WTF is PR? - The Formidable Podcast
Have you ever wondered “What is public relations?” Us too and we work in the field!
In this episode, we talk about the official (and perhaps outdated) definition of PR and what that means to us as practitioners.
We dive into strategic communications, publicist work, and marketing, and even talk about shady publicity stunts from the fast-fashion company that haunts all our social media.
The Formidable Podcast releases episodes monthly talking everything communications, building relationships, and kickin’ ass!
Here’s what you’ll get from this episode.
Defining Public Relations
Amaya shares her experiences at networking events, where the ubiquitous "What do you do for work?" question triggers her quest for the perfect elevator pitch. She acknowledges PR's vastness and ever-changing landscape, making it difficult to encapsulate in a single statement.
The Canadian PR Society's Definition
[00:03:30] Amaya and Mikiko explore the official definition of PR as per the Canadian Public Relations Society. They dissect its components, focusing on strategic relationship management, mutual understanding, and serving the public interest. While praising the definition's aspiration, they reflect on how it aligns with their day-to-day PR efforts.
PR's Core: Ethics, Reputation, and Transparency
[00:04:24] Mikiko highlights reputation management as a paramount aspect of PR and how perception, feedback, and actions influence an organization's image. They stress the importance of ethics in modern PR, emphasizing transparency and honesty to establish authentic connections with stakeholders. Gone are the days of spin doctoring; today's PR practitioners prioritize building sustainable, meaningful relationships.
PR, Marketing, and Journalism
[00:09:00] The team discusses the symbiotic relationship between PR, marketing, and journalism. While each field brings unique expertise, they are all working towards understanding audiences and achieving shared organizational goals. Amaya shares how marketing tactics can enhance PR efforts, while Mikiko emphasizes the strategic aspect of PR in guiding all communication activities.
Building Lasting Relationships
[00:15:00] As the conversation flows, they underscore the significance of long-term relationships with stakeholders. Mikiko highlights the value of investing in individual brands, fostering loyalty, and differentiating PR from mere publicity stunts. They express that transparency and authenticity in messaging are crucial to building lasting bonds with audiences.
Listening and Understanding: The Key to Building Stronger Connections
[00:26:07] In closing, they offer actionable advice for enhancing audience relationships. Mikiko advocates aligning messaging with organizational values to ensure transparency and honesty. Amaya encourages listening to audience needs and work to provide them with what they genuinely want. Engaging in social listening and understanding feedback play pivotal roles in this process.
Big Thanks!
This episode couldn’t have happened without:
Savannah Melnyk running the equipment and hyping us up
Chris Workun + Ryley Conroy for making our music
