Episode 4

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Published on:

29th Aug 2024

S5 E4: The Power of Cause Marketing with Lauren Reed

Lauren Reed-Williams has a passion for creating PR campaigns that not only drive business success but also make a meaningful difference in the community. In this episode, she discusses the significance and impact of cause marketing in today’s business landscape.

Lauren emphasizes that cause marketing should not be seen as an either-or alternative to traditional marketing tactics but rather as an additional layer that enhances the overall strategy.

She highlights the importance of genuine passion and alignment with the cause, noting that authenticity is critical for the success of these campaigns.

Lauren also provides a detailed checklist for evaluating potential cause marketing partners, covering key aspects such as online presence, cross-promotional opportunities, alignment of core values, and measurement of success.

Key Takeaways

  • Authenticity in cause marketing is crucial for its success; both the company and the cause should benefit.
  • Effective cause marketing campaigns can be conducted by businesses of any size, from small local companies to large national brands.
  • Measurement of cause marketing efforts should be as rigorous and detailed as traditional marketing campaigns, incorporating tangible and intangible metrics.

About the Guest

Lauren Reed is CEO and founder of REED, a full-service public relations and marketing agency in Nashville, TN. With over a decade of experience in the industry, her passion lies in the psychology of communications and marketing, with a particular interest in cause marketing. Under her leadership, Reed PR has developed innovative campaigns that resonate deeply within both the local community and broader markets.

Lauren earned her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) designation in 2010 and is a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Women Presidents’ Organization, former president of PRSA Nashville and recipient of the PRSA Nashville 2011 Mercury Award, which recognizes the top young PR professional in the Nashville market. Most recently, Lauren was named to the Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and its Most Admired CEO list in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. REED PR was also named one of the Business Journal’s Best Places to Work.

Even with all of her awards and the tremendous work she has done, she still says one of her greatest professional accomplishments was creating REED PR’s Be The Good program, which reserves a portion of the agency’s revenue to provide travel grants to individuals who want to do volunteer or mission work at home or abroad.

About the Host

Abbie Fink is president of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix, Arizona and a founding member of PRGN. Her marketing communications background includes skills in media relations, digital communications, social media strategies, special event management, crisis communications, community relations, issues management, and marketing promotions for both the private and public sectors, including such industries as healthcare, financial services, professional services, government affairs and tribal affairs, as well as not-for-profit organizations.

PRGN Presents is brought to you by Public Relations Global Network, the world’s local public relations agency. Our executive producer is Adrian McIntyre.

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About the Podcast

PRGN Presents: News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network
Leading a business effectively in today's fast-paced and interconnected world requires expert guidance and a strong communications strategy. The Public Relations Global Network is here to help.
PRGN Presents is the essential podcast for international business leaders, non-profit executives, and those who hire public relations, marketing, and communications firms. It provides an exclusive look into the ever-evolving world of PR and communications, featuring experts from the Public Relations Global Network, “the world’s local public relations agency.”

Is your message winning hearts and minds? No matter where you do business, there is a PRGN member agency in your region with the deep industry expertise, international experience, and local market knowledge you need to connect with your target audience and achieve your goals.

Whether you're an executive looking to improve your organization's communication strategy or an in-house marketing professional looking to bring in an outside firm to support a specific campaign, this podcast will provide valuable insights on how to communicate effectively and build lasting relationships with customers, staff, and communities around the world.

In each episode, you’ll hear PR professionals and industry experts share valuable insights and perspectives on the latest trends in public relations, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), media relations, crisis management, investor relations, stakeholder engagement, executive thought leadership, and strategic communications.

About your hosts

Abbie S. Fink

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Abbie S. Fink is president of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix, Arizona and a founding member of the Public Relations Global Network. Her marketing communications background includes skills in media relations, digital communications, social media strategies, special event management, community relations, issues management, and marketing promotions for both the private and public sectors, including such industries as healthcare, financial services, professional services, government affairs and tribal affairs, as well as not-for-profit organizations. Abbie is often invited to present to a wide variety of business and civic organizations on such topics as media relations, social media and digital communications strategies, crisis communications, and special events management.

Adrian McIntyre, PhD

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Dr. Adrian McIntyre is a social scientist, storytelling strategist, and internationally recognized authority on effective communication. His on-air experience began in 1978 at the age of five as a co-host of "The Happy Day Express," the longest-running children's radio program in California history. Adrian earned his PhD in cultural anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a Fulbright scholar and National Science Foundation research fellow. He spent nearly a decade in the Middle East and Africa as a researcher, journalist, and media spokesperson for two of the largest humanitarian relief agencies in the world. Today he advises and trains entrepreneurs, executives, and corporate teams on high-performance communication, the power of storytelling, and how to leverage digital media to build a personal leadership brand.