Effective public relations management relies on developing and executing well-organized plans and meeting specific objectives. Make a plan for your work, and then implement your plan. Keep your eyes on the prize.
But. I’d wager that most PR professionals responsible for managing a department. Or even one program. Have to constantly resist requests to undertake unrelated projects. Which may be well-intention but take up the time of staff and drain precious resources.
In my experience. While managing public relations for organizations’ activities. I notice that many requests were received shortly. After a variety of board or departmental meetings. Where one person determined that a particular event or project could generate “great public relations.”
I’m aware of several requests. I received as an administrator of a department to promote events that were essentially “feel nice” events that fail to help advance. The organization’s overall goals for public relations or business. The requests were typical made. When my department was juggling. The aftermath of a crisis or was otherwise managing a variety of prioritize projects.
At first, I tried my best to meet the requests. However, soon enough, the effort began to take its cost. At the corner was open and was over when it closed.
My solution was to learn how to respond with “No.”
In the workplace. I stopped making it clear that my department could accept any task or fulfill any request. Particularly last-minute and poorly conceived requests. I could clearly explain to those who asked me. Why their request was not in line with the company’s public relations strategy or business strategy. I couldn’t dedicate employees’ time, funds, or other resources to tackling it.
Specific projects were urgent and need to be complete. This is the reason we call it “crisis communication.” However. Every project that was not scheduled didn’t require immediate action. In fact, some weren’t worth it in the first place.
Sure. I raised a lot of feathers. But eventually. My staff and I could concentrate more on the critical tasks that. The department had to complete. Making sure we were on time, and hitting deadlines became much more accessible.
Managing Public Relations
In my experience. While managing public relations for organizations’ activities. I notice that many requests were receive shortly after. A variety of board or departmental meetings. Where one person determined that a particular event or project could generate “great public relations.”
I’m aware of several requests. I received as an administrator of a department to promote events that were essentially “feel nice” events that failed to help advance the organization’s overall goals for public relations or business. The requests were typical made. When my department was juggling the aftermath of a crisis or was otherwise managing a variety of prioritized projects.
At first, I tried my best to meet the requests. However, soon enough, the effort began to take its cost. I woke up in the morning. How long I was at night or the amount of extra work. I did each weekend. I realize I was in danger as my day began with. The delicatessen at the corner was open and was over when it close.
Executive in Public Relations
Think about this. For an executive in public relations. An essential and tedious distraction of communications during a crisis is having to handle various unrelated requests for information and actions. If dealing with these requests can be a long-lasting interruption during an emergency. Why would it be an important departmental task when there isn’t any crisis?
Below are five criteria you can apply to determine if a project can get you a “no” voting. To me, any of these five could stop the project before it starts:
- There is no significant value in publicity
- No budget
- Staff not available
- It’s not a problem.
- No role in the organization’s goals for public relations.
You’ll be able to accomplish more when you are doing less. Learn to say “no.”
Brian R. Salisbury. A writer and a communications and public relations consultant. Combines his extensive knowledge of communications and a captivating writing style to help his clients craft the most effective communications and convey them with maximum impact. The areas that matter most. Visit Brian’s website at [https://timeplanetnews.com/2022/09/05/otter-pr-reviews-public-relations/] and subscribe to his free public relations newsletter and receive his free report. Ten Key Components of a Successful Public Relations Program. Or send him an email at
