Morra Aarons-Mele

Start-up and scale-up founders, CEOs and CMOs can save themselves a lot of heartache if they assess their company's readiness for corporate communications before they bring on an expensive corp comm leader. By identifying where the requisite building blocks for success already exist, executives can develop the function in a way that impacts business results by making better hiring decisions, understanding where to expect results near and long term, and strategically planning their investments in the function. Looking for a guide to help you do this? Drop me a line. As a 25-year veteran leader who has helped a number of start-ups and scale-ups build their corporate communications departments, I can help you figure out if you are ready to add this strategic function. #CorporateCommunications #ScaleUp #StartUp #PublicRelations

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In our latest "One Thought" piece, I try to reframe the decision to purchase advocacy technology: Can you afford not to invest in a platform that will make every other aspect of your public affairs program better? Let me know what you think.

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As the first anniversary of Oct. 7 approaches, how have your #ERG programs evolved over the past year? Is there more space or structure at work for interfaith dialogue and inclusive, intersectional comms? Please share this with your comms people doing the work and let me know if you're comfortable sharing your efforts for an upcoming Ragan Communications and PR Daily story. justinj@ragan.com

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A few words about DEI and Publicity: Looks like this year diversity, equity and inclusion topics are more important than ever. Instead of just announcing new DEI programs, why don’t we focus on tracking and sharing the outcomes of existing initiatives? What reporters want is touching, relatable and genuine stories about the real impact on people. Besides, they want to hear from us ALL YEAR AROUND, not once in a blue moon or during DEI awareness days. #pr #publicrelations #publicity #dei

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With the changing of the administrations in Washington, DC and turnover in Pennsylvania, I wanted to fill a gap by creating a job board for public relations, communications, public affairs, and digital jobs for Pennsylvanians. I created a board aggregating communications jobs in Pennsylvania and remote jobs, so you can work for these jobs if you're a Pennsylvanian. Take a look at the board: https://lnkd.in/e3E8wQdH This is definitely a first pass, and I will be tweaking it, but if you're looking for a public relations or communications job in Pennsylvania, hopefully, this will be a helpful starting point.

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Thanks for having me on your podcast, Dana Snyder. This case study proves the power of listening. Have a listen and let me know what you think: https://lnkd.in/eFHBbH6H

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This week, I'm thrilled to share a monumental guide that dives deep into the art of creating compelling brand messaging for advocacy campaigns. As public affairs practitioners, crafting a persuasive message is crucial, but it's a task we don't undertake daily. To streamline this complex process, I've turned to ChatGPT to help break down the task into manageable steps. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄’𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿? I detail a 27-prompt strategy that uses ChatGPT to: - 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀: Set precise objectives to drive your campaign. - 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲: Ensure your messaging resonates with your values and desired public perception. - 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴: Generate innovative ideas and refine them into impactful messages. - 𝗘𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀: Align your messaging across different media for consistent advocacy. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻? If you've ever found yourself recycling old messages or struggling to infuse creativity into your campaigns, this newsletter will transform your approach: - 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: Use AI to explore new angles and fresh perspectives. - 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: Save time with AI-driven prompts that guide the creation and refinement of your brand messaging. - 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: Ensure your messages are not only creative but also strategically aligned with your campaign goals. 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀: Paid subscribers will gain exclusive access to the full archive of my interactive session with ChatGPT, providing a behind-the-scenes look at how each step was implemented for a hypothetical campaign against the carbon tax. ☝️You can subscribe by clicking 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴 link in my bio☝️

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In this recent article with Authority Magazine, I discuss the barriers women face in advancing to leadership roles and share actionable strategies to overcome these challenges. It's an honor to be part of this conversation and to continue advocating for a future where equity is not just an aspiration but a reality. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dXx-XWxK 💪🏽 #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #Equity #DEI #HopeForTheFuture #AmiraBarger

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Whether in a personal or professional setting it is clear telling someone "You're wrong" rarely seems to make a difference, but seems to be more and more common place (thanks social media). The kick off of election campaigns has made it even clearer how so many people have already got preconceived ideas and views, and with the increase of (mis)information available you can find anything to justify your existing beliefs. Whether it is why a particular political party or politician is better, or something in a professional capacity. It is still very common for candidates to have decided on agencies they do or don't want to work with before even speaking with me. Whilst this can be super helpful in understanding what motivates them and will suit them, the two don't always add up. There is one agency I work with (who are admittedly brilliant) that I would say 70% of my candidates list as their "dream agency". Although this agency is fantastic, it doesn't necessarily mean it is the right for them. Likewise I often get clients who are very set on the experience or background (yes still *sigh*) of the "perfect" candidate they are looking for. Again it can be a helpful starting point, but more often than not the key to the successful hire lies in the traits far beyond what is on someone's CV or LinkedIn profile. So, whilst it can be hard to change minds and just screaming "YOU'RE WRONG" will rarely get cut through, listening and understanding can make a huge difference. In a world and a job market where things can feel a bit sh*t right now a bit of empathy and making people feel heard can go a long way.

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"But NPR’s troubles extend far beyond concerns about its journalism. Internal documents reviewed by The Times and interviews with more than two dozen current and former public radio executives show how profoundly the nonprofit is struggling to succeed in the fast-changing media industry. It is grappling with a declining audience and falling revenue — and internal conflict about how to fix it." This article sheds good light on the disruption facing the media industry. #Media #Communications #PR

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It’s a long article, but a masterclass in the changing roles of media and communications. #IFKYK Thanks for the summary, Erin Grant

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Foretell in the wild! 🌎 Check out Erin Pelton featured in Eleanor Hawkins Axios Communicators newsletter today. Erin shares insights into how we think about CEO communications. Spoiler: being a great leader means being a great storyteller, too. These days, people want to connect with a real human, not just a logo or tagline. That’s where we come in—helping CEOs and execs define their vision, tell their story, and build trust. Dive in below 👇

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A new certification for social enterprises offers an affordable, streamlined verification process...with an interesting twist. You'll also find inspiration and provisions for your journey of impact in this week's issue of Godspeed. #socialenterprise #certification #socialimpact #purposedrivenbusiness #newsletter

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Comms work is intimate work. Here are quick reflections from a media training I did earlier today… During the Q&A, the team asked for tips to better find and capture their principal’s authentic voice. My secret: Emotional Intimacy. What makes you feel seen? #publicrelations #communication #leadership #creativewriting #politics #advocacy #storytelling #politicswithpurpose

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Have you ever felt like your hard-earned donation disappeared into a void? You’re not alone. One of the top reasons donors disengage is a lack of clarity about where their money goes. Donor fatigue doesn’t always stem from giving too much; sometimes, it’s about not seeing enough in return—not in money, but in meaning. What if that could change? Transparency and impact reporting are game-changers for any community foundation or nonprofit organization. When donors see the tangible difference their contributions make, they feel valued and connected. They’re not just writing a check; they’re becoming part of the story. One cool example of turning data into stories is from a well-known nonprofit called charity: water. They’ve revolutionized impact reporting by using GPS coordinates, photos, and stories to show donors exactly where their funds are being used. Instead of vague promises, they provide clear evidence of wells built and communities served. This approach has inspired a loyal base of supporters who trust in the organization’s mission because they see it working. So how can nonprofits and philanthropies embrace this level of transparency? ✔️ Show, Don’t Just Tell: Use photos, videos, and personal stories to highlight how donations are making a difference. It’s always a good idea to coordinate with a professional photographer to ensure they capture a diverse range of images. ✔️ Break Down the Budget: Share simple, easy-to-understand summaries of how funds are allocated. No fluff, just facts. ✔️Create Feedback Loops: Regularly update donors on ongoing projects and invite them to ask questions or share their thoughts. When you have that feedback, find a way to use it wisely while the information is still relevant. When we remove the mystery around where donations go, we foster a culture of trust and involvement. Donors want to be partners in change, not just ATMs. Transparency transforms the relationship from transactional to transformational. How do you ensure transparency and trust with your donors? Share your ideas in the comments! Fire & Bliss Creative works with philanthropies and grantees to create strategic communications plans to support policy advocacy, fundraising, and other grantee assistance. If you are interested in seeing if we are a good fit to help solve your communications challenges, send me a message and we’ll set up a time to talk. #BrandStrategy #Philanthropy #Transparency

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What's your "one" word? The single word (no hyphenating) that explains who you are as a professional? Working through some heavily researched thought leadership writing for clients in recent months has planted this positioning exercise in my head. While I might use "distiller" because my innate and practiced superpower is sorting highly complex topics to help companies express thought leadership through their executives and experts—I’m going with "discerning." Discerning which sources to consider and use—and how to combine them in a written communication—is an essential research skill. There's a patience to being discerning. And an ability to ask good questions and digest what's coming back in response. It's more of the backroom stuff (strategy, vision), whereas distilling content speaks more to the writing process and finished work. Maybe I'll be a distiller in retirement. What's your word? #essentialyou #oneword #FENDcommunication #discerning

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"Outdated narratives hold leaders back. Rewrite your story with intentionality and growth in mind." @SkipPrichard recently spoke with Lior Arussy, author of DARE TO AUTHOR, about how to challenge the beliefs that are limiting your success, embrace vulnerability, and craft an intentional, impactful narrative that will drive your success. #daretoauthor #success https://loom.ly/TzKD59M

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It’s not too early to get a plan in place to draft thought leadership pieces wrapping up 2024 and looking ahead at what’s to come in 2025. I’ve already started talking with clients about end-of-the-year content. Consider writing pieces that can be published on your site AND pitched as contributed articles. Interview your C-suite thought leaders about their takeaways from 2024 and what trends they see on the horizon for 2025. Getting an early start to create and place your content may help you garner more attention for it, as once we get closer to Election Day, it may be harder to get anyone to pay attention with all the distractions. #thoughtleadership #B2B #publicrelations

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