3 Myths You've Been Told About Public and Media Relations

There are a lot of misconceptions about public and media relations.

This is partly due to all of the mixed information that exists about it, as well as the practice itself being misunderstood.

Check out three of the most common myths about public and media relations:

1. PR Is Only for Crisis Communications

This myth likely persists for one major reason:

Every time an incident involving a large, multinational conglomerate occurs (e.g., oil spill, airline trouble, etc.), that company will kick into crisis management mode to communicate with the media and the public and manage the perception of the brand that is being shaped by the event.

Over time, this has built the perception that "PR" and "media relations" mean communicating with the media and the public in a time of crisis or need.

Public and media relations are about proactively communicating with media, analysts, and the public to create and manage the perception of your brand on an ongoing basis — not just in a crisis.

2. Public and Media Relations are Low Priorities Compared to Marketing

Public and media relations are often seen as last priorities.

Whether it be the launch of a new company, the careful management of a new product release, or a real crisis, it is often assumed that the first thing to do is to get some marketing going first (large campaigns, email blasts, an updated website) and then worry about public and media relations as an afterthought.

In reality, media and public relations are most effective when executed as part of a fully integrated marketing process, creating synergy with the overarching marketing strategy.

3. B2B Firms Deal Only With Other Businesses. Meaning They Don't Have to Communicate With the Public or the Media

It doesn't matter what industry you're in or who your customers are. You're going to want to leverage the powerful tools of public and media relations to create the right perception of your brand — even if it's just impressing industry analysts.

Every industry has media. Every industry has an audience to speak to and create a perception with.

Bottom Line?

Perception is reality.

Creating the right perception is the key to creating a reality that meets your business vision and market strategy.

An effective way to create and manage that perception is with a proactive public relations program that delivers the right messages to all your target audiences.

Executed properly, public and media relations influence people, create an impression that lasts, and change perspectives.

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