SlideShare a Scribd company logo
“No They Didn’t!”
Learning from PR Horror Stories




                                  Mike McDougall, APR
                        Managing Partner, McDougall Travers Collins

      W N Y C O L L E G E M E D I A C O N F E R E N C E ● F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 2 ● S U N Y B R O C K P O R T
more about you



@McDougallTC   22
@McDougallTC

linkedin.com/in/mcdougall

facebook.com/McDougallTC

mmcdougall@McDougallTC.com

direct: +1.585.789.1623

#WNYCMC12
                      3
dramatic ways to
                          in PR

@McDougallTC               4
ignore the obvious




@McDougallTC                5
ignore the obvious




             6
ignore the obvious

“Schutt CEO Robert Erb said Vengeance referred to the company's
competition with rival manufacturer Riddell, which was awarded $29 million
in a patent infringement suit against Schutt in 2010. Schutt then filed for
bankruptcy but, after being sold in December 2010, has since recovered.

Erb added that the helmets are not marketed directly to consumers and the
word Vengeance does not appear on the product. "I don't think that it
matters," he said.




                                                        7
forget your brand promise




@McDougallTC                   8
forget your brand promise




                    9
spray and pray
Begin forwarded message:
Date: June 3, 2009 9:45:42 AM CDT
Subject: The "Pull Out" Method Rivals Condoms? Interview Opp

Hi [Editor in Chief’s Name],

A recent study published in the June issue of Contraception Magazine presents findings that the “Pull Out” method of
birth control rivals the use of condoms. http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/reprints/Contraception79-407-410.pdf

Published by sex researcher Rachel K. Jones and based on several studies and data from the Guttmacher Institute, the
study indicates that “pulling out” before ejaculation is nearly effective as condoms in preventing pregnancy – calling the
method “only slightly less effective” than condoms.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/05/28/health/main5045514.shtml

This study has clearly raised concerns amongst healthcare experts, with lively opinions and debate being expressed
across the media. To speak with 20 year veteran on contraception, CLIENT, please contact me. CLIENT is an industry
expert and can provide commentary and insight on the study, as well as answer relevant questions.




@McDougallTC                                                                            10
spray and pray

From the Editor in Chief and Publisher of Gay List Daily:

I got this totally misdirected pitch this morning -- keep in
mind Gay List Daily is a GAY publication (we're like
DailyCandy for the gays). When we gays get it on, we don't
worry about pregnancy and whether pulling out is more or
less effective at stopping babies from showing up in our
bellies than condoms.

                                   Source: badpitch.blogspot.com




                                        11
use bait-and-switch




              12
use bait-and-switch




              13
use bait-and-switch




              14
be insensitive




@McDougallTC           15
be insensitive

“We acknowledged in the call that delivering this news
on a teleconference wasn’t ideal, but given the scope
and scale of the reductions, there was no other
way to share this news quickly and
consistently,” said a company spokesman.




                                           16
let anyone represent you




                   17
let anyone represent you




                   18
let anyone represent you




                   19
ride the coattails of disaster




@McDougallTC                20
mask your true identity




                                source: jessicagottlieb.com


@McDougallTC                      21
mask your true identity




@McDougallTC                     22
tempt fate




@McDougallTC        23
underestimate your customer




@McDougallTC              24
underestimate your customer




                          25
underestimate your customer




@McDougallTC              26
debate &
 discuss
                                  Mike McDougall, APR
               Managing Partner, McDougall Travers Collins
                       mmcdougall@McDougallTC.com
                           linkedin.com/in/mcdougall
                         facebook.com/McDougallTC
                               direct: +1.585.789.1623
                                        @McDougallTC


@McDougallTC                        27
@McDougallTC   © 2012 Michael L. McDougall   28

More Related Content

Similar to PR Horror Stories - WNY College Media Conference

Listen. Monitor. Engage. Using social media in public service
Listen. Monitor. Engage. Using social media in public serviceListen. Monitor. Engage. Using social media in public service
Listen. Monitor. Engage. Using social media in public servicePlayhouse Communication Ltd
 
SIBEC SPORT 2013 OROURKE KEYNOTE
SIBEC SPORT 2013 OROURKE KEYNOTESIBEC SPORT 2013 OROURKE KEYNOTE
SIBEC SPORT 2013 OROURKE KEYNOTEBryan K. O'Rourke
 
Secrets to Success in Digital Marketing
Secrets to Success in Digital MarketingSecrets to Success in Digital Marketing
Secrets to Success in Digital MarketingKristi DePaul
 
SearchLove Boston 2015 | Bridget Randolph, ‘Shocking: Get Traffic Fast With T...
SearchLove Boston 2015 | Bridget Randolph, ‘Shocking: Get Traffic Fast With T...SearchLove Boston 2015 | Bridget Randolph, ‘Shocking: Get Traffic Fast With T...
SearchLove Boston 2015 | Bridget Randolph, ‘Shocking: Get Traffic Fast With T...Distilled
 
CIC & Ogilvy PR China released the latest whitepaper “2013 Crisis Management ...
CIC & Ogilvy PR China released the latest whitepaper “2013 Crisis Management ...CIC & Ogilvy PR China released the latest whitepaper “2013 Crisis Management ...
CIC & Ogilvy PR China released the latest whitepaper “2013 Crisis Management ...Kantar Media CIC
 
Strategy>Shift guide: 9 Ways to Promote Sustainability without Greenwashing
Strategy>Shift guide: 9 Ways to Promote Sustainability without GreenwashingStrategy>Shift guide: 9 Ways to Promote Sustainability without Greenwashing
Strategy>Shift guide: 9 Ways to Promote Sustainability without GreenwashingThinkshift Communications
 
03 investment tips for pitching to the bbc dragons den investors
03 investment tips for pitching to the bbc dragons den investors03 investment tips for pitching to the bbc dragons den investors
03 investment tips for pitching to the bbc dragons den investorsDr. Mark D. Yates
 
How Social Media Is Changing The World - Prepared for SOAS, University of London
How Social Media Is Changing The World - Prepared for SOAS, University of LondonHow Social Media Is Changing The World - Prepared for SOAS, University of London
How Social Media Is Changing The World - Prepared for SOAS, University of LondonGirish Balachandran
 
The Disruption Briefing
The Disruption BriefingThe Disruption Briefing
The Disruption Briefingfivebyfive
 
Redefining realness for brands on Twitter - SXSW 2015
Redefining realness for brands on Twitter - SXSW 2015Redefining realness for brands on Twitter - SXSW 2015
Redefining realness for brands on Twitter - SXSW 2015John Colucci
 
Digital Crisis Management
Digital Crisis ManagementDigital Crisis Management
Digital Crisis ManagementBhushan Shetty
 
The Disruption Briefing (TLC) - Jan 2010
The Disruption Briefing (TLC) - Jan 2010The Disruption Briefing (TLC) - Jan 2010
The Disruption Briefing (TLC) - Jan 2010Steve Sponder
 
Smartees Summer School: the Consumer-Activated Company
Smartees Summer School: the Consumer-Activated CompanySmartees Summer School: the Consumer-Activated Company
Smartees Summer School: the Consumer-Activated CompanyInSites on Stage
 
#StayHomeStaySocial Report
#StayHomeStaySocial Report #StayHomeStaySocial Report
#StayHomeStaySocial Report S3cubed
 
Sitecore Digital Trendspot: The power of brand storytelling in the digital ag...
Sitecore Digital Trendspot: The power of brand storytelling in the digital ag...Sitecore Digital Trendspot: The power of brand storytelling in the digital ag...
Sitecore Digital Trendspot: The power of brand storytelling in the digital ag...Branded3
 
Marketing in the Age of COVID-19
Marketing in the Age of COVID-19Marketing in the Age of COVID-19
Marketing in the Age of COVID-19Michael King
 
Cadbury social media management - case study
Cadbury social media management - case studyCadbury social media management - case study
Cadbury social media management - case studyCrowdControlHQ
 

Similar to PR Horror Stories - WNY College Media Conference (20)

Listen. Monitor. Engage. Using social media in public service
Listen. Monitor. Engage. Using social media in public serviceListen. Monitor. Engage. Using social media in public service
Listen. Monitor. Engage. Using social media in public service
 
SIBEC SPORT 2013 OROURKE KEYNOTE
SIBEC SPORT 2013 OROURKE KEYNOTESIBEC SPORT 2013 OROURKE KEYNOTE
SIBEC SPORT 2013 OROURKE KEYNOTE
 
Secrets to Success in Digital Marketing
Secrets to Success in Digital MarketingSecrets to Success in Digital Marketing
Secrets to Success in Digital Marketing
 
SearchLove Boston 2015 | Bridget Randolph, ‘Shocking: Get Traffic Fast With T...
SearchLove Boston 2015 | Bridget Randolph, ‘Shocking: Get Traffic Fast With T...SearchLove Boston 2015 | Bridget Randolph, ‘Shocking: Get Traffic Fast With T...
SearchLove Boston 2015 | Bridget Randolph, ‘Shocking: Get Traffic Fast With T...
 
CIC & Ogilvy PR China released the latest whitepaper “2013 Crisis Management ...
CIC & Ogilvy PR China released the latest whitepaper “2013 Crisis Management ...CIC & Ogilvy PR China released the latest whitepaper “2013 Crisis Management ...
CIC & Ogilvy PR China released the latest whitepaper “2013 Crisis Management ...
 
Strategy>Shift guide: 9 Ways to Promote Sustainability without Greenwashing
Strategy>Shift guide: 9 Ways to Promote Sustainability without GreenwashingStrategy>Shift guide: 9 Ways to Promote Sustainability without Greenwashing
Strategy>Shift guide: 9 Ways to Promote Sustainability without Greenwashing
 
03 investment tips for pitching to the bbc dragons den investors
03 investment tips for pitching to the bbc dragons den investors03 investment tips for pitching to the bbc dragons den investors
03 investment tips for pitching to the bbc dragons den investors
 
How Social Media Is Changing The World - Prepared for SOAS, University of London
How Social Media Is Changing The World - Prepared for SOAS, University of LondonHow Social Media Is Changing The World - Prepared for SOAS, University of London
How Social Media Is Changing The World - Prepared for SOAS, University of London
 
The Disruption Briefing
The Disruption BriefingThe Disruption Briefing
The Disruption Briefing
 
Redefining realness for brands on Twitter - SXSW 2015
Redefining realness for brands on Twitter - SXSW 2015Redefining realness for brands on Twitter - SXSW 2015
Redefining realness for brands on Twitter - SXSW 2015
 
MayJune-APICS_Rennie
MayJune-APICS_RennieMayJune-APICS_Rennie
MayJune-APICS_Rennie
 
Brand jacking
Brand jackingBrand jacking
Brand jacking
 
Digital Crisis Management
Digital Crisis ManagementDigital Crisis Management
Digital Crisis Management
 
The Disruption Briefing (TLC) - Jan 2010
The Disruption Briefing (TLC) - Jan 2010The Disruption Briefing (TLC) - Jan 2010
The Disruption Briefing (TLC) - Jan 2010
 
Smartees Summer School: the Consumer-Activated Company
Smartees Summer School: the Consumer-Activated CompanySmartees Summer School: the Consumer-Activated Company
Smartees Summer School: the Consumer-Activated Company
 
#StayHomeStaySocial Report
#StayHomeStaySocial Report #StayHomeStaySocial Report
#StayHomeStaySocial Report
 
Sitecore Digital Trendspot: The power of brand storytelling in the digital ag...
Sitecore Digital Trendspot: The power of brand storytelling in the digital ag...Sitecore Digital Trendspot: The power of brand storytelling in the digital ag...
Sitecore Digital Trendspot: The power of brand storytelling in the digital ag...
 
Marketing in the Age of COVID-19
Marketing in the Age of COVID-19Marketing in the Age of COVID-19
Marketing in the Age of COVID-19
 
Cadbury social media management - case study
Cadbury social media management - case studyCadbury social media management - case study
Cadbury social media management - case study
 
Jeff Wallick 6
Jeff Wallick 6Jeff Wallick 6
Jeff Wallick 6
 

Recently uploaded

How to Maintain Healthy Life style.pptx
How to Maintain  Healthy Life style.pptxHow to Maintain  Healthy Life style.pptx
How to Maintain Healthy Life style.pptxrdishurana
 
Creative Ideas for Interactive Team Presentations
Creative Ideas for Interactive Team PresentationsCreative Ideas for Interactive Team Presentations
Creative Ideas for Interactive Team PresentationsSlidesAI
 
State of D2C in India: A Logistics Update
State of D2C in India: A Logistics UpdateState of D2C in India: A Logistics Update
State of D2C in India: A Logistics UpdateRedSeer
 
What Does A 3-Band Wedding Band Mean?
What Does A 3-Band Wedding Band Mean?What Does A 3-Band Wedding Band Mean?
What Does A 3-Band Wedding Band Mean?Pristine Rings
 
sales plan presentation by mckinsey alum
sales plan presentation by mckinsey alumsales plan presentation by mckinsey alum
sales plan presentation by mckinsey alumzyqmx62fgm
 
Meaningful Technology for Humans: How Strategy Helps to Deliver Real Value fo...
Meaningful Technology for Humans: How Strategy Helps to Deliver Real Value fo...Meaningful Technology for Humans: How Strategy Helps to Deliver Real Value fo...
Meaningful Technology for Humans: How Strategy Helps to Deliver Real Value fo...Björn Rohles
 
transform-your-business-with-cutting-edge-inventory-management-and-3pl-integr...
transform-your-business-with-cutting-edge-inventory-management-and-3pl-integr...transform-your-business-with-cutting-edge-inventory-management-and-3pl-integr...
transform-your-business-with-cutting-edge-inventory-management-and-3pl-integr...Connect3PL
 
Using Generative AI for Content Marketing
Using Generative AI for Content MarketingUsing Generative AI for Content Marketing
Using Generative AI for Content MarketingChuck Aikens
 
Copyright: What Creators and Users of Art Need to Know
Copyright: What Creators and Users of Art Need to KnowCopyright: What Creators and Users of Art Need to Know
Copyright: What Creators and Users of Art Need to KnowMiriam Robeson
 
The Ultimate Guide to IPTV App Development Process_ Step-By-Step Instructions
The Ultimate Guide to IPTV App Development Process_ Step-By-Step InstructionsThe Ultimate Guide to IPTV App Development Process_ Step-By-Step Instructions
The Ultimate Guide to IPTV App Development Process_ Step-By-Step InstructionsWHMCS Smarters
 
TriStar Gold Corporate Presentation May 2024
TriStar Gold Corporate Presentation May 2024TriStar Gold Corporate Presentation May 2024
TriStar Gold Corporate Presentation May 2024Adnet Communications
 
The Leading Cyber Security Entrepreneur of India in 2024.pdf
The Leading Cyber Security Entrepreneur of India in 2024.pdfThe Leading Cyber Security Entrepreneur of India in 2024.pdf
The Leading Cyber Security Entrepreneur of India in 2024.pdfinsightssuccess2
 
The Inspiring Personality To Watch In 2024.pdf
The Inspiring Personality To Watch In 2024.pdfThe Inspiring Personality To Watch In 2024.pdf
The Inspiring Personality To Watch In 2024.pdfinsightssuccess2
 
Cracking the Change Management Code Main New.pptx
Cracking the Change Management Code Main New.pptxCracking the Change Management Code Main New.pptx
Cracking the Change Management Code Main New.pptxWorkforce Group
 
Potato Flakes Manufacturing Plant Project Report.pdf
Potato Flakes Manufacturing Plant Project Report.pdfPotato Flakes Manufacturing Plant Project Report.pdf
Potato Flakes Manufacturing Plant Project Report.pdfhostl9518
 
HR and Employment law update: May 2024.
HR and Employment law update:  May 2024.HR and Employment law update:  May 2024.
HR and Employment law update: May 2024.FelixPerez547899
 
Hyundai capital 2024 1quarter Earnings release
Hyundai capital 2024 1quarter Earnings releaseHyundai capital 2024 1quarter Earnings release
Hyundai capital 2024 1quarter Earnings releaseirhcs
 
India’s Recommended Women Surgeons to Watch in 2024.pdf
India’s Recommended Women Surgeons to Watch in 2024.pdfIndia’s Recommended Women Surgeons to Watch in 2024.pdf
India’s Recommended Women Surgeons to Watch in 2024.pdfCIOLOOKIndia
 
Event Report - IBM Think 2024 - It is all about AI and hybrid
Event Report - IBM Think 2024 - It is all about AI and hybridEvent Report - IBM Think 2024 - It is all about AI and hybrid
Event Report - IBM Think 2024 - It is all about AI and hybridHolger Mueller
 
Unleash Data Power with EnFuse Solutions' Comprehensive Data Management Servi...
Unleash Data Power with EnFuse Solutions' Comprehensive Data Management Servi...Unleash Data Power with EnFuse Solutions' Comprehensive Data Management Servi...
Unleash Data Power with EnFuse Solutions' Comprehensive Data Management Servi...Rahul Bedi
 

Recently uploaded (20)

How to Maintain Healthy Life style.pptx
How to Maintain  Healthy Life style.pptxHow to Maintain  Healthy Life style.pptx
How to Maintain Healthy Life style.pptx
 
Creative Ideas for Interactive Team Presentations
Creative Ideas for Interactive Team PresentationsCreative Ideas for Interactive Team Presentations
Creative Ideas for Interactive Team Presentations
 
State of D2C in India: A Logistics Update
State of D2C in India: A Logistics UpdateState of D2C in India: A Logistics Update
State of D2C in India: A Logistics Update
 
What Does A 3-Band Wedding Band Mean?
What Does A 3-Band Wedding Band Mean?What Does A 3-Band Wedding Band Mean?
What Does A 3-Band Wedding Band Mean?
 
sales plan presentation by mckinsey alum
sales plan presentation by mckinsey alumsales plan presentation by mckinsey alum
sales plan presentation by mckinsey alum
 
Meaningful Technology for Humans: How Strategy Helps to Deliver Real Value fo...
Meaningful Technology for Humans: How Strategy Helps to Deliver Real Value fo...Meaningful Technology for Humans: How Strategy Helps to Deliver Real Value fo...
Meaningful Technology for Humans: How Strategy Helps to Deliver Real Value fo...
 
transform-your-business-with-cutting-edge-inventory-management-and-3pl-integr...
transform-your-business-with-cutting-edge-inventory-management-and-3pl-integr...transform-your-business-with-cutting-edge-inventory-management-and-3pl-integr...
transform-your-business-with-cutting-edge-inventory-management-and-3pl-integr...
 
Using Generative AI for Content Marketing
Using Generative AI for Content MarketingUsing Generative AI for Content Marketing
Using Generative AI for Content Marketing
 
Copyright: What Creators and Users of Art Need to Know
Copyright: What Creators and Users of Art Need to KnowCopyright: What Creators and Users of Art Need to Know
Copyright: What Creators and Users of Art Need to Know
 
The Ultimate Guide to IPTV App Development Process_ Step-By-Step Instructions
The Ultimate Guide to IPTV App Development Process_ Step-By-Step InstructionsThe Ultimate Guide to IPTV App Development Process_ Step-By-Step Instructions
The Ultimate Guide to IPTV App Development Process_ Step-By-Step Instructions
 
TriStar Gold Corporate Presentation May 2024
TriStar Gold Corporate Presentation May 2024TriStar Gold Corporate Presentation May 2024
TriStar Gold Corporate Presentation May 2024
 
The Leading Cyber Security Entrepreneur of India in 2024.pdf
The Leading Cyber Security Entrepreneur of India in 2024.pdfThe Leading Cyber Security Entrepreneur of India in 2024.pdf
The Leading Cyber Security Entrepreneur of India in 2024.pdf
 
The Inspiring Personality To Watch In 2024.pdf
The Inspiring Personality To Watch In 2024.pdfThe Inspiring Personality To Watch In 2024.pdf
The Inspiring Personality To Watch In 2024.pdf
 
Cracking the Change Management Code Main New.pptx
Cracking the Change Management Code Main New.pptxCracking the Change Management Code Main New.pptx
Cracking the Change Management Code Main New.pptx
 
Potato Flakes Manufacturing Plant Project Report.pdf
Potato Flakes Manufacturing Plant Project Report.pdfPotato Flakes Manufacturing Plant Project Report.pdf
Potato Flakes Manufacturing Plant Project Report.pdf
 
HR and Employment law update: May 2024.
HR and Employment law update:  May 2024.HR and Employment law update:  May 2024.
HR and Employment law update: May 2024.
 
Hyundai capital 2024 1quarter Earnings release
Hyundai capital 2024 1quarter Earnings releaseHyundai capital 2024 1quarter Earnings release
Hyundai capital 2024 1quarter Earnings release
 
India’s Recommended Women Surgeons to Watch in 2024.pdf
India’s Recommended Women Surgeons to Watch in 2024.pdfIndia’s Recommended Women Surgeons to Watch in 2024.pdf
India’s Recommended Women Surgeons to Watch in 2024.pdf
 
Event Report - IBM Think 2024 - It is all about AI and hybrid
Event Report - IBM Think 2024 - It is all about AI and hybridEvent Report - IBM Think 2024 - It is all about AI and hybrid
Event Report - IBM Think 2024 - It is all about AI and hybrid
 
Unleash Data Power with EnFuse Solutions' Comprehensive Data Management Servi...
Unleash Data Power with EnFuse Solutions' Comprehensive Data Management Servi...Unleash Data Power with EnFuse Solutions' Comprehensive Data Management Servi...
Unleash Data Power with EnFuse Solutions' Comprehensive Data Management Servi...
 

PR Horror Stories - WNY College Media Conference