The Jan Hopkins Group, Services - Public Relations Strategy

Client Cases

Problem: The head of public relations for an international media company wanted to start a speaker's bureau but did not have the time or staff to do it

JHG solution: JHG researched how speaker's bureaus operated and came up with appropriate venues for their corporate speakers. The JHG team presented a complete plan including recommendations of whom to hire to run the bureau. JHG recommended an outside firm to place speakers and coordinate logistics and made the introduction to that firm. JHG created a time line and calendar of events and submission deadlines for the next year in order to get the project started.

Result: The client was able to start the ground running.
JHG has worked with a number of CEOs to prepare them for important presentations and media interviews. Sometimes this involves a half day of preparation and practice and sometimes it involves several weeks or months or even years in regular planning, feedback and practice. We put together unique plans for each individual and company. We will provide a client list on request.

Problem: After selling his company, the founder of a Wall Street firm needed a communications strategy to help him make a successful transition from being CEO to advising and investing in other start ups.

JHG solution:JHG developed a strategy to manage the announcement of his departure and helped execute internal and external communications.

Result: As a result, the departure announcement was carried in major financial publications. The articles emphasized the executive's successful development of the company and his desire to work with other start ups. The executive has maintained his contacts with the press and is busier than he expected to be launching and advising a number of start ups.
Problem: The CEO of a credit derivatives exchange knew he had a way to solve some of the credit crisis but felt his company was being left out of important discussions.

JHG Solution: JHG created a communications strategy targeting eight decision makers that the CEO wanted to meet with.

Result: The departure announcement was carried in major financial publications. The articles emphasized the executive's successful development of the company and his desire to work with other start ups. The executive has maintained his contacts with the press and is busier than he expected to be launching and advising a number of start ups.
Problem: The CEO of American Electric Power wanted more influence on the debate over the future of energy and wanted to recruit more engineering and business students to work at the company.

JHG solution: JHG moderated a series of conversations between the CEO and students at five universities across the country.

Result: Listening tour was a huge success on all fronts, CEO visibility, recruiting of employees, press coverage, and providing videos for university websites and company shareholder meetings. CEO got valuable experience speaking to a number of important constituencies including local citizens, students and faculty. The success of the tour has led to other invitations to universities around the country.
Problem: Head of Global Wealth Management of an International Bank was asked to present his business strategy to an important audience including outside advisors, the board of directors, his bosses and his staff and then lead a discussion with the group.

JHG solution: JHG worked with the CEO from beginning to end on his presentation. JHG helped the CEO put his thoughts together in a crisp, effective style. JHG then helped the CEO and his staff make the power point presentation compelling. JHG taught the CEO how to lead a lively discussion and then worked with him as he practiced everything.

Result: CEO felt confident and well prepared. He not only presented effectively but also was able to lead a lively discussion. He received many compliments following the presentation which also put him in a great place for future promotions and bonuses.
Problem: A well established trust company wanted its clients to consider new investment strategies.

JHG Solution: Created, produced and hosted a series of DVDs that made the ideas simple and compelling. The DVDs were sent directly to clients and were posted to the web.

Result: The firm was very pleased with this new way of communicating more effectively with more clients. The client saying, "The response was fabulous." In addition to use by clients, "employees were eager to the DVDs in client meetings and in other venues." Investment income increased as a result.
Problem: A new senior executive for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management fell short of expectations in her first presentation to a critical internal audience.

JHG Solution: Met with the Head of Communications and the executive to assess needs. Created a plan and then ran a series of coaching sessions to improve the executive's presentation skills.

Result: Now the executive is able to effectively recruit new financial advisors to the firm.
Problem: Girl Scouts USA needed to identify and meet influential women and men who could provide leadership for the organization's first capital campaign.

JHG solution: Organized intimate gatherings of women and men to meet with the CEO of the organization and learn how it is changing and impacting girl's lives. Arranged follow up meetings with those interested in doing more with the organization.

Result: Identified a core group of women and men of influence and affluence who have agreed to be the key leaders of the capital campaign. Identified several major donors interested in making major gifts. Found several potential board members and a contact with a major foundation. The client saying, "we have achieved the unthinkable and rallied volunteers from the ranks of women in finance in New York. …your careful and strategic approach to your assignments guarantees success. You're organizational and presentation skills, honed from many years in the public arena, are invaluable assets…."
Problem: A multinational corporation with unsettled shareholders needed to set the right tone for its annual shareholders meeting.

JHG solution: Conceived and produced a ten minute video that opened the annual shareholders meeting enabling shareholders to connect emotionally with the company's core mission of helping critically ill patients. We let the patients tell their own stories and showed what life was like for them.

Result: Through skillful editing, writing, narration and music, we created the right combination of information and emotion for the meeting and generated many favorable comments and questions from the shareholders.
Problem: The CEO of Mylan Labs wanted his 70 person senior executive team to begin working together for the first time as a global team.

JHG Solution: Designed and facilitated a three day brainstorming session.

Result: The management team refocused the strategic and budgeting process for the next several years and created new relationships with managers around the world. The CEO is committed to repeating the process every six months
Problem: Low visibility for a high performing hedge fund.

JHG solution: Helped principal clarify her unique style and message and then introduced her to influential financial reporters and editors from television, newspapers and magazines that could make her more visible.

Result: Hedge fund visibility increased dramatically through: an interview for a network television story; a prominent, positive profile in a major business weekly publication; and a showcased end of week market interview on daily network television business program. In the past year the client's fund has doubled in size.