Where is the Best PR Value?

Author : Robert A. Kelly

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Where is the Best PR Value?

by Robert A. Kelly

Wherever the fundamental premise of public relations is
practiced.

Look at what it suggests. People act on their own perception of
the facts before them, which leads to predictable behaviors
about which something can be done. When we create, change or
reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-
desired-action those people whose behaviors affect the organi-
zation, the public relations mission is accomplished.

What a positive message for those business, non-profit and
assoc- iation managers who don’t really understand the role
public relations can play in helping achieve their
organizational objectives. Nor, that reliance on public
relations’ fundamental premise even identifies the tools they
need to put such a plan into action.

If, sadly, you are one of those managers, here’s how you can
make up for lost time and actually boost your chances of
reaching your organizational goals.

Make the time investment needed to identify and rank, as to
their impact on your organization, those important outside
audiences whose behaviors really do help or hinder your
operations. Let’s talk about the one at the top of the list.

It’s really crucial that you know what members of that “public”
think about your organization. Obviously, you must ask them!
Interaction is really necessary if you are going to identify
percep- tions likely to lead to negative behaviors. For example,
wrong- headed beliefs, misconceptions, inaccuracies and even
rumors.

And while you’re talking to these audience members, keep an eye
or an ear on local talk show and newspaper columns for the same
signs.

The results of such opinion or perception monitoring are the
very data you need to establish your public relations goal. For
instance, neutralize that rumor, clear up that misconception or
correct the inaccuracy.

And the very same goal will stand as your behavior modification
objective so that you can measure your progress.

But here, the question always arises as to just how you will get
to that goal. You need a strategy to show you the way, and you
have three choices: create opinion/perception where there may be
none, change existing opinion or reinforce it. Fortunately your
goal will identify which strategy you should select.

Still, nothing happens until you write a truly responsive
message and transmit it to members of your target audience. You
must convince them that what you discovered in the way of
rumors, inaccuracies, misconceptions or wrong-headed beliefs is
simply not true. But do try for believability and clarity. And,
above all, make your message persuasive and compelling.

Meanwhile, a whole stable of “beasts of burden” await your
pleasure â€" communications tactics capable of carrying that
hard-won message direct to your audience members’ eyes and ears.
And there are scores and scores of them in that stable â€"
articles, interviews, newsletters, personal meetings, op-eds,
emails, speeches and brochures among many others.

Impatience always grows at this point as you wait for signs that
your public relations program is working. But that’s the signal
to once again interact with members of your target audience. The
difference the second time around is that you’re looking for
signs that their perceptions of your organization have been
altered by your message through its aggressive delivery system.
So get out there and, again, ask lots of questions.

If things aren’t moving fast enough for you, you may want to add
a few more communications tactics to the mix, as well as
increasing their frequency. Your message should also be vetted
again for factual validity and clarity.

Gradually, the perceptions, and thus behaviors of your key,
target audiences will begin moving in your direction, leaving
little doubt as to where the best PR value can be found.

I can tell you from personal experience that there is no more
satisfying moment in the practice of public relations.

end

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