Today, social media influencers are sharing the good, the bad and their ugly experiences working with brands. Agencies and brands alike are being held accountable to ensure influencers have a positive experience. That means that there’s no hiding from a deal gone bad, which could hurt future campaigns and brand reputations.

For the last year or more, we have all thought about the concept of ‘the other side.’ What will the world look like on the other side of near-constant volatility, uncertainty, pressure and social change? In business, we have heard experts characterize the other side in dramatic terms, like The Great Reset, The Great Return, the Next Normal, the Big Quit and the Great Resignation. Whatever trendwatchers might call this coming era, everyone seems to agree there’s something very different ahead. 

It’s been clear for some time that the business of business – contrary to legendary economist Milton Friedman – isn’t simply business. Corporate responsibility has gone mainstream. But new research from Zeno Group reveals how, in Asia Pacific, corporate and brand purpose has become a clear and indisputable driver of tangible business success and commercial returns. 

Once relegated exclusively to whispers in the hallway far away from the boss, mental health has become one of the most pressing issues for CEOs and their leaders to address, as broader movements to bring such conversations to the mainstream have grown. 

It’s undoubtedly one of the most asked questions from our clients this last year: “How do we do TikTok?” Traditional ads and scripted influencer content have flopped on the platform, while the likes of acne patches and Kesha content prosper. 

For public relations, 2020 was all about the pandemic and implacable reality of a life-threatening disease, mass lockdowns and economic turmoil. With economies beginning to show signs of new life and even a possible boom, it’s time to rethink our role as communicators.