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NEXT UP AT NEXT STEP: ALYSSA MCCANN

Oct 27, 2021

Next Up at Next Step: The wonderful Alyssa McCann! For years, Alyssa worked in television broadcasting as a news anchor and reporter. Now, she’s decided to take her love of storytelling and outgoing personality to the PR industry, where she became our newest Account Associate in May 2020. Keep reading to learn more about Alyssa, including her favorite NSC memories so far, her hobbies and favorite travel spots, as well as her advice for new PR pros entering the field.

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?

Prior to working at Next Step Communications and joining the PR industry, I majored in television broadcasting at Curry College. Following earning my degree, I lived in Northern Michigan where I began my broadcasting career covering news and sports across the northern part of the state. I also served as my camera person, edited my video, and produced my newscasts; all of which taught me the ins and outs of television! After my career in Michigan, I moved back to Massachusetts and worked for Western Mass News in Springfield. In Springfield, I began as a weekend reporter and then served as our morning traffic reporter and anchor. You could say I know my way around Massachusetts fairly well!

WHAT WORK AT NSC ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

During my time at NSC, I would have to say that I am most proud of the work we did with a patient named Shane who has Guillain-Barré syndrome. We interviewed Shane about his experience with the Bioness technology and the impact his physical therapy had on his life. We were then able to create a video showing his progress during his mobility journey. Through pitching, we were able to secure him a spot on a local news broadcast. Shane shared that after the story aired, complete strangers were reaching out to him for advice and insight. This shows the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on someone’s life!

IF YOU COULD DO ONLY ONE ASPECT OF PR WORK WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I love content creation and connecting with consumers. Listening to their journeys and the progress they were able to make using our clients’ products or technology is inspiring! From there we are allowed to have our creative juices flow and develop unique ways to help get these consumer stories heard.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF NSC?

While I have not been at NSC for long, our team outing to the Red Sox game was awesome! That was my first time meeting the team in person and sincerely getting to know each of my coworkers. The team at NSC has been extremely welcoming; everyone is kind, understanding, fun, and respectful. What more could you ask for!?

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO OUTSIDE OF NSC?

Outside of NSC, I am typically enjoying Peloton workouts, cuddling with my dog Brody, taking walks around my neighborhood while listening to a podcast, reading, or watching reality TV. I also love trying new restaurant spots with friends and family, and having the opportunity to travel and experience new cities and cultures.

ANY ADVICE FOR THOSE ENTERING OR INTERESTED IN PR?

Always re-read your material and then re-read it again! It’s also important to follow your gut and ask questions.

MUST-HAVE ITEM ALWAYS ON YOU?

I always have my YETI water bottle and chapstick on me! 

GO-TO PIZZA PLACE?

Well, being allergic to cheese really stinks! My favorite used to be Pizza Regina in the North End (the original). 

FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE TRAVELED?

There have been so many places I traveled to that I loved. One time, in particular, I was lucky enough to go on a European cruise with my family when I was younger. While the views and cultures at each location were phenomenal, it was the family I was surrounded by that made the experience so meaningful.

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Alyssa McCann

Alyssa McCann

I’m a former news reporter taking my storytelling skills to the Next Step. In my spare time you can find me on my Peloton or planning a spontaneous adventure. 
Sara von Remus

Sara von Remus

Passionate about storytelling and aesthetics. Outside of work you can find me writing music or practicing my shark tank pitches on the cat.

Kate Nichols

Kate Nichols

I’m a passionate storyteller who enjoys meeting new people and helping others achieve their goals.  In my spare time, you can typically find me reading the latest thriller, shredding the ski slopes on my snowboard or walking my two pups around Boston. 

Tom Kirwan

Tom Kirwan

When not grappling with analytics, phases of customer journeys, and how digital marketing can deliver results for clients, you will find me either traveling or planning trips for the family – from day trips to escape Brooklyn or further afield when the opportunity arises.

Devin Kincade

Devin Kincade

After first getting my PR sea-legs with NSC as an intern, I now help clients find the right journalists using skills picked up from crime documentary series binging. When I’m not working, you can find me sipping iced coffee, getting in a Crossfit workout or hiking with my dog.

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Integrated Marketing

Building effective and sustainable marketing programs requires the ability to integrate all efforts into one trackable and cohesive plan. We understand today’s need to tap into all layers of the sales journey, and work with our clients to fully understand how organic, earned, and paid activities can support each step in their sales process.

As the industry begins to embrace more than a siloed press releases and blast email strategy, it is necessary to further engage existing and future customers through creative campaigns and customized approaches. Beyond written content, we, along with our partners, help clients tell their stories visually through video, infographics, PPC campaigns, and marketing collateral. Simultaneous to creating this content, we can work alongside your sales and marketing teams to optimize your CRM engine behind the scenes for improved customer tracking and ROI.

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Content Creation

Today, companies are challenged to find the proper mix of marketing activity to introduce, engage and cement relationships with current and future customers. Despite evolving technologies for accessing media, the constant desire from readers is for compelling and interesting content, which should be customized for each desired targeted audience. Whether commenting on the direction of the industry or providing insights to help others achieve business results, we help brands and their executives fine-tune their messaging so it resonates with their target audience.  

Social media is an area where we foster true synchronization between our pitching themes and narratives within which our clients play a role. As a supplement to existing media strategies, social media can act as an excellent driver to other content or strategic landing points.

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Earned Media

Whether you want exposure in the business press, online blog, a niche trade publication, or other channels and outlets in between, we have an established track record of delivering on-message and on-target results. Beyond promoting company events and press releases, we work to connect our clients with journalists in between these landmarks to offer commentary on industry trends or breaking news.

Melissa Brouillette

Melissa Brouillette

In addition to my love for media relations and witty social media content, my favorite hobbies include trying new wines downtown or park hopping around Disney.

Cassie Smith

Cassie Smith

Helping to define craft excellence at Next Step. Addicted to coffee, stripes, wine & reality TV.

Nigel Smith

Nigel Smith

For me, success is being able to honestly say that the most important aspect of the job is enjoying the people you work with everyday – clients, partners and most importantly, my collaborators.