Living in Sin - 023 {After Hours}

Because sometimes, the best things happen after hours.

Hi there, night owls!

Welcome to Living in Sin {After Hours}—which is when I simply send the newsletter at 11 PM instead of 11 AM, because I’m literally just a girl, and today was just a very busy day, and I am tired.

Pride

Big news from the home front—7Deadly Consulting is officially the agency of record for Back Roads Granola! I'm beyond thrilled to share this because not only do they make killer granola, but their commitment to organic, non-GMO products is something I genuinely admire. We're gearing up for some fresh campaigns, stay tuned! And if you’re a journo covering Vermont, female-owned businesses, and food let’s chat.

Sloth

This week’s long read to luxuriate into takes us to Hollywood. A few weeks ago, I wrote about my disappointment in the Prince doc being canceled. This led me down a rabbit hole about the canceled, then revived, Jonathan Major’s film. Read more in the WSJ here. For PR professionals, particularly in the context of Jonathan Majors' recent challenges, it’s a reminder of the fragility in the industry. A PR strategy here needs to balance sensitivity with transparency, crafting narratives that acknowledge the complex landscape without compromising personal integrity.

Navigating the precarious waters of PR requires a deft hand, especially when dealing with projects that experience public setbacks or controversies. For Jonathan Majors, whose career has been marked by both critical acclaim and recent controversies, the revival of his previously shelved project presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The key for PR practitioners is not only to manage the immediate crisis but also to strategically position such revivals as emblematic of resilience and redemption. This involves a carefully orchestrated communication plan that addresses past issues while highlighting the renewed potential of the project and its contributions to the arts. Engaging directly with the media, orchestrating thoughtful interviews, and utilizing platforms that allow for deeper narratives about redemption and artistic value can help reshape public perception, turning a potentially career-defining setback into a comeback story that resonates with both fans and critics alike.

Greed

I keep a very long TBR list for when I see wild headlines and finally got around to reading about a child whole needed antivenom for a snakebite that more than $200,000. The price of life-saving treatments like antivenom can be startlingly high, as noted in a recent. From a PR standpoint, companies in such dominant market positions have a critical role in responsibly managing their public image by addressing pricing strategies transparently and highlighting their commitment to patient access and affordability.

For PR to effectively address these concerns, you need to emphasize transparency in pricing but also actively demonstrate your client’s commitment to accessibility. One potential solution is the development and promotion of patient assistance programs that help mitigate costs for those most in need. Additionally, engaging in partnerships with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and nonprofit organizations can lead to broader initiatives aimed at reducing overall treatment costs and expanding access. By proactively communicating these efforts through press releases, detailed FAQ pages on their websites, and community outreach programs, companies can build trust and foster a positive reputation as ethical leaders committed to the well-being of their customers and the broader community.

Gluttony

I’m proud to pump up the incredible impact of FRESHFARM’s work, as detailed in their 2024 Annual Report. 7Deadly helped showcase their achievements in local food advocacy, education, and sustainability. See the full report here. It’s a testament to how dedicated effort and thoughtful communication can foster substantial community growth and awareness about sustainable practices.

Lust

Amid the chaos, I’ve put together something pretty neat—7Deadly’s Crisis Playbook Template. It’s a comprehensive guide for handling unexpected PR nightmares, complete with social media triage checklists, guidelines for coordinating with legal, social listening best practices, and tactics for setting data-informed benchmarks (so you’re operating from a plan, not a vibe). Is this something y’all would find useful? Let me know if you’d like me to share this resource!

Envy

Clients are starting to want to chat about Mental Health Awareness planning next month. Since starting my own company, I have been spending a lot of time thinking about mental health in the workplace. It's clear that mental well-being is not just a personal issue but a critical component of professional environments.

I’m envious of you all who get to work on really thoughtful, chewy campaigns about this ed cal milestone.* For PR professionals, this is an opportune moment to highlight or pivot towards how businesses are integrating mental health support into their corporate cultures. Companies that proactively address these concerns are not only seen as more desirable places to work but also as industry leaders in employee care. Emphasizing these efforts in communications can greatly enhance a company’s public image, attracting top talent who value supportive work environments. Sharing these stories can inspire change across industries and position your clients at the forefront of a vital global conversation.

Wrath

As always, I have no time for wrath, so instead, you get a recent camera roll gem: a little on-set BTS.

okay bye, babes!

-M

*I find that a lot of brands want to engage in this, but mostly in a half-assed way.

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