Blue Heron Communications, a 33-year-old outdoor industry firm based in Tulsa, Okla., has announced a special program to assist outdoor marketing communicators to get through the challenges and business impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Heron Helps program includes free professional services ranging from general marketing advice and consulting to news release preparation, writing and distribution.
The services will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis with no strings attached, no agreement to sign and no commitments.
"We have seen a lot of crisis in our 32 years of representing hundreds of outdoor brands, but none have had this deep and broad of an impact in all sectors," said Blue Heron managing general partner Darren Cole. "We are hurting, too. We are blessed to be strong and still on the job.
"In these unprecedented and unpredictable times, giving of our time and experience seemed a perfect solution for struggling companies."
The Heron Helps program is designed to prioritize startups less than 2 years old and businesses earning less than $1 million per year who are experiencing economic hardship due to COVID-19, especially those experiencing loss of employees and marketing budget. All companies with an audience in the hunting, fishing, boating, shooting, camping and general outdoor segments are invited to reach out and ask for help.
"As marketers we are often caught being reactionary. When the fear of huge economic toll to companies is genuine, a collective reaction is to cut spending to reduce burden on operating expenses," said Cole. "In times of market instability, going quiet is not a good option. Even when advertising is cut, staff is reduced and ties are severed with external vendors, you should still endeavor to maintain your voice.
"We are confident the team at Blue Heron Communications along with our network and influences will help until predictability returns. The need to share outdoor news is more important than ever."
Companies interested in the Heron Helps program should visit www.blueheroncomm.com/heronhelps or send an email to info@blueheroncomm.com.
