News & Opinion

Backup   Bob Gold & Associates moves up to the 3rd spot in the Clutch.co Top Los Angeles Event Marketers Leaders Matrix. As the country continues to rebuild, we will see a unique blend of face-to-face and virtual events. Our team has over 25 years’ experience planning, implementing and hosting intimate events such as Cocktails and Conversation media events at major trade shows and conferences as well as managing virtual events such as webinars.   To see our PR and marketing results, read our event-related case studies for Cisco (technology), Plume (security) or the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (professional services). "Their work ethic and results were impressive. They also have good media relationships and industry contacts." Mark Goodburn, Director of Product Marketing, Plume For more amazing reviews of the BG&A team, please visit our Clutch.co profile here.  

Purpose-built smart workplace suite to help small businesses accelerate growth, enhance customer and employee experiences, and reopen with confidence   Personalized smart services pioneer Plume®, today announced a major category expansion of its solutions with the launch of WorkPass™ – a first-of-its-kind suite of intelligent services and management tools purpose-built for the needs of Small Business Owners (SBOs). This new solution builds on Plume’s HomePass™ Smart Home Services suite deployed by more than 180 Communications Service Providers (CSPs) across more than 23 million homes globally.   “Our research shows[1] that 42% of SMBs plan to increase spend on WiFi management. Managing and securing the plethora of LAN-attached devices is an important investment driver and two-thirds of businesses expect to connect more devices over the next two years. WiFi is also helping small businesses thrive by enabling new services such as guest analytics, building security and environmental control,” said Camille Mendler, Chief Analyst, Service Provider Enterprise, Omdia.   WorkPass offers a suite of services that help SBOs meet their networking, cybersecurity, guest analytics, business insights, marketing & advertising, and employee management needs unified under a common app and web portal, without the need for costly IT infrastructure or multiple point solutions. This easy, do-it-yourself, and self-install approach with the most comprehensive set of services for SBOs is unique to WorkPass. Purpose-built from the ground up for the specific needs of SBOs, services such as Concierge™ provide guest analytics to generate actionable insights while Keycard™ helps managers understand employee behavior in order to improve workplace safety and engagement. All of this is easily installed and managed through the WorkPass mobile app. WorkPass also works seamlessly with Plume’s suite of data-rich and cloud-delivered back-end support, operations, analytics, and marketing tools that Plume provides to CSPs today.   “The specific needs of small businesses have been ignored for way too long – CSPs have been trying to serve Main Street either through residential offerings, or through enterprise campus focused systems, both of which are square pegs in round holes,” said Fahri Diner, Co-founder & CEO, Plume. “Until now there was no purpose-built solution that provided rich data-driven tools and analytics for SBOs and the CSPs who serve them, and one that can be installed, managed , and operated without an ‘IT guy’. Our goal with WorkPass is to bring new services to enable always-on managed connectivity, massively increased productivity, unprecedented security, and insightful marketing accessed right from a single pane of glass by the SBO.”   WorkPass is immediately available to CSPs in all of Plume’s markets globally and available direct-to-small businesses via Plume.com/workpass in the U.S.   “We are delighted that Plume is bringing its massively scalable cloud platform and AI know-how into the small business sector,” said Jeff Ross, President, Armstrong. WorkPass provides a suite of modern services – including adaptive WiFi, cybersecurity, real-time data insights and LTE back-up – all designed to address the unique operational needs of a small business owner. As an existing Plume customer, this new solution integrates seamlessly into our established systems, and immediately expands our portfolio to bring new revenue and service opportunities.”   WorkPass offers services that are catered to the unique and very specific needs of small business owners that manage their own IT environment and is designed to deliver amazing experiences for all network users and be effortlessly managed from the WorkPass app:   Seamless, uninterrupted connectivity: WorkPass includes adaptive WiFi that blankets every corner of your business premises with perfect internet coverage. What’s more, Plume’s unique AI-driven algorithms continuously optimize performance for every device and application.   Control networks from anywhere: WorkPass offers SBOs control over their networks, enabling them to easily manage guest networks, security settings, device access, and more right from their smartphones. App-based controls let owners monitor the network or troubleshoot wherever they are.   Real-time insights to help small businesses thrive: WorkPass offers small businesses actionable insights into customer behavior that can drive sales and build loyalty. Concierge turns guest analytics, such as visit frequency, data usage, or length of stay, into opportunities for expanded touchpoints. Flow™ uses revolutionary WiFi sensing technology to offer real-time presence detection providing insights into traffic movement throughout your business, translating to more effective merchandising, staffing optimization, and layout decisions.   AI security to protect small businesses from new threats: Cybercrime is constantly evolving, and small businesses need secure networks that stay one step ahead. WorkPass leverages AI to ensure data, smart devices and business are always safe. Multiple access zones ensure back-end systems, employees, and customers have the access and security that’s perfect for them. Flow alerts owners if motion is detected during closed hours.   Best-in-class hardware: WorkPass leverages Plume’s iconically designed and performance-defining SuperPod™ WiFi access points, available in Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 ax) wall pluggable options, as well as desktop and ceiling mounted configurations with integrated LTE-backup. The open-source OpenSync™ silicon-to-cloud framework brings additional hardware choice, and enables services to be deployed rapidly and at scale across all business subscribers. Seamless LTE back-up options and service means small businesses will never lose connectivity during fixed-line outages. Plume’s cloud-based platform self-updates and scales seamlessly with your business.   “As a fully integrated service provider it is imperative that we provide both consumers and small businesses with modern digital subscriber experiences,” said Christy Batts, Broadband Division Director, CDE Lightband. “WorkPass renders connectivity & IT infrastructure worries a thing-of-the-past bringing SBOs a huge boost as they rebuild post-pandemic and unite the communities they serve. We intend to capitalize on this cloud-based technology that enables small and independent businesses, to modernize through a personalized solution that rivals big business.”   As part of Plume’s goal of helping small business owners and their communities after a challenging period during the pandemic, Plume will provide, for free, up to three SuperPods for all new WorkPass memberships acquired via Plume.com/workpass through September 30, 2021.   Click here to learn more about WorkPass.   [1] Source: Digital SoHo and SME Insights Survey, Omdia, 2020   SOURCE Plume Design, Inc. Related Links http://www.plume.com

  Bob Gold & Associates has been ranked #4 by Clutch in their Top Online Reputation Management Companies Leaders Matrix for our expertise in reputation management, social media monitoring, investor relations, content creation, and crisis communications.   Clutch collects client feedback and analyzes industry data, helping businesses select partners to tackle todays’ business challenges. We invite you to read Bob Gold & Associates unbiased reviews and for the latest news, data and advice for businesses view the Clutch blog.   “We can always count on this team to exceed expectations.” David Solomon, President & CEO, Viamedia If you want to work with an award-winning agency, contact us to start the conversation.  

ARE YOU READY FOR A NEW ROARING TWENTIES? The U.S. economy has been pumped up with more than $4 billion from the Feds. That’s a lot of new cash for businesses and consumers to tap into along with support from a whole lot of new technologies. As we inch out of the pandemic, the one thing we know is everything we’ve done to grow before is gonna be different. And successful companies will adapt and evolve at an incredibly faster pace.   What are you doing to grow your business in 2021 in this newest normal? Are you ready with a communications plan that will drive your growth? Have you committed budgets today to building a promising future? Everything is immediate. Patience was so last century. If you haven’t aligned with a PR pro who is in touch with fast changing trends and today’s evolving marketplace, with immediate access to reporters and platforms to elevate your story, perhaps it’s time to do so.   As we hurried to adapt to the crisis spawned by the pandemic, powerful technologies including IoT, Cloud and AI enabled companies to survive and thrive. These technologies accelerated the usage of mRNA technology for creating COVID vaccines. And the same technologies have created an entirely new ecosystem in entertainment creation and delivery to a rethinking of the very definition of work in today’s gig economy. And these same technologies and new work habits are rapidly changing all public relations and marketing tactics and campaigns.   In short, CEO confidence around the country is at a 17-year high. Things are aligning in a surprising way to tell us, this is not the time to hold onto cash; but invest it to build bigger, better businesses that can thrive in a the new roaring 20s.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting the female members of the Bob Gold & Associates team. For the week 3 Q&A, we’re featuring Amy Prenner. Consumer and Entertainment Strategist Amy Prenner shares the secret to her success amid the last 12 months and how to keep clients relevant during Covid-19.   The pandemic literally turned every industry upside down. As a PR professional, how did you pivot your efforts? I remember everyone literally in shock and wasn’t sure how to be effective without being together. We were all more concerned about toilet paper and water than the pandemic that would spread throughout the world.   As businesses and clients shifted from their offices to their homes and cell phones, we all began to quickly adapt in a way that has made our business streamlined and even more effective.   Thankfully there are many tools from FaceTime to Zoom to WebEx to Skype that ensure facetime with clients and staff and have helped to keep communications fluid and consistent. Because we aren’t in our cars driving to and from work and events, there have been other benefits, no traffic, no money on gas and no commuting. We have all become much more efficient and effective working from home while tending to our clients that need our expertise.   How do the clients feel as a result of these changes? They love that when we secure TV interviews they can just Zoom or Skype in and don’t have to leave their living room. Securing media relations for Covid-19 related clients has been something that benefits our clients but also helps the media with their coverage. We also notice that we have been able to spend even more one-on-one time with our clients because we are in a more relaxed environment where we can offer media strategies and suggestions that they can absorb and practice so that they are successful in their respective campaigns.   What advice would you give to someone who is looking at a career in PR? Many years ago I used to tell people to go to a newsstand and see where you gravitate. You can do the same thing with a news aggregator like Apple News. If you see what you like whether its fashion, celebrity, home and design, food, politics, etc, you will be able to see where your interests lie. Be open to everything and anything. Read as much as you can. Learn the basics of social media and make sure its something you actually enjoy. If you love what you do in any career you will be a success and its easier to work in an industry you have passion for.   Be sure to read our Women’s History Month Q&A with VP, Beth Braen, from Week 1, Director of Marketing, Roxanne Leone from Week 2 and Associate Account Executive Anabela Savulescu from Week 3.

When COVID-19 hit last year, like many of us Bob Gold was terrified. Amid the disruption of the pandemic shutdown, Bob sought a way to connect with and reassure friends, family and associates that they were invaluable to him amidst the separation, isolation, and growing uncertainty. So began a little project known as Words to Lift By. Partnering with a young poet in Ashville North Carolina, Ryan Ashley, Bob would describe the incredible folks in his life and Ryan would create and type out a poem on his 100 year old Smith Corona. Then send the poem via snail mail to the person who was honored.   Ryan and Bob also created videos where Bob explained why each person was so amazing and shared more broadly the specialness of each recipient to him. The irony is, after sending nearly 90 poems out, Bob came down with an almost fatal case of COVID-19. In time for the the anniversary of this fight to reconfirm our humanity, Ryan and Bob have created a book with a collection of many of the poems and called it, yes "Words to Lift By."   Take a moment to explore this volume and savor the power of uplifting words. You can purchase this and other books by Bob on Amazon. The paperback is just $9.99 and the electronic version is just $2.99. And be sure to check out many of the original "Words to Lift By" videos.

March 15, 2021   Bob Gold & Associates earns the #6th spot in the Clutch Leaders Matrix for Top California PR Agencies.   Clutch ranks service providers and places them on a Leaders Matrix based on research in a specific market. A Clutch Leaders Matrix provides a view of the top-performing companies in a particular location and Bob Gold & Associates continues to rank highly in crisis communications, online reputation management and event management. Learn more about the services we provide by browsing our public relations page.   For verified client reviews, please visit the Clutch Bob Gold & Associates profile page.  

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting the female members of the Bob Gold & Associates team. For week 2 Q&A we’re featuring Roxanne Leone.   Roxanne brings two decades of experience leading technology companies and their communications teams in strategic PR and marketing programs. Her thought leadership and branding efforts have secured top tier coverage putting organizations and their executives top of mind with reporters and editors.   Q&A What words of wisdom can you share with an aspiring female PR professional?   After working with some of the brightest women in the PR industry I have noticed that the most successful individuals have pursued mentorship or coaching by other industry leaders. If you are a female PR professional, I recommend you inquire about professional training and/or coaching early on in your career.   Also, self-promotion is a critical tool for career advancement. Studies show that women evaluate themselves lower than men, even when they have scored equally, which could affect your salary.   The good news is women have come a long way. In the early 2000’s, I experienced women being threatened by female colleagues and I partnered with a mentor, Fred Towns, to strengthen my skillset, become more vocal, and stand up for myself. Fortunately, over the last 20 years I have been part of a positive shift where women now view their female colleagues as ally’s vs threats. It is important to get involved with an organization such as the Women’s Global Leadership Initiative and participate in programs designed for women by women. Founder, Diana Ruiz, is a CEO focused on diversity, equity & inclusion and leadership development and her talented team of mentors and experts can help you build self-confidence.   What are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?   Today, women continue to face pregnancy discrimination and unemployment and it has been amplified by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 275,000 women left the workforce in January 2021, compared to 71,000 men. Experts believe that the pandemic will leave a lasting impact on women that are integral to the economic security of their families. Unfortunately, women are penalized when pregnant and for taking extended time off - often suffering a wage penalty when they return to the workforce. Oddly enough, some men are paid more after having children.   When do you think America will have its first female president?   I am hopeful that Kamala Harris will run for president after serving our 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden. Kamala is the first female vice president, and the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history. We are in desperate need of female role models across all industries, and more women placed in top leadership positions. If we continue to support a growing female workforce more women will be equipped to go after the career of their choice. I am optimistic that I will see a female president in my lifetime, whether it be Kamala or other front-runner in our future.   Be sure to read our Women's History Month Q&A with VP, Beth Braen, from Week 1.

Matthew Hong, Gayle Meyers, and Michael Beer Tapped to Drive Development and Adoption of Real-Time Data Management StartupAdvocado, a cross-media data management platform (DMP) fueling advertising performance, today announced the addition of three new senior executives to its board of directors and council of strategic advisors, who will help drive Advocado’s strategies across data optimization, media, branding, finance, capital formation, and business development. Joining the board as strategic directors are media expert Matthew Hong, former Chief Operating Officer at Turner Sports and Former Executive Director of Search at AOL, and AdTech entrepreneur Gayle Meyers, formerly Chief Growth Officer at LUMA Partners. Named as a strategic advisor is Michael Beer, Head of Financial Strategy at Luminar Technologies. “Traditional advertising is finally being held to the same high standards of performance, accountability, and precision that digital advertising has delivered for decades, and data is fast becoming the key to this transformation,” said Gayle Meyers, Board Member of Advocado. “Advocado's proprietary real-time, precise, and actionable data is consistently noted by its customers as a core differentiator that brings them value and quantifiable ROI.” “Since founding Advocado, it has been our mission to build a next-generation startup focused on leveraging the power of people, and one that would set an example for entrepreneurs everywhere,” said Jeff Linihan, President, COO, and Co-Founder of Advocado. “Matt, Gayle, and Michael have enormous experience and unique insight having served on countless boards and as advisors. Their joining Advocado further strengthens our strategic capabilities and validates our premise that a strong culture focused on people will attract the best there is.” Advocado’s newest board and advisory council members are known for their focus on intelligent tech, growth strategies, and results-driven approaches. They bring more than 60 years of experience in AdTech, media, finance, and business development. Matthew Hong brings more than two decades of media and intelligent tech expertise, and a blazing track record of effective business strategy, partnership development, rights acquisitions, marketing, and sales after advising some of the world’s preeminent organizations. Matt is the former Chief Operating Officer at Turner Sports and former Executive Director of Search at AOL, and continues to help steer top industry players like NASCAR and SAS Analytics Software & Solutions. An avid team builder and supporter, Hong was recently announced as an investor for the Washington Spirit, now the premier women’s sports property in the world. Gayle Meyers is an entrepreneur, consultant, and operating partner for numerous organizations in digital marketing, with over two decades’ experience in advertising technology and services. She leverages this experience to optimize growth strategies for the development and transformation of individuals, teams, and organizations. Meyers is currently a consultant, and formerly the Chief Growth Officer, at LUMA Partners, where she led overall marketing, branding, communications, and partnership strategy. Michael Beer brings a wealth of knowledge as the Head of Financial Strategy for Luminar Technologies, an autonomous vehicle sensor and software company, where he helped bring minority investments from the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, Daimler Truck AG, and Volvo. He also draws on over a decade’s experience as a research analyst for top organizations like CitiBank. “We’re experiencing a massive shift in how, where, and when consumers engage with the brands they love, and as a result, audiences and data have become more fragmented than ever before,” said Brian Handrigan, CEO and Co-Founder of Advocado. “Recent developments like the crumbling of third-party cookies and amendments to the CCPA have only exacerbated the issue. Advocado has the answer, and the rich experience and insight that each of our new board members and advisors provide will help us achieve ubiquitous, industry-wide adoption.” Available to advertisers worldwide, Advocado helps power over 210 local US markets and is the most robust real-time TV ad insights platform available to date. The company currently monitors over 2,000 national, local, and cable channels in real-time. In the last 12 months, Advocado has detected over 86 million commercial spots for its clients, and has activated more than 50 billion keyword bid changes in real-time, resulting in millions of new website visits. Using Advocado’s platform, customers have achieved as much as 11x return on ROI, a 390% increase in conversion, and a 400% increase in leads.