In the News

                         

 

March 6, 2024

Binance Launches Perfume in Bewildering Attempt to Attract More Women to Crypto

The Drum

Tim provides crisis communications insights tied to Binance’s recent PR stunt gone wrong.

 

March 1, 2024

Molson Coors Faces PR Crossroads Amid Ongoing Strike at Ft. Worth Brewery

The Drum

Tim provides some crisis communications insights based on his own experience in labor relations situations.

 

August 31, 2023

Book Excerpt: Redefining the communications audit: Assessing your crisis communications preparedness

Police 1

How public safety can assess the effectiveness of its communications.

 

August 9, 2023

Book Excerpt: Learn from This Crisis or It Will Repeat: A thorough post-mortem after a crisis may prevent the next one

The Bulldog Reporter

How to conduct a post-crisis review and debrief.

 

August 4, 2023

Book Excerpt: Put Crisis Communications on Your Radar

B2B News Network

Putting specific scenarios on your radar for crisis planning.

 

August 2, 2023

New PR Book: “The Essential Crisis Communications Plan” Simplifies Creation of Customized Crisis Management Plan

Agility PR Solutions

About Tim’s new crisis communications book.

 

August 2, 2023

The Six Lines of Defense to Isolate a Crisis

O’Dwyer’s PR News

How to isolate a crisis where it starts.

 

January 18, 2022

Give this media relations tactic a try: Sound bites for trending stories

Muck Rack Daily

Make it easier on reporters. See the results.

 

November 18, 2021

Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting a Podcast

Muck Rack Daily

Before worrying about microphones, cables and recorders, make sure you’re doing it for all the right reasons, that you know what you want to say, and who you need to reach.

 

September 30, 2021

DIY Media Coaching: Using YouTube to Media Train Yourself

Muck Rack Daily

Nothing can take the place of real media training if you want to get ready for that big interview, but there are things you can do on your own to stay sharp.

 

August 26, 2021

9/11 at 20: Not Just Another Anniversary

Muck Rack Daily

Tim talks about a special series of interviews he conducted with people who were there on 9/11 to hear their stories. The World Trade Center, the Pentagon, Shanksville, Ground Zero, Flight 93 families, the White House Bunker, Air Force One. then he touches on some basic takeaways for communicators.

 

May 10, 2021

How PR Pros Can Defend Against Allegations of Disinformation 

Muck Rack Daily

Does the PR profession have a future? Not if PR pros continue to support censorship in the name of stifling “disinformation,” AKA, someone else’s opinion.

 

April 14, 2021

The Key Components of Good Communication in Crisis

Supply Chain Brain

How to implement an effective crisis communications approach when the issue is the supply chain.

 

April 14, 2021

Brand Audits: Why Clients Pay Consultants to Tell Them What They Already Know

Muck Rack Daily

The reasons are many and good, but the reasons only reinforce why you hired that consultant to start with.

 

March 2, 2021

How to Media Train a Narcissist

Muck Rack Daily

When you you coach a CEO, you have to massage egos.

 

February 11, 2021

Media Pitch Coach: The art of finding and shaping the story

Muck Rack Daily

PR pros need to develop their skills at finding and shaping the story before pitching to the media.

 

February 5, 2021

People-first Language Improves Communication: A Mindset

Learning Solutions Magazine

You don’t need to focus on learning new words or phrases to communicate respectfully with people with disabilities. It’s all about mindset.

 

February 2021

Considerations for Employee Vaccine Programs

PRSA Strategies & Tactics

Not everyone is able to be vaccinated, which makes mandates impractical for millions, and they have legal standing. Here’s what to do.

 

January 15, 2021

Major Takeaways from the 2020 American Views Survey from Gallup and the Knight Foundation

Muck Rack Daily

The news media’s reputation is plummeting, and 2020 reinforced the nagging problems newsrooms face.

 

December 22, 2020

The Year of the Flash News Cycle

Muck Rack Daily

Tim digs in to how a new kind of news cycle has invaded the turf of the old one, but it comes and goes before you know it.

 

December 16, 2020

Do you want to convince or persuade? The difference is huge.

LinkedIn

Tim explains how using these two words interchangeably sells one of them short.

 

November 17, 2020

Are Twitter Users an Accurate Reflection of Real Public Sentiment?

Muck Rack Daily

Tim breaks down who actually uses Twitter to illustrate why tweets are not a good reflection of majority public opinion.

 

November 6, 2020

Communicate to Protect Drivers and Protesters

Police 1

Tim details how law enforcement agencies can prevent disaster by communicating plans and policies up front.

 

October 21, 2020

The Crisis Communications Lessons of Gettysburg

Muck Rack Daily

Tim uses the Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg to illustrate some classic crisis communications lessons.

 

September 8, 2020

Crisis Communication: Senior Living Sector’s Challenges are in the Early Stage

McKnight’s Senior Living

Tim details some of the most pressing crisis communications challenges faced by senior living communities.

 

September 1, 2020

Why Transparency is Not a Magic Pill During a Crisis

Muck Rack Daily

Tim explains why transparency in and of itself is not a goal, and how an emphasis on transparency before all else can hinder internal investigations and information-gathering and dissemination in a crisis.

 

August 10, 2020

Hey PR Pro, Are You Too Smart for your Own Good?

Muck Rack Daily

Tim talks about overconfidence in PR planning and management.

 

July 6, 2020

Professional Services Branding: What are they saying about your firm when you’re not in the room?

Muck Rack Daily

Tim talks about the process he uses to help professional services firms uncover their real brand.

 

June 12, 2020

Time to Assess the Damage: A Pandemic Impact Assessment Could Help

Muck Rack Daily

Tim writes about how businesses and organizations can follow a process to regroup on the communications front in the wake of the 2020 pandemic.

 

May 27, 2020

How Communication Can Make a Difference During Workforce Reductions

Human Resource Executive

Tim wrote this article for the leading HR magazine on the right way to communicate when the subject is workforce reductions.

 

May 26, 2020

Why Social Isn’t Enough to Promote Your Podcast

The Jag Show Podcast

Tim joins host Jon Gay on his podcast to talk about podcast promotion and other topics.

 

May 14, 2020

How to Effectively Communicate Your Reopening Plans to Customers

CO – U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Tim is quoted on the subject of regaining customer confidence during the reopening process.

 

May 14, 2020

Why I Like Zoom for Remote Media Training

Muck Rack Daily

Tim talks about the advantages of remote media training.

 

May 13, 2020

Social Media Alone is Not the Way to Grow an Audience

Podcast Business Journal

Tim talks about one of the biggest myths around growing a podcast audience.

 

April 30, 2020

The Pandemic Makes it More Imperative to Vet Guests

Podcast Business Journal

Tim details how a rise in “pretender” threatens the credibility of podcasts in the wake of a pandemic.

 

April 21, 2020

How to be a Great Leader in a Crisis

CO – U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Tim is interviewed on the key factors in leading any organization through a crisis.

 

March 19, 2020

Choosing the Right Media Trainer to Prepare Your Spokespeople 

Muck Rack Daily

Tim explains how some media trainers actually train you to fail.

 

March 18, 2020

Ways You Can Reduce Fear and Panic Right Now

Within the Realm Podcast

Tim talks to podcast host Steve Garrett about how listeners can respond to the COVID-19 outbreak as a calming force.

 

March 2020

Starting a Successful Branded Podcast

PR Strategies & Tactics

Tim covers some of the basics to starting a successful branded podcast.

 

March 2, 2020

Lead Balloon Episode 5, The Seinfeld Press Conference, with Tim O’Brien

The Lead Balloon Podcast

Tim joins host Dusty Weiss to tell the story of a press conference that reinforced Murphy’s Law.

 

March 2, 2020

When Activists Go After Podcasting Host Companies

Podcast Business Journal

Tim explores the issue of activists targeting podcast hosting companies to silence opposition.

 

February 26, 2020

How Are Our Opinions Shaped?

O’Dwyers – Inside News of PR

Tim provides analysis of his first 100-plus interviews with people who shed light on how our opinions are shaped.

 

February 18, 2020

Branded Podcasts: Series or Episodic?

Podcast Business Journal

Tim draws some key distinctions that will help brands decide how to approach their podcasts.

 

February 17, 2020

What Shapes Our Opinions?

Thrive Global

After podcast interviews with over 100 notables, Tim says the lessons are deep and timeless.

 

February 10, 2020

Are RFPs Worth the Time for PR Professionals?

Muck Rack Daily

Tim covers some of the common challenges and questions consultants face when they decide whether to pursue an RFP.

 

February 4, 2020

Should an Ad Agency Produce Your Branded Podcast

Podcast Business Journal

Tim covers the four questions you should ask before assigning your ad agency to handle your branded podcast.

 

January 21, 2020

Branded Podcasts: Identifying the Right Host

Podcast Business Journal

Tim addresses the criteria for selecting a host for your branded podcast, especially if you’re not a major consumer brand.

 

January 6, 2020

Podcasting Is Not Just Another Digital Channel

Podcast Business Journal

Tim addresses the common confusion among marketers that podcasts can be approached like any other digital channel.

 

January 6, 2020

Does Your Media Pitch Sound Like a Bad Country Song?

Muck Rack Daily

Tim covers a negative trend in media pitching and what PR reps can do about it.

 

December 30, 2019

PR Predictions for 2020: 10 Pros Weigh In

Muck Rack Daily

Tim was one of 10 leading PR pros asked to provide predictions for the field in 2020.

 

December 10, 2019

Conducting a Feasibility Analysis of Your Branded Podcast

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien talks about how to determine if your podcast idea has the best potential for your needs.

 

December 3, 2109

Knock Your Next Editorial Board Meeting Out of the Park

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien provides a plan for implementing a successful ed board meeting.

 

December 2, 2019

Forget the Mic, What’s Your Brand Story?

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien provides an overview on how to develop your story for a branded podcast.

 

November 21, 2019

Branded Podcasts: Defining Your Audiences and Goals

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien spells out what brands can do to focus their podcasts on the right audiences and objectives.

 

November 18, 2019

The Dangers of Deplatforming and Relative Ethics

Ethical Voices Podcast

Tim joins host Mark McClennan to talk about current issues in the ethical practice of public relations.

 

November 11, 2019

Podcast Promotion Lessons from a Breakfast Diner

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien uses a breakfast diner to simply lay out what podcasters can do to promote themselves.

 

November 5, 2019

China, the NBA and Hong Kong: Principles are Not Just for Times We can Afford Them

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien relays some advice he received on why ethical practice was never said to be easy.

 

October 2, 2019

Influential or Influencer? What’s the Difference?

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien breaks down the differences between influencers and those who are truly influential.

 

September 19, 2019

Podcast Insider (Podcast): Todd Cochrane Interviews Tim O’Brien

Podcast Insider Podcast

Podcast leader and pioneer Todd Cochrane interviews Tim O’Brien about the Shaping Opinion podcast.

 

September 9, 2019

One Woman’s 50-State Search for Kindness Delivers a Few PR Lessons

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien features Mary Latham whose epic journey provides some teachable lessons for PR.

 

August 22, 2019

Learn from Bloggers’ Mistakes: Do Not Pay to Play

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien details the unethical practice of pay to play in blogging and warns of the risks for podcasters.

 

July 30,2019

Make the Most of Your Podcast Interview: 2 Things Every Guest Needs

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien specifies the two things every podcast guest should have to go from good to great.

 

June 3, 2019

Four Ways to Stretch Your Media Relations Muscles

Muck Rack Daily

Tim provides tips on how to stay in shape for media relations.

 

May 29, 2019

Do You Need a Producer or Engineer?

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien lays out the difference between technical production and true producing of a quality podcast.

 

May 9, 2019

Crisis Management When Your Organization is the Victim

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien details the dynamics of when your organization truly is the victim.

 

April 21, 2019

The Power of Podcasting for Internal Audiences

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien explores the potential of podcasts for internal communication.

 

April 16, 2019

Crisis Management Research: When Your Brand’s Celebrity Endorser Misbehaves

Muck Rack Daily

Tim features a study that finds the best approaches to deal with celebrity controversies.

 

March 19, 2019

Ten Ways to Become a Better Storyteller

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien describes 10 ways to leverage the power of storytelling in podcasts.

 

March 8, 2019

Does Your Podcast Have Vertical or Horizontal Appeal?

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien examines the two basic strategies for podcast growth.

 

March 7, 2019

30 Podcasts PR Pros Should Listen To 

Muck Rack Daily

The Shaping Opinion podcast made the list!

 

March 5, 2019

Responsibility in Journalism: What Communicators Can Do to Remove Incentive for Potential Columbine Copycats

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien details the one thing you shouldn’t do which may prevent future attacks.

 

February 26, 2019

Why You Should Not Avoid Confrontation in a Crisis

Ragan’s PR Daily

Ragan reposts Tim’s Muck Rack post with its own take.

 

February 1, 2019

20 Lessons After 50 Episodes

Podcast Business Journal

Tim recaps 20 quick lessons in the first year of podcasting.

 

January 29, 2019

Issues Management: Confrontation as a Defense Strategy

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien delves into scenarios where the best strategy is to counter punch.

 

January 21, 2019

Some Angels Don’t Have Wings

Healthcare Business Today

Tim interviews John Chamberlin for the Shaping Opinion Podcast on the story behind MedEvac. The episode received news coverage in this respected journal.

 

January 21, 2019

If You Can’t Find It, Create It

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien tells the basic story of how his and many other podcasters came up with the idea for their podcasts.

 

January 7, 2019

How to Find Great Guests

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien provides tips on the best way for podcasters to find guests who are a good fit.

 

December 26, 2018

Podcasters’ New Year’s Resolutions

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien takes a fun look at New Year’s resolutions for podcasters.

 

December 17, 2019

Indies: Do You Have a Clear Goal in Mind?

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien addresses the most common mistake indie podcasters make.

 

December 10, 2018

The Perfection of Imperfection

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien talks about how to make every detail count, even the ones that aren’t perfect.

 

November 27, 2018

Are Influencers Really That Influential?

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien cautions against putting too much stock in the power of influencers for your own growth.

 

November 21, 2018

How to Work with PR People

Podcast Business Journal

Tim O’Brien advises podcasters on how to best work with PR representatives.

 

September 2018

PR Content Creation: 2 Must-ask Questions to Ask Before that First Keystroke

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien simplifies the writing process by presenting two basic questions to improve writing focus from the outset.

 

August 15, 2018

Jeremy Collins Interviews Tim O’Brien regarding the Shaping Opinion Podcast

Podcasts We Listen To (Podcast)

Tim interviewed by Jeremy Collins on the story behind the Shaping Opinion podcast.

 

August 2018

Unfortunately, We Still Have to Tell Some Decision-makers, “The Media Does Not Work for Us”

Muck Rack Daily

An increasing number of managers and executives operate under the misconception that PR pros can control how journalists report. Tim explains.

 

July 2018

How to Sound Good in Your Next Podcast Interview

Muck Rack Daily

Using his media training experience, coupled with his work as a podcaster, he provides tips on how to sound better in the increasingly popular podcast format.

 

June 2018

5 Questions PR Pros Should Ask Reporters

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien serves up 5 questions to ask a reporter to help ensure a mutually beneficial relationship.

 

May 2018

In PR, Vetting Information is Non-negotiable

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien provides some guidelines on how to fact-check your info in the interest of your own credibility.

 

April 2018

About All Those “Press Release is Dead” Articles

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien weighs in on those who argue that the press release is dead.

 

March 2018

Helping to Make News is More Effective than “Being” News

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien talks about a strategy of not forcing the story when it comes to media relations, but let the story come to you.

 

February 2018

Media Interviewing: How to Stay on Message and Avoid Getting Tripped Up

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien offers up some simple tips to avoid losing your focus in your next media interview.

 

February 1, 2019

20 Lessons After 50 Episodes

Podcast Business Journal

Tim recaps 20 quick lessons in the first year of podcasting.

 

January 2018

Doing Well by Doing Good: 4 Benefits of Pro Bono Work

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien talks about the business and career benefits of Pro Bono work.

 

November 6, 2017

This is What Happens When Your Crisis Starts without You

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien covers the scenario where a social media crisis catches your organization off guard.

 

October 2017

How to Start Your Own Independent Practice by the New Year

PRSA’s PR Tactics

Tim O’Brien lays out the steps for starting your own independent practice in three months.

 

September 2017

Managing Your First Self-employed Month

PRSA’s PR Tactics

Tim O’Brien features an independent who recently started his own independent practice and shares his experience of the first 30 days.

 

August 21, 2017

Here is What Happens When You Actually Talk to a Reporter

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien talks about how relationship-building with the media starts with human interaction with journalists.

 

August 16, 2017

HR & PR: Partnering to Proactively Address Crisis Management

ADP – Spark

Tim O’Brien comments on how HR and PR can work together on crisis communications scenarios are featured.

 

August 4, 2017

Going Beyond Good Work with Internal Marketing

PRSA Tactics

Tim O’Brien talks to PR pros about how to make sure good work is not overlooked.

 

July 27, 2017

5 Secrets of Effective PR Pros

Muck Rack Daily

What are the five attributes that set effective PR pros apart from the rest? Discover here.

 

July 6, 2017

Want Local TV Coverage? Here’s what not to do

Muck Rack Daily

It’s one of the most common PR assignments – get local TV coverage. Still, many PR pros make the same mistakes over and over. Here’s what not to do.

 

July 2017

Are Your a Beekeeper or a Dog Walker?

PRSA’s PR Tactics

Tim O’Brien poses a question to independent practitioners on how to position their practice.

 

June 5, 2017

Note to Former Self: Thank You for Leaving Your Comfort Zone

LinkedIn

Tim O’Brien re-examines the story behind an unconventional 20-year anniversary.

 

May 30, 2017

The Media Has a PR Problem: How can it be fixed?

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien explores the declining “trust” numbers in a recent Gallup poll of news consumers, then offers some initial recommendations for the media.

 

May 9, 2017

The Best Commencement Speeches are Brief, Simple and Built Around a Single Concept

CommPRO Biz

Tim O’Brien looks at what makes for a great commencement speech and how that serves as a good example for other speeches.

 

May 8, 2017

What PR Pros and Journalists Need to Know About those Media Panel Events

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien explores the pros and cons of communications industry “media panel” events.

 

May 1, 2017

When Life Happens: Pushing Through It

PRSA’s PR Tactics

Tim O’Brien interviews Dr. Caroline Silby on the issue of staying focused on business during periods of adversity in your personal life.

 

April 13, 2017

Did You Know if You Work in PR, You are a Reporter?

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien provides tips on how to tap your own journalistic training to be better at public relations and media relations.

 

March 14, 2017

When Agencies Turn PR Newbies Loose on Journalists

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien examines an age-old problem for journalists and big agencies.

 

February 7, 2017

What Journalists May Not Know About What PR People Do

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien gives journalists contemplating a career in PR a glimpse of what’s involved.

 

February 1, 2017

Interim Communicators Fill an Organization’s Leadership Void

PRSA’s PR Tactics

Tim O’Brien interviewed four solo practitioners who stepped in to take charge of communications on an interim basis.

 

January 10, 2017

Expertise.com Ranks O’Brien Communications One of the Best PR Firms in Pittsburgh

Expertise.com

88 firms were reviewed, O’Brien Communications ranked among the top.

 

January 10, 2017

Five Badass Media Relations Resolutions for the New Year

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien lists 5 resolutions to improve your media relations game.

 

December 15, 2016

What Are the Ground Rules for Recording a Media Interview?

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien lists some of the unsaid rules around recording a media interview.

 

December 2016

It’s time to Spruce Up Your LinkedIn Profile for the New Year

PRSA Tactics

Tim O’Brien consults social media experts on what you can do to punch up your LinkedIn profile.

 

November 21, 2016

When a Journalist Asks You to Violate a Trust

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien details what you can do when faced with unexpected inquiries of a sensitive nature.

 

October 31, 2016

What’s the Drill for Dealing with the Changing of the Guard?

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien writes about how communications pros and journalists can best work through staffing changes on both sides.

 

October 28, 2016

If You Have a Disability, Self-employment Could be the Most Liberating Thing You’ve Ever Done

Medium.com

Tim O’Brien explores the pros and cons of starting your own business if you have a disability, but comes out with some very encouraging recommendations.

 

October 11, 2016

The One Question You Should Never Ask a Reporter Prior to an Interview

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien writes about a line you shouldn’t cross with a reporter before an interview.

 

September 24, 2016

Practitioner Profile: Tim O’Brien

PRSA Pittsburgh Blog and eNews

Tim O’Brien was profiled in the PRSA Pittsburgh Blog and eNews.

 

September 12, 2016

The “Blah Blah Blah” Behind AP Style and the Language of Disabilities

Muck Rack Daily

Tim O’Brien authored this article that details the thinking behind people-first language and how it guides AP Style on characterizing disabilities in reporting.

 

August 24, 2016

O’Brien Communications Among the First Disability-owned Businesses to be Certified as a DBE by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services

OBC Press Release

This press release announces O’Brien Communications status as a Diverse Business Enterprise (DBE).

 

August 18, 2016

Better Ways for PR Pros and Journalists to Make the Most of HARO

Muck Rack

Tim O’Brien details how both public relations practitioners and reporters can achieve better results through the communications tool Help a Reporter Out (HARO).

 

July 12, 2016

The Substantial Risks of CEO Activism

CyberAlert.com Blog

Tim O’Brien is quoted in this article that covers a recent Weber Shandwick Report and the risks of CEO activism.

 

March 24, 2016

Does the CEO Actually Write His Own Tweets? Acquiring an Executive Communications Mindset

Muck Rack

Executive communications involves more than speeches and articles. It takes customization around the leader’s personal style and approach to communication.  Tim O’Brien provides an overview of how an engaged leader can achieve better results within his or her comfort zone.

 

November 2015

Tag Team: the Independent Practitioner and the CEO

The Public Relations Society of America’s PR Tactics

Executive communications involves more than speeches and articles. It takes customization around the leader’s personal style and approach to communication.  Tim O’Brien provides an overview of how an engaged leader can achieve better results within his or her comfort zone.

 

March 2015

Four Myths About Being an Independent Practitioner

The Public Relations Society of America’s PR Tactics

In his monthly “State of Independence” column for PRSA’s PR Tactics, Tim O’Brien dispels some of the myths associated with solo practice.

 

September 16, 2014

How to Build an Effective Open Enrollment Communications Strategy

Winston Benefits (Blog)

Tim O’Brien is featured in this article about effective communications programs for open enrollment periods.

 

June 2, 2014

How Location Can Still Matter to Marketing Firms, Even in the Networked Age

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Tim O’Brien is quoted in this article that showcases the continued importance of location in business.

 

March 13, 2013

Q&A with Pittsburghers

Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

Tim O’Brien is featured in a Q&A in the run-up to the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade, for which he handles communications.

 

July 30, 2012

Managing Internal Expectations of the Media

The Public Relations Society of America’s PR Tactics

Tim O’Brien outlines what you can do to manage internal expectations of media relations activities.

 

February 11, 2010

White House Chief of Staff Provides Teachable Moment for Inclusive Communications

The Public Relations Society of America’s PR Tactics

In this article for PRSA’s PR Tactics, Tim O’Brien addresses some of the perception issues raised by an inappropriate comment from the White House Chief of Staff.

 

February 9, 2010

Oops! What to do When an Employee Says the Wrong Thing

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Blog

The national association interviewed Tim O’Brien for this article on what employers can and should do when employees use offensive language in communication.

 

September 1, 2009

Annual Reports are as Much for the Church as they are for Business Today

Church Executive

Tim O’Brien focuses on the value of annual reports to nonprofits and churches.

 

March 2009

Crises You Can Plan For: Preparing for the expected crisis

The Public Relations Society of America’s PR Tactics

Tim O’Brien provides key crisis communications steps you can take to prepare for crises that you know are coming.

 

October 2008

Mature Citizens Can Make or Break the Best of Plans

School Planning & Management

In this article, Tim O’Brien explores the issues associated with siting projects for school districts and one of the most challenging demographics for winning broad-based community support.

 

2006

The Essentials of Corporate Communications and Public Relations

Harvard Business School Press

Tim O’Brien was interviewed for Chapter 7 of this Harvard Business Press book where it centers on issues management and crisis communication.

 

2006

PR News Crisis Management Guidebook

PR News Publishing

Tim O’Brien contributed to Chapter 9, the portion of the book devoted to crisis communications planning.  His piece, “Why Some Crisis Plans Miss the Boat,” has been widely cited.

 

July 26, 2004

Analysis: Crisis Communications – Industry Rumors Challenge Even the Savvy PR Veteran

PR Week

Tim O’Brien featured in an article on how to address rumors in crisis situations.