When Grassroots is Part of Your Strategic Communications Plan, It Helps Bring Your Message to the Forefront

When folks think strategic communication plans they often think press releases, television interviews, social media posts and brand promotion. But when thinking about how to positively position your policy, your idea or your product to the public, grassroots advocacy should be part of your strategic plan because it can fortify what matters most and help sway public opinion.

Here at KK & Co, we’ve seen firsthand in our work how helping every day citizens share their voice and get involved makes a real difference and impact on public conversation. Whether that’s on social media, in the newspaper or at the Capitol, grassroots advocacy adds real power to your message.  It’s why we work hard to bring a grassroots angle to strengthen our client’s message and get them meaningful results.

A quality strategic communications plan means sharing your message with the right people, by the right people and in the right way. Grassroots advocacy helps bring more voices to the forefront, championing what’s most important to you.

Want to know more about engaging in a grassroots efforts? KK & Co has the experience and know how to answer your questions and get you results!

Let Our Capitol Experience and Know-How Work for You this Session

We’re just four weeks into the 2019 legislative session and things are moving fast! Is your voice being heard? Is your issue being championed? With so many competing groups, interests and issues at the Capitol, let KK & Co. help you stand out this legislative session.

Whether you’re promoting your organization, engaging stakeholders on legislation or bringing your message to lawmakers and the public, KK & Co. can help you navigate our political scene and get meaningful results. 

What can we do for you? Here are a few ideas.

Set Up a Day at the Capitol

Does your association or organization have an upcoming day at the Capitol? Let us do the heavy lifting! We can set up meetings with your members and their legislators, book rooms, organize the logistics of your day at the Capitol, and much more.

Grassroots Outreach

Working to get a bill passed at the Capitol or stop legislation from becoming law? Let us take the lead on grassroots advocacy, engaging stakeholders and the public to help sway opinions and give a face to the issues that matter to you.

Earned Media

Need help pitching a story, setting up a press conference or authoring an opinion editorial? We can help you get your message to the public. Let our expertise and experience with media relations work for you.

Crisis Communications and Media Training

Do you know how to navigate a media crisis? Need training on how to engage with reporters? Let KK & Co. be there for you, providing talking points, media training, reputation management, communications strategy and more.

Have another idea of how we can help you at the Capitol? Just ask!

With hundreds of bills already introduced this year, a sometimes volatile political landscape, and so many new elected officials, it’s imperative that you stand out this session. Whether you’re a seasoned Capitol professional who needs additional help or you are brand new to Minnesota politics and don’t know where to begin, let our team’s expertise, experience and know-how work for you!

Bridging – a local charity you can easily support!

Our community is filled with so many incredible charitable organizations but last fall we chose to support a local organization called Bridging that is based right here in the Twin Cities. As the weather turned, our friends at Bridging said their big need heading into winter was blankets so we held our first annual blanket drive.

We put out the word to friends and family about this partnership and within a few weeks we were able to round up about 100 blankets before the holidays. While dropping off the donated blankets, we had the opportunity to see Bridging’s good work with a tour of the Roseville facility and the shopping process.

Bridging has two locations in Roseville and Bloomington and helps provide donated furniture and household goods to Minnesotans transitioning out of homelessness. Bridging gives hope – and for many – a leap toward financial stability for the first time. Bridging is driven by volunteers and donations of basic home essential items from the community. Here are a few Bridging stats:

·       Bridging has served nearly 90,000 local Twin Cities households

·       Since 1987, Bridging has reduced landfill space by 10 million pounds each year

·       More than 4,000 households served per year

·       More than half of the individuals Bridging serves are children under 17 years of age and 77% of clients have a household annual income of less than $15,000 per year.

Working with Bridging was such a great experience and we encourage you all to help. Most of us could do a quick purge of household essentials that aren’t being used. Instead of throwing those items away, a donation to Bridging would greatly impact a family in your community.

KK & Co has made a New Year’s resolution to be more active with different organizations by volunteering and promoting the amazing work these organizations provide so standby for 2019 projects!

Bridging is always looking for volunteers or donations. If you’re interested in learning more, volunteering, or donating your gently used/new household items please contact KK & Co. or visit Bridging at https://www.bridging.org/engage/.

Welcoming Chelsea Thompson as new Account Executive

We are excited to announce Chelsea Thompson has started as a new Account Executive at KK & Company. We are a growing company and our employees are our heart and soul. Chelsea will focus on our issue advocacy and communications clients as we continue to grow and help make transformational change for our clients.

Learn more about Chelsea:

Chelsea is a skilled public relations and communications professional known for building relationships with press and policymakers, tailoring messaging to fit brands and engage diverse audiences, and creating compelling media narratives through both social and earned media.

She started her career as a communications intern for the Emmer for Governor Campaign in 2010 before landing in the Minnesota House of Representatives where she spent eight years with the House Republican Caucus, including five as a communications specialist. In that role, she assisted lawmakers, members of leadership and committee chairs with communications, public relations and media outreach, successfully placing meaningful stories in newspaper, radio and television outlets across the state.

Chelsea is organized, creative and passionate about building a strong brand and delivering meaningful results to clients. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Journalism in advertising and political science. 

Session Priorities #3 - has it been that long?!

Happy 2019! We at KK & Co. are looking forward to another year of personal and professional growth.

There’s no better way to start off the New Year than attending the annual Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Session Priorities dinner. Surrounded by business professionals, state legislators, and politically enthusiastic individuals, this event is a great networking opportunity and chance to learn what issues are going to be top of mind for the legislature in the upcoming session.

At KK & Co. we thrive at offering services to help bring awareness to issues by building strategic coalitions. Whether its public relations, crisis communication, fundraising, event planning, or social media, our team is ready to help achieve your goals.

Thank you to the MN Chamber of Commerce for another great Session Priorities dinner!

KK & Co. helps charter schools prepare for crisis situations

Last week, we were able to share our knowledge of crisis management during the annual Volunteers of America Charter School Conference. Schools in the community are taking a proactive approach to seeking information about school safety and how to properly communicate with students, parents, and the public and we were happy to help bring crisis communications help to the conference.

School operations are constantly evolving to ensure that our future generations are not only receiving the best education but are kept safe in the process. Law enforcement works with school administrators on protocols for different situations. In order to keep continuity, schools need to be consistent with communication as well. Utilizing social media (Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram) to communicate is crucial. Social media is not only a great tool to increase engagement, but it can be such a necessary “real time” resource.

We also talked about how schools should develop relationships with local media. Whether its updating a newspaper or television station on something happening at the school or to make a correction, making sure the media knows who to communicate with at the school is important.

If you’re curious about what a best practice for crisis management plan looks like for your business, feel free to reach out to KK & Co.!

KK & Co hiring Account Executive

KK & Co Job Description

KK & Co is a growing Communications and Public Affairs Agency in the Twin Cities with clients across the Midwest. We are looking to hire a client service manager to continue the growth KK & Co has experienced the past two years. Looking for someone who can multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment on local, state and federal public affairs issues.

Role/Title:

Account Executive

Responsibilities:

• Work directly with clients on communications and public affairs projects

• Draft short and long form written materials for clients

• Work with media on behalf of our clients

• Manage and produce events from registration to execution 

Proficient in:

• General Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc)

• CRM experience preferred

Location:

• Office is in St. Paul, flexible work environment, some travel 

Compensation:

• Salary/Full time

• Commensurate with experience with an opportunity for commission and bonuses

Contact:

• Kristen Sheehan – 612-325-3597, ks@k2andcompany.com

• Kirsten Kukowski – 608-335-8785, kk@k2andcompany.com

Another Successful Event - this time at The Ordway!

This week KK & Co. co-founder Kristen Sheehan helped lead and organize an annual event for one of our clients. This was our first year organizing an event at The Ordway - and while we might be a tad partial, it was the best event yet! The topic of free speech is so necessary and important in this political climate.

Going into these events the stress level is high because the devil really is in the details - meaning, if you forget something it could mess the night up! From the organization (working alongside CAE's Pari Cariaga who is incredible), to the venue itself, the ticketing office, AV team and food/beverage (St. Paul Hotel – catering!), the event went off without a hitch, which means 770 people had a wonderful evening. There was not a bad seat in the concert hall and while we had nearly 800 people it felt intimate and like Professor Alan Dershowitz was speaking to each person. . 

The Ordway Theater and St. Paul Hotel are beyond incredible and two of the best business and event venues in town- we will surely be back.

“We may disagree fundamentally, but we agreed to talk.” - Alan Dershowitz 

KK&Co talks Minnesota Rising research in 2018 elections on KNSI Radio in St. Cloud

KK&Co president Kirsten Kukowski was on KNSI's Ox in the Afternoon on Wednesday highlighting our efforts with Minnesota Rising - an effort to use opposition research in the 2018 elections. Minnesota is a hotbed for targeted congressional races including the 1st, 2nd, 3rd congressional districts. Democrats across the board are running toward their liberal activists and Minnesota Rising is charged with providing years of context - past statements, positions or actions - to hold these candidates accountable. Listen below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2-fqPlc6G8&feature=youtu.be

Allied against Opioid Abuse Takes Target Field

We put together another great event for opioid awareness – this time at Target field! If you’re wondering if that picture straight from the field, you are correct. Such a great experience.

At KK & Co. we manage several coalitions, all with different objectives, but getting their message out is always a priority. With our latest event we had the opportunity to partner with local organizations and our Minnesota Twins.

AAOA on the jumbotron!

Before the game we distributed information about the opioid epidemic and our volunteers were AWESOME! It was a great opportunity for our volunteers, most of whom are deeply connected to this issue, to engage with the general public to educate and increase awareness.

During the pre-game our partners were invited onto the field for a pre-game reception to raise awareness. What a cool opportunity for them and for our client and to get in front of so many Minnesotans.

Great group of volunteers!

This event was a huge success. Thanks to all who volunteered, organized, and showed up on behalf of a great cause. If you want more info on how KK & Co. can help you achieve and amplify your mission – contact us!

KK & Co/SPACC Opioid Event a Success

A couple of weeks ago, KK & Co organized an event on behalf of a coalition we manage, in partnership with the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce.

Coordinating events that have a broad mission can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to engage diverse stakeholders. In preparation for this event, we worked with our partnership members, the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, and our panelists to ensure a thoughtful and meaningful event that provided great insight for the attendees.

This particular panel was geared toward businesses and their human resource representatives as it relates to the opioid epidemic. The panel discussed the legal parameters around the issue, indicators or red flags for employers, as well as what employers can do to help educate and prevent prescription abuse among employees. One of the suggestions was informing employees of drug free alternatives for recovery such as acupuncture or physical therapy which can also be included in an employee handbook.

From coordinating panelists and guest speakers to ensuring all logistics went smoothly, the KK & Co team understands that the devil is in the details. When coordinating panels with multiple people who all have different perspectives (the point of panels!) we recommend you over prepare on the mission with questions and prep calls in advance so the event runs smoothly. So many panel events we have watched fail to communicate the key components of the program because there is not a clear agenda and plan for the event.  

Big thanks to our own business attorney, Tara Anderson of TJA Business Law, for helping moderate the panel, employment attorney at Seaton Revnew and Peters, Martin Kappenman, Heather Kaiser with Associated Benefits, an HR consultant, and Nichole Keltgen, a member of the Employee Assistance Program at Associated Benefits. What a team!

Here Kristen Sheehan, partner at KK & Co is giving a Deterra bag demonstration. If you don’t know what a Deterra bag is – email us!

And take a look at this room – not bad for a Friday in July!

ICYMI: Washington Examiner: The new Republican group that just entered the battle for the House

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/new-gop-group-enters-battle-for-house-america-risings-ar2

Another Republican big-money group is entering the battle for control of the House, as AR2 moves to upend Democratic candidates by digging up damaging information and feeding it to local media.

The political nonprofit is affiliated with America Rising, an established super PAC that specializes in opposition research. “AR2,” federally prohibited from overt politicking, aims to use its research and communications expertise to put Democrats on the defensive on policy matters.

The group hopes to tip the scales toward the Republicans in crucial battleground districts, beginning with those in Minnesota, Florida, Nebraska, and states in the Northeast. AR2 is being advised by two veteran Republican campaign operatives, Andrea Bozek and Kirsten Kukowski.

…

AR2 will focus on drawing policy contrasts between Republican and Democratic candidates, as opposed to politically motivated opposition research such as embarrassing information related to personal or business dealings. But the group’s planned activities, including real-time rapid response communications, could be another headache for House Democrats.

In a twist, this effort will eschew the Washington press corps and direct its information and messaging to local political reporters as a means to put the squeeze on targeted Democrats. AR2’s outside advisers should be helpful on that front.

Bozek is formerly of the National Republican Congressional Committee, the House GOP campaign arm; Kuskowski previously worked for the Republican National Committee. In those positions, they dealt closely with local reporters and understand the landscape for local media.

KK & Co: Putting Experience to the Test for CAE

Earlier this week the Center of the American Experiment hosted their 2017 Fall Briefing at the Guthrie in downtown Minneapolis that featured author and columnist Mark Steyn. KK & Co. coordinated the logistics and fundraising for this event that turned out over 1,000 people on a rainy Monday evening!

There is a lot of time and energy that goes into planning a successful event. KK & Co.’s team has years of experience and over the years have put together an organized method in order to accomplish the task at hand.

For background purposes, Center of the American Experiment is Minnesota’s leading public policy organization. The Center is an organization driven by topics that are important to Minnesotans such as the economy, health care, taxes, transportation, employee freedom and state and local governance. In keeping the interests and policies that Minnesotans care most about in mind, the Center has remained the most impactful and effective public policy organization in Minnesota.

Using their knowledge of event planning and day-of coordinating, KK & Co. was able to successfully transition from each segment of the evening-- handling the flow of registration, organizing the logistics of the event space, to managing 1000+ participants as well as a featured speaker, KK & Co made sure it was covered.

KK & Co @ Target: How to be an engaged citizen

KK & Co had the opportunity to lead a discussion about advocacy, how to get engaged in public policy, and why it’s important to stay involved at all levels of government. Kristen, co-founder of KK & Co, led the discussion at Target Corporate HQ during a Target Citizens lunch for employees.

For some, the idea of getting involved in public policy at any level of government is intimidating. And the truth is while public policy discussions are often complicated, there’s also even more going on behind the scenes than many realize. That’s what KK & Co. does - we are the bridge for those people with a platform or issue who want to learn more and do something about it. Today, more than ever, there’s a desire to research, be more knowledgeable, and be active in the community. So how can someone get to be more engaged and influence decision makers?

The first step is to jump on the social media train. Coalitions, local politicians, and constituents are taking to social media to have their voices heard and solicit information. Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram are just a few of the different outlets that are being used to stay informed and amplify your voice. As you get more savvy, social media can also help you target your message to those who either need to hear it the most or can help you with your cause.

Another way to engage is through personal outreach with people who can help make change. This can be through letters, phone calls, emails, or in person meetings., Whether its city, state or federal government that you need to reach, start by strategizing how to get in contact with your elected official. They represent you and want to hear from you. And even if they don’t, they should.

Lastly, earned media is a great way to influence public policy. This includes letters to the editor, newspaper editorial boards, reporter interviews, or press conferences. Not only will articles or media posts be noticed by elected officials and others who can help you but media provides an open commentary on issues for constituents that would otherwise not be heard. Remember, all of these issues impact individual people—and it is our job in the public affairs world to match those impacted to the issue.

To see change in a community, no matter how big or small, it’s our responsibility to actively participate. With the different levels of engagement options, there is no excuse to not be informed.

Thank you, Target, for allowing us to share our expertise and the importance of engagement and if you need advice or help, please contact us.

KK&Co Workin It on KMSP

Trying to get into a routine as a startup can be challenging in today’s fast pace work environment. It can be even more of a struggle to make time to exercise when your work life, social life, and family life takes you in all directions. After launching earlier this year, KK & Co has since expanded our client list and people working for us to the point where we needed more collaboration and office space. We’ve been exploring different offices spaces and found Work It in St. Paul, a co-working space that promotes health and wellness while offering a productive work space.

Work It Co-Working is a woman owned shared workspace that provides many of the standard office utilities and more. Anne Henderson, owner of Work It, was interested is giving working professionals different options in comparison to a coffee shop, cubicle or home office.  

Not only is the location attractive to people but everything Work It offers within it’s workspace is designed to keep your body and brain moving. Work It has a convertible work stations where you can walk, pedal, sit, or stand. It also has conference rooms, fitness equipment, showers, secure bike rack, a full kitchen and printing services.

Just this week we were interviewed by M.A. Rosko on Fox 9: https://youtu.be/4YKxxIpU8EY

How can digital ads work for you?

This past week, KK & Co. ran an online ad campaign for one of our clients to educate targeted constituents on a policy issue. The client wanted visibility for their organization before a policy decision that was happening quickly. In order to get the most return on investment, we decided to run an online ad campaign. Our target consumers were all online, so the ads were seen on sites like the Star Tribune, ESPN, NY Times, etc. The aim was to target high propensity voters in a certain geographical area where the policy change was occurring because they would be the most likely to pay attention and engage.

Although we are stating the obvious, you'd be surprised how many people forget this step - it’s important to first  understand the objective of your digital marketing plan and your audience. Digital marketing can be used for many reasons - to promote different products, brands, or ideas via electronic media, including: the Internet, social media, mobile phones, or electronic billboards. Digital ads all aim to catch the eye of the site visitor in hopes of securing their attention. The design is so important—a split second look at the ad with your target consumer will determine whether they click or keep moving. Digital ads also allow you to target down to your specific audience and augments your other activity.

When running ads to advocate for a cause or company, it is important to look at different metrics so you and your client know what kind of return on investment you are getting. Impressions refer to the amount of times an ad has been viewed; CTR (click-through rate) refers to the ratio of users who click on the ad to the number of total users who view the page; and CPC (cost per click) measures how much an advertiser pays a publisher when the ad is clicked. It is also critical to cast a wide net when running an digital ad campaign, continuously making sure that you are targeting the right audience with the right images in place.

Often times viewing the ads is only half the battle. After targeting your correct audience, you want to convert those views to action. Many times this could mean driving them to a landing page, and from there you will be able to collect further data on your viewers.

Just like any project, you have to ask questions, compare results, review reports and make sure you are maximizing your investment.  

With some of the projects we work on for clients, we have seen a return of .07% CTR—this latest campaign we were over .10%. In this case, it was a pretty controversial issue that voters (our targets) were engaged on with the help of earned media, our digital marketing efforts and the efforts of others doing advocacy. 

In just four short days, our digital ad campaign reached nearly half a million people and converted nearly 500 people to action. For our goals, this campaign was an effective, inexpensive way to reach our audience. Because digital marketing can be targeted, there are often solutions for any goal, you just need the tools to do it.  If you are in the market, call KK & Co., we can help you with that! 

KK & Co Manages a Booth at the 50s Classic Car Show

This past weekend, KK & Co helped manage and set up a booth for one of our clients at the State Fair Grounds during the Back to the 50’s car show. Throughout the course of the five days, we came in contact with thousands of people—who knew that 50,000 people a day would show up at the show!

There are many ways in which we reach other people today, be it any type of social media, technology, or mail. Well, spending a couple of days in a concentrated area, where you can engage constituents is an incredible way to reach more people too.

In doing so, it is important that when recruiting volunteers (or staff), you are recruiting the right people—these people must be highly energetic, quick on their feet, and personable. These in person opportunities provide such a great platform for you to connect on an individual level – in person is still so effective.  All of this is something that we as a firm can help you with! We know what it takes to get the job done, whether it’s discussing the difficult topics with possible clients or being those personable, charismatic people you need reaching out to others.

When it comes to communication and getting your voice and messages heard, we have the tools you need. And if that includes taking advantage of Sweet Martha’s Cookies at the State Fair Grounds, we can do that, too!  Aside from representing our client, it was an incredible event to see and we highly recommend you attend this event next year.

What an event…

This past Saturday, KK & Co coordinated Center of the American Experiment’s Annual Dinner where 800 people attended the event featuring United States’ Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas. Tom Cotton, a strong conservative Senator who served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives and enlisted in the Army after 9/11, talked about the dynamics in Washington and how his conservative agenda can be implemented in states like Minnesota.  

The night was a huge success, and we look forward to working with Center of the American Experiment in the future.

@MNThinkTank #mnleg #100percentcotton 

KK & Co at the Girls on the Run 5k June 3, 2017

“We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.” – Girls on the Run

This past Saturday, we had the opportunity to volunteer at the Girls on the Run Twin Cities Spring 5k at Normandale Community College. We worked with the Dream Team – an awesome group of women who spoke to the GOTR girls about their lives and how they achieved success.

We started working with GOTR a few months ago and have really come to know it as an inspiring organization that more girls in the Twin Cities should take part in. It’s a non-profit organization that inspires and motivates girls to believe in their infinite potential, filling each girl with the confidence to take on the world. The girls meet weekly in small teams, where they learn life skills through important conversation, friendship, and community service, while incorporating running to work up to a 5k at the end of the season.

They’ve already been growing exponentially and we need to help them grow even more. This season, more than 110 elementary schools, middle schools, and YMCA community centers across the Twin Cities and Rochester metro area participated. Thousands of girls and their running partners completed this year’s Spring 5k, and we were lucky to be a part of it.

We are excited to continue to work with Girls on the Run, with the hope of empowering young women and leaving them with the belief that they can.

 #gotrc5k #gotr #girlsontherun

KK & Co Internship

We’ve been wildly successful since starting our firm a couple of months ago, and need help with client services as we continue to grow. We’d like to bring on a part-time paid intern this Spring and Summer. We’ve outlined some duties below but the overall goal would be to find someone to serve as a utility player who wants to learn the ins and outs of starting a business and get insight into public relations, public affairs and fundraising.

• Client and development research – we have various clients and potential clients and need help gathering information for proposals and generally to get up to speed.
• Pitch calls – we are doing PR work for a couple of clients and need help calling media to pitch stories.
• Weekly reports – we need help developing informative weekly reports that give our clients metrics and progress updates.
• Writing – we spend a lot of time writing proposals and have writing duties with certain clients including press releases, pitch documents, op-eds and letters to the editor.
• Website maintenance – we need someone to help optimize our website.

The work would be done remotely. We have solid networks and would be happy to help with career development for anyone who does a good job. Please email Kirsten at kk@k2andcompany.com for more information!

About us:

KK & Co is a 100 percent woman-owned and operated firm specializing in public relations, strategic communications, public affairs, fundraising and development. We are based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and have spent our careers throughout the Midwest and Washington, DC. From brand management to grassroots advocacy, we bring decades of experience to the table and have extensive experience navigating the corporate, non-profit, media and political worlds.

We have built organizations on bi-partisan energy related issues in multiple states, coordinated the grassroots advocacy for legislative issues, and we’ve run media campaigns in all corners of the state. We were trained in fast paced environments and bring that 24/7, high intensity work ethic to serve our clients.