The tech landscape is a vibrant and changing ecosystem where brands are required to build specific relationships to garner respect, authority, and loyalty. With fickle attention spans and a big crowd, the best way to stand out and build lasting value is to focus on developing the vital relationships that every tech brand should prioritize, instead of chasing viral trends or spamming hashtags.

 

Collaboration for innovation

Back in the day, there was a technically superior video format called Betamax. Unfortunately, due to the closed ecosystem, this video format ended up getting swallowed by VHS. In a stark contrast to that situation, Android has an open-source platform that thrives on collaboration. 

 

Between the affordable flagship devices from Xiaomi and the innovative Galaxy devices from Samsung, instead of solely focusing on breeding competition, this field thrives on co-creation. These alliances fuel innovation, unlock new markets, and amplify a brand’s impact beyond its single product or service.

 

Relationships in authenticity

Plenty of tech brands in the past have decided to release defensive press releases whenever a popular tech reviewer ends up criticizing an aspect of their latest solution. However, a better strategy would be to invite that reviewer to a closed-door beta test of the next update of the aspect they criticized. 

 

This will show that the tech brand is looking to address the reviewer’s concerns and that it has a commitment to user feedback. The strategy also practically guarantees the company will receive a glowing review, later on, which will highlight its responsiveness and transparency. 

 

These kinds of strategies can help tech brands turn potential PR crisis situations into an opportunity to build up their public image for the better. True power lies in authentic relationships with influencers and community leaders, not just chasing trends across platforms. 

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Connecting through values

Over two decades ago, Apple created a very popular promotional campaign that celebrated dreamers and rebels who dared to change the world with Macs, titled Think Different. The campaign was solely focused on the powerful human narrative, and that’s how it managed to resonate with audiences across generations. 

 

These types of brands understand that emotional connection is the key to lasting loyalty. They weave stories that link their tech with human aspirations and values. It’s not about gadgets and algorithms. It’s about a shared vision for a better future, inspiring customers to identify with the brand beyond simple functionality.

 

Listening, learning, and implementing

The tech giant Nokia has been operating across various markets for over a century, but its flagship mobile phone and subsequent potential solutions ended up getting dethroned from that place due to the company’s inability to adapt to the new era of smartphones. 

 

In contrast, Spotify’s continuous split testing and user feedback-driven iterations transformed it from a niche music streaming service to the global audio giant they are today. In the chaotic tech landscape, agility and responsiveness are not luxuries, but survival instincts. 

 

Listen to the customers, not just through surveys, but through active social media engagement, beta testing programs, and open dialogues. Embrace criticism as fuel for improvement, and iterate the solutions at lightning speed.

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Ronn Torossian is the Founder & Chairman of 5W Public Relations, one of the largest independently owned PR firms in the United States. Since founding 5WPR in 2003, he has led the company's growth and vision, with the agency earning accolades including being named a Top 50 Global PR Agency by PRovoke Media, a top three NYC PR agency by O'Dwyers, one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces and being awarded multiple American Business Awards, including a Stevie Award for PR Agency of the Year. With over 25 years of experience crafting and executing powerful narratives, Torossian is one of America's most prolific and well-respected public relations executives. Throughout his career he has advised leading and high-growth businesses, organizations, leaders and boards across corporate, technology and consumer industries. Torossian is known as one of the country's foremost experts on crisis communications. He has lectured on crisis PR at Harvard Business School, appears regularly in the media and has authored two editions of his book, "For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations," which is an industry best-seller. Torossian's strategic, resourceful approach has been recognized with numerous awards including being named the Stevie American Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, the American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year, twice over, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist, a Top Crisis Communications Professional by Business Insider, Metropolitan Magazine's Most Influential New Yorker, and a recipient of Crain's New York Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Outside of 5W, Torossian serves as a business advisor to and investor in multiple early stage businesses across the media, B2B and B2C landscape. Torossian is the proud father of two daughters. He is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and a board member of multiple not for profit organizations.