Understanding What PR is and What it is Not

You see it on the news and read about it in the papers. Opinions are often circulating about high profile companies or celebrities getting “bad PR.” Sometimes you hear references about an organization, an individual or a politician who has “turned on the PR machine.” Maybe you’ve heard about a “PR stunt.”

But at the end of the day, what really is PR? Those in the public relations industry can effectively define it, but do most people really understand what it is and why it exists?

There are many out there, I’m sure, who believe PR exists only to help corporate America or high-profile celebrities tip-toe through a crisis or embarrassing situation. Those not familiar with the true value of PR most likely believe that it is a reactive function only, rather than a proactive function that is critical for long-term success.

Here is the Institute of Public Relations’ definition:

“Public Relations practice is the planned and sustained effort to establish and maintain goodwill and mutual understanding between an organization and its publics

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), a leading organization of PR professionals, adopts the following definition of public relations:

“Public relations helps an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each other.”

In this definition, the essential functions of research, planning, communications and evaluation are implied. Key words are “organization,” rather than the limiting implication of “company” or “business,” and “publics,” which recognizes that all organizations have multiple publics from which they must earn consent and support.

In its simplest form, PR is all about effective communications with targeted audiences. It involves establishing a positive image and then managing and protecting your organization’s reputation. It’s about creating a protective coat of armor that can help you withstand periodic attacks.

Let’s quickly look at what public relations can do:

o Public relations can enhance the image of a business
o It can help sell a product or service
o It can build credibility from third parties
o It can enhance knowledge and understanding
o It can play a critical role in averting or diminishing negative reactions in a crisis situation
o It can also help in monitoring public opinion and, if necessary, shift public opinion by communicating accurate messages and educating the masses

On the flip side, here are the things PR can’t do:

o Public relations can’t hide or change the truth
o It can’t be a quick fix
o It can’t manipulate public opinion

When considering how PR can positively impact your business, be sure to think from a strategic, big-picture view, not just how to avoid negative media coverage.

Panel Event: "Uncertainty and Opportunity: Lessons in Mergers and Acquisitions"

Brand Iron's Michael Doyle was a part of the business owners panel at the CapitalValue M&A seminar “Uncertainty and Opportunity; Lessons in Mergers and Acquisitions” on April 30th, which took place at The Inverness Hotel & Conference Center in Englewood, CO. About 50 people were in attendance at the event which was presented by CapitalValue’s Managing Directors Chris Younger, David Tolson and Mark Luecke.



Michael Doyle sitting on the business panel


Chris Younger, David Tolson and Mark Luecke presenting for CapitalValue M&A

Brand Iron Fun Event - May 2008

We here at Brand Iron like to get together every month for some good 'ol fun. We got together after work this past Friday to welcome in our new additons to the ranch - Lisa, Mike and Peter. Flying Dog Brewery was a lot of fun.


Steve, Rob and Michael Doyle

Mike Slife and Nicole Salerno

Trinh and Josh Barker

Michael Doyle

Lisa Heavers striking a pose

Following in Nicole's Footsteps

Well hello there ya’ll! My name is Peter Christou and I just started working at Brand Iron as a part-time intern.

So far, as an intern here at Brand Iron, I have planned an office event, partner event, learned the basics in cutting with a sharp blade, learned about the expiration dates of cupcakes, learned about the clients of Brand Iron, and have done internet research for networking events. Good stuff I tell ya.

A little background about me, I spent many years running and managing a family owned business and made the decision to change my career path and get into marketing. I just wanted a change which I think everyone needs at different points in their lives. I would love to have a successful career in marketing when I “grow up”, and Brand Iron will give me some of the skills and know-how to make it happen. I’ve had experience in marketing at my previous job, and enjoyed all the aspects associated with it, from the initial brainstorming, to the creative process, to seeing the finished product of the job.

Branding is everywhere, whether you realize it or not. I think it’s very interesting how we are drawn to certain products over others, why we choose to go with one bank over another, and why we pick certain restaurants to eat at for special occasions over other restaurants. It always starts with how those businesses market themselves and how they try to sell themselves to you/us, the consumers. Anyhow, I am really excited to be a part of the Brand Iron team and I’ll keep you posted on how things are going from time to time.