Services

Fifteen Ways to Skin A Cat

• Media Relations

  There's so much more to PR than press releases that it's difficult to know where to start; but a safe place to start is with relationships.  We've worked very hard over the years to build and maintain lasting relationships with the media, and from the Wall Street Journal to social media outlets, we're making new ones every day.  We realize that what our clients want and what a journalist needs aren't always an exact fit, but we are experts in negotiating that territory.  Whether it's setting up an exclusive, organizing a key press conference or targeting an influential reporter or blog, we know what it takes to get the message across.

• Positioning and Messaging

  OutCasts are experts in understanding the industry landscape, knowing how to distill a core message down to one simple statement and understanding what to focus on today (and, more importantly, what to focus on tomorrow).  Strategy, messaging and focus all go hand in hand during OutCast messaging workshops.  Brevity and clarity are the goals here; goals which manifest themselves when we deliver your custom message card.

• Customer Care

  A picture of a happy customer is worth a thousand words, especially if they're willing to talk to the media. OutCast uses customer case studies to shine a spotlight on our clients, creating a body of character references that double as powerful sales tools.   We also understand that a press release isn't the only means toward that end.  Customer Care at OutCast means getting our client message across via customers in whatever format is most viable; be it submitted articles, case studies, press release, speaking opportunities or press briefings.

• Content Services

  Given our line of work, we never underestimate the power of the written word.  We believe that crafting the right message is equal parts science and art.  OutCast's writing services cover a range of styles, crafting copy that will convey your message in presentations, white papers, submitted articles, blogs and newsletters -- and of course we have our black belt in writing press releases.

• Launches

  Launching a company, product or initiative can be a daunting task, which is where our expertise comes in.  Collectively, OutCasts have been involved in close to 10 million launches (we're rounding up here).  After helping to get your launch strategy firmly in place, we take over every aspect of that launch.  On a tour, we handle everything from booking meetings and restaurant reservations to creating the tightest briefing book you've ever seen.  Planning an event, we'll pick the wine and make sure the seating arrangements are to everyone's satisfaction.    

• Social Media

  No one can deny the growing influence of blogs and other social media outlets. With an estimated 40 million blogs in existence and new outlets popping up everyday, how can you know which ones matter to you? It's our job not only to tell our clients, but to help them navigate the enigmatic world of social media so that they can focus on their business. We help our clients monitor the conversation and help them figure out how to become part of it. How do we do this? Remember when News.com was new? Remember when Usenet mattered? We do. Whether it's radio in the 1920's, TV in the 1950's or the Web in the 1990's, new media is new media, and we help you stay ahed of the curve.

• IPO Services

  There were two major IPOs in 2004. Google handled their own PR, but salesforce.com relied on the experience at OutCast. Salesforce.com debuted on the public market at $11 per share on the New York Stock Exchange, with a first day close of $17.20, an increase of 56 percent.

• Analyst Relations

  Validation from unbiased third parties is part of the fabric of the enterprise sales cycle, and analysts play a critical role here.  OutCast works with the analyst community every day, securing analyst references and providing comprehensive analysis of their reports and research to assure that the industry's influencers are moving your messages in the right direction.

• Product Reviews

  The biggest mistake companies make is choosing to engage in a product review before assuring themselves they can win.  We advise our clients to only participate in product reviews where they have a clear advantage.  This also involves understanding the editorial distinctions between product and news coverage, and knowing how to communicate effectively to each audience.  Finally, review guidelines vary widely from one publication to another.  We are experienced at negotiating the process from beginning to end.

• Crisis PR

  Yes, our goal is to always pre-empt and avoid crises, but of course the world doesn’t always cooperate.  When it doesn’t, we have strategies and tactics in place ahead of time, and the ability to turn on a dime to execute on those strategies.  Crisis management is a lot like car insurance, if you put away a little bit each month toward a potential crash, you’ll be much better off should the unfortunate take place.  We’re not pessimists, but if we don't prepare for every scenario, then we’re not doing our jobs.

• Competitive Analysis

  Einstein (or was it Trent?) has taught us that we only exist in relation to how others perceive our existence.  Similarly, every company has competition.  To succeed is to understand the competitive landscape, pick your appropriate battles, and ignore the arguments you can't win.  OutCast combines our overall industry perspective with our key editorial relationships to get the true lay of the land.  This takes the form of competitive reports, daily tracking, and even rapid response programs.  If appropriate for your business, we love to pick a fight and will do whatever it takes to de-position your competition.

• Executive Visibility

  You could say that visibility is what PR is all about, but there are nuances to raising executive visibility in our industry. These involve choosing the proper platform for visibility; is it the written word, public speaking (alone or as part of a panel), informal Q&As, a blog or keynoting a major conference? In all cases, we work to secure the appropriate opportunity, provide all the necessary insight into the audience, and coach you to perfect your speech and delivery.

• OutCast Dinner Club

  Surely you've heard of the OutCast Dinner Club by now? We take a lot of pride in our ability to combine gastronomical excess with business objectives. OutCast dinners are informal and intimate. The goal is to connect our clients with our network and let new relationships flourish. You won't see a lot of journalists scribbling in their notebooks, or CEOs walking through PowerPoint slides. Conversation and connection are the primary goals here (but the Chilean sea bass is pretty good, too).

• Events

  If events are like weddings, then the people at OutCast have been married more times than Liz Taylor and Jennifer Lopez combined. You can tell by the quality and success of our own events. With the larger strategy and goals in mind, we execute at a detailed level to assure that our client events go off without a hitch and deliver the expected results.

• Off The Menu

  Part of the OutCast DNA involves always being ready to try something different. Don't see a service you want? Ask for it. Looking for some new ideas? We're not shy about sharing them. Ours is an industry where the advantage often goes to the first mover, so we are always ready to roll up our sleeves and take on a new challenge.