Public relations and managing reputation

Blogging about public relations is motivating because of the discipline’s inherent drama, aptitude for telling interesting stories and constant shape-shifting. A major motivating factor behind the blog’s inception was (and is) to raise awareness of the strategic importance of public relations to business and how its best practice application leads to a more equitable society.

I have continually witnessed deep levels of engagement by audiences in events that companies run. I see this form of communication being a vital part of marketing, public relations, employee engagement and reward & recognition communication strategies.

In a world of undifferentiated products, there is an easy point of difference that many organisations don’t, won’t or can’t deliver on: fixing mistakes. Managing mistakes is a way to demonstrate credibility and put some substance behind the hype. It is the equivalent of the friend who is there for the crisis. Do this well, and think of the positive public relations that will ensue.

Here are five excellent public relations and marketing blogs where professionals can learn plenty of interest and value. They tell me things I didn’t know, provide a fresh perspective on a topic or notion and/or explain an idea I am familiar with in a lively, engaging manner. Also, I am able to apply what I learn from these blogs in a professional context. Furthermore, they are well written, frequently updated and sometimes challenge the status quo.

There are multiple benefits to being a member of an industry association, both on a personal and altruistic level. Being a member of an industry association is at least partially a selfless, sharing, positive act. It says you care about your profession, value continuing professional education and are in touch with contemporary developments in your field.

Public relations is both a positive social force and a facilitator for helping positive social forces take place. Climate change is a perfect example of how public relations can make, and help make, a positive difference to the world. This post discusses how this can occur at both a strategic and tactical level.

Marketers are often much better than public relations professionals at thinking, and acting, laterally about the range of weapons in the communication professional ‘arsenal’ that can be used to achieve objectives. Their activity can be more business relevant; use evaluation more effectively; use databases to greater effect and more.

Market research is a no-brainer for best practice communication, as it contributes to the production of the most informed and best possible communication strategy, enabling organisations to expend valuable resources in a manner deliver best possible ROI.

Market research is one of the most fundamental and important aspects of public relations and marketing. Without undertaking market research, it is impossible to know target audience: knowledge, perceptions, behaviour, issues of concern, influences on their behaviour and most relevant communication modes.

Looking at social media as both an awareness and fund raising tool among not-for-profits (NFPs). Key reasons for this are social media’s: Interactivity, mass communication/reach, ‘instantaneousnous’, anonymity and its transactional dimension.