Author: telegraph

NP Strategy Announces Leadership Transition

Posted on February 19, 2025

 Amanda Loveday Named CEO and Jean Cecil Frick Named COO 

COLUMBIA, S.C. [February 19 , 2025] –  NP Strategy, a strategic communications firm specializing in crisis response, media, and public relations, today announced a leadership transition that will further enhance the firm’s commitment to delivering exceptional client-focused service. Amanda Loveday is now Chief Executive Officer and Jean Cecil Frick assumes the role of Chief Operating Officer. Founding CEO Heather Hoopes-Matthews, who led NP Strategy since its inception in 2013, remains on the team in a client-facing role.

Loveday, with nearly two decades of experience in public affairs, media relations, and corporate communications, brings a strong client-centered approach to her new role. As COO, she helped expand NP Strategy’s footprint across the Southeast, building a reputation for delivering tailored, effective solutions that address clients’ strategic communication needs. As CEO, Loveday will oversee the firm’s operations and lead its long-term vision, ensuring NP Strategy remains a trusted partner.

“I am honored to lead NP Strategy and carry forward our commitment to providing outstanding service,” said Loveday. “Our talented team is dedicated to crafting strategic solutions that help clients overcome challenges and achieve their goals. I look forward to building on the foundation Heather established.”

Frick, who has been instrumental in the firm’s growth as a senior leader, will now manage daily operations. Frick brings an impressive background in leadership roles, with experience that aligns with NP Strategy’s dedication to understanding and meeting clients’ needs.

Leighton Lord, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Maynard Nexsen, said, “Amanda and Jean Cecil exemplify the client-focused culture that drives NP Strategy’s success. Their leadership will further our mission to be a reliable, strategic partner to clients. We thank Heather for her vision in founding NP Strategy, and we’re thrilled that her next role will allow her insight to continue benefiting our clients and the firm.”

NP Strategy, a subsidiary of Maynard Nexsen, serves clients across diverse industries, providing strategic counsel, media relations, crisis communications, and public affairs services. With a growing team of 24 professionals, NP Strategy has offices in Columbia and Charleston, S.C.; Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C.; and Birmingham and Mobile, Ala. 

Coinciding with the leadership transition, NP Strategy has launched a new brand and website.

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 550-attorney national law firm with 24 offices from coast to coast, providing NPS access to deep relationships across the United States. For more information visit www.npstrategy.com.

NP Strategy Grows Across the Southeast

Posted on February 4, 2025

Columbia, S.C. – (January 29, 2025) NP Strategy, a strategic communications firm providing crisis, media and public relations assistance, is growing in Alabama and the Carolinas with the hiring of award-winning journalist and communications professional Lynnsey Gardner Baker, and dynamic communications and media strategists Maya Ward and Whitney Satterwhite.

“We are excited to welcome Lynnsey, Maya, and Whitney to our team,” said CEO Amanda Loveday. “Their extensive experience in media relations, combined with their ability to craft compelling narratives and build strong connections in both national and regional markets, will help us deliver outstanding results and exceptional value to our clients.”

Lynnsey Gardner Baker joins the Columbia office as a Director, bringing nearly two decades of experience in journalism, government relations, and strategic communications. Her career includes award-winning tenures at WJXT-Jacksonville and WRDW-Augusta, where her investigative reporting earned her three national Edward R. Murrow Awards and three Emmy Awards. Most recently, Baker served as Communications Director for the City of Forest Acres, where she enhanced the city’s profile with innovative media strategies and expert crisis communications.

“I am excited to help clients navigate complex communication challenges with creativity and precision,” said Baker. “As a former investigative journalist, I look forward to leveraging my deep understanding of the evolving media landscape to build trusted relationships and craft impactful stories that educate and inspire.”

Maya Ward has joined the Charlotte office as a Manager. Before this role, she worked at DKMS US, a global non-profit focused on stem cell and bone marrow donation. During her tenure, she honed her expertise in healthcare and political communications, earning a reputation for crafting impactful media strategies that amplify brand visibility. Ward is passionate about helping clients tell compelling stories that resonate on both local and national levels. Among her career highlights, she secured coverage for a lifesaving transplant story on the Today Show and The Jennifer Hudson Show. In addition, she was recognized as one of Elevate Lifestyle’s 2024 “30 Under 30” Future Leaders of Charlotte.

“Through my experience working with non-profits, I’ve developed a sharp understanding of how to create innovative, impactful communication strategies that engage audiences,” said Ward. “I’m passionate about community advocacy, and I’m excited to bring my media relations expertise to help clients tell their compelling stories in a way that aligns with their mission and values.”

Whitney Satterwhite joins the Birmingham office as a Specialist, bringing a diverse background in advertising, public relations, and media relations. Her career began at Walker Sands, where she specialized in media relations and earned national and trade coverage for B2B technology clients. Most recently, she served as an Account Manager at Lewis Communications, leading client teams across sectors such as financial services, tourism, healthcare, and economic development.

“With my knowledge of complex business challenges and diverse industry audiences, I’ve been fortunate to lead strategies and campaigns that deliver tangible results,” said Satterwhite. “This experience will be invaluable at NP Strategy as I help clients navigate unique challenges, drive meaningful engagement, and achieve their communication goals.”

How Gen Z is Impacting PR

Posted on January 22, 2025

Gen Z isn’t just shaping the future—they’re redefining the present of PR. Intern Hannah Kongaypogu shares how brands can create meaningful connections with younger audiences by prioritizing authenticity, fostering engagement, and crafting concise messaging.

Crisis Management Lessons from Netflix’s Top Show: Squid Game

Posted on January 14, 2025

In Netflix’s Squid Game, the platform’s most-watched debut series ever, each episode’s challenge serves as a powerful metaphor for survival, strategy, and adaptability. While crises in the business world may not always involve life-or-death stakes, the lessons from Squid Game offer valuable parallels to navigating high-pressure situations.

At NP Strategy, we specialize in helping businesses navigate crises with strategic communications plans designed to mitigate risks and preserve trust—much like main character Seong Gi-hun and his allies relied on careful strategy and collaboration to stay in the game.

Lesson 1: Crisis Planning is Key – Inspired by Tug-of-War

In the iconic Tug-of-War game, victory depends not only on strength but on teamwork, strategy, and preparation. A cohesive plan can mean the difference between success and failure. Similarly, in crisis management, having a proactive strategy allows your organization to maintain control under pressure.

A crisis can strike at any moment—negative media coverage, social media backlash, employee dissatisfaction, or community complaints. Without a plan, the risk of chaos and reputational damage is high. However, like the carefully coordinated efforts of the winning Tug-of-War team, a well-prepared communications strategy ensures that your team works in unison to face challenges head-on.

Lesson 2: Adaptability Wins the Day – Inspired by Red Light, Green Light

The Red Light, Green Light game mirrors the agility needed in a crisis, where circumstances change rapidly, and actions must adapt in real time.

For instance, a statement prepared in advance might need to be adjusted in real-time to address new developments or public sentiment. The ability to pause, reassess, and act thoughtfully—just as players must stop when “Red Light” is called—can keep your organization steady amid uncertainty.

Lesson 3: Know Your Limits and Collaborate – Inspired by Glass Bridge

In the Glass Bridge game, players must cross a bridge spanning two canyons by stepping on tempered glass panels while carefully avoiding the fragile ones that shatter beneath their weight. They quickly realize that by observing the person ahead of them, the best course of action will be revealed.

Similarly, in crisis management, knowing your organization’s limits and when to rely on external expertise is key. Just as players follow the lead of those ahead to avoid missteps, partnering with crisis experts like NP Strategy ensures you have the experienced guidance needed to make informed decisions and navigate challenges with confidence.

Crisis Communication with NP Strategy

While the stakes of your crisis may not compare to the intense competition of Squid Game, the principles of preparation and adaptability remain vital. NP Strategy can help you develop a communications plan to anticipate potential risks, craft clear messaging, and equip your team to respond effectively during a crisis.

Whether you’re proactively planning or responding to an emerging issue, our experts are here to help you navigate the complexities of any crisis.

Are you ready to play the game of crisis preparedness? Don’t get eliminated—click here to select O for NP Strategy to build your winning strategy today!

 

How to Get More People Into Your Sales Funnel With Organic Social Media

Posted on January 10, 2025

Building a sales funnel with organic social media is one of the most cost-effective ways for entrepreneurs, founders and business owners to attract, engage, and convert sales leads. By strategically aligning your content with the customer journey, you can transform casual social media users into loyal customers.

Here’s a guide to creating a social media content funnel that works.

The Power of a Social Media Funnel

A well-executed social media funnel guides your audience through a journey from awareness to conversion. This funnel consists of three key stages:

1. Top of Funnel (TOFU): Creating awareness and capturing attention.
2. Middle of Funnel (MOFU): Building trust and nurturing leads.
3. Bottom of Funnel (BOFU): Driving conversions and motivating action.

Each stage plays a crucial role in turning your audience into loyal customers.

The Importance of Founder-Led Content

Founder-led content has a unique ability to resonate with audiences. When founders share their expertise, personal stories, and insights, it adds a level of authenticity and credibility that’s hard to achieve with generic posts. This type of content showcases the human side of the business, building stronger connections with the audience. It also positions your business as a thought leader, helping you shift from being demand-constrained to supply-constrained.

How to Define Your Niche

One of the first steps in building a successful social media funnel is defining your niche. To do this, ask yourself:

  • Why should my target audience follow me?
  • What specific topic can I dominate?
  • What unique insights can I provide?

Focus on a single topic that aligns with your business goals and audience needs. Avoid trying to cover too much at once; instead, establish yourself as an expert in one area before expanding your scope.

Crafting Content for Each Funnel Stage

Your content should vary depending on where your audience is in the funnel.

Top-of-Funnel (TOFU): Awareness

At this stage, the goal is to create awareness and capture attention. TOFU content should attract a broad audience by addressing industry trends, sharing personal stories, or providing broad insights on popular topics. Using strong hooks and visuals can significantly boost engagement.

Middle-of-Funnel (MOFU): Engagement

The MOFU stage focuses on building trust and positioning yourself as a thought leader. This is where tutorials, niche insights, and solutions to common problems shine. Content like FAQs and guides tailored to your audience’s needs can establish credibility without being overly promotional.

Bottom-of-Funnel (BOFU): Conversion

BOFU content is all about driving conversions. Address your audience’s pain points directly and offer solutions through case studies, product launches, or exclusive offers. Including metrics and data in your messaging reinforces the value of your products or services.

Key Takeaways for Building a Social Media Funnel

Creating a successful social media funnel requires a combination of authenticity, strategy, and consistency. Founder-led content adds a personal touch that builds trust, while a well-defined niche ensures your efforts are focused and effective. Distributing content across the right platforms and maintaining a balance between TOFU, MOFU, and BOFU stages can significantly enhance your results.

Remember to:

  • Provide value over making sales pitches.
  • Engage with your audience regularly.
  • Adapt your strategy based on performance insights.

With the right strategy, organic social media can become a powerful tool for driving leads and sales. By defining your niche, crafting targeted content for each stage of the funnel, and engaging consistently, you can build meaningful connections and grow your business. Start today, and watch your audience transform into loyal customers.

Are you ready to take your social media to the next level? Contact NP Strategy to set up a meeting.