Effective messaging isn't luck, it's process. Discover why strong public affairs and organizational messaging demands rigorous research, continuous testing, and disciplined refinement, not just a catchy headline. Learn how a proven methodology, from audience research to AI-assisted testing to ongoing feedback loops, turns good messaging into great, campaign-winning communication.
Founders talk endlessly about staying sane over drinks and dinners, but almost never in print. Staying sharp, healthy, and balanced can feel like a seemingly unachievable goal, one that wears on even the most high-functioning among us. Let's break the silence and discuss the real, unpolished habits keeping burnout at bay: better sleep, less booze, more iron, deeper breaths. No hacks, no gurus, just what actually works when the pressure never lets up.
When I started this journey, scaling the business seemed like the most daunting task. I had a core group of amazing, established clients and a decade-plus track record of winning business, delivering the work, and running the company. The one thing missing from this operational model was the ability to scale the volume of work and the staff needed to support it.
Our firm recently went through a hiring process for a new member of the team and sifted through more than 100 applicants to find the person with the best combination of skills, experience, and cultural fit. While AI and finding high-performing talent seem to be on the tip of most founders’ tongues, one item that is rarely discussed is how to best integrate them into your organization. Once new team members come aboard, how do we successfully onboard them into the firm?
Prompt writing is fast becoming a core public affairs skill. AI does not replace strategic thinking, however, it rewards those who give it real context, clear objectives, and defined constraints rather than vague requests. The professionals who stand out won't just use AI, they'll know how to brief it, question it, and apply the judgment no model can replace.
For so many, the last weeks of August conjure hot, lazy days, backyard barbecues, and maybe a vacation before the kids head back to school. But in the Sacramento world that revolves around the State Legislature, it's either a ring of Hell, the Gates of Heaven, or the Purgatory of "We'll Tackle this Next Session."
Public affairs and lobbying are often treated as separate line items instead of one unified strategy, and that gap costs clients real ground on Capitol Hill. Bringing both disciplines together from day one is critical to shaping outcomes and protecting a client's reputation. The room where it happens needs both seats filled from the start.
AI is moving fast, and for many organizations, the challenge isn't recognizing its potential; it's knowing where to start. From privacy concerns to constant platform updates, the path to adoption can feel overwhelming. In this column, I share the practical principles and strategies our team at Calkin Public Affairs is using to focus on what matters, unlock efficiency, and embrace AI while maintaining the human expertise that drives real results. Surprise! (And spoiler alert – there will be more surprises to come!)
