+91 - 9266545422
AVP, Corporate Communications, DS Group Co-originator, CommsAdda
Specialties:
- Strategic counsel for senior management
- Issues management and crisis communications
- Media training and messaging workshops
- Editorial writing
Let’s Get Inspired
In Conversation with Jyotsna Dash Nanda
– Preeti Juneja
Q. What motivated you to pursue a career in PR? Tell us your story.
 In my first year of postgraduate studies, my roommate landed a spot in the prestigious English journalism program at IIMC. She decided to forgo her original postgraduate plans and pursue this new path. By the time we finished our post-graduation, she had already landed herself a job! Her success was a huge inspiration for me and the easiest way to avoid my parents’ pressure to get married! Thus began my journey in IIMC.
While I enjoyed all the classes and excelled in some areas, like audio-visual journalism, my heart belonged to PR. Ms. Jaishri Jethwaney’s classes truly resonated with me and gave wings to my desire to pursue a career in this dynamic field, and I have never regretted it.
Q In your view, how is PR and Digital Marketing related?
While Public Relations (PR) and digital marketing are distinct disciplines, they share a symbiotic relationship in shaping a brand’s image and audience reach. PR fosters positive relationships with the public through earned media coverage, such as press releases, media outreach, social media engagement, and crisis communication. On the other hand, digital marketing leverages paid and owned media channels to promote the brand and its offerings. It encompasses strategies like search engine optimization (SEO), social media advertising, email marketing, and content marketing.
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The true power lies in the synergy between these two forces. PR efforts can generate organic interest and establish credibility, which becomes the perfect springboard for amplifying the message through digital marketing campaigns. For instance, a well-crafted press release secured by a PR team about a new product launch can be strategically shared on social media platforms, exponentially increasing its reach. Likewise, positive online reviews cultivated through PR efforts can significantly bolster the effectiveness of digital marketing campaigns, such as a targeted social media campaign.
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In essence, PR and digital marketing are complementary forces. Combined effectively, they create a robust and comprehensive brand communication strategy that fosters brand awareness, builds trust, and ultimately drives success.
Q. What are the best practices for posting news on social media?
To win on social media with your news:
- Prioritize accuracy and target the right platform with engaging content.
- Tailor your posts to each platform, using visuals and hashtags effectively.
- Keep your audience in mind, be transparent, and consistently post at optimal times to maximize reach and spark conversations.
On LinkedIn, Weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm (focus on mornings for written content, afternoons for videos) works best. On Twitter, Weekdays, mid-mornings (around 9 am) and evenings (between 7- 8 pm), while Instagram, its weekdays, mid-mornings (around 11 am) and afternoons (around 2 pm) get maximum traction.
Q. Do you have a role model within your industry who has inspired you? How has that person influenced and inspired you?
I am incredibly inspired by women leaders like Indra Nooyi, who have shattered glass ceilings. Her journey from a humble background to becoming the CEO of PepsiCo is a testament to hard work, resilience, and strategic thinking. It’s inspiring to see someone break barriers and redefine what’s possible.
Q. What advice would you offer to young individuals interested in joining this profession?
Based on my own experiences, I have a simple five-thumb rule for all aspiring and budding PR professionals that they should follow/be aware of:
- The Power of Storytelling is a fundamental tool in PR. Our brains are naturally wired for stories, making the creation of compelling narratives about your clients or organization a powerful method for engaging your audience. When these stories resonate with your audience, they can build trust, connection, and a positive brand perception.
- Mastering the Multi-Channel World: Gone are the days of a single, unified message reaching everyone. Today’s audiences are fragmented across many platforms—from social media to streaming services to niche online communities. Understanding how each platform functions and the types of communication that resonate there is crucial. Strategically choosing the right channels for your message plays a vital role in its effectiveness.
- Data-Driven Communication: Effective PR goes beyond simply creating a good story. Data analytics empowers you to measure the success of your campaigns and gain valuable insights into your target audience. Learning to interpret and translate data into actionable insights will allow you to craft targeted communication strategies and measure their real-world impact.
- Crisis Communication: The Art of Empathy and Transparency: Issues can spread like wildfire in the digital age. Navigating a crisis with clear, concise, and empathetic communication is essential.
- Adaptability is a key trait in the ever-evolving landscape of communication. With new technologies and emerging trends, the ability to learn and adapt is crucial for long-term success in PR. Embracing change and continuously expanding your skillset will ensure you stay relevant and valuable in this dynamic environment.
About Author
Jyotsna Dash Nanda
With nearly 23 years in public relations and marketing communications, Jyotsna Dash Nanda has excelled in crisis communications, media relations, media training, and internal communications. Her extensive experience covers various industries, including consumer durables, banking, finance, services, technology, automotive, healthcare, and education.
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She has also reported on health and civic issues for The Times of India in Lucknow. Before joining the Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), a multi-business corporation and leading FMCG conglomerate, she spent nine years at Perfect Relations.
10th July 2024
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Do you have a question for Jyotsna Dash Nanda ? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com
