Technology

AI and Brand Strategy: Mastering the Cognitive Revolution for Business Growth

Published

7 months ago

February 14, 2024

In the rapidly evolving realm of generative AI, transformative technologies such as ChatGPT are reshaping our interaction with technology, promising a brighter future. JOTO PR DisruptorsTM Karla Jo Helms advises businesses that the best way to handle concerns about AI’s potential dark side, particularly its capacity to manipulate public opinion, is to understand the implications on media and content by proactively implementing bold brand strategies aimed at leading public discourse.

TAMPA BAY, Fla., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Concerns among Americans about AI continue to grow. More than half of Americans (52%) say they feel more concerned than excited about the increased use of artificial intelligence. The number concerned about AI in daily life has increased by 14 percentage points since December 2022.1 Tools like ChatGPT and its counterparts are revolutionizing how we interact with technology, promising a better future. However, amidst the optimism, concerns linger about the potential dark side of AI, particularly its ability to shape public opinion. Karla Jo Helms, founder of JOTO PR Disruptors, emphasizes the need for businesses and communication teams to adapt to the increasing influence of AI. “Organizations can successfully navigate the AI-driven era by learning the codified body of knowledge that controls public opinion, understanding algorithms, and developing strong communication strategies,” she explains. 

More than half of Americans (52%) say they feel more concerned than excited about the increased use of artificial intelligence.

There is an opportunity for a strategic approach in response to the potential risks posed by AI. Rather than perceiving AI as an enemy, businesses can positively harness its power to shape brand awareness and strategy. “This is the age of really learning the skills of guiding and controlling public opinion so that your company can safely expand,” says Helms. “You have to be consistent and very proactive and understand the media algorithm if you want to stay on top and compete.” She stresses the importance of openness, transparency, and thought leadership in navigating the AI-driven landscape. 

Disruptive Communication Strategies 
The call to action is clear: Businesses must step up their game on thought leadership and communicating via third-party credibility channels. The influencer marketing industry is expected to grow to approximately $24 billion by the end of this year, with 55% of brands planning to use AI for influence identification and 63% using AI to execute their influence campaigns.2  

While the public may be concerned, CEOs are more optimistic. Almost half (49%) believe that “most” or “all” of their job should be completely automated or replaced by AI.3 Despite this, questions remain about the potential for deception AI offers bad actors. What if AI could analyze all your online interactions and, at a precise moment, send a message that reshapes your worldview? This question raises a critical concern about AI’s power over our thoughts and opinions, potentially steering them in unforeseen directions. 

To combat this, brands must not only emphasize that AI should be used as a tool to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them, but they should also communicate their commitment to maintaining a human-centric approach to technology adoption. Fabricated news and misinformation are not new phenomenon but the ease at which social media can be manipulated by AI to steer public opinion is. Combatting this requires not only education but also new ways to detect this kind of abuse.4 

Mastering Knowledge, Algorithms, and Communication 
To address the overuse of AI within the framework of disruptive technologies, businesses can employ effective communication strategies, such as: 

1. Master the Codified Body of Knowledge of Public Opinion: Helms emphasizes the importance of businesses mastering the structured set of principles and facts that govern public opinion. This involves studying case studies, theories, and the history of public relations to understand what resonates with the public and how opinions are formed and swayed. By doing so, organizations can craft messages that are more likely to be received positively and spread widely. 
2. Understand Algorithms: Another key piece of advice is for businesses to invest time in understanding the algorithms behind social media platforms, search engines and the media. This knowledge allows organizations to better predict and influence how their content is distributed and seen by their target audience. It’s about knowing the digital landscape and using that knowledge to ensure that their messages are amplified in the AI-driven era. 
3. Develop Strong Communication Strategies: Finally, Helms advises organizations to develop robust communication strategies that are adaptable to the fast-paced changes in technology and public opinion. This includes being clear about their brand’s message, being consistent across all platforms, and being responsive to feedback from their audience(s). A strong communication strategy also involves crisis management planning to proactively fille the vacuum early on, and swiftly address any negative situations that could arise and mitigate potential damage to the brand’s reputation. 

Implementing these tips can help businesses leverage AI and public opinion to their advantage, ensuring they remain relevant and positively perceived in an increasingly digital world. 

Making AI Work for You to Build Your Brand 
Understanding the principles of guiding and controlling public opinion enables businesses to take control of their brand narrative. AI should be viewed as a cognitive revolution, democratizing technology and empowering individuals to become better creators.  

Helms encourages businesses, leaders, and communication teams to wake up to the power of AI. “There’s way more businesses that can be using AI for good, way more of us than there are nefarious characters that use it for bad,” she shares.  

“Most businesses don’t think they can guide and control public opinion. But if you understand the principles of handling public opinion, you have the ability to manage your brand awareness, your brand strategy and what the public thinks of you,” Helms concludes. 

About JOTO PR Disruptors™:  
Founded by PR veteran Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR Disruptors™ emerged from extensive market research with CEOs of fast-growth companies. The agency, established in 2009, combines crisis management skills with advanced media algorithms to develop Anti-PR® campaigns. Based in Tampa Bay, Florida, JOTO PR is globally recognized for its innovative Anti-PR services. More information is available at http://www.jotopr.com

About Karla Jo Helms:  
Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™.   
She learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line—and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumni of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators and the media to help restore companies of goodwill back into the good graces of public opinion. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception.   

References: 
1. Tyson, Alec and Kikuchi, Emma; “Growing public concern about the role of artificial intelligence in daily life;” Pew Research Center; August 28, 2023; http://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/28/growing-public-concern-about-the-role-of-artificial-intelligence-in-daily-life/. 
2. Geyser, Werner: “The State of Influencer Marketing 2024: Benchmark Report”; Influencer Marketing Hub; February 1, 2024; influencermarketinghub.com/influencer-marketing-benchmark-report/. 
3. “edX Survey Finds Nearly Half (49%) of CEOs Believe Most or All of Their Role Should be Automated or Replaced by AI;” edX; September 19, 2023; press.edx.org/edx-survey-finds-nearly-half-49-of-ceos-believe-most-or-all-of-their-role-should-be-automated-or-replaced-by-ai 
4. Shao, Chengcheng, Ciampaglia, Giovanni Luca, Varol, Onur, Yang, Kai-Cheng, Flammini, Alessandro, and Menczer, Filippo; “The spread of low-credibility content by social bots”; Nature Communications; 20 November 2018; http://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-06930-7#citeas. 

Media Inquiries: 
Karla Jo Helms 
JoTo PR™
727-777-4621 
jotopr.com   

Media Contact

Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@jotopr.com, http://jotopr.com/

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Technology

Bonus Days Off, No Meeting Days and Virtual Water Coolers: Naturals2Go Brings a New Era of Company Culture & Commitment

Published

25 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Naturals2Go, a leader in the unattended retail, breakroom experience, and vending industry, is unveiling a series of meaningful initiatives designed to foster connection, creativity, and care within its workforce. These initiatives reflect Naturals2Go’s commitment to cultivating an environment where both personal and professional growth are prioritized, helping the quickly growing company hold its position as an organization that simply values its employees with as much care as its customers. It just does business differently.

SAVANNAH, Ga., Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Naturals2Go, a leader in the unattended retail, breakroom experience, and vending industry, is unveiling a series of meaningful initiatives designed to foster connection, creativity, and care within its workforce. These initiatives reflect Naturals2Go’s commitment to cultivating an environment where both personal and professional growth are prioritized, helping the quickly growing company hold its position as an organization that simply values its employees with as much care as its customers. It just does business differently.

Encouraging people to just breathe – to step away from work and know you can enjoy what you have without worry – is what we’re trying to do here.

Innovation In Action

Naturals2Go is known for innovating the vending industry by offering the only proven program to enhance or improve income, investment, or future wealth through a part-time or full-time vending machine business. They have changed the industry again by developing regional operations centers and a wider range of services.

To do so, Naturals2Go has grown from 20 to 140 employees over the past four years. To help the team stay successful and cared for through this rapid expansion, Naturals2Go executives have introduced three new programs.

These exciting initiatives enhance the quality of life, not just work, for employees — whether they are one of the 100 remote members of the team or in one of the company’s regional operations centers (ROCs).

“You don’t have to be, and shouldn’t be, ‘in it’ all the time,” says Heath Falzarano, President of Naturals2Go.

Refresh2Go: This initiative gives employees one additional (paid) Friday each month, at the same time, to step away from work to recharge however they wish.Vision2Go: Every Wednesday, employees have a mandatory day of no meetings — a day dedicated to creative thinking, process improvement, and strategic planning. This initiative helps individuals and teams take a breather from day-to-day demands and see the bigger picture to guide improvements from ideas to efficiencies.Water Cooler Chats: Recognizing the challenges faced by a dispersed workforce, Naturals2Go has also implemented two daily 15-minute water cooler chats. These optional sessions are designed for a social break – a chance to connect with peers they may not even know yet, strengthening the company’s culture and community.

Why These Initiatives Matter

Falzarano emphasizes his personal belief in caring for those in the organization as much as customers: “We get to help people make a really good living while also letting them live a really good life.” This is true for both the company and those who invest in a Naturals2Go business program.

The importance of these initiatives is underscored by industry trends which highlight the growing need for companies to prioritize employee well-being. Falzarano has championed these initiatives at Naturals2Go, believing that a healthy, supported workforce is crucial to the company’s long-term success.

“Encouraging people to just breathe – to step away from work and know you can enjoy what you have without worry – is what we’re trying to do here,” Falzarano explains. “Nothing bad is going to happen by taking care of yourself a bit more. I know we can do what we need to do in less time, more focus, and just feel better.”

About Naturals2Go

Naturals2Go is the leading unattended retail, breakroom experience and vending business opportunity in the United States – a trusted partner helping entrepreneurial-minded professionals grow for over 35 years. Naturals2Go is an innovator in healthy and intelligent vending and is the highest-rated, longest-serving, most awarded Vending Business Opportunity Company in the United States. The company is expanding with regional operations centers across the U.S. and an expanded suite of services plus a commitment to regional investment, local employment, and community impact. Naturals2Go is committed to leading the industry with a forward-thinking approach and a strong company culture.

If you would like more information about Naturals2Go, email kim.page@naturals2go.com or visit Naturals2Go on the Web at www.naturals2go.com.

Media Contact

Kim Page, Naturals2Go, 1 716-247-6621, kim.page@naturals2go.com, https://www.naturals2go.com/

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Technology

This Week in Consumer News: 13 Stories You Need to See

Published

25 mins ago

September 20, 2024

A roundup of the most newsworthy consumer and retail announcements from PR Newswire this week, including new holiday flavors from My/Mochi and Simply, plus Toy Insider’s hottest toys of 2024.

NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help consumer/retail journalists and consumers stay on top of the week’s most newsworthy and popular releases, here’s a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn’t be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

Tupperware Voluntarily Initiates Chapter 11 Proceedings
Tupperware will seek Court approval to continue operating during the proceedings and remains focused on providing its customers with its award-winning, innovative products through Tupperware sales consultants, retail partners and online.M&M’S® Captures A Classic Within Its Iconic Colorful Candy Shell; Introducing NEW M&M’S Peanut Butter & Jelly
The first new flavor innovation since 2022, the delicious addition features berry flavored bite-sized chocolate treats with a deliciously smooth peanut butter center that will transport fans to the comforting experience of a PB&J sandwich.Chili’s® Fires at Fast Food Again with Irresistible 3 For Lunch Combos
During the week (Monday-Friday) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time (at participating locations), guests can enjoy real value with 11 available options in the new 3 For Lunch Combos, featuring bottomless chips and salsa, choice of entrée and a bottomless non-alcoholic drink, all starting at just $10.99.My/Mochi™ Makes the Holidays “Joyfully Chill” With the Launch of Three NEW Flavors: Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows, Sugar Cookie and Gingerbread
The original and largest mochi ice cream brand is also bringing back fan favorites Pumpkin Spice, Apple Pie á la Mode and Cool Peppermint. “My/Mochi is all about stretching the possibilities of what’s possible with mochi, and this time of year gives us so much runway to have fun with new flavors,” says Brigette Wolf, Chief Marketing Officer, My/Mochi.Crocs Launches the Keep It Going Classic Clog Made with 25% Recycled Material from Consumers’ Well-Loved Shoes
By incorporating bio-circular content, Crocs is giving a second life to plant-based byproducts that would have otherwise ended up as waste through material innovation. In combination with the 25% post-consumer recycled content, the Keep It Going Classic Clog showcases the brand’s efforts at the intersection of circular innovation and materials.KIT KAT® is Giving YOU a Break This Fall to Celebrate Its New Vanilla Flavor
To celebrate, KIT KAT® is giving fans a “break” through a giveaway on @KITKAT_US’s Instagram, where four lucky winners will receive KIT KAT®-branded BÉIS Carry-on luggage filled with KIT KAT® Vanilla bars, and one grand prize winner will receive an additional $1,000 vacation rental marketplace gift card toward travel expenses to spend on a vanilla getaway this fall.Target Brings Holiday Magic with More Savings Across Largest Holiday Assortment Ever
Target is offering consumers savings all season long starting with Target Circle Week, Oct. 6-12, for those who want a head start on holiday shopping. The retailer is also preparing to deliver a joyful and easy shopping experience by investing in its existing team and hiring approximately 100,000 additional seasonal team members.STOUFFER’S® Debuts First Shelf-Stable Offering with New Format of Macaroni and Cheese
With a stovetop cooking time of just ten minutes and no additional ingredients required, STOUFFER’s Supreme Shells & Cheese is a great-tasting and effortless meal for any night of the week, offering the perfect answer to the age-old question “What’s for dinner?” Martha Stewart’s Revitalizing Secret Exposed! Pure Leaf Unsweetened Iced Tea is “Martha’s Little Helper” in New Campaign As seen in videos across social media, her secret stash of Pure Leaf is always accessible for a quick, revitalizing pick-me-up – whether buried in her garden, hidden in her library books or even baked into a homemade cake.Holiday Shoppers, Rejoice: The Toy Insider Experts Reveal the Hottest Toys of 2024 that Deliver Big Value!
This year’s hottest toys appear on one of three featured lists: the Hot 20, the most popular playthings of the year; the STEM 10, top toys that encourage STEM learning; and the 12 Under $20, the best toys that won’t break the bank.Makers of the Jennie-O® Brand Share New State-By-State Consumer Insights on All Things Thanksgiving Among the survey findings: Most people take up to two weeks to plan and cook their Thanksgiving meal. Actual food preparation for this monumental eating occasion adds another three days, and five hours of actual cooking on the day of.Move Over Pumpkin Spice, Simply Spiked® Cranberry Arrives Just in Time to be Your New Fall Favorite
This limited-time offering marks the brand’s first foray into seasonal releases, introducing two delicious varieties: Signature Cranberry and Apple Cranberry.Personalized Skincare Brand, Curology Marks 10 Year Anniversary With A Funfetti® Partnership
Designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia and joy, the lip balm captures the nostalgic Funfetti® vanilla cake batter notes, sugared sprinkle sweetness, and signature vanilla frosting, aligning perfectly with the celebratory spirit of the brand’s anniversary.

For more news like this, check out all of the latest retail-related releases from PR Newswire.

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Technology

This Week in Tech News: 13 Stories You Need to See

Published

25 mins ago

September 20, 2024

A roundup of the most newsworthy tech announcements from PR Newswire this week, including Starlink Wi-Fi on United flights and a flying car manufacturing deal.

NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help tech journalists and consumers stay on top of the week’s most newsworthy and popular releases, here’s a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn’t be missed.

IBM and Microsoft Open Three New Experience Zones to Provide Global Clients with More Hands-on Access to Cloud and Generative AI Solutions
These Experience Zones are designed to help global clients across industries, such as financial services, government, healthcare, industrial, manufacturing and consumer packed goods (CPG), find new ways to derive value from generative AI, hybrid cloud and other Microsoft products and technologies.B-FY passwordless biometric solution: a real gamechanger in the fight against Cybercrime
The ongoing reliance on passwords as a primary authentication method has left countless organizations vulnerable to attacks, resulting in severe financial and reputational damage. B-FY offers a robust solution to this growing vulnerability by eliminating the need for passwords altogether.Lockheed Martin Awarded GeoXO Lightning Mapper Contract to Support Forecasters with Severe Weather Monitoring
The GeoXO Lightning Mapper (LMX) instrument detects and measures lightning flashes while onboard NOAA’s next-generation GeoXO weather satellites. This lightning data will provide persistent severe weather observations of the Western Hemisphere, improving storm analysis and prediction, and aiding the detection of tornado-producing storms.Zero Latency VR Enters A New Era With 100 Venues Worldwide And 4 Million Players Pushing The Limits Of Reality
Zero Latency is gearing up to launch its most ambitious experience yet: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine VR – Defenders of Avarax. This groundbreaking adventure will plunge players into the most expansive and intricately detailed VR universe ever crafted.NASA Shares Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Remarks
The awards recognized the women who contributed to the space race, including the NASA mathematicians who helped land the first astronauts on the Moon under the agency’s Apollo Program.Alef signs mass manufacturing flying car agreement
PUCARA Aero and MYC, a joint venture with experience manufacturing aviation grade parts for Boeing and Airbus, signs an agreement to manufacture parts for Alef. Alef has secured over 3,200 pre-orders and is now entering agreements for mass production of its Model A flying car.The Inflight Wi-Fi Revolution Now Arriving: United Signs Starlink Deal to Provide Industry-Leading Connectivity in the Sky – For Free
“We’re excited to team up with United Airlines to transform the inflight experience,” said Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer at SpaceX. “With Starlink onboard your United flight, you’ll have access to the world’s most advanced high-speed internet from gate to gate, and all the miles in between.”Spectrum Announces Unprecedented Customer Commitment, Free Internet Speed Lifts and New Bundled Pricing
These commitments are encapsulated within Spectrum’s new brand platform, Life Unlimited, which provides customers access to a life of ‘unlimited’ opportunity and possibility when seamlessly connected through Spectrum’s Internet, Mobile and Video services.Chipotle Debuts Autocado and the Augmented Makeline by Hyphen in Restaurants
With Autocado, crew members can focus on assisting with other food prep items and delivering exceptional hospitality to guests while Autocado cuts avocados, removes their skin, and separates their fruit through an automated process. On average, it takes Autocado approximately 26 seconds to fully flesh out the fruit inside an avocado.Infinix Taps Porsche Dreamer Stories Featured Creator: Discover the ZERO 40 Series GoPro Mode
Creative photographer Allan Yegon, armed with his Infinix ZERO 40 5G and GoPro device, embarked on an East African adventure. He dove beneath the waves and captured the rare moment of swimming with a giant whale shark.TerraMaster Unveils 9 New NAS Models with TOS 6 System
TerraMaster, a leading brand in home and enterprise storage solutions, announced the launch of 9 new NAS models, including two 8-bay all-flash NAS models specifically designed for high-performance needs.Ginkgo Bioworks Launches New Protein LLM and Model API Built on Google Cloud Technology
Chris Sakalosky, vice president of Strategic Industries, Google Cloud: “Ginkgo’s new protein LLM and open API mark a major step forward in making advanced AI tools accessible for drug discovery and biological research. By leveraging Google Cloud’s infrastructure and AI capabilities, Ginkgo is empowering both enterprises and individual scientists to accelerate their work and drive innovation in the life sciences.”Behind the Scenes at Apple Event 2024: How the iPhone 16 Pro and SmallRig Phone Cage Created Cinematic Magic?
It is the third consecutive year that the SmallRig phone cage has appeared at Apple’s event and the fourth consecutive year it has been featured in an Apple spot for the new iPhone series, showcasing how to achieve professional cinematic video using an iPhone.

For more news like this, check out all of the latest technology-related releases from PR Newswire.

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Info-Tech LIVE 2024

Info-Tech Research Group’s Info-Tech LIVE 2024 took place September 17-19 at the iconic Bellagio in Las Vegas. It offered journalists and media influencers a sneak peek into the latest technology research and trends, exclusive content, and the opportunity to meet industry experts, analysts and speakers.

Here are the front row updates straight from Info-Tech Research Group:

Info-Tech LIVE 2024 Day 1 Highlights: Key Insights Shared on Exponential IT, GenAI, and Emerging IT Trends The CIO Playbook Revealed by Info-Tech Research Group at LIVE 2024: New Program Will Drive IT Excellence Through a Systematic 12-Month Roadmap Next-Generation Management & Governance Framework Unveiled at LIVE 2024 Conference Will Empower IT Leaders in an Era of Exponential IT

Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News

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