4 Personal Wellness Tips to Optimize Work Performance

Graduating college, moving 600+ miles away from home and landing my first PR job amidst the global coronavirus pandemic was a whirlwind to say the least. While I encountered many changes in the past year, I realized the importance of personal wellness and how it attributes to a positive work-life balance.

Since joining the team here at Lou Hammond Group, I have learned that the world of PR is fast-paced, ever-changing and like any job, can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, in my time getting acclimated to agency life, I joined a seasoned team of PR pros who demonstrate how to put your best foot forward each day and tackle those daily “to-dos”.

Based on what I have experienced during my time at LHG, and through my own trial and error, below are four strategies to invest in your physical and mental wellness so you can feel, and perform, your best:

Stay Organized

Starting your workday with clear goals helps keep job-related stress at bay. Prioritize which tasks are the most important for the day or week and assign deadlines to help keep track of your projects. Keeping an organized to-do list with work time and breaks scheduled out is a great way to create the foundation for a stress-free workday, especially when things get busy for you and your coworkers.

Staying organized will not only make it easier to tackle your weekly assignments but will also help ensure small items are not overlooked. Keeping a running list of to-dos, including both smaller, short-term items as well as long-term initiatives, will help you and your team prioritize and manage time more effectively.

Exercise

Countless studies have proven the numerous benefits of regular exercise. Not only is exercise important to maintain a healthy body weight and function, but the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says exercise has many benefits for our brains too. Exercise improves cognition, thinking and memory while stimulating production of endorphins, helping you to feel happier overall.

Keep in mind that exercise is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach and the key to finding a routine you can stick with, is finding the types of exercise you enjoy. All types produce similar benefits on your mind and body, and it is important to keep in mind that exercise is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

I personally have really enjoyed exploring Charleston and all the outdoor spots the Lowcountry has to offer, from walking the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, to jogging on one of our many nearby beaches, to walks along the Battery and historic brick roads. Exercise is more fun with friends, too! Grab a friend at lunch and head for a walk around the block. Not only will you benefit from the movement, but it is great to connect with others and take a few minutes away from the computer screen.

Balanced Diet

Just like exercise, your diet can have a huge impact on your mood and energy levels. A nutritious diet, rich in micronutrients and complex carbohydrates will help your brain operate at peak performance and keep you energized throughout the workday. A recent study conducted by the University of Washington concluded that eating high-quality foods, rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants will nourish the mind and improve brain functions like concentration and memory. Focus on eating whole foods and micronutrient dense options like sweet potatoes, oatmeal, fruits and vegetables, superfoods and lean proteins to offer your body the fuel it needs to tackle the workday.

Know When to Rest

Rest is one of the best things you can do for yourself to maintain a positive and productive mindset, and this includes everything from resting your eyes from the computer for a few minutes at work, to getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night. A lack of rest makes it more difficult to cope with stress and negatively impacts concentration and performance, whereas adequate rest has been shown to improve problem-solving skills and memory performance.

Sleep is your brain’s time to recover, and your performance at work will likely rise if you adopt good sleep and rest habits. Stick to a schedule and aim to get eight hours of sleep per night. Other beneficial forms of rest include meditation, taking a walk and shutting off your screens to take a brief break during the day.

The phrase “you can’t pour from an empty cup” is overused for good reason. Prioritizing your own physical and mental wellness will help you find satisfaction and success in the workplace. By using some of these common tactics for work/life balance and focusing on the things within your own control, it will be easier to maintain a productive outlook and stay positive when faced with everyday stressors.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/04/29/4-personal-wellness-tips-to-optimize-work-performance/
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Media Training 101: Five Tips for Consistent Messaging

No one knows your brand better than you and being able to communicate your company’s values, purposes and promises are paramount to your success. However, communicating effectively with the media is a skill that must be fine-tuned and practiced regularly. Even the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies regularly practice media training techniques. 

Media training helps ensure that key messages are conveyed clearly and effectively by company spokespersons to present your company in the best possible light. From in-person TV interviews to emailed Q&As with print journalists, communicating with reporters requires preparation and practice. Read on for our five quick tips on how to best communicate with members of the media. 

Prepare

As with any type of training, preparation is crucial. To prepare for media training, create key message points, fine-tune your elevator speech and think of relevant examples that support your key messages.

Stay on target

To ensure high impact delivery of your message, stay on point, be succinct and be positive. Lead with the important information and strong examples to prioritize key points.

Maintain control

To communicate a cohesive message, emphasize appreciation, clarification and corrections. For example, to show appreciation, consider phrases such as “Good question” or “Thanks for your interest.” For clarification or corrections, consider “I’m sorry, I misspoke. Let me rephrase that,” or “Let’s ensure I’m answering accurately. Will you repeat the question?” Lastly, remember that everything is always on the record. If an uncomfortable situation arises, consider responding “I’m sorry, I can’t go off the record.” 

Repeat the question

When participating in an interview, phrase your answers as quotable statements by repeating the question followed by your response. For example, if an interviewer asks, “Why is your company unique?” consider responding “My company is unique because…” This tactic affirms clarity and avoids unnecessary information.

Bridge and pivot

Bridges and pivots are important transitional strategies used to insert talking points or combat a lack of information on-hand. If you’re asked about a topic or question to which you don’t know the answer, pivot the conversation by saying, “I couldn’t tell you, but what I do know is…” If you would like to incorporate information unrelated to the prompted question, bridge your answer with what you want to say by using phrases such as “Yes, and what’s also interesting is…” 

At Lou Hammond Group, we specialize in providing comprehensive public relations and marketing services so you can confidently deliver your message to key audiences. Let us show you how we can take your media training to the next level and call us today!

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/03/31/media-training-101-five-tips-for-consistent-messaging/
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Roundup of LHG Black History Month Destinations and Landmarks

In honor of Black History Month, cities across the country are celebrating their black historical figures, remembering their civil rights journey and honoring the lives lost. See a selection of destinations for celebrating Black History Month below.

Montgomery, Alabama

Due to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic and current social justice movement, an unquestionable longing for purposeful and educational travel has developed and amplified throughout the United States and the world. Montgomery, Alabama, also known as the birthplace of the civil rights movement, is the ideal destination to fulfill this demand during Black History Month. Bryan Stevenson – world-renowned lawyer, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative and author of the book “Just Mercy” – believes that “until we reckon with our history…we will live in a nation where black people are marginalized, menaced, excluded and threatened.” For this very reason, Stevenson founded the National Memorial for Peace & Justice and Legacy Museum in Montgomery, which honors the victims of lynching and displays the history of slavery and racism in America. A must-visit site in February, the memorial recently announced extended nighttime viewing hours on the weekend and the museum just reopened with all new exhibits. Other notable civil rights experiences include the Rosa Parks Museum, Freedom Rides Museum, Dexter Avenue Church where Martin Luther King Jr. preached and more.

Natchez, Mississippi

With over 300 years of history in this small Mississippi River town, visitors can experience history where it happened. Natchez is home to Forks of the Road Slave Market, one of the largest slave markets in the country and The William Johnson House (operated by the National Park Service), which remembers the life of Johnson, a free man of color in antebellum Natchez who kept a diary for almost 16 years, which is now recognized as the lengthiest and most detailed personal narrative authored by an African-American during the antebellum era in the United States. Other important sites include Rhythm Night Club Onsite Memorial Museum, Zion Chapel AME Church (built-in 1858) and the newest edition – the “Proud to Take a Stand,” monument which was unveiled in late 2019 to recognize and honor the courage of numerous young civil rights activists in 1965.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria is a city steeped in black history and culture since its founding in 1749. To walk through the streets of Alexandria is to walk through America’s timeline of African-American history from colonial times to the Civil War to civil rights. During Black History Month in February and beyond, visitors can start exploring new black history tours and historical markers including the Manumission Tour Company’s newest guided walking tour route, the new eight-site Courageous Journey driving tour and the new African American Heritage Trail. Once done exploring, visitors can take part in Alexandria’s modern amenities and black-owned businesses.

Louisville, Kentucky

To celebrate the stories of the many African-American men and women that shaped the Louisville Experience, Bourbon City’s Black Heritage Unfiltered Truth Collection will open to the public in March 2021. Through six immersive, unfiltered experiences, visitors can journey back in time and explore the rich and engaging black heritage that built the culture of Louisville. Featured experiences include:
• Evan Williams: The Ideal Bartender Experience
• The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage – The Journey Into The Soul of Russell
• Frazier History Museum: From Enslaved to Empowered: Kentucky’s African-American Experience through Bourbon
• Locust Grove: Unfolding the Story – The Enslaved at Locust Grove
• Kentucky Derby Museum: Proud of My Calling, An African American Experience in the Kentucky Derby
• Roots 101 African American Museum – The Sankofa Experience

Paducah, Kentucky

Visitors to Paducah can tour the Hotel Metropolitan, a restored hotel that has hosted famous African-American sports figures and entertainers during segregation. After being turned away because she was a woman, 24-year-old widow Maggie Steed used her late husband’s name to open the hotel. The Hotel Metropolitan was the first hotel in Paducah operated by and for African-Americans. Guests over the years included many legends of the Jazz Age and beyond including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, B.B. King, Bobby “Blue” Bland and Ike and Tina Turner. Other notable guests included future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, the Harlem Globetrotters, and members of the Negro Baseball League, including Satchel Paige. Tours of Hotel Metropolitan are available by appointment.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Opened in 2009, Hattiesburg’s African American Military History Museum showcases the history and important role of African American soldiers, who served in every war since the U.S. was founded. The museum features an array of exhibits portraying Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen and servicemen and women from the greater Hattiesburg area, including the first African American naval aviator Jesse L. Brown. The museum is located in the only surviving USO built exclusively for African-American soldiers and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Providence, Rhode Island

From the early days of the Rhode Island colony to today, Providence’s Early Black History Walking Tour provides insight into the city’s role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, covering the period between 1636 and 1865. The tour was launched in January 2020 as an act of remembrance and honors the lives of those whose stories are only partially known, but who contributed significantly to the city Providence is today. Maps are available at Providence Visitor Center locations and a printable version is available on the Go Providence website.

New Haven, Connecticut

In 1839, New Haven, Connecticut became the final stop for a group of 53 Africans who had been abducted from their homeland to be sold as slaves. Held captive aboard the Spanish slave ship, La Amistad, the captives revolted and steered the ship toward North America in hopes of rescue. They were instead transported to New Haven to await trial for mutiny, murder, and piracy. After two years of legal battles, their case was successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1841 by former President John Quincy Adams and the Amistad captives were freed. In commemoration of the Amistad affair, the citizens of New Haven resurrected the Amistad Committee in 1988, resulting in the construction of an Amistad replica. The Amistad Memorial is one of the few stops in New Haven from the CT Freedom Trail.

Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Brookgreen Gardens invites visitors to remember African-American history and contributions to this Black History Month by visiting its Lowcountry Trail. This self-guided walking trail follows a scenic boardwalk that crosses the hillside overlooking Mainfield, a restored rice field of a former plantation, the trail tells the story of the enslaved people who lived on the plantation. Along the trail are interpretive panels and figures, created in stainless steel by Babette Bloch, an award-winning artist, that serve as visually compelling landmarks and show the struggles of those who lived and worked on the plantation.

Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina

The Gibbes Museum of Art invites patrons to support African-American artists by shopping at the Museum Store. The store features items from artists like Marcus Amaker, Charleston’s first Poet Laureate. Amaker has published eight books, has had his poetry studied in classrooms around the world, has recorded three albums with Grammy Award-winning drummer and producer Quentin E. Baxter and is selling his latest work, “The Birth of All Things,” in the Gibbes Museum store. The work is a 104-page poetry book about an eclectic mix of subjects: battle droids, Björk, black experience, beats, the blues, Bessie Coleman, a beautiful baby and more.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/02/17/roundup-of-lhg-black-history-month-destinations-and-landmarks/
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Three New Clients Join Lou Hammond Group

NEW YORK, February 2, 2021 – Lou Hammond Group (LHG) is proud to announce new clients for public relations/corporate communications, strategic planning, branding and digital marketing:

imaware – A Texas digital health platform, offering access to precise testing that empowers individuals with remote screening and monitoring of their health. imaware provides essential healthcare service for conditions such as COVID-19, cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, and autoimmune disorders.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin, AL – A developer and major employer that operates numerous real estate entities and a portfolio of businesses that serve the community.

The Alida – a 173-room hotel situated on the historic Savannah’s River Street in the burgeoning Warehouse District offering The Lost Square outdoor rooftop living room, Rhett – a classic American Kitchen, The Trade Room industrial chic lobby bar and Keep Shop retail experience.

Lou Hammond Group is an award-winning full-service marketing communications firm representing premium brands globally. The company, founded in 1984, is headquartered in New York with offices in Charleston, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami. Visit www.louhammond.com.

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from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/02/02/three-new-clients-join-lou-hammond-group/
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Global Wellness Summit Unveils 2021 Global Wellness Trends

Photo courtesy of STRATA Integrated Wellness and Spa at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club

This week, LHG attended the virtual 2021 Global Wellness Trends Media Showcase where the expert Global Wellness Summit team and contributors shared this year’s emerging wellness trends. In the year emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, health and wellness is more vital and top of mind than ever. Read the nine wellness trends below with LHG’s snapshot of each.

“The 2021 GWS Trends Report captures the nature of the paradigm shift caused by COVID-19 and the myriad ways in which wellness has taken hold. It reflects the perspective of global economists, academics, futurists and CEOs of international corporations from related fields within the $4.5 trillion wellness economy, providing a powerful, informed set of predictions, researched and written by top journalists and thinkers.

Wellness has gone from being a nice to have to a must-have for all.”
– Susie Ellis, Chair & CEO Nancy Davis, Chief Creative Officer & Executive Director | Global Wellness Summit

Read excerpts online courtesy of Global Wellness Summit.

2021 Global Wellness Trends at a glance:

Hollywood and the Entertainment Industries Jump into Wellness

Snapshot: From music, TV, streaming fitness programming, meditation apps to podcasts – wellness captures global mainstream media attention and device dominance 2021.

The Future of Immune Health: Stop Boosting, Start Balancing

Snapshot: Long term immunity requires more than singular boosts. Immune health will center on healthy routines and lifestyles. Expect to hear more about a proactive, intentional focus on metabolic health, gut health, personalized nutrition, stress management, gut health, sleep quality, exercise and hydration.

Spiritual and Numinous Moments in Architecture

Snapshot: Similar to the prolonged immunity approach, this trend opts against fast interior fashion and fads to deliberately designed soulful architecture and interiors that meaningfully impact wellbeing

Just Breathe!

Snapshot: Breathwork emerges from a esoteric wellness phrase to a powerful health tool. Welcome a drug-free way to achieve clarity and calm that can help ease depression, anxiety, hypertension and chronic pain. Om to that!

The Self-Care Renaissance

Snapshot: Imagine a yin-yang of self-care and health-care. Proactive wellness and self-care become equally as significant and impactful as healthcare with innovative convergence and duality of the two to unfold.

Adding Color to Wellness

Snapshot: The wellness industry is whitewashed. It is necessary for wellness as a whole to reflect the global array of individuals. Substantive change is upon us with Black wellness at the forefront. Diversity and inclusivity in wellness is an overdue and essential focus.

Resetting Events with Wellness

Snapshot: The pandemic drastically disrupted the meeting and events industry, but as we gather again, wellness and attendee safety will be top of mind. Anticipate creative innovations to meet while mitigating risks and fostering engagement as social interaction for togetherness and relationship building runs eternal.

Money Out Loud

Snapshot: Financial health deserves a reboot as well. While money has long been a DND (do not discuss) topic, in a culture with authenticity reining supreme, a financial wellness awakening is upon us. Anticipate more honest, progressive conversations about money and its impact on wellness and how to improve that relationship.

2021: The Year of the Travel Reset

Snapshot: Post pandemic travel is all about “rebooting better.” Travelers will be intentional and mindful in travel choices. Travel and nature have the power to restore and as individuals resume travel – safety and purpose driven travel will be top of mind. Responsible tourism, supporting local communities, savoring natural environments and reigniting togetherness after time apart will be key.

Questions about these trends or how to apply them to your business? Drop us a line at lhg@louhammond.com. Stay tuned for more news on how LHG clients embrace wellness in 2021!

 

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/01/29/global-wellness-summit-unveils-2021-global-wellness-trends/
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Where We Will Travel in 2021

As we move ahead into 2021, one of the big questions on everyone’s mind – especially in the travel and hospitality industries – is when will it be safe to travel again? Recent data has shown that, on multiple days in the second half of December, over a million people have passed through domestic airports, marking the busiest travel days since March. These numbers show us that many people are anxious to resume travel, but until a vaccine is readily available and various restrictions are dropped, many will follow the suggestion of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and stay close to home to lessen the risk of catching and spreading the virus.

However, there is an increasing level of optimism among those in the travel industry that we could be in for a banner year as quickly as 2021 when pent up demand will mean that travel will explode as soon as it is deemed safe. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of several vaccines in a short period of time has shown many of us the light at the end of a very long tunnel. In fact, many say a vaccine could be available for the general population in the second quarter of the year, and many experts expect most people to be raring to go on those trips that they may have had to cancel in 2020.

While travel may look different in 2021, many people are still planning to go to the same kinds of places they did before COVID-19. The expectation will be that among the most popular destinations in 2021 will be countries and destinations that have responded well to the pandemic. Studies from the World Economic Forum show that places like Japan and Australia, both of which are known for their health and hygiene as well as their tourist infrastructure, maybe well-positioned to recover quickly. Beach destinations and those where people may be able to get some much-needed personal space will also be popular.

To get the lowdown on where some travel experts are looking to go for their next vacation as soon as it is deemed safe to do so, I polled a few members of the LHG staff for their insight:

Rachael Moss: I have had to cancel a few trips to visit friends in New York City and would love to reschedule once COVID-19 is a thing of the past. My friends and I often fantasize about buying a new outfit (on Fifth Avenue of course!) and treating ourselves to a night out in a lively restaurant with lots of good food and wine.

Kelsey Donnelly: As soon as it feels safe, my husband and I plan to travel. We were supposed to attend two weddings in 2020 and both were canceled or postponed, so a trip seems long overdue. Our favorite place to stay is The Mermaid and The Alligator bed & breakfast in Key West and I can’t wait to eat dinner again at El Meson De Pepe’s in Mallory Square.

Liz Berman: In 2021 and once COVID-19 restriction subsides, I’m looking forward to going to Aspen, Colorado to see one of my closest friends and celebrate my birthday (hopefully this can happen in March!). Aspen is a picturesque vacation destination and an easy choice because of its beautiful scenery, outdoor recreation options and ski scene. I can’t wait to visit this small mountain community that exudes good vibes and fun times – something everyone needs post quarantine.

Nicolette Giordano: The next trip that I’m planning is going to be for my bachelorette party in June. As of right now, we are planning on going to Virginia Beach & Norfolk so we can enjoy good food, nice weather, time on the water and hopefully some wine. We wanted to plan something that would be easy to get to and relaxing but fun.

Carlyn Topkin: I’m looking forward to traveling more throughout Spain. Madrid has a special place in my heart after studying abroad there in college, but I can’t wait to continue eating (+ drinking!) my way through the rest of the country and taking in an amazing culture.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2020/12/30/where-we-will-travel-in-2021/
via https://louhammond.com

Why Tech Companies Should Invest in PR

“If I was down to my last dollar, I’d spend it on public relations.” – Bill Gates

From web startups and new smartphone applications to Fortune 500 enterprises, public relations is an essential strategy for companies seeking to grow their audiences and bring their brands to the masses. Investing in PR may often seem like a high cost for low returns, but media coverage is vital for company growth and future development.

Identify Main Goals of Investing in PR

To create an effective PR strategy, technology providers will need to identify some of their main goals in seeking media coverage. Here are some of the most common, and important, goals that tech companies should set out to accomplish in their media campaigns.

Audience Growth & Brand Awareness

Increased Web Traffic

Media activities and strong content, such as articles, interviews, contributed articles and more contribute to generating visibility in web search engines and establish your brand as a leader voice on relevant topics.

Competitive Edge

News coverage in consumer and industry news outlets helps set your company’s technology apart from your competitors’. Particularly for companies deploying emerging technologies, gaining a strong foothold in the media will help to secure brand awareness and interest in your company’s news.

Social Media Growth

Social media is a powerful factor in nearly all modern marketing strategy, and technology is no exception. Through incorporating social media into your press campaign, your company can boost reach to a wide audience. Social media is an excellent tool for gauging customer satisfaction and even better for customer engagement.

Enhancing Key Messaging Initiatives

Communicating key company messaging standards reinforces brands and maintains a consistent company language. Consistency helps media personnel communicate brand principles and services effectively through clear coverage and ultimately enhances public exposure.

Thought Leadership

Positioning CEOs and other company leaders as thought leaders in your industry is a powerful marketing tool, especially for firms breaking into new markets and deploying emerging technologies.

Identify What Sets a PR Agency Apart for Tech Clients

Once your team has identified the main goals of your public relations campaign, finding a dedicated PR agency to partner with is an important first step to accomplishing your companies’ goals. Working with the right team can make all the difference, here are some key characteristics to look for in a public relations agency

They understand your technology

Make sure your PR team has a comprehensive understanding of the services your company offers and the technology it uses to provide them. Likewise, it is crucial that your team understands exactly how your products help consumers and can effectively communicate that to the media.

Market Expertise

Understanding your key markets is vital to increasing media exposure where you need it most. It is important that your public relations team has a clear target audience by which to direct its efforts.

Media Expertise

Public relations partners are charged with developing key relationships with industry and news media. Understanding how to develop, refine and deploy a strategic media campaign requires a dedicated team of communicators engaging with clients and media.

In the technology world things move at a rapid pace, so using your PR firm’s media expertise to keep up to date with the latest trends and developments in tech news is a must. Additionally, competitor monitoring for news coverage and across social media channels is a helpful tool for companies running a tight race with competing providers. Understanding the competition’s media strategy puts your company that much closer to gaining a lead.

At Lou Hammond Group we specialize in providing comprehensive public relations and marketing services to top technology providers in the Hospitality, Information Technology and Digital Experience sectors. Let us show you how you we can take your media relations to the next level, call us today!

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2020/11/20/why-tech-companies-should-invest-in-pr/
via https://louhammond.com