Magic Wands And Flying Carpets - The Myths And Realities Of PR

That Solo Life, Episode 280: Magic Wands And Flying Carpets - The Myths And Realities Of PR

In This Episode

 

The understanding about the role of Public Relations can vary widely from being a vanity function to having the ability to save a failing company. In this episode of That Solo Life, co-hosts Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane engage in a lighthearted yet serious discussion about the common misconceptions about public relations (PR) and the challenges faced by PR professionals and the businesses they serve.

There are things that PR simply cannot fix. Karen and Michelle share their experiences with clients who have high expectations, believing that PR can be a magic bullet for their failing businesses. While PR can certainly help, it cannot replace the need for a solid business foundation, infrastructure, and consistent effort. 

Karen highlights the issue of companies that underestimate the value of PR, especially during leadership changes. New CMOs may not recognize the critical role PR plays in maintaining brand reputation and driving customer trust. Without a partnership between PR and marketing, businesses risk losing out on valuable opportunities.

Michelle adds that PR cannot compensate for a lack of effort from clients. We need their input and collaboration to create effective strategies. The misconception that PR is a "set it and forget it" service leads to disappointment and missed opportunities. There must be open communication and consistent engagement to achieve the best results.

In addition to  navigating these challenges, Karen and Michelle express concern for the well-being of PR professionals who are feeling burned out and disillusioned. The lack of communication and feedback from potential clients can be disheartening, and listeners are urged to foster better communication practices.

In closing, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our listeners for their support throughout the year. We encourage everyone to approach their PR efforts with an open mind and a clear understanding of how collaboration can lead to success. We wish everyone happy holidays and look forward to continuing this journey together in 2025, sharing insights, laughter, and valuable information. Thank you for tuning in to That Solo Life!

Episode Timeline 

00:00:00 - Introduction to That Solo Life

00:00:22 - The Holiday Season and PR Challenges 

00:01:01 - Things PR Cannot Fix: Failing Businesses

00:01:48 - The Misconception of PR 's Value 

00:03:46 - The Importance of Storytelling in PR

00:05:47 - The Need for Client Effort in PR

00:07:51 - Consistency is Key in PR Efforts 

00:09:44 - The Passion of PR Professionals 

00:10:49 - The Importance of Communication and Feedback 

00:12:22 - The Impact of Disillusionment in the PR Industry 

00:14:44 - Closing Thoughts and Holiday Wishes

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