Public Relations is not about Press Releases
Having been in the profession for almost 7 years, with the opportunity to work in multiple markets with a range of Hi-Tech and corporate clients, there is mixed opinion that one sees from clients, media and the industry about what Public Relations is.
When I entered the profession, my parents often asked, “….. but what do you exactly do?” as I grew older in the profession, the media asked “….communication strategy etc is fine…but at the end of the day is it not about how many releases you take out?!!” and if that was not enough, my clients said “…. But how many column centimeters coverage can you promise?”
Friends, if I could promise column centimeters, I would be better off if I opened my own publication and I not only would promise you column centimeters but also tell you the page, the tone and the pictures and captions that I would use with the article. If I was a press release churning machine, I did not need to collect the Public Relations and Business Management degrees….I could just be a college drop out…I would do just fine. And Papa, Mummy, I am a communications consultant….I device communication strategies and help companies and individuals reach out to their target audience in a manner that creates a greater impact and gets the ‘right’ message across in an effective manner.
I am in a profession of ‘Influencing Perceptions and Stimulating Behavior’
I am in a profession that truly believes in the power of the Ink. I do not pay for what I want written or communicated to the masses….I first believe in what I do, then convince my peers across other media (that is in sync with my client requirements), I device the right means and message and timing to reach out to the masses and then my friend, go all out to create an impact.
This Blog is therefore just an attempt to clarify what I actually do!!