FIR Podcast Network

Maintain a flexible approach to professional growth by joining IABC Fellows as they explore key topics essential for communication professionals at any career stage. Delve into important areas like the IABC Global Standard, Career Self-Assessment, and the IABC Proficiency Matrix. Learn from experts about negotiating salary, bonuses, and job titles when considering a new role, collaborating with recruiters, and effectively showcasing your skills in interviews and resumes. Discover strategies to enhance your expertise through library resources, partnerships, lectures, and university engagement opportunities. Focus on aligning personal values with career decisions, setting clear goals, utilizing support systems for knowledge expansion, embracing change, prioritizing certification, and committing to continuous learning.
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The post Circle of Fellows #102: Research, Plan, and Manage Your Communication Career appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

Companies whose boards include a member with marketing experience deliver higher investor returns than those whose boards lack marketing expertise. That higher return increases among companies losing market share. Does Artificial Intelligence (AI) threaten the path to board membership by dramatically reducing the number of marketers? OpenAI CEO Sam Altman thinks 95 percent of the work marketers do could become AI tasks. (Of course, the number of boards that take advantage of that marketing expertise -- and improved returns -- is very, very small.) Neville and Shel delve into these issues in this short midweek episode.
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The post FIR #394: Marketers, Boards, and AI appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the fear of hiring employees, the implications of using contractors, the financial considerations, and the benefits of having employees.
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The post ALP 224: Get over your fear of hiring employees appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

A new type of influencer, known as "Jinfluencers," is emerging in the media landscape. These influencers, who combine the roles of journalists and influencers, are gaining attention and challenging traditional media outlets. The media landscape has become fragmented, catering to niche interests and creating opportunities for trusted sources with loyal audiences. However, concerns have been raised about whether influencers can uphold journalistic standards. Neville and Shel explore the pros and cons of publishers embracing jinfluencers in this short midweek episode.
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The post FIR #393: Will Jinfluencers Eclipse Traditional Journalism? appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

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The post CWC 97: Agency salary and compensation trends in 2024 (featuring Nicholas Petroski) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

Unsavory and nefarious things happen on the Dark Web. But the Dark Web and Dark Social Media are not exclusively a place for ne'er-do-wells, criminals, and extremists. Dark Social includes messaging apps, private discussion groups on popular public forums, and even email. An increasing share of conversations about brands is taking place on the Dark Web, according to new research. How can communicators monitor it and influence the conversation in their favor? Neville and Shel dive into the Deep Web in this short midweek episode.
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The post FIR #392: Going Below the Surface into Dark Social Media appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the challenges and frustrations of owning an agency, emphasizing the importance of seeking accountability and support, and reflecting on one’s own role in addressing issues.
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The post ALP 223: Handling frustration as an agency owner appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

Match Group wanted the world to know it had secured 1,000 business licenses from OpenAI. In a press release, the company claimed that giving employees access to the full suite of ChatGPT tools has not only improved productivity but also altered the culture. The company disclosed in the press release that it was written by ChatGPT and edited by the company's communication professionals. Opinions about the propriety of using AI to craft press releases run the gamut. Neville and Shel consider this broad range of views in this short midweek episode.
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The post FIR #391: Match Group Swipes Right on AI-Generated Press Release appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

Google searches link to Wikipedia more than any other website. It is the largest and most-read reference work in history. It is consistently ranked as one of the 10 most popular websites in the world, and as of 2024 is the fifth most visited website on the net. Wikipedia is also one of the richest sources of information for AI training models. With all those eyes on Wikipedia, it's no surprise that PR professionals want relevant entries to reflect their priorities and messages. Yet Wikipedia's rules generally prohibit people and representatives of organizations from editing their own entries. Some people try to game the system, frequently with consequences. Others work with companies like Beutler Ink, a reputation agency that specializes in Wikipedia entries based on founder William Beutler's knowledge of how to work with Wikipedia's volunteer editors to achieve the best possible results for his clients.

In this FIR Interview, Shel and Neville talk with Bill about the current state of Wikipedia's relationship with the PR industry, how AI is affecting Wikipedia, and a host of toher topics of interest to communicators.
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The post FIR Interview: William Beutler on PR and Wikipedia appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

Based on the plunge in the value of NFTs last year and the evaporation of business on NFT exchanges, it would be easy to think these tokens were just a passing fad, like Pet Rocks and Beanie Babies, especially given the resounding death knell produced by media. But NFTs never left, with companies like Starbucks and Nike continuing to invest in them, fashion companies continuing to use them, and artists continuing to offer their work via NFTs. The prices are rebounding, too -- even among the silly pixelated avatars selling for millions of dollars. In this short midweek episode, Neville and Shel explore the resurgence of NFTs and what it means for communicators.
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The post FIR #390: The Fall and Rise of NFTs appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.