What is PR? Well, it’s a lot of things. According to Merriam-Webster, it is “the activity or job of providing information about a particular person or organization to the public so that people will regard that person or organization in a favorable way.” But at Oster and Associates, we think public relations is little more dynamic than that. We believe it’s the synergy of strategic planning, targeted and effective messaging and a fully integrated approach. It’s knowing your client and being able to tell their story- to everyone. To the public- the media, the consumer, the investor, the potential customer. And we know the only way to do this is through the creation of meaningful relationships.
Public relations. It seems obvious that relationships are a key ingredient in effective public relations. But as critical as maintaining great relationships is, it’s an often forgotten element. The key to effective public relations is creating relationships that matter.
Take, for example, the most important relationship you have: the one between you and your client. Most likely, you’ll be working together closely every day, so you better make sure it’s a good one. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of a busy work-day and packed to-do lists. But never forget that all important client-agency relationship. Be proactive. Always be brainstorming and offering new ideas. Touch base, and not just in your weekly or monthly meetings. And most importantly, connect. And not just on a business level. While you don’t want to seem intrusive, you can keep it professional while also connecting on a personal level. You’ll be glad you did.
The client relationship isn’t the only one that needs nurturing. Consider, for example, the all-important connection between the PR pro and the journalist. Rather than just focusing on making your pitch and trying to get coverage, proactively focus on fostering an ongoing relationship. Ask what you can do for them. Follow up and always touch base. Respond quickly. Offer them unique content. After all, if you give the impression that you’re just trying to get coverage and that you’re not investing in a relationship with them, why will they be willing to invest in you- and most importantly, your client?
And what about your relationship with consumers, and potential customers? How are you engaging them? Create a lasting impact through developing a lasting relationship. Make a positive impression. Listen to their needs. Respond to their feedback. Talk with them, not at them. Express gratitude for them. How you develop your relationship with your audience can be the difference between skyrocketing success or floundering failure for your business.
At the end of the day public relations is, after all, all about relationships. Need a little help developing your own public relations efforts? We have decades of experience creating meaningful relationships that deliver phenomenal results. Give us a call at 619-906-5540 or visit us at www.osterads.com to see what we can do for you.
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