LEWIS 360°

Is this all becoming a boar?

What have the following words got in common? Asian, bird, man, Spanish, pig.

Yes of course they're are all different types of flu.

And the following words? Gray, Red, Arctic, Tundra, Arabian, Mexican, Russian, Egyptian, Eurasian, Eastern, Great Plains and Iberian.

Well, they're all different types of wolf. 

Anyone else tired of this?

LEWIS ranked Technology Agency of the Year by Holmes Report

We've just learned that LEWIS has been selected as the ‘Technology Agency of the Year’ by The Holmes Report [free subscription required].

The Holmes Report placed us in top position due to our expansion (we now have eight offices across the US), revenue growth (it was 37% in FY08), and a stellar client portfolio (from Second Life to OnLive and Lexmark to Progress Software). The Holmes Report also recognized our 'impressive' social and digital media services.

My heart-felt congratulations to the entire team who made this recognition happen. The US is one of the most competitive PR markets in the world, and I have huge respect for the work of our agency peers, which makes this award especially humbling. Thanks.

Budget 2009 - cut to the chase...

If like me you took one look at all 260 pages of today's Budget and wished there was an easier way, there is! LEWIS PR has produced a summary of all the pertinent points - new points that is (not rehashed former announcements that have been put in the Budget to bulk it out). You can download it here.

Download Budget 2009 - LEWIS PR Summary

Online PR - we're all still learning

This was one of the key conclusions from a lively NMK panel debate I attended last night in North London (luckily the name of the venue - Zigfrid Von Underbelly - didn't put me off!)

With a majority of the audience formed by PRs, perhaps the final vote on the motion "PR has lost the capability to lead clients in a new media landscape", seemed inevitable. However, by the time the four panellists had presented their view points, it seemed there was some swing in opinion, but the winner was the 'against' vote. Here's an overview of the points raised:

For the 'digital' agencies who believe PR can't lead clients in a digital age, they mainly argued:

• PR is just press relations
• PR is too far behind to be 'leaders' - specialisation is needed
• PR agency business models don't suit digital
• The digital start-ups are getting the PR budgets now

And those voting against the motion argued:

• Digital simply provides more channels for communication,
• Digital is about managing reputation, engaging and responding. PR is about managing reputation, engaging and responding.
• Clients need guidance, navigation and relevance when it comes to digital. And above all the credibility which PR agencies can offer.
• Digital and PR together is a compelling package - accessible, practical, measurable and effective.

You can follow more of the debate on Twitter but I have a feeling this is one debate that is unlikely to end whilst there is so much more to see come from digital. There was one thing that all members of the audience agreed on though: now is the time to get involved, embrace, learn, participate and diversify.