Public relations and news releases are synonymous in the minds of some. Because the media relations aspect of PR is so "public", the PR discipline often is narrowly defined by this tactic. PR is much more than cranking out positive client fodder for the media.
My definition: PR is developing, managing and maintaining relationships with any audience that can affect your organization.
Edward Bernays, the father of PR and the nephew of Sigmund Freud, takes his definition into the social science realm. (Well, what did you expect from Sigmund Freud's nephew?) He advised clients on the social attitudes and actions to take in order to garner the support of audiences critical for success.
Bernays counseled his clients to do something to interrupt the continuity of life in some way to bring about the appropriate media and public response. Typically, these "interruptions" were done in such a way as to leave no trace of Bernays or his client behind.
Consider this. In the 1920s Bernays melded corporate sales campaigns with popular social causes. As an agent for the American Tobacco Company, he convinced women's rights marchers in New York City to smoke Lucky Strike cigarettes as "Torches of Freedom." Unlike the Wizard of Oz, Bernays managed to stay concealed behind the curtain.
The problem I have with Bernays' definition of PR is in its manipulative aspect. I believe that true PR practitioners seek common ground upon which to build mutually beneficial relationships.
Harry Hoover is managing principal of Hoover ink PR, http://www.hoover-ink.com. He has 26 years of experience in crafting and delivering bottom line messages that ensure success for serious businesses like Brent Dees Financial Planning, Duke Energy, Levolor, North Carolina Tourism, Ty Boyd Executive Learning Systems, VELUX and Verbatim.
Rolling Meadows Cadillac Escalade rental .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareBecause when it comes to public relations, non-believers can produce... Read More
A great way to celebrate your achievements and capitalize on... Read More
When ABC News anchor Peter Jennings announced he had lung... Read More
Southern grandmothers have often said, "there are only three... Read More
There's an old African proverb:"If you think you are too... Read More
Before you even think about writing a press release, there... Read More
SORRY?WERE YOU SAYING SOMETHING?Many spokespeople approach media interviews the same... Read More
The media (newspaper, radio, television) can be of enormous help... Read More
Many of my clients have had the misguided perception that... Read More
Although repetition is extremely important, there are times when advertising... Read More
Managers, please take a minute and read two sentences: People... Read More
You have a story to tell. Your company has developed... Read More
We'd all like reporters to ask us about our career... Read More
There is a process for successfully getting publicity about your... Read More
Some financial planners think that they shouldn't share their top... Read More
Public relations is popular because it is very cost-effective and... Read More
Maybe it played for Kevin Costner in "Field of Dreams,"... Read More
Sure, any publicity is good. But don't invest time and... Read More
The name of the game is doing our part to... Read More
If your product or service can be given as a... Read More
THE TWO MINUTES UNDERDOGEdward Everett was one of the most... Read More
I often begin my media training sessions by asking members... Read More
A PR product or service launching is a perfect way... Read More
Got a huge need for publicity and a tiny publicity... Read More
Your boss just stopped by your office. He tells you... Read More
Des Moines rental limo ..Created properly, an extremely effective marketing tool.It's a great concept,... Read More
The real public relations geniuses might be managers. You know,... Read More
The VIP databases are fun to create and can be... Read More
The reason might be this simple: as a business, non-profit... Read More
Are you hesitating about hiring a publicist or, if you... Read More
Each of us is exposed to people from other cultures... Read More
THE TWO MINUTES UNDERDOGEdward Everett was one of the most... Read More
No comment. These are probably the two most damaging words... Read More
The next time a newspaper photographer takes your photo, remember... Read More
What may be the more appropriate question is: What makes... Read More
Let's start out with a caution for business, non-profit and... Read More
The toughest thing about writing a news release is getting... Read More
Small businesses have always known the importance of word of... Read More
Advice about business and life often gets around to one... Read More
For business, non-profit or association managers like yourself, survival pretty... Read More
When you are planning to call a reporter for the... Read More
One big mistake that many marketing-minded financial planners make when... Read More
If you're trying to promote your store, but you don't... Read More
In my travels around the country while building my business... Read More
I've worked in media and public relations for 20 years,... Read More
What's the real reason some managers shy away from public... Read More
To survive in business, you've got to focus your attention... Read More
You have been if you're a business, non-profit or association... Read More
As you start getting more media-savvy, you'll find yourself coming... Read More
A term you'll hear in newsrooms, in editing meetings, in... Read More
Public Relations |