In this episode of the Break to Build podcast hosted by Chae O'Brien, Julie Kelley unveils the intricacies of fostering innovation in public relations and substantiates the concept of public-facing impact. This engaging conversation paints a vivid picture of how modern brands must listen and respond to their customer base more attentively than ever before.

Kelley demystifies the traditional boundaries of public relations by highlighting the necessity of brands to engage in an active dialogue with the public, which often leads to heartfelt, impactful stories that resonate with consumers and the media alike. With real-world examples from chocolate manufacturing to energy companies, Kelley advises on the importance of transparency and humanity in business narratives, revealing the imprint these stories leave on a brand's reputation and consumer loyalty.

Key takeaways:

• Public-Facing Impact: Kelley introduces a term outlining how public perception can significantly color every business decision, urging companies to actively shape this perception through transparent practices.
• Listening More than Ever: With the rise of social media and real-time feedback, Kelley emphasizes the importance of businesses listening to their audiences to remain relevant and impactful.
• Telling Stories Mid-Development: Sharing a brand's journey can have a more significant impact than waiting for the final product reveal, as demonstrated by her review of past client stories.
• Informed Tactical Communication: Strategic communication at the onset can prevent confusion and align public perception with the brand's mission, saving both money and reputation as seen with Owlette's example.
• Authentic Brand Relationships: Kelley shares that genuine brand connections transcend beyond business transactions and must reflect a company's ethos in treating people and the planet with respect.

Featured Expert: Julie Kelley, Chief Communications Strategist - Julie Kelley Communications

Join us on LinkedIn or Substack to discuss this episode and share your thoughts on the challenges you've experienced with traditional public relations and your thoughts on embracing PFI as a new way of breaking through those obstacles to growing your brand's awareness.