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Q&A: What Are The Things To Consider When Designing Multipurpose Kitchen Islands?

October 8, 2021 By

The Linen Duck

A kitchen island is not just the area’s focal point; it also serves as an additional dining area, countertop, and storage space. How does one design a kitchen island that scores high on both form and function?  The interior designers at the Linen Duck share tips on planning a multipurpose kitchen island that meets your needs.

Q: Is there a recommended kitchen island size? 

A: The size of the kitchen island should neither be too big or too small. A kitchen island that’s too big can restrict movement and disrupt the usual workflow, which reduces the functionality of the area. On the other hand, a kitchen island that’s too small (i.e., less than two to three feet in length) might not be essential.

Thus, a kitchen island should ideally be three feet long and four feet wide. In terms of height, it should be at least three to four feet tall. The former is a comfortable counter height, while the latter is perfect for a breakfast bar with elevated seating.  Kitchen islands that are four feet primarily high have two levels to accommodate both seating and counter space. 

The kitchen island should have at least four feet of space around it on each side, leaving enough room for people to walk around and use appliances without bumping into corners into each other.

Q: What appliances can a kitchen island have?

A: A kitchen island can have a sink, dishwasher, or microwave. Make sure to install outlets that are easily accessible. 

When designing a kitchen island, the interior designer should also consider how many appliances are concerning. For example, the sink should be next to the dishwasher, or the sitting area should not have exposure to the heat emanating from the stove. 

As a rule of thumb, kitchen workspaces should be at least 4 to 9 feet apart. 

Q: How can storage space be incorporated into a kitchen island?

A: A kitchen island should strike a balance between its work areas and storage spaces. But if you do need more of the latter, make sure that cabinet and drawer dimensions meet standard measurements.

Q: What role does lighting play in kitchen island design?

A: Lightning can make any kitchen island stand out aesthetically, from minimalist pendant lights to statement chandeliers. 

Lighting can also enhance a kitchen island’s functionality. Install task lighting fixtures over breakfast bars and stovetops so users can see the food they’re eating or cooking.

Q: How can we design a kitchen island to fit our lifestyle?

A: If you cook a lot, you might want the kitchen island to serve as the food prep space. If you enjoy having meals as a family, then it could be your breakfast bar. Think about what you love doing and what’s important to you.

Offering interior design services in Nashville, TN, The Linen Duck is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Call (931) 548-2422 or visit their website to learn more.

Filed Under: Interior Design Tagged With: , , , ,

Q&A: How Do I Choose a Reliable Garage Door Company?

October 5, 2021 By

Franklin Door and DockGarage doors play an essential role in securing your property and in maintaining its market value. Over the years, however, your garage door can get too creaky, too loud, or it might not work at all. Franklin Door & Dock answers your questions on finding a reliable garage door repair company in Franklin, TN.

Q: There are a lot of garage door repair companies in my area. Where do I start?

A: Referrals from family members, friends, and colleagues will generate quality leads. These will also help you avoid trial and error since you already know someone who can vouch for the services rendered by the garage door repair company you’re considering. 

When looking for garage door repair services in Franklin, TN, the internet is your friend. Do a quick online search on garage door companies in your area and check their social media pages for customer reviews. 

Go through several garage door repair companies and request as many garage door repair quotes as possible. Compare rates and service offerings so you can get the best deal available.

Q: What are the factors to consider when choosing a garage door repair company?

A: Location is essential; you’ll want a garage door repair company that can quickly respond to emergencies. Serving a 50-mile radius around Franklin, TN, Franklin Door & Dock specializes in garage door installation, repair, and preventive maintenance.

Ask if the garage door repair company is insured. Working with an insured garage door repair company means they will cover expenses should there be any mishaps during the garage door repair process. 

Service guarantees are just as important as insurance. Franklin Door & Dock offers a 2-year limited service guarantee on all repairs carried out. It is their policy to always explore repair options first before recommending garage door replacement.  

Make sure to work with a garage door repair company that specializes in the kind of repair work you need. A garage door repair company in Franklin, TN, Franklin Door & Dock, has the tools and the skills to address a wide range of garage door issues. Their team can even produce custom fabricated parts if necessary.

Franklin Door & Dock has over 75 years of combined experience in the garage door industry. All technicians are trained and committed to providing complete customer satisfaction.

Franklin Door & Dock specializes in garage door repair and serves a 50-mile radius around Franklin, TN. The team can also fabricate custom parts as necessary. Call (615) 857-DOOR (3667) to learn more. For after-hours support, call (615)-336-7799.

Filed Under: Industrial Door Supplier Tagged With: , , , , ,

Benefits of a Private School Over a Public School Education

August 28, 2021 By

Currey IngramMany parents are choosing a private school education for their children to teach them the necessary skills they need to navigate an ever-changing world. From preschools to alternative schools and boarding schools, many private school options are available for children with different learning needs. Brentwood private school Currey Ingram Academy shares more reasons why private school education is worth the investment.

Exceptional academic experiences

Private school students benefit from enriching academic opportunities such as extracurricular activities and advanced placement course options, to name a few. Private school students have consistently scored top marks in standardized tests and college entrance exams, enabling them to attend the university of their choice.

Smaller class sizes 

Almost all private schools maintain small class sizes to give each student individualized attention. At Brentwood private school Currey Ingram Academy, class sizes average between four-to eight students each to give all students opportunities to excel and assume leadership roles.  All academic classes are grouped according to the abilities and needs of the student.

Active parental participation

Private schools believe that families are an integral part of a child’s education and make it a point to involve parents in the community, from parent-teacher conferences to athletic events and fundraising initiatives. Communication lines between parents and the school’s administration are likewise kept open.

Passionate faculty members

Private school instructors are both qualified and passionate about their subjects, often holding advanced degrees in their field. Small class sizes make it possible for students to build close relationships with their teachers, who also act as mentors and role models. 

A safe and nurturing environment

The community spirit fostered in private schools encourages both self-discipline and respect towards peers and teachers. Most parents believe that such environments improve the quality of the child’s educational experience and achievement. 

Moreover, most friendships formed in private schools have lasted post-graduation. Private school alumni are also known to have a strong sense of school pride, creating rich networking opportunities upon entering the workforce.

Holistic development

Private schools have incredible resources to support students in their artistic and athletic pursuits. Currey Ingram Academy’s Fine Arts Department, for example, provides opportunities for students to explore music, visual arts, and theatre. Students, in turn, develop new skills, deepen their passions, gain confidence and develop their creativity through exploration and performance.

Currey Ingram Academy’s educational-based athletics program provides a competitive and safe environment. Student-athletes connect with caring coaches and experience physical, social, and emotional growth leading to positive transformation.

Clubs and after-school activities provide a much-needed break from academic work while providing students opportunities to socialize and develop valuable life skills.

Educational philosophy

Finding a private school with a teaching philosophy that’s in line with your values as a family can create a positive and productive academic experience for your child. The right private school will not only allow students to thrive in a supportive environment and build independence but also gain unique skills that fit their learning style. 

Shaping tomorrow’s leaders

Private school alumni have assumed leadership roles in politics, business, and society; their education has trained them to adapt quickly to cultural and technological changes. That same education is bringing out the best in students with learning differences. Private schools like Currey Ingram Academy provide a premier educational environment for students with unique learning needs. The school remains committed to creating a supportive, accepting climate that promotes academic success and personal fulfillment.

Currey Ingram Academy is a private school in Brentwood that supports and empowers students with learning differences to achieve their fullest potential – academically and socially – within an environment that fosters holistic student development. Get in touch by calling (615) 507-3173.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Choosing The Right UCaaS Provider for Your Business

July 30, 2021 By

Pivotel NetworksChoosing a UCaaS provider is a critical decision since it entails a significant investment. Your organization must get it right the first time, especially if the provider is intending to lock you into a contract.

Business phones system expert Pivotel Networks shares factors to consider when selecting a new UCaaS provider to ensure a great fit for you and your business.

Identify your business requirements

Different businesses have different needs, which is why you should have an in-depth review of all UCaaS features on offer. How do these meet your organization’s goals? 

Most, if not all, UCaaS providers will have business instant messaging, secure file sharing, video conferencing, and a combination of internal and external voice calling. Identify features that are critical to your operations and make sure potential providers have these available.

Get fully acquainted with each provider on your shortlist; arrange for a free trial or a conversation with their sales advisor whenever possible to filter out offerings that simply won’t work for you.

Check service-to-service and third-party integration capabilities

You’ll want the new UCaaS system to seamlessly integrate with various third-party apps and services. 

There are UCaaS platforms that come with additional integrations. Microsoft Teams, for example, integrates with all of Microsoft’s other products and services that you have a license for, ensuring a seamless experience.

Integration with your existing system must be taken into account when choosing a UCaaS provider. Be on the lookout for those that offer open APIs, or Application Program Interfaces, which enable your or third-party developers to create solutions tailored to your business.

Make sure technical support is available 

Things can go wrong at some point and when it does, it’s reassuring to work with a UCaaS provider who can readily provide the technical support you need. 

See what other customers have to say

Do a quick search online to see if the UCaaS provider has a good number of genuine customer reviews; excellent work will surely speak for itself.

UCaaS is essential to your team’s day-to-day operations; getting a firm grasp of what features are essential and what is just nice to have is an excellent start. From there, you can dive deeper into each provider’s capabilities, allowing you to select which one best meets your requirements.

Serving Knoxville, TN, and surrounding areas, business phone systems expert Pivotel Networks strives to be your advocate and ally in an ever-changing world of telecommunications and technology. Call (615) 499-7900 for more information.

Filed Under: Telecommunications Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Here’s How To Add Drama To Your Home

July 13, 2021 By

The Linen DuckDark, rich, ornate. These are the words that come to mind when describing a home with a dramatic aesthetic. Whether you’re styling a home in the country or an apartment in the middle of the city, here’s how to give your space that opulent look and feel.

Set the mood with fabric

Luxurious textiles like silk, velvet, suede, or leather can transform the mood in any room. Use these textiles to upholster furniture or as drapes. Experiment with different textures, prints, and colors.

Don’t shy away from black – but don’t overdo it either

While black makes a bold statement, you don’t have to go all out. Consider adding just a few statement pieces like a sofa, coffee table, dining table, or art piece.

Accessorize

Create an introspective space with accessories like candles, rugs, dried flowers, pottery, throw pillows, and vintage finds. Chandeliers and gilded mirrors add opulence to any space. 

Embrace rich, deep colors

From dark greys to forest greens, deep purples, bold reds, and navy blues, dark hues add intimacy and depth.

If you’re still struggling to find the perfect paint color for your interior design project, The Linen Duck offers complimentary color consultation sessions. The team uses large color boards to find the perfect color combination to complement the right undertones in your space. You will receive a customized paint schedule, which you can pass on to your trusted paint professional. If you require both the color scheme and paint services, The Linen Duck can provide these as well.

The Linen Duck offers interior design services in Nashville TN and surrounding areas. Sit down with one of their in-house designers and discuss space planning, art, accessories, and other elements of design for a space you are working on.  Email info@thelinenduck.com or call (931) 548-2422 to book a discovery call.

Filed Under: Interior Design Tagged With: , , , ,

Attention Parents: Here’s What To Look For in a Boarding School

June 27, 2021 By

Currey IngramA boarding school offers a completely different approach to learning and holistic development. If you’re looking for a suitable boarding school for your child, the selection process should be as multi-faceted as your child is. Currey Ingram Academy, recognized as one of the best boarding schools in the South, shares tips on narrowing down your options and getting the best educational experience possible.

Make a list of your non-negotiables

Sit down with your child early on and discuss what your ideal boarding school experience looks like. Don’t worry about whether one school will meet all your criteria. This exercise will help you determine your must-haves, and factors you’d like to avoid. These could include:

  • Location
  • Campus and class size
  • Facilities
  • Extra-curricular activities and after school programs
  • Cost and financial assistance available
  • Recommendations from friends and other family members
  • Diversity
  • Philosophy
  • Spiritual affiliation

If your child is entering high school,  take the discussion even further and ask them what their goals are and who they would like to do after graduation. A boarding school has the power to shape a student’s future and the boarding school should be able to provide an environment that nurtures them along the path they wish to pursue, both academically and beyond the classroom.

Understand the boarding school’s mission statement and philosophy

A boarding school’s mission statement is crafted to reflect its values and goals. Policies and decisions will be made based on this statement, so it’s important to make sure the boarding school’s values are aligned with what you stand for as a family. 

Explore the boarding school’s curriculum, teaching methodology, and how it strives to maintain social and academic balance. The school’s history and traditions will determine its approach to yearly meetings, uniforms, and community-building efforts. 

Check out what professional development and curriculum growth opportunities are available to the school’s faculty and staff. The culture within the teaching community is indicative of the culture nurtured in the classroom.

Look into its specializations and focus areas

Variety is important as it helps students explore their different interests over the years. The boarding schools on your shortlist should have a performing arts curriculum, science classes, and a broad range of advanced placement classes to choose from. 

See if the boarding school has partnerships or affiliations with international learning institutions. 

Find out if there are teachers who offer mentorship opportunities in their fields of expertise, and if college counseling services are available.

Many families are drawn to boarding schools with strong athletics programs. Take note if the boarding school has the facilities and the support systems to nurture this program and develop high-caliber athletes.

Get first-hand reviews

Just as important as classroom size, student-teacher ratios, school rankings, and other data are insights from students currently enrolled in the boarding school. Schedule a visit to interview students and parents in the community; this will give you a grasp of what the boarding school is actually like beyond the statistics.

Do a campus tour

Experiencing the school’s energy first-hand can help you gauge how life actually is on-campus. Pay attention to details: Do students greet each other? Do they greet you? Are the classroom discussions lively and engaging?

During your tour, you may want to cover the following areas as well: parent-teacher communications; housing arrangements; medical support available in case of an emergency; food options, especially if your child has dietary restrictions; and off-campus activities.

Each boarding school is unique. Each institution’s culture and mission statement will serve your child’s life differently, so admission departments are as keen to find the best fit for your child as much as you are. Ultimately, the boarding school should inspire your child to learn and thrive all year round.

Currey Ingram Academy is a boarding school in the South that supports and empowers students with learning differences to achieve their fullest potential – academically and socially – within an environment that fosters holistic student development. Get in touch by calling (615) 507-3173.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , , , , , ,

6 Reasons To Hire An Interior Designer

May 16, 2021 By

The Linen DuckWhether remodeled or brand new, your home deserves to look its best. You might have a vision of what your home should look like, but you can’t quite seem to bring it to life or you simply do not have time to decorate your home due to your busy schedule. If this sounds like you, a professional interior designer can put it all together. Forget the notion that hiring the services of an interior decorator is only for the rich and famous who have money to burn. If you’re looking for interior design services in Nashville, it’s actually one of the smartest decisions you’ll ever make. Here are 10 reasons why:

  • An interior designer can help you save money in the long run.

This might sound counterintuitive since you’ll be paying for professional services. However, your interior designer can help you avoid costly mistakes associated with DIY decorating projects. 

  • You’ll see your home in a different light.

Having an interior designer is like having an extra set of eyes trained to zero in on details you might not have noticed otherwise. Interior designers think spatially and see the big picture. Your interior designer will provide you with a professional assessment of your home and a solid course of action.

  • You’ll be able to reallocate your time and resources to things that are just as important.

You’ll have to spend countless hours visiting stores and browsing websites to research products, brands, and prices if you’re decorating your home on your own. An interior designer can take care of all the legwork for you and introduce you to options that are under your radar.

  • Your interior designer doubles as your project manager.

The interior designer will communicate your vision to the architect and the contractor. He or she will also make sure that deliverables are on schedule and you are within your budget.

  • Benefit from your interior designer’s network and sense of style.

Because of their connections, interior designers have access to resources and merchandise that might not be available to the general public. They have a network of trusted suppliers and tradespeople they collaborate with on their projects. These factors, paired with their impeccable taste, can make your home look polished yet reflective of your personality and lifestyle.  

  • Interior design can help increase your home’s market value.

If your home is up for sale, well-thought-out interior design can increase its value, setting it apart from the competition.

The Linen Duck is a boutique furniture store offering interior design services in Nashville TN. Sit down with one of our in-house designers and discuss space planning, art, accessories, and other elements of design for a space you are working on. Be inspired by this complimentary, one-on-one service to turn your vision into reality. We will review your room measurements, color swatches, fabrics, etc. to make sure you are on track. Please book your appointment at least 3-5 days in advance. 

Schedule your next project or refer us to a friend. Call us at (931) 548-2422 or visit our website to learn more.

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Summer Mold Prevention Tips

April 27, 2021 By

Rytech NashvilleAlong with the arrival of summer comes an unwanted guest: mold. These fungi need a warm and humid environment to survive. Preventing mold growth might require prep work, but it’s easier and more affordable than dealing with a full-on mold infestation later on, which will require an expert mold remediation specialist, like Rytech Nashville.

Here are some steps you can take to stop mold growth before it even starts.

Clean and disinfect your home. Focus on areas prone to mold growth such as your bathroom, kitchen, basement, garage, attic, walls, and ceilings. Dirt and moisture can facilitate mold growth; taking these out of the equation can help prevent a mold infestation from taking place.

Fabric surfaces such as couches, curtains, clothing, rugs, and towels are porous and susceptible to mold growth, especially if they’re left wet for too long. Keep them dry at all times.

Also, make it a habit to remove any standing water on any surface immediately.

Keep humidity at bay. Hot showers, cooking, and the warmer summer air all add to your home’s humidity. Use a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity level inside your home. Ideally, indoor relative humidity should be between 30 to 50 percent to prevent mold growth. It also deters pests such as cockroaches and dust mites.

It should be an automatic thing to turn on the exhaust fan in the bathroom while you’re taking a shower and in the kitchen while you’re cooking. Steam provides a sufficient amount of moisture for mold to thrive.

Control the temperature. Summer means temperatures are higher than normal, even inside your home. Even if you are trying to save a few bucks on A/C, setting your thermostat within 69 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit makes it more difficult for mold to grow. Mold grows best between 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Improve air circulation. Consider investing in ceiling fans. Opening all interior doors will allow air to circulate more efficiently throughout your home, which in turn will lower temperatures.

Do seasonal maintenance checks. Inspect your home for busted pipes, leaking roofs (especially if it’s a rainy summer), and repair them immediately. Make sure your HVAC system is checked by a professional every 6 months or at least once a year at a minimum.

Mold can damage your home not just during the summer months but any time of the year. If you notice a musty smell in your home, there’s probably mold growing somewhere. If the odor is there but you can’t find any traces of mold growth, it’s best to get in touch with a mold remediation professional. Rytech Nashville has delivered quick and effective mold remediation solutions to Middle Tennessee residents since 1995. IICRC-certified technicians will discuss the types of mold found and suggest an immediate and efficient plan of action to remove the mold and detect the moisture causing it. Schedule an appointment today – a member of Rytech Nashville’s Customer Service Team will get in touch and see how they can help.

Rytech Nashville has become a leader in the water damage restoration and mold remediation industry. From its humble beginnings in one location, the company has reached exponential growth and currently provides service to 49 major markets across 25 states. Call (615) 751-8445 for more information.

Filed Under: Water Damage Specialist Tagged With: , , , , ,

Cybersecurity: Organizations Must Remain Vigilant

April 2, 2021 By

ImageQuestBusinesses should not let down their guard when it comes to cybersecurity. Cybercriminals persist in sending malicious attachments, links to fraudulent websites, and scams related to Covid-19, with the intent of deceiving people into sending confidential information or into donating money to supposedly charitable causes.

Recently observed cyber attacks include phishing, wherein an email is sent by a supposedly reputable source, but it actually leads to a bogus site; the goal is to obtain valuable information such as user credentials and profit from it.

Fortunately, businesses can mitigate cybersecurity risks by implementing the following steps.

Create a cybersecurity resilience plan

Organizations need a cybersecurity plan that allows them to:

  • Disconnect systems from the internet that do not need internet connectivity to ensure secure operations.  Controls must be in place in the event that connectivity cannot be removed.
  • Plan for manual process operations should systems become unavailable.
  • Identify system and operational dependencies.
  • Immediately restore devices and services.
  • Backup critical resources, such as firmware, software, ladder logic, service contracts, product licenses, product keys, and configuration information. These resources must be stored off-network, with a duplicate copy secured in a safe location.
  • Test and validate data backups and processes should data be lost because of cybersecurity attacks. 

Simulate your plan

Businesses should have an incident response plan in place to mitigate security risks.

  • All personnel, including the management team, must have a walkthrough of this incident response plan.
  • Key decision points must be discussed. The team has to identify who has the authority to make important decisions and under what circumstances.
  • Partner with a reliable Managed IT Services provider for support. Review service contracts for emergency incident response and recovery support.

Strengthen network security

  • Remove access from networks, such as overseas IP addresses, if applicable, that do not have legitimate business reasons to communicate with the system.
  • Mitigate internet-accessible connections immediately. Best practices include:
    • Patching all internet-accessible systems.
    • Deploying modular networks to protect workstations from direct internet exposure.
    • Ensuring all communications to remote devices use a strongly encrypted VPN, which is protected by multifactor authentication. 
    • Filtering network traffic to only allow known IP addresses. Consider geo-blocking where appropriate.
    • Connecting remote workstations to network intrusion detection systems where feasible.
    • Capturing and reviewing access logs from these systems.
  • Investigate which devices are internet-accessible and connect to business, telecommunications, or wireless networks.
  • Secure all required and approved remote access points and user accounts.
    • Discourage the use of default passwords on all devices.
    • Remove, disable, or rename any default system accounts wherever possible.
    • Implement a stringent password security policy (e.g., length, complexity).
    • Require users to change passwords periodically.
    • Plan to implement two-factor authentication for all remote connections wherever possible.
  • Disable unnecessary features and services (e.g., discovery services, remote management services, remote desktop services, etc.).

Advocate for consistent systems monitoring

A vigilant monitoring program detects anomalies in the system, including many malicious cyber tactics.

  • Log and review all authorized external access connections for misuse or unusual activity.
  • Monitor for unauthorized controller change attempts.
    • Implement integrity checks of controller process logic against a known good baseline.
    • Where possible, ensure process controllers are prevented from remaining in remote program mode while in operation.
    • Lock or limit set points in control processes to reduce the consequences of unauthorized controller access.

Founded in 2007, ImageQuest LLC offers managed IT services for companies in Nashville, TN; Louisville, KY; and Bowling Green, KY. Technology solutions include consulting, infrastructure, data compliance, cybersecurity services, and regulatory IT audit assistance. For more information, contact ImageQuest at 888.979.2679.

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Surviving 2020 and Looking Into 2021: Top Learnings From The McKeeman Team

March 6, 2021 By

McKeeman CommunicationsThe year 2020 has definitely been an unprecedented one for PR firms in Raleigh, NC and beyond. It was a year headlined by massive changes and one pivot after the other. What have we learned from this past year, and how do we leverage those learnings to successfully navigate through the opportunities and challenges of 2021? Here are some key takeaways from all of us here at McKeeman Communications.

What we learned in 2020: It’s okay to be vulnerable.

Businesses are being innovative, thinking out of the box and venturing beyond their comfort zones, doing whatever it takes to survive. Clients have learned to adapt to the current landscape, supporting local heroes when sales have been cut in half and rolling out programs that in normal situations would take months – even years – to take shape. 

These unprecedented times have given us permission to be vulnerable. We’ve learned that telling emotionally-engaging stories that resonate with audiences prompts positive action. Share stories on how COVID-19 has truly affected your business, the steps you’re taking to protect both employees and customers, and how people can show support for you and other local businesses during this time.

Virtual events are in.

Forbes earlier reported that virtual events were up by 1000%. Schools, sports, and even nonprofits have ventured into virtual hosting. Reliable technology and a short but entertaining program are keys to a successful virtual event.

Be where your market is: in social media.

A 2020 Harris Poll revealed that between 46% to 51% of adults in the US were using social media more than they were before the pandemic. They use social media to get news updates, connect with friends and family, and shop. If you still aren’t into social media yet, now is the perfect time to jump right in. Increase your chances of social media success with these steps:

  • Develop a social media calendar. Don’t just focus on selling – focus on your people, your customers, and telling your story.
  • Create compelling visual content. This could be images, graphics, or, even better, video, as it has the highest organic reach.
  • Invest in social media ads. Fewer than 5% of your followers will see your average organic post. Ads can be targeted toward relevant audiences; this helps cut through the clutter and introduces your content to an even bigger market. 

Acknowledging the pandemic, having an action plan, and following through with that plan will help ease customer fears.  

Even if no one in your company has it, or has come in contact with COVID-19, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t address its potential impact. Acknowledging that you have control over your business’ situation creates confidence for others, from your employees to your customers.

By putting together a plan focused on preventive measures against the virus, your leadership team can help gain employee trust. Ensure that this plan is shared by everyone within the organization. Your customers will likewise be thankful that an issue that feels like an elephant in the room is being confronted, addressed, and dealt with. 

Acknowledgment, taking responsible action, and following through on action plans offer the most effective way to navigate a crisis. While we can’t always see a crisis coming, we can be prepared for them, and sometimes even avoid them altogether.

Public relations strategies in 2021: What lies ahead?

Accept the fact that it’s still not business as usual.

We have, and still are, going through some really challenging times. The world around is changing by the hour. The future remains uncertain, and that’s okay. Embracing this reality allows you to meet customers and key audiences where they are. 

Now is not the time to sell. 

Traditional marketing during these times is just white noise and can be perceived as thoughtless, unsympathetic or opportunistic. Regroup and consider how your messaging will land in today’s climate. Adapt your messaging specifically for each channel you’re using.  

Be there for your customers. 

You may have a great product, a great experience, or the next big thing – but that might not be what your customers need right now. Understand what their real needs are and help them address those needs.

How you communicate in this new normal speaks volumes, now and in the future, and can set you up for success. Authentic empathy will actually strengthen your customer relationships. 

Prepare a crisis action plan.

Consider the following questions:

  • Does your company have a documented crisis/issues action plan that’s shared by all? If you don’t have one, start by meeting with your leadership team to discuss the top three to five recurring issues your organization has been facing that you’d like to address.
  • Do you have a crisis management team? Who in your company is consistently involved when a crisis or issue hits? If it’s your sole responsibility to do this, that needs to change. And fast.
  • Is your company’s mission, core values, and messaging shared by everyone on your team? It’s essential that your employees share consistent messaging and live and breathe your core values. This needs to start from the front lines.

Recognized as one of the leading PR firms in Raleigh NC, McKeeman Communications is an independent PR agency working with companies that are experiencing rapid growth or change.  We help localize and share messaging that builds awareness and trust for their brands. Visit our website to learn more.

Filed Under: Public Relations Tagged With: ,
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