Welcome to our April newsletter.
March was a month of spinning plates - new client wins, Easter, and a fair bit of travel for the team and me.
While creating and scheduling International Women’s Day activity for our clients, I had a moment of realisation when the day itself arrived: we hadn’t created any content for ourselves.
My usual approach would be to stop everything and get it done.
But not this time.
It was just one social post, and in the grand scheme of things, it really didn’t matter.
The truth was simple: our all‑female team had been under pressure. Life challenges, family commitments, and the constant drive to do their best at work were all in play. That felt like a very valid reason not to rush to post for the sake of it, and a reminder that sometimes, not posting is the right call.
Social strategy is something we deliver for clients every day. I’ve never been a fan of posting for posting’s sake, quantity is far less important than meaning.
We always encourage clients to step back from the pressure to post x times per week and instead take a bird’s‑eye view:
Structured social media should be built around clear business pillars.
It can’t all be sales-led, content needs to build brand personality too. The best-performing social strategies focus on improvement and growth. Planning and structure provide the foundation, then it’s time for phase two.
We’re currently working with several new clients on social strategy, migrating channels and managing transitions. Time and again, we’re reminded just how complex and sticky this process can be.
In many organisations, social accounts were set up years ago. Whoever created them is long gone. Email addresses are no longer accessible. Verification codes are sent to phone numbers no one recognises. Sound familiar?
If this strikes a chord, take it as your reminder to check in on your own social accounts. It’s a task no one looks forward to, but when something goes wrong, dealing with Meta or other platforms can be incredibly challenging if the basics aren’t in place.
As the days get brighter, I’m always keen for the team to take time off, whether that’s a few days or a full week away from their desks. It’s about recharging before the rush of Q2 events.
This year, it was my turn to practise what I preach.
At the end of March, I took a four-day break with my parents to the World Superbikes in Portimão. With a busy period at RNN, stepping away wasn’t easy, it required plenty of preparation and organisation. But four days of engines, blue skies and shared experiences made it 100% worth it.
It was also a clear reminder that this is why we work hard…to create moments and memories with the people who matter most.
Always take the trip.
I love podcasts, and listen to at least four a week, maybe more. There’s so much high-quality, free content available now, and it suits my ‘on-the-go’ learning style.
Locally, the Irish News and others are producing brilliant listens. In Ireland, The Good Glow with Georgie Crawford is a firm favourite, as is The Entrepreneur Experiment with Gary Fox. For UK and global affairs, The News Agents is a daily go-to.
Podcasts are also an incredible opportunity for long‑form content, especially when it comes to building brand personality.
One of our standout recommendations is Trading Up, the Irish News podcast hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick. A particularly brilliant episode features Sandra Corkin, Executive Director of Oasis Travel, alongside her son Scott McCabe, Managing Director. It’s the perfect example of how a brand story can be told authentically, and how audiences get to know the people behind the business.
It’s well worth a listen: https://open.spotify.com/episode/49n0CzAJ22fS4SkBLRFugJ
We’re not ones to stand still. As I said recently to my colleague Astrid, there’s no growth in comfort. Earlier this year, we launched a new workshop: Communicating Impact: How to deliver on the communications requirements for funded projects.
The free, online session was designed for the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland, focusing on how organisations can meet funder requirements while clearly demonstrating the real impact of their work.
Would anyone show up? They did.
We welcomed 20 delegates to the session, and it turned out to be super. The engagement was genuine, the discussion was lively, and we even received 5‑star reviews 😊
Astrid has captured our reflections in her latest blog Communicating Impact in the Community and Voluntary Sector in Northern Ireland - rnn communications and we’re running the workshop again on Wednesday, 10 June. Keep an eye on our LinkedIn if you’d like to join us next time.
So off I go. The hustle continues.
Over and out!
Riki
The third sector in Northern Ireland plays a vital role in supporting communities, often filling gaps left by statutory services. However, communicating the impact of this work remains a significant challenge for many organisations. The landscape is ever-changing, with new funding requirements and heightened expectations from funders, stakeholders, and the public alike.
In recent years, I've noticed a growing sense of urgency among community and voluntary groups to not only deliver meaningful outcomes but also to articulate these successes clearly and persuasively to be able to successfully argue for the same or increased funding in a competitive market.
A while back I was out with friends whom I used to work with in the third sector and they were remarking the challenges they were facing in terms of communicating to funders, and a wider audience, the impact of their work.
One friend mentioned how, despite running successful programmes, it often felt like their achievements were invisible unless she moved heaven and earth to get press coverage. Another commented on the difficulty of reporting structures in communicating compelling stories of the project that funders could easily digest. Although the project statistics are important it’s the stories of lives transformed for the better that is the reason the staff are doing the work, it’s the depth of impact they are looking for.
The challenges are not limited to reporting; they extend to building ongoing relationships with funders, engaging the wider community, and even maintaining staff morale when the impact of their efforts isn't fully recognised.
As with all professionals, those who work in the voluntary sector are passionate about their work and want to find the best ways to communicate it to a wider audience in a world that is increasingly loud and busy. Many organisations are competing for attention, not just from funders but also from the public, policy makers, and the media.
The rise of digital platforms has created new opportunities for engagement, but it has also introduced hurdles, such as keeping up with content demands, managing multiple social media channels, and ensuring messages remain consistent and authentic.
Over a casual chat with Riki Neill in January we realised we, at RNN Communications had many of the practical answers to the questions they were asking and the idea of creating a focused, practical workshop for the sector was born. Much to my amusement never having presented before….
The conversation quickly shifted from theory to practice, as we reflected on our own experiences with funders and communications strategies.
The workshop was split into three distinct areas:
In the first section, we explored the expectations set by major funders, such as the National Lottery, Department for Communities, and others. These organisations often require robust reporting, including both quantitative and qualitative data. Participants were encouraged to ask questions and share their own experiences.
Next, we delved into what funder-compliant communications look like in practice. This involved dissecting reporting templates, using case studies, and identifying the common elements that make for effective communication. We discussed the role of visuals, such as infographics and photos, in conveying impact, and the need to adopt a tone that balances professionalism with authenticity. A recurring theme was the value of transparency—not only in celebrating successes but also in acknowledging challenges and lessons learned.
Finally, avoiding common pitfalls and reporting gaps where we emphasised the importance of ongoing data collection, regular check-ins with stakeholders, and using feedback mechanisms to refine communication strategies. By sharing examples of what can go wrong, we aimed to equip attendees with practical tools to prevent these issues in their own organisations.
The approach we took was to create a Ten point Toolkit of practical actions each Communications Lead could easily put into place at the start of a large funding arrangement. This toolkit serves as a checklist, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks during the project lifecycle.
Putting these tools into place at the start of the relationship would create solid foundations for a good funder relationship and ensure the correct information was gathered throughout the project so there wouldn’t be a scramble for it at the end.
Moreover, it fosters trust and transparency, enabling funders to see the real impact and value of the work. As organisations become more adept at communicating their successes and challenges, they open the door to new opportunities, partnerships, and sources of support. The process is iterative—each project offers lessons that can be carried forward, making communications stronger and more effective.
This workshop also highlighted the use of AI as a tool. We are aware that AI is still an unknown quantity within this sector in particular. The pace with which it develops and what it can now do in comparison to a few months ago is astonishing. However, it is a tool that is not to be ignored, but understood and managed responsibly within well considered organisational policy.
Northern Ireland is in the enviable position of having a number of organisations set up to support organisations manage their way through the “AI Revolution”, so it is worth investing the time to skill up in this area as it will streamline processes and ensure the community and voluntary sector are putting their stretched resources into the areas that matter most; their beneficiaries.
The wonderful feedback we received demonstrates there is a real need for this practical training which is the “how to” of communications practice and what is and what is not worth spending money on in terms of tools. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of people stating they had learnt something of use. As an agency, RNN Communications would love the opportunity to work with these charities to promote their valued work and share their impact widely.
Hopefully, through our workshop the goal is that Communications Professionals feel skilled up to deliver solid, impactful communications that comply with all funder requirements and know when it’s best to ask for more support.
In conclusion, the journey to effective impact communication is ongoing and requires both dedication and adaptability. Community and voluntary sector organisations in Northern Ireland have much to offer, and by embracing practical tools and strategies, they can ensure their achievements are recognised and celebrated. The workshop was a step towards empowering sector leaders to take ownership of their communications, build stronger relationships with funders, and ultimately, amplify the voices of the communities they serve. As we continue to learn from each other and share best practices, the sector will become even more resilient and influential in shaping a brighter future for all. From our perspective it was a fantastic learning experience, a good way to demonstrate knowledge and the support we can provide to a sector who is doing great work.
If influencer marketing had a dating app, it would be Fetch Ireland - except instead of awkward small talk and ghosting, you get dream brand collabs, authentic content, and campaigns that work. Fetch Ireland is where brands and influencers meet, match, and make magic happen.
Instead of chasing creators or forcing partnerships, Fetch Ireland flips the script. Brands showcase their products, services, or experiences, and influencers jump in when it genuinely matches their style. It’s collaboration without the cringe.
Fetch Ireland is an all‑in‑one influencer marketing platform created by PR experts with over 20 years of experience. It connects brands with handpicked micro‑influencers from Ireland’s largest creator network - all through a sleek, intuitive app that makes partnerships feel easy.
Brands get authentic exposure. Influencers get exciting opportunities. And audiences get content that feels real, not robotic.
1. Built by PR Pros Who Actually Get It
Fetch isn’t a tech experiment - it’s grounded in decades of real‑world marketing and PR experience.
2. Ireland’s Largest Micro‑Influencer Network
Hundreds of creators. Endless niches. Real engagement. Enough said.
3. A Pull‑Strategy That Makes Content Feel Natural
Influencers choose the campaigns they want - which means the content feels genuine, not forced.
4. Tech + PR = Campaigns That Hit Different
Smart tech handles the logistics. PR strategy shapes the storytelling. Together, they create campaigns that perform.
5. Trusted by National & International Brands
From emerging Irish businesses to global names, brands rely on Fetch to elevate their social presence.
Fetch Ireland was built to bring brands and influencers together in a way that feels real, fun, and mutually beneficial. No fake hype. No awkward outreach. Just authentic partnerships that spark creativity and deliver results.
Whether you’re a brand looking to boost visibility or an influencer ready for your next big collab, Fetch Ireland is where the magic happens.
Explore the platform and sign up today – Fetch
Welcome to our February newsletter. As you’re reading this, we’re stepping into day one of IFEX – a three-day industry event that we love. IFEX is a long-standing client, and this year marks my tenth IFEX. Considering it only happens every two years, I’ve been working on this event for almost two decades…. ouch (how did that happen!).
IFEX, expertly delivered by the team at 365 Events, brings together the very best young talent in hospitality and foodservice alongside with some of the biggest names in the business, and finest food producers. The Salon Culinaire competitions are always a highlight, and they’re supported by hundreds of exhibitors showcasing new products, meeting new contacts, and setting themselves up for a strong year ahead.
Our brief for IFEX is a wide one - just how we like it. It includes:
• Trade press and media relations
• Creation of the show catalogue – a 32 pager!
• Event content development, including sourcing chefs, briefing speakers and working with trade associations
• Organisation of official delegations including liaison with the Ministers’ offices and coordinating ministerial visits
• Press features, videography, photography, and all show related media over the next three days
It’s a big piece of work and one we genuinely look forward to. The next three-days are action packed and it’s all hands-on-deck as we become extended members of the 365 team, helping to deliver what we hope will be the best IFEX yet!
This month, we said goodbye to a client we’ve worked with for ten years - the brand manager of a major global brand. Whilst delighted for her, we are so sorry to see her go. Her departure made me pause…Why? Quite simply because - let’s call her DOB – was a brilliant client.
What made DOB so great…
That trust brought out the best in us. We always want to do a brilliant job for every client, but with DOB, the whole team felt that extra spark of motivation to do a great job for her personally. DOB is a reminder of how to get the very best from your agency: partnership, clarity, and trust.
I’ve long been a champion of ensuring PR professionals get a seat at the boardroom table. Why? PR isn’t about news releases, it takes valuable communications working alongside senior leaders in a business, to move the dial on business goals.
Heard the saying ‘reputation is everything?’ - well, that says it all. PR isnt for when the s*^t hits the fan – your organisation’s reputation is critical – and that’s why your strategic comms plan should be a priority for everyone at the top of a business. Having worked in senior comms for over 15 years – Astrid makes the argument for PR’s place in the board room here with her latest blog: https://rnncommunications.com/blog/from-press-office-to-boardroom-why-pr-needs-a-seat-at-the-table-and-what-happens-when-it-doesnt/
In contrast to senior comms, we encouraged our Apprentice PR Executive, Brianna, to tell us about her journey to mark National Apprenticeship Week. From Contouring to Campaigns, Brianna’s blog post talks honestly about her route into agency life - https://rnncommunications.com/blog/from-contouring-to-campaigns-my-unexpected-journey-into-digital-marketing/
I’m pretty open-minded but for too long, the PR world has been a closed shop for only those with degrees - often in PR, Marketing, English or Law. Our world isnt linear and neither should the routes be into PR and Communications. Mentoring and championing Brianna’s learning is a real privilege, and all of the team here make it a priority to give Brianna as much experience as possible as she develops her skills.
Next month, Astrid and I are delivering a complimentary workshop focused on navigating funding requirements for charities and social enterprises, particularly around Peace Plus funding, which comes with quite stringent communications obligations.
Many charities and social enterprises have just one comms person, if any. Our aim is to simplify the requirements, break them into manageable chunks, and give practical, actionable advice. More details will be announced on RNN’s LinkedIn channel and please do get in touch if you know of someone who would benefit from attending.
Fetch Ireland, our sister company and influencer app, has been quietly ticking along in the background over the past four years, but as I’ve been reviewing our services, it’s time for a focus on fetch 2.0.
If you’re not familiar, Fetch Ireland connects brands with micro influencers. Our community is 500-strong – one of the largest in Ireland by far - and we get fetch enquiries from brands every week.
For brands, Fetch Ireland offers a beautifully simplistic service. All we need is for a brand to complete a brief and send us the products - we do the rest.
For our fetch clients we:
Despite minimal promotion, our SEO work from years ago continues to deliver. In the past month alone, we’ve had 10–15 enquiries and already have ten campaigns lined up in the months ahead.
Fetch isn’t a magic wand, it won’t double your sales overnight, but as part of a broader marketing strategy, it’s a smart, cost-effective tactic that delivers real value. If you’d like to know more, we’re here to chat.
Another month gone in the blink of an eye. As we move into March, I think we’re all ready for brighter days and blue skies. There’s a real sense of optimism in the air, business is good, but as everyone knows, you’ve got to keep your foot on the pedal.
So off I go. The hustle continues.
Over and out!
Riki
If you’d told 18‑year‑old me that one day I’d be working in PR and digital marketing, gaining real industry experience, and studying toward a Level 6 degree… I would’ve stared at you like you had three heads. Because at 18, I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do. And honestly, who does?
This is the story of how I went from a media makeup course dropout to someone who’s finally found her place - and how a whole lot of stress, determination, and a bit of luck shaped the journey.
Fresh out of school, I did what a lot of people do: I picked something I thought I’d enjoy. For me, that was a media makeup course at Belfast Met. I loved makeup, I loved being creative, and it felt like the right choice.
But once I started, I realised quickly that it wasn’t for me. And that’s a horrible feeling - sitting in a classroom thinking, is this really what I want to do for the rest of my life?
Spoiler: it wasn’t.
So, I dropped out. And even though it was the right decision, it didn’t feel great. I took a year out to work and figure out my next steps. That year was stressful. I kept thinking, how am I meant to know what career I want at 18? Because seriously - how?
During that year, I became a full‑time researcher of… everything. I literally went through the alphabet looking at careers. A for accountant? No. B for barrister? Definitely not. C for chef? Absolutely not.
Then somewhere in the chaos, I stumbled across digital marketing.
And suddenly something clicked.
I don’t know why I’d never thought of it before. I’d been creating and editing videos since I was 13 - making daily makeup videos on Instagram and TikTok, experimenting with trends, transitions, and content ideas. I was basically doing half the job without realising it.
It felt like discovering a career that had been hiding in plain sight.
Once I knew digital marketing was something I wanted to pursue, I started researching courses. But I also knew one thing for sure: university wasn’t the right path for me.
Anyone who knows me knows I’d have been going for the nightlife and the social life more than the lectures. And I was not putting myself into debt for that.
That’s when I discovered Higher-Level Apprenticeships in Digital Marketing, Advertising and Communications. Both Southern Regional College (SRC) and Belfast Met offered them, and the idea of learning and earning hell yes.
I applied to both, but SRC made the most sense since it was only 30 minutes away.
The application process felt like UCAS all over again. Once I submitted it, the waiting game began.
Here’s the catch with Higher-Level Apprenticeships: you need an employer to secure your place. And there are only 15 spaces each year.
So, while I was excited about finally finding something I wanted to study, I was also terrified I wouldn’t get a placement.
Weeks went by. Nothing. No emails. No calls.
Eventually, I took matters into my own hands. I contacted businesses myself, sent out CVs, and tried everything I could think of. Unfortunately, nothing came through.
Then - two weeks before the course started - I got the call. I had secured an employer just in time. It felt like everything was finally falling into place.
Except… it didn’t last.
A year and a half later, things didn’t work out, and I had to leave. Suddenly, I had only a few weeks to find a new employer or risk being kicked off the course entirely.
Cue the panic.
Those three weeks were intense. I contacted every business I could think of. I printed out my CV and handed it out in person - very old school, but I wasn’t giving up.
Then I received an email from Riki at RNN Comms. She was intrigued and wanted to hear more. I went for an interview, but unfortunately, a Higher-Level Apprenticeship (HLA) placement wasn’t possible for her at that time.
Still, I wasn’t walking away. I suggested working part‑time for a few days a week to gain PR experience. And she said yes.
Around the same time, I secured an HLA position with Glór Uachtar Tíre. So suddenly, I was working two days a week at RNN Communications and completing my HLA with Glór Uachtar Tíre. It was a lot - but it was exactly what I needed.
The team at RNN welcomed me with open arms. Everyone was so lovely, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping me grow.
After some time there, I decided to pluck up the courage and ask Riki if she would reconsider taking me on as a Higher-Level Apprenticeship.
To my surprise - and honestly, relief - she said yes. She told me that after seeing how I work, and the ambition and passion I have, she’d be happy to give it a go.
That moment changed everything.
Working in PR and digital marketing has given me experiences I never would’ve had if I’d gone to university. I’ve attended events for clients, worked on real campaigns, learned from industry professionals, and built confidence I didn’t know I had.
Most importantly, I didn’t give up. Even when things felt impossible, I kept pushing.
Now, I’m on track to graduate with a Level 5 qualification in Digital Marketing, Advertising and Communications in August 2026. After that, I plan to continue for another two years to complete my Level 6 (Hons) Degree Higher-Level Apprenticeship Top‑Up.
I’m excited for what’s ahead. And I know I wouldn’t be here without the support of my amazing team at RNN - and of course, my mum. Shoutout to Annie.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that your path doesn’t have to be straight. You can drop out, start over, change direction, panic, try again, and still end up exactly where you’re meant to be.
I didn’t know what I wanted at 18. But I figured it out - slowly, messily, and with a lot of determination.
And honestly? I’m proud of me.
Public relations is simply how a company or organisation communicates to its various stakeholders, those with importance or influence on how and why it does its work.
The communication could be anything from a new product launch, updates to services, a new partnership or a thought leadership piece and anything in-between, sometimes called pro-active public relations. It is also responding to negative stories, incidents or unforeseen issues in a way that maintains the brand’s standing with its audiences, sometimes called reactive public relations.
From this wide brief it is clear that Public Relations (PR) is important to every aspect of business development and brand storytelling in growing and maintaining reputation. This is essential in 2026 for organisational success and so is worthy of a seat in the Boardroom.
PR maintains the story that the Board wishes to tell about the company they have responsibility for, examples include; Profits are Up! We’re serious about sustainability! We are a safe pair of hands! Endorsed by Jennifer Lawrence! And such like…. Brands with a clear and strong corporate message told consistently to their well-researched audience do well because they are meeting a need that their audience is looking for and have reached the correct price-point for their chosen audience.
In the past I have delivered campaigns on seasonal travel, charity and community partnerships, events, sponsorships and thought-leadership. Some have been basic more factual communications and others have been complex, elaborate long-running campaigns with a series of events, use of different platforms and a very wide range of stakeholders views to encompass and keep engaged. All were pro-active and positive brand storytelling.
A second, more reactive, aspect of PR is the management of risk. PR have the processes and mechanisms to deal with the media (both online and offline) if things go wrong and the messaging needs carefully curated and managed. A seat at the main table is essential to ensure that the organisation’s decision-makers are onboard with the scope and angle of the suggested response, as often the best course of action is for them to deliver a statement or have their name used in the statement.
For example, when Marks and Spencer had its large data hack in April 2025, their response was seen as the best example of how to manage this type of crisis. A carefully worded statement from the CEO was sent to the press, posted across all their social media and emailed to customers with accounts stating 1, that a hack had happened, 2, they were investigating and 3, that they would be in touch quickly with further updates when they knew more based on their investigation. At no point did they try and hide the scale of the hack and how long they thought it would take to fix.
They were applauded externally for their candour and their determination to let as many customers and stakeholders know as possible, as quickly as possible so they stayed in control of the narrative. There were regular updates throughout April to July when the hack was deemed concluded. Customers were given assurances around data leaks and what to expect when they were back up and running. The fact that they stayed in control of their communications narrative showed the seriousness they were taking it and also that they were in control of the situation (as far as possible).
Their PR Team will have had to have been at the decision-makers table throughout the whole process to advise on how to sculpt and shape the response. They were embedded in the team managing the crisis so they could advise on how to best communicate it out to customers.
I have also supported the delivery of crisis communications when the company I was working for also experienced a data hack. The scope of which was very small in terms of the whole organisation, this needed to be clearly and concisely communicated quickly to all senior stakeholders as well as consumers to alert them that there had been a data breach but that any data we held on them was safe and continued to be protected. A number of significant institutions were also hit at the same time, however, we were the first to issue a comprehensive statement and looking back I believe this was the reason we faced the least criticism.
During this period our full team were involved in Senior Leadership meetings and Board meetings to advise who, what and when should be communicated with. The main aim was to be honest and give reassurance to those customers we held financial or personal details for. The internal communications team fielded all calls from staff.
The third reason PR should have a place at the table is in the management of stakeholders. This can perhaps be seen as the bread and butter of PR as it is the every day communication of information. At the core of PR is shaping each message to each audience that will receive it and communicating with them in a way that works best for them. For example, certain demographical groups prefer to be communicated on particular platforms so if they are your audience where and how they like to be communicated to is important.
PR professionals can bring significant expertise into the conversation around which stakeholders may need prior warning for an announcement or which need more in depth information and extra time spent with the CEO. PR professionals can advise on societal expectations or mood from scanning the media and online contacts to determine the mood on an issue that can inform how best to communicate effectively about it in a way that supports corporate values.
PR is a specialist skill, that is built on an understanding of broader issues and perspectives much wider than the organisation. Great PR is not just about communicating messages its about building a relationship with your audience and building a clear story about who the organisation is, what they stand for and why those things benefit the customer. This centres around accountability and reputation.
Is the influence the organisation has used responsibly and with integrity or is there a disconnect between who they say they are and a customer’s experience of them? Is the Boardroom even aware of this perceived disconnect? This is where the PR professional’s skill of gathering information from stakeholders and communicating it back to those in power becomes invaluable. This is essential for the long-term viability and success of organisations.
But where to start...
First up, we’ve lots of newness at RNN. New clients have joined us, we’ve moved on from some other clients, we’ve made space for new opportunities and we’ve welcomed a new Senior Consultant - hello to Astrid! (cool name right?)
With many years’ experience in corporate comms and the charity sector, Astrid joins us from Translink and she’ll be working on corporate and charity campaigns in the years ahead – read more about Astrid here: Astrid McElwaine - rnn communications
SALES CURES ALL
I’m a serial learner - from podcasts to books, and everything in between. Over the Christmas period, I was in both listening and planning mode.
‘SALES CURES ALL’ was a line I picked up from Mark Cuban (yes, the same man who sold his company Broadcast.com to Yahoo for $5.7 billion). It struck a chord.
Currently, I’m reading ‘The Lean Leadership Action Guide’ and loving the work from Daniel Pink whose work I was recently introduced to. This is a fabulous video that all leaders should watch – recommended to me by the Chair of a peer networking group I co-founded – SOAR NI. It’s called: If you want 2026 to be the best year of your life, please watch this video… and here’s the link (just take 20 mins to watch it – you won't regret it) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q10H5RA3eCA
And while I’m in goal-setting and planning mode, there are a few developments happening at the agency. I have said it before, but AI is a juggernaut. I truly believe that the change will be seismic and it’s where my focus lies – in terms of our services, our team and seniority and our life.
We have fairly seamlessly moved to an (almost) senior-only consultancy. There’s no hierarchy – there’s just experienced, smart communications professionals who will add value to clients’ businesses. I don’t know how our industry will adapt but simply put, clients are not going to pay for basic work that’s traditionally the role of those early in their careers.
In some industries and settings, such as public sector and in-house, this isnt the case (at the moment), but when you’re paid for the value you bring (like we are in agency), this is no longer an option.
You’ll note I say ‘almost’ - that’s because we have the most fabulous apprentice called Brianna. She’s savvy, hungry to learn, a whizz at social and is helping to run our fetch campaigns Read Brianna’s ‘predictions on social’ blog here: Social Media Predictions for 2026: The Trends That Will Shape Digital Marketing - rnn communications
To that end, I’ve kind of contradicted myself a little but there are exceptions - people with ambition, a thirst for knowledge, who want to progress - I’ll always support them if I can.
And now to services. Back in summer 2025 I mentioned a new service that we were developing - CredAIble by RNN. It’s got a new name, we’ve expanded the deliverables and the work is now in progress. We’re working with AI consultants and software developers on the development stage with a view to launch by April. This is SERIOUSLY EXCITING for me. We’re testing new waters, exploring capabilities and solving problems that are both being created and there to solve by AI.
So, that’s enough from me….
Before I go, there’s a few other interesting links to highlight:
That’s all from this end.
I’m wishing you all a healthy and prosperous New Year! And remember, if you like what you read, please do share this newsletter with others and encourage them to sign up too.
We’d so appreciate it.
Over and out!
Riki
