Teaming Up with THP

In our inaugural LIVE recording of Teaming Up, we welcomed a panel of national media experts to share insights from the newsroom. Our Sean Ryan, senior vice president of media relations, served as a moderator and was joined by Jason Fuller (producer) and Adisa Hargett-Robinson (reporter and media producer). Sharing their insights to a packed house, the trio unpacked a day in the life of a national newsroom producer and explored a variety of areas that impacts both sides of the pitch — from challenges in media today, to navigating things like AI and misinformation. Episode Highlights Daily routines of national newsroom Challenges facing reporters and producers in today’s media landscape Pitching advice Navigating a world of mis- and disinformation The impact of digital advertising and AI on journalism Related Links Jason Fuller on LinkedIn Adisa Hargett-Robinson on LinkedIn

In our latest episode of Teaming Up, Lindsay O’Bar is joined by Onie Girton, senior vice president of sales and client services at Hilldrup. Hilldrup, and Onie in particular, represents our longest standing client relationship. We’ve been working with her since we onboarded Hilldrup in 2011. Building and nurturing relationships is a critical part to our business, and to the work Onie does at Hilldrup, which involves client retention and sales. A relationship-building role isn’t right for everyone because it’s just as much learned skill and intuition, but these ladies are sharing their smarts with concrete takeaways for anyone to use.   Episode Highlights Building trust is a key ingredient to relationship building. It’s not just about big stuff, but lots of small stuff can have a big impact within relationships. They’ll give tangible tips and best practices to build lasting relationships. Related Links Hilldrup How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie

In our latest episode of Teaming Up, Paulyn Ocampo is joined by Ashley Brooks, of council at Roth Jackson. The duo focus on the legalities and guardrails we should consider as we navigate the integration of tools like ChatGPT, Jasper and Claude in our industry. These large-language models are being trained on billions of pieces of data, but is what about the ethics? Was copyrighted material part of the training set? Is the content actually original? What are the red flags we need to know about? This episode unpacks it all.   Episode Highlights Ownership of content Training AI tools with copyrighted data Navigating bias and misinformation  Related Links Roth Jackson ChatGPT Copyright Office Publishes Part 2 of it AI and Copyright Report

In our latest episode of Teaming Up, Adrienne Maxwell teams up with Addison Clark’s Anne-Stuart Teter to explore all things search engine optimization. Addison Clark has been behind Hodges’ SEO for several years, while also supporting clients like Virginia Spirits in its optimization efforts. SEO goes well beyond identifying the right keywords to have on your pages: there are both content and technical implications that have to constantly be monitored and adjusted to keep your business ranked where you want it.  Episode Highlights  The importance of metadata, content quality and website functionality in SEO rankings  Why organizations need to factor in constant analytics reviews and measurement discussions  How AI Overviews are impacting Google search results  Related Links  Addison Clark

As you can see, Hodges has been busy getting our new brand up and running, so we were a little bit behind launching the newest season of Teaming Up – but we’re back! In this episode, Diana McMahon, vice president of InUnison, joins Meg Irvin, APR in conversation about all things local (and in our case, all things Richmond). The pair talked about InUnison’s mission to support locally owned, independent businesses in central Virginia, while also breaking down some of the benefits and advantages of getting involved have on not only individual businesses, but the entire business community as a whole. Episode Highlights ·       Exploring InUnison’s role in the Richmond community ·       Participating in research to help generate insights that benefit a collective ·       The importance of shopping and supporting local   Related Links ·       InUnison ·       Find Local Directory ·       Learning Lab and other InUnison Resources ·       Recycled Yarn

For our final episode of the year, we’re going back to the podcast roots by pairing up two Hodgers in conversation. It only seemed appropriate to close out our latest season with a conversation with our founders to talk about all the Hodges’ happenings our team has been going through this year. In this episode, you’ll get the TL;DR version of the journey we’ve taken as an agency over the last 12 months, and you’ll get a sneak peek at what’s to come in 2025. Episode Highlights Reflection on our brand and space origins Catalyst for the move What’s on deck We are thrilled at the next step in Hodges’ evolution. You’ll hear it echoed in the episode, but update your address books to 3301 W. Moore Street, Richmond, VA 23230 and we look forward to seeing you in our new space in the new year. Related Links Campfire & Co Hilldrup

In this episode, Alejandro Leon and Adriana Velasquez discuss the nuances of Hispanic communications in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Adriana, born in Lima, Peru, and Alejandro, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida with roots in Colombia, share their experiences with bilingualism, cultural differences and how that all ties into marketing and communication. Episode Highlights Bilingualism and Spanglish Nuances with translations and origins of audience Matching the tactic to the audience This is a great episode for any communicator or marketer that simply translated some copy into Spanish and called it a day. Related Links Growth “Relying on Spanish alone does not ensure your brand is making an impact” - Adweek “Campaign takes aim at brands for ‘Latino coating’” - Axios

In this exciting episode of Teaming Up, Sean Ryan connects with Ryan Nobles, who shares his journey through the world of journalism — detailing his career from local news in Utica, NY, to covering major political events for CNN and NBC. He reflects on the evolution of political reporting, the challenges posed by misinformation and the importance of building relationships in journalism. Nobles also recounts memorable interviews and experiences that shaped his career, emphasizing the significance of ambition and adaptability in the fast-paced media landscape. Episode Highlights How 9/11 helped to shape Nobles’ beat The depth and breadth of political events Nobles’ has covered The importance of relationship building in journalism The role local news plays in the field of journalism Related Links Politico’s 2011 Roundup of Political Bloggers, featuring Nobles, DecisionVirginia and WWBT Ryan Nobles on X Ryan Nobles on Instagram Ryan Nobles' NBC News reporting

In this episode of Teaming Up, Greg Surber, APR, is joined by Amy Baril to talk about their respective professional development organizations, how the two organizations collaborate in Richmond and the importance these organizations play in the personal and professional development of its members. Surber is the incoming president of PRSA Richmond and Baril is the current president of AMA Richmond. Episode Highlights Overview of Richmond’s top professional development organizations for marketing and public relations Compare and contrast between AMA Richmond and PRSA Richmond How the organizations prepare individuals for an evolving workforce Benefits of board engagement beyond general membership This is a longer episode, but it was too good to cut. The conversation weaves between the two organizations and hits on everything from artificial intelligence to mental health and advice for new members – regardless of which organization is a better fit for you. ** ** Related Links PRSA Richmond Chapter AMA Richmond Chapter

In this episode of Teaming Up, Amanda Christian is joined by Megan Wilson, creative director of Sweet Talk Strategy, to talk about the evolution of email marketing and why it’s a critical channel for communicators. The episode highlights the affordability of email marketing and positions it as a safer channel for marketing compared to social media (both in trust and reachability).   Episode Highlights The evolution and business of email marketing Work smarter, not harder by leveraging automated workflows Email marketing can be as simple or as complicated; cost-effective or expensive as you want it to be Tips for writing engaging headlines and body copy Wilson has 15 years of experience in marketing, which includes social media, email marketing, fundraising, public relations, influencer management, web development and more. She even details how some of her own business and experience has intersected with Hodges in the past.   Related Links Sweet Talk Strategy Facebook Megan Wilson LinkedIn Mailchimp

In this episode of Teaming Up, Casey Prentice sits down with Brian Forrester, CEO and co-founder of Workshop Digital, to explore the evolving landscape of digital marketing and its connection to public relations. The episode highlights the importance of integrating brand storytelling, strategic execution and data analysis to create successful digital marketing campaigns that resonate with target audiences and drive measurable result. Episode Highlights: What is digital marketing, and how does that vary based on your organization? How do you balance brand language with digital language (or how do you balance your brand voice with how people are searching for you online)? How does analytics shape our digital marketing strategies? Forrester will also close the episode with a couple of key takeaways for both budding digital marketers and clients looking to learn more about digital marketing. Related Links · Workshop Digital · Google Analytics certification

In episode 28 of Teaming Up, Michaela Mishoe is joined by Melanin Monroe, drag entertainer and event host, to discuss similarities between drag performance and PR. Our Pride Month episode delves into commonalities in our work and echoes a point we’ve made time and time again about authenticity. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.   Episode Highlights: Reading the Room — You can’t just expect to deliver the same message, the same way, every time and have it land the same way. Whether drag performing or media relations, you need to tailor your approach and style to match the person on the receiving end. Confidence — Spoiler alert. You’re not going to crush it your first time. You may have some social media fails, just like you may have some really stiff performances. The key is practice and continual learning and growing to build up that inner confidence. Important of Pride and Authenticity — There is so much realness and personal connection you can bring to the table when you’re being your authentic self. If something feels like an inauthentic performance (or media pitch), it’s going to be at your detriment. Being who you are can go a long way in selling and delivering your message. Are you loving Melanin? You can catch her every Friday at 11 p.m. at Papi’s. And just around the corner, you can catch her on June 22 at Harry’s Drag Brunch and Pride Crawl Rooftop Party.   Related Links Melanin Monroe’s Instagram (show information and booking inquires) Details for Harry’s at the Hofheimer events Papi’s Instagram

In episode 27 of Teaming Up, Paulyn Ocampo teams up with Lilie Malaeb to explore the intriguing world of cookies, both edible and digital. While munching on a variety of cookies from Crumbl, they delve into how digital cookies play a crucial role in advertising and the implications of upcoming changes in digital privacy. Episode Highlights: Understanding Digital Cookies: They discuss the function of first-party cookies in enhancing user experience and the extensive use of third-party cookies in tracking and advertising across the web. Impact of Third-Party Cookie Deprecation: Lily explains the consequences for advertisers with the phasing out of third-party cookies, emphasizing the challenges in tracking and targeted advertising. Adapting Marketing Strategies: The conversation covers strategies for adapting to the loss of third-party cookies, highlighting the shift towards first-party data and consent-based marketing. Emerging Technologies: They discuss new technologies like Google’s Privacy Sandbox and server-side tagging, which could help mitigate the impact of losing third-party cookies while respecting user privacy. Paulyn and Lily’s discussion provides valuable insights into the significant shifts occurring in the digital advertising landscape, making this episode a must-listen for marketers and anyone interested in the future of online privacy and advertising. Related Links Google's Third-Party Cookie Ban Explained (Vox) Google's Privacy Sandbox (Wikipedia) What is Consent-Based Marketing? (activeprospect)

In episode 26 of Teaming Up, Anna Friesen engages with current Hodges interns—Jackson Amirshahi, Rachel Spiller and Peggy Stansberry—to answer the question, “What is PR,” while dissecting common misconceptions surrounding PR and the broad spectrum that the term covers. Each intern shares their unique journey, detailing personal misconceptions and how their experiences at Hodges has reshaped their understanding of agency life. Episode Highlights Common Misconceptions in PR: Jackson and Rachel delve into their initial misunderstandings of the PR world, discussing how their internships at Hodges provided them with invaluable, hands-on experience. Personal Backgrounds: An exploration of the diverse academic backgrounds of the interns, highlighting how their distinct majors and life experiences have converged in the PR field. Examining the Representation of PR in Media: Peggy breaks down the expectations versus reality in a discussion on the portrayal of PR roles in the media, spotlighting characters like Emily Cooper, Samantha Jones, Shiv Roy and Olivia Pope as case studies. Advice for Future Interns: The trio offers pragmatic advice for aspiring Hodges interns and PR professionals on navigating their entry into the industry and carving out a successful career path. Related links Fact vs Fiction: Lessons in Marketing from "Emily in Paris" (The Doers) How an actual PR agency works: Comparing Keeley Jones Public Relations firm in ‘Ted Lasso’ to the real world The Hodges Partnership Internship Application

In episode 25 of Teaming Up, Jon Newman engages with Kelly O'Keefe, CEO of Brand Federation, in a thought-provoking conversation about sparking innovation within organizations. They explore both macro and micro aspects of workplace innovation, emphasizing the importance of observation and understanding human behavior to meet unmet needs. Episode Highlights: The Essence of Innovation: Kelly O'Keefe discusses innovation as a response to human behavior and needs, stressing the value of simple yet impactful ideas like the DoubleTree Hotel's warm chocolate chip cookie welcome. Fostering Creativity: Tips on how organizations can cultivate an innovative mindset, including stepping away from distractions and focusing on the needs of those you're innovating for. Brainstorming Do's and Don'ts: Insights into effective brainstorming practices that encourage free-flowing ideas without premature censorship. Innovative Examples: The episode covers a range of innovations, from Amazon's one-click ordering to Oreo's resealable packaging, highlighting the variety and impact of different types of innovation. Strategic Implementation: Advice on how to pitch innovative ideas successfully, emphasizing the importance of preparation and presenting a comprehensive plan to decision-makers. Kelly's insights provide a roadmap for tapping into the potential of innovation in any organization, making this episode a must-listen for those looking to drive creative solutions and strategic advancements. Listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into these topics and more, available now on the "Teaming Up" podcast. Related Links Brand Federation What you Can Learn from DoubleTree's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies (inc.com) Why Amazon’s ‘1-Click’ Ordering Was a Game Changer

In the latest installment of "Teaming Up," Hannah Robinson sits down with Ron Carey, master storyteller and CEO of the Richmond-based creative and production company, Tilt. This episode dives into the art of storytelling through a local lens, circling around the significant yet often overlooked stories nestled within our communities. Episode Highlights The Birth of a Planet: Carey delves into Tilt's groundbreaking documentary, which brings to light the compelling story of John Mitchell Jr. and the Richmond Planet. Premiering at the Richmond International Film Festival in 2022, the documentary is a testament to the enduring impact of Mitchell's legacy and the newspaper on Richmond's community. The Power of Local Stories: The conversation underscores the importance of local narratives in enriching our understanding of history and community. Through the example of John Mitchell Jr., Carey highlights how stories from our past continue to shape our present. Collaborative Creativity: The episode sheds light on the collaborative efforts behind the making of "The Birth of a Planet," showcasing how diverse perspectives contribute to telling a compelling, nuanced story. Helpful Links The Birth of a Planet Tilt The Library of Virginia: Richmond Planet

Episode Notes: In this year-end episode of "Teaming Up," Tony Scida and Casey Prentice step out from behind the scenes of the podcast and discuss the peaks and valleys of marketing and communications in 2023. They each came to the table with one marketing high point and one low, plus a few bonus picks. Then the pair looked ahead to 2024 briefly and highlighted what challenges and opportunities may face marketing and communications professionals in the coming year.   Key topics covered in this episode include: Marketing successes and failures in 2023 Marketing campaigns and their impact on business Twitter's decline and purpose-driven marketing strategies Marketing trends and authenticity in 2024 Related links: The story behind Barbenheimer, the summer’s most online movie showdown (AP News) Summer Box Office 2023: ‘Barbenheimer’ Brought Audiences Back, But Uncertainty Around Strikes Could Capsize 2024 (Deadline) Land of the Giants: The Twitter Fantasy (Vox) Twitter’s first year under Elon Musk: Ad revenue in free fall, fights with the EU over false news, and finally hiring a long-awaited CEO (Fortune) The year in Taylor Swift, from The Eras Tour to _1989 (Taylor's Version) _to Travis Kelce (AV Club) Behind the Backlash Against Bud Light (New York Times)

Episode Notes: "Teaming Up" takes a creative twist in our latest episode, focusing on the fusion of strategy and creativity in communication. Aidan Newbold, THP’s Director of Creative Services, welcomed Christine Coffey, Creative Director of Karnes Coffey, to share her insights. Aidan and Christine dive deep into the world of creative projects, exploring how strategy plays a pivotal role in driving impactful communications. From Christine’s journey in graphic design, starting at Syracuse University to co-founding Karnes Coffey, to Aidan’s insights on collaborative models in the industry, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the creative process. Key discussions in the episode include: The evolution of creative branding and the importance of strategy in building robust identity systems. The trend towards specialized talent and collaborative models in the creative industry. The role of AI in creative endeavors: its potentials and limitations. Advice for clients in choosing the right design partners for long-term collaborations. Navigating post-pandemic industry trends, especially the resurgence of traditional marketing materials. Christine and Aidan's conversation is not just about the 'what' of creativity but also the 'how' and 'why' behind it. They shed light on the importance of adapting to new trends and technologies, like AI, while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human creativity and strategic thinking. Relevant Links: Karnes Coffey

Episode Notes: Teaming Up is putting two former Hodges interns in the hot seat, talking about a totally new topic for the podcast: brand. We asked Briana Williams, CEO of LipLoveLine, to join Casey for Episode 21, where the two discussed building a brand and the process and considerations that go into that. Williams discusses her brand story and her business evolution – from winning a competition on VCU’s campus just before the COVID-19 pandemic, to working with students in the Brandcenter to go through various exercises to find her voice, tone and brand story. She discusses her journey to date and talks about what it means to build a brand and be an entrepreneur in an industry that is saturated. Other topics in the episode include: Starting a brand during a global pandemic The process behind developing a brand story Navigating a growing brand in a crowded space The considerations of solo entrepreneurship  We hope you enjoy the episode! Relevant Links LipLoveLine website VCU da Vinci Center post about her role at VCU

Episode Notes: Back from summer vacation, Teaming Up is returning with a debate of sorts. It’s the battle of media relations vs. content marketing. We brought in one of our favorite independent practitioners, Jill Vaughan of JLV Communications, to pair up with Josh Dare to discuss these dueling tactics for our 20th episode. Over the course of their conversation, Josh and Jill talk about the pros and cons of each tactic. Spoiler alert, there isn’t a clear winner in this conversation, because as the two will go on to point out, there is a time of place for each tactic – and a combination of the two tactics. As you tune in, you can hear Jill share about her early media relations days pitching our very own Sean Ryan, and how she hosted a press conference at the Richmond International Airport to celebrate a very BIG dollar figure. Josh will also share some of his media relations anxieties and will sprinkle in a little paid perspective into the conversation. Other topics in this episode include: How technology has impacted media relations The value of third-party validation The emergence of content programs Considerations to ask when deciding which tactic to leverage Can you pick us a side? Relevant Links JLV Communications $217M Powerball ticket bought at Richmond airport (NBC12)