Karma

This summer has seen its share of communication blunders and, as we head into August, we are starting to see the consequences. Tony Hayward has been removed as CEO in light of his poor handling of the oil spill. Maybe that yacht race at the height of the crisis wasn't such a good idea? Apple said it would provide iPhone 4 customers with free cases to improve reception issues that happen when the phone is held in a certain way. General Stanley McChrystal is retiring from the US Army after he was relieved of command of NATO forces in Afghanistan by President Obama, following blatantly disrespectful comments made to Rolling Stone magazine. Laurent Blanc, the new coach of the French national soccer team, announced that none of the players who went on strike at the World Cup in South Africa would play in the next match and that future selections would be based not only on talent but on a strong sense of teamwork, as well. The lesson in all of this is that what you say and do and how it is portrayed in the media and online has a tremendous impact on companies and careers. Tony Hayward didn't cause the oil spill but the problem was his to solve. Instead of showing leadership and providing clear, regular and honest communication, he was portrayed as not wanting to deal with the problem by saying he wanted his life back, minimizing the problem by not providing accurate information on the size of the disaster and not caring by going to yacht race at the height of the crisis. Likewise, Steve Jobs probably didn't design the finicky antenna for the iPhone 4 but he did tout its engineering at the launch press conference. Instead of blaming customers for holding the iPhone the wrong way he should have said right off the bat that the iPhone 4 didn't live up to Apple's high quality standards and that they would find a solution. Instead of a story that persisted for a period of time and tarnished Apple's otherwise sterling reputation, it would have been a one day story that might have actually strengthened their image as a company that can do no wrong. General McChystal should have had media training and a thorough briefing prior to letting a Rolling Stone reporter follow his entourage for a month. If he had done so, he would not have made such rookie mistakes. The problem is that most CEOs or, for that matter, Generals and professional athletes, don't understand the importance of communication and, as a result, don't solicit much input from their communications department or agency. If they had, they would have probably reacted differently.

Barbagallo Joins 3Point In Boston

3Point Communications Taps ex-Porter Novelli Partner Jim Barbagallo
Agency and corporate communications veteran to establish 3Point's presence among Blue Chip and fast growing emerging companies with focus on the U.S. northeast

Boston, MA, November 17, 2009 -- 3Point Communications today announced that Jim Barbagallo has joined the agency as a managing director. In this newly-created position, Barbagallo will drive growth for 3Point in the northeast while also helping the communications firm grow nationally. Barbagallo has more than 25 years of experience in public relations and marketing communications with specific experience in developing and executing strategic, integrated communications programs for emerging and established technology companies.

"Information technology companies are already starting to play a key role in pulling the U.S. economy out of this recession," said Barbagallo. "And in the northeastern region of the U.S., and especially Massachusetts, IT continues to play a role as fuel for the economy. Other technology sectors -- including "clean tech", nanotechnology, electronics and biotechnology -- also are key parts of the economy in the northeast. Among these companies is a strong and growing demand for communications professionals who can help elevate brands and 'instigate' conversations with stakeholders. That is at the core of what 3Point does."

Previously, Barbagallo was with Porter Novelli, where he was managing director of the Boston office as well as a company partner and member of the global firm's technology council. During his 10 years with Porter Novelli, Barbagallo developed and cultivated client relationships with world-class companies such as HP, Analog Devices, BMC Software and 3Com, among others. In addition, Barbagallo worked with a number of emerging technology companies, including IBRIX, Sociocast and NeuStar. Barbagallo had also been with Copithorne & Bellows PR prior to its merger with Porter Novelli. In addition, he had also been director of marketing public relations at Digital Equipment Corporation, a global marketing communications manager for HP and a reporter with the "Eagle-Tribune" in North Andover, MA.

About 3Point Communications helps its clients accelerate growth through effective communications. By developing compelling stories that can be retold in a number of different ways, we create communications that includes content that inspires action and engenders communities to interact. Leveraging the most appropriate traditional and digital media channels to elevate brands’ mindshare and instigate conversations, we are able to reach a variety of audiences, delivering a message that resonates locally, regionally and globally. With a presence in Boston, Silicon Valley and Washington D.C., 3Point develops creative, results orientated campaigns for market-leading blue chip and fast growing start-up companies.