Timeless Principles in the New Age of Public Relations

Public Relations isn’t just about writing press releases, executing sponsorships and planning events – it’s about building mutually beneficial relationships.

Whether it’s with employees, customers or journalists, relationships drive the way we live and work.When I began my journalism career 20 years ago, public relations wasn’t even on my radar, but at its core, public relations is building relationships and telling effective stories – a direct correlation to my media background. The more I learned about PR the more I loved it, because it expanded my journalistic roots and brought a new perspective.

How can you gain a fresh look at PR that will turn into a win-win for everyone?

What do you have to offer from an informational point of view? Know your target market, but think about what you can offer from a big-picture perspective. Think outside the box about fresh ways to get your message to the public without draining your budget.

Remember your internal audiences – employees and loyal customers. It’s not just about getting your message to the public. Employees and customers can be your greatest asset if you communicate with them and utilize their stories to tell your own. Both already have a vested interest in helping you succeed, so what resources are you using to tell your story to them – an internal newsroom with original content, blogs, employee newsletters, company magazines, town hall meetings, etc.?

Make yourself a resource. From local media and national media to trade publications – they are all stretched thin. Make time to build relationships with media. Learn about them and what types of information they need. Be a resource for them with story ideas, expert testimonies and more.

Build honest, meaningful relationships and success will find its way to you.

Karen Hamilton has over 20 years of communications experience in journalism and public relations. With experience in the fields of healthcare, education, senior resources and non-profit organizations, Karen enjoys helping others tell their story. She is the communications manager for McCauley Communications.