3 misconceptions (and taboos) in the PR profession

A journalist’s remark spurs an industry pro to set the record straight

All are words that people seem to tack onto this career choice of ours called public relations. And I’m sick of it!

I had the recent pleasure of meeting one of Connecticut’s finest journalists. I’ll omit her name, because publishing it would serve no purpose. But trust me she is renowned in this state.

“I can’t believe they get paid as much as they do!”

Wish you could have seen my face after that remark.

From this short comment, I was inspired to write a bit about what we PR professionals do not actually do (even though the world is convinced we do). Please note: I cannot speak for everyone in this industry. I am merely commenting on what I have observed and how I practice my job as an account coordinator.

1. Spin. This word combined with the words ‘public’ and ‘relations’ makes me physically shudder. I’ve had clients ask: “Can we spin this a different way?” We do not, should not, cannot spin in this profession. Can we word things, as I like to say, “prettily?” Yes.