The Business Communicators

This week on The Business Communicators, the crew discusses Total’s corporate rebranding to reflect its netzero ambitions, Twitter’s latest premium offering, and a new study from MIT and Google that aims to fight misinformation on social media.

Does A Rebrand Really Make A Difference?

As public concern grows over climate change, companies have reinvented themselves to become leaders in the energy transition. French oil company Total recently renamed itself TotalEnergies, to reflect the company’s strategy to become a more diverse energy company. 

TotalEnergies is not the first company to rebrand itself to present a better image. Companies and businesses have implemented rebrands as their goals have evolved. Some of them spend millions of dollars to roll out a fresh and updated look. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love all things shiny and new! Investing in rebranding works for some, not for others. Will it work for TotalEnergies? The Business Communicators weigh in. 

Will ‘Twitter Blue’ Drive More Revenue For Social Media Giant? 

More than 85 percent of Twitter’s revenue comes from advertising, and when the pandemic ignited lockdowns world-wide, sales dropped. Twitter launched Twitter Blue, a monthly subscription service that offers tools such as the ability to edit tweets before posting, and to read long threads in Reader Mode. With more than 200 million daily users on Twitter, it will be ‘wait and see’ if Twitter Blue will be a welcome addition to their content palette. What do Austin, Hattie and Thomas think about it?

What’s The Real Deal About Fake News?

Depending on what is read these days on social media, chances are the information is not always accurate. During the pandemic, fake news and other misinformation about COVID-19 and the vaccine was prevalent on social media, and actually convinced people to not get the vaccine when it was available. 

A new study led by MIT and Google proves that social media can slow the spread of fake news with a simple fix: get people to think about the accuracy of information before they share. The study revealed that when prompted to consider a story’s accuracy, people were 20 percent less likely to share fake news. Do we think it will work? 

Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather 

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
🎬 Facebook 
🐦 Twitter 
📸 Instagram 
📥 LinkedIn 
👋🏻 Clubhouse 
📱 Community: Text "podcast" to (713) 360-0133 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST 
🎙 iTunes
🎙 Spotify 
💻 Website

SPONSORS 
IABC Houston 
Pierpont Communications 
Mykrantz & Co

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
📥 LinkedIn
🧵 Threads
🎥 YouTube

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST
🎙 Apple Podcasts
🎙 Spotify
💻 Website

Amazon made headlines with its massive purchase of MGM. What does this mean for the future of how we consume content? In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation that takes on Silicon Valley. But, is this an assault on private corporations and their constitutional rights? As America heads back to the office, is video calling a thing of the past, or is it something we should embrace moving forward?

Amazon Expands Media Portfolio with MGM Buy

Amazon made waves in Hollywood with their historic acquisition of MGM studios at a cost of $8.45 billion, giving their streaming services access to a huge catalogue of content. The deal will expand Amazon’s Prime Video with about 4,000 films including the James Bond franchise, and 17,000 television shows such as the Handmaid’s Tale. 

Was the buy a good move for Amazon? What will it mean for its competitors’ Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu? 

Florida Moves to Stop Censorship with New Social Media Law
 

Florida governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 7072 recently that “guarantees protection for Floridians against the Silicon Valley elites.” The bill restricts how large social apps and websites can moderate users’ content, and will allow users to sue if they believe they were banned without sufficient reason.

Tech industry giants Amazon, Google, Intel, Samsung, Facebook and others are suing Florida saying the bill is a violation of private companies’ constitutional rights. 

Tech and Florida have come out swinging. Who’s going to win this one? 

Do I Need to Turn My Camera On During A Video Call?

Video conference calls have become the new normal. Video conference fatigue is also a real thing according to Stanford University research. Can companies gradually transitioning back to the workplace be a possible solution for eliminating the exhaustion people are feeling from virtual meetings? 

Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather 

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram 
📥 LinkedIn 
👋🏻 Clubhouse 
📱 Community: Text "podcast" to (713) 360-0133 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST 
🎙 iTunes 
🎙 Spotify 
💻 Website 

SPONSORS 
IABC Houston 
Pierpont Communications 
Mykrantz & Co

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
📥 LinkedIn
🧵 Threads
🎥 YouTube

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST
🎙 Apple Podcasts
🎙 Spotify
💻 Website

After a week off, The Business Communicators are back! The trio discuss the communications efforts behind the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, why comms teams should be diligent in preparing for potential cyber threats, TikTok and (surprise) privacy, and tips to effectively channel your creative ideas.

Mask On, Mask Off: The Rules of Engagement

The most recent guidelines from the CDC say that individuals that are fully vaccinated can resume activities prior to the pandemic without a mask. However, if required by state and local guidelines, you will still be required to wear a mask. For the most part, the rules of engagement for wearing or not wearing a mask are still confusing for most people. The Business Communicators offer insight to what comms pros should look out for.

Cyberattack Shuts Down the Largest U.S. Fuel Pipeline 

After a forced shut down by one of the most disruptive cyberattacks in recent history, the Colonial Pipeline has returned to normal operations. As the operator of the largest U.S. fuel pipeline, the shutdown initiated a widespread supply shortage and caused temporary price spikes. This was clearly a crisis many were not prepared to manage. How did it happen and what can Colonial do to make sure it doesn’t happen again? The Business Communicators weigh in.

Will TikTok’s New Login Feature Gain Users’ Trust? 

TikTok ranks as the 7th most used social network in the world, with 689 million global active users, according to the Hootsuite Digital 2021 Report. TikTok announced recently that its new “Login with TikTok” feature will let users log into other apps useing their TikTok credentials. The intentions might sound good on the surface, but it’s a pretty big ask for a company that was trusted so little last year. Should users be concerned? Austin, Hattie and Thomas discuss what comms pros should think about.

Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather 

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
📥 LinkedIn
👋🏻 Clubhouse
📱 Community: Text "podcast" to (713) 360-0133 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST 
🎙 iTunes
🎙 Spotify
💻 Website

SPONSORS
IABC Houston
Pierpont Communications
Mykrantz & Co

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
📥 LinkedIn
🧵 Threads
🎥 YouTube

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST
🎙 Apple Podcasts
🎙 Spotify
💻 Website

Ron Carucci, best-selling author, speaker and managing partner at Navalent, has spent nearly four decades working with leaders and organizations pursuing transformational change for their organizations, leaders and industries. Ron’s work has been featured in Fortune, CEO Magazine, Business Insider, MSNBC, Inc, Business Week, and more.

Ron joined The Business Communicators to discuss current issues impacting businesses (environmental, social and governance) and recent research that culminated into his upcoming book, To Be Honest, that reveals what it takes to build purpose-driven companies of honesty and justice.  

Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather 

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter 
📸 Instagram 
📥 LinkedIn 
👋🏻 Clubhouse 
📱 Community: Text "podcast" to (713) 360-0133 

CONNECT WITH RON CARUCCI 
🎬 Facebook
📸 Instagram
🐦 Twitter
📥 LinkedIn
📚 Pre-Order Ron’s Book

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST 
🎙 iTunes
🎙 Spotify 
💻 Website 

SPONSORS 
IABC Houston 
Pierpont Communications 
Mykrantz & Co

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
📥 LinkedIn
🧵 Threads
🎥 YouTube

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST
🎙 Apple Podcasts
🎙 Spotify
💻 Website

If you have not met Jodi-Ann Burey, you’re in for a treat.  Simply put, she is a disrupter, speaker and a writer who works at the intersections of race, culture, and health equity. 

Jodi’s TED talk, “The Myth of Bringing Your Full Authentic Self to Work,” embodies her disruption of traditional narratives about racism at work and has almost 1 million YouTube views.

Jodi-Ann joins Hattie Horn for an engaging conversation about her mission to disrupt “business as usual” to achieve social change; and, strategies companies and business leaders can implement that enable their people to feel confident about bringing their full, authentic selves to work.

Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather 

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
🎬 Facebook 
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram 
📥 LinkedIn
👋🏻 Clubhouse 
📱 Community: Text "podcast" to (713) 360-0133 

FOLLOW JODI-ANN BUREY ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
📸 Instagram
🐦 Twitter
📥 LinkedIn
🎙 Podcast

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST 
🎙 iTunes
🎙 Spotify 
💻 Website 

SPONSORS 
IABC Houston 
Pierpont Communications 
Mykrantz & Co

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
📥 LinkedIn
🧵 Threads
🎥 YouTube

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST
🎙 Apple Podcasts
🎙 Spotify
💻 Website

Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos wrote his final letter to shareholders last week offering clear insight about the customer experience, efficiency, long-term thinking, managing crisis and more. What are the key takeaways for comms pros and business leaders? 

Then, should CEOs get involved in discussing hot-button political and social issues? If so, how far are they willing to go to affect change? 

The show closes by discussing a new survey published in PR Week finding that 55 percent of Instagram influencers were involved in some form of social media fraud and fakery in 2020. Can we trust influencers moving forward?

Takeaways from Jeff Bezos’ Final Shareholder Letter

Each year, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos writes a thought-provoking shareholder letter that offers clear insight about the customer experience, efficiency, long-term thinking, managing crisis and more. In his final shareholder letter, Bezos states that “if you want to be more successful in business (in life, actually), you have to create more than you consume.” Bezos also acknowledges the company needs “a better vision for our employees’ success.” His messages are clear and concise, and his tone is inclusive and respectful of all the stakeholders involved in the company’s success. 

Austin, Hattie and Thomas discuss Bezos’ final shareholder letter and takeaways communicators and business leaders alike can benefit from.

Should Business Leaders Get Involved in Politics?

In a previous episode, The Business Communicators discussed the Edelman Trust Barometer that revealed a widespread mistrust of government, and more trust in company CEOs. More recently, companies have been speaking out against states implementing voting laws that opponents say will make voting more difficult for underrepresented voters, particularly Black voters. This raises questions for The Business Communicators:

• Should business leaders get involved in political/government issues? 
• How far are they willing to go to affect change?
• Will getting involved help or hurt their reputation?
• How are companies/business leaders communicating to their employees their stance?

We’re Number One for All Things Comms!

Shoutout to Catalyst, the official publication of the International Association of Business Communicators for including The Business Communicators in their list of recommendations to members as one of 14 Podcasts to Add to Your Communication Toolkit. We’re number one on the list for All Things Comms!

Thank you, IABC, for your support, especially to our sponsors and listeners who tune in and share your insight about the key issues and trends that impact our industry. Let’s keep building!

Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather 

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
🎬 Facebook 
🐦 Twitter 
📸 Instagram 
📥 LinkedIn 
👋🏻 Clubhouse 
📱 Community: Text "podcast" to (713) 360-0133 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST 
🎙 iTunes
🎙 Spotify 
💻 Website 

SPONSORS 
IABC Houston 
Pierpont Communications 
Mykrantz & Co

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
📥 LinkedIn
🧵 Threads
🎥 YouTube

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST
🎙 Apple Podcasts
🎙 Spotify
💻 Website

Daniel Vaughn is the barbecue editor at Texas Monthly and he is the ultimate barbecue snob. In fact, @BBQSnob is his handle on both Twitter and Instagram where he actively engages with fans and readers throughout the U.S.

Vaughn is a licensed architect, he is the author of the bestselling book, The Prophets of Smoked Meat and the creator of popular blog Full Custom Gospel BBQ. He joins The Business Communicators to talk about the science of BBQ, his unique career path, the importance of following your passion, and why brand and audience engagement is crucial to maintain small business success. 

Listeners will also learn how to use a variety of media platforms to amplify messages that keep audiences coming back for more. And, Vaughn shares his insights on the most underrated BBQ spots in Texas, including some you haven’t heard of, and some that might make the coveted Texas Monthly Top 50 later this year.

Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
📥 LinkedIn
👋🏻 Clubhouse
📱 Community: Text "podcast" to (713) 360-0133

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST
iTunes
Spotify
Website

SPONSORS
IABC Houston
Pierpont Communications
Mykrantz & Co

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
📥 LinkedIn
🧵 Threads
🎥 YouTube

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST
🎙 Apple Podcasts
🎙 Spotify
💻 Website

The month of April blew in bringing fools, fire and vaccine passports. In this week’s episode, Austin, Thomas and Hattie talk about Volkswagen’s April Fool fail, Nike’s clap-back on rapper Lil Nas X’s "Satan Shoes," and concerns about the new vaccine passport policy.

Volkswagen is the Biggest (April) Fool

If we had to grade Volkswagen’s effort to promote the company’s lone electric vehicle to coincide with April Fool’s Day, they earned an ‘F.' It all started with a leaked press release from Volkswagen announcing a rebrand to “Voltswagen” and that the change was a “public declaration of the company’s future-forward investment in e-mobility.” 

The company said the “Voltswagen” branding would be on all its EVs going forward. Turns out, it’s a big fat lie, and an April Fool’s fail. Their attempt to pull a harmless prank shows that jokes like these don’t always pan out and possibly can erode consumer trust.

Nike, Lil Nas X, and ‘Satan Shoes’

Lil Nas X can teach a master class on creating fame. The rap artist is intuitive, and creative, in using digital media to promote his music and most recently, his collaboration with MSCHF to sell 666 pairs of modified Nike Air Max 97s as “Satan Shoes.”

Nike sued MSCHF alleging unauthorized use of the Nike logo and requested the court to cancel orders of the Satan Shoes, but not before MSCHF was able to sell off all but one pair of the custom shoes. Sneaker heads and critics alike are taking opposite corners in the controversy. Lil Nas X most likely is smiling and thinking, “Where’s the fire?” 

Marketers, take note.

Can Vaccine Passports Help Revive the Economy?

Proponents say that if we can identify people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine, or at lower risk of spreading it could help open travel among other things. That’s a good thing. We desperately need the effort to work, to get our economy booming again and with summer around the corner, people back to enjoying travel beyond the grocery store, the backyard and the living room sofa.

Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
📥 LinkedIn
👋🏻 Clubhouse
📱 Community: Text "podcast" to (713) 360-0133

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST
iTunes
Spotify
Website

SPONSORS
IABC Houston
Pierpont Communications
Mykrantz & Co

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
📥 LinkedIn
🧵 Threads
🎥 YouTube

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST
🎙 Apple Podcasts
🎙 Spotify
💻 Website

In the latest spirited conversation of The Business Communicators podcast, Austin, Thomas and Hattie exchange viewpoints over US businesses that are offering free stuff to people that get vaccinated, the pros and cons of a potential media merger between The Athletic and Axios, and why social influencer David Dobrik’s scope of influence should have included him not making stupid decisions.

Free Money, Donuts and Dope: But You Have to Get Vaccinated First

Breaking news: Getting the vaccine against COVID-19 can score you some swag! Knowing the protection benefits of getting vaccinated against a dangerous virus doesn’t seem to be enough to convince some people to take the jab. So, businesses across the US are offering perks to those who receive COVID shots. But is this the right approach or is it a promotional stunt to increase revenue and publicity?

Startups Axios and The Athletic Talk Merger, Consider SPAC Deal 

Does bigger mean better? That’s what startups Axios and The Athletic seem to think. While the online news platform and sports-media outlet have done well on their own, they’re betting on scale to improve their odds of success. Each online company has its own loyal base of followers and by consolidating, the long-term plan is to bring additional digital publishers whose content draw consumers willing to pay for it and pull in premium advertisers wanting to get on the gravy train. Will subscribers climb aboard? 

David Dobrik Called Out for Sexual Misconduct, Now He’s Crying Foul

We’ve discussed the genius of social influencer David Dobrik on previous episodes of The Business Communicators. His presence on YouTube, TikTok and podcasts has built a fanbase of millions and he’s grown his estimated net worth to $20 million. The Wall Street Journal dubbed him Gen Z’s Jimmy Fallon and Dobrik could do no wrong. Until now. 

Dobrik is riding a wake of multiple accusations of sexual assault against members of his VlogSquad content creation group. Though Dobrik issued a tearful apology, it doesn’t seem to be working. YouTube has demonetized his platform and he’s losing fans and sponsorships left and right. Is his 15 minutes over as fast as it started?

Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
📥 LinkedIn
👋🏻 Clubhouse
📱 Community: Text "podcast" to (713) 360-0133

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST 
iTunes
Spotify
Website

SPONSORS 
IABC Houston
Pierpont Communications
Mykrantz & Co

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
📥 LinkedIn
🧵 Threads
🎥 YouTube

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST
🎙 Apple Podcasts
🎙 Spotify
💻 Website

The NCAA’s March Madness is well underway, one year after the annual collegiate basketball tournament was canceled due to COVID-19. What does that have to do with communications? Plenty. The Business Communicators discuss how universities have reimagined their robust strategies to keep fans engaged to overcome the lack of physical connections. The show also focuses on how employees have missed the chance to connect at the water cooler, and how maintaining mental health is crucial as we emerge from the isolation created by the pandemic.

Editor’s Note: Are you on Clubhouse? If so, we launched a group! Join The Business Communicators on Clubhouse by clicking here.

Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather

Connect with The Business Communicators on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, and find out more about our show at TheBusinessCommunicators.com. And, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email to [email protected] or text “podcast” to (713) 360-0133.

IABC Houston Sponsors

• Diamond Partner: Pierpont Communications
• Chapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
🎬 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
📸 Instagram
📥 LinkedIn
🧵 Threads
🎥 YouTube

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST
🎙 Apple Podcasts
🎙 Spotify
💻 Website