A strategic public relations model with market value at its core has helped mining and minerals company MIDHCO overcome a crisis with its reputation enhanced.
By Dr. Saeed Philsouphian.
This essay explains a comprehensive strategic public relations model designed to enhance the market value of organizations. The model emphasizes the importance of effective communication, media engagement, and event organization in building brand reputation and fostering growth. It is adaptable across various sectors (B2B, B2C, B2G) and highlights cultural sensitivity for global application. Additionally, it examines key metrics for measuring success and calls for organizations to adopt this model.
The model was designed and developed by myself and is derived from the financial public relations model.
The vital role of effective communication
Effective communication serves as the lifeblood of organizations, facilitating trust-building, strengthening relationships, and ultimately driving business growth. In today’s complex business environment, effective communication extends beyond mere transactional actions to encompass a broader narrative of the organization.
This is where the creation of a strategic public relations model becomes essential, offering a comprehensive approach to aligning communication efforts with the overall business and organizational goals. In this model, establishing two-way communication with stakeholders, transparency in information dissemination, and leveraging feedback are identified as key success factors.
Creating compelling narratives: utilizing communications, media, and events
At the heart of the strategic public relations model lies a core concept: market value (Market-cap). Market value acts as the ultimate measure of success for organizations, encompassing not only financial performance but also brand reputation and market positioning.
By placing market value at the center of the model, organizations can strategically align their communication strategies with the overarching goal of increasing market value. The outer layers of the model—communications, media, and events—function as strategic pillars, each playing a crucial role in contributing to the overall goal of market value growth.
These pillars include internal and external communications, traditional and digital media, and in-person and virtual events. Each pillar is supported by a primary source referred to here as strategic communication, media, and event frameworks. These frameworks align with the organization’s strategic document and set strategic targets based on the organization’s goals, vision, and mission.
Communications
Effective communication forms the foundation of public relations success. By creating compelling narratives that resonate with stakeholders, organizations can humanize their brands, foster credible and effective communications, and distinguish themselves in the market. The communication strategies of this model ensure messages are conveyed clearly, concisely, and with maximum impact, fostering engagement and strengthening brand loyalty.
Internal communications are also of high importance; from regular team meetings to utilizing digital platforms for information sharing and encouraging greater collaboration. For example, an employer brand can enhance internal communications through regular team meetings and the use of digital platforms for information sharing and encouraging greater collaboration.
Media
In today's digital age, media engagement is crucial for amplifying organizational messages and reaching a broader audience. Through strategic partnerships with traditional and digital media, organizations can utilize diverse channels to showcase expertise, highlight achievements, and increase brand visibility.
Positive media coverage not only enhances the organization’s reputation and credibility but also boosts its market position and overall market value. Employing diverse content strategies, from producing educational and informative content to leveraging the power of social media, are effective approaches in this domain.
Events
Face-to-face interactions are highly valuable in building relationships and growing organizational business. Our event strategy focuses on creating immersive experiences that engage stakeholders, facilitate networking, and enhance collaboration. Whether hosting industry conferences, participating in trade shows, or organizing community outreach programs, organizations leave no stone unturned in showcasing leadership, innovation, and market engagement. Additionally, leveraging modern technologies such as webinars and virtual events can enable broader interactions.
Cultural sensitivity alignment: adapting the model for global markets
As various organizations (B2B, B2C, B2G) expand into new markets, cultural sensitivity increasingly becomes significant. Our public relations model is designed to be adaptable, allowing organizations to tailor strategies to the cultural differences of diverse markets.
By incorporating local customs, values, and communication preferences, organizations ensure that their messages resonate authentically with audiences worldwide. From language localization to cultural immersion, organizations embrace diversity as a source of strength and differentiation, enhancing market penetration and fostering sustainable growth. Creating local expert teams and collaborating with native consultants can also improve the efficiency of this process.
Measuring success: metrics for market value growth (market-cap)
Ultimately, the success of our public relations model is measured by its impact on market value. Key performance indicators such as brand awareness, brand value, brand equity, stakeholder engagement, and financial performance serve as metrics to evaluate effectiveness. By analyzing data, tracking trends, and listening to feedback, organizations gain valuable insights for continuously refining strategies, driving sustainable growth, and maximizing market value. Utilizing advanced analytical tools and data management software is also highly effective in this regard.
Applying the model to a real-world crisis situation
Two years ago, a sudden fire broke out at one of MIDHCO's subsidiaries, a steel factory. News of the incident quickly spread and was covered by over 200 international and national media outlets. This extensive coverage posed a significant risk of reducing MIDHCO's market value, and many market analysts expected the company's stock value to decline.
Utilizing MIDHCO's strategic public relations model, the company swiftly conducted a media maneuver to address the fire incident. Within less than 72 hours, the public relations team effectively managed the crisis using strategic media techniques based on the MIDHCO public relations model.
The comprehensive and rapid response of MIDHCO's public relations team effectively managed the crisis. As a result:
The company's stock value did not experience the anticipated decline. On the contrary, the company's stock value increased.
The effective management of this situation strengthened shareholders' confidence and trust in MIDHCO's ability to handle crises.
The public relations model demonstrated its strength and resilience, highlighting its capability to protect and even enhance the organization's market value during critical situations.
This incident underscores the robustness of MIDHCO's strategic public relations model in crisis management. By ensuring transparent communications, active media engagement, and efficient crisis management, the company successfully mitigated potential negative impacts on its market value and maintained its strong market position.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our public relations model offers a comprehensive strategic framework for empowering various organizations and significantly increasing their market value. By placing market value at the core and utilizing communications, media, and events as strategic pillars, organizations create new opportunities, strengthen relationships, and position themselves for long-term success in an ever-evolving market.
With a steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and market engagement, we invite organizations worldwide to adopt this model and embark on a journey towards greater market growth and success. This model is adaptable to modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative approaches to addressing future needs and challenges across various organizations. The Author
Dr. Philsouphian is a business consultant and a distinguished member of several professional associations, including the Iranian Management Association, the Iranian Public Relations Association, the Iranian Knowledge Management Association, and IPRA. Also the manager of the Communications and Public Relations department of MIDHCO, Dr. Philsouphian holds a DBA in Knowledge Management and a POST DBA in Business Management.
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