Author: Maryanne Grinnell

Your Brand at the Table: Reputation that Speaks in Your Absence

The founder of Amazon once said, “Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.” For organizations serious about long-term success, that quote speaks volumes.

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If your brand reputation is truly built to last, it must be strong enough to speak for itself, whether you’re leading the conversation or not. Holding attention in your absence is a skill. And while you may not always be at the table, you have the power to set it.

Here’s how public relations can help you set that table with purpose:

Know Who’s Coming: Engage Stakeholders

Your guest list shapes the entire experience. A dinner with a prime minister doesn’t look like a backyard barbecue, and neither should your communications strategy.

Understanding your key stakeholders is the first step in managing your public reputation. These stakeholders aren’t limited to customers. They include local leaders, policymakers, community partners, and others with influence—financial, relational, or social. When you know who they are and what they care about, you can craft messaging that resonates, earns buy-in, and ultimately transforms them into advocates for your reputation.

Put Out the Silverware: Inspire Action

A beautifully set table invites engagement. The same goes for your communications.

It’s not enough to attract attention. You must prompt action. Whether it’s downloading a resource, engaging with a post, or reaching out for a conversation, effective public relations gives your audience the tools they need to take the next step. Website views and likes are helpful, but true impact is measured in behavior change and perception shifts. The brands that endure are the ones that move people to act.

Have Napkins Ready: Prepare for Crises

Spills happen. So do crises.

Even the strongest brands will face moments of reputational risk. What matters is how you prepare. By proactively identifying potential vulnerabilities (past issues, industry trends, or competitor missteps) you can be ready to respond with speed, clarity, and transparency.

When a crisis hits, a well-prepared response isn’t just damage control. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate accountability, reinforce trust, and emerge even stronger.

Light the Candles: Build Trust

Lighting sets the tone. In communications, so does consistency.

A strong reputation is built through consistent, strategic messaging over time. Even though your stakeholders may differ in interest and influence, a unified message across all channels creates clarity, credibility, and trust. And just like candles need the right conditions to stay lit, your brand needs continuous care and attention to maintain visibility and relevance.

NP Strategy: Helping You Set the Table

Planning the perfect dinner party takes intention, and so does managing your public reputation.

At NP Strategy, we help organizations navigate complex communications challenges, enhance credibility, and build public trust. Through strategic media relations, stakeholder engagement, and purposeful storytelling, our team of experts helps ensure your brand’s impact lasts long after you leave the room.

Let’s set the table for your success. Click here to learn more.

What 30+ Years in Communications Has Taught Me About Building Trust

When I started my career in communications more than three decades ago, the industry looked very different. Press releases went out by fax, advertising was mostly in print, and “digital strategy” wasn’t even a concept. What hasn’t changed is the foundation of effective communication: trust.

Throughout my career, whether helping a Fortune 500 company navigate a crisis, guiding a nonprofit through a rebrand, or creating community engagement programs, trust has always been the deciding factor in whether communication succeeds or fails.

Lesson 1: Consistency Builds Credibility

Flashy campaigns might spark attention, but consistency is what earns confidence. Audiences – customers, employees, or communities – are always asking: Can I rely on this organization? True consistency isn’t repeating the same message, but aligning words and actions across every channel, every time.

Lesson 2: Listening Matters More Than Talking

When I founded my own marketing and communications agency, I thought my role was to provide answers. Over time, I discovered my most valuable skill was listening. Listening shows respect and reveals what audiences care about most. The strongest strategies I’ve led were shaped not just by what we wanted to say, but by what stakeholders told us they needed to hear.

Lesson 3: Transparency Wins in Crisis

Crisis communications teaches difficult but powerful lessons. Trust can evaporate in seconds, and the instinct to stay quiet is strong. But transparency – sharing what you can, acknowledging challenges, and showing empathy – preserves credibility. Leaders who communicate clearly in tough moments recover reputations faster than those who retreat into silence.

Lesson 4: Relationships Are the Real Strategy

Marketing trends evolve quickly, but relationships endure. Building trust means engaging with stakeholders long before you need their support. Companies often invest heavily in branding or digital campaigns, but the most valuable asset is goodwill built through genuine relationships. At its core, communication is about people – and people trust those who value relationships over transactions.

Lesson 5: Trust Takes Time

There are no shortcuts. Trust isn’t won with a single campaign; it’s built gradually through consistent actions, clear communication, and authenticity. In a fast-moving, digital-first world, it’s tempting to prioritize speed over depth. But the organizations that last are those that invest in trust for the long term.

Final Thoughts

Tools and platforms will always change. What doesn’t change is the human need for trust. Whether you’re a global brand, a nonprofit, or a startup, success depends on the credibility you build along the way.

For me, the most meaningful part of this work has always been the people – the clients who trusted me to guide them through challenges, the colleagues who pushed me to think differently, and the communities who welcomed us when we listened with intention. Those relationships are what I carry with me after more than three decades in this field.

At its core, communication isn’t just about delivering messages. It’s about building connections, showing up with integrity, and earning trust one conversation at a time. And that, after 30+ years, is still the most rewarding part of this profession.

Law Firms Can’t Afford to Ignore Social Media. Here’s Why

Social media is no longer just for personal connections. It’s a powerful tool for businesses, including law firms. When potential clients or recruits search for a firm, they often don’t just see a website, they see the firm’s online presence. That means social media often makes the first impression. The difference between an active, credible profile and an outdated one can shape whether someone chooses to engage. For law firms, where trust and expertise are essential, social media isn’t optional, it’s strategic.

🔎 Why Online Profiles Matter

When someone searches for a firm, social profiles often appear alongside the website in search results. An outdated profile or missing links can give the impression that a firm is not active on social media or disconnected from its audience. 

✅ Building Credibility and Authority

But an active, professional and current presence conveys credibility, authority and responsiveness. A client deciding between two firms is more likely to choose the one that looks approachable, knowledgeable and engaged.

💼 Showcasing Expertise Without Giving Legal Advice

For law firms, trust and expertise are everything, and social media provides an ideal way to demonstrate both. People don’t hire lawyers lightly as legal services are high-stakes, high-trust decisions. Social media allows attorneys to showcase thought-leadership without giving away free legal advice. Firms can:

📝 Share commentary on major legal developments

📚 Publish articles that break down complex topics into plain English

🎤 Highlight attorneys’ speaking engagements and industry recognition

This can help build credibility, making it far more likely that someone will reach out when they need help.

🤝 Humanizing the Firm

At the same time, social media gives law firms a chance to humanize their practice. Clients want to see the people behind the name of a firm. Social media is an effective tool for this, whether through:

🌟 Employee spotlights

🏢 Glimpses into firm culture

❤️ Highlighting community service and pro bono work

These stories make attorneys more relatable and help clients feel connected before the first meeting is scheduled.

👩‍💼 Attracting Talent Through Social Media

The benefits of social media extend beyond client acquisition. It also plays a growing role in recruiting and retaining attorney talent. Younger attorneys and law students look closely at a firm’s digital presence when evaluating whether it’s the right place to build their careers. A strong LinkedIn presence demonstrates thought-leadership and professional development. Instagram or Facebook posts can show firm culture and inclusivity. Ignoring social media means missing a chance to appeal to the next generation of legal talent.

🌐LinkedIn Strategies for Attorneys

LinkedIn provides attorneys with a platform to share insights, participate in professional discussions, and demonstrate their expertise. Regular engagement not only enhances their personal brand but also elevates their firm’s credibility, visibility and professional network. By amplifying content through their profiles, attorneys help support the firm’s broader social media strategy, which can generate referrals and strengthen professional connections.

📲 Meeting Clients Where They Are

The way people consume news, information and entertainment is constantly evolving, and many now get their news and advice directly from platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. That now includes legal information. 

While firms must be careful to avoid offering personalized legal advice online, they can still share general guidance, FAQs and resources. With this, they ensure that credible information comes from those who are qualified, rather than those with less reliable sources.

⚡ Why Firms Can’t Ignore Social Media in 2025

Social media has become a necessity, and firms that embrace a social presence gain a competitive edge. There is too much to lose to ignore social media in 2025. 

💡 How We Can Help

Our Team

At NP Strategy, as a subsidiary of Maynard Nexsen, we understand these unique challenges. Our dedicated social media team runs social accounts for both firms and attorneys at Maynard Nexsen, ensuring every post aligns with professional standards while making the firm approachable and relevant.

If your law firm’s social media presence could use a refresh, we can help. Learn more about our social media services and how we can keep your firm looking credible, connected, and competitive👉 NP Strategy Social Media.

NP Strategy Welcomes Veteran Communications Professional Hope Derrick as Senior Advisor

COLUMBIA S.C. (August 26, 2025) – NP Strategy, a strategic communications firm providing crisis, media and public relations assistance, announced that veteran communications professional Hope Derrick joins NP Strategy as a Senior Advisor in its Columbia office. With more than 30 years of experience spanning journalism, politics, higher education, and community leadership, Derrick brings a wealth of expertise to NP Strategy and its clients across the Southeast.

“We are delighted to welcome Hope to NP Strategy,” said Amanda Loveday, CEO of NP Strategy. “Her decades of experience in communications combined with her leadership in both government and higher education will be a tremendous asset to our clients and our team across the Southeast.”

Before joining NP Strategy, Derrick spent more than two decades leading communications for U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn, including four years in Washington, D.C. as Communications Director for the House Majority Whip’s office. 

Derrick also advised University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides and managed strategic projects for USC Libraries. Most recently, she collaborated with Congressman Clyburn on his forthcoming book, “The First Eight”, chronicling the lives of South Carolina’s first eight African American Congressmen.

“I am honored to join NP Strategy and work alongside such a talented team,” said Hope Derrick. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how strong media relations can shape narratives and open doors. I look forward to leveraging that experience to help clients share their stories effectively, navigate complex challenges, and strengthen NP Strategy’s impact across the region.”

Derrick has long been active in the Columbia community, serving with organizations including Leadership Columbia, the Columbia Housing Authority Development Board, Historic Columbia Foundation, and the James E. Clyburn Research & Scholarship Foundation.

A Birmingham native, Derrick graduated from Boston University with a degree in journalism and later earned a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of South Carolina. She and her husband live in Columbia.

Reach Hope Derrick at hope@npstrategy.com.

About NP Strategy

NP Strategy is a strategic communications firm composed of former journalists, communications professionals, political insiders, and public relations executives. NP Strategy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Maynard Nexsen, a 600 attorney national law firm with 31 locations from coast to coast, providing NP Strategy access to deep relationships across the United States. For more information, visit www.npstrategy.com

Why Public Relations is Relevant to Everyone

We often think of public relations as something only for professionals. Drafting press releases, managing crises, and organizing campaigns. But PR is actually something we practice every day, whether we realize it or not. From the way we introduce ourselves at events to how we communicate with friends or post on social media, we’re constantly sending messages about who we are and what is important to us. I’ve learned to think of PR as a daily mindset, rather than just a job. This philosophy makes all the difference in how you connect, build relationships and credibility, and open doors in both your personal and professional life. Here’s why using PR in your daily life can help you communicate with purpose. 

Adopt a PR Mindset

Whether you’re leading a team, writing an email, or just grabbing coffee with a friend, you’re delivering a message. It could be confidence, curiosity, professionalism, or even something unintentional like disinterest. Every interaction leaves an impression, and shapes how people view you and your brand. 

Being intentional is crucial. Don’t overthink every word, but have a sense of how you want your brand to be perceived, and why. Are you building trust? Aiming to inspire? Trying to sway opinion? Being clear on your purpose helps your message land in a more intentional and genuine way. 

When you communicate using a strategy, people respond differently. You’ll notice how your tone makes a difference in an email, or how being proactive with a client builds credibility. All of this is PR, just on a smaller, everyday scale. 

Practice PR Every Day

You don’t need special training to think like a PR professional. Great communication doesn’t require a flashy campaign, it just takes a little awareness and intention. 

  • Think before you speak. Before hitting “send” on that email or sharing something online, pause and ask yourself: What message am I sending here? Is it clear? Is it genuine? Is it aligned with my values? A quick moment of thought can go a long way in keeping your message consistent with your values.
  • Clarity is key. Whether you’re updating a client or introducing yourself to someone new, be clear and confident. You don’t need to have all the answers, you just need to communicate with a purpose.
  • Be consistent. People trust what they see and hear. When your tone is steady, your responses are thoughtful, and your values are visible, you build credibility. That’s PR at work.
  • Listen like it matters (because it does!). Being a strong communicator isn’t just about speaking. When you make people feel heard and understood, you strengthen your brand reputation without saying a word.

PR isn’t just about press releases or media coverage, it’s about communication with purpose. It’s how you show up, build trust, and present yourself. When you view your message and PR as something you carry with you, you begin to communicate more clearly, confidently, and consistently. 

No matter the interaction, remember: your message matters. The more intentional you are, the more impact you’ll have!

Former NC Commerce Chief Deputy Secretary Joins NP Strategy

Jordan Whichard to lead the Raleigh Office as Vice President

RALEIGH, N.C. (August 4, 2025) –  NP Strategy, a strategic communications firm providing crisis, media and public relations assistance, today announced that Former Chief Deputy Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Jordan Whichard, joins NP Strategy as Vice President in its Raleigh office. With two decades of leadership across state and federal governments and the private sector, Whichard brings a wealth of valuable insight and experience to NP Strategy and its clients nationwide.

“Jordan’s deep understanding of government affairs, economic development, and stakeholder engagement at the state and federal levels will be a tremendous asset to our team’s services in North Carolina and beyond,” said CEO Amanda Loveday. “We are thrilled to welcome Jordan to our growing team and eager to see his skillset expand our capabilities and offerings to clients.”

Before joining NP Strategy, Whichard served under North Carolina Governors Roy Cooper and Josh Stein as Chief Deputy Secretary at the Department of Commerce. His departure marks nearly a decade of public service to the State after also serving as Governor Cooper’s Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.

During his tenure in Washington, Whichard was a key member of the White House team that helped shaped President Barack Obama’s image across the country and globe, crafting events and messaging during the President’s time in office and on both presidential campaigns.

“I’m thrilled to join NP Strategy’s growing Raleigh office and embark on this next chapter among a group of talented professionals across the Southeast,” said Whichard. “I am excited to offer my experience and advice to NP Strategy’s diverse portfolio of clients, supporting public affairs, crisis management, economic development and other strategic efforts in this new role.”

Whichard is an active community member, having served on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Railroad Company and the North Carolina Global Transpark Authority. He is also an alumnus of Leadership North Carolina and a recipient of the Order of the Longleaf Pine.

A native of North Carolina, Jordan lives in Raleigh and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Reach Jordan at jordan@npstrategy.com.

ABOUT NP STRATEGY

NP Strategy is a strategic communications firm composed of former journalists, communications professionals, political insiders, and public relations executives. NP Strategy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Maynard Nexsen, a 600 attorney national law firm with 31 locations from coast to coast, providing NP Strategy access to deep relationships across the United States. For more information, visit www.npstrategy.com.

Stop Posting. Start Storytelling. Why most messages flop — and how to make yours unforgettable.

Let’s be honest: most messages don’t matter.

They’re too vague, too robotic or too focused on what the sender wants to say, not what the audience actually cares about.

That’s the first thing I learned in public relations. And the second? Good messaging isn’t about talking. It’s about connecting and storytelling is how you do that.

Here’s the playbook I swear by:

Know Who You’re Really Talking To

If you’re talking to everyone, you’re connecting with no one. Ask yourself, ‘What do they care about? What are they struggling with? What do they believe?’ When you understand your audience, your message becomes personal and way more powerful.

Nail Your Core Message

This is your home base. It’s what your story always comes back to. If you can’t say it in one clear sentence, you’re not ready to share it. A solid mission statement keeps your voice consistent, your content focused and your audience coming back for more.

Tell a Good Story

The best stories don’t just explain, they make people feel something. Want your message to be remembered? Wrap it in a story. Make it human. Make it specific. Make your audience see themselves in it.

Messaging = Trust

Every post, press release or campaign says something about your brand. It tells people what you stand for, and whether you’re worth listening to.

At NP Strategy, I’ve seen firsthand how clear, intentional messaging shapes reputation and builds credibility. 

It’s not just about what you do. It’s about why it matters.

Bottom line? If your message doesn’t spark emotion, you’re just adding noise.

So before you post, pitch, or present — ask yourself, ‘Does this message matter? Or am I just filling space?’

If you want to talk to one of our strategic communication experts at NP Strategy, click here.

How to Get Your Management Team On Board with Social Media

Getting your C-suite excited about social media doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Senior Director Ryal Curtis shares 4 proven strategies to help get your management team on board with social media marketing.

How to Build Your Personal Brand Using LinkedIn

As a Gen Z college student, I’ve seen LinkedIn grow into a must-have tool for landing jobs and internships. In fields like public relations, having an online presence isn’t just helpful—it’s expected. I’ve even been asked to include my LinkedIn profile when applying for internships. So, how do you stand out in a sea of profiles? Let’s walk through how to build your personal brand on LinkedIn.

Optimize Your Profile

When building your profile, it’s essential to optimize LinkedIn’s “About” features to reflect a polished and professional personal brand. One common mistake I’ve seen is using selfies or casual photos as a profile picture. Instead, choose a headshot that presents you in a professional light. This is often the first impression future employers will have of you. The same goes for your banner image; make sure it aligns with your career goals or personal brand. Don’t overlook your headline and “Summary” section, either. These areas are key to telling your professional story of who you are, what you’ve accomplished and where you’re headed.

Showcase Your Experience

Your LinkedIn profile is the perfect place to showcase your experiences and skills. Use this space to highlight past internships, jobs, and other career-related opportunities. Under each role, be sure to clearly explain what you accomplished; whenever possible, include quantifiable results, like increasing social media engagement by a specific percentage. LinkedIn also gives you the freedom to expand beyond what fits on a one-page resume, so take advantage of that flexibility. Don’t forget to list relevant skills, especially those tied to your target industry, like public relations. These keywords can help recruiters find your profile more easily.

Post with a Purpose

Just like with a traditional brand, consistency and strategy are key when posting on LinkedIn. Every post should have a clear purpose. Don’t post just for the sake of staying active. Whether you’re highlighting a professional achievement, sharing insights from a volunteer experience, or reflecting on a networking event, make sure your content aligns with your personal brand. Remember, everything you share contributes to how others perceive you. It’s also important to engage with others on the platform. Reacting to, commenting on, or sharing posts with your own thoughts not only builds connections but also helps boost your visibility in the algorithm.

Online Networking

Networking is a major part of LinkedIn’s value. Personally, I focus on building meaningful connections with professionals in roles or at companies I’m interested in. When sending a connection request, always include a personalized note—it makes a big difference. A simple message like, “It was great meeting you at my college’s job fair last Thursday,” helps establish context and build rapport. When done thoughtfully, this kind of outreach can lead to a coffee chat or even your next job interview. Don’t be afraid to reach out, but do keep in mind that many professionals receive dozens, if not hundreds, of messages, so be patient and courteous.

If you’re looking for more tips on building a strong personal brand, connect with our experts on LinkedIn at NP Strategy, where I’m currently interning this summer. And who knows? By following our C-Suite leaders, you might just discover your next opportunity in public relations like I did!

How to Reignite Creativity When You’re Burnt Out on Content

Working in PR and communications often involves juggling a wide range of deliverables from social media calendars, press releases, newsletters, event materials, and more. Whether you’re part of an in-house team or working across multiple clients, content creation can start to feel like a routine. 

Content burnout doesn’t always come from doing too much. Sometimes it’s the result of repetition, pressure to maintain a consistent posting cadence, or the challenge of generating fresh content for clients with fewer updates or news to incorporate. When that happens, it’s easy to feel like the initial exciting spark is gone even when the work itself is meaningful.

Here are a few ways I’ve found helpful for reconnecting with creativity when things start to feel stuck:

Make something for no one 

Whether it’s a journal entry, a cool graphic, or even a rough campaign idea, removing the pressure of performance can help ideas flow more freely.

Revisit your favorites

Scroll through your saved posts or visit organizations whose content resonates with you. What makes their messaging or visuals stand out and how can you incorporate it into your work?  

Shift your format

If you usually post static graphics, try a short, animated graphic or video. If you typically write long captions, try something shorter or ask a question to your audience. 

Connect with creative people 

Talk with your coworkers or friends and use the different perspectives and conversation to foster creativity.

Look beyond your usual feed 

If you’re building content for a city, nonprofit, or economic development group, see what similarly sized communities or like-minded organizations are doing and talking about.

You’re not out of ideas! You’re probably just due for a reset. Even when the work feels routine, the ability to bring new energy to familiar stories is a skill. Give yourself space to approach things differently and you might be surprised by what comes out when you do.