Do you need to kick the “um” and “ah” habit?
An occasional um or ah is no big deal, but too much “filler speech” becomes a major distraction; it can send the message that you don’t know what you’re talking about or that you lack confidence.…
An occasional um or ah is no big deal, but too much “filler speech” becomes a major distraction; it can send the message that you don’t know what you’re talking about or that you lack confidence.…
I’m a what; a brand?! I’m not talking about your company’s brand, but your own personal brand or image. Thinking of yourself as a brand empowers you to think bigger – to create a larger-than-life you…
I’m certainly no GI Jane, but through a volunteer organization called BENS – Business Executives for National Security – I’ve had a unique opportunity to learn about national security issues and contribute communications and marketing know-how…
During face to face communication, what percent of your message do you think is shaped by “body language” – or non-verbal cues – versus your actual words? The answer, depending on which study you cite, is…
Who doesn’t love a good prank – especially with April Fool’s Day imminent…
Incorporating humor and even trickery into mainstream marketing and public relations is a longstanding practice that can be both smart and entertaining. However, a new wave called “prankvertising” (a real word) goes way beyond updated versions of Candid Camera stunts or extreme episodes from reality show take-offs inspired by Ashton Kutcher’s Punk’d from MTV.
As Warren Buffet quipped, “it can take 20 years to build a reputation and only five minutes to ruin it.” Of course, everyone wants a good reputation. But how do you get one – and more…
On Tuesday, I discussed how to utilize media coverage to instill a sense of pride among employees and other stakeholders, to demonstrate value to the C-suite and to extend your brand’s reach via social channels. In this post, I’ll look at four more tactics to leverage your positive coverage – consider this the “advanced class.”
Congratulations! You’ve been featured in a great media story that raises your organization’s profile and you’re basking in the glow. But that’s not enough. If you’re not leveraging positive placements, you’re missing out on ROI from your public…
What’s the most effective strategy you can devise to achieve your goals – whether they are sales, votes or changes in behavior? And how do you translate that strategy into words that resonate with your audience? At…
In Atlanta, it’s already back-to-school season. The commercials for backpacks and other school supplies reminded me of my experience teaching and those dreaded “pop quizzes.” As a former teacher, I know that pop quizzes are a good way…
As senior vice president at Cookerly, Mike Rieman specializes in building and maintaining relationships with the media and has an excellent track record of landing significant placements in print and broadcast media including USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and Money Magazine.
Mike comes to the firm with more than a decade of public relations and journalism experience. As a former news editor, Mike understands how to work with his clients to craft stories that garner recognition on traditional and social media channels. He has led numerous award winning campaigns for a number of clients, including Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Construction Market Data Group and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency’s Ready Georgia campaign. Favorite recent assignments include a campaign to announce McDelivery, McDonald’s new delivery service.
Mike is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma and a graduate of the University of Georgia where he earned a degree in speech communications. He serves on the PRSA Georgia Chapter Programming Committee and is an avid sports fan and trail runner. He resides in Marietta with his wife and two children.
As design director at Cookerly, Tim serves as the creative lead in the development of branding campaigns, print collateral and digital media for clients across a broad range of industries, including consumer, professional services, healthcare and technology.
With more than 20 years of experience as an award-winning designer of print, multimedia and web campaigns, Tim provides expertise in the creative development of branding campaigns, print collateral, advertising and digital media.
As an honor graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, he earned dual degrees in graphic design and illustration.
NAPA AUTO PARTS, the nation’s top brand in the automotive aftermarket, is ramping up its retail operation across the country with grand reopening celebrations to show off its transformed “top stores,” expanded inventory and “NAPA Know How.” Cookerly designed a creative program that has successfully sparked conversations across media and social media channels in the target markets, enhanced community relationships, built awareness/visibility, increased customer traffic at store events and helped boost NAPA sales and follow-on business.
Cookerly helps steer major corporate and executive initiatives for the nation’s #1 luxury automaker including recent award-winning programs such as “Greatness Lives Here” and “No Limits,” initiatives designed to empower the next generation through community activism and education. We recently helped launch the Mercedes-Benz A-Class vehicle line including MBUX artificial intelligence including tie-ins with the Super Bowl, Ludacris and the Ron Clark Academy. Leveraging paid, earned, shared and owned media, the Cookerly team supports MBUSA across both external and internal channels.
As vice president of Cookerly, Sheryl Sellaway uses her extensive corporate communications background to lead consumer PR efforts, deliver strategy for marketing programs and share expertise about community initiatives.
An award-winning speechwriter, Sheryl comes to the firm with over 20 years’ expertise in media relations, employee communications and community affairs. Some of her best work has occurred while leading product launches, handling crisis situations, managing senior leadership meetings and overseeing employee events.
Sheryl is a Georgia native with an MBA from Amber University and a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University. Active in the community, she is a Leadership Atlanta graduate currently serving on several boards including Bethany Christian Services. Sheryl is an author, pen collector, avid runner, mentor and philanthropist.
The Arthritis Foundation has undergone significant changes and seeks to build upon a renewed direction with fresh perspectives. The foundation relies on Cookerly to infuse new ideas, raise national awareness and engage internal stakeholders to support the organization’s new and powerful “Champion of Yes” branding. The comprehensive communications strategies and tactics conceived and implemented for the foundation put a national focus on the critical nature of arthritis and are helping reinvigorate the organization’s image of one committed to conquering the insidious and debilitating disease.