What is PR anyway?

By Thomas Becher, APR

I’m often asked: What exactly is public relations?

Years of wisdom gleaned from high-level corporate work have taught me to appreciate and advocate the role of PR in a free society.

The cynics will say the PR guy’s the one with the shovel and bucket at the end of the circus parade.

In truth, PR is about building relationships between companies and organizations and their constituents. It’s about ensuring communications take place – at the right time, at the right place and in the right way – as part of the marketplace of ideas.

It’s a vital part of commerce, discourse and democracy.

Yet so few people understand what PR is. That’s probably because it can be so many things. This blog will, over time, help to demystify public relations.

To wit:

• PR helps journalists tell stories.
  
• PR enables businesses and organizations to recover from a crisis.
  
• PR makes it possible for people to deliver memorable speeches.
  
• PR creates meetings and special events that get people engaged and connected.
  
• PR helps companies communicate effectively with employees.

Public relations is vital for successful businesses or organizations. I’ve often wondered – if they have attorneys and accountants, shouldn’t they have PR pros working for them as well?

Feel free to e-mail me