Do It Like Disney

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Over time, The Walt Disney Company has managed to maintain a consistent, positive image. Compared to small(er) companies, The Walt Disney Company overlaps several industries and markets with many initiatives such as multiple television networks, film distributors, partnerships, amusement parks & resorts, radio, and retail stores. Through all of these entertainment aspects, The Walt Disney Company continues to represent themselves as: 

“Happiest Place on Earth” – Walt Disney World and Disneyland are recognized as two of the “happiest places on Earth.” If I’m speaking personally, I could not agree more! By taking costumes, rides & attractions, dining, and shopping to the most realistic extent, Disney exceeds your expectations. All work revolving around the company’s expectations relies on the Communications/PR team (this could be you!) Events in Fantasyland or street teams roaming around Animal Kingdom with promotional fliers and coupons are all little reminders of PR work to keep it the “happiest place on Earth.

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Positive influence for children – The Walt Disney Company releases films, television programs, and music for the positive influence and growth of children. A few Communication tactics for this reputation would be the use of Disney Channel actors and actresses in campaigns for healthy living, eating, and learning, the marketing of specific products in retail stores that teach children colors, shapes, etc., and the face-to-face greetings with some of their Disney role models in Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

The Communication tactics are endless for a company so large, open-ended, and popular. Initiatives involving events, social media campaigns/contests, meet & greets, marketing, sales, and other possibilities can be planned on a large-scale for maximum results. All and all, these tactics aid The Walt Disney Company (and your company) in continuing to maintain the brand they intended to be.

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5 PR Lessons from Classic Disney Movies

I recently took a family vacation in Disney World and relived many of my childhood memories. Seeing all of the attractions based on these very familiar Disney characters was such an amazing experience.

Early on in childhood, Disney taught us many life lessons. I learned that a dream is a wish your heart makes and that sometimes you’ve just gotta say “Hakuna Matata.” However, little did I know that some of the lessons from my favorite Disney films also inadvertently taught me a lot about PR. Standing in Disney World's Magic Kingdom I realized that I have been PR my entire life. Turns out, Walt Disney and Disney Corporation have produced movies for decades to help educate children and adults on how to be effective public relations professionals!

Here are a few very crucial PR lessons from five of my favorite classic Disney films:

1. Cinderella - Be Timely

2. Pinocchio - Be Transparent

3. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Rely On Your Network

4. Pocohantas - Passion Drives Results

5. Little Mermaid - Take Risks

As Walt Disney has taught us, every story has a lesson that can be applied to our lives, both personal and professional. PR pros should consider heeding every warning this classic films have given to us. What other PR lessons have you found in Disney films? We want to know!