TikTok launches PR campaign, Boeing announces more layoffs, and Walmart’s e-commerce sales rise 97%

Also: Girl Scouts announces a new flavor and online sales for 2021, Amazon scrambles to remove Kamala Harris shirts, social media manager pitfalls, and more. Hello, communicators: Charles Etoroma, senior social media specialist at Express, tweeted a relateable pain point for digital and social media managers: https://twitter.com/chvrlesjr/status/1295791581484716034 What other pitfalls would you add to Etoroma’s tweet? Share with us your thoughts under the #DailyScoop hashtag. Here are today’s top stories: TikTok launches PR campaign The social media app recently published a video highlighting its users with the caption, “Celebrating you”: https://twitter.com/tiktok_us/status/1295756483431292928 It’s similar to another video featuring TikTok power users, with the message that the app stands for family, creativity and expression: https://twitter.com/tiktok_us/status/1292926478728847360 The videos and the Twitter account are part of an awareness campaign aimed at dispelling misinformation and strengthening TikTok’s image. TechCrunch reported: On Monday, TikTok launched tiktokus.info, a website that organizes the company’s statements, news coverage, “expert opinions,” FAQs and other resources in a single destination. Oddly titled “The Last Sunny Corner of the Internet,” TikTok makes the case for its app as a place where millions express themselves creatively. It also goes on record to flatly deny that it would ever provide TikTok U.S. user data to the Chinese government. And it spells out its commitments to areas like user safety and security, as well as its commitments to combating election misinformation and interference, among other things. Why it’s important: Oracle has entered the ring as another potential TikTok buyer, along with Microsoft. However, the social media app is facing scrutiny over its data gathering practices and more. President Trump recently gave the platform’s parent company, ByteDance, 90 days to sell TikTok to an organization in the United States, or it’ll be banned. Communicators should watch this space for further developments. TACTICALLY SPEAKING The Girl Scouts of the USA recently announced a new cookie that will be added to its 2021 lineup, called the “Toast-Yay!”: https://twitter.com/girlscouts/status/1295707746311057408 The cookie, which the organization describes as “toast-shaped” and “full of French toast flavor and flair and stamped with the trusted Girl Scouts’ signature trefoil on top,” will be sold online next year—similar to how the organization responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, by shifting sales to an e-commerce platform. In a blog post, the Girl Scouts wrote: In the 2021 season, Girl Scouts will again embrace their entrepreneurial spirit by selling cookies through online platforms and innovative “virtual cookie booths” on social media (with parental supervision). Many girls will offer socially distant or contactless sales and delivery options. If local guidelines allow and it’s safe to do so, in-person sales may also be available in certain areas. MEASURED THOUGHTS Walmart announced that its e-commerce sales in the U.S. rose 97% in the last quarter, with overall online sales almost doubling during COVID-19. CNBC created a chart that shows how striking the numbers are, which were reported during the retail chain’s most recent earning call: Image courtesy of CNBC. The statistics are another reminder of shifting consumer behaviors and the crucial need to embrace both e-commerce and a digital-first format. CRISIS LEADERSHIP BOARD Looking for more insight on how to address the current global crisis and lead your organization into a strong recovery? via GIPHY Join Ragan’s Crisis Leadership Board to network and brainstorm with peers, get the latest intelligence and research, and start to strategize for the future of your organization. Learn more about this exclusive membership here. Boeing to announce layoffs in addition to its previous 16,000 job cuts As sales continue to drop and orders are canceled, the aircraft producer said it’s preparing to announce additional layoffs to stay afloat. In April, the company said it would cut 10% of its 160,000 employeees’ positions. CNN Business reported: "The pandemic has been tough on our people, our business and our industry. While there have been some signs of recovery, the reality is we're in a challenging position," said CEO Dave Calhoun in a message to Boeing (BA) employees Monday. He said there would be a new round of buyouts offered to employees next week. "This action will extend our overall workforce reductions beyond the initial 10% target and will allow more employees who want to depart the company to do so voluntarily with a pay and benefits package," Calhoun said. "Importantly, it also will help limit additional involuntary workforce actions. I truly wish the current market demand could support the size of our workforce. Unfortunately, layoffs are a hard but necessary step to align to our new reality." Why it’s important: As COVID-19 continues, communicators should remain flexible and ready to shift directions at a moment’s notice. At the same time, you should also aim to give employees the most up-to-date and transparent information as possible, especially when it involves upcoming or potential layoffs. DOWNLOAD OUR REPORT Following the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and others, organizations were pushed more forcefully than ever before to take stands against systemic racism and move to support social justice initiatives. Which responses made an impact—and which responses fell flat? Learn from 10 of the biggest brand messages in our special report, “Organizational responses to Black Lives Matter.” The report offers communicators important takeaways to lead organizations and clients in the second half of 2020 and into the future. Download our report here via GIPHY . TACTICALLY SPEAKING Amazon had to scrub its third-party marketplace of derogatory shirts about Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s running mate, Kamala Harris. Even though the offensive shirts were removed, it wasn’t before backlash grew on Twitter and beyond. https://twitter.com/USATODAY/status/1296076954274353152 USA Today reported: "All sellers must follow our selling guidelines and those who do not will be subject to action including potential removal of their account. We are working to remove these products," an Amazon spokesperson told USA TODAY. Third-party marketplaces add an additional layer of complications for communicators looking to keep their brands’ reputations intact. Amazon’s prompt removal and succinct statement should help the PR crisis blow over quickly. WHAT YOU SAID We want to hear about your experiences and insights as we continue to navigate the landscape of continued uncertainty. Is there a question you’d like us to ask in an upcoming poll? Let us know! SOUNDING BOARD Are you focusing on e-commerce sales or digital-first content during COVID-19? https://twitter.com/PRDaily/status/1296090406103535616 Share how you've shifted your efforts below and under the #DailyScoop hashtag.

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