When organizations struggle to grow, they often look outward: more leads, more traffic, better sales tools.

But sustainable growth doesn’t begin by doing more. It begins by communicating better.

Most businesses don’t realize they’re stuck in obscurity until the silence becomes deafening. The phones slow down. The interest fades. The market becomes unresponsive—not because the offering isn’t valuable, but because the messaging isn’t clear.

Why Most Businesses Stay in Obscurity

If your message is confusing, inconsistent, or full of insider jargon, three things start to happen:

1. You lose audience trust
People rarely pause to figure out what you mean. In a noisy marketplace, they scroll past unclear brands without a second thought.

2. You lose internal alignment
When your sales, marketing, and leadership teams are telling slightly different stories, confusion creeps in. That lack of alignment creates inefficiencies and erodes team momentum.

3. You lose opportunities
Media outlets pass over your pitch. Customers hesitate to buy. Potential partners don’t see the value in collaboration. The story didn’t land—because it wasn’t sharp enough to stick.

As Harvard Business Review puts it:
“The biggest messaging mistake companies make is assuming people understand what they do.”

What Strategic Messaging Fixes
Clear messaging isn’t about being flashy—it’s about being unmistakable. At Maloy PR, we help organizations escape obscurity by:
    •    Clarifying the message for real people (not just internal teams)
    •    Creating consistency across every public touchpoint
    •    Aligning external communication with internal strategy

With the right messaging, people don’t just hear what you offer—they remember it, and they care.

The Framework We Use

​1. Clarify the Core
We start by identifying what truly sets your organization apart. Then we craft a message that delivers that value in direct, compelling language.

2. Align Every Channel
From websites to pitches to interviews, we help unify your brand voice so it sounds clear, confident, and credible everywhere.

3. Activate for Visibility
We don’t just write the message—we position it where it can gain traction, earn trust, and drive results.

Donald Miller, author of Building a StoryBrand, says:
“People don’t buy the best products—they buy the ones they can understand the fastest.”

And Forrester Research reinforces this:
“Strategic messaging that is aligned across channels is a key driver of market momentum.”

The bottom line? Your biggest threat likely isn’t your competitors. It’s obscurity. And the best way to fight obscurity is with strategic clarity.

To get your messaging out of obscurity, give us call at MaloyPR.com.

Sources:
•    Donald Miller, Building a StoryBrand
•    Harvard Business Review: “Why Brand Messaging Fails”
•    Forrester Research: “Messaging That Drives Market Momentum”

​In today’s unpredictable business world, crises can emerge from anywhere, threatening reputations, operations, and stakeholder confidence. Whether it’s a product failure, a data breach, or negative public sentiment, preparation is your best defense against the storm clouds of a crisis. Businesses that plan and communicate effectively during crises not only limit damage but often emerge stronger. Cory Maloy, founder and CEO of Maloy PR, said, “A crisis is not the time to scramble. Preparation and decisive action allow businesses to manage challenges while maintaining trust and credibility.”
 
Here are seven essential strategies to help your business prepare for and navigate a crisis:
 
1. Create a Comprehensive Crisis Communication Plan

Every business needs a roadmap to guide them through potential crises. A robust crisis communication plan should outline risks, assign roles, and establish clear response protocols. According to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), including pre-approved messaging and updated contact lists of key stakeholders, media contacts, response teams, and employees, ensures fast response. Regular simulations test the plan’s effectiveness, keeping teams ready for real-world challenges.
 
2. Build Relationships with Key Stakeholders Before a Crisis

Establishing strong relationships with stakeholders—employees, customers, media, and community leaders—before a crisis helps foster goodwill. The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) emphasizes that trust built during stable times often determines stakeholder support during turbulent times.
 
3. Monitor Media and Public Sentiment Proactively

A crisis can escalate quickly in today’s social media-driven environment. Tools like Meltwater, Cision, and Google Alerts help businesses track public sentiment and identify red flags early. IABC highlights that real-time monitoring is essential for detecting potential issues before they spiral out of control.
 
4. Train Spokespersons and Employees

Inconsistent messaging during a crisis can amplify confusion and mistrust. Regularly train spokespersons to handle media inquiries with confidence, while also educating employees on internal protocols. Maloy said, “Your employees are your ambassadors. They need clear guidance to ensure their actions align with the company’s message.”
 
5. Act Quickly with Transparency and Empathy

Speed and honesty are crucial when addressing a crisis. Research from the Edelman Trust Barometer shows that transparency, paired with empathy, reassures stakeholders and fosters loyalty. Acknowledge the issue, outline corrective actions, and prioritize those impacted to demonstrate accountability.
 
6. Leverage Technology for Communication Efficiency

Technology can streamline crisis communication efforts. Platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams allow internal teams to collaborate in real time, while email marketing tools and social media channels ensure consistent external messaging. According to the Center for Crisis and Risk Communication (CCRC), leveraging technology reduces delays and enhances accuracy in delivering information.
 
7. Conduct a Post-Crisis Review and Update Your Plan
​
After the crisis subsides, it’s crucial to review what happened, analyze your response, and identify areas for improvement. Update your crisis communication plan based on these learnings to strengthen your preparedness for the future. The CCRC recommends involving all key stakeholders in this review to ensure comprehensive feedback.
 
Businesses that prepare for crises and act decisively are better positioned to navigate challenges and protect their reputations. Maloy PR specializes in helping companies develop and execute crisis communication strategies tailored to their unique needs. With decades of experience in public relations, crisis management, and strategic communications, Maloy PR is a trusted partner for businesses looking to safeguard their future.
 
Contact Maloy PR today to learn more about crafting a crisis communication plan or managing an ongoing crisis. 
 
Sources

1. Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) – Crisis Communication Handbook (PRSA.org)
2. International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) – Crisis Communication Resources (IABC.com)
3. Edelman Trust Barometer – Transparency and Trust in Crisis (Edelman.com)
4. Center for Crisis and Risk Communication (CCRC) – Post-Crisis Analysis Framework (CenterForCrisisCommunications.com)

In today’s fast-paced market, the biggest challenge businesses face isn’t competition—it’s obscurity. If your audience doesn’t know you exist, if they don’t recognize your value, or if they simply don’t remember your name, then you’re already behind. Visibility is the foundation of success, yet many companies struggle to break through the noise.

Businesses that succeed don’t just offer great products or services—they actively shape their presence, control their messaging, and position themselves as the go-to choice in their industry. If you’re not consistently showing up where your audience is looking, someone else will take your place.

Clarity: The First Step to Visibility

Before you can increase your visibility, your brand message must be crystal clear. Many companies struggle to connect with their audience because their messaging is vague, confusing, or too broad. If you’re speaking to everyone, you’re reaching no one.

Brand expert Marty Neumeier puts it this way: “If you’re not different, you’re invisible.” Differentiation isn’t just about having a unique product—it’s about telling your story in a way that immediately resonates with the right audience.

Successful businesses have a clearly defined message that answers three critical questions:
• Who are you?
• What problem do you solve?
• Why should people trust you over competitors?

When your message is clear, it’s easier for customers, investors, and media to understand your value—and to share your story with others.

Credibility: Visibility Without Trust Is Just Noise

Being seen is only part of the equation—being trusted is what drives action. In an era where consumers are more skeptical than ever, credibility is the currency of influence. Businesses that invest in thought leadership, earned media, and expert positioning are the ones that rise above the competition.

A 2023 study by Edelman found that 63% of consumers trust experts and industry leaders over traditional advertising. This means that your reputation is built more on what others say about you than what you say about yourself.

One of the most effective ways to build trust is through earned media—being featured in reputable publications, speaking at industry events, and contributing valuable insights to key conversations. When your expertise is validated by third-party sources, your credibility grows exponentially.

Consistency: The Key to Staying Top of Mind

A one-time PR campaign or social media burst won’t make you a household name. Consistent, strategic visibility is what keeps brands relevant. The businesses that dominate their industries aren’t necessarily the most innovative or best-funded—they are simply the ones that refuse to be forgotten.

Consistency comes from showing up regularly where your audience is already paying attention:
• Posting valuable thought leadership content on LinkedIn and industry platforms
• Engaging in public conversations relevant to your expertise

• Sharing media wins, customer success stories, and industry insights

The key isn’t just to be present—it’s to be present with purpose. When you consistently reinforce your message, you stay top-of-mind when it matters most.

Visibility Is Your Competitive Advantage

Most businesses aren’t failing because of poor quality or lack of effort. They’re failing because too few people know who they are and why they matter.

If you want to break out of obscurity and position yourself as an industry leader, you must take control of your visibility. Your brand should be seen, heard, and recognized for its expertise.

At Maloy PR, we specialize in helping businesses eliminate obscurity with strategic PR, thought leadership, and media positioning. If you’re ready to elevate your brand, let’s start the conversation. Schedule a planning session at MaloyPR.com.

Sources:
• Neumeier, Marty. Zag: The Number One Strategy of High-Performance Brands.
• Edelman Trust Barometer 2023.