Brand Strategy and Messaging

Effective brand communications goes beyond taglines. Consistent, compelling messages of depth and differentiation, that reach into the wider interests and experience of an audience, are required. Stanton Crenshaw develops brand communications with a focus on actionable results. We go beyond providing a set of sound bites to deliver real-life recommendations on how to express a corporate and brand messages, as well as how to operationalize this expression to deliver sustainable value in a volatile market. Our proprietary processes result in a clear and differentiated value proposition; a convincing vision for employees and stakeholders; and a compelling argument for strategic partnerships.

• Brand Perception Audits
• Brand Positioning and Message Development
• Executive Messaging
• Constituent Surveys (Internal and External)
• Brand Logo and Tagline Development
• Internal/Employee Communications
• External Communications Plan Development

Media Relations

Well-planned, researched, and carefully articulated media communications and story placement is at the heart of our service to clients. Our secret is scrupulous research and preparation, carefully maintained relationships, and creative packaging. We focus our media relations skills land contacts to support and drive tactics such as the following:

• Product launches
• Product review programs
• News announcements
• Press conferences
• Press events
• Media tours

Influencer Relations

Strategic public relations isn't limited to media relations. A relatively small number of proponents can exert a disproportionate influence on prospective consumers or adopters, as well as on media. At Stanton Crenshaw, we help clients identify and build relationships with influential individuals; harness the power of online and offline communities, and create brand evangelists. From "Alpha Moms" to academic experts, we help forge and sustain the connections that catalyze brand and corporate communications and shift it into high gear.

Media Training

Our spokesperson media training process is designed to ensure that each and every media interview opportunity is maximized. We prepare executive and third-party spokespersons to communicate clearly, succinctly, and under a variety of circumstances. From informal "background" sessions to live television broadcasts and remote on-camera appearances, the SC full or half-day training is adapted to the needs of CEOs and senior officers, third-party experts, celebrity spokespersons, and technical staff who wish to make expertise accessible to a broad audience.

Executive Visibility

Today's senior executive is the embodiment of the organization's vision and values, and is increasingly charged with external communications responsibility at the highest level. We specialize in creating opportunities for C-level and other executives to leverage their role in communications, from high-level speaking opportunities to analyst and trade conference presence.

Online Marketing Communications

At SC we don't look at "traditional" and "online" media or marketing communications as discrete disciplines. We believe that the Web should be integrated into virtually all PR programs and initiatives that we develop and run for clients. Our long experience representing longstanding and new digital and online media brands has given us deep insight and hands-on expertise in working with social networking communities, influential bloggers, wikis, and other technology and tools that help build buzz and deepen brand relationships online. Products and services include:

• online content development
• blogger relations
• digital tools management (wikis, podcasts, social networking, vlogs, etc.)
• interactive pressrooms
• online WOM campaigns

Partnership Development

The right relationship can mean the difference between a me-too campaign and a true breakthrough. We are skilled and experienced in forging connections with relevant partners, negotiating "win-win" relationships, and managing communications and execution among corporate and brand program participants.

Media Monitoring

Given our 24/7 news cycle, effective media monitoring, in real time, is critical to good communications. Our online media monitoring product blends the latest search technology tools with human oversight and analysis to enable our team to leverage new developments, trends, and competitive buzz and set up an early heads-up in the event of unanticipated change.

Crisis Management

We provide companies with top-level strategic guidance to help protect brand reputation before, during, and after crises. We work to identify vulnerabilities before their potential effects are felt, and to put in place plans to effectively manage "hot-button" issues. In the event of a crisis, we respond with a coordinated, two-pronged approach designed to get the disruption under control as quickly as possible, and we employ a rapid-response plan to brief key constituencies, minimize negative attention, and prevent escalation of the situation. At SC we have successfully handled specific crisis situations surrounding litigation; consumer and special-interest boycotts; CEO transition, workplace violence; employee misconduct, financial improprieties, and product tampering, among others.

Impact Measurement

Communicators are increasingly called on to demonstrate and quantify the value of eternal communications and PR. At Stanton Crenshaw, we provide a customized results and metrics solution for every client. Our measurement model is informed by each client's goals and priorities. Though each model is unique, key barometers may include:

• Key message delivery
• Competitive audit tracking
• Year-on-year impact analysis
• Key audience penetration
• Influencer monitor