SpeakerBox - now REQ

01/15/2019

Washington Business Journal

Washington Business Journal

It's the latest in a wave of consolidation in the marketing and PR world.

01/15/2019

SpeakerBox was acquired by REQ in January 2019. Like and follow REQ for all company updates.

01/15/2019

SpeakerBox has been acquired in January 2019 by REQ, an award-winning digital marketing company serving clients in industries spanning technology, real estate, government, hospitality, and more. Read the story: https://bit.ly/2VT7BTe

01/15/2019

Digital Marketing Leader REQ Acquires Tech PR Firm SpeakerBox

We’re excited to announce that SpeakerBox has been acquired by REQ, an award-winning digital marketing company serving clients in industries spanning technology, real estate, government, hospitality, and more. Our team’s passion and talent will be a great addition to REQ where we will continue to serve clients within a full suite of award-winning, measurable marketing solutions. Read the story: https://bit.ly/2VT7BTe

WASHINGTON – January 15, 2019 – Leading digital marketing company REQ announced today its acquisition of SpeakerBox, an award-winning strategic communications and public relations firm serving the B2B and B2G technology sector with clients ranging from emerging fast-growing firms to Fortune 100 ...

01/07/2019

Ditch Your Marketing Resolutions and Try Something New in 2019 - SpeakerBox PR

If you resolved to lose weight, save money, or committed to any of the other popular New Year’s resolutions for 2019, you might be doing it wrong. We all know that New Year’s resolutions are notoriously difficult to achieve. Indeed, some research suggests that only 8 percent of people keep their resolutions. I think this is because there’s a negative stigma attached to these things. [ 618 more words ]
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/ditch-your-marketing-resolutions-and-try-something-new-in-2019/

If you resolved to lose weight, save money, or committed to any of the other popular New Year’s resolutions for 2019, you might be doing it wrong. We all know that New Year’s resolutions are notoriously difficult to achieve. Indeed, some research suggests that only...

01/04/2019

New Year, New You! How to capture the resolution craze - SpeakerBox PR

It’s splashed across nearly every newspaper and magazine and it’s a running theme in most of the commercials we see on TV - diet products, fitness regimens, tools and tricks and purchases to make your life easier, reduce your screen time, eat healthier and ultimately, meet your New Year’s goals! Maybe the New Year’s resolution trend is something that benefits you or your company’s brand - if it is, this blog might offer a contradictory point of view. [ 668 more words ]
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/new-year-new-capture-the-resolution-craze-early/

It’s splashed across nearly every newspaper and it’s a running theme in most commercials - tricks to make your life easier, and meet your New Year’s goals!

12/20/2018

Three Steps to Building a Successful Media List - SpeakerBox PR

Your media list should be built with as much thought as the pitch itself. 3 tips to build the perfect media list. #PR #mediarelations
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/three-steps-to-building-a-successful-media-list/

A successful pitch relies on two important components: great writing and a strong media list. Oftentimes, we put the focus on the written pitch itself when in reality a solid media list is equally essential. Building a media list building should be time-consuming, strategic and...

12/19/2018

5 Ways PRSA Made Me a Better Writer - SpeakerBox PR

Whether it's attending a @PRSA seminar, or reading some of the great online #PR resources available - there is something new for us to learn everyday and it’s up to us to take advantage of those opportunities!
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/5-ways-prsa-made-me-a-better-writer/

While this blog has several pieces of advice, if there was one takeaway I’d want you to leave with, it’s to open yourself up to learning experiences outside your day-to-day work.

12/17/2018

How Social Media Gives a Voice to Brands - SpeakerBox PR

Social media can be a powerful tool when used effectively. See how three companies have successfully utilized their social channels to build and strengthen their brand.
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/how-social-media-gives-a-voice-to-brands/

Today, it’s hard to find a company without a social media presence. Companies and public figures are expected to communicate and show an interest in engaging with their followers. It’s almost as if there is an unspoken rule that audiences need to be updated on...

12/17/2018

SpeakerBox Communications Clients Are on an Award Season High - SpeakerBox PR

SpeakerBox Communications Clients Are on an Award Season High
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/speakerbox-communications-clients-are-on-an-award-season-high/

We are excited to share that several of our clients have been recognized during the Fall award season for their growth, innovation and individual contributions to their respective companies and industries. The accolades include: Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ recognizes the fastest-growing public a...

12/14/2018

Ho Ho Ho Hum Customer Service Has No Place at the Holidays (or Any Time) - SpeakerBox PR

The holiday shopping season is an ideal time to gauge companies’ customer service skills. The swell of crowds in the stores and the rush of online shoppers trying to hit “complete your purchase” before that long sought after sale item is out of stock (this year, for me, it was a weighted blanket that my wife wanted) provide litmus tests for the way organizations deal with their customers. [ 906 more words ]
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/ho-ho-ho-hum-customer-service-has-no-place-at-the-holidays-or-any-time/

The holiday shopping season is an ideal time to gauge companies’ customer service skills. The swell of crowds in the stores and the rush of online shoppers trying to hit “complete your purchase” before that long sought after sale item is out of stock (this...

12/06/2018

10 Years of Federal Media Consumption Research – A Q&A with Aaron Heffron - SpeakerBox PR

10 Years of Federal Media Consumption Research - A Q&A with Market Connections Aaron Heffron http://bit.ly/2Qey6mM

For the past 10 years, Market Connections has created a comprehensive study that analyzes the media habits of federal decision makers and helps federal marketers take a data-driven approach to their marketing planning process. Read our Q&A with President Aaron Heffron here.

11/19/2018

Five Things I’m Thankful for, PR Edition - SpeakerBox PR

Thanksgiving is a time for many wonderful things -- indigestion, family arguments, getting ripped off by Black Friday sales -- but we mustn’t ever forget what the holiday is really about. Amidst all of the football, food, and festivities, Thanksgiving really boils down to showing appreciation for the things that have happened throughout the previous year. And while my first and foremost show of appreciation will always be directed towards my friends and family, there are several work-related things that happened this year that I am also very thankful for. [ 502 more words ]
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/five-things-im-thankful-for-pr-edition/

Thanksgiving is a time for many wonderful things — indigestion, family arguments, getting ripped off by Black Friday sales — but we mustn’t ever forget what the holiday is really about. Amidst all of the football, food, and festivities, Thanksgiving really boils down to showing...

11/16/2018

How B2B Marketers Can Apply the Winning Strategies of Political Campaign Marketing - SpeakerBox PR

Think B2B and political marketing have nothing in common? Think again and then think how you can win with political marketing strategies.
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/how-b2b-marketers-can-apply-the-winning-strategies-of-political-campaign-marketing/

Our final TMA event for the year was held barely 48 hours after the midterm elections and it was truly a high note to end the year on. Our speaker was Phillip Stutts, author of the book, Fire Them Now: The 7 Lies Digital Marketers...

11/07/2018

Seven Government Marketing Tips from the GAIN Conference - SpeakerBox PR

Seven Government Marketing Tips from the GAIN Conference @GetMarkedU #GAINConf
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/seven-government-marketing-tips-from-the-gain-conference-2/

Last week was the third annual GAIN Conference, hosted by Government Marketing University. This year’s conference was an all day event that included a keynote by Margie Graves, federal deputy CIO at OMB; several case studies; and a series of morning and afternoon workshops where...

10/29/2018

Happy Halloween 🎃 from our team to yours!

10/29/2018

Meet the Newest Members of the SpeakerBox Team - SpeakerBox PR

We’ve added a few new faces to the SpeakerBox family so we wanted to take some time and get to know our fabulous coworkers through a short Q&A. Please meet Tatiana Peralta, Emily Burdeshaw, and Ben Stanton. Kicking things off with Tatiana -- What is your favorite PR activity (writing/social media/ media relations/other) and why? Coming into my first job I would have said my favorite PR activity was social media. [ 1,087 more word ]
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/meet-the-newest-members-of-the-speakerbox-team/

We’ve added a few new faces to the SpeakerBox family so we wanted to take some time and get to know our fabulous coworkers through a short Q&A. Please meet Tatiana Peralta, Emily Burdeshaw, and Ben Stanton. Kicking things off with Tatiana — What is...

10/26/2018

Tackling the Unknown - SpeakerBox PR

How do you begin tackling writing about a new topic or industry? Check out these tips ! #PRpro #writing
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/tackling-the-unknown/

Writing in public relations can be overwhelming. We are expected to become mini-experts on different topics across various industries. All of this can be even more challenging when you’re fresh out of college, like me. Being new to the writing game in an agency can...

10/25/2018

Show & Tell: How to Create Convincing Content - SpeakerBox PR

If you write for any part of your living, you’re familiar with the adage, ‘show don’t tell.’ Writing that ‘shows’ you something rather than explicitly telling you, allows a reader to experience a topic (not like this sentence). Language that ‘shows’ leads a reader through a subject with their senses, thoughts and feelings, rather than simple summarization or description. Ernest Hemingway developed and used the… [ 473 more words ]
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/show-tell-create-convincing-content/

Content has been king for years now. Convincing content is that which shows and tells through the specific language we use and the structure we provide.

10/25/2018

Stop Blaming Journalists for Bad PR - SpeakerBox PR

A lot of PR pros blame journalists when things don't go their way. What if we stop blaming journalists and start doing our job better?

I recently read a blog post on a daily news site dedicated to PR, marketing, and media that basically called out all the ways that journalists frustrate PR professionals. While the post made some fair points (breaking embargos can, in fact, cost us a client),...

10/04/2018

Please join us in celebrating Katie Hanusik's 14th Anniversary here at SpeakerBox! Katie, our Executive Vice President, is one of our fearless leaders who is admired and respected by our entire SBX team and our clients. We are grateful for everything Katie has done for us and for our clients over the past 14 years and we look forward to many, many more!

09/26/2018

Mission (I’m)possible: Finding the Perfect First Job - SpeakerBox PR

The right job will help you grow and empower you with the right tools to succeed #firstjob #publicrelations
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/mission-impossible-finding-the-perfect-first-job/

Looking for a job right out of college is as terrifying as it is exciting. In my experience, I was overcome with joy over the fact that, after almost 20 years, I was going to (finally) be an “adult.” But, I was also terrified that...

09/25/2018

SpeakerBox Day 2018: Vineyard Style - SpeakerBox PR

SpeakerBox Day 2018: Vineyard Style
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/speakerbox-day-2018-vineyard-style/

Last week, our team spent a day at a couple of wineries for our annual #SpeakerBoxDay celebration. We try to take some time for team-bonding a few times a year. In the past, we’ve gone to baseball games, beer gardens, cooking classes, a teammate’s house for...

09/20/2018

SpeakerBox - now REQ's cover photo

09/20/2018

Please join us in wishing a Happy 8th SpeakerBox Anniversary to one of our awesome VPs, Jennifer Edgerly! You are an extremely valued and respected member of our SBX team. Congratulations Jennifer and thank you for an AMAZING 8 years!

09/19/2018

Kicking off #SpeakerBoxDay2018 with a wine tasting.

09/19/2018

Nike made a gamble - and it resonated - SpeakerBox PR

Nike took a calculated risk with their message in the 'Dream Crazy' advertisement, proving that they truly understand their target audience.
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/nike-gamble-resonated-2/

Nike released their ad, Dream Crazy, on Sept. 5. The two-minute montage follows athletes training for and playing their respective sports.

09/19/2018

Happy 1st SpeakerBox Anniversary to our Senior Account Director, Robin Bectel! It feels like Robin has been a key part of our team for much longer, but we are so fortunate to have her on board full-time! Robin, we appreciate all of your team work and dedication to SBX's Core Values and are excited to see what year #2 will bring! Thank you!!

09/18/2018

Nike made a gamble - and it resonated - SpeakerBox PR

Nike took a calculated risk with their message in the 'Dream Crazy' advertisement, proving that they truly understand their target audience.
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/nike-gamble-resonated/

Nike released their ad, Dream Crazy, on Sept. 5. The two-minute montage follows athletes training for and playing their respective sports.

09/13/2018

The Truth Behind Google's Secret Content Sauce - SpeakerBox PR

Like hunting for the Colonel’s secret recipe (hint: it includes black pepper), marketers have long sought to identify the algorithms that Google uses to determine its rankings. For years, search engine marketing experts have followed the ever-changing guidelines, rules, and updates that Google has issued in the hopes of getting their content listed on page 1. But it’s really not that difficult. [ 742 more words ]
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/the-truth-behind-googles-secret-content-sauce/

Like hunting for the Colonel’s secret recipe (hint: it includes black pepper), marketers have long sought to identify the algorithms that Google uses to determine its rankings. For years, search engine marketing experts have followed the ever-changing guidelines, rules, and updates that Google has...

09/01/2018

We love and support the amazing work that Food For Others does for the community and are proud sponsors of their 5th Annual 5K taking place one week from today!

This time next week we'll be gathering for the 5th Annual #Tysons5K! Have you registered yet? Come walk, run, get some early morning exercise. Fun for the entire family, including the dog! Sign up here: https://potomac.enmotive.com/events/register/2018-food-for-others-5k-and-fun-run

08/29/2018

Make No Mistake: Three Tips for Fixing Common PR Blunders - SpeakerBox PR

Mistakes happen - what matters is how *you* respond to the situation. Read the full blog post for 3 tips to fix common #PR blunders. #PublicRelations #PRpro
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/make-no-mistake-three-tips-fixing-common-pr-blunders/

The fast-paced nature of public relations often makes for a higher-likelihood of mistakes. While our goal is to do everything we can to prevent these mistakes, it’s unrealistic to act as if they won’t happen, which is why I encourage you to keep these tips in mind.

08/24/2018

Food for Others

A very special thank you to our 2018 Food for Others #Tysons5K sponsors! We truly appreciate your commitment to join in the fight against #foodinsecurity in #northernVirginia.

08/20/2018

Everything You Wanted to Know About Graphic Design and Were Too Afraid to Ask - SpeakerBox PR

Graphic designer Kristen Cox shares tips to working with designers and dispenses advice she wishes everyone embarking on a design project knew.

This month I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the incredibly talented designers we use to bring our clients marketing materials to life. Based in Somerville, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston, Kristen and I have been friends for 13 years – and got to...

08/14/2018

Does Work/Life Balance Really Exist? - SpeakerBox PR

Does Work/Life Balance Really Exist?
https://www.speakerboxpr.com/worklife-balance-really-exist/

If you do a quick, unscientific look through Glassdoor for reviews on the leading mid-sized PR firms and management consultants, you will spot a troubling trend. The scores for work/life balance seem to sit right in the middle of the scale. Even among award winning...