When Tray.ai approached us to announce their new Merlin Agent Builder, we faced a familiar challenge: how does PR break through the noise with product news during one of the busiest tech news cycles of the year? Our answer: turn their product launch into a data-driven industry trend conversation that media can’t ignore.

The Challenge: Making Product News Newsworthy

Product launches have become notoriously difficult to place in top-tier publications. Journalists are inundated with vendor announcements claiming to be “revolutionary” or “game-changing.” Without compelling proof points or broader industry context, even genuinely innovative products from known brands can struggle to gain media attention.

Tray.ai’s Merlin Agent Builder addresses a significant market need: it lets enterprises build and deploy AI agents without requiring extensive technical resources. But in order to capture media interest during a busy news season, we needed more than just features and benefits. We needed data that proved market demand for this solution.

The month prior to launch, Microsoft had made a flurry of Copilot announcements at Microsoft Ignite, sparking buzz around AI agents and enterprise AI adoption. This AI message momentum presented an opportunity to position Tray.ai’s product within a larger industry conversation that was already capturing media attention.

Instead of competing with Microsoft’s news cycle, we strategically delayed our announcement to ride the wave they created, opportunistically providing the media with original research that answered the very questions their narrative had raised:

• How much are organizations planning to invest in building AI agent prototypes?
• Are enterprises actually ready to deploy these AI agents?
• What’s standing in their way?

The Strategy: Hook Media with Data to Break Through the Noise

Bhava executed a highly effective industry survey for Tray.ai, developing the thesis, analysis, outbound narrative, content and report design. Over 500 IT decision-makers at enterprises with 1,000+ employees were surveyed about agentic AI technical barriers, deployment readiness and implementation timelines.

The result was a comprehensive study that identified the real challenges enterprises face when deploying AI agents.

“Bhava understands that in today’s noisy market, you can’t just tell people what you’ve built, you have to prove why the market needs it. Their data-driven strategy delivered exactly that impact for Tray,” said Shane Jackson, Tray.ai CMO. “They didn’t just help us announce a product; they developed a multifaceted campaign that elevated our launch into an industry conversation that the media couldn’t ignore. The fact that journalists are still referencing our research months later when covering AI agent trends shows the lasting business value of their approach. I’m tremendously proud of the results from this campaign.”

The data-driven campaign was strategically designed to:

1. Validate market pain points that Tray.ai’s solution directly addressed
2. Create urgency by quantifying the gap between AI agent hype and reality
3. Provide journalists with exclusive data they couldn’t get anywhere else
4. Position Tray.ai as a thought leader in the agentic AI deployment space

Once the stats were in, the key to success was transforming raw data into headline-worthy, attention-grabbing insights. The finding that most organizations were not technically ready to deploy AI agents became our lead message, supported by multiple data cuts for different media angles.

Timing mattered. By conducting this research immediately after Microsoft Ignite, we were able to capture enterprises’ gut reactions to the AI agent promises flooding the market. This gave the data immediate relevance and newsworthiness.

The Execution: Dual Announcement Strategy

We executed a strategic two-pronged PR campaign consisting of two announcements that supported each other:

1. Product News: Tray.ai Launches Merlin Agent Builder
2. Research: Survey Reveals 86% of Enterprises Require Tech Stack Upgrades to Deploy AI Agents

By leading with the data and using it to contextualize the product announcement, we upleveled what could have been just another vendor announcement into a must-cover story about the state of enterprise AI readiness.

The survey findings hit a nerve, providing crystal clear proof points that validated the urgent need for Tray.ai’s low-code solution for building agents:

• 86% of enterprises reported needing significant tech stack upgrades before they could deploy AI agents
• Companies said they were struggling with integration, security and data readiness challenges
• The gap between AI agent ambitions and deployment reality was revealed to be even wider than expected

The Results: Sustained Media Momentum for Months

The campaign exceeded expectations, generating 40 articles and maintaining media momentum for over three months.

Immediate Impact

In the first month following the announcements, the launch scored:

• Tier-1 technology media – SiliconANGLE, ZDNet and BetaNews picked up the story within 24 hours
• Industry vertical coverage – Specialized publications like Techstrong.ai and VMblog provided in-depth analysis
• International reach – ZDNet France expanded the story to European markets
• Video coverage – theCUBE YouTube interview with CEO Rich Waldron added multimedia dimension

Enduring Industry Relevance

The campaign had a lasting impact on media conversations. While most stories fade quickly, compelling research results have the staying power to resurface repeatedly, and this campaign continued generating meaningful coverage well into 2025:

January 2025

• CIO Dive referenced our data in multiple trend pieces, including their “5 CIO trends to watch in 2025” and coverage of AI agent concerns
• Architecture & Governance published a dedicated analysis of our research findings

February 2025

• CIO featured our insights in their analysis of IT leaders’ concerns about integrating agentic AI with legacy infrastructure
• Silicon Republic cited the research in coverage about workplace infrastructure and AI agents
• Cybersecurity Dive referenced our findings when covering security concerns around AI agents
• CIO Dive continued using our data as context in competitor announcements (Snowflake’s AI agents)

March 2025

• Forbes (SAP-sponsored content) incorporated our insights into enterprise architecture discussions
• CIO Dive referenced our research when covering new entrants to the space (ServiceNow, Microsoft, Nvidia)
• Industry newsletters and roundups continued citing our statistics as authoritative data points

The Power of Syndication to Reach More Regions and Domains

Through syndication, the story reached:

• Multiple international markets (UK, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, India)
• Various industry verticals (CFOTech, MarTech Series, Cloud Computing Magazine)
• Different audience segments (C-suite executives, IT practitioners, business decision-makers, cybersecurity professionals)

Success Factors for a Data-driven Campaign

1.  Opportunistic timing: We didn’t just launch when it was convenient. We launched when the market conversation was primed for the message. The post-Microsoft Ignite timing was strategic and deliberate.
2.  Data-Driven storytelling: The survey data transformed our announcement from a vendor pitch into industry intelligence that journalists could use to inform their broader coverage of AI trends.
3. Multiple angles for different outlets: This data-driven campaign offered various hooks:
   • For business media: The enterprise readiness gap
   • For technical media: Integration and deployment challenges
   • For industry analysts: Market maturity indicators
   • For international media: Global enterprise AI adoption patterns
4. Executive thought leadership: Having CEO Rich Waldron available for interviews, including a segment on theCUBE, added credibility and depth to the coverage.
5. Long-tail value: By generating evergreen research data, we ensured the story had legs beyond the initial news cycle. Journalists continued referencing the findings months later when covering AI agent trends.

This campaign reinforced several PR fundamentals:

1. Product news needs proof points: Data amplifies the relevance of product features 
2. Timing beats volume: One well-timed announcement can outperform multiple poorly-timed ones
3. Research has staying power: Original data becomes a referenceable asset for months
4. Context is king: Positioning your news within larger market trends amplifies impact

ROI and Long-Term Impact of Data-Driven PR

The Tray.ai data-driven PR campaign demonstrated that with strategic planning, opportunistic timing and compelling data, feature-focused product announcements can achieve exceptional media coverage.

By upleveling a product launch into a data-driven industry conversation, Tray.ai became an authoritative voice on enterprise AI agent adoption challenges for the entire Q1 2025 news cycle.

Forty articles in top-tier publications like CIO, Forbes and ZDNet reached Tray.ai’s target audience of enterprise decision-makers during the course of more than three months. The campaign positioned Tray.ai as a thought leader in the AI agent space, with their data becoming the go-to set of statistics for journalists covering this emerging market, even when reporting on competitors’ announcements.

For B2B technology companies facing similar challenges in breaking through with product news, this campaign offers a blueprint: Don’t just announce what you’ve built. Prove why the market needs it.

When you produce truly valuable research, it becomes a gift that keeps on giving, providing context and credibility long after your initial announcement.

The post Bhava’s Data-Driven PR Strategy Scored 40 Media Placements for Agentic AI Startup in 3 Months appeared first on Bhava Communications..

After years of helping companies develop and deploy research initiatives, I’ve noticed a pattern among the most successful ones. They approach market research differently than their competitors. While most companies commission a study and file it away after announcing it, the category leaders extract value across their entire organization.

We’ve been seeing more and more companies recognize that the legacy “one study, one report” model doesn’t deliver the ROI they need. Now it’s undeniable.

Companies winning market share treat research data like a Swiss Army knife: one tool with multiple GTM applications. When we helped a DevOps company uncover that 93.6% of IT leaders reported remote work extended incident resolution times, that statistic became the opening line of sales presentations, the hook for webinar content, the validation for product roadmap decisions and the centerpiece of a six-month thought leadership campaign, all after we executed the initial successful PR push.

How Data-Driven Content Marketing Fuels B2B Sales

Gone are the days when marketing created content and sales used completely different materials. Today’s buyers expect consistent messaging across every touchpoint. Research data provides that golden thread connecting your PR efforts to your sales presentations to your customer success stories.

Buyers don’t just want features and benefits anymore. They want proof that other companies like theirs face similar challenges. Original research provides that social proof in spades. When prospects see statistics that reflect their own experiences, they immediately recognize themselves in those findings.

The most effective companies understand six fundamental truths about market research: 

1. Research data should never live in a marketing silo.
2. Sales needs it for credibility.
3. Customer success needs it for renewal conversations.
4. Product needs it for roadmap validation.
5. Finance needs it for market sizing.
6. One research initiative can serve them all.

Smart companies extract maximum value by deploying research across every revenue function. Your reps walk into meetings armed with current, microtargeted industry intelligence instead of generic pitch decks. They lead with market data that helps prospects diagnose their own problems before discussing solutions.

Every technology company fights for share of voice in crowded channels. Original research cuts through the noise, gated reports qualify prospects, webinars draw industry experts and prospects, and executive summaries of data-backed proof points get forwarded to decision-makers.

When CFO Magazine featured our client’s finding that “79% of Companies Face Challenges When Purchasing New Tech,” it wasn’t just media coverage. Those citations became sales conversation starters for many months.

Another research initiative for a different client uncovered hidden barriers in application modernization journeys and validated market demand for emerging features. The research data became a foundation for ongoing content and sales efforts, with the investment paying for itself within 90 days through qualified leads from the gated report.

Product announcements backed by market data also land differently than those backed by nothing. When you can say “92.3% of businesses struggle with X, which is why we built Y,” you’re not just explaining features, you’re validating market needs.

For example, custom research we executed for an agtech AI company uncovered that 90.2% of agribusinesses experience climate change effects on yield, 92.3% struggle to operationalize existing farm data and that 3 out of 4 say AI will help them accomplish complicated data analysis at scale. These statistics became the foundation for everything: sales presentations, investor pitches, product positioning, PR campaigns and conference keynotes. Three key data points, mounds of highly targeted cross-tab data to cater to specific prospect personas, 18 months of content fuel.

The Formula for Gaining Competitive Advantage and Increasing ROI with Custom Research

Your competitors can quote third-party industry reports. They can’t quote your custom research. When you’re the source of the data, you’re the authority. When journalists cite your research, they position you as the expert. When sales prospects see your statistics quoted in industry publications, you’ve already won credibility before the first sales call.

The companies extracting 10x value from their research investments follow a simple formula. They:

– Design research that validates their market thesis

– Don’t just ask random questions, but instead ask questions that prove their point of view

– Create modular content from Day One by extracting quotable statistics, compelling visualizations and shareable insights that work across channels

– Arm every revenue function with data so sales gets talking points and presentation slides, marketing gets campaign themes and content, product gets validation and PR gets media-worthy story angles

– Measure what matters by tracking pipeline influence, not just media mentions 

Research Should Drive Revenue, Not Just Awareness

Business moves fast. Companies that can pivot quickly across multiple communication fronts win. Those stuck thinking research just equals reports lose.

At Bhava, we’ve seen this pattern repeat across AI startups, SaaS and DevOps companies, public companies in enterprise tech and other emerging sectors. The companies that treat research as their content Swiss Army knife consistently outperform those that don’t.

One well-executed research initiative can fuel 12 months of go-to-market activities. The question isn’t whether you can afford to invest in original research. The question is whether you can afford to keep treating it like a one-hit wonder.

The post How Custom Market Research Powers Multi-Channel Content Marketing and Sales Enablement appeared first on Bhava Communications..

Given the rise of AI in all its forms, I’m fully convinced that our polyglot expertise isn’t just an advantage, it’s a necessity for driving awareness and sales for our clients in the complex tech space.

What is a polyglot agency? It’s one that fluently speaks the languages of brand strategy, PR, marketing, content creation, social media, messaging and positioning, custom industry research, internal communications, investor relations, analyst relations, demand generation, sales enablement, thought leadership, SEO and more.

The term polyglot agency emerged from a conversation I had with John Furrier, founder of SiliconANGLE & theCUBE. Polygot agency perfectly encapsulates what we’ve been doing at Bhava Communications since our founding in 2009. We’ve always referred to this as our 360° Mixed Media approach, recognizing early on the power of a multifaceted communication strategy to drive demand.

Why the Polyglot Approach Matters Now

1. The Blurring of Communication Channels – While announcements remain very important, gone are the days when a press release alone could make waves. Today’s effective communications strategies span multiple earned, owned and paid channels out of the gate, each with its own nuances and best practices. A polyglot agency team understands how to craft messaging, copy and design that resonates across platforms, ensuring consistency while adapting to the unique demands of each medium.
2. The Rise of (Truly) Integrated Campaigns – Tech companies are increasingly looking for cohesive, integrated campaigns that touch every aspect of their communications strategy. From thought leadership articles to social media campaigns, from internal memos to investor presentations, a polyglot agency can ensure that all these elements work in harmony, amplifying the overall impact.
3. Staying Authentic While Embracing the AI Revolution – Generative AI has been sending shockwaves through the marketing and communications domain. Agentic AI will shake things up even more. While many view it as a threat, at Bhava, we see AI as an opportunity to enhance our polyglot capabilities. Knowing when not to use AI is as important as exploring what it makes possible. By selectively incorporating AI tools, we can amplify ideation, refine content and increase efficiency, all while maintaining the primacy of human creation at every step that’s crucial for authentic storytelling, uniqueness, accuracy and effective strategy.
4. Adapting to Rapid Market Changes – The tech sector moves at lightning speed. A polyglot agency is better equipped to pivot quickly, adjusting strategies across multiple fronts as market conditions change. This agility is invaluable in helping clients stay ahead of the curve.
5. Breaking Down Silos – For all the talk of integration, in many organizations, different communication functions – whether agency or in-house – still operate in silos. A polyglot agency helps break down these barriers for a more holistic approach to reaching customers (and other key audiences like investors and potential hires) that aligns with overall business objectives.

The End of Siloed Tech PR and Social Media

Agencies doing the most effective and impactful work for their clients are those that understand a fundamental truth: PR and social media should never have been thought of in a silo in the first place! These are not isolated functions but integral parts of a broader communications ecosystem. The polyglot agency recognizes this interconnectedness and leverages it to create more powerful, cohesive strategies that drive demand.

The Bhava Advantage: Expertise Using the Right Medium for the Message

At Bhava, our polyglot approach isn’t just about offering a wide range of services. It’s about truly understanding how these different communication disciplines intersect and complement each other in a fully bespoke way for every client. Our team members are cross-trained to think broadly and strategically, ensuring that every program we develop takes advantage of synergies across channels and tactics.

This versatility allows us to:

• Craft compelling narratives that resonate across all touchpoints
• Identify unique opportunities to attract, engage and spark action from specific audiences that siloed thinking might miss
• Provide more comprehensive, strategic counsel to our clients
• Adapt quickly to new technologies and trends, including the latest developments in AI

The Future of B2B Demand Gen Requires a Multifaceted Approach

The value of the polyglot agency will only continue to grow as the communications landscape becomes more complex, not less. Agencies that can navigate this complexity with fluency, agility and AI literacy will be best positioned to help their clients succeed.

At Bhava, we’re excited to continue leading the charge, leveraging our polyglot expertise to drive awareness, generate demand and deliver real business results for our tech clients.

In a world where change is the only constant, versatility is a superpower.

This article is an updated version of a piece originally published by Liz Zaborowska on LinkedIn, reflecting our evolving perspective on the polyglot approach to tech PR and marketing.

The post Why Tech Companies Need a Polyglot Agency: Versatility is Today’s Competitive Advantage appeared first on Bhava Communications..

Then I found Bhava.

I discovered a community that was committed to supporting each other in finding that elusive harmony. Over the years, as my children have grown—one now out of college, another entering college, a third heading to high school and the youngest entering middle school—I’ve been able to find the balance to be there for them while also advancing in my career. Bhava’s culture of empathy, understanding and putting people first has been instrumental in making this possible.

Through the years our team navigated countless challenges and changes, from the daily balancing acts of agency life to the unprecedented upheaval of a global pandemic. Looking back, I realize that our ability to navigate through all the twists and turns was rooted in the strong foundation we had built over the previous 15 years. This is because at Bhava, harmony isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a daily practice. It’s about creating a culture where people feel supported in bringing their whole selves to work, where challenges are met with empathy and understanding, and where success is measured not just in profits, but in the well-being and growth of every team member. From evolving client needs to shifting industry landscapes, we’ve met each new hurdle with a spirit of curiosity, adaptability and determination. We’ve embraced the chance to learn and grow, to stretch beyond our comfort zones and to discover new strengths and possibilities.

As we celebrate 15 years of Bhava, I’m filled with gratitude and find myself reflecting on all the ways in which Bhava has supported me in my own growth and harmony over the years:

• The leaders who have believed in me, even when I doubted myself, especially our CEO, Liz, who dared to dream of a different kind of workplace and who has worked tirelessly to make that dream a reality.

• The colleagues who have inspired me with their talent, their dedication and their heart.

• Our clients who place their trust in us and inspire us to aim higher.

• The challenges that have pushed me to discover new strengths and passions.

Through it all, there’s been an unwavering sense of being part of something bigger – a community united by shared purpose and values. I’m continually inspired by the dedication, creativity and heart that our team brings to their work, day in and day out.

I encourage you to reflect on what harmony means to you, in work and in life. At Bhava, harmony, guided by our core values, looks like:

• Embracing the changes and challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, with Fearless Creativity as our compass.

• Leaning into the support of our teammates and being generous in offering our own, embodying the spirit of Put People First.

• Celebrating the small victories and the big milestones, fueled by our Passion for Quality.

• Above all, never forgetting that our well-being matters – that when we thrive as individuals, our whole team rises together, in true harmony with our values of Put People First and Integrity.

As we embark on the next chapter of our Bhava journey, here’s to embracing change as an opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally; to harnessing our collective creativity to make a meaningful difference in our work and in our world; and to continuing to lift each other up as we reach for new heights – because that’s when the real magic happens.

The post Finding Harmony in Growth: Celebrating 15 Years of Resilience, Creativity and Shared Success at Bhava appeared first on Bhava Communications..

Tech marketing and tech PR careers — whether you’re at an agency or in house — can be intense (and intensely rewarding). Your days are punctuated by a stream of deadlines, context switching, relationship juggling, content development, media and influencer outreach, managing briefings, attending industry events and sometimes odd hours to accommodate campaigns and announcements. 

That’s why, at Bhava, we work together diligently to cultivate a culture that both promotes well-being and rewards hard work. Here’s how:

Our Vibrant Culture

At Bhava, our culture is the heart and soul of our organization. With Bhavans in multiple time zones across the U.S., we prioritize staying connected. Regular company-wide calls, including a midweek check-in and Friday “Stand Up and Shout Out” calls, provide opportunities to share client and new business updates, play games, learn about each other and celebrate each other’s accomplishments. Regional in-person working days and cross-regional travel foster face-to-face collaboration and bonding, so we never feel disconnected. 

Living Our Values Every Day

Bhava’s values of putting people first, integrity, fearless creativity, playfulness and passion for quality are the guiding principles that shape our interactions with each other and our clients. We approach challenges with a team mentality, celebrate each other’s wins and always strive to bring our best selves to everything we do. These values are not just words on a screen; they are lived and breathed by every Bhavan.

Meaningful Employee Benefits, Leaders That Listen

It’s easy for a company to say they care about their employees’ well-being, but Bhava walks the walk by actively seeking and actually listening to employee feedback and proactively enhancing the employee experience. Bhava’s commitment to employee well-being is evident in our generous benefits package. We have ample vacation time, wellness days, and comprehensive health, retirement savings and life insurance benefits. One of the things that sets Bhava apart is the company’s proactive approach to employee input. Leaders at every level actively seek and listen to input from Bhavans, making changes and enhancements aimed at continually making Bhava a better workplace. This genuine care and appreciation for each employee contributes to the long tenure of our team members. 

Investing in Our People

A teaching agency since Day One, Bhava places a very strong emphasis on professional development. New hires undergo a thorough and interactive three-month onboarding, setting them up for success from day one. Throughout their time at Bhava, employees receive ongoing mentorship from senior leaders, participate in continuous professional education and engage in formal and informal peer-based training. Our management approach includes in-the-moment feedback, weekly check-ins and regular professional development syncs with managers. Bhavans are provided with an intuitive framework to map their professional goals to Bhava’s annual business objectives and company values, fostering a sense of purpose and direct line of contribution to agency success.

The Best Tech PR, Marketing and Social Media Services Start with a Team Committed to Excellence — and Each Other

At Bhava, we’re passionate about delivering consistently high-quality work to our clients. As a full-service B2B and B2B2C tech PR, marketing and social media agency, our expertise spans the gamut of communications services. We pride ourselves on being trusted advisors and true extensions of our clients’ teams. By staying attuned to the ever-evolving tech market and media landscape, we consistently bring fresh ideas and strategies to the table. Our outcome-oriented planning and execution, data-driven programs and hands-on involvement by senior leadership on all client accounts are among the elements that set us apart. We integrate the art and science of communications for maximum impact, ensuring that results align with our clients’ business objectives.

Check out what some of my teammates have to say about Bhava:

“Working at Bhava means collaborating with people we genuinely like. We integrate work with wellness activities and shared meals, creating an environment where teamwork and enjoyment go hand in hand.” – Mikka, Senior Account Executive, California

“Bhava is such a special place to work, and that is largely due to the company’s focus on fostering team camaraderie. We do so many engaging team activities in-person and remotely that not only bring out our competitive spirit but also give us an opportunity to bond as a team in fun and creative ways. I also enjoy our in-person co-working days in our various regions, which provide a unique opportunity to collaborate closely and share ideas in a new environment. I appreciate that Bhava prioritizes keeping us connected outside of our daily work routines. This emphasis on team bonding enriches our professional and personal lives while creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and motivated.”  – Kelsey, Account Manager, California 

“I’ve been able to see firsthand how Bhava encourages fearless creativity on a day-to-day basis. Constant collaboration and teamwork come first in everything we do as a company, and I have been provided endless opportunities to try new things. Ideas are not just accepted, but are encouraged to be shared, and Bhava’s emphasis on that has always made me feel like a valuable part of each of my teams.”  – Robyn, Content Specialist, Oregon

“I never feel disconnected from my teams in other regions. We meet consistently each week to check in on account activities, discuss upcoming projects and catch up with each other. I am thankful Bhava’s culture prioritizes being connected so we can collaborate and work together without ever missing a beat.” – Lydia, Account Coordinator, Texas

“Professional development is at the heart of Bhava’s values. From my start as an intern, to becoming an account manager, I’ve been encouraged every step of the way to take on new projects. Our goal-oriented approach to growth coupled with leadership’s passion for teaching, creates an engaging culture of continuous improvement and celebration of wins — both big and small. This has allowed me to advance my career and hit professional milestones alongside an exceptionally kind, hard working and playful team.” – Audrey, Account Manager, California

“In addition to health insurance, a 401K and PTO, I love that Bhava offers wellness time. The ability to take dedicated time for my well-being — on top of a week-long summer vacation and company closures on national holidays — makes me feel like my time and mental health are  truly valued. It’s really special to work somewhere that understands the importance of self-care and work-life balance for employees.” – Quincy, Account Executive, Texas

“Nurturing growth and empowerment within our team has always been a top priority for Bhava. Whether it’s through personal coaching, professional development or fostering a collaborative atmosphere, every team member is fully supported to be equipped with the tools they need to thrive and shine. This not only strengthens our bond as an agency, but also translates to our relationships with our clients. I strongly believe that our clients can sense the strength and readiness of our team in every interaction due to how Bhava internally cultivates a supportive and excellence-driven workplace.” – Emiley, Account Coordinator, California

“At Bhava, we believe that the professional development of our team members is fundamental to the success of both our people and our agency. We are dedicated to partnering with each Bhavan to prioritize their growth and chart a personalized path forward that aligns with our company’s objectives and values. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and empowering every team member to reach their full potential, we create an environment where Bhavans feel valued and motivated to make a meaningful impact on our collective success.” – Pam, Managing Director, California

Being named a 2024 Inc. Best Workplace is an incredible honor and a reflection of the exceptional culture, values, benefits and approach to PR that make Bhava such a special place to work. I’m proud to be part of a company that truly cares about its people and is dedicated to making a positive impact. As we celebrate this achievement and look to the future, I’m excited to continue growing both personally and professionally as part of the Bhava team.

The post A Bhavan’s Eye View of Agency Life: Living Our Values as an Inc. Best Workplace appeared first on Bhava Communications..

When I founded Bhava in 2009, I had a vision of creating a full-service communications agency that would help B2B and B2B2C technology companies become known as category leaders. Equally important to me was creating a category-leading company where smart, kind, ambitious people would find like-minded colleagues to work with and accomplish big things. By combining these two goals, I believed we could build a workplace and client/agency dynamic that would both set a positive example in the industry and redefine what it means to be a successful tech communications agency.

From our very first client based in San Jose to our most recent kickoff last week with a client based in the UK and Palo Alto, this dream has become a reality. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with nearly 200 tech companies — early stage tech startups, expansion stage companies, scaleups and public enterprises — helping them navigate the complexities of fast-evolving markets across mainstream and emerging technology domains. Our team of skilled tech PR, marketing and social media strategists have consistently delivered exceptional results, driving demand for our clients’ world-changing products.

Our place as one of Inc.’s 2024 Best Workplaces is a powerful testament to Bhava’s ongoing commitment to providing our employees with a supportive, engaging and growth-oriented work environment. We prioritize our team’s physical and mental well-being, offer comprehensive benefits and flexible work locations, and invest heavily in their professional development. As we look to the future, we’re as devoted as ever to sticking to our core values and constantly improving the programs that help our amazing team thrive, innovate and achieve outstanding results for our clients.

Thank you, Bhavans – your dedication and talent have made this achievement possible. Your passion for excellence and unwavering commitment to our clients’ objectives have been the driving force behind Bhava’s achievements. You bring our values – integrity, putting people first, fearless creativity, playfulness and passion for quality – to life every day in your interactions with each other and our clients.

Thank you to all our clients – you’ve trusted us to help you succeed in your respective markets and we’ve learned a lot together. Your partnerships have been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing to support your goals and aspirations.

Riding the Waves of Change – Disruption Brings Opportunity

As I look back on my tech marketing and PR career, I’m struck by how much the technology landscape has changed from the dawn of SEO and e-commerce to today. From the rise of social media in 2009 – when Bhava was among the very first agencies to use Twitter and Facebook for B2B comms, ignoring the naysayers – and now the AI revolution in 2024, Bhava Communications has always been at the forefront, adapting and leveraging emerging technologies to our clients’ advantage. We’ve combined proven methods and new tools to connect companies to their prospective and current customers, investors, potential hires and current employees. We have educated markets about new kinds of technology and helped people understand how to solve problems using our clients’ innovations.

My life’s work has revolved around promoting disruptive technologies that have reshaped industries and transformed the way we live and do business. Now, as we celebrate Bhava Communications’ 15th anniversary, we are in the midst of a disruption that arrived sooner than many anticipated. Bhava has been working with AI clients since 2014 — and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities it presents.

AI is taking over the airwaves, just as “Big Data” and social media did in 2009. As a technology that our clients are building, implementing and using, AI is a topic that we’re thinking, writing and interacting with media, analysts and influencers about extensively. It’s also a tool that we are experimenting with as an “ideation accelerator” in some of our work.

As the old adage goes, “there are years that ask, and there are years that answer.” For Bhava Communications, 2024 is undoubtedly a year of answers. While change can be daunting, it is also the catalyst for growth and progress. By embracing the disruption and adapting to the evolving tech, business and media landscape, we position ourselves to not only survive but thrive in the years ahead.

As we lean into our next chapter, I feel optimism and determination. I’m excited to soon announce new services and offerings that will further enhance our ability to serve our clients and drive their desired outcomes. Some offerings will incorporate AI and some will not. Stay tuned for updates in the coming months as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of technology communications.

Here’s to another 15 years of innovation, progress and making a meaningful impact! The best is yet to come. I can’t wait to share it with you.

The post Happy 15th Birthday, Bhava Communications! Building Category Leaders Through Innovative Tech PR, Marketing and Social Media appeared first on Bhava Communications..

Here are a few of the highlights from the discussion—things that are worth revisiting and keeping in practice.

People not machines
It’s important to remember we are pitching people. People with likes and dislikes, personal lives and time constraints, and who may either be having a good day or a bad day. Think of the fatigue you get reading or hearing overused words or phrases. For many journalists, buzzwords like AI and ML have reached the saturation point. Unless your client actually does AI and ML, don’t try and get creative, they said. These writers bemoaned seeing too many pitches with companies trying to be something they are not just to be part of a story. This tactic doesn’t work and undermines your credibility.

Fresh vs. day old (or much older)
As we think about telling our client’s story, remember to create an interesting narrative (not just throwing in the latest buzzwords). Storytelling is central to what we do. We need to find unique angles and pitch reporters on stories no one else is likely covering. The journalists on the panel said their inboxes are filled with pitches focused on topics they have already covered. We need to help our clients find the gap and tell the story that hasn’t been told. Give reporters the interesting “thing” early to provide them a sense of ownership or inclusion early on. Reporters, like all of us, like to feel like they are a part of something new.

Obsessing on subject lines and names
The panel members emphasized they continually receive ho-hum and unclear email subject lines that they won’t click on. They noted that, as part of storytelling and pitch development, it’s useful to keep a 70/30 ratio in mind as a yardstick—spend 70 percent of your time obsessing over the subject line and 30 percent of your time on the email body itself. The subject line is what will or won’t grab a reporter’s attention. Long, tedious emails aren’t helpful, either. Stick to the facts of the story and lay it out clearly.

Finally, while we’re obsessing over subject lines, don’t forget to triple check the recipient’s name in the email before hitting send. Reporters all too often receive emails addressed to random recipients, or, worse, “Dear Reporter.” This will not make a good impression and likely land you on an embarrassing list.

In summary, here’s a short list of reminders from journalists on the panel that can help everyone practice solid media relations:

• Buzzwords (like AI and ML) will hurt more than help unless your client actually does AI and ML—just stop. Many false claims are being made.

• Remember to tell a story and pitch them on something no one else is covering or has covered; don’t pitch on something they’ve already written.

• Obsess over the subject line.

• Press releases are still valuable but be careful about the buzzwords. Write clearly and concisely and avoid hyperbole.

• Get reporters’ names right in your emails. Give them the interesting “thing” early. Give them a sense of ownership or inclusion early on. They like to feel like they are a part of something, just as most of us do.

Sure, many of these reminders may seem obvious as we read them, but reporters wouldn’t focus on them during panel discussions if PR people were getting them right, right? As summer nears an end and we head into the busy fall season, here’s an easy way to remember how we can help reporters and improve our media relations—just think PUBS: People, Unique, Buzzwords, Subject(line).

The post Tech Journalists Report on the Best Way to Work With Them – Observations From Tech Reporter Panel appeared first on Bhava Communications..

In February, Bhavans spread the love with a Valentine’s Day card-making activity for hospitalized children with Cardz for Kidz. Cardz for Kidz is a Chicago-based organization whose “goal is to impact as many children as possible and help them take their minds off their current situation by reminding them they truly are special.” It brings hand-designed cards to seriously ill children who are confined to their hospital rooms. Bhavans enjoyed channeling their creative skills with heartfelt sentiments, puns and silly drawings to bring smiles to more than 100 children all over the world.

Angel Island is often referred to as the “Ellis Island of the West.” It was a key entry point for many Asian immigrants as they entered the U.S., and was also infamously used as a detention center for many Chinese-Americans between 1882 and 1943 as a result of the Chinese Exclusion Acts and for Japanese-American immigrants during World War II. A bell now stands at the mouth of China Cove to commemorate their plight, and visitors to the island can tour the barracks and read Chinese poetry and Japanese haikus etched into the walls by those detained there.

Angel Island’s panoramic views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge make it hard to fathom such a beautiful place has such a dark history. Today, Angel Island is a popular destination for hiking and camping. On a sunny day in April, Bhavans hiked from the ferry to the immigration station and swept brush and leaves from pathways and gutters to clear the way for spring growth and to maintain the property for visitors. We refueled with a hearty lunch at Sam’s Anchor Cafe in Tiburon.

When we’re not doing one of our many outdoor Club Phil activities , you’ll find us making a difference indoors –  inside a classroom, for example, speaking to students about what a career in PR is like. Earlier this month, Pam Njissang, the managing director for our Emeryville headquarters, joined professionals from all over the region to present at Bohannon Middle School’s 5th Annual Career Day. Pam presented to more than 100 students throughout the day and shared her experiences and career path, leaving students more knowledgeable about the field of PR. With any luck, some were inspired to explore a future career in communications.

Not only do Bhavans love the outdoors, many of us also love dogs and cats… and beer! A contingent of us, along with friends and significant others and our canine companions, participated in the fifth annual Pints for Paws fundraiser put on by the Berkeley Humane organization. More than 1,500 animal-friendly humans came out for the popular event in Berkeley, along with more than 220 people-friendly dogs, a small army of 120 volunteers and 58 sponsors, and rows upon rows of food and beverage vendors. Fully 100 percent of event proceeds go to saving animals, so we were inspired to invest extra to get the VIP tickets, which provided access to a shaded tent and a roster of specially made beers such as the flavorful raspberry-infused Fieldwork Rainbow Parfait.

The weather was gorgeous – the first true hot weekend of 2018 in the Bay Area – and booths with the best local and national craft beers from 22 breweries were sampled by a diverse crowd of folks young and seasoned as live music filled the air. Bhava dogs got cool swag like scrunchie balls and bandanas and Bhava humans got commemorative beer glasses and beer-opener keychains from Ballast Point Brewing Company. But it wasn’t just all dogs. There was also a very large air-conditioned trailer with cats and kittens on display for attendees to play with and adopt. All in all, this year’s event broke prior records and was a huge success in terms of the fun had by all and the money raised to save animals.

Bhava’s founder Liz is looking forward to directly working with Berkeley Humane a lot more in the coming months, and our agency is working on a pro bono communications program for the organization. For Pints for Paws, our team engaged in social media outreach across Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Planning is underway for philanthropic efforts for the second half of the year. We’re looking forward to to keeping philanthropy an integral part of our work lives and Bhava culture, as well as an expression of our community-focused values.

The post With Philanthropy as a Core Value, Club Phil is How Bhavans Give Back: Part 2 appeared first on Bhava Communications..

Rachel, Senior Account Manager:

Ms. Katherine Bradshaw, 11th grade English

Ms. Bradshaw taught us to be “all in” on things. She believed that if you fully engaged in a topic or lesson, you couldn’t help but learn and grow from the experience. She had high standards but was an extremely empathetic person, celebrating creativity and honesty. She also came to school one day with two different shoes on and instead of being embarrassed, she just laughed and said, “well, we know what kind of day I’m having – a fun one.”

Lori, Vice President:

Mrs. Krehbiel, Plum Street Preschool

Thank you, Mrs. Krehbiel, for teaching us early that we could all be who and what we wanted to be. Each day we had several minutes to play dress up, choosing our outfits from the many bins of dress-up clothes at the preschool. One day, I dressed up in the firefighter’s big coat, boots and hat. Several three- and four-year-olds exclaimed, “girls can’t be firemen!” Mrs. Krehbiel gently used the opportunity as a huge teaching moment, telling everyone that girls and boys can be anything they want to be. She even brought in pictures of women firefighters, police officers and doctors the next day.

Nick, Account Executive:

Mrs. York, 3rd Grade

Mrs. York was the Energizer Bunny personified. She was energized and full of life, but was also kind, smart and a born educator. Life in her classroom was colorful; the typical monotony of school would quickly fade away when in her presence. As a fairly quiet, reserved kid, I at first wasn’t too keen on Mrs. York’s creative teaching styles, which forced me to engage in many exercises involving acting, music or speaking in front of my peers. But I quickly learned to love each and every day in her class. Her lessons went beyond the subject matter at hand; they taught me something more. She helped me to see the joy in stepping outside my comfort zone and to find the creativity in all things.

Diana, Senior Account Executive:

Mr. Illig, 3rd Grade

Mr. Illig taught me the importance of honoring and celebrating good work. He did this by going out of his way and taking students to a Japanese restaurant near the school for lunch when they reached a certain number of stars for good work or genuinely showed a desire and passion for learning. I found this to be motivating as a student and it made me realize that good work deserves to be celebrated, even now especially with so much negative energy being heightened by the media in daily news today.

Connor, Account Coordinator:

Mr. Teague, Spanish, 12th grade

Mr. Teague was the one person who stayed in my corner as I struggled to graduate high school. All through high school I never cared about grades, I never did my work and I was always in trouble. When I was a senior, it was a running joke between my friends and other teachers that I would be in high school for another year. Mr. Teague not only ensured that I felt the confidence I needed to succeed, but regularly checked in to make sure my grades were up to par, that I was staying out of trouble and that I had the ability to continue my education after I left his class. He showed me that, not only that I was smart enough to graduate, but also that I was worthy enough to graduate. He showed me the value of self-worth and the benefits of a positive outlook. I worked towards pulling myself together and proving him right. He even ended up being the one to hand me my diploma on graduation day and as he did he said, “I’m so glad to see you here.” I cried on that stage. I owe everything I have today to Mr. Teague and never would have had the will to succeed without him.

Heyun, Account Coordinator:

Mr. Magill, U.S. History, 11th grade

History can be fun! Beyond the rote memorization of dates, names and facts that are usually associated with high school history, Mr. Magill emphasized the stories of U.S. history, and passed on the importance of learning from them. Thank you for always focusing on making the lessons in our books relevant and interesting.

Erika, Senior Account Executive:

Mr. Yonce, 6th Grade

Mr. Yonce had one of the best (i.e., dry and sarcastic) senses of humor that I ever experienced with a teacher. He really kept all of us on our toes – no one dared say, “can I,” when they should have said, “may I,” after a few weeks in his class. He really invested in his students beyond just the academic. In his class, I was certified in CPR and First Aid and participated in my first real musical (I later became a theatre minor in college). He put an emphasis on technology and learning to be professional when working with your colleagues (classmates), creating a website and portal specifically for us with our very own “@mryonce.com” email addresses. Underneath the sarcastic exterior, he was also one of the most kind and caring individuals I’ve ever met, taking the time to cheer me up with a joke and a kind smile when he saw I was upset and setting aside time with one to two students at a time to take them to lunch and ice cream and just talk. To this day, he still reaches out to me every year to wish me a happy birthday and check in. The lessons that I learned in his class were invaluable not only to my academic and professional careers, but also to becoming who I am today as a person.

Duncan, Senior Editorial Director:

Mr. Gray, 3rd grade

Mr. Gray was awesome — very silly, very fun and very smart. And a fantastic storyteller. He had a gift for making each kid in his class feel smart and valued. He also didn’t, at least while we were in his presence, let any kids bully or be mean to other kids. I learned from him a love of words and sentences that persists to this day.

Anton, Associate Influencer and Content Strategist:

Bob Rucker, Diversity in Media, San Jose State University

It’s not my responsibility to decide what people may want or not want. They need to make the decision themselves.

Pam, Managing Director:

Mrs. Jorgenson, 4th Grade

One of my favorite school projects was writing a book and putting the book together, including the creation of the book cover and spine, title page and illustrations. My mom still has this book! I completed this project in Mrs. Jorgenson’s class where she taught me about storytelling, the power of imagination and the importance of clearly communicating my ideas. I use these skills everyday in PR.

Kendra, Associate Account Coordinator:

Mrs. Fischer, Spanish, High School

Mrs. Fischer was one of the most passionate teachers I have ever met; her career as a high school Spanish teacher at Waunakee High School lasted more than 40 years. During my junior year, Mrs. Fischer announced that she would be retiring. But little did she know that she would be met with so much disappointment from our class that she would no longer be teaching us, that she decided to postpone her retirement and continued to teach for another year until we graduated.

Though I already loved Spanish, she inspired in me a deeper passion for the language and a desire to travel the world and understand different cultures. This led to me continuing to study Spanish in college and I eventually ended up studying abroad in Ecuador, which fostered lifelong memories and friendships that I will cherish for years to come.

Kristen, Account Coordinator:

Char Rostomily, 3rd grade

Mrs. Rostomily – better known as Mrs. Rosto by all of her students – is the most authentic and compassionate person I have ever met. Despite many hardships in her personal/family life, she never let it dull her love of teaching and for her students. She always put a smile on her face, had the most contagious laugh, and gave the BEST hugs. Aside from going on many fun field trips and Slurpee runs to the nearby gas station on lunch breaks after getting 100 percent on a spelling tests, the best part about having her as a teacher was that she would celebrate any amount of success in the classroom, no matter how small an achievement it might have been. Mrs. Rosto taught me the importance of carrying a positive attitude, even when you are surrounded and overwhelmed by negativity, and showed me that it is equally important to recognize others’ achievements and hard work.

Keely, Vice President:

Madame Markert, high school French

Madame Markert had such a capacity to care about her students in the classroom and beyond. She taught me to strive for what I wanted in life and to have the confidence so I could accomplish it. When I graduated, she wrote me a note of encouragement reminding me to focus and apply myself because she knew I would be successful if I did.

Jocelynn, Account Manager:

Mr. Falader, 5th Grade

Mr. Falader was an incredible teacher with a love for music and Steelers football. He incorporated the guitar and singing into many of his classroom lessons and often played Simon & Garfunkel during breaks or reading time. To this day “Scarborough Fair” will always remind me of walking in to Mr. Falader’s classroom each morning. Mr. Falader helped all his students realize that class can be fun and that the power of music can really enhance emotion, learning and memory. He also taught me to always be passionate about the things that drive you.

Amber, Managing Principal:

Dwight DeWerth-Pallmeyer, Broadcast Journalism, college

Dwight DeWerth-Pallmeyer taught me everything I needed to know to launch my career in broadcast journalism, and this led to landing a role as the anchor of a news talk station. Dwight not only taught me the skills to start my career in journalism, including how to find and interview sources and how to edit audio, but he also inspired me by the stories of his days in broadcast and by the infinite energy and enthusiasm he brought to every single class. Most importantly, I learned from Dwight how to shape stories; what it means to put your heart into your work; and he inspired me to be the type of mentor to others that he’s been to me.

Liz, CEO:

Candace Owen-Williams, high school English and Drama

Candace Owen-Williams sprinkled fairy dust on my love of words – spoken words, written words, the words that go unsaid in the subtext on the page or on the stage. For her classes I devoured classics, novels, poetry, nonfiction, plays. For her assignments I wrote countless papers, poems and essays on my Apple IIc into the wee hours while my boarding school friends slept. I looked forward to her detailed, insightful comments in the margins and, most of all, her enthusiastic encouragement. She showed me how to take writing to a whole new level. She pushed me past my comfort zone. She took the time to celebrate my wins. She asked me to direct a play from scratch, when I had no idea what that meant. Then she gave me a chance to write a play and direct it. As I look back, what I learned from Mrs. Owen-Williams has a lot do with Bhava. The example she set as a mentor and the opportunities she gave me to invent and lead bolstered my confidence that I could start a company from a blank sheet. At graduation she gave me a pair of golden earrings, the shape of stars, with a card that said “I will see your name in lights.” Thank you for seeing me, Mrs. O-W—yours was the light I needed to follow my dreams.

The post It’s Teacher Appreciation Week: How Our Favorite Teachers Inspired Us appeared first on Bhava Communications..

As a relatively recent addition to the Bhava team, I soon realized that philanthropy is important to the company. Not only do Bhavans live out our values with our clients, but we also share our efforts and energy with the surrounding community. In 2009, Club Phil(anthropy) was founded, formalizing the agency’s philanthropic efforts to bring Bhavans together around a variety of causes, ranging from book drives for prisoners to mentoring at-risk youth. Last year was a banner year for Club Phil: we contributed to eight different nonprofit organizations, donating many hours of Bhavan time and raising money and goods for charitable causes.

During the first quarter of 2017, Bhavans focused their energy on the Prisoners Literature Project (PLP).

• This long-standing nonprofit group provides free books to prisoners across the country. The group believes everyone—regardless of  situation—should have the right to read and the resources to educate themselves.

• Across America, many obstacles stand in the way of prisoners’ access to books: most of them cannot order books online, don’t have the money or  have no one to send books to them. So Bhavans scoured their bookshelves, purchased new books, and also donated money to help PLP pay for postage and mailing supplies. A group of us also volunteered our time to package and sort books at PLP’s Berkeley office.

In our second event of the year, we worked with Leadership Public Schools in Oakland to help tackle the widening disconnect between the school curriculum and the real-world skills needed in today’s job market.

• The Harvard Business School has called the lack of connection between school content and job training requirements the silent epidemic that will significantly impact US economic health.

• Bhavans wanted to do something about this growing problem in our community, so we hosted a group of inner-city high school juniors, coaching them on professional presence, interviewing skills, how to write a resume and how to write a public relations pitch. We hope we inspired some future Bhavans!

The summer quarter had Bhavans channeling their energy creatively in a birthday card-making activity for ill children with Send a Smile 4 Kids and physically in the 2017 Giant Race.

• In August, a group of Bhavans raced their way down the Embarcadero in the Half Marathon/10K/5K run/walk to raise funds for Team in Training (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society), Project Open Hand and the San Francisco Presidio. The race culminated with Bhavans on the field in AT&T Park decked out in their Giants gear.

The final quarter of 2017 was our busiest with the addition of our Austin-based team’s efforts that kicked off in November when they volunteered at The Central Texas Food Bank‘s garden.

• This garden serves as a replicable model of sustainable growing practices and teaches clients the importance of healthy eating and physical activity. Bhavans helped pull weeds in the garden and tied growing berry vines to stakes.

Our next event helped those affected by the series of 17 named storms that made the 2017 hurricane season the most expensive in U.S. history. The deadly and destructive trio of of Harvey, Irma and Maria and other storms left thousands of people without food, shelter and other basic necessities and caused more than $200 billion in damages.

• Bhavans at Emeryville HQ showcased their philanthropic spirit (and bartending skills) at a Happy Hour Hurricane Relief Benefit at Sideshow Kitchen, which raised $1,820 for Direct Relief, UNICEF and the Houston Food Bank.

• A bit closer to home, Bhavans helped address the food insecurity affecting 1 in 7 people in (14.3% of the 1,647,704 people) in Alameda County through a successful canned food drive, for the Alameda County Community Food Bank, collecting and delivering more than 65 pounds of cans.

In December, the Austin team worked in the Salvation Army‘s warehouse sorting and stocking toys and clothing. The team also sponsored and bought toys and clothing for a two-year-old who either lived in the one of the organization’s shelters or came from a low-income family.

Bhava HQ rounded out the year with an opportunity to share some holiday cheer by participating in the Adopt-A-Family Holiday Gift Program. We bought educational games, cool Warriors T-shirts, warm sweatshirts, jackets and more for a family in need of a little holiday help. We gift wrapped and dropped them off at Alameda County Social Services in plenty of time for Santa to place them under the tree.

We’re grateful we were able to give back to the community we love. Club Phil is off to a strong start in 2018. Check back in soon for our upcoming blog post on what we’ve been up to so far this year!

The post With Philanthropy as a Core Value, Club Phil is How Bhavans Give Back appeared first on Bhava Communications..