PR needs a new spin…

After watching this video and reading recent discussions, it is quite evident that PR needs some help.

The blame for PR’s negative spin can’t be placed on one person or organization. It’s the job of each individual PR professional to prove our negative image wrong by explaining what is the function of PR. (Hint: We are not party planners.) 

The fact is, whether people view PR as a positive or negative, they need us. People need us everyday to provide them with communication support.

So we’ve achieved the first step, admitting we have a problem, now what?

What is PR?
Well, that depends on who you ask and when you ask.

•  Edward Bernays: Public Relations is a management function which tabulates public attitudes, defines the policies, procedures and interest of an organization followed by executing a program of action to earn public understanding and acceptance.
• Public Relations Society of America: Public relations helps our complex, pluralistic society to reach decisions and function more effectively by contributing to mutual understanding among groups and institutions. It serves to bring private and public policies into harmony… (Read the full PRSA official statement.)

PR needs ONE simple definition that everyone can endorse and that will stand the test of time. We need a solid foundation that will remain constant as our industry evolves with culture and new technology.

What do you think of this: PR builds relationships.

Once we are able to effectively and concisely answer what is PR, then we can address how we build those relationships.

Back to the Basics…

I may not be a runner, but I do know how to enjoy a walk in the park on New Year’s Day.

By the looks of my last blog post and my recent blog stats…I’ve been away for a while. Granted, I could blame it on the holiday season or on the big step of college graduation. But really, I could’ve taken a few hours in between watching White Christmas or Miracle on 34th Street with the family to get reconnected.

But I chose not to–and yet, I still didn’t want to abandon ship.

I admit the blogosphere was addicting at first. I found myself wanting to read news articles and blog posts rather than a text book.

Blogging Benefits
As many others have questioned before me, I wondered about the true impact of blogs and social media on the world. I also wondered how it has impacted me. I’ve realized that it has: 

• Connected me to a world that I was clueless of
• Forced me to question and reflect on what I read 
• Given me a venue for my voice
• Provided me with opportunities to learn more about the industry
• Motivated me to be a part of the conversation.

Getting Reconnected
I’m logged on and reading again. Getting re-acquainted with the blogosphere, is just like riding a bike. To me, blogging has had a positive and worthwhile impact. 

I’ve also realized that I want more. I want to blog. I want a career that will teach me something new everyday–PR seems to be a good choice. And I want to be open to possibilities that are yet to come.

Looking Back…
I am thankful for the experiences and the people I met at Kent State. Here are a few helpful tips that helped me leave college with a smile.

Take a class that you will enjoy–even if the credits do not count toward your major. I took a dance class every semester from one of my favorite instructors, Miss Beverly. I’ve been dancing since I was five years old and going to college didn’t stop me from dancing.

Take a class that forces you to try something new. Kent State offers a wine tasting course in the geography department. The course takes students to different wineries in Northeast Ohio to try a variety of wines–from a Port to an Iced Vidal Blanc. Beyond the obvious reasons of why this class is popular, the instructor, enologist, Tony Carlucci, is very passionate about this topic and teaching students about the world of wine. Classes that challenge you can mold you into a well-rounded person. (On the left: That’s me learning how to properly open a bottle of Champagne. This new skill makes me very well-rounded. : )

Get yourself connected to the campus. Join a student organization. You will meet a diverse group of people and learn how to work within the diverse group. These people can help you network and possibly land that internship or future job.

Don’t hesitate–when the time is right, take on a leadership role. I was active in several organizations, and I held positions within PRSSA and my sorority, Delta Zeta. These positions taught me how to work in a team atmosphere and how to manage my time wisely.