What exactly is PR?
We hear a lot of the importance of public relations for businesses, but could we give a definition of what it is if we were asked? Every business and organisation, regardless of size, depends on its good name and reputation for its future success. When a business owner is busy with day-to-day running of the company, there is little time to foster relationships and grow public engagement. This is why we rely on public relations experts to do these things on our behalf.
In a competitive market, a good reputation can be a company’s greatest assets. It can give you an edge over your competition and lets you stand out in a crowded market. Everyone who comes into contact with a business has a considerable impact, from the customers and suppliers to journalists and staff. Their experiences and perceptions affect whether the business is one that people want to shop with, connect with, support and work with.
Therefore, you could define public relations as the discipline that deals with reputation and focuses on support, influencing opinion and behaviour. It involves creating a strategy to make and maintain a positive relationship and understanding between the public and an organisation. If you’re seeking Cheltenham PR Agents, then contact Target Group, one of the leading Cheltenham PR Agents.
Do you think that public relations could be the right career for you? The answer is likely to be yes if you’re continually interested in what’s going on around you. A public relations practitioner would always need to be up to date on current thinking and trends in the industry for effective client advice and successful campaign ideas.
Great communication skills are essential for working in this field. A PR professional has to speak to a large range of people, which could include journalists, clients, customers and business contacts. The job can involve presenting in front of clients, attending meetings and interviews with journalists. Writing skills are also important as you might be required to write press releases, newsletters and reports.
Other qualities and skills that are required in the role of PR professional include:
Excellent communication and verbal abilities
Multi-tasking and strong time management skills
Organisation and planning
A strong interest in many different kinds of media
Good flexibility
Ability to cope well under pressure and work to tight deadlines
Adaptability – a role in PR can be extremely varied, so an interest in working in an ever-changing role and multi-tasking and flexibility are crucial. You could be working early starts, late finishes and weekends.
It’s also important to be able to analyse the needs of a business and its management
Providing advice and counselling to management
The ability to identify problems, understand future trends and predict likely consequences of actions
Undertake research into public opinion and attitudes and understand what actions to take
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up services
Setting objectives and goals
The ability to inspire, motivate and influence others
