Is Public Relations A Fit for Your Organization?

by Becky Powell-Schwartz, President & CEO of The Powell Group

When I get a call from a prospective client, I’m always curious to find out why they’re looking for a public relations firm. Everyone’s understanding of what public relations is and what it accomplishes is slightly different.

Let me tell you what The Powell Group has been able to accomplish for its clients.

Strengthen your relationships, and you’ll strengthen your brand. An industry leader blogs about a up and coming trend. A community leader attends a fundraiser in your new store then tells friends about it. National media talks about your new product. Your employees tell a consistent story during a crisis. These are just a few ways public relations can benefit your organization through third parties.

Many marketing tools can promote your brand, but only public relations leverages third parties to influence and strengthen perception of your brand. A third-party endorsement is always more powerful than talking about yourself and can be much more targeted to your most important audiences.

Public relations is also the exclusive tool to protect your brand. Millions of dollars are spent each year to promote products, but when it comes to protecting that investment many companies find themselves being in a more defensive than offensive mode. Even Wall Street understands the value of promoting your brand and your reputation.

This all sounds deceptively simple, but there are proven strategies and processes that experienced professionals use to help you avoid the pitfalls and ensure success.

So, how does this apply to your organization’s current situation?

Ask yourself these questions. If you answer yes, then public relations is a fit for you.

Do you need to increase your sales?
Do you need to drive traffic to retail stores, events or web sites?
Do you need to reposition your brand?
Are you launching a new product, brand or service that you need to build awareness of and position in a competitive market?
Do you have an upcoming milestone to celebrate?
Do your community initiatives support your brand and business mission?
Do you need to engage your employees or another important constituency?
Do you need to talk to new customers?
Are you experiencing a store or plant closing, union strikes, a product recall or similar crisis? Or is one looming on the horizon?
Do you have an issue that needs to be managed?

Have an issue or idea that you think public relations might be the answer for? Send me an email at bp@powellgroup.net.