Nigeria’s public relations industry faces unique challenges, and Olanrewaju Alaka – Laerryblue, is striving to address these issues with his PR, brand management, and talent management agency.
Laerryblue emphasized the critical issue of some Nigerian brands undervaluing the importance of public relations. “Regrettably, they tend to prioritize digital marketing over PR, underestimating the long-term benefits of a well-executed PR strategy,” he stated. Moreover, he pointed out that businesses frequently struggle to distinguish between PR and marketing, often harboring unrealistic expectations for immediate sales results from PR initiatives
Laerryblue handles PR, brand management, and talent management, driven by his passion for solving communication problems across various industries. He has effectively used PR to build mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their audiences.
The Nigerian PR industry faces significant challenges, including the lack of a regulatory framework, the prevalence of fake news, and the need for more skilled PR professionals. To address these issues, Laerryblue advocates for the establishment of a regulatory body, stays vigilant against fake news, and invests in professional development for himself and his team. “Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and media outlets is crucial in overcoming these challenges and elevating the industry as a whole,” he said.
When it comes to negative publicity or crises affecting clients, Laerryblue’s approach involves assessing the situation, identifying key stakeholders, and developing a strategic plan to address the issue. “This includes transparent communication, taking responsibility, and implementing proactive measures to prevent future incidents,” he added. Laerryblue leverages media relations and crisis management techniques to effectively manage reputation and mitigate potential damage.
Laerryblue’s business accomplishments feature the effective execution of PR campaigns for a diverse portfolio of clients, including Poshglowskincare, MTN, Gulder, Mykolo, Native Media, National Sport Festival, Double Design Paints, Bantu (Crypto), Africa Alliance Insurance, Providus Bank, Keystone Bank, Legend, Coca-Cola, Veritasihomes, Nola Adetola, Pay1one, and Ayhomes, among others. Furthermore, his adept management of well-known talents such as James Brown has led to increased brand recognition and sales growth for his clients.
Laerryblue has learned the importance of communication, adaptability, and resilience while running his business. He emphasizes the need to build strong relationships and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
For businesses or individuals seeking to improve their public image or reputation, Laerryblue advises working closely with a PR agency. “Identify key messages and target audiences, and develop and execute a strategic communication plan,” he said. Establishing a strong relationship with PR agencies and providing them with relevant information while being open to feedback and suggestions is vital for success. “Consistent messaging and transparency are key to building and maintaining a positive reputation,” he added.
Laerryblue’s journey in the Nigerian PR landscape demonstrates the power of passion, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. As the industry evolves, his innovative approach will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of public relations and brand management in Nigeria and beyond.