A colleague forwarded me a very interesting article in BusinessWeek, and related it to the topics explored on this blog. It was such a refreshing read, and encouraging to know that well regarded news sources are picking up on the value of PR during the downturn, and that I am not just rambling: http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/apr2009/sb20090410_482109.htm?campaign_id=rss_topStories
While I don’t completely agree with the points made in the article, especially the suggested distinction between PR and Advertising, it is true that lines remain blurred with these two unecessarily codependent professions. In fact, I think the economic crisis in PR, and Advertising, lies exactly in that misguided perception. The media, companies, communities, government institutions, and in many cases, PR professionals, have always been so eager to toss both professions in a marketing box just to get whatever result quickly, rather than approach each communication solution for what it can offer, first independently, and then as part of a well-thought out IMC process.
So, essentially, and ironically, as PR people we continue to have a perception issue with our profession. We must take this time to define our sphere, our philosophy, communicate our strengths, and support them strongly to others. That’s one of the reasons why I started this blog.
One of endless challenges for me as a PR practitioner has been to constantly educate clients, prospective clients, and peers about the difference between PR and Advertising– and defending my argument of why the strategic, cost-effective process of managing perception with PR accurately contributes to an effective communications campaign.
It’s refreshing to see that others are agreeing with the value PR can bring to the table, by finding and communicating the truth in a story… and in a much more cost-effective way than Advertising ever will.