About Public Relations
So what is "Public Relations"?
"A process of managing communications with audiences who have an interest in your organization, and of thereby influencing public opinion."
And why do you need PR?
"We can afford to lose money — even a lot of money. But we cannot afford to lose reputation — even a shred of reputation."
Or try these alternatives:
- "A good reputation is more valuable than money." (Publius Syrius, Maxim 108.)
- "Reputation lost comes not again." (English essayist Charles Lamb.)
The definition of P.R. at the top of this page is but one definition. Here's another, that was developed by 65 P.R. industry leaders:
Public relations is a distinctive management function which:
- helps establish and maintain mutual lines of communication, understanding, acceptance and cooperation between an organization and its publics;
- involves the management of problems or issues;
- helps management to keep informed on, and responsive to, public opinion;
- defines and empasizes the responsibility of management to serve the public interest;
- helps management keep abreast of and effectively utilize change, serving as an early warning system to help anticipate trends;
- and uses research and sound ethical communications techniques as its principal tools.
PR comes in many forms. PR may involve getting favourable media publicity for a company, or communicating with key audiences such as customers, employees and the general public. It may involve helping a corporation or an agency listen to people in a local community, or relate to a broad group of people who share a common interest. It could mean planning events, dealing with governments, writing speeches, issuing news releases, editing websites, publishing brochures, analyzing media coverage, or keeping taxpayers, shareholders and potential investors informed.
And those are just a few PR functions.
Clarity Communications Inc. provides expert professional services in all forms of public, media and community relations and media training, in Vancouver BC Canada and in Washington State
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