FreeThink Blog

FreeThink is a spirited, open forum with contributions by the people of Maxwell PR that share our observations, insights and recent work to inspire and spark conversation.

Jen Scott

How Much is Your Story Worth?

  |   by Jen Scott   |   0 Comments

Seventy-three percent of Americans think that ads should tell a story, not just try to sell. And brands are listening, with 72% increasing their spend on branded content marketing this year. With “content strategy” and “content marketing” obtaining buzzword status over the past year, agencies and clients alike are trying to sort out “native advertising” from “sponsored posts.” And while there are a plethora of vehicles and channels to try out, at the core of every strategy is a good story. 

Sam Burton

Blogger Spills the Secrets to Successful Partnerships

  |   by Sam Burton   |   0 Comments

Sean Timberlake started writing about eating, drinking, and generally living the good life in San Francisco on his blog Hedonia in 2006. In 2010, he founded the popular online DIY food community Punk Domestics, designed to evangelize and enable the growing trend of preserving old foodways (i.e. canning, curing and the like). Here, he shares tips for how brands can best work with bloggers to ensure successful programs and build lasting relationships. 

Nicole Dionisopoulos

Don’t Be Mr. Wonderful, Be Yourself

  |   by Nicole Dionisopoulos   |   0 Comments

Public speaking can strike fear in even the most talented communicators. While many offer a valuable perspective, sometimes the pressure of the audience prevents them from articulating that insight into a clear message. Other times, speakers are bitten by the “Mr. Wonderful” bug and try to be too perfect.

Jessica Lyness

A social snapshot from the Communicators Conference

  |   by Jessica Lyness   |   0 Comments

The average American checks their phone every 6 minutes. Yep, that’s me at a conference. Don’t get me wrong. I also network and exchange business cards with my fellow professionals, but when I’m not shaking hands and meeting new people, I’m scanning the conference hashtag stream for the latest observations. 

Niki Inouye

Bringing Humanity Back

  |   by Niki Inouye   |   0 Comments

Last week I had the opportunity to hear several brilliant people speak at the PRSA Communicators Conference at the Governor Hotel in Portland. With the likes of Shel HoltzLee Odden and even Maxwell’s own Jen Maxwell-Muir speaking, there was a lot to take in. However, one presenter’s message in particular seemed to really stick with me, former Sports Broadcaster Ann Schatz.

Erika Simms

IACP is Like a Five Course Meal – A Lot to Take in At Once, but Memorable

  |   by Erika Simms   |   0 Comments

The International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) Annual Conference is the Holy Grail for those of us in the food and beverage industry. Where else can one be surrounded by authors of the hottest cookbooks on the market, editors of the top food & beverage magazines, chefs from around the world, photographers and stylists, and fellow food marketers – all sharing experiences and learning together?