Public relations isn't reserved for big brands with agency retainers. In this free resource from a recent presentation to the first Emerging Entrepreneurs cohort, Christie Solomon of Elevate Next breaks down exactly how emerging entrepreneurs can earn media coverage, pitch like a pro, and build a PR strategy that actually works.

In an era defined by AI, shrinking attention spans, and digital noise, three lessons from journalism offer powerful guidance for modern professionals. From leveraging AI wisely to acknowledging bias and practicing intentional listening, these human skills are becoming more valuable—not less.

Marketing attracts consumers, but customer service is what keeps them coming back. This article explores how thoughtful, human-centered service isn’t just support — it’s strategy. Great customer service builds brand loyalty, fuels word-of-mouth referrals, and differentiates in competitive markets.

Free speech in the American workplace has been a source of legal and cultural tension since the 1970s. Dr. Randy Bobbitt examines the free speech rights—and notable exceptions—affecting public- and private-sector employees in recent years, and recommends ways public relations can help employers navigate this complex landscape.

Big tech may be sinking deeper into internet ‘enshittification,’ but not every platform is following that path. Patreon CEO Jack Conte argues that the internet can still be a place where creativity, community, and genuine human connection come first. By designing algorithms that fund art - not ads - and keeping humans, not engagement traps, in control, platforms can provide a healthier digital ecosystem.

Digital platforms that once helped small businesses thrive have become cluttered, noisy, and profit-driven — or what Cory Doctorow calls ‘enshittified.’ But small business owners who give a damn aren’t powerless. Discover practical digital strategies to cut through the noise and keep your marketing authentic, sustainable, and human.

Preparation, awareness of logical fallacies, and respectful discourse are essential foundations for a debate that builds rather than breaks. Without these elements, disagreements rarely lead to productive outcomes.

Diving in the Red Sea aboard the Aggressor IV was more than a bucket-list experience—it became a masterclass in operational excellence, teamwork, and customer experience.

Tariffs are barriers to international trade. Paid by the importer, tariffs are fees assessed on the value of imported products, including freight and insurance, which increases the cost of importing goods. We provide five strategies businesses can employ to weather tariff policy uncertainty in the U.S.

When equipping your business with the right software, the decision to build a custom solution or buy an off-the-shelf product can feel like a high-stakes choice. Owners must evaluate critical factors — budget, timelines, technical expertise, and long-term goals — to navigate this pivotal decision and ensure their software strategy aligns with business objectives.

For most entrepreneurs, few things are as exciting as turning a great product or service idea into a profitable business. But while it can be exciting to conceptualize starting a new company, there are necessary steps to achieve sustainable success.

We’re approaching that often daunting time of year for setting annual goals. Whether it’s a financial forecast or a New Year’s resolution, set achievable yet challenging goals and milestones. Get SMARTER in your goal-setting process by anticipating roadblocks and detours on your path to achievement. 

Negotiation is an activity everyone engages in, sometimes daily. Two or more parties negotiate because there is a conflict of interest, and they believe they can get a better deal by negotiating than by simply accepting what the other side will offer. We provide five strategies to achieve a win-win outcome in any negotiation.

Sustainable procurement, as an ethical business practice, supports human rights, reduces carbon footprints, and benefits local communities.

Direct competition is no longer the primary factor a business should consider critical to remaining relevant. A brand’s business strategy must continuously evolve to compete across industries based on customer experience.

The resources you invest in developing your individual brand yield opportunities for personal and professional growth. Learn four reasons why it’s worth the investment to develop a successful personal brand.

A scarcity of talent was one of the biggest human resources (HR) obstacles companies faced in 2021. The widespread challenge of attracting and retaining talent emphasizes the need for collaboration between HR and public relations (PR) departments.

When you receive a phone call and continue working on your current project, you’re probably not doing either activity very well. Successful monotasking, or focusing on one task at a time, requires you to ignore the myriad of distractions around you.

Contrary to popular thought, the Economist recently argued that "no one should actually bring their whole selves to work. People are a melange of traits, [many of which] should be kept well away from the workplace." A recent Below Deck Sailing episode provides a humorous reminder of why our colleagues don’t need to know about our authentic Friday night selves.

Our five incredible Wintergreen Canadian Inuit dogs were friendly, loving, and docile, but when pulling the sled on the trail, they became determined machines focused on one thing: Pulling. These working dogs demonstrated remarkable leadership and teamwork.