Marshall Communications

05/14/2026

Artificial intelligence is becoming a major topic of conversation across nearly every industry, and public relations is no exception.

At Marshall Communications, we see AI as a tool that can support and strengthen the work PR professionals already do every day — not replace it.

AI can help communications teams:
• Research industries and trends faster
• Generate ideas and first drafts
• Monitor media coverage in real time
• Prepare for interviews and crisis situations
• Support thought leadership efforts
• Spend more time focused on strategy and relationships

But while technology continues to evolve, the foundation of strong public relations remains the same: authentic storytelling, strategic communication and meaningful human connection.

The most effective communication still comes from understanding people, asking thoughtful questions and building trust over time.

Nancy Marshall recently shared more insights on this topic in her latest Forbes article, including six ways AI can help the PR industry evolve while keeping authenticity at the center.

Read the article here:

​AI is pushing us to think differently, but the real shift is not just in what we ask; it’s how we ask.

05/13/2026

Public relations is often underestimated, but its impact is still incredibly important.

PR is much more than media coverage. It is about identifying your key audiences, building relationships and strategically sharing stories that connect with people in meaningful ways.

Those audiences can include media outlets, thought leaders, elected officials, civic leaders, customers and community stakeholders.

At Marshall Communications, our “Marshall Plan” helps clients identify who they need to reach and the best ways to communicate with those audiences. Strong communication and storytelling continue to be essential parts of successful marketing and brand strategy.

For more, watch this short clip!

05/08/2026

Dear Friends,

I’ve just returned from a truly memorable trip to France, and I find myself reflecting on an experience that felt both joyful and grounding. While I was there, I had the opportunity to reconnect with a family I first met years ago when I was working at a summer camp during college. Thanks to Facebook, we had stayed loosely in touch over the years, and this trip gave us the chance to turn that digital connection back into something real.

I spent a weekend with them in the south of France, and it was everything you might imagine and more. We explored the countryside, cooked meals together, laughed endlessly, and enjoyed incredible food and wine. It was a beautiful reminder of what the French so perfectly describe as "joie de vivre."

This is Geraldine in Provence, France, who is the wife of Laurent, who I met at summer camp while I was in college. She personifies 'joie de vivre,' and I am so glad I was able to spend the weekend with her and her husband!

I have always loved my work, and I am deeply passionate about what I do. But this trip reminded me that there is a whole world outside of work that deserves just as much attention. Taking time to have fun, to explore, to reconnect with people and to expand your horizons is not a luxury. It is essential.

Like many of you, I sometimes struggle to strike the right balance. This experience was a powerful reminder that work and life are not meant to compete with each other, but to complement one another.

I need to remind myself of that!

Happy May!

Nancy Marshall

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Previous Editions: From Digital PR to Real Connections, October’s Top Lessons for Growth – October 2025 Why a Strong Personal Brand Will Never Be Replaced by AI – September 2025 🌞 August Is the Month of Gratitude – August 2025 Maximize Your Momentum This Summer – July 2025 Navigating th...

05/06/2026

A cluttered workspace can quietly drain your energy more than you realize.

Between emails, texts, papers, notifications, and constant distractions, it’s easy to fall into reactive mode instead of focused work mode.

In this month’s Mainebiz column, Nancy shares simple strategies for reducing physical and digital clutter, clearing your mind, and creating a workspace that supports productivity and creativity.

A few reminders:
• Start small
• Focus on one area at a time
• Reduce clutter at the source
• Progress matters more than perfection

For more, read here:

For anyone feeling overwhelmed by clutter, our columnist offers a few simple steps to get started.

05/01/2026

In this month’s Marshall Report, we’re talking about something a lot of brands don’t think about enough… how they actually show up online.With AI changing the way people search, your digital presence goes way beyond just having a website. Tools are pulling from social media, blogs, and even online discussions to decide what people see first.

Here’s why that matters. If your brand isn’t consistently showing up with valuable content, it’s a lot harder to stand out, and even harder to be found. We’re also seeing platforms like Reddit and Instagram play a bigger role than ever in visibility, which might not be what most brands expect.

It's definitely something to think about! If you want to learn more, read our latest blog:

Learn how to boost your online visibility in the age of AI by creating content, leveraging platforms, and prioritizing searchability.

04/28/2026

PR Maven® Tip of the Month: Make Yourself Easy To Find

Try this: Google your name or your business.

What shows up? Is it clearly you—or are you buried under other results?

With more people using both search engines and AI tools to find information, your online presence matters more than ever. It’s often the first impression you make before you ever get the chance to introduce yourself.

Your website, social media, and media mention’s all work together to tell your story. The goal is simple: make it easy for people to find you, understand what you do, and feel confident choosing you.

Because at the end of the day, if people can’t find you, they can’t work with you.

04/23/2026

Strong relationships are at the core of effective communication.

During a recent speaking engagement at the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, Nancy Marshall shared a meaningful lesson from her mother, a preschool teacher known as “Oma.” She made every person feel seen, valued, and respected.

That same principle applies to public relations. Taking the time to understand individuals and build genuine connections is what sets great communicators apart.

There is that great reminder captured in this short clip!

04/22/2026

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the communications industry, and public relations is no exception. In her latest article for Forbes, Nancy Marshall shares perspective on how professionals can adapt and continue to stand out in an AI driven landscape.

Some of the key takeaways include:
- AI can streamline many day to day tasks, but it cannot replace strategic thinking and strong communication skills
-Building a trusted network and a recognizable personal brand is more important than ever
- Long term success in PR will come from professionals who combine technical tools with thoughtful strategy and creativity

As the industry continues to evolve, the most successful communicators will be those who embrace change and focus on what makes them uniquely valuable!

For more, read the full article here:

Rather than being replaced by AI, smart PR people will be able to use it to get more done.

04/15/2026

Public relations gets dismissed more than it should—but that doesn’t mean it’s lost its value.

In this episode of the Agents of Change Podcast, Andrew Davis sparks a bold conversation: Does PR still exist?

At Marshall Communications, we see it differently.

PR isn’t gone, it has just evolved. It’s about connecting with the right audiences, telling meaningful stories, and building trust across every touchpoint, from media to thought leaders to community voices.

That’s exactly why we use our Marshall Plan approach: identifying key audiences and delivering the right message, in the right way, at the right time.

🎧 Tune in to hear the full conversation and decide for yourself.

04/09/2026

Hello friends,

I’ve been reflecting on how much public relations is evolving—and in many ways, coming full circle.

After decades in PR, from pitching by phone and fax to today’s digital world, I can confidently say this is one of the most exciting times for our industry. That’s why I’m working on a new book on what I call the Renaissance of Public Relations, sparked by AI.

While some think AI will replace PR, the opposite is true. AI is increasing the value of credible, human-generated content. It prioritizes trust, authority, and consistency—everything great PR has always delivered.

AI isn’t creating truth. It’s searching for it—and pulling from sources it trusts. That’s where PR comes in. If you want to be found in the age of AI, you must first be known.

Here’s how PR helps you show up:
• Earn credible media coverage
• Share strategic press releases
• Write a clear “About” section
• Build out FAQs
• Show proof through case studies
• Stay consistent across platforms
• Optimize your LinkedIn
• Publish regularly
• Leverage your network

This isn’t the end of PR—it’s a powerful new beginning. Stay tuned as I continue working on the book.

Did you enjoy this letter? Sign up for the PR Maven Newsletter to receive a letter like this directly in your inbox each month: https://prmaven.com/newsletter/

With gratitude,
Nancy Marshall

Previous Editions: From Digital PR to Real Connections, October’s Top Lessons for Growth – October 2025 Why a Strong Personal Brand Will Never Be Replaced by AI – September 2025 🌞 August Is the Month of Gratitude – August 2025 Maximize Your Momentum This Summer – July 2025 Navigating th...

04/03/2026

As we celebrate 35 years of Marshall Communications, we’re reflecting on the moments and people who helped shape our foundation.

One of the earliest influences behind our founder, Nancy Marshall, was her father, Frank Briggs.

As an electrical engineer at Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Frank traveled the country in the 1950s presenting a program called Energy in Action, where he demonstrated how electricity works in ways that were engaging and easy to understand. His ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and connect with audiences left a lasting impression.

That influence carried forward when Nancy was a student at Colby College. With her father’s encouragement—and an introduction to Westinghouse’s public relations team—she had the opportunity to experience the PR world firsthand. That early exposure sparked what would become a lifelong career in communications.

At Marshall Communications, we believe great storytelling starts with connection—and that value has been part of our story from the very beginning.

Here’s to the people who inspire us, and to the next 35 years. 💙