Embrace Disruption Public Relations » PR Pros

5 Myths About Public Relations

Embrace Disruption PR — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 19:27:09 +0000

Lady Gaga knows they’re myths too.(Source: Bild.tv)

From the outside, PR work can seem like a pretty attractive alternative compared to some other occupations. After all, there’s parties, free food [and drink], celebrities, and hobnobbing with media, right? Well… kind of, but not really. Today we’re de-bunking some of the myths that seem to follow PR and PR pros as they try to explain to non-industry people exactly what their job entails.

Myth #1: PR=Party

Sure, PR pros tend to be out a lot. Whether running a client event, taking a media member to dinner, or attending a launch — the profession does demand a lot of social activity. Here’s the deal: although these occasions are positioned as fun nights out for most (and don’t get us wrong, they can be) — these are actually seen as networking opportunities and a chance to strengthen and build our growing base of connections. While we may be out, we’re certainly not out in the same capacity as a university freshman.

Myth #2: It’s All Glamorous

A common misconception is that the work we do is very glamorous. Sure, we get to work with some kick-ass celebrities, head into VIP sections, take clients to media engagements and the likes, but it’s important to note again, this is our work. It’s our job to make it ‘look’ glamorous. We’re the ones hustling behind the scenes to make sure a photographer gets the shot, clients stay on message, media and talent are attended to and that everything stays on track. And that’s just events. Additionally we’re known to churn through multiple press releases in a day, monitor media for both trends and clients, keep on top of an overflowing inbox.. we could go on, but you likely get the point by now.

Myth #3: PR Pros Manipulate The Media

This is likely the biggest myth of them all. Sure, our job is to help our clients get placed in media (amongst many other duties), but this is not to be seen as manipulation of media. The media can not be controlled — just ask Rob Ford. Rather, PR should be seen as an effective way to communicate your stories to media.

Myth #4: PR Can Make Anything Go ‘Viral’

If we had a nickel. Sure, PR pros can help you identify share-worthy stories that should be placed into the public eye, but there is no ‘secret formula’ to going viral. There are a number of determining factors in online content going viral including timing, relevancy, quality, story and pure luck. Like we said, we can help — but there are no guarantees in the world of ‘viral’ content.

Myth #5: Contacts Are Everything

Of course, knowing a variety of influential people is important to PR, but it’s not everything. What is everything, you ask? Having a good story. A story that is timely, relevant and will be of interest to the public. The reality is, if your story isn’t newsworthy and can’t be shaped to become so, you’ll have a hard time getting it placed in media. Plain and simple.

Do you have any PR myths that you’d like to share? Leave them in the comments below!

Top 10 #PRPro Tips Of The Week: Mar 19, 2014

Embrace Disruption PR — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 13:55:08 +0000

Here are our Top 10 PR Pro Tips for this week, selected from Twitter. Remember to submit your own PR pro tip using the hashtag #PRTip or #PRTips. Your tweet could be featured here next week!

Say no to email blast pitching. Research a ‘top targets’ list and approach each outlet directly and strategically. #PRTip

— Publicity Dude (@PublicityDude) March 17, 2014

#PRtip of the Day: Make sure your messaging is uniform on your website and all social media platforms. #publicrelations #PRhelp

— Crockett PR (@_CrockettPR) March 18, 2014

#PRTIP: always make sure your client’s image is being portrayed in the right light!

— Tia Greene (@TiaGreene) March 18, 2014

#PRtip – Keep the line of communication open between you and your audience.

— Issuer Direct Corp (@IssuerDirect) March 17, 2014

The fundamental rule for effective communication is to know your audience. #prtips

— Carita P. (@Parks_PR) March 18, 2014

Networking: Don’t be a bore. Don’t do monologues & don’t interrupt others. #PRTips

— Cyndy Hoenig (@CyndyHoenig) March 18, 2014

Be thankful for every mention your company receives. There is no such thing as a small hit. #PRTips

— Pure PR (@PurePROKC) March 18, 2014

Never ever ever ever post pixelated photos. Whether your branding yourself or a business, just don’t do it! #petpeeve #branding #PRtips

— Allyn Lewis (@allyn_lewis) March 18, 2014

What’s the #1 mistake of media spokespersons? Talking too much. Put your main message up front. Make your point in 6-15 seconds. #PRTips

— Delta Media Inc. (@DeltaMediaPR) March 18, 2014

Measurement is more than just reporting. Generate insights to fuel future work. #PRTIPS

— Aneela Rose PR (@AneelaRosePR) March 17, 2014

Top 10 #PRPro Tips Of The Week: Feb 26, 2014

Embrace Disruption PR — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 18:08:59 +0000

Here are our Top 10 PR Pro Tips for this week, selected from Twitter. Remember to submit your own PR pro tip using the hashtag #PRTip or #PRTips. Your tweet could be featured here next week!

Your best teacher is your last mistake. #PRTip

— chanda temple (@chandatemple) February 23, 2014

Only take on new clients you believe in. If you don’t believe in their story, you won’t be able to effectively tell it. #prtip #business

— Kris Ruby (@sparklingruby) February 22, 2014

#PRtip – The opening paragraph of your press release is key real estate as is the closing call to action one. Work til it rocks.

— DianaEnnen (@DianaEnnen) February 21, 2014

#PRTip: It’s all about relationships.

— See.Spark.Go (@seesparkgo) February 18, 2014

#Prtip Analytics are a key tool to optimization of your clients media engagement. Stay hip to new trends ! #pr #brand #mediarelations

— #PR #branding (@ToriKnowsPR) February 20, 2014

#PRTip – Plan a relationship-building programme with editors who don’t know you. Invite to lunch or events you’re holding, provide gd info.

— Aneela Rose PR (@AneelaRosePR) February 20, 2014

Always try to include a Call to Action at the end of a Press Release #PRTips pic.twitter.com/vEQtUCBpJb

— NYC PR Girl (@_fashionPRgirl) February 23, 2014

Only send journalists a follow up email if they seem like the ideal fit for your story #PRTip http://t.co/aWk5MiUL8n

— Sparkpr (@SparkPR) February 20, 2014

Although it can be a bit creepy at times, LinkedIn is an awesome resource! especially for creating media lists #PR #PRtip #pitching

— Mavis Baah (@_MavisB) February 19, 2014

The most important brand you can build is your own #PRtips #brandyourself

— Fiona (@FionaWatson_) February 24, 2014

Top 10 #PRPro Tips Of The Week: Feb 12, 2014

Embrace Disruption PR — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 15:48:23 +0000

Here are our Top 10 PR Pro Tips for this week, selected from Twitter. Remember to submit your own PR pro tip using the hashtag #PRTip or #PRTips. Your tweet could be featured here next week!

No comment is a comment. #pr101 #prtip

— MBA pr girl (@MBAprgirl) February 10, 2014

Sponsorship of events and linking with professional associations are great ways to add credibility #PRTip

— BuyingSolutionsGroup (@Buyinggroup1) February 8, 2014

People share, read and engage more with content when it´s surfaced through friends & people they know and trust. #PRtips

— Sabrina – Blu Lotus (@BluLotusPR) February 10, 2014

If you’re a motor mouth in a #media interview, chances are you are not being very #persuasive. http://t.co/sAExorQjRQ #PRtips

— Media Instinct (@Media_Instinct) February 10, 2014

#PRtips: Relationship Building Starts with Good Manners http://t.co/mAgVmS3C12 by @SusynEliseDuris #MediaRelations #BloggerRelations #PR

— Tressa Robbins (@tressalynne) February 9, 2014

if your exposure is not reaching potential clients, then you’re not investing wisely in your public relations campaign. #prtips #prcampaign

— Crockett PR (@_CrockettPR) February 8, 2014

#PRtips : there is NO excuse for not checking your email on the weekend. None.

— Bridget O’Brien PR (@BridgetOBrienPR) February 9, 2014

#PRtips: it’s important to remember that the journo controls the message/angle of the piece. Not you.

— Slack Communications (@SlackComms) February 10, 2014

#PRTip: To secure a press story, you need something that’s newsworthy. Explore your brand ideas, #takeaction. #PLPRGirls #PR101

— Pretty Living PR (@PrettyLivingPR) February 8, 2014

#prtips #goodnight pic.twitter.com/4cpTMEThtl

— Tangerine Soul P.R. (@tangerinesoulpr) February 10, 2014

Top 10 PR Pro Tips Of The Week For Your Business: Nov 13, 2013

Natasha Radlovic — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 14:03:42 +0000

We hope you enjoy this week’s edition of “Top 10 PR Pro Tips.” We’re excited to share these great tweets/tips with you as they happen. The last one will definitely give you a chuckle.

#PRTip – When pitching the media be sure to delete any duplicates. You never want 10 messages going to the same person.

— DianaEnnen (@DianaEnnen) November 12, 2013

#PRTip: Interact w/ #media when you don't need them. Favorite their tweets. #sm #HTPR

— Lizz Harmon, CEO (@LizzHarmon) November 12, 2013

#PRTip If a journalist has given you coverage, thank them! They rarely get thanked so this will go a long way.

— Aneela Rose PR (@AneelaRosePR) November 12, 2013

Find the time to gain press, making it a priority to solicit media attention for the right reasons. http://t.co/LX6Hzv0mPf #PRTip #quotes

— Christina Daves (@PRforAnyone) November 11, 2013

#PRTip: Engage your industry influencers on a regular basis, not just when needed. #HTPR

— Lizz Harmon, CEO (@LizzHarmon) November 11, 2013

#PRTip Be quirky. Journalists like extremes – the best, the worst, the largest etc. Just be sure that you can back up your claims.

— Aneela Rose PR (@AneelaRosePR) November 11, 2013

#PRTip: Keeping tweets to 120 characters encourages retweets. #sm #twitter #HTPR

— Lizz Harmon, CEO (@LizzHarmon) November 9, 2013

Make sure you have a great headshot for PR #PRTIP

— Christina Daves (@PRforAnyone) November 8, 2013

Sponsorship of events and linking with professional associations are great ways to add credibility #PRTip

— BuyingSolutionsGroup (@Buyinggroup1) November 8, 2013

#PRtip. If you're going to cold call me about something I don't cover, make sure your dog isn't barking. the call will go slightly better.

— Shamus McGillicuddy (@ShamusTT) November 7, 2013

Top 10 PR Pro Tips Of The Week For Your Business: Nov 6, 2013

Natasha Radlovic — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 19:58:47 +0000

Here are the top 10 PR Pro tweets for this week. You’ll see some of the tweets coming from the same account, and we’ll call them ‘Repeat Disruptors.’ Their tweets are too good to pass up.

Time for another #PublicRelations #PRTip of the day – If you don't have the 'budget', I don't have the time or the space. #QuidProQuo

— Ascending Butterfly (@Ascending1) November 2, 2013

Tell a story with a photo. It can make the difference between U getting media coverage or not #PRTip #entrepreneur #leadership #smallbiz

— Susan Harrow (@soundbitesiren) November 1, 2013

#PRTip If a journalist has given you coverage, thank them! They rarely get thanked so this will go a long way.

— Aneela Rose PR (@AneelaRosePR) November 5, 2013

Think like a reporter when you submit story ideas #PRTIP

— Christina Daves (@PRforAnyone) November 4, 2013

#PRTip – Start your week off by writing down exactly how you will market your business every day this week. Then do it!

— DianaEnnen (@DianaEnnen) November 4, 2013

#PRTip: When you DM at pitch on #Twitter incl your email address for f/u. #HTPR

— Lizz Harmon, CEO (@LizzHarmon) November 4, 2013

Stand out! Always send a handwritten thank you note! #PRTIP

— Christina Daves (@PRforAnyone) October 31, 2013

#PRTip Journalists want 3 things: What they (not you) consider is news; instant access to experts; someone to do their homework for them.

— Aneela Rose PR (@AneelaRosePR) November 4, 2013

#PRTIP always show gratitude to your media contacts when you're granted interviews or your work is published. It's all about #Relationships.

— Shane B (@iamSGB) November 2, 2013

https://twitter.com/TheBrainBureau/statuses/396332058923917312

A Day In The Life Of Public Relations [INFOGRAPHIC]

Embrace Disruption PR — Wed, 29 May 2013 20:44:25 +0000

Cision recently released a fun and statistic-filled INFOGRAPHIC outlining some interesting facts about public relations, and public relations professionals. We’ve pulled out some of the most fascinating tidbits below:

68.5% of PR pros are female.
31.8% have 20+ years experience under their belt.
54.4% say they are in PR because they love the work.
Top three news sources include print, twitter and blogs.
67.2% prefer coffee over other energy boosters.
54% bring a bagged lunch to work
56% prefer chocolate
46% use iPhones with 42% (still) using Blackberry.

Check out all these and more by clicking on the image below!

The Right Pitch, And Why It Matters

Embrace Disruption PR — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:28:28 +0000

A big part of Public Relations is media outreach. PR pros are constantly emailing ideas and opportunities to different media outlets, bloggers and journalists. When doing this, it’s extremely important that the pitches sent are targeted and personalized to each individual recipient. After all, people who work in the media are extremely busy, and receive hundreds of pitches each week. Here’s some things your PR firm (if they’re worth their salt) will incorporate into their pitch.

PERSONALIZATION

Knowing the reporter, blogger, etc. and having a good understanding of the topics they write about along with their history of work is paramount. PR pros effectively evaluate whether the individual will find their pitch interesting, and offer targeted information suited to the reporter’s outlet.

KEY INFORMATION

PR pros have a knack for assembling key points into a brief summary for the reporter/blogger. As we said before, these people are very busy – so being able to convey the big ideas in a couple sentences is of upmost importance.

AVOID MASS EMAILS

As tempting as it is to send a mass email out to a variety of sources, PR pros know that’s a big no-no. When there’s no context for the reporter/blogger/journalist – it becomes irrelevant information (if they even bother to open the email).

PHONE FOLLOW-UPS

Again, because media is often so busy – it’s important to conduct follow ups. Phone is the most effective method, so you can humanize your messaging, and connect with the reporter. However, PR pros are persistent (it’s in our nature) – so if a phone call isn’t in the cards, a follow up email certainly will be!