Hacking PR secrets like a pro – boost your business image
PR has many definitions, from a strategic form of manipulation to an art form. PR done right has the ability to inject a specific perception on the public mind and this kind of ability created over the years some ironical negative views. For us, PR work means constant maintenance of the perception, communication, and relationship between a brand and the public, between a brand and its customers and so on. Thus, a SMART PR plan is a cornerstone to building up success. It may seem strange, but working in this field often means that you put yourself in someone else’s shoes even they fit a CEO, IT billionaire, an angry customer or the sales guy. We must always keep our eyes wide open and believe that no matter how unreal something may sound, it doesn’t mean it can be done.
Public relations means total involvement, all or nothing, all day, every day. Everyone knows public relations – they say. Well, everyone knows of PR, but not everyone knows how to do it right. And that’s fine. However, if you are in the spotlight or you have to crawl out of your comfortable office because it is part of your job, it’s advisable to guide yourself through a few elements of a public relations specialist’s toolkit. A lot of PR work involves solving problems, telling the story, finding solutions and making sure that everything is in the right spot, at the right moment, in the right circumstances with the proper light. Hence, it’s important to have someone to handle this part.
Maybe you didn’t find your match – chemistry is very important – or you don’t afford a PR pro to have on your side. The reasons don’t matter, but what you can do from now on does. We know there are people who are really good at what they’re doing but lack soft skills. Thus, those in need will find bellow some to go hacks that might help.
- Develop deeper relationships
Patience, research and ones true self are keys to building relationships, especially in the business world. Even dough it sounds simple, it might get tricky over time, especially if you don’t find creative ways to stay on top of mind in the eyes of your stakeholders. Shyness and insecurity are not part of the toolkit used by a PR and should not be found in yours either. Do your best to master both offline and online relationship and don’t forget that strong and durable partnerships are built on face-to-face meetings and on trust. That brings us to the second rule.
- Responsiveness wins the day, every day
Email and message back, give feedback when asked, and be there for those who trust your ability to help them. Yes, this isn’t some groundbreaking news, but common sense has a great power that business people tend to forget. When writing on social networks or reaching to media, don’t patronize because your attitude will fire up right back at you.
- Be a guest speaker
Visibility and positive association build a professional brand that will come in handy for your business activities. This recommendation is due to the fact that a speech at a business event or a podcast discussion will outline your image as a professional in your field.
Bear with me…
- PR pros know how to tell a story
There’s a thin line between selling a story and telling one, but as dull as it may seem is as obvious as a pink elephant in a room. Proceed with caution! On the one hand, no one likes a show-off but on the other one, no one talks about someone who doesn’t show up or care enough to make an impression. The truth is that through PR work, you make strategies on the long run, you don’t hit and run. You will win people over only if you stay dedicated and focused.
- Be a source, not a shill
You might be the best at your job, but if you don’t share, people will give you attention for 5 minutes and then forget about you. Transparency and openness create a multiplier effect and a strong echo. Invite your peers to ask questions and to contact you if you can give them some advice. If for you a 5 minutes response doesn’t mean much, for them can be the aha moment.
- Harness power of social media
Social media is one of the best inventions (or worst nightmares) for PR professionals and doing it right is gold for all business people and companies. Be part of the online conversation, use the proper channels to promote your work and engage with your followers.
Don’t forget: PR means potentially opening yourself up to opinions you may not like, that you will have to manage, thus, before doing something grandiose, make sure you’re ready for that.
Now bring it all together.
OVER TO YOU
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