Scott Circle Communications

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Founder and Partner of an other industries company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Strategic and crisis communications

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Scott Circle Communications to accomplish?

• Team support of a national outreach and reputation campaign.

SOLUTION

How did you find Scott Circle Communications?

Other

Why did you select Scott Circle Communications over others?

• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Scott Circle Communications were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

A global leader in electronic voting machines turned to Scott Circle Communications (SCC) to build brand awareness and manage its reputation as the company entered the U.S. market with its landmark project in Los Angeles County, the nation’s largest election districts which hadn’t revamped its voting systems since the 1970s. The company faced two critical challenges: 

• First, widespread skepticism towards electronic voting systems fueled by misinformation campaigns.
• Second, misrepresentation regarding the company, given its foreign roots a common challenge for election providers. 

SCC’s public relations strategies helped mitigate these challenges and position Smartmatic for success in the U.S.

Solution

To combat these challenges, SCC’s PR strategy centered on neutralizing reputational risks, countering misinformation, and cultivating positive narratives. We created tailored messaging for diverse stakeholders, including local, state, and federal election officials, policymakers of both political parties, influencers, and voters. 
Leveraging insights from a communications audit, SCC highlighted the company’s accessibility features to garner positive coverage and support from third-party validators. We commissioned a national survey about the challenges faced by voters with disabilities and conducted stakeholder meetings with disability rights and other advocacy groups to demonstrate Smartmatic's commitment to accessibility and integrity.

SCC’s media outreach targeted trade publications, local outlets and national platforms. Engaging directly with reporters and organizing events like behind-the-scenes tours in Los Angeles County and state roadshows facilitated firsthand interaction with the company’s technology, dispelling myths about security and transparency. 
Other integrated tactics included developing a manual and website to combat media misinformation, engaging stakeholders in academics and technology, fostering thought leadership through content creation and speaking engagements, leveraging social media to educate voters and decision-makers, and supporting lobbying efforts.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

SCC’s PR strategies helped yield significant results, including defeating legislation prohibiting foreign ownership of voting machine vendors and successful electoral implementations in Los Angeles County and more than 300 jurisdictions across 16 states. We garnered fair, accurate media coverage from top-tier outlets like the AP and The Washington Post with a high level of message pull-through related to security and accessibility. 
The company’s entry into the American market underscores the transformative power of strategic public relations for navigating complex challenges and shaping positive perceptions. By proactively engaging stakeholders, aggressively dispelling misinformation, and highlighting its product differentiators, SCC helped the company overcome reputational threats and positioned it as a trusted leader in safe, secure, accessible and verifiable voting technology. 

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

SCC was alway available and responsive.

What was your primary form of communication with Scott Circle Communications?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They were fully engaged and passionate about our mission.  They became like family.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Scott Circle Communications could have done differently?

Nothing I can think of.  Loved working with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am a Director at The Nonhuman Rights Project

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We fight for legal rights for nonhuman animals.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Scott Circle Communications to accomplish?

• Publicity for first animal rights hearing in New York's highest court
• Publicity for introduction of first elephant captivity ban in the country (NYC)

SOLUTION

How did you find Scott Circle Communications?

Referral

Why did you select Scott Circle Communications over others?

• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Scott Circle Communications were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Assistance with development of media strategy for animal rights hearing and elephant captivity ban, creation of social media content calendar for animal rights hearing, drafting of media advisories and press releases for hearing and ban, media outreach for hearing and ban, coordination of interviews with relevant staff for hearing and ban

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The animal rights hearing, publicity for which represented the bulk of Scott Circle's work with us, was covered by almost every media outlet in the world before and after it happened, with an equivalent value of over $21 million in advertising dollars.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Their project management is seamless. They are fast, friendly, adaptable, and eminently organized. We had nothing but good experiences with them on this front. We had a clear sense of the role of every person on their team who was helping us and stayed totally on track for the duration of our work together.

What was your primary form of communication with Scott Circle Communications?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

We learned quickly we could trust their expertise at all levels. In addition, everyone we worked with there was eminently kind and professional.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Scott Circle Communications could have done differently?

No. No complaints whatsoever!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the cofounder and Chief Strategy Officer of a digital creative agency in Washington, DC.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Scott Circle Communications, and what were your goals?

We partnered with Scott Circle on a high-profile initiative for a major public health campaign with a government agency. The goal was to raise awareness from the public, especially grassroots leaders.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We had experience with Scott Circle based on their reputation in Washington, DC and referrals from several other firms.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

Scott Circle project managed the entire initiative, from conducting research to measuring and reporting on success. They were a perfect complement to our team's digital strategists and executors. The government client was thrilled with the results.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

At least four people, including CEO Laura Gross, an extremely savvy PR and communications expert, and others from her team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The project exceeded its goal, reaching millions of Americans during a critical time to promote COVID-19 vaccinations. The media hits were extremely valuable.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

The Scott Circle team uses Slack to collaborate with partners, which is wonderful. They are great at documenting next steps and track every item meticulously.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Scott Circle's team is committed - 7 days a week! They always come through.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the international relationships manager of a nonprofit lobbying organization. I’ve been here ten years.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Scott Circle Communications?

Every year we put on a massive conference, and my team has to handle many moving pieces and logistics. We hired Scott Circle to take off the pressure of dealing with press operations.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Scott Circle puts together a whole press kit. They manage the logistics on-site for all of the breakouts and general sessions during the three days of the conference. We can have between 100–300 different media stations visiting the conference at a given time, so they manage a lot on their end. On the other hand, we help them and provide any space or logistical means necessary to succeed.

What is the team composition?

In the lead-up to the conference, there are 3–4 team members. On-site, they have a group of 15–20 people. Laura (President) is our main point of contact. She’s the go-to person for anything high-level, and we also have a direct contact underneath Laura.

How did you come to work with Scott Circle Communications?

It was so long ago. Laura was managing media in the DC area, and we were putting on huge events. However, I don’t know how the relationship started. I think they had a relationship with my team leader, but I’m not 100% sure.

How much have you invested with them?

We spend around $100,000–$150,000 every year.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve worked with Scott Circle between January–March every year since 2012. As long as we have a conference to manage, they’ll be our partners.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

My colleagues aren’t involved with press operations. I’m the only one that works with Scott Circle closely, which is a good thing. The fact that no one else has to worry about it, and it’s just in the background of people’s minds, just goes to show that they’re doing their job really well.

How did Scott Circle Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

I don’t know the inner workings of how they manage their team, but it works well from our perspective. During the conference time of the year, we meet in person in the DC office once a week. We talk on the phone if we need to, and we send emails back and forth on specific logistical issues. On-site, we communicate over the phone or by radio.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re experts in the press, and they’ve always been phenomenal partners. We can hand over the keys to them, and they run everything entirely on their own. We don’t have to do any sort of handholding. Moreover, we completely trust what they do; they’re part of our work family.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the Chief of Staff at the National Organization for Women. We're a grassroots advocacy organization with members across the country. We're dedicated to protecting and achieving equal rights for women and girls in all aspects of our society.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Scott Circle Communications?

As a leading organization in the women's rights movement, we need to communicate both to our grassroots activists and to the public at large. We were looking for a vendor to help us develop a communications strategy aimed at effecting social change through timely, impactful statements and savvy communication with media contacts.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Scott Circle Communications has been working closely with our staff to develop a PR strategy for our organization. In weekly and monthly meetings, Scott Circle Communications staff works collaboratively with our staff to execute all aspects of our media work: writing and drafting statements, pitching and placing earned media opportunities, identifying social media opportunities, and preparing and supporting our spokespeople for interviews with the press.

What is the team composition?

We work closely with three members of their team.

How did you come to work with Scott Circle Communications?

I wasn't involved in that process.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in September 2008, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

They're an essential part of our communications team. We constantly get feedback not just from our members, but from the public and congressional representatives about how powerful our statements are. We've been able to get our message into high-profile print, TV and digital media channels, so we're happy with the outcome.

How did Scott Circle Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

They stay on top of everything. They provide us with individualized attention, monthly reports and always follow up to make sure they’re meeting our needs.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They believe in our mission and that’s reflected in the work that they’re doing for us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

None that I can think of.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They're an excellent firm to work with.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the COO and chief communications officer of a network of nonprofit organizations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Scott Circle Communications?

We hired Scott Circle Communications to bring public attention to a little-known, but longstanding, law that was under threat of repeal.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Their team guided our messaging strategy during the campaign and reached out to various media outlets on our behalf. They also helped us design and prepare for a virtual press event. They continue to advise us regarding PR.

What is the team composition?

Kelly (Senior Vice President, Scott Circle Communications) was our main point of contact. We worked with Laura (President, Scott Circle Communications) and Dee (Vice President, Scott Circle Communications) as well.

How did you come to work with Scott Circle Communications?

We were referred to them by a number of other advocacy organizations. We chose them because of their demonstrated experience working with nonprofits, and their reputation for being adaptable and efficient.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent approximately $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in November 2017 and ended the campaign in January 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The campaign was a complete success. We were also able to secure a wide readership through their outreach to media outlets. Because of the value they delivered, we’ve kept them as a partner for other smaller projects, as well as general media and PR consulting.

How did Scott Circle Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

Kelly was our regular point of contact, and she brought in other members of her team as needed. This made for a seamless workflow with little confusion on our end. Their team kept the project on track despite a variety of external hurdles, including holiday breaks and short timelines. Even in situations where we failed to meet deadlines, they still delivered.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I appreciated their honesty and transparency. They were quick to let us know when our expectations were not in line with reality. Due to their resilience and expertise, they were able to keep the project within our scope and our budget, while also elevating the quality of our previous work. They’ve also been an excellent sounding board for our team, sharing useful insights whenever we’ve had questions. More so than any other firm we’ve worked with, they’ve felt like a partner rather than a service provider.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not that I can think of at the moment. At this point, I am completely satisfied with their work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and executive director of the global NGO I Support the Girls. Through an international network of affiliates, we distribute clothing and hygiene products to women in need.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Scott Circle Communications?

With today’s deluge of information and new methods of communication, it is increasingly challenging for a company, especially a nonprofit with limited marketing resources, to make its voice heard. We needed help with PR, media relations, and communications. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Scott Circle Communications has coordinated media interviews and stories with reporters and journalists. They provide our team and the respective media outlet with the necessary information and preparatory materials before interviews and other engagements. 

What is the team composition?

We have worked with Laura (President, Scott Circle Communications), Dee (Vice President, Scott Circle Communications), Elizabeth (Associate, Scott Circle Communications), and Matheson (Coordinator, Scott Circle Communications).

How did you come to work with Scott Circle Communications?

I knew about Scott Circle Communications through my other company. My team liked their professionalism and honesty.

How much have you invested in them?

My company has spent around $44,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our partnership began in October 2015, and it is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

As the media page on our website demonstrates, Scott Circle Communications has made our voice heard. Reputable news outlets and publications have featured our company. 

How did Scott Circle Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

They go above and beyond on each and every project. The team sets expectations in advance, and deliverables are always on time. Their communication style is clear, straightforward, and accommodating. We have had in-person meetings and communicated over the phone, text, email, and Skype.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Scott Circle Communications makes our jobs easier. Their team maintains the utmost composure and professionalism.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any recommendations for what they could improve.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Come prepared with project objectives and expectations. Scott Circle is an incredible partner.