Hanson & Hunt

Get relevant news and advice about public relations, corporate communications, social media and marketing each month from Arik Hanson and Kevin Hunt. Arik is a solo marketing and communications consultant in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Kevin leads corporate communications content, channels and analytics at General Mills.

Talking Points #51 – 2/4/16

Companies and brands might be assuming that their employees have a significant level of social media skills. Arik and Kevin talk about why social media training should be prioritized in 2016. A recent post ripped the notion of ’brands as publishers,’ saying the success of content should be judged on views, links and shares. Plus,…

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Talking Points #50 – 1/21/16

Many companies and brands are thinking about, or already are, producing podcasts. Arik and Kevin recap an event they participated in on the topic, and talk about the opportunities and challenges of business podcasting. Also, does PR now have a stronger place in the marketing mix? Plus, a communications or PR degree provides a solid…

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Talking Points #49 – 1/7/16

Arik and Kevin discuss a new report on the state of corporate social media (and employee social media advocacy), how PR pros can and should interact with journalists, a decline in traffic for some of the web’s biggest publishers, and what companies/brands can learn from the mainstream media for promoting their content in social media….

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Talking Points #48 – 12/17/15

Arik and Kevin close out 2015 with some thoughts on social sharing, video marketing, corporate spokespeople in social media, user experience on websites and why we all might need to put the phone down a little bit more, get offline, and take in our surroundings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Talking Points #47 – 12/3/15

The Fortune 500 is cooling on corporate blogging according to new data on social media usage by big companies. Arik and Kevin discuss that finding, plus the other platforms the F500 is active on. Also, breakfast emojis take over our Spotlight in this show. The blog comment might be on its way out on business…

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Talking Points #46 – 11/12/15 (Interview: Jen Swanson)

Interview edition – Jen Swanson, Director of Digital Marketing at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, joins Arik and Kevin to talk about her role with the launch of a new marketing campaign and website, her career, and her personal blogging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Talking Points #45 – 10/29/15

Are you considering messaging apps for your PR or marketing programs? Arik and Kevin share some interesting data from a new survey of the tech and media landscape, with a big focus on messaging’s future. Also, Target gets creepy for Halloween, how creating behind-the-scenes content can work for or against you, plus it’s time to…

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Talking Points #44 – 10/15/15

So what do journalists want from a PR pro? Arik and Kevin share their thoughts. Also, why your company or brand – and your leaders – should express an opinion on a blog or in social media. Plus, the challenges of being both a content creator and a content consumer. Learn more about your ad…

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Talking Points #43 – 10/1/15

Guest co-host Bryan Vincent – director, Digital Communications and Social Media at UnitedHealth Group – joins Arik and Kevin. They discuss why some companies are not taking advantage of LinkedIn, a new content partnership between Mayo Clinic and the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the real reason companies should be active in social media, plus blog posts…

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Talking Points #42 – 9/10/15

Communicators have a tough job, trying to restore or grow trust in their company CEO. Arik and Kevin look at a report on CEO trust and have some advice. Also, making the most of an internship from the standpoint of the student and the company. Plus, troubling times for disclosure of social sponsorships. Learn more…

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