event of an incident. Fortunately, by thinking ahead and creating a crisis communications plan in advance, you can proactively prepare how you would handle crisis incidents that could impact your organization. Below I explore some of the most common mistakes in crisis communications planning and ways to avoid them. Mistake 1: Planning for Situations, Not Decisions In the old days, crisis communications plans were filled with “if this, then that” guidance. However, in today’s fast-paced world, underscored by an always-on digital environment ripe for crisis, it’s nearly impossible to predict the specific crisis that will affect your company. Therefore, if your plan is written only for certain “what if” situations, it’s likely to be useless when you need it. Instead, effective crisis plans should define the decision-making process and actions that should be taken during each stage of a crisis. Those processes are defined based on the organization’s primary vulnerabilities and are often tailored to crises of varying severity. For example, the process for responding to an incident that entails loss of life is very different from... --- ### What You Need to Know About the 85th Texas Legislative Session > At the Texas Tribune Festival last month, state and local leaders opened up about key issues and challenges going into the session. - Published: 2016-10-13 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-85th-texas-legislative-session/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs - Industry Categories: Nonprofit & Education, Real Estate & Development If you work for a Texas-based business, association or nonprofit, there’s a good chance you or your organization will be active in the upcoming 85th Legislative Session, either advocating for, defending or countering against measures affecting your industry. At the 6th Annual Texas Tribune Festival last month, state and local leaders opened up about key issues and challenges going into the legislative session. While viewpoints varied greatly, there was one thing legislators agreed upon: we’re in for a challenging five months. The 85th Texas Legislature is facing multiple opposing issues. Both school finance reform and property appraisal reform are likely to be primary topics this year. Additionally, finding dependable, long-term transportation funding to sustain Texas’ rapidly growing population continues to be a challenge. Combine this with shortfalls in the state budget—driven by an anemic energy sector; increasing concerns over eminent domain and state vs. local control; and the highest healthcare costs in our state’s history—and you’ve got yourself a long road ahead. Plan for Success—And Start Now One thing is for sure – to be heard and make an impact in the upcoming 85th Legislative Session, organizations are not going to be able to do things the way we’ve always done. So how should organizations plan to be successful going into the next legislative session? Acknowledge that nothing is sacred. Budgets are tight, and all departments and programs will be examined critically for possible funding sources. Don’t assume that the existing funding for your cause or program is safe. So... --- ### Communicate Quickly with International Crisis Planning > Pierpont's Chris Jones recently appeared on the PKF Texas Entrepreneur’s Playbook radio show to discuss the trends in the social media. - Published: 2016-10-04 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/communicate-quickly-with-international-crisis-planning/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management Pierpont Vice President Chris Jones recently appeared on the PKF Texas Entrepreneur’s Playbook radio show with Russ Capper to discuss the role social media plays in international crisis communications planning. When asked about how an organization can prepare for international expansion, Jones told Capper that social media plays a critical role in helping companies communicate quickly—and reach a widespread audience, especially for crisis planning and management. “Social media, as we know, moves essentially at the speed of light,” said Jones. “It can jump boundaries, it can cross time zones and it can really short circuit your crisis communications plans. ” Jones went on to explain that’s why, at Pierpont, we take a proactive approach to begin monitoring social media for clients before a crisis ever happens. When a background monitoring program is in place, you can better gauge what is normal chatter and sentiment and what’s not. Then, when and if a crisis incident comes along, shared Jones, there’s a basis of comparison, enabling communicators to judge the severity of the incident and the key influencers in the conversation. With this background information, we can then begin to address the crisis effectively. To hear the full radio interview with Jones and Capper, visit PKF Texas Entrepreneur’s Playbook on The Businessmakers Radio Show website. --- ### The 4 Rules of Managing a Crisis on Social Media > By putting a social media strategy in place now as part of your overall crisis communications plan, you can ensure that your team and company can activate quickly when a crisis does strike. - Published: 2016-09-19 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/the-4-rules-of-managing-a-crisis-on-social-media/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing Communicating during a crisis can be daunting for even the most seasoned professionals and companies—from knowing when and how to respond to anticipating unintended twists and turns in the conversation. Original events and facts are often exaggerated, misinterpreted and even distorted. Then, throw social media in the mix, and it adds another challenging variable to crisis communications. With the critical role social media plays in our world today, it can either support, or greatly hinder, your communications efforts. Here are the 4 rules we go by at Pierpont in supporting clients’ social media efforts during crisis communications management. STOP: Pause Unrelated Social Activity When a crisis hits, halt all scheduled social media activity and planned posts. Allowing previous marketing messages to run that are unrelated to the situation at hand could give the impression your organization is inconsiderate and disjointed. Once you enter into an acute crisis communications period, all outgoing messages should be reflective of the crisis until the situation has been resolved. The same goes for crisis situations that are not directly related to your organization, but impact your industry or the broader public. In the event that something negative occurs that’s widely covered by media, pause all social media posts, aside from necessary one-on-one replies to customers. This shows consideration for those involved in the present situation and does not distract from those sharing important news. An example of a swift social media response by a company during a crisis was the Lufthansa and Germanwings response to... --- ### Developing a Public Affairs Strategy for Your Pipeline Project > Utilizing public relations to develop effective and proactively communicate throughout the project is the first step to ensure success. - Published: 2016-08-23 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/developing-a-public-affairs-strategy-for-your-pipeline-project/ - Service Categories: Media Training, Public Affairs With increased property rights protection and citizen journalism, pipeline projects are significantly more public and widely covered by news outlets and social media. Today, it is more critical than ever before to develop a public affairs strategy at the outset of a project. In a Midstream Business article, “Watering The Grass,” I explore how to develop a public affairs strategy that will ensure a smoother road to success for your next pipeline project. Here’s a quick recap of the article. Local Issues on the Rise Considering that pipelines pass through various levels of government, it is imperative that the legal and public affairs teams assess all potential issues and regulation prior to the completion of the budget. By addressing this increased involvement of local governments early, you can avoid any unexpected costs or delays in projects. Leverage PR Proactively In order to face local challenges that may arise throughout the project, it is best to work with a public affairs team to develop a strong government affairs, public outreach and media campaign. Start by building a database of all local government officials along the route of your project. The team should then develop a communications plan that clearly outlines who is allowed to speak on behalf of the project, key messages and anticipated questions that may arise. “Stop or I’ll Tweet” Over the last decade, the channels and speed by which news is spread have significantly changed. When it comes to combating social media, remember this – it takes so... --- ### How to Measure Your Content’s Success > Our content marketing programs can be tracked, measured and reported just like our ad buys or earned media mentions. - Published: 2016-08-16 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-to-measure-your-contents-success/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing Before the era of digitized content, it was a guessing game about what happened with our beautiful prose. There were many days as a reporter I was left wondering if anyone read my stories at all, except for maybe my mom. Now, years later, our content marketing programs can be tracked, measured and reported just like our ad buys or earned media mentions. But many of us charged with content strategy and creation are left scratching our heads: How do we really measure our content’s success? According to Content Marketing Institute’s 2016 Benchmarks, Budgets and Trends—North America, 55 percent of B2B marketers and 57 percent of B2C marketers reported that their organizations still either don’t know or are unsure about what clearly defines their content marketing success. Certainly, there are many schools of thought about how to solve this measurement puzzle, and there are plenty of robust marketing and sales automation tools to help. For the average client I work with at Pierpont, however, most are managing their content programs on their own with internal teams (often spread across geographies and departments) developing and distributing that content through their channels. Yet, many are unsure whether they are tracking, evaluating and reporting the right metrics to illustrate that content’s value. And that’s not just about reiterating data up the management chain, but equally important it’s also determining how to continuously improve your results. Start with Your End Goal Over the years, I’ve come to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution... --- ### Social Media Trends Changing the Game (Again) > Every day at Pierpont, we help our clients keep pace with the latest social media trends to adjust their communications strategy. - Published: 2016-08-09 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/social-media-trends-changing-the-game-again/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation Throughout the first half of 2016 we saw social media trends shift dramatically as platforms merged offerings, played copy cat with features and gained and lost audiences faster than we could blink. Every day at Pierpont, we help our clients keep pace with the latest social media trends and changes and adjust their communications strategies around them. So where are the platforms heading during the latter half of the year and what does it mean for your marketing plan? Facebook’s Reign as King Remember a few years ago when everyone thought Facebook had reached its heydey and was doomed to drop in popularity? Instead, the social media giant went on to grow in spades by continuously adapting to changing markets and taking risks. First, they purchased Instagram and took on one of the strongest mobile players at the time. More recently, Facebook launched live streamed content, initiated Instant Articles, and started utilizing Instagram’s massive reach to implement the Stories feature (and doing so arguably better than Snapchat). In fact, Nike shared with AdAge that it generated 800,000 views in 24 hours on one of its first Instagram Stories compared to 66,000 views of its highest-performing video on Snapchat. Twitter’s Slow Demise In contrast to Facebook’s upward trend, Twitter is falling fast and went from 9 percent of total shares in 2014 when compared with Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and Pinterest, to 6 percent of shares in 2016 (according to Contently). At Pierpont, we began seeing this drop in Twitter traction across... --- ### Businesses Catching New Customers with Pokémon GO > Perhaps it’s the brilliant use of augmented reality or the cross-generational appeal—but in only a few short weeks, Pokémon GO has gone viral. - Published: 2016-08-05 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/businesses-catching-new-customers-with-pokemon-go/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Technology & Innovation What started as Nintendo’s trading card and cartoon craze in 1996 has once again taken the world by storm. In the year of Pokémon’s 20th anniversary, Niantic’s Pokémon GO has become the latest phenomena for Pokémon fans. Perhaps it’s the brilliant use of augmented reality or the cross-generational appeal—but in only a few short weeks, Pokémon GO has netted more than 20 million daily active users spending over $10 million a day on in-app purchases. In fact, Pokémon GO topped the U. S. sales charts in only 13 hours when it debuted in mid-July and set Apple’s record for App Store downloads since the store first opened eight years ago. Perhaps most telling is that now gamers are spending more time with Pokémon than swapping “likes” with friends and family, as Pokémon GO has now surpassed Facebook in terms of usage. How It Works Pokémon GO relies on augmented reality technology to place users directly into their environments in real time—unlike virtual reality, which uses a totally artificial environment. By integrating users into real-life locations, Pokémon GO encourages players to actively explore their physical surroundings in search for Pokémon. In addition to catching Pokémon, the app features PokéStops and Pokémon Gyms set to GPS coordinates near popular landmarks. So large numbers of players from around a city will gather in these spots to collect items and train and battle their Pokémon against other players. Given the hyper-local nature of the game, Pokémon isn’t just mobilizing users to engage outside their... --- ### “Hemeyerisms” for Staying Relevant in Your Career ​ > Pierpont’s Executive Counsel, Terry Hemeyer, knows more than a thing or two about staying relevant throughout a career. - Published: 2016-06-01 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/hemeyerisms-for-staying-relevant-in-your-career-%e2%80%8b/ - Service Categories: Public Relations If you look at the trajectory of a career, what does it mean to stay relevant? Relevance, defined as, “closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand,” sounds easy enough to achieve. All you have to do is establish that connection and congratulations! You’re relevant... for now. Here’s the rub: that “matter of hand” part? The trend, technology or skill set you’re connecting to? It’s constantly evolving. And in the worlds of public relations and marketing communications, it evolves like wildfire. Pierpont’s Executive Counsel, Terry Hemeyer, knows more than a thing or two about staying relevant throughout a career. Throughout the last five decades, Hemeyer’s roles have included Air Force officer, c-suite executive for a Fortune 500 company and crisis manager—and he’s seen everything from the rise of satellite technology to Snapchat. In fact, when Hemeyer was just starting out, NASA put man on the moon using less processing power than that of the smartphone in your pocket. Yet, it’s not just Hemeyer’s resume that’s kept him relevant. He’s intentionally kept a pulse on the evolving world around him right from the source: the next generation of students. As a professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of Communication, Hemeyer is known for his one-liner pearls of wisdom (lovingly called “Hemeyerisms” here at Pierpont) about staying relevant throughout your career. Be Well-Rounded There’s a growing school of thought that establishing niche expertise is necessary to success, or that a vertical move always bests a lateral one.... --- ### Texas is Big, and Getting Bigger, in Population and Influence > Texas leaders have been open about their efforts to woo businesses and investments from the East and West Coasts. - Published: 2016-05-26 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/texas-is-big-and-getting-bigger-in-population-and-influence/ - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Consumer & Retail, Real Estate & Development The Texas of today is a bright and shiny new frontier, a land of opportunity boasting the nation’s fastest-growing cities and a surging, diversified economy that has helped the state largely outpace the rest of the country in population growth and job creation. Texas leaders have been open about their efforts to woo businesses and investments from the East and West Coasts. And the influx of major corporate relocations from California is apparent evidence that it’s working. Is Texas the New California? Compare the Lone Star State and the Golden State. Texas has been at the receiving end of 200+ relocations from California, more than any other state. Many are household brands like Apple, Amazon, eBay and Restoration Hardware, that moved their headquarters or opened or expanded other operations in the state. For the 12th year in a row, Chief Executive Magazine has rated Texas the best state in which to do business. The magazine asked 513 CEOs to rank states they were familiar with based on the friendliness of the states’ taxes, regulation, workforce quality and living environment. The results of the annual Best & Worst States for Business survey were announced in early May. Texas and Florida top the list, as they have every year for more than a decade that the survey has been conducted. Despite having been hit hard by the shale energy bust, Texas is still held in high esteem by CEOs for its favorable economic reforms. “Once again, CEOs across America have agreed there... --- ### Bust Through Your Bias to Write Great Stories > The ideas of brand journalism and content marketing are the go-to solutions of late to more deeply engage audiences. - Published: 2016-05-17 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/bust-through-your-bias-to-write-great-stories/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Relations As marketers, we are trained navel gazers. It’s our job to differentiate, market and sell the ideas, products and services of our organizations. Yet, this mental bias to our brands also creates a big challenge when it comes to engaging our audiences through objective, compelling storytelling. The ideas of brand journalism and content marketing are the go-to solutions of late to more deeply engage audiences. But they are not a particularly new concept. In fact, John Deere began its own form of brand journalism in its publication, The Furrow, in 1895 with tips and ideas to help farmers improve their profits. With so much noise today across so many channels and with attention spans now less than a goldfish, it’s questionable whether there’s any line left between the worlds of journalism and marketing at all. Back when I was in journalism school (during Netscape’s heyday and well before the first Tweet went ’round the world), it wasn’t just a line. It was a train track. That’s because the journalism program was housed in liberal arts and marketing in the business school (on the opposite side of campus). The topic of bias was one my professors loved to harp on over and over again. As a journalist, I was trained to sniff out the facts and hunt down the story from an objective point of view. Then, as a magazine editor, I learned how to weave in the power of story to package and sell those ideas. But in making the... --- ### Meet Terry Hemeyer: Pierpont’s “Most Interesting Man in the World” > There’s a little-known fact that Pierpont owes a portion of its talent to our Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer. - Published: 2016-05-10 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/meet-terry-hemeyer-pierponts-most-interesting-man-in-the-world/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations There’s a little-known fact that Pierpont owes a portion of its talent to our Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer. Many of us, including myself, are “Hemeyer alums,” having studied under him at The University of Texas at Austin’s Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations or in the MBA program at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business. The rest of us at Pierpont could be considered Hemeyer-recruited and vetted high performers. A testament to his commitment to teaching and mentorship, Hemeyer was recently awarded a Lifetime Membership on the University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College Advisory Council. He shares the Lifetime Membership designation among the likes of world-renown news anchor Dan Rather and Jim Moroney, President and CEO of the A. H. Belo Corporation. The honor is bestowed to council members who have gone above and beyond the council’s mission of being responsive to the needs of the Moody College of Communication and providing advice and counsel for students preparing to enter the communication field. “I feel fulfilled that I have arrived at a point of ‘respect’ in my career,” Hemeyer said. “This designation means that a lot of people respect me and I feel good about that. ” A “Dog’s Breakfast” of Careers Over the last four decades, Hemeyer has had what he calls a “dog’s breakfast” of careers. In addition to his tenure as a university professor, Hemeyer served 20 years in the U. S. Air Force and his roles included serving as a combat photographer... --- ### Dave Stump to Help GirlStart Expand into Houston Market > Pierpont’s Vice President of Business Development, Dave Stump, was recently appointed as the GirlStart’s expansion into the Houston market. - Published: 2016-04-28 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/dave-stump-to-help-girlstart-expand-into-houston-market-2/ - Industry Categories: Nonprofit & Education, Professional & Financial Pierpont’s Vice President of Business Development, Dave Stump, was recently appointed as the Council Chair for GirlStart’s expansion into the Houston market. After years of growth and success in Central Texas, GirlStart – a STEM-based after-school and summer camp program for girls in fourth through eighth grade – saw huge opportunity for broad-scale replication in the welcoming Houston community. GirlStart’s mission to increase girls’ interest and engagement in STEM is what first inspired Stump to get involved. With two daughters who always loved STEM subjects, he understands how important it is to provide opportunities for young women to learn and grow in this space. “I wanted to participate in an organization like GirlStart that does a great job of providing exposure for young women, who may not have previously had the opportunity to give STEM subjects a chance,” said Stump. As the Council Chair for Houston, Stump will help spread the word about GirlStart in Houston and support organizations that want to grow their commitment to STEM education by joining the GirlStart network. In addition to Stump’s involvement in Houston, Pierpont has been an active supporter of GirlStart in the Austin area for years. Austin General Manager and Senior Vice President Stacy Armijo has served as an adviser with the organization’s Global STEM Network, as well as provided marketing and messaging support. Read more here and contact Dave if you’d like to learn more or get involved with the Houston expansion. --- ### Winning Media in An Era of 8-Second Attention Spans > The reality is, if reporters can’t read your entire subject line on their phones, they won’t take the eight seconds to open it. - Published: 2016-04-25 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/winning-media-in-an-era-of-8-second-attention-spans/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Media Training, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation Microsoft recently engaged a study exploring how today’s “digital lifestyles” are impacting consumers and their attention spans—and what this means for marketers. Let’s just say the findings are a blow between our multi-screen viewing eyes. In year 2000, the average human attention span was 12 seconds. The average human attention span today is eight seconds. The attention span of Nacho, my youngest son’s goldfish, is nine seconds. (That’s according to Microsoft’s research—I didn’t subject little Nacho to any ink blot tests. ) Herbert Simon, winner of the 1978 Noble prize in Economics, said “a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention. ” Even more jarring is the opinion of Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, responding to the research results and noting, “the true scarce commodity is increasingly human attention. ” For those of us whose daily charge is the pursuit of attention from reporters and newsrooms, should we throw up our hands and consider our media relations outreach to be a futile, eight-second “pride swallowing siege” (thank you, Jerry Maguire)? Not at all. Evolution in how, when and why we reach into the newsroom hives is our ticket to reporters’ minds (and hearts). Ultimately, it is, and will be, the difference between those that know how to score air and ink (including virtual ink) and those that don’t. Three Questions to Act Quick Back in the dark days when I began my three-decades-long adventure working with reporters and infiltrating newsrooms to learn why very few pitches make it out... --- ### Don’t Play Whack-A-Mole with Your Reputation > Any crisis has the potential to harm an organization’s long term reputation, but a crisis that is well-managed will likely do much less harm. - Published: 2016-04-15 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/dont-play-whack-a-mole-with-your-reputation/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Media Training Has any effort to re-write history ever ended well? An unfortunate pepper spraying incident at University of California, Davis from 2011 has recently returned to the headlines. Ironically, this occurred when the media learned of efforts by the university to scrub the incident and its volatile images from the internet. In attempting to improve search results for the university, the effort has instead shone a light on the challenges of reputation management in today’s world. Form an Immediate Response In a situation like the pepper spray incident, a crucial ingredient in successful reputation management can be found in the immediate crisis management response. Any crisis has the potential to harm an organization’s long term reputation, but a crisis that is well-managed will likely do much less harm. In responding to the crisis incident, an organization has the opportunity to sow the seeds for successful reputation management. Shift Toward Reputation Management & Restoration It is at this point that accuracy and transparency are crucial, as well as ownership of the issue to the extent possible given the likelihood of lawsuits or investigations by regulatory bodies. What can be said about efforts and outcomes to ensure something like this doesn’t happen again? Emerging from the incident, it may even be appropriate to share lessons learned in the context of benefiting the broader industry as well as the organization going forward. This begins the shift away from crisis management and towards reputation management and restoration. The incident is now in the rear view... --- ### Breathe New Life into Your Outdated Social Channels > Sometimes organizations will create a basic account on every popular social platform, even though the channel may not be the right fit. - Published: 2016-04-07 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/breathe-new-life-into-your-outdated-social-channels/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing, Public Relations Social media can be as much of a burden to a brand as it is a blessing. Sure, social media allows an organization to showcase your personality and voice, connect with customers one-on-one, and bring life to the brand by telling your story. But the truth is, many organizations fall short of their social media potential by overextending themselves onto too many platforms and failing to maintain the pages they initiate. Sometimes organizations will create a basic account on every popular social platform, even though the channel may not be the right fit for their target audience. Others only return to their pages to occasionally post the formal announcement and news release, leaving a hit or miss stream of content for followers, with large gaps of time between posts. So how can you breathe new life into your social channels? After you retrieve that old password, there are five essential steps you can take. Re-engage with the 5 Ws If you’re looking to breathe new life into your stagnant social channels, it can feel a little overwhelming to know where to begin. How do you reinvigorate your social channels and develop your brand’s voice? Begin by asking yourself and your team these five essential questions: 1. WHO is your target audience? By identifying who it is you seek to engage, you will have a better idea of what direction you should take in sharing content and the tone of voice you should develop. For example, if your target audience primarily... --- ### Buzzwords Gone Bad > Typically defined as a word or phrase that gains popularity for a period of time, buzzwords usually have little real meaning. - Published: 2016-04-01 - Modified: 2021-11-04 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/buzzwords-gone-bad/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing, Public Relations If I could erase one buzzword from our language, it might be convergence. Or maybe shout out, networking, killer app, change agent or out of the box. We all have words or phrases that annoy us, even if they were clever the first 10 times we heard them. Typically defined as a word or phrase that gains popularity for a period of time, buzzwords usually have little real meaning but are often peppered throughout organizational communications. (And we’re all guilty of using them. ) It isn’t so much that buzzwords don’t have a rightful space and place—as they certainly do. It’s that overusing these words makes your communications sound watered down, and in many cases, cliché. According to LinkedIn, the 10 most overused words on LinkedIn company pages during 2015 were: “expert, solution, leading, unique, value, vision, expertise, innovative, creative and strategic. ” Similarly, Accountemps has polled executives for several years about words they wish they could obliterate from the workplace. So, what buzzword would you erase? That question was asked in an Accountemps poll of more than 600 executives. More specifically, they were quizzed: “What is the most annoying or overused phrase or buzzword in the workplace today? ” Their top responses included, “out of pocket,” “deep dive,” “forward thinking,” “dynamic” and “employee engagement. ” How to Lose the Buzz Unfortunately, these buzzwords become part of our company lingo, and often the company culture. While it can be difficult to remove such jargon, buzzwords should, at best, be limited.... --- ### 5 Surefire Ways to Craft Powerful Interview Sound Bites > Whereas a key message qualifies an organization’s brand position, an interview sound bite is the pull-through of the message in a snippet. - Published: 2016-03-16 - Modified: 2021-11-04 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/5-surefire-ways-to-craft-powerful-interview-sound-bites/ - Service Categories: Media Training, Public Relations Heading into an interview, most people know that it’s critical to prepare three key messages to manage perceptions and motivate a specific call-to-action from the audience. Far fewer, however, know the difference between a key message and a sound bite. Whereas a key message qualifies an organization’s unique brand position, an interview sound bite is the succinct pull-through of that message in a mere snippet. It’s a learned skill to make complex stories understandable and dry interviews memorable. If crafted well, however, that short turn-of-phrase sound bite will help audiences (and reporters) immediately grasp your key message – and remember it far longer than a rote recitation of your company’s features and benefits. How to Breathe Life into Your Messages Over the years of helping clients prepare for media interviews, I’ve discovered some surefire ways to ensure your message comes through clear and concise. It starts with the right content, of course, and drawing from Marcia Yudkin’s insight in The Sound Bite Workbook, here are some of the top ways you can craft a powerful sound bite in an interview. 1. Similes, Metaphors and Analogies: Incorporating a figure of speech into a point you’re making can create a powerful takeaway message. These comparisons help illustrate the story you’re trying to tell and further embellish an interview. For example: The very complex engineering we design for the shale revolution’s compression systems is just like the heart pumping blood through your body, except our ‘heart’ pumps for more than 800 miles of... --- ### Communicating Your Data in a Single Bullet​ > For several of our clients, that’s all the space they’ll get to share the success of their latest initiative with their leadership team. - Published: 2016-03-10 - Modified: 2021-11-04 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/communicating-your-data-in-a-single-bullet%e2%80%8b/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing Almost all marketers are required to prove the value of a program or determine what’s working and how they can improve. But have you ever been asked to share the results of all that information from your campaign in just a simple bullet point? For several of our clients, that’s all the space they’ll get to share the success of their latest initiative with their leadership team. In some cases, they aren’t even the one presenting the information, so they can’t add context or provide supporting examples. Fortunately, that short sentence and 15-second talking point is all you really need to make your point and highlight your success—that is, if you’ve done the work to back it up. Adopting the Art of Brevity Brevity is something I struggled with early on when it came to data. One of my first projects after graduation was to send daily social intelligence insights to the team who was leading the presidential primary campaign for a former candidate. In addition to learning about the world of politics, this project taught me how to consolidate an immense amount of data into one or two key points. Yet, this update was merely one of a thousand the candidate would receive each day. That meant, I was relegated to format my research as short, sweet headlines in the body of an email. I couldn’t rely on charts to illustrate the week’s improvements or declines or pretty maps to highlight where the candidate was performing well. I couldn’t... --- ### 3 Essentials to Writing More Engaging Content > At the end of the day, it’s not the volume of words that matters most. It’s about finding ways to use words to engage your targeted audience. - Published: 2016-03-02 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/3-essentials-to-writing-more-engaging-content/ - Service Categories: Marketing, Public Relations Each minute, there are 2. 4 million Google search queries conducted, 204 million emails sent and 293,000 statuses updated on Facebook. Yet, long before the explosion of big data, words have been the currency of our lives. Pumping out these words isn’t necessarily difficult. But when it comes to content marketing and harnessing those words to fine-tune and share your company’s story, every word counts. Period. That’s because those consuming your content, whether a silver-haired CEO or gadget-powered Millennial, are overwhelmed by the proliferation of data through myriad channels. And at a far more basic level, each of us simply wants one thing: to know what’s in it for us. Solve our business problem. Give us insight to an up-and-coming tool or trend. Or as my former trade magazine publisher used to boom down the halls of our editorial offices in the late ‘90s, “write stories that help people make or save money! ” Right. So how do you do that? Create Meaning, Not Just More Words In the midst of so many channels and so many words, how can we get back to the basics of what makes storytelling, well, great? #1 Know your audience. It never ceases to amaze me how often organizations fail to understand their audiences. Or on the other hand, they try to engage too many people—from the 23-year-old in product marketing to the CEO in the corner office and everyone in between. If your organization has yet to develop audience personas, I’d invite you... --- ### Millennials Are Hungry for Video > Unlike older generations, Millennials aren’t as responsive to television commercials and print advertisements. - Published: 2016-02-22 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/millennials-are-hungry-for-video/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing If you’re not including video in your marketing strategy, you’re missing a big opportunity to make a huge impression. It’s no surprise that video content is on the rise. From pet videos, television shows, movie trailers and branded content, videos today are reaching consumers, particularly Millennials, more than any other marketing content. Wired reports that YouTube reaches more Millennials than any single U. S. cable network, and they aren’t just viewing the first few seconds. According to former Google Chief Business Officer Omid Kordestani, “on mobile, the average YouTube session is now over 40 minutes. ” Marketers want to reach Millennials (birth years ranging from the early 1980s to the early 2000s), and for a good reason. This demographic is anticipated to spend more than $200 billion annually beginning in 2017, which comes out to $10 trillion over the course of their lifetimes. Video: Here to Stay... and Grow In looking at the reach of video for marketing, first, consider consumer behavior in general: 51. 9 percent of marketing professionals worldwide name video as the type of content with the best ROI, according to eMarketer. Shoppers who view video are 174 percent more likely to purchase than non-viewers, reports Invodo. Using the word “Video” in an email subject line boosts open rates by 19 percent, click-through rates by 65 percent and reduces unsubscribes by 26 percent, according to Syndacast. Facebook users watched an 100 million hours of video daily in 2015, according to Facebook’s Q4 earnings report. In its marketing... --- ### Layoffs – Lessons from a Reputation Management Specialist > There are lessons to be learned from traditional crisis communications response that can help reduce uncertainty and minimize damage. - Published: 2015-07-27 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/layoffs-lessons-from-a-reputation-management-specialist/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Public Relations Reputation Management Specialist: Company Layoff Announcements – Best Practices Communications It’s never easy when companies must announce job cuts. Whether referred to as workforce reductions, downsizing, layoffs, or cost control measures, the bottom line is that it’s not good news for those directly impacted, as well as their families, co-workers, community and customers. And while such announcements may not trigger the company’s full crisis team to convene, there are lessons to be learned from traditional crisis communications response that can help reduce uncertainty, minimize damage to the firm’s reputation, and help the remaining workforce to more effectively deal with the changes and move forward. Live the values Many crisis plans contain prepared language about the company’s commitment to its core values, particularly relating to its people and the communities in which it operates. Nowhere is this commitment to its people put under more pressure and skepticism than during the announcement of job cuts. One trend is to state that those impacted will be treated “in accordance with our core values of dignity and respect. ” Perhaps, but that’s vague enough that it could just as well be referring to a funeral service. When referencing values, offer specifics as much as possible. If outplacement services and training will be offered, say it. If severance packages will be offered to qualified employees, mention it. Have a plan A full-blown crisis response typically involves the implementation of a detailed plan that has been developed, practiced, and refined over time through actual experience and... --- ### How the Situational Theory of Publics Helps You Communicate with Your Audiences > This theory still seems relevant for today’s landscape in the media, pop culture, social media, and social issues. - Published: 2014-09-23 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/how-the-situational-theory-of-publics-helps-you-communicate-with-your-audiences/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing, Public Relations This post has been updated and new information can be found at the end of the blog. How can a theory actually apply to real-world public relations and crisis situations? Most theories are just that, great theories that could work. But there’s one such theory I came across in my time at the University of Texas several years back that can be a great tool when determining which channels are best for reaching a particular audience. So prepare to let James E. Grunig, Ph. D. , creator and master of the STP (that would be the Situational Theory of Publics, not the Stone Temple Pilots), teach you how to apply this theory when deciding what medium best fits your audiences (or your publics). The STP in Practice According to Grunig, a professor at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Situational Theory of Publics outlines how audiences can be identified, and then classified, based on their level of awareness of a problem. Grunig divides people into three types of publics. To demonstrate how the theory works, I will use the following crisis situation as an example. Crisis Scenario: Let’s use the scenario of a toy manufacturer unintentionally produced harmful toys, which affects the children and their parents who bought the toys. Public #1: Unaware The first public is impacted by the crisis but not aware. Therefore the kids and parents who posses the toy do not know it is harmful. Public #2: Aware This public is aware of the toy... --- ### Clint Woods has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) > As COO, Woods will focus on firm operations, including the management of day-to-day functions and further developing Pierpont’s expertise. - Published: 2013-09-04 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/news-insights/clint-woods-has-been-named-chief-operating-officer-coo/ Houston, Texas – (September 3, 2013) – Pierpont Communications, one of the largest communications firms in the Southwest, announced today that 13-year veteran Clint Woods has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO). Woods amassed a wealth of experience during his tenure at Pierpont in industries including energy, automotive, retail, professional services and manufacturing. In addition to his role as COO, Woods serves as Senior Vice President (SVP) and leads the firm’s energy practice. “Clint is one of the most accomplished professionals I have seen in my 32 years in this business,” said Pierpont CEO Phil Morabito. “His passion for our industry, sharp instincts and straightforward approach to management make him well-suited to position the company for continued growth and success. ” As COO, Woods will focus on firm operations, including the management of day-to-day functions, directing long-term, strategic growth and further development of Pierpont’s expertise in key practice areas. With his deep experience across the energy value chain, he will be able to accelerate and expand Pierpont’s work within the energy sector. Woods’s legacy at Pierpont includes leading one of the firm’s first major growth initiatives, opening an Austin office in 2000. Since then, he has been involved in increasing the firm’s reach to cover all major Texas markets, assisting in office openings in Dallas (2007) and San Antonio (2008). Through this expansion, Woods has positioned the firm to provide increasingly comprehensive client services. Woods is a graduate of the Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business Executive Program. He... --- --- ## Work ### Moss | Strengthening Brand Authority and Industry Influence > Pierpont Communications elevated Moss’s brand visibility and thought leadership in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. - Published: 2025-05-27 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/moss-strengthening-brand-authority-and-industry-influence/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial --- ### FoodChain ID | Raising Brand Recognition and Lead Generation Under a Tight Deadline > Pierpont drove FoodChain ID’s lead generation and brand awareness with strategic media outreach ahead of a critical USDA compliance deadline. - Published: 2025-05-12 - Modified: 2025-05-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/foodchainid-pr-case-study/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Technology & Innovation --- ### Forvis Mazars | Key Messaging Drives Widespread Media Coverage for New Global Accounting Network > Pierpont elevated Forvis Mazars' visibility and reputation by leveraging thought leaders and securing extensive media coverage. - Published: 2025-02-24 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/forvis-mazars-key-messaging-drives-widespread-media-coverage-for-new-global-accounting-network/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### Acadian Ambulance Service | Driving EMT Recruitment Through Strategic Communications > Pierpont implemented an integrated marketing strategy for Acadian that resulted in a surge in student registrations and revenue growth. - Published: 2025-02-19 - Modified: 2025-02-19 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/acadian-ambulance-service-driving-emt-recruitment-through-strategic-communications/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Ronald McDonald House of Dallas | Strategic Media Strategies Drive Record Attendance and Fundraising Success > Pierpont's proactive media relations campaign for Ronald McDonald House of Dallas elevated drove record attendance and fundraising success - Published: 2025-02-11 - Modified: 2025-02-11 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/ronald-mcdonald-house-of-dallas/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education --- ### JB Poindexter & Co. | Positioning the CEO for EY’s 2024 Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award > Pierpont positioned John Poindexter of JBPCO for EY’s 2024 Entrepreneur Of The Year® award by leveraging proactive public relations. - Published: 2025-02-05 - Modified: 2025-02-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/jb-poindexter-co-positioning-the-ceo-for-eys-2024-entrepreneur-of-the-year-award/ - Service Categories: Media Training, Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### Cresta Fund Management | Laying the Foundation for Enhanced Presence in the Energy and Industrial Sectors > Pierpont’s PR campaign enhanced Cresta Fund Management’s visibility and thought leadership in the energy sector. - Published: 2024-11-27 - Modified: 2024-11-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/cresta-fund-management-laying-the-foundation-for-enhanced-presence-in-the-energy-and-industrial-sectors/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Media Training, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### Denbury | Community Engagement to Champion Sustainable Energy Solutions > Pierpont successfully increased public awareness for Denbury, leading to successful project application submissions. - Published: 2024-11-20 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/denbury-community-engagement-to-champion-sustainable-energy-solutions/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### BigCommerce | Driving Visibility for BigCommerce Amongst Priority Sales Targets > Pierpont Communications targeted PR campaign generated nearly 100 stories, significantly boosting BigCommerce’s share of voice. - Published: 2024-11-20 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/bigcommerce-driving-visibility-for-bigcommerce-amongst-priority-sales-targets/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### Offsite Modular Construction | Increasing Brand Awareness Through Strategic Marketing > Learn how Pierpont's marketing strategies elevated OMC, resulting in a 488% increase in social media followers and improved brand recognition. - Published: 2024-10-28 - Modified: 2024-10-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/offsite-modular-construction-increasing-brand-awareness-through-strategic-marketing/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial --- ### Kids' Meals | Amplifying a Local Nonprofit to the National Stage on Good Morning America > Learn how Pierpont Communications helped amplify local nonprofit Kids' Meals to the national stage on Good Morning America. - Published: 2024-10-24 - Modified: 2024-10-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/kids-meals-amplifying-a-local-nonprofit-to-the-national-stage-on-good-morning-america/ - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Nonprofits & Education --- ### HMEIC : Driving Record Engagement and Attendance Through Digital Marketing > Learn how Pierpont's digital marketing strategies helped HMEIC increase LinkedIn followers by 10% and surpass 500 conference attendees. - Published: 2024-09-19 - Modified: 2024-09-19 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/hmeic-driving-record-engagement-and-attendance-through-digital-marketing/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Professional & Financial --- ### Velentium | Enhancing Digital Presence Through Targeted Marketing > Pierpont utilized different digital marketing strategies and platforms to increase online visibility and awareness for Velentium. - Published: 2024-09-03 - Modified: 2024-09-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/velentium-enhancing-digital-presence-through-targeted-marketing/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Improving Community Engagement and Visibility in a Competitive Market > Pierpont increased media visibility and strengthened Edgemere's reputation and credibility as a top provider in senior care. - Published: 2024-08-12 - Modified: 2024-08-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/improving-community-engagement-and-visibility-in-a-competitive-market/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness, Senior Living --- ### Alchemy3 | Amplifying Lottery Promotion Through Strategic Public Relations > Pierpont generated over 200 pieces of media coverage announcing The Space Perspective Cash Adventure Promotion in partnership with Alchemy3, - Published: 2024-07-31 - Modified: 2024-08-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/alchemy3-amplifying-lottery-promotion-through-strategic-public-relations/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### University of Texas Permian Basin | Driving Online Attendance at a Top-Tier Educational Institution > University of Texas Permian Basin partnered with Pierpont to generate awareness of its online education program through earned media - Published: 2024-06-20 - Modified: 2024-06-20 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/university-of-texas-permian-basin-driving-online-attendance-at-a-top-tier-educational-institution/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education --- ### CyrusOne | Elevating Organic Social Media Strategy for Data Center Leader > CyrusOne, a global data center leader, turned to Pierpont for a data-driven social strategy to boost brand awareness and engagement. - Published: 2024-04-29 - Modified: 2024-04-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/cyrusone-elevating-organic-social-media-strategy-for-data-center-leader/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### CyrusOne | Increasing Awareness and Driving New Business for a Data Center Leader > CyrusOne aimed to boost brand awareness and website conversions. Pierpont helped design and deploy a proactive digital marketing campaign. - Published: 2024-04-29 - Modified: 2024-04-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/cyrusone-increasing-awareness-and-driving-new-business-for-a-data-center-leader/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### Cumberland Estate | Increasing Awareness of Upland Bird Hunting Experience with Influencer Marketing & Earned Media > Cumberland Estate is a historical, luxury hunting destination located in New Kent County, Virginia. - Published: 2024-04-18 - Modified: 2024-06-04 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/cumberland-estate-increasing-awareness-of-bird-hunting-with-influencer-marketing-earned-media/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### African Energy Week | Increasing Event Attendance Through Social Media and Digital Advertising > African Energy Week engaged with Pierpont to increase registrations and build brand awareness among new audiences. - Published: 2024-04-09 - Modified: 2024-04-09 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/african-energy-week-increasing-attendance-social-media-digital-advertising/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### Center for Hydrogen Safety | Empowering Expertise & Driving Dialogue to Up Brand Awareness - Published: 2024-03-25 - Modified: 2024-03-25 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/center-for-hydrogen-safety-empowering-expertise-driving-dialogue-to-up-brand-awareness/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### EVP EyeCare | Increasing Brand Awareness Through Focused Media Relations and Thought Leadership Initiatives > EVP EyeCare needed to increase brand awareness as increasing competition within the market and as eye surgeries became more commoditized. - Published: 2024-03-21 - Modified: 2024-03-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/evp-eyecare-increasing-brand-awareness-through-focused-media-relations-and-thought-leadership-initiatives/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness --- ### CyrusOne | Building a Robust Online Presence for Data Center Giant > Subject matter experts and stakeholders from CyrusOne and Pierpont designed, developed, and deployed a redesigned website. - Published: 2024-03-05 - Modified: 2024-10-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/cyrusone-building-a-robust-online-prescence-for-data-center-giant/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### YTexas | Brand Recognition Through Strategic Thought Leadership - Published: 2023-11-29 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/ytexas-brand-recognition-through-strategic-thought-leadership/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### Broad Reach Power | Supporting PE-Backed Energy Storage Company from Inception to Billion-Dollar Exit > Throughout Pierpont’s four-year engagement with Broad Reach Power, we supported thirteen major announcements - Published: 2023-09-12 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/broad-reach-power-supporting-pe-backed-energy-storage-company/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### Launching an Influencer Marketing Campaign to Reach New Customer Segments | Cibolo Creek Ranch - Published: 2023-08-24 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/launching-an-influencer-marketing-campaign-to-reach-new-customer-segments-cibolo-creek-ranch/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### HMEIC | Driving Engagement and Attendance with Social Media - Published: 2023-07-17 - Modified: 2023-07-17 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/hmeic-driving-engagement-and-attendance-with-social-media/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power, Professional & Financial --- ### Public Affairs | Using Communications Research and Insights to Support and Inform Legal Strategy - Published: 2023-07-17 - Modified: 2023-07-17 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/public-affairs-using-communications-research-and-insights-to-support-and-inform-legal-strategy/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Affairs - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### Neara | Expanding Brand Awareness from Australia to North America - Published: 2023-03-07 - Modified: 2023-03-07 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/neara-expanding-brand-awareness-from-australia-to-north-america/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### Stoller | Maintaining Stakeholder Trust Amidst a Company Transition - Published: 2023-03-07 - Modified: 2023-03-07 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/stoller-maintaining-stakeholder-trust-amidst-a-company-transition/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### Opportune | Training CPAs for Effective Client, Conference & New Business Meetings - Published: 2023-03-01 - Modified: 2023-03-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/opportune-training-cpas-for-effective-client-conference-new-business-meetings/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Professional & Financial --- ### Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center | Protecting a World-Renown Brand Midst a Crisis > Pierpont worked closely with the crisis management and media relations teams, monitoring media coverage and providing recommendations. - Published: 2023-02-28 - Modified: 2023-03-23 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/baylor-st-lukes-medical-center/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Hyliion | Fostering Relationships Among the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs - Published: 2023-01-27 - Modified: 2023-01-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/hyliion-fostering-relationships-among-the-next-generation-of-entrepreneurs/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### Seventus | Cooperative Messaging - Published: 2023-01-26 - Modified: 2023-01-26 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/seventus-cooperative-messaging/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### Facebook | Generating Nearly 200 Pieces of Earned Media Coverage - Published: 2023-01-23 - Modified: 2023-03-23 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/facebook-generating-nearly-200-pieces-of-earned-media-coverage/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Technology & Innovation --- ### Softeq | Repositioning to an Innovator & Technology Accelerator - Published: 2023-01-19 - Modified: 2023-01-19 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/softeq-repositioning-to-an-innovator-technology-accelerator/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### Vital Branding | The Menninger Clinic - Published: 2023-01-09 - Modified: 2023-01-09 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/vital-branding-the-menninger-clinic/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Advancing Analyst Relations | Texas Instruments - Published: 2023-01-09 - Modified: 2023-01-09 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/advancing-analyst-relations-texas-instruments/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### Belmont Village | Driving Awareness & Growing Followers on Social Media - Published: 2022-08-30 - Modified: 2022-08-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/belmont-village-driving-awareness-growing-followers-on-social-media/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Monolith | Increased Investor and Customer Attraction - Published: 2022-08-17 - Modified: 2022-08-17 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/monolith-increased-investor-and-customer-attraction/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### AcctTwo | Building Credibility with Key Decision Makers - Published: 2022-07-15 - Modified: 2022-07-15 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/accttwo-building-credibility-with-key-decision-makers/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Media Training, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### Little Soya | Sending Soy Sauce to Space - Published: 2022-07-12 - Modified: 2022-07-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/little-soya-sending-soy-sauce-to-space/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### SilverStone Events | Company Refresh and Rebrand - Published: 2022-07-12 - Modified: 2022-07-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/silverstone-events-company-refresh-and-rebrand/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Professional & Financial --- ### Magnolia Oil and Gas | Targeted Awareness for a Complex O&G IPO - Published: 2022-07-12 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/magnolia-oil-and-gas-targeted-awareness-for-a-complex-og-ipo/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### IHI Corporation | Expanding Brand Awareness & Employee Retention - Published: 2022-07-12 - Modified: 2022-07-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/ihi-corporation-expanding-brand-awareness-employee-retention/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative, Public Affairs - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Real Estate --- ### TEAM Industrial Services | Multi-Subsidiary Integration & Marketing Plan - Published: 2022-06-28 - Modified: 2022-06-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/team-industrial-services-multi-subsidiary-integration-marketing-plan/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Media Training, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial --- ### Univar Solutions | Complete CMS & Site Redesign for Brand Acquisition - Published: 2022-06-28 - Modified: 2022-06-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/univar-solutions-complete-cms-site-redesign-for-brand-acquisition/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### Strategic Marketing Plan for Higher Education | UH Bauer College of Business - Published: 2022-06-14 - Modified: 2022-06-14 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/strategic-marketing-plan-for-higher-education-uh-bauer-college-of-business/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education, Professional & Financial --- ### Rockspring Capital | ROI Through Local, Trade & National Media - Published: 2022-04-22 - Modified: 2022-04-22 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/rockspring-capital-roi-through-local-trade-national-media/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial, Real Estate --- ### Opportune | Growing Visibility in the Marketplace - Published: 2022-04-22 - Modified: 2023-04-11 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/opportune-growing-visibility-in-the-marketplace/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Professional & Financial --- ### Hart Energy | Repositioning a Houston Publisher - Published: 2022-03-30 - Modified: 2022-03-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/hart-energy-repositioning-a-houston-publisher/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### Halliburton | Merger & Acquisition Communications Integration - Published: 2022-03-30 - Modified: 2023-01-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/halliburton-merger-acquisition-communications-integration/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### ClearSign | Content & Digital Audit for a Cohesive Strategy - Published: 2022-02-16 - Modified: 2022-03-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/clearsign-content-digital-audit-for-a-cohesive-strategy/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### BP | Diversity and Inclusion Survey Drives Strong Response - Published: 2022-02-16 - Modified: 2022-07-26 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/bp-diversity-and-inclusion-survey-drives-strong-response/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### BakerCorp | Defining a New Market Sector and Positioning for Acquisition - Published: 2022-02-16 - Modified: 2022-03-02 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/bakercorp-defining-a-new-market-sector-and-positioning-for-acquisition/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial --- ### CyrusOne | Repositioning A Leading Brand and Driving Awareness Through Marketing - Published: 2022-02-16 - Modified: 2022-07-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/cyrusone-repositioning-a-leading-brand-and-driving-awareness-through-marketing/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial, Technology & Innovation --- ### Schumacher Electric Corporation | Power in Positioning > Schumacher Electric Corporation partnered with Pierpont to boost brand, product launches, and CSR, and innovative partnerships. - Published: 2022-02-16 - Modified: 2024-05-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/schumacher-electric-corporation-power-in-positioning/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Consumer & Retail, Technology & Innovation --- ### GoExpedi | Emerging Tech Company Leverages PR to Grow Market Share > Emerging Tech Company Leverages PR to Grow Market Share - Published: 2021-08-25 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/goexpedi-pr-grow-market-share/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### Velentium | Launching a Successful Ongoing Media Relations & Thought Leadership Campaign > Launching a Successful Ongoing Media Relations & Thought Leadership Campaign - Published: 2021-05-24 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/velentium-pr-thought-leadership-campaign/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness, Technology & Innovation --- ### Catalyze | Executing a Platform Launch and Leveraging M&A Activity > Executing a Platform Launch and Leveraging M&A Activity - Published: 2021-05-21 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/catalyze-pr-platform-launch/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### Banorte Securities | Executing a Brand Launch and Domestic Market Entry for Mexico’s Largest Financial Institution > Executing a Brand Launch and Domestic Market Entry for Mexico’s Largest Financial Institution - Published: 2021-05-19 - Modified: 2021-10-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/banorte-securities-brand-launch/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### Koelsch Communities | Increasing Brand Awareness to Drive Occupancy > Facebook Partnership Results in Nearly 200 Pieces of Media Coverage in Fewer Than 60 Days - Published: 2021-05-03 - Modified: 2022-07-20 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/koelsch-communities-brand-awareness-drive-occupancy/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Oil & Gas Leader | Cleaning Up a Partner Community with Oil and Gas Leaders > A publicly traded oil and gas company engaged Pierpont following a reputation crisis to provide swift and effective communication support. - Published: 2021-03-22 - Modified: 2022-07-25 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/oil-gas-pipeline/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### Money Management International | Increasing Brand Awareness and Consumer Education for Leading Financial Counseling Nonprofit > Money Management International reengaged Pierpont during the pandemic for media relations to increase education of their counseling services. - Published: 2021-03-22 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/money-management-international-increasing-brand-awareness-and-consumer-education-for-leading-financial-counseling-nonprofit/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education --- ### CFI | Promoting Healthcare Financing through Thought Leadership & Brand Awareness > CFI, a leading fintech company, engaged Pierpont to help promote healthcare financing through thought leadership and brand awareness. - Published: 2021-03-22 - Modified: 2022-07-25 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/cfi/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial, Technology & Innovation --- ### Walmart | Establishing a Back-to-School Destination > To kick off the Tax Free Shopping Weekend in Houston and Beaumont, Pierpont executed a highly-targeted media campaign to secure coverage. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/walmart-back-to-school/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### Walmart PR & Marketing | Positioning a National Retailer Through Regional PR & Marketing > Walmart aimed to position itself as the one stop shop for consumers’ holiday shopping needs and engaged Pierpont to tell its story. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/walmart-pr-marketing/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### Walmart | Expanding Walmart’s Footprint > When the world’s largest retailer, Walmart, looked to expand their operations in the Greater Houston region, they called on Pierpont. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/walmart-public-affairs-case-study-pierpont-communications/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### Standard Renewable Energy | Taking a “Clean and Green” Message to the White House > SRE turned to Pierpont to help expand its media presence and ensure their inclusion in the national discourse on renewable energy. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/standard-renewable-energy/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Energy & Power --- ### Stage Stores | Adapting to Changing Consumer Behaviors > Pierpont supported several initiatives that would encourage shoppers to take notice of the brand and increase sales in person and online. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/stage-stores/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### SparkCognition Series C | Pierpont Secures Top-Tier Media for SparkCognition’s $100M Funding > SparkCognition partnered with Pierpont to roll out the company’s $100 million Series C funding round in October of 2019. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/sparkcognition-series-c/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### SNC-Lavalin Tradeshow Support | Personalizing the Midstream Conversation > Pierpont and SNC-Lavalin maximized the company’s executive leadership via personal introductions to midstream and national business media. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/snc-lavalin-tradeshow-support/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### Skanska | Skanska USA Topping Out of Smith Clinic > Skanska looked to its public relations partner, Pierpont, to plan and execute the important topping out ceremony for the Smith Clinic. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-07-15 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/skanska/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Shop LC | Jewelry Retailer Gets Recognized for its Campaign to End Kid Hunger, Business Success > Shop LC looked to Pierpont to create buzz about its new partnership aimed to end kid hunger stateside as well as its donation milestone. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-05-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/shop-lc/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### Pediatric Academic Societies | Driving Event Interest & Attendance > PAS engaged Pierpont to help drive interest in the conference among attendees, drive additional signups, and to develop media interest - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2022-07-06 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/pediatric-academic-societies-annual-conference/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Norma’s Cafe | Supporting a Beloved Neighborhood Dining Institution During Nationwide Closures > Norma’s Cafe engaged Pierpont to develop a robust public relations campaign that would promote the brand, its offerings and reputation. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/normas-cafe/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### Messina Hof | Toasting to Media Success > Pierpont worked with Messina Hof to amplify its brand narrative and highlight its diverse product offering. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/messina-hof/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### Cheeses of Europe | #MakeItMagnifique > Pierpont created an experiential high-profile media tour with broadcast and print outlets and food bloggers. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2022-07-06 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/cheeses-of-europe/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### Jim Whitten Roof Consultants | Promoting a New President, MBE Certification Milestones > JWRC wanted to generate awareness of its new MBE certification and president amongst regional and national target audiences. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/jim-whitten-roof-consultants/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Consumer & Retail --- ### Imperial Sugar | Introducing a New Product to the Market > The company engaged Pierpont to introduce the new product to consumers and further develop the company’s brand portfolio. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/imperial-sugar-product-launch/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### Group 1 Automotive | Driving Performance for an Iconic, Global Automotive Retail Leader > Pierpont supports Group 1’s executive leadership team with strategies that advance their business objectives and increase brand awareness. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/group-1-automotive/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative, Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### Greater Houston Restaurant Association | Reestablishing Political Strength > Greater Houston Restaurant Association tapped Pierpont to lead and manage the Association’s governmental affairs and political initiatives. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/greater-houston-restaurant-association/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education --- ### Encore Live | Amplifying the Production Story of the Presidential Inauguration > Encore Live brought on Pierpont to help launch a Dallas-Fort Worth focused media relations campaign to generate local awareness. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/encore-live/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Professional & Financial --- ### ECO Roof and Solar | Colorado Roofing Company Merges with Texas Firm > ECO wanted to use the merger news to not only alert its network of its new footprint in Texas, but to also tap into new markets. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/eco-roof-and-solar/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### Aramark | Scoring a Big Win for Big Game Food > Aramark and Pierpont teamed up for the opening of NRG Reliant Stadium, Super Bowl XXXVIII, celebrity chef partnerships, and Super Bowl LI. - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/aramark-super-bowl/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Consumer & Retail --- ### Offshore Technology Conference | Announcing ‘d5’ – Live and Online > With Pierpont, OTC launched d5, a new event designed to share game-changing ideas and drive exponential growth in the energy industry. - Published: 2021-03-12 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/offshore-technology-conference/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Nonprofits & Education --- ### Wood Group | Proactive Incident Preparation > Pierpont developed video-conference-based training, including remote media interview simulation capabilities. - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2022-04-22 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/wood-group/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Media Training - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### WellAware | Building Brand Awareness > In 2015, WellAware engaged Pierpont to help drive greater brand awareness for the company and its products within the industry. - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-05-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/wellaware/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### Waste Management | Thinking Green for the Community > By matching skills, interests, etc. against Houston’s nonprofit service opportunities, Pierpont placed all 70 executives in board positions. - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-05-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/waste-management/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Consumer & Retail --- ### Walmart Community Relations | Cementing a National Retailer > Pierpont was tasked with engaging several Walmart markets within the Houston region via one cohesive campaign. - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2023-06-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/walmart-community-relations/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### Verizon Wireless | Launching a Retail Destination > Pierpont established a new Verizon store as a destination for consumers to discover wireless solutions tailored to them. - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-05-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/verizon-wireless/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Technology & Innovation --- ### Veeder-Root | Fueling an Industry Leader’s Market Awareness > The goal was to reach convenience store owners and operators to encourage them to upgrade their fueling equipment. - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-05-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/veeder-root/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### UBS | Elevating the UBS Brand Across Texas > We built a strategic thought leadership program to amplify the expertise of UBS financial, wealth advisors and the South Texas Market Heads. - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-04-22 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/ubs/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### Uber | Rides into Houston > Uber partnered with local experts, including Pierpont’s government affairs team to educate and influence the Houston City Council. - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-04-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/uber/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Technology & Innovation --- ### Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals & Clinics | Healthcare Giant Seeks to Sell > Pierpont was charged with creating a communications strategy and execution plan that would convey the importance of this strategic sale. - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/trinity-mother-frances-hospitals-clinics/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Total Wine & More | Localizing a National Consumer Retail Brand > Total Wine & More engaged Pierpont to drive community awareness, foot traffic and product sales to support the retailer regional growth. - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-04-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/total-wine-more/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### Thumbtack | Launching in the Lone Star State > Pierpont showcased the varied services of Thumbtack’s business partners to the community and bloggers through an event. - Published: 2021-03-05 - Modified: 2021-05-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/thumbtack/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Technology & Innovation --- ### The Rose | Expanding Breast Care > Pierpont built a brand platform that uncovered differentiating factors and developed proactive brand messaging to reach its target audience. - Published: 2021-03-05 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/the-rose/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness, Nonprofits & Education --- ### TPG Pace Energy Holdings | Targeted Awareness for a Complex O&G IP > In less than two weeks Pierpont developed a media strategy, messaging, press materials, internal communications and more for the announcement. - Published: 2021-03-05 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/tpg-pace-energy-holdings/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Professional & Financial --- ### ITW | Engaging Automotive Influencers to Elevate Brand Awareness > To elevate brand awareness among prominent auto influencers, Pierpont coordinated an exclusive tour of the ITW laboratory and test garage. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/itw-global-brands/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### IPT Global | Elevating the World’s Leading Digital Pressure Testing Software > IPT Global partnered with Pierpont to increase brand visibility, elevate their messaging and boost their sales enablement toolkit. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-05-13 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/ipt-global/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### INEOS Styrolution | Research-Driven Media Relations and Content Creation > Pierpont was selected by INEOS Styrolution to promote its advanced recycling technologies and the transition to a closed-loop economy. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/ineos-styrolution/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### Imperial Sugar | Responding to an Industrial Crisis > Pierpont’s goal was to help Imperial Sugar rebuild its relationships with key stakeholders and articulate its long-term business strategy. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/imperial-sugar-crisis-management/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### Husch Blackwell | Elevating a National Law Firm’s Market Presence > The firm chose Pierpont for its ties to the region, knowledge of local influencers and significant experience working with law firms. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/husch-blackwell/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### Huntsman | The Heart of the Huntsman > Pierpont has supported Huntsman with media relations, thought leadership, crisis readiness, market intelligence, event planning and more. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/huntsman/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### Holly Energy Partners | Coordinating a Corporate Crisis Response > Holly Energy Partners engaged Pierpont to create an effective Crisis Response Plan that would prepare them to respond effectively. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/holly-energy-partners/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### HNTB | Increasing Thought Leadership in the Transportation > HNTB Corporation engaged Pierpont to work closely with local office leaders, and meaningfully engage with stakeholders and the community. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/hntb-corporation/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial --- ### HMEIC | Building Awareness and Driving Attendance Through Social Media > In an effort to build awareness and drive attendance, the conference engaged Pierpont to manage and grow its digital presence. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/houston-marine-energy-insurance-conference/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Nonprofits & Education --- ### HISD | Getting out the Vote. Passing a Historic Bond. > A series of community meetings was conducted, neighborhoods were engaged, media coverage secured and a social media campaign implemented. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/houston-independent-school-district/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education --- ### Harris County Community Services Department | Power in Numbers > Pierpont developed a widespread community relations initiative that raised awareness and spoke to the importance of a complete Census. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/harris-county-community-services-department/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education --- ### Halliburton Labs | Launching an Innovative Lab to Accelerate Clean Energy Development > Pierpont worked with Halliburton to reinforce its commitment to the science and continued evolution of sustainable, reliable energy. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/halliburton/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### GulfMark | Equipped for Anything > Pierpont produced a crisis communications plan, tailored to a genuine understanding of the issues that GulfMark faces across the globe. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-05-12 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/gulfmark/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### TMGcore | Launching a Data Center Platform > TMGcore turned to Pierpont to bring new products to market and take a creative approach to garner interest from potential customers. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/tmgcore/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### The University of Texas at Austin | Positioning the University as an Innovative Thought Leader > After launching Texas OnCourse and UT OnRamps, the University looked to Pierpont to increase local, regional and national awareness. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/the-university-of-texas-at-austin/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education --- ### Texas Board of Legal Specialization | Building Awareness of Board Certification > Pierpont determined the best way to achieve the organization’s objectives was through a comprehensive media relations and marketing program. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/texas-board-of-legal-specialization/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education, Real Estate --- ### Texas REALTORS® | Amplifying the Voice of Texas Real Estate > Pierpont produces the Texas Quarterly Housing Report and promotes seven other reports about the Texas housing market for Texas Realtors. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-04-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/texas-association-realtors/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education, Professional & Financial, Real Estate --- ### Technip | Crisis Communications Management & Training > Pierpont reviewed the Technip Integrated Response Plan and developed enhanced regional response drills to test the crisis communications plan. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/technip/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### Tax Advisors Group | Rebranding to Establish Market Leadership > TAG partnered with Pierpont to refresh its branding, logo, key messaging, website, collateral, and sales training. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-07-15 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/tax-advisors-group/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### Target Lodging | Longstanding Integrated Communications Support > Pierpont worked with Target Lodging through two branding exercises, as the company expanded and diversified its offerings. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/target-lodging/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Marketing & Creative, Public Affairs - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### Sunoco Logistics | A Pipeline’s Boots on the Ground > Pierpont helped Sunoco prepare for crisis situations by serving as the PIO and communications support during drills. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/sunoco-logistics/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### Sunnova | Executive Positioning > Pierpont created the messaging, thought leadership campaign, and media access program to secure local, regional, and national media. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/sunnova/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### SparkCognition | Engaging a Vertical Audience > Pierpont conducted media tours which introduced the company’s vertical subject matter experts to top-tier national business and trade media. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/sparkcognition/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### Solugen, Inc. | Breakthrough Chemical Technology > Solugen partnered with Pierpont, who delivered media results, as well as a refreshed company website and integrated social media strategy. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/solugen-inc/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### SNC-Lavalin Media Relations | Short Deadlines and High Stakes > Pierpont developed a custom media preparation and response workshop that covered the realities of working with today’s media. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/snc-lavalin-media-relations/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### Sikorsky | Market Presence Takes Flight > Given our extensive knowledge of Houston and the energy industry, Sikorsky engaged Pierpont to support its market debut. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/sikorsky/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Technology & Innovation --- ### Siluria | Game-Changing Energy Tech Story > Pierpont’s editorial strategy connected Siluria with the leading media covering fuels, petrochemicals, and oil and gas technology. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/siluria/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### Sidecar Health | Introducing a Healthcare Innovator > Pierpont partnered with Sidecar Health to support the company’s Texas launch with executive media training, a direct marketing campaign, etc. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/sidecar-health/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Sempra | Preparing for Critical Media Interviews > Pierpont conducted a workshop for the Sempra executives because they realized the enormous stakes when interacting with today’s media. - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/sempra/ - Service Categories: Media Training, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### Greenbuild | Elevating the 2019 Greenbuild Conference to a national audience > The Greenbuild Conference and Expo partnered with Pierpont to increase overall awareness of the conference, its speakers and title sponsor. - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/greenbuild/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education --- ### Great Lakes Educational Loan Services | Recruiting Strong Candidates > To support Great Lakes in finding talent, Pierpont executed an integrated marketing and public relations program spanning eight weeks. - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/great-lakes-educational-loan-services/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### Glidepath Ventures | Raising Brand Awareness Through Media Relations > Glidepath Ventures sought Pierpont’s help in raising its profile among solar and energy industry media and influencers. - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/glidepath-ventures/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### FuelQuest | Designing an Integrated Communications Campaign > FuelQuest enlisted Pierpont for multi-faceted change management communications, thought leadership, media relations and digital programming. - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/fuelquest/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### EYP | Building Community Support for a Long-Awaited Project > Pierpont developed and implemented a comprehensive community relations plan and strategy, helping navigate intricate discussions. - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/eyp/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### ETS | Taking an Energy Industry Event from Infancy to a National Brand > Pierpont leveraged the conference’s unique dialogue and key speakers to attract important national and regional energy media influencers. - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2021-04-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/energy-thought-summit/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### Exa Corporation | Driving Market Penetration for a New Oil & Gas Technology > Exa Corporation engaged Pierpont to create and execute an integrated communications program to support its DigitalROCK product. - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2021-05-11 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/exa-corporation/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### Zpryme | Defining the Zpryme-ETS Brand Story > Zpryme engaged Pierpont to establish a compelling messaging framework for both brands that would also clearly define their relationship. - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/zpryme/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Professional & Financial --- ### Energizing Health | Launching a Health Equity Movement > Pierpont partnered with Energizing Health to support their onsite activation at SXSW with message creation, media relations and more. - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/energizing-health/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Employer Flexible | Creating Thought Leaders in a Crowded Space > Employer Flexible looked to Pierpont to create a marketing strategy, revise messaging, develop a lead generation program, and more. - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/employer-flexible/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### Skanska | Thought Leadership and Power Mapping > Pierpont team aided with by-line articles, speaking engagements, board opportunities, media coverage, expert commentary and more. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2021-04-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/skanska-thought-leadership/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Shell | Shell Colors Paint Industry Green > Shell engaged Pierpont, a legacy partner who has supported in previous campaigns, to develop a media strategy supporting market entry. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/shell/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### Seton Healthcare Family | Delivering Compelling Media Coverage > Seton asked Pierpont to provide public relations strategy and an ongoing media relations program to further its message and elevate its brand. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/seton-healthcare-family/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Service Corporation International | Strategic Communications & Community Engagement > Pierpont worked with SCI on many initiatives, including on an extensive national community engagement platform. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/service-corporation-international/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### Science History Institute | Influencer Engagement to Drive Event Attendance > Pierpont leveraged relationships with thought leaders and influencers in innovation to help drive interest in the symposium and attendance. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/science-history-institute/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education, Technology & Innovation --- ### Saulsbury Industries | Managing a Website Redesign and Content Strategy > Pierpont crafted a content strategy and worked to transform all content to reflect the updated service capabilities and industries. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/saulsbury-industries/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Technology & Innovation --- ### Sara Lee® Frozen Bakery | Sweet Media Strategy > Pierpont supported the launch of the new company and its new CEO with an earned media strategy complementing the online and social presence. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/sara-lee-frozen-bakery/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### San Jose Clinic | Bridging the Gap to Quality Healthcare > With the goal of building awareness to support the grant process, Pierpont helped San Jose Clinic with events and social media engagement. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/san-jose-clinic/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness, Nonprofits & Education --- ### Sabre | Measuring Social Media Success > In 2018, Sabre contacted Pierpont and asked for assistance in developing and executing a more robust social media strategy. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/sabre/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### Rockspring Capital | SEO & Real Estate: All About Location > Rockspring engaged PR and marketing partner Pierpont to increase its digital profile as the leading fund manager in Texas land investment. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/rockspring-capital-2/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial, Real Estate --- ### Rockspring Capital | Launching to Engage Foreign Investors > With a deep understanding of Rockspring, the Pierpont team worked to have existing website content translated to French and Chinese. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2021-05-13 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/rockspring-capital/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### Rimkus Consulting Group | Elevating Industry Thought Leadership > With nearly a decade of partnership with Pierpont, they called on our team to elevate the visibility of their technical consulting experts. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/rimkus-consulting-group/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial --- ### Qualspec | Integrated Digital & Media Relations Campaign > Pierpont was successful in capturing the essence of all four companies into one cohesive brand to launch the new combined entity. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/qualspec/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial --- ### ProFrac | Crisis Communications Planning and Training > Leveraging the expertise of ProFrac head of safety, Pierpont amended ProFrac’s crisis planning document to include communications tactics. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/profrac/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### Primus Green Energy | New Uses for Flared Gas > Pierpont worked with Primus to announce the launch of a front-end engineering and design study of its technology solution located in Texas. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2022-07-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/primus-green-energy/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### Peak Performers | Integrating PR, Advocacy & Digital Engagement for a Purpose > Pierpont launched a cross-channel program to reach community leaders, members of the public, and prospective employees. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2022-07-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/peak-performers/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education --- ### Pediatric Academic Societies 2019 Meeting | Driving Engagement and Attendance > Pierpont exceeded all goals at PAS 2019, with extensive news coverage, robust social media growth and activity, and full attendance. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2021-05-13 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/pediatric-academic-societies-2019-meeting/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness --- ### OTC Global Holdings | Building Thought Leadership & Brand Voice > Together with Pierpont, OTCGH has launched more than a dozen subsidiary companies across the U.S. and in Europe. - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/otc-global-holdings/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Professional & Financial, Technology & Innovation --- ### Emirates | Strategic Planning Leads to Successful Launch > Pierpont’s strategy included a series of launch parties, supported by aggressive media outreach, influencer engagement, a media tour and more. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/emirates/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail --- ### Detechtion Technologies | Brand Messaging & Lead Generation > Detechtion engaged Pierpont to promote the brand in the U.S. and global oil and gas industry markets through thought leadership. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/detechtion-technologies/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### Denham Capital | Building Brand Equity in Private Equity > Denham Capital sought to differentiate itself from its peers to better attract management teams when Pierpont partnered with the firm in 2011. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-04-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/denham-capital/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Professional & Financial --- ### Daikin | Global Brand Goes Local > When Daikin looked to increase brand awareness at a local level, the company called on long-time public relations partner, Pierpont . - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/daikin/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial --- ### Cubility | Positioning a Brand for Acquisition > Cubility teamed with Pierpont to help strategize the optimal conference sales enablement program, through media relations. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/cubility/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### Coder Camps | Measuring and Monetizing Digital Marketing > After implementing a campaign that utilized digital and social strategies application numbers soared to their highest in company history. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/coder-camps/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Nonprofits & Education --- ### ClearSign | Combustion Increasing Brand and Market Awareness > ClearSign engaged Pierpont to increase its brand and market awareness within the energy sector and investor community. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/clearsign-combustion/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### Clark Hill Strasburger | Elevated Brand Awareness & Industry-Specific Thought Leadership > Clark Hill Strasburger engaged Pierpont to bolster its proactive media relations initiatives to elevate attorneys’ profiles throughout Texas. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/clark-hill-strasburger/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### CHI St. Luke’s Health | Elevating Brand Awareness & Thought Leadership > CHI St. Luke’s partnered with Pierpont to elevate the visibility of their Texas Division presence, primarily in Houston and southeast Texas. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/chi-st-lukes-health/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Chamberlain Hrdlicka | Securing the Big Win > With Pierpont’s support, Chamberlain Hrdlicka was established as an industry pioneer through their case’s extensive coverage. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-07-15 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/chamberlain-hrdlicka/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### Chamberlain Hrdlicka | EB-5 Issue Leadership > Working directly with Chamberlain’s attorneys, Pierpont developed a strategy to engender credibility, trust and engagement. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-07-15 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/chamberlain-hrdlicka-issue-leadership/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### Central Texas Fuel Independence Project | Creating Brand Clarity for Multiple Stakeholders > CTFIP engaged Pierpont to develop messaging that reflected the project’s evolution and goals, while taking into account its many stakeholders. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-05-10 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/central-texas-fuel-independence-project/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Nonprofits & Education --- ### Center for Offshore Safety | Supporting Industry-Wide Communications with Integrated Strategies and Tactics > Pierpont was engaged to deliver a full suite of strategies and tactics, including thought leadership, executive media training, and more. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/center-for-offshore-safety/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Nonprofits & Education --- ### car2go | Inspiring Creative Content > car2go engaged Pierpont’s content practice to facilitate a creative writing workshop for the North America team’s annual retreat. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/car2go/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Technology & Innovation --- ### Capital One | “Principal for a Day” Program > Pierpont team helped strengthen their partnerships with key educators and government officials, as well as make a difference in local markets. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/capital-one-leader/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Professional & Financial --- ### Capital One | Expanding Retail Banking > Capital One tasked Pierpont with initial market research, grand opening execution, community engagement and brand awareness. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2023-01-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/capital-one-expansion/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Professional & Financial --- ### Capgemini | Launching Thought Leadership and Advanced Technology and Development Centers > Pierpont partnered with Capgemini to build a thought leadership platform as the company unveiled its advanced technology, development centers. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/capgemini/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### Cantata Health | Elevating an Industry Leader Through Media Relations and Executive Visibility > Pierpont worked with Cantata to identify, draft and apply for both healthcare and executive visibility awards. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/cantata-health/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness, Technology & Innovation --- ### BP Upstream | Boosting Recruitment Through a Webcast Series > Pierpont was tasked with effectively explaining what the Upstream reorganization meant to potential employees. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/bp-upstream/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### BP | Global Recruitment for an Expanding Brand > Pierpont partnered with BP to develop a 5+ year integrated reputation management and employer branding campaign. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/bp/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### ATPE | Aligning Membership Goals with Communications Strategy > Pierpont analyzed ATPE’s website, email marketing and social media analytics and conducted a messaging session with key team members. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-05-10 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/atpe/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education --- ### Boot Ranch | Leading a Luxurious Media Campaign > Pierpont assisted in various web site upgrades, digital and social media marketing support, public relations and event engagement. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/boot-ranch/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Real Estate --- ### BOK Financial | Helping a Major Regional Bank Get the Recognition it Deserves > Pierpont developed a financial media program encompassing focused training, messaging and regional to national media relations. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/bok-financial/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Professional & Financial --- ### BIGHORN Golf Club & Properties | Driving Social Media Engagement and Lead Generation > Pierpont collaborated with BIGHORN to generate measurable and valuable results for the BIGHORN Golf Club and BIGHORN Properties. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/bighorn-golf-club-properties/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Real Estate --- ### Big Data Energy | Building Brand Awareness > Big Data Energy partnered with Pierpont to implement an integrated marketing and PR campaign to build awareness among its client targets. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/big-data-energy/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Professional & Financial, Technology & Innovation --- ### BHP Billiton | Recruiting for Growth > Pierpont successfully executed the recruitment program, which included several internal and external campaigns. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-05-10 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/bhp-billiton/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### Belmont Village | Connecting Residents, Families & Employees through Social Media > Pierpont developed Belmont’s social media and content strategy from the ground up and launched the program in April 2017. - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/belmont-village/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Belmont Village | Connecting Communities Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic > Pierpont increased its presence and activity on social media to help their residents stay connected to loved ones. - Published: 2021-02-28 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/belmont-village-2/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Boston Consulting Group | Elevating Brand Visibility through Strategic Thought Leadership > The company partnered with Pierpont to elevate the visibility of its global oil and gas team and proprietary research. - Published: 2021-02-28 - Modified: 2021-11-02 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/boston-consulting-group/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Professional & Financial --- ### Battelle | Bringing Energy to Battelle > Pierpont raised the profile of the organization and its experts by activating thought leadership platforms. - Published: 2021-02-28 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/battelle/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education, Technology & Innovation --- ### BakerCorp | Developing Brand Identity, Social Media and Innovative Thought Leaders > BakerCorp engaged Pierpont to develop new comprehensive messaging and identify key audience segments for their expanded offerings. - Published: 2021-02-28 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/bakercorp/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial --- ### Baker Botts | Showcasing Emerging Technology Through Media Relations > To build awareness and interest in the inaugural event, Baker Botts partnered with Pierpont to engage national and local media. - Published: 2021-02-28 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/baker-botts/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### Bahri Logistics | Successfully Launching in the Houston Market > To create brand awareness, Bahri partnered with Pierpont to launch a strategic media and influencer engagement campaign. - Published: 2021-02-28 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/bahri-logistics/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### Austin Board of REALTORS | “Keep Austin Affordable” Campaign > Pierpont spearheaded the development and implementation of the “Keep Austin Affordable” campaign, collaborating with homeowners and media. - Published: 2021-02-28 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/austin-board-of-realtors/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education, Real Estate --- ### ATCE | Managing Media Relations for an Industry Conference > Handling press registration, interviews, event announcements and more, Pierpont developed content to support media and marketing efforts. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/atce/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Nonprofits & Education --- ### Aramco Services | Expat Recruiting Campaign > Pierpont refreshed and transformed ASC’s orientation program into a session that would educate recruits with candor. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-07-13 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/aramco-services/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### Antpool | Houston Rockets Go Crypto with AntPool > The world’s largest Bitcoin mining pool company selected Pierpont to engage media and build consumer confidence in alternative currencies. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-05-10 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/antpool/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Technology & Innovation --- ### Andeavor | Positioning a New Brand Following a Merger > Andeavor engaged Pierpont to demonstrate how its refining and logistics assets contribute to both the community and economy. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/andeavor/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### Opportune | Elevating National Brand Awareness > Pierpont helped Opportune launch a robust thought leadership program, securing hundreds of media placements, interviews, and byline articles. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2023-04-11 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/opportune/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power, Professional & Financial --- ### OliverMcMillan | Bringing the Luxe Life to Houston > Pierpont developed an integrated communications campaign to position River Oaks District as a unique world-class experience in Houston. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-05-13 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/olivermcmillan/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Professional & Financial, Real Estate --- ### Numed | Implementing an Innovative Image Refresh in Healthcare Technology > Pierpont worked with Numed to develop a social and media strategy and content, and manage the company’s overall digital engagement. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/numed/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Nitya Capital | Realizing high dividends by investing in your own brand > Pierpont developed an integrated marketing communications plan, incorporating media, marketing, digital, social strategies and more. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2022-11-22 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/nitya-capital/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial, Real Estate --- ### NASA Johnson Space Center | Mission-Critical Communications Training > Pierpont developed a comprehensive and engaging one-day Crisis Management and Risk Communication training program. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2023-01-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/nasa/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Media Training, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education, Technology & Innovation --- ### National Association of Industrial Office Parks | Managing Back-to-Back Industry Events > Pierpont produced two events in three months that highlighted individuals who demonstrate leadership, integrity, and industry contributions. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-05-13 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/naiop-houston/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education, Professional & Financial --- ### Money Management International | Increasing Brand Awareness and Consumer Engagement > Pierpont partnered with Money Management International to support its branding, PR, crisis communications and social media needs. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/money-management-international/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education --- ### MatthewsDaniel | Engaging the Marine & Energy Insurance Market > Pierpont developed a proactive and strategic content strategy to amplify MatthewsDaniel's outstanding projects and services. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/matthewsdaniel/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Professional & Financial --- ### Marine Well Containment Company | Training and Preparing for Deepwater Crisis Response > Pierpont helped MWCC leaders and experts fine-tune their communications to better share critical messages in interviews and presentations. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-05-13 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/marine-well-containment-company/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### Magellan | Laying Groundwork for a TX Pipeline > Pierpont has helped support right-of-way acquisition and lead outreach efforts with influential elected officials along the routes. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-05-13 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/magellan/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Public Affairs - Industry Categories: Energy & Power --- ### Maana | Leveraging Event Presence to Launch a Brand > Pierpont crafted an enterprise-wide message platform, built marketing materials and developed a robust public relations strategy. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/maana/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### LyondellBasell | Managing a Major Website Redesign > Pierpont worked with more than 50 subject matter experts across 14 countries to facilitate the production of its website content. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-05-13 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/lyondellbasell/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power --- ### Lexicon | Brand Awareness & Community Relations > Pierpont drove brand awareness, created favorable community sentiment, and established the company in a diverse, innovative business scene. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-05-13 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/lexicon/ - Service Categories: Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness --- ### Kepner-Tregoe | Celebrating Sixty Years of IT Leadership in Technology Media > Pierpont launched a targeted top-tier technology media outreach program, using awards, testimonials, content and more to reach reporters. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/kepner-tregoe-60th-anniversary/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial, Technology & Innovation --- ### Kepner-Tregoe | Improving Business One App at a Time > Kepner-Tregoe engaged Pierpont to launch its app, developing key messages, producing a promo video, developing marketing materials and more. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/kepner-tregoe/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial, Technology & Innovation --- ### KBR | Transforming a Company Narrative > Pierpont built a strategic thought leadership and media relations program to amplify KBR’s government services-focused expertise. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/kbr/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power, Technology & Innovation --- ### Kairos Aerospace | Positioning the Brand and Increasing Awareness > Kairos Aerospace partnered with Pierpont to support its marketing efforts, position the company as thought leader, and raise its profile. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/kairos-aerospace/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Technology & Innovation --- ### Amplify Credit Union | Amplifying Awareness to Grow Membership & Boost Traffic > When Amplify went through a website refresh, Pierpont put a unique spin on the organization’s ongoing media relations program. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/amplify-credit-union/ - Service Categories: Crisis Management, Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative, Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### Amplify | A Season for Caring > Pierpont developed a proactive communications campaign that would increase exposure for Amplify as well as its philanthropic efforts. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/amplify/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Professional & Financial --- ### American Chemistry Council | Driving Conversations on Hurricane Preparedness > To generate media coverage and participation from elected officials and regulators, ACC called on Pierpont’s petrochemical experts. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/american-chemistry-council/ - Service Categories: Marketing & Creative, Public Affairs, Public Relations - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Nonprofits & Education --- ### Altus Health | Shaping Integrated Communications Strategies in Healthcare > Altus Healthcare System partnered with Pierpont to shape communication programs for a wide cross-section of its healthcare verticals. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/altus-health/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Healthcare & Wellness, Technology & Innovation --- ### Alpha Troop | Bringing Distinction to Vietnam Soldiers > With the significant media attention secured, the Alpha Troop received an honor with a televised broadcast ceremony in the White House - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/alpha-troop/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education --- ### Academic Partnerships | Expanding Education Conversation > Academic Partnerships turned to Pierpont Dallas to further expand this conversation in national media and create online engagement. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/academic-partnerships-conference/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Nonprofits & Education --- ### AAPL | Driving Deal-Making in a Down Oil & Gas Market > NAPE engaged Pierpont to develop a robust media relations campaign positioning NAPE Summit as a must-attend event during a downturn. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/aapl/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Commercial & Industrial, Nonprofits & Education --- ### AAPL | Introducing Landmen to the Public > AAPL partnered with Pierpont to develop a national advertising campaign to educate landowners about the role of landmen in their communities. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/aapl-meet-us/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing, Marketing & Creative - Industry Categories: Energy & Power, Nonprofits & Education --- ### Allegiance Bank | Increasing Brand Awareness > Allegiance Bank engaged Pierpont to help promote the bank’s community presence and financial offerings through social media. - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/allegiance-bank/ - Service Categories: Digital Marketing - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Professional & Financial --- ### HopSkipDrive | Driving Media Results in Texas Markets > Pierpont was able to drive home a successful media campaign that helped the company build its local customer base. - Published: 2021-01-12 - Modified: 2021-09-24 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/work/hopskipdrive/ - Service Categories: Public Relations - Industry Categories: Consumer & Retail, Technology & Innovation --- --- ## People ### Kaeley Vaughan > Kaeley Vaughan is an Assistant Account Executive specializing in media relations, social media and messaging at Pierpont Communications. - Published: 2025-05-20 - Modified: 2025-05-20 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/kaeley-vaughan/ --- ### Abby Cosenza > Abby Cosenza is a Senior Account Executive specializing in media relations at Pierpont's Denver office. - Published: 2025-05-01 - Modified: 2025-05-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/abby-cosenza/ --- ### Darby Vrba > Darby Vrba is an Assistant Account Executive at Pierpont Communications specializing in media relations and integrated marketing. - Published: 2025-01-15 - Modified: 2025-01-15 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/darby-vrba/ --- ### Glen Orr > Glen Orr is Senior Counsel at Pierpont Communications. He has a 25+ year career in communications and investor relations. - Published: 2024-05-01 - Modified: 2024-05-01 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/glen-orr/ --- ### Dan Mahoney > Dan Mahoney is VP & General Manager of Pierpont Denver. He has 20+ years experience in strategic communications and integrated marketing. - Published: 2024-04-12 - Modified: 2024-05-03 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/dan-mahoney/ --- ### Ashley Mann > Ashley Mann is an assistant account executive focused on business development at Pierpont Communications. - Published: 2024-02-01 - Modified: 2025-01-15 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/ashley-mann/ --- ### Pete Webb > Pete Webb is Senior Counsel at Pierpont Communications in Denver. He has 32 years of agency professional PR experience. - Published: 2024-01-23 - Modified: 2024-01-26 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/pete-webb/ --- ### Jillian Brown > Jillian Brown is an Account Executive at Pierpont Communications. - Published: 2024-01-02 - Modified: 2025-04-29 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/jillian-brown/ --- ### Tad Druart > Tad Druart is Vice President of Client Services at Pierpont Communications in Austin, Texas. - Published: 2023-05-24 - Modified: 2024-03-04 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/tad-druart/ --- ### Carly Herbert > As an Account Executive, Carly works to deliver strategic marketing and public relations solutions to clients. - Published: 2022-12-06 - Modified: 2025-05-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/carly-herbert/ --- ### Deanna Werner > Deanna Werner is an account supervisor with Pierpont Communications. - Published: 2022-07-05 - Modified: 2025-04-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/deanna-werner/ --- ### Stephanie Pelaez > Stephanie is an digital account executive at Pierpont Communications who specializes in online advertising, social media and analytics. - Published: 2022-05-31 - Modified: 2023-10-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/stephanie-pelaez/ --- ### Andy Baron > Andy Baron is a Senior Counsel at Pierpont Communications. - Published: 2022-05-18 - Modified: 2024-03-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/andy-baron/ --- ### Julia Covini - Published: 2022-04-04 - Modified: 2023-12-15 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/julia-covini/ --- ### Jaylon Brinkley - Published: 2022-01-26 - Modified: 2023-04-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/jaylon-brinkley/ --- ### Amanda Spaeth > Amanda Spaeth, Accounting Manager at Pierpont Communications, brings over 20 years of accounting experience to her invaluable work. - Published: 2021-11-10 - Modified: 2023-03-07 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/amanda-spaeth/ --- ### Uniqua Williams > Uniqua Williams helps clients amplify brand awareness through media relations, innovative content creation, and social media engagement. - Published: 2021-09-20 - Modified: 2023-12-13 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/uniqua-williams/ --- ### Scott Tims > His client work includes media relations, thought leadership, reputation management, crisis and issues management, social media and corporate communications. - Published: 2021-09-20 - Modified: 2021-09-20 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/scott-tims/ --- ### Martha Cook - Published: 2021-03-16 - Modified: 2025-02-26 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/martha-cook/ --- ### Chelsi Smith > Chelsi Smith: Vice President at Pierpont Communications. Helping clients meet business objectives through proactive PR. - Published: 2021-03-16 - Modified: 2024-04-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/chelsi-smith/ --- ### Philip Morabito > Philip Morabito founded Pierpont Communications in 1987 and now oversees the largest independent integrated marketing and PR firm in the southwest. - Published: 2021-03-05 - Modified: 2022-01-25 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/philip-morabito/ --- ### Victoria Cook > Victoria advises clients on strategic planning, crafts integrated communications campaigns and manages crisis and reputation risk challenges. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2021-03-26 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/victoria-cook/ --- ### Tracy Price > For more than 20 years, Tracy has been building brands and creating integrated communications designs across traditional and digital platforms. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2021-03-26 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/tracy-price/ --- ### Sylvester Palacios > Sylvester helps to position clients as industry leaders, as well as communicate relevant company news and insights to key contacts in the media. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2024-03-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/sylvester-palacios/ --- ### Shannon Campbell > Shannon provides counsel on media strategy, messaging, internal communications and thought leadership. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2021-03-26 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/shannon-campbell/ --- ### Sally Ramsay > Sally is an expert counselor and strategist, in public relations, crisis and reputation management, corporate communications, and marketing. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2021-03-22 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/sally-ramsay/ --- ### Morgan Moritz > Morgan Moritz specializes in influencer marketing, media relations, content development, marketing and spokesperson training. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2024-12-17 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/morgan-moritz/ --- ### Lauren Blalock > Whether she is pitching stories, drafting bylines, or managing crisis situations, Lauren fosters media relationships through thought leadership and content creation. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2024-02-21 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/lauren-blalock/ --- ### Krystal Patout > Krystal implements brand management and internal communications programs to contribute to the success of both her clients and Pierpont. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2021-05-17 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/krystal-patout/ --- ### Kenneth Kracmer > Kenneth Kracmer, SVP, spearheads business development for Pierpont’s Dallas office, connecting with prospects and determining their needs. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2022-11-08 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/kenneth-kracmer/ --- ### Kathy Nethercutt > Kathy supports overarching agency operations and organization of Pierpont initiatives, working cohesively with employees and clients. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2021-03-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/kathy-nethercutt/ --- ### George Michael > With over 30 years of agency experience, George focuses on assisting clients in research and planning to help grow their business. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2024-03-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/george-michael/ --- ### Elysa Nelson > Elysa is a trusted advisor to her clients and can effectively balance the big picture business strategies with detail-oriented solutions. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2024-03-04 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/elysa-nelson/ --- ### Dave Stump > Dave is focused on pinpointing clients’ strengths and strategizing to use them to the best of their organizations’ advantage. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2024-03-14 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/dave-stump/ --- ### Clint Woods > Clint is responsible for client and employee development, setting firm-wide strategy and overseeing many functions across the agency. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2021-10-07 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/clint-woods/ --- ### Christine Rashman > With more than 10 years of experience, Christine is leading the growth of Pierpont’s burgeoning education and consumer verticals. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2024-03-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/christine-rashman/ --- ### Chris Jones > Chris is driven to help organizations leverage their communications channels to support business objectives. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2025-05-15 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/chris-jones/ --- ### Brian Banks > As Chief Financial Officer, Brian's financial acumen and attention to detail ensures the company runs smoothly every day. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2021-03-26 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/brian-banks/ --- ### Terry Hemeyer > Terry guides clients through the delicate world of reputation management while advising them on best communication practices. - Published: 2021-02-15 - Modified: 2024-03-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/terry-hemeyer/ --- ### Irma Gray > Irma provides critical support to clients’ needs and inquiries, and Pierpont’s daily operations and business functions. - Published: 2021-02-15 - Modified: 2021-03-05 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/irma-gray/ --- ### Chris Ferris > Chris Ferris, PhD, SVP of Digital Strategy, brings 25+ years of experience in digital marketing to his clients across industries. - Published: 2021-01-21 - Modified: 2025-03-28 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/chris-ferris-phd-digital-marketing/ --- ### Hunter Dodson > Hunter balances both strategy development and tactical execution for his clients in real estate, finance, healthcare, consulting and energy. - Published: 2021-01-21 - Modified: 2023-04-27 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/hunter-dodson/ --- ### Bradlee Borgfeldt > Bradlee Borgfeldt helps her clients develop thought leadership campaigns, earn media coverage through PR, and boost social media success. - Published: 2021-01-05 - Modified: 2023-10-30 - URL: https://www.piercom.com/about/our-people/bradlee-borgfeldt/ --- ---