10 Things Clients Say that Scare PR Professionals

by SUSAN R YOUNG on DECEMBER 7, 2009

The relationship that public relations professionals share with their clients can be unique. With any business, when a PR consultant is hired, there is typically a learning curve as projects begin to progress. It may take a few days or weeks to get into the rhythm of the process and working together.

Most people hire PR consultants because they are either miffed by the news process and want someone who is well connected, media savvy and creative…or they simply don’t have the time or desire to write, pitch and place press releases and stories. 

If you are a PR pro, you’ll likely get a good chuckle out of the following list. If you’re a business or nonprofit professional, please keep in mind that my list is intended to politely remind you that thinking and breathing is not newsworthy. You must be willing to do something or say something that impacts the public, without being self-serving. Above all, if you hire a PR consultant, allow them to use their expertise to help you get publicity. 

Here are 10 Things that Clients Say that Scare PR Professionals. Do any of these sound familiar?

1. I want to be on Oprah.
2. I wrote a press release once in college.
3. How much will it cost to get my press release printed?
4. I want to get publicity but I don’t like to talk to those pushy reporters. You know I was once misquoted. 
5. I know your PR ideas will make me money. I’m on a very tight budget.
6. We’re sponsoring a giveaway with the local minor league team and will be giving away travel mugs with our new logo. It’s Tuesday night; which TV crews can you get to cover our story? 
7. Oh you have an opportunity for an interview with a reporter?  Tell them I’m available on Wednesday at 8 AM or next Tuesday at 3:30.   
8. I’ve scheduled a free seminar for next month…
9. My friend works in my field in Connecticut and his publicist got him into three magazines, an interview with Matt Lauer and a quote in the Wall Street Journal. That’s what I’m looking for. 
10. I’ve scripted out all of my answers for the TV interview you’ve arranged so I can just bring my notes on the set. 

Being realistic about expectations and trusting the people you work with are critical to the success of any PR campaign. And if you want to be on Oprah, hurry! The end of her show in 2011 is just around the  corner.

From Susan Young’s Public Relations Blog “Get In Front Blogging” http://www.getinfrontblogging.com Reprinted with permission

http://www.getinfrontblogging.com/business/10-things-clients-say-that-scare-pr-professionals/

Susan’s website Get In Front Communications is at http://www.getinfrontcommunications.com/ 

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