Welcome to

The Cascade Effect

The news stories we're working on, the expert knowledge on marketing/PR and what matters to businesses today

Jennifer Fortney Cascade PR

Feb 3, 2020
3 min

The Best PR Goes Beyond the Headline

Starting off a new year, new decade and celebrating 19 years in business seems like a lot of excitement. After launching in January 2001, here we are in the blink of an eye it's 2020 and so many campaigns, projects and more to reflect on. I have seen a lot change in my industry, in media, in storytelling and how we do it using new technologies. To last this long, you must be flexible and constantly adapting to the new way consumers prefer and want to receive messages and enga

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What is PR and What it Isn't: 4 Myths & Facts of Public Relations

Jennifer Fortney Cascade PR

May 31, 2018
1 min

What is PR and What it Isn't: 4 Myths & Facts of Public Relations

Many entrepreneurs say they need PR help but are not quite sure of the difference between public relations, marketing and advertising. To do it right, you have to understand what it is first. Here are the four myths of public relations. While, today, this concept of influencers appears to be more individuals with YouTube channels than journalists and media, the concept of individuals vs traditional PR works the same. The difference is that most online “influencers” want to be

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Cascade Communications

Mar 27, 2018
2 min

Cascade Communications Featured Among Top PR Firms in Chicago

Earlier this month, Cascade Communications began assisting Clutch in their leading public relations research. After working closely with the Clutch team, we’re excited to announce that we've quickly risen through the ranks to be named among the top marketing agencies and PR firms in Chicago. This announcement is part of Clutch’s larger effort to provide business-to-business decision makers with the crucial information they need to make informed partnering decisions. Using an

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6 Ways for Startup Founders to Take a Break & Create Fresh Thinking

Cascade Communications

Mar 18, 2018
3 min

6 Ways for Startup Founders to Take a Break & Create Fresh Thinking

For entrepreneurs, it is a day in and day out grind of drinking the same Kool-aid. It is easy to develop tremendous determination and passion for your business and bringing it to life, however this can also lead to tunnel vision, inability to resolve challenges quickly, loss of momentum, frustration and sometimes quitting. Successful companies know how to pivot when pivoting is required. And, while business owners say they understand the importance of pivoting, they rarely do

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Experts Reveal Top PR Tips for Great Press Releases

Jennifer Fortney

Mar 16, 2018
2 min

Experts Reveal Top PR Tips for Great Press Releases

It's a New Year and time for new thinking in generating positive attention for your business. Would you like to be interviewed by media? Are you frustrated as to why your press release(s) aren't getting the coverage you desire? Do you want to learn how you can attract media attention? First you have to realize that there are is a lot of news, and not so newsy, out there. Just because you write it, doesn't mean they will come. If it were that easy, we would all be in the news,

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Why Media are Sending Your Press Release to the Trash Bin

Cascade Communications

Mar 14, 2018
3 min

Why Media are Sending Your Press Release to the Trash Bin

I see it all of the time. A press release that reads like more of an informational brochure than an actual compelling news story; a boring corporate-type release that never quite says why the announcement is important. And, companies pay thousands to their PR agencies to push it out and hundreds of dollars to post said release on wire services just because “that’s the way it’s always been done”. In truth, few media will see it. This kind of press release is everywhere and it

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Don't Fall for The PR Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

Cascade Communications

Mar 12, 2018
3 min

Don't Fall for The PR Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

Thanks to the world of the Internet almost anyone can paint the picture of whom they would like to be, but really aren't. A flashy website full of catchy key phrases coupled with impressive experience. Sadly, we continue to hear stories about "PR pros" who have taken advantage of businesses, in a variety of ways, but mostly making a lot of promises they knew they couldn't fulfill just to get the client to sign a tight, inflexible contract that would, results or no, assure tho

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PR Stunts: The good, bad and the really, really ugly

Jennifer Fortney

Mar 6, 2018
3 min

PR Stunts: The good, bad and the really, really ugly

(As originally published on NBCChicago.com's Inc. Well) PR Stunts. Everyone wants to do them and hopes they trigger massive media attention. From the World's Largest Roll of Toilet Paper to tying small promotional banners to flies and setting them loose in a crowd, PR Stunts are becoming a more and more desired avenue for small business. Why? Because a little creativity doesn't cost much. While your creativity can pay off dividends with media exposure, some are good, some ar

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Cascade Communications Joins Clutch’s Coverage of Leading PR Firms in Chicago

Jennifer Fortney

Mar 6, 2018
2 min

Cascade Communications Joins Clutch’s Coverage of Leading PR Firms in Chicago

Working on behalf of business owners, entrepreneurs, and startup founders everywhere, Cascade Communications has a passion for brand stories, news and marketing. We’re a distinctive public relations and marketing communications agency, building a brand around your story using our client-centric, outcome-driven program – Communicate. Engage. Participate. Since 2001, Cascade has worked with Fortune 1000s, multinationals, mid-market companies and become a leading public relation

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How to Be a Great Client: Simple Tips for Working with Your PR Agency

Cascade Communications

Mar 4, 2018
3 min

How to Be a Great Client: Simple Tips for Working with Your PR Agency

Learning to work with an agency, especially when you’ve never done it before, can be an exercise in trust and faith. Having an understanding of the dynamics of this relationship will help you develop a strong relationship with your agency and they will perform better for you and your company. Finalize a plan: Before you start moving ahead with your agency, make sure there is a plan. Everyone needs to know where they’re going, what goals and budget need to be set and met, and

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Cascade Communications

Mar 2, 2018
2 min

Why PR Works For Small Business

I am often asked the question "why should we go with PR?" The answers are quite simple: 1. Public relations is a more affordable alternative for small businesses - vs. an aggressive advertising or direct mail campaign 2. PR is the process in which media provide endorsements for your business 3. Media endorsements create credibility in the minds of consumers/customers 3. You can actually see the return on your PR investment - some of my clients see immediate sales and growth w

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Media Interviews: Where Patience Meets Savvy

Cascade Communications

Feb 28, 2018
4 min

Media Interviews: Where Patience Meets Savvy

There’s nothing worse than being interviewed by a journalist only to forget who you’re speaking to and that everything you say is “on the record”, unless you say otherwise, and then seeing a quote or story that completely took what you said out of context. These kinds of snafus by political figures, celebrities and some business people quickly become fodder for “The Daily Show” and late night comics. Although most media don’t seek out the opportunity to “turn your words aroun

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How to Rank High in Search: The Best Secrets for DIY SEO

Fred Brewer/Jennifer Fortney

Feb 28, 2018
4 min

How to Rank High in Search: The Best Secrets for DIY SEO

Every business is concerned with SEO. Any why shouldn’t they be? Where you rank on search engines can determine how well your business succeeds. Large companies can’t help but invest a lot of money into SEO because they can’t afford to let their competitors get an edge. However, there are a lot of small companies that don’t have this luxury and need to maximize their marketing dollar. This blog post will give you the best approach for increasing your search visibility. Many

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6 Reasons You Should Love Your PR Agency

Cascade Communications

Feb 14, 2018
4 min

6 Reasons You Should Love Your PR Agency

Today, everyone is focused on the love of a partner, friend or family member, but are you honoring your professional relationships with equal enthusiasm? Entering into a relationship with a new agency can be a daunting experience that requires some faith, and understanding. It’s easy to perceive them as the hired help, but there are real reasons you should love your agency and build a strong, respectful, mutual relationship with them. Moreover, maybe you've had the same agenc

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Best Press Release Tips from the Top PR Pros

Jennifer Fortney

Feb 12, 2018
3 min

Best Press Release Tips from the Top PR Pros

I am always looking for ways to share with entrepreneurs the best practices for conducting public relations for their business. DIY PR can take time, but it can also be very worth it. Here, I join several experts in a round up of our best tips for writing and distributing successful press releases that help you attract media attention. Check out my advice at #18! However, it's important to remember that just because you send out the press release or distribute it on a wire li

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Preparing for a Crisis Can Save Your Business

Cascade Communications

Feb 4, 2018
3 min

Preparing for a Crisis Can Save Your Business

We’ve all seen how the news media react to toy and food recalls, even local restaurants with, uhm, pest problems. The truth is that every business, regardless of your size, should be prepared for the “worst case scenario”. It can happen anytime, anyplace anywhere and how you manage the situation can determine whether or not your business weathers the storm. Today, I will share two posts on planning and preparing for a crisis. Take a minute to sit down and list what those wors

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What Facebook Content, News Feed Transition Means for Marketers

Jennifer Fortney

Jan 16, 2018
1 min

What Facebook Content, News Feed Transition Means for Marketers

“We feel a responsibility to make sure our services aren’t just fun to use, but also good for people’s well-being,” said Zuckerberg in his online post. It's been a bit of a rough year for Facebook, however, Mark Zuckerberg was way ahead of it. Noticing that his platform was becoming a tool for spreading hateful speech, bullying and, ultimately, the end of friendships, he began putting a plan in place to return Facebook to its original magic - authentic, positive relationshi

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Top DIY PR Tips for Every Small Business, Startup

Jennifer Fortney

Jan 9, 2018
2 min

Top DIY PR Tips for Every Small Business, Startup

By Anna Dizon on November 9, 2017 | Marketing, Press Releases Public relations has evolved from being just a sales strategy to an art form. Most small businesses may not have the means to hire a PR firm or PR specialist, but that doesn’t mean their public engagement should be lackluster. I was excited to be included in this great article helping small businesses, startups learn how to conduct successful public relations for their growing business. 19. Great Businesses Know Ho

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Why You Need to Be Telling Your Story, Not Selling

Jennifer Fortney

Jan 2, 2018
3 min

Why You Need to Be Telling Your Story, Not Selling

(As originally posted on NBC5 Chicago "Inc. Well") It’s no surprise that over my years in journalism and public relations I have watched a lot change. And I mean a lot. There was a time when it really truly mattered who I knew in the media, and while those relationships are still important today, the success I create for clients is really back to the basics – it’s all about your story. Today, I encounter new people in the media industry every day. An editor I worked with toda

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