Your Vision. Our Mission.
Communications Strategy
A strategic communications plan is the roadmap to success, no matter the size or industry of an organization.
Communications foundations are universal: focused, articulated goals brought forward with clear and convincing messaging which reaches intentionally targeted audiences.
Together, we create a blueprint for your organization. We identify short- and long-term goals, key messages, proven strategies and both traditional and innovative tactics for communicating to key audiences and stakeholders. Our goal is to provide your organization with a blueprint for communications success.
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During the process, EKC works with clients to identify:
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Specific communications goals
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Compelling, clear and concise messages
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Key targeted audiences
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The right spokespeople for the organization, from leadership to staff
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A robust implementation timeline, including prioritization of goals strategies, and tactics
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Review of budget and staffing opportunities and constraints
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Establishment of monitoring and metrics
Erin is the most experienced and respected communications strategist I have worked with. She translates complicated issues into understandable, clear messages and has the respect of reporters across the country. She is amazing in a crisis. Erin navigated the Manhattan D.A.’s Office through unprecedented media attention and turned the D.A.’s vision for safety and fairness into reality.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo; former Chief Assistant District Attorney and Partner at the Agnifilo Law Group.
Media Relations
Working with the media can be intense, tricky and exceptionally useful. Successful proactive media relations strategically builds relationships with reporters and producers, while maximizing opportunities to participate in local and national conversations. The benefits of laying this foundation are manifold: trusted content which enhances an organization’s reputation among consumers, shareholders, employees, thought leaders, and lawmakers, and building a trusted network of partners should a crisis arise.
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As a former investigative reporter, Erin knows how to tell a story with the right messages, proof points, and answers to tough questions. A successful media plan identifies organizational strengths and proactive opportunities to tell an organization’s story and raise group and individual profiles in conjunction with the news cycle. Engagement with trusted media sources brings an institution’s mission before a larger, more diverse audience than targeted marketing campaigns alone. You are in control of your media narrative.
Erin guided me – and the state - through an unprecedented time. She was by David’s and my side during unbelievable media attention, interviews, press conferences, and ultimately the creation of new state initiatives. She is calm under pressure, creative in her solutions and a trusted advisor and friend.
Michelle Paige (Paterson); former first lady of New York State, and health and wellness coach.
Crisis
In times of intense scrutiny and uncertainty, it is critical to have an advisor with experience navigating and predicting the response to unfolding events. Most situations are complex, fluid and can have a large reputational impact both externally and internally.  A crisis communications advisor quickly assesses the issues, identifies and executes solutions, and brings perspective on timing, perception and overall response.
Product recalls, organizational changes, statements on local and world events are only some of the many possible crises that may warrant a response. In a single 24-hour news cycle, the first response can avert a crisis or amplify it. Responding in a way that stays true to the values, goals and management structure of the organization is integral to the response. The best crisis communicators have been tested, many times on many issues. Erin has extensive experience handling crises including catastrophic events, high profile executive resignations, litigation and internal turmoil. 
In addition to crisis response, EKC provides pre-emptive crisis mitigation strategies. Reviews of preparedness plans and existing red flag issues can prevent an organization from making unforced errors or being unready for scrutiny.
Erin Kramer has named and fought against sexual discrimination and violence, even in the worlds where silence often prevails. Now, she offers her services to others. Erin’s work has changed laws - and lives. Justice has a champion.
Gloria Steinem; activist and author.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does my organization need to do strategic communications planning?Strategic communications plans are essential for telling your story, to your audience, to meet your organization’s unique and specific goals. Here are a few questions to consider: Are you looking to understand or improve your organization’s reputation, internally and externally? Are there proof points you wish more people knew about your organization? Do you have new leadership, new prioritiesor a new vision for your organization? Could your organization be communicating more effectively? If the answer is yes, let’s have a conversation.
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What if I already have a communications team?That’s terrific! We work collaboratively to build up your organization’s capabilities, and we deliver strategies which can be implemented by EKC or by existing communications teams. Our work is designed to build new communications strategies and operations, including strengthening existing teams and processes. Understanding in-house communications roles and capabilities is built into strategic planning and execution.
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How long does a media training session take?Most media trainings are two-hour sessions. Depending on the client’s needs and the number of participants, the time can expand to include more people or more intensive practice.
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Crisis preparedness sounds more intense than my organization needs. Why should I consider it?Do you have the procedures and tools in place to respond to a significant and unforeseen disruption of your work or threat to your reputation? Crisis preparedness exercises with an experienced consultant can identify potential issues and solutions before they become problems.
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Our organization is in the news or facing internal strife – how quickly do we need to respond?Timing is critical in a crisis. Answering important process questions – who will speak, how will information be communicated, what stakeholders need to be informed, etc. – before a crisis saves time, reduces confusion and leads to better outcomes.
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Are clients billed hourly, or on retainer?Our clients have the option of hiring EKC on an hourly as-needed basis, or on retainer.