Gracie Communications

The name of this blog is “Listen” because it is a skill that I believe is underused in the communications industry.  But what is listening exactly?  How do you know if you are really doing it? (more…)

At Gracie Communications, we spend a lot of time on defining and understanding audiences.  Part  of our marketing planning process is to create a profile of the ideal target audience: who they are, where they live, what they buy, what they are passionate about, what motivates them and where they go for fun.  Knowing the audience results in marketing strategies that act more like an arrow hitting the bull’s-eye than a shotgun spraying pellets. 

Sometimes we’ll create a picture or collage of pictures illustration of the ideal audience to help our clients visualize who they need to reach. Lately though, I think this approach creates more problems than clarity. (more…)

Over the holiday break, I had a conversation with my teenagers about how boring their lives are. My daughter suggested that if life were just more stimulating, teenagers wouldn’t have to work so hard to create drama.  They crave the excitement that comes from a constant stream of break-ups, make-ups, new clothes, new electronic toys, hot gossip, etc.   

Unfortunately, a number of businesses approach their communications strategy just as teenagers approach high school, seeking out the rush of being first, being popular, being the best. (more…)

I have a bad case of writer’s block. Here’s how bad it is. Last night, instead of facing the blinking blank page on my laptop, I chose to clean the cat’s liter box. But then a re-run of the British TV show, “How to Look Good Naked,” saved my blog.

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For nearly three hours today, I hosted a group of ten Indianapolis-based freelance public relations and marketing professionals – all women - at my home.  It was over the lunch hour and everyone pitched in – and I’m not just talking about the food. (more…)

Does anyone remember the TV show, “Frasier” or am I showing how old I am?

For those who didn’t catch the show during its 11-year run (1993 – 2004), here is a synopsis. Frasier, a former regular at the bar on “Cheers,” moved to Seattle to host a radio psychology talk show. He would start every listener call with the melodic and empathetic phrase, “I’m listening.”

Truth be told, Frasier rarely was listening. (more…)

Ten years ago, a friend gave me a lovely little book, “The Art of Doing Nothing,” that encourages Type A personalities (like me) to relax, nap, drink and enjoy life. I discovered it the other day on my bookshelf and was drawn to the Art of Listening section. Listen to this…

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