While reading chapter one in Public Relations Writing by Newsom & Haynes (this is where you can buy an online copy of this text book) I stumbled across a point that I usually wouldn’t think about when I think of Public Relations. When I think of Public Relations I think of advertisements and articles and poster about upcoming events or new projects of a company or a certain group of people. However it says in the text book that Public Relations not only has a responsibility of reporting to the public, but it also has a duty to report what the public thinks back to management.
When you dig deeper into the meaning of this it makes a lot of sense. If the Public Relations Department’s goal is to attract the public then shouldn’t they first find out what the public wants? While researching more about public relations I found an article titled What is Public Relations? In this article it discusses how the main goal to public relations is to enhance a company’s reputation. It also discusses how it is their responsibility to find out what about the company makes the public happy.
I am probably the only one who didn’t know that a company’s Public Relations department dealt directly with the public. I thought it was just their job to make the company look the most appealing they could and then whatever the public’s opinion became is just what happens. However, maybe a few of you were like me and learned something new as well.
I wanted to look at a company and their public relations to see if they were dealing directly with the public. I researched Kellogg Cereals and looked into their media room. They have new releases and event calendars that help let the public know what is going on the company. They also have a place for surveys and polls so they can get feedback on the not only the products, but also on opinions of how the public would like to receive updates and news on the company. I think it is very important to find out what the people think in order to achieve better and more effective public relations.
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I am just like you. I never realized the full realm of knowledge a public relations person needs to have. I always thought there were different departments for all the aspects of marketing and research, etc. I know there is, but I also realize now that the public relations person needs to be a part of everything to be able to do a good job.
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that Kellogg Cereals would have all this information online. It will be fun to check out some more of those types of Web sites and see what they offer in regards to public relations. Thanks for sharing this information.
I agree with your statement about not knowing that Public Relations also deals with reporting back to management what the public feels and thinks. After finding this out it only makes sense that this is also part of Public Relations. What good would it really do to try to make your product or company look good if you didn't know what the public thought of your PR? If it weren't for this, PR would be a lot harder because you would have to just guess on how to go about your PR for your company.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I never put that together. Companies' websites and polls dealing with Public Relations. I just thought they enjoyed feedback, or did that just in case people wanted to leave some sort of feedback. Maybe I was in that boat too, not totally understanding what PR is. But now it all makes sense. I also agree with Mike with what he said. Without such polls and what not, they'd have to playing the guessing game, then who knows what we'd end up with.
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