By: Ellie Forkins Searching for your first job post college is stressful enough, but add in a global pandemic, and it becomes daunting. With the national unemployment at 6.7 percent in December, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, but don’t let that get you down. During this time of uncertainty, it is still important […]
The #RealDeal with #Hashtags
By: Alana Stillitano We all know what it is like to be scrolling through our social media feeds to find a series of hashtags after certain posts. This might bring some questions to mind: What are they being used for? Are they important for your business? And do they really work? Throughout this post, we […]
Supporting Your Legislative Goals Through PR During the Legislative Session
It’s that time of year here in Virginia: The General Assembly session! We work with a variety of clients on achieving their government relations goals, including coalitions and associations. Here is how we effectively work with our government relations clients during the legislative session (and if you’re a coalition or association, how our firm could […]
Growing and Leading our Team Virtually
Over nine months ago Brian and I started discussing our contingency plan for working remotely for two weeks because of COVID-19. Our experience in crisis planning and communications made our next steps clear. I never imagined eight months later we would be working from home with new colleagues we have never met in person. Leading […]
Networking Virtually
By: Alana Stillitano When you think about what formal networking looks like, it is shaking hands, smiling faces, and intellectual discussions in conference rooms. As the effects of the Coronavirus are still around us, the “typical” networking event has changed – and professionals are left wondering how to build connections in a time when we […]
Creating Engaging Campaigns During COVID-19
One of our clients, River Ridge, recently celebrated their anniversary this fall and asked us to develop a campaign to promote it, without hosting a traditional, large-scale event due to the uncertainties of COVID. We knew we would have to find unique ways to celebrate while garnering media attention and engaging with key stakeholders. This […]
COVID-19, Workplace Safety & Handling Employee Push-back
This post taps the collective experiences of Brian Chandler (PR expert and CEO of Commonwealth Public Relations) and Tricia Dunlap (business attorney and CEO of Dunlap Law PLC). Like every business owner, the first months of the pandemic rocked your foundation. Now, nine months in, you’ve finally found your sea legs. And then an angry […]
Increasing PR & Marketing Outreach During the Holiday Season
By: Ellie Forkins The holidays are here! For the next few weeks, consumers will be thrown an abundance of marketing and advertising campaigns. Though December tends to be the busiest month of the year, it is important for businesses to continue their marketing and PR efforts throughout the holiday season. But, how can businesses […]
Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media
By: Alana Stillitano Even though COVID-19 has changed the way many businesses operate, it has only made social media content more important. Compelling social media posts can communicate important updates to your customers as well as develop a strong sense of brand loyalty for your business. Social media is an amazing tool that, when used […]
Starting and Finding a Job During COVID-19
By Alana Stillitano I started working at Commonwealth PR in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. Getting a job offer during a crisis is a rare opportunity, and I was thrilled that the team saw potential in me without even meeting me face-to-face. Within weeks, I felt that I was truly welcomed into the Commonwealth PR family […]