The Matchbox.

Mar. 12

From Burgers to B2B: The Product Launch Lesson from McDonald’s Viral Moment

A short video of the McDonald’s CEO introducing the Big Arch burger recently went viral for the wrong reasons. Instead of building excitement the delivery was extremely stiff, the bite looked hesitant and the whole moment came across more like a corporate briefing than a tasty new burger launch.

The same disconnect happens in B2B tech product launches. Executives introduce new platforms or AI features using scripted language about “transformational innovation,” but the delivery is detached from the people who actually use the technology.

Whether it’s a burger or a software platform, the principle is the same: authenticity matters. Product launches land best when leaders sound like they understand the problem and genuinely believe in what they’re introducing.

If the messenger feels disconnected, the audience notices.

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Feb. 12

The Rise of the Email Q&A

With newsrooms stretched thin, many reporters are turning to email Q&As for quick, reliable input. They offer a chance for subject matter experts to deliver clear, consistent messaging while avoiding misquotes and explaining complex topics with precision. Done well, email Q&As give reporters clean material to use and ensure your strongest points land exactly as intended. Here are a few recent client email interviews that turned into powerful stories:

Terra Dotta: 

PIE News: International education depends on supporting the people behind it

Keynova Group:

Digital Insurance: Commercial insurers continue to offer more online: Keynova

AppsAnywhere: 

EdTech Digest: Inside Gen Alpha’s Digital Future

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Jan. 22

Press Releases Just Got A Promotion

For years, I separated press releases into two buckets: newsworthy or marketing-driven. That line is disappearing—fast. AI has become one of the most influential audiences for communications, and it doesn’t care about categories.The importance of press releases is surging as AI models increasingly ingest, parse and surface content. 

That means every release must do double duty: written and structured for humans and optimized for algorithmic digestion. Clear headlines. Strong context. Clean formatting. Credible data. These elements help LLMs understand, classify and ultimately publish the message.

So, the next time you catch me asking, “Is this really press-release worthy?”—stop me. If you want visibility, press releases are essential.

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Dec. 15

Y&A Spark: 2025 Gratitude, PR Planning, the Rise of Email Q&As and The Press Release is Back

The December 2025 issue of the Y&A Spark newsletter is here. Check it out for 2025 reflections, PR planning tips and insights on email Q&As. Plus, Meggan Manson addresses the resurging importance of press releases in the AI era.

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Dec. 05

Why PR Packs a Heavier Punch in 2026

As generative AI reshapes how people search and make decisions, PR and earned media are becoming even more valuable. AI tools pull from trusted, authoritative sources — which means the organizations quoted in articles, featured in interviews and backed by credible data are the ones most likely to show up in those AI-generated answers.

Earned media now influences two audiences at once: real readers and the algorithms scanning for reputable insights. With newsroom bandwidth shrinking and competition for attention rising, strong storylines and consistent thought leadership matter more than ever.

The message for 2026 is simple: prioritize PR. It builds trust, drives visibility and positions your brand where it counts — in front of people and the AI systems shaping what they see first.

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Nov. 05

Finding Earned Media When Reporters Have Bigger Fish to Fry

Getting earned media in B2B tech is hard right now. Reporters are focused on national politics, big policy shifts and economic stories. Smaller vendors often get left out. That makes strategy and creativity more important than ever.

  1. Focus on authority, not attention
    Skip the product pitch. Reporters want perspective and expertise. Offer insights that help them explain how new regulations or trends affect your industry.
  2. Connect to what’s happening
    Find a link between your story and the news cycle. If new AI rules come out, explain what that means for cloud providers or data privacy. Relevance wins coverage.
  3. Go smaller to make a bigger impact
    Trade outlets and industry podcasts often have more influence than national media. After all, these are your target buying audiences and care about what you do.
  4. Create your own story
    Commission a quick survey or publish short research on your market. Original data gives journalists something to reference and makes your brand a credible source.
  5. Keep relationships real
    Journalists are stretched thin. Be helpful, quick and clear. When you make their job easier, they remember you.

The media spotlight may be elsewhere, but smart, consistent storytelling still earns attention. The key is to be useful, informed and ready when opportunity appears.

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Oct. 09

Best in Class: Young & Associates Named Top EdTech PR Firm

We’re honored to share that Young & Associates has been named Best EdTech PR Firm in the 2025 Tech Edvocate Awards.

This recognition celebrates our team’s commitment to elevating the voices driving innovation in education.

From pioneering startups to established global leaders, we’re proud to partner with organizations transforming how the world learns, teaches and connects.

For nearly 15 years, Y&A has been helping education technology brands stand out—through thoughtful strategy, compelling storytelling and deep industry insight.

The Tech Edvocate honor underscores what has always defined the agency: a passion for helping companies tell stories that matter.

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Sep. 30

The Perils of PR Stops and Starts

In PR, momentum is everything. Too often, organizations treat public relations like a faucet—turning it on when they want attention, then shutting it off when budgets tighten or priorities shift. The problem? Every stop forces you to rebuild trust, reestablish visibility and fight uphill for relevance.

Inconsistency in B2B tech erodes buyer confidence. A brand that goes quiet looks unstable, leaving prospects wondering if you’re still innovating—or even still around. Meanwhile, competitors who keep showing up become the reliable voices in the market.

The takeaway: sustainable PR isn’t about one-off headlines. It’s about showing up, again and again, with a clear story that builds over time. And if budgets get tight, don’t pull the plug. Instead, rescope and focus on the core activities that keep your brand visible and credible, so momentum never stalls.

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Sep. 17

Y&A Spark: Adapting Digital Marketing for AI; Data in PR; The Perils of PR Stops and Starts

The September 2025 issue of the Y&A Spark newsletter is here. Check it out for exciting award wins and insights on why data is essential to smart PR and adapting digital marketing for AI. Plus, Jennifer MacLeid Qotb offers a warning about PR stops and starts.

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Aug. 28

Cut the Content Clutter for PR Clarity

In public relations, clarity is not optional — it is foundational. Journalists face relentless deadlines, reviewing dozens of pitches, press releases and Q&As each day. They do not have time to decode jargon or search for a story buried under mountains of unnecessary detail. What they need is accuracy, focus and speed.

Every piece of content we create — whether a release, a pitch or a Q&A — should be sharp, scannable, and purposeful. Remove the marketing fluff. Lead with the facts and the central narrative. When the story is easy to understand, reporters can deliver timely, accurate coverage that ultimately benefits our clients.

Clarity also builds trust. Journalists recognize when PR professionals respect their time and their craft. Overly promotional language or dense copy does more than slow them down — it can make us appear careless or insincere. Editing for clarity strengthens credibility.

Think like a reporter: What is the news? Why does it matter now? Who can speak to it? When we answer those questions clearly, we not only strengthen media relationships but also improve the quality and impact of the coverage we earn.

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