Comments on: Handing Off vs Signing Off

By: Scott Gould

Scott Gould — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:24:00 +0000

Hey Claire – thanks for the comment.Yes you're right – there must be a sign up, and then a hand off. I think this would the way it develops – right?

By: Claire Thompson

Claire Thompson — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:41:25 +0000

The world of PR is a bit more complex than one path alone. We need both sign off (for legal, regulatory and even campaign reasons – suprise can be the thing that delights) and hand off (because it's not ours to give anyway)There is still room for professionally produced content (Cadbury's gorillas; music videos; and yes, press releases, which, like it or not, are often a legal requirement) and sign off is still an important part of the process (although SM tools and tech are making this a whole bunch easier)Signing off tweets is, of course, ludicrous. But something that could jeopardise your ability to trade is essential. It's ALL about media literacy and context.

By: Sophy

Sophy — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:21:37 +0000

Oh – and PS – sadly trust the hardest nut to crack – hence red tape!

By: Sophy

Sophy — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:20:47 +0000

I look forward to talking about it with you! Exciting stuff!….

By: Scott Gould

Scott Gould — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:18:53 +0000

1. 360 – yes, very good way of describing it. My hope would therefore be that a 'hand off' gives freedom for 360 movement without constantly checking everything off2. Trust – This is a massive issue isn't it! Need to address this properly and should read Brogan's Trust Agents before he arrives!3. Timing, when, where – I agree – these are deeper questions which are sensitive to each organisation. I'd like to explore this more too.

By: Sophy

Sophy — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:12:05 +0000

Scott – herewith an immediate repsonse! I agree. I think all communications need to be seen as a 360 degree whole. Therefore, ideally, when communicating a story we need to consider all the ways the right people might hear about it – whether that be an exclusive story, a universal tweet or even (gasp) a press release…. The trick, and Scott you are so right, is to have enough trust between consultant and client to let the consultant become the brand and know the right voice and moment to speak on their behalf in a variety of ways…. this when the “hand off” comes in I guess. At this moment the consultant also needs to be savvy enough to carry this out effecively – so the tone and brand values are right – but so are all the facts and figures etc…There is more to discuss on this whole issue – in another post perhaps… Timing, releasing information, when and how to do it… who says what, who manages the communication path etc… these are all things that interest me…. Hmmmm… some great food for thought – and as is the danger with an immediate repsonse – some ramblings from me!Nice one Scott!