Who am I?
I am sure that at some point of time in our career, we all encounter this question. You can call it either a mid-career crisis or a ‘I am lost and need help’ syndrome. My thinking was triggered by a very simple question from one of my friends. He asked me, “what is the need for a PR agency?” This question not only questioned the very business I am in but at the same time gave me some high octane fuel to think what will it take to create a change in people’s mind about our business. After all, my future depends on this. I need to decide how can I be relevant to my clients and my business!
I started asking the same question to whoever I met and got variety of answers. The more I asked, the more confusing it became. Few of them said it will remain the traditional media driven the way it is now, while others predicted the death of traditional media as it is happening in the western world. Few of them said the best model is to keep it transactional, while others gave emphasis to developing a partnership with clients.
While, I am yet to take refuge under the ‘The Bodhi Tree” and find my own answer, I am throwing the question to you. Do you have any answer?
And yes, the best answer will get a special book from my highly acclaimed library.
Take care.
Very relevant question, Tushar. However, I believe that as any profession, this profession does and will continue to evolve. Lets get to the even more basic question- what does PR do: helps people and organisations manage their public affairs vi-a-vis the stakeholders. There will always be stakeholders that need influencing in the interest of the business. As the business grows- this need grows substantially and hence the need of professionals like you and me.
Media is just one small aspect of PR- there are numerous other ways that we impact the stakeholders and will continue to do so.
So, the challenge lies in strengthening oneself in new media, explore various means and ways to reach to the consumers.
Another very important aspect is to be able to measure the impact/influence that PR makes on the consumers/stakeholders………thats my take
Thank you, Anjana for your views. I am sure your response will throw some light on the path of discovery!
Take care.
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arrey baba just tell that question guy that -
“if you wish to do whatever you want to and still get away with it, you need PR.”
– shreyas bhatt
( PR student)
Hey my friend, where were you when Shiney needed you the most.
take care.
was just kidding. but if u do find the answer please post it. i'll make my whole class read it. its very necessary for us students to know
There is a possiblity that I know definitely know the answer. Why don't you ask your class to come with an answer and may be one of you can win a book I promised. This should be interesting. Isn't it? Consider this as a project and one of you can even get an opportunity to work with me! Sounds like a plan?