PR and Fun

Public relations (PR) is about reputation--the result of what you do, what you say, and what others think about you. PR helps an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each other, according to the Institute of Public Relations (www.ipr.org.uk/index.htm) and Public Relations Society of America
Logic suggests that a key to shaping the future of public relations is accurately educating those sitting in our high school and college classrooms today. The challenge is in effectively addressing two sides of the public relations education coin.
On one side is the question: How should we be educating future public relations practitioners?
And on the flip side is the related question: How should we be educating future business managers, the people on whose support public relations depends, about public relations?
In this article, we'll examine each side of the coin.
Educating future public relations professionals
The "heads" side concerns the development of public relations practitioners. The journalist-turned-PR man, who typified the profession in the early days, began fading in the late '50s and early '60s. Since then, professional college programs in the U.S. specializing in public relations and housed in communication ("C-") or journalism ("J-") schools have flourished and gained relative acceptance. But several compelling questions about public relations education remain unresolved. We'll touch on a few of them.
Can public relations be taught?
Many of the agents whom I encounter in my consulting activities get a glazed look in their eye when I ask this question: "How much is your advertising budget and what kind of public relations activities are you involved with?" Most don't have an advertising budget or have a clue about how to handle public relations. Actually, setting up an effective public relations strategy can be fun! Here are some tips to get you started.
When you're a star, let it shine
When you qualify for company or industry awards, let the local media know about it. Send out a press release to all local publications, radio and television stations. They won't know about your award or the honor bestowed on you unless you tell them. While getting your name in the newspapers or on the radio may be a temporary boost to your ego, this is not the primary purpose of this exercise. People want to do business with winners. And getting media coverage adds luster to your credibility as an insurance professional.