Although Bravo TV’s “The Real Housewives” franchise began in 2006, I am rather proud to say that it did not make my guilty pleasures list until late 2020. I have always been a late adopter, and I suppose a global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns can make you a bit more open-minded/susceptible to a 14-season binge watch! Presently, my favorite cast hails from Salt Lake City, but each one brings its own flavor of drama, warranted eyerolls, sometimes questionable fashion and amusing confessionals. Honestly, what’s not to love?
In “reality,” I think what draws me to the franchise is that it allows me to zone out, draw my own conclusions about what’s going on behind the scenes and try to deduce the narratives these crafty producers are producing for each leading lady. I also appreciate that it’s void of violence and cheesiness. What I value most of all, however, is the subtle PR and media lessons viewers can take away from each episode.
Nailing Key Messages
Whether the Housewives are hosting lavish parties, traveling to exotic resorts, or going out on the town, drama is never far from the scene. While I try to avoid drama like the plague, I appreciate that these ladies lean into it and state their respective cases with passion. Usually, they are prepared to stand their ground, thanks to predetermined and practiced key messages.
In legal marketing, PR and — as the Housewives can attest — just life in general, a lot rides on key messages. Be it for a media interview, a client pitch meeting, a networking event or a panel presentation, talking points are foundational. We work with all clients to iron out the core talking points for any verbal dialogue, because they help drive and direct a conversation, impart clear thoughts, and leave a lasting impression on the listener(s).
Establishing Personal Brands
These ladies are who they are. They rarely apologize, they employ dedicated glam squads, they hold grudges and they have unique personal taglines that change from season to season. Viewers are drawn to different Housewives for different reasons — and the same can be true for clients and their lawyers. Lawyers who have established a personal brand based on their proven talents and practice passions will often draw in likeminded clients organically who value and ultimately trust what they bring to the table.
Leveraging Social Platforms
Love it or hate it, social media is one of today’s most effective communication tools. And most of today’s Housewives use social platforms incredibly well. They are actively posting new content, they engage (OK, sometimes that’s for the worse …) and they reinforce the personal brands we have been introduced to on our TV screens.
While every social platform can be leveraged for something slightly different and we nudge our clients toward LinkedIn first and foremost, it is always helpful to observe the ways in which others are driving engagement and building follower numbers in their own unique ways. What about a Housewife’s posting methods might you be able to use to build your own firm or practice?
Expecting the Crises
For the most part, these Housewives seem to have their crisis plans in place. As public figures who are, ultimately, at the mercy of those behind the camera and making the final edits, they are ready for whatever public scrutiny may come when a season airs. With their lives on display for all the Bravo-verse to see, judge and criticize, they stand ready to weather any storm.
As legal marketers or lawyers, crisis management preparedness is absolutely crucial. Although nobody likes to think about a worst-case scenario, crises of every size and kind happen daily. Surviving a crisis requires well-timed, articulate, authentic communications; a capable and trustworthy spokesperson; humility; and firm understanding of how to navigate backlash from media, clients and the public.
Even if none of “The Real Housewives” franchises have reeled you in, I would venture a guess that your own guilty pleasure show holds plenty of PR lessons or examples of how to successfully elevate your profile and thrive in your own respective field. Feel free to reach out to me at bchieffallo@jaffepr.com to share your most valuable professional TV takeaway!