Every new book on social media considers PR as "dying art", the new book, "Putting the Public Back in Public Relations" by so-called "thought leader" on the web world, Brian Solis, is no better. The socialisation on the web has become the buzz world and panacea for every product, service, or organisation in the world to "succeed".
Unfortunately, the book having been written by an internet buff, and not a public relations practitioner, who has just peeped through the 19" window of the computer screen to sermonise on the profession, considering the Web2.0 as the ultimate solution to corporate crisis communication, has not done any justice to what the author feels as the "dying practice".
Public relations is neither media relations nor the online relations, and the 'public' here is not a teenaged geek passing comments on each and every issue, but a group of serious consumers who, not all of them, sit in front of their computers to understand the brand. They are out there in the market place where they feel, taste, breathe, see and touch the products and services and create the brands for an organisation.
Public Relations is all about people and nothing else. Web is a mere tool, and Twitter, Facebook, Orkut are the new set of screwdrivers added to its kitty which the practitioners are deploying to their best use depending upon the need, and yes, the nev-savvy 'public' is proactively engaged in this exercise.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Difficulty of Being Good
As India vies to occupy the centre-stage amongst the leading economies of the world, the fundamental power of moral values for which the country is known across the world, is somewhat on the wane. The decaying moral fabric especially across the three pillars of democracy, administration, executive and judiciary is making the life of a common man miserable. When the British Library in Chandigarh announced that Mr Gurcharan Das, the author himself would be coming to the city to launch his latest book published by Penguin India, I was there to check out his take on the moral decay that is eating into the vitals of our country.
This treatise has come at the right time, when all of us are grappling with the moral issues whether at the government level or the corporate levels with 'Satyam' episode just behind us.
Gurcharan Das says " Mahabharata is about the way we deceive ourselves, how we are false to olthers, how we oppress fellow human beings, and how deeply unjust we are in our day-to-day lives."
"The Mahabharata is about our incomplete lives," writes Gurcharan Das in the Prelude to the book, "about good people acting badly, about how difficult it is to be good in this world."
Addressing the who's-who of the city which thronged the CII Convention Centre's conference hall, Gurcharan Das dressed in simple cotton kurta pyjama and Nehru jacket, lamented the fact that though "prosperity had begun to spread across India, but goodness had not," and called upon to upgrade the level of governance which should be accountable and transparent so that the common man does not suffer.
Can this happen in India? someone asked. The book perhaps is a must for the administrators and all people in power to take lessons from 'Mahabharata' and not simply take it as an epic for entertainment or profane chit-chat over cocktails.
"The Difficulty of Being Good" also provides interesting insight on variegated concepts of envy, duty, status anxiety, war, reenge, eil, remorse, non-violence, altruism, compassion, etc. and how these impact our lives. And it also underlines the fact that 'dharma' or ethical living is possible, and we can definitely learn lessons from 'Mahabharata'.
Gurcharan Das quotes directly from Mahabharata, interprets the situation and illustrates effectively with modern day incidents and case studies. Just go for it.
'The Difficulty of Being Good' by Gurcharan Das.
Published by Penguin India
Pages: 488
Price: Rs.699
This treatise has come at the right time, when all of us are grappling with the moral issues whether at the government level or the corporate levels with 'Satyam' episode just behind us.
Gurcharan Das says " Mahabharata is about the way we deceive ourselves, how we are false to olthers, how we oppress fellow human beings, and how deeply unjust we are in our day-to-day lives."
"The Mahabharata is about our incomplete lives," writes Gurcharan Das in the Prelude to the book, "about good people acting badly, about how difficult it is to be good in this world."
Addressing the who's-who of the city which thronged the CII Convention Centre's conference hall, Gurcharan Das dressed in simple cotton kurta pyjama and Nehru jacket, lamented the fact that though "prosperity had begun to spread across India, but goodness had not," and called upon to upgrade the level of governance which should be accountable and transparent so that the common man does not suffer.
Can this happen in India? someone asked. The book perhaps is a must for the administrators and all people in power to take lessons from 'Mahabharata' and not simply take it as an epic for entertainment or profane chit-chat over cocktails.
"The Difficulty of Being Good" also provides interesting insight on variegated concepts of envy, duty, status anxiety, war, reenge, eil, remorse, non-violence, altruism, compassion, etc. and how these impact our lives. And it also underlines the fact that 'dharma' or ethical living is possible, and we can definitely learn lessons from 'Mahabharata'.
Gurcharan Das quotes directly from Mahabharata, interprets the situation and illustrates effectively with modern day incidents and case studies. Just go for it.
'The Difficulty of Being Good' by Gurcharan Das.
Published by Penguin India
Pages: 488
Price: Rs.699
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Public Relations: Truth and Beyond
Dichotomy of public relations profession is that it is still dogged by over 500 definitions. The communicators have still not been able to find one single definition for a profession which works for the organisations and seeks, at the very outset, their value proposition.
What is the value proposition for public relations? And who actually are the public relations practitioners? Spin doctors? Manipulators?
In the current information age where transparency, social responsibility, and integrity are again being looked into with seriousness, public relations practice is one such profession that can help organisations remain socially responsible, and responsive to its stakeholders.
When I informally discussed the topic of ethics and spirituality in public relations that Global Forum for Public Relations invited me to speak on at Mt Abu on 13th September, during the national roundtable on the Golden Triangle model evolved by Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi, the response was skeptical and lukewarm. Ethics and PR do not go together if you have to survive and keep your job intact, was one strong opinion.
Last year, at an international public relations forum, one of the practitioner openly admitted "we lie for our clients".
Yet, I have always differed on this issue having been a firm believer in the ethical practice of public relations.
"Public be damned" was the credo in late 19th century when propaganda, press agentry thrived and resorted to hyperbole. Early 20th century saw the emphasis on responsible Public Relations with recognition of the fact that every stakeholder (or 'public') is important, initiating "public be informed" period in the evolution of this profession.
All along, whatever name that may have been attributed to the practice of public relations, it remains for me "the art and science of managing communication"
If we trace the etymology of the term "communication" to its Latin origin, "communis", it meant establishing oneness.
Public Relations builds, and strengthens "relations" with various "publics" through effective communication.
If that be so, can anyone think of build a strong, meaningful, positive relationship based on untruth or dishonesty? Can you think of a relationship with your customers or vendors which is founded on dishonest or false communication? The entire practice of public relations, therefore, revolves around truth. Truth is not, and has never been, a substitute for public relations.
And as a strategic management function, public relations helps organisations, in turn, adopt ethical means of doing business and truthfully manage its operations. Truth, honesty, integrity, credibility are some of the key attributes of successful public relations practice...and these are the key elements of spirituality or ethical human behaviour.
Considering public relations anything but ethical is a misnomer. However, the key question comes here, that whether we are able to incorporate the ethical values into PR practice today? Largely no. Yet to truly professionalise the practise of public relations it is necessary that we integrate ethical and spiritual values in our conduct.
For any profession to be credible it requires two major core strengths, i.e. competence and character. Competence comes from professional knowledge and experience, and its constant upgradation and skill enhancements. Character is what our own personal values are. Is our character impeccable? Are we honest in our dealing with our clients? or with our organisation's stakeholders? Are we truly the conscience keepers for the organisations that we represent?
The Golden Triangle concept comes at the most appropriate time. And with the support of Global Forum for Public Relations, we do hope that PR fraternity shall rediscover the most significant spiritual aspect of their lives. Yes, we are talking about fortifying the ethical behaviour that comes through spiritual practice, of understanding one's purpose in life, and also the direct impact that our life's work and decision has on the lives of the people around us.
Copyright September 2009 C J Singh . CorePR . Chandigarh . India
What is the value proposition for public relations? And who actually are the public relations practitioners? Spin doctors? Manipulators?
In the current information age where transparency, social responsibility, and integrity are again being looked into with seriousness, public relations practice is one such profession that can help organisations remain socially responsible, and responsive to its stakeholders.
When I informally discussed the topic of ethics and spirituality in public relations that Global Forum for Public Relations invited me to speak on at Mt Abu on 13th September, during the national roundtable on the Golden Triangle model evolved by Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi, the response was skeptical and lukewarm. Ethics and PR do not go together if you have to survive and keep your job intact, was one strong opinion.
Last year, at an international public relations forum, one of the practitioner openly admitted "we lie for our clients".
Yet, I have always differed on this issue having been a firm believer in the ethical practice of public relations.
"Public be damned" was the credo in late 19th century when propaganda, press agentry thrived and resorted to hyperbole. Early 20th century saw the emphasis on responsible Public Relations with recognition of the fact that every stakeholder (or 'public') is important, initiating "public be informed" period in the evolution of this profession.
All along, whatever name that may have been attributed to the practice of public relations, it remains for me "the art and science of managing communication"
If we trace the etymology of the term "communication" to its Latin origin, "communis", it meant establishing oneness.
Public Relations builds, and strengthens "relations" with various "publics" through effective communication.
If that be so, can anyone think of build a strong, meaningful, positive relationship based on untruth or dishonesty? Can you think of a relationship with your customers or vendors which is founded on dishonest or false communication? The entire practice of public relations, therefore, revolves around truth. Truth is not, and has never been, a substitute for public relations.
And as a strategic management function, public relations helps organisations, in turn, adopt ethical means of doing business and truthfully manage its operations. Truth, honesty, integrity, credibility are some of the key attributes of successful public relations practice...and these are the key elements of spirituality or ethical human behaviour.
Considering public relations anything but ethical is a misnomer. However, the key question comes here, that whether we are able to incorporate the ethical values into PR practice today? Largely no. Yet to truly professionalise the practise of public relations it is necessary that we integrate ethical and spiritual values in our conduct.
For any profession to be credible it requires two major core strengths, i.e. competence and character. Competence comes from professional knowledge and experience, and its constant upgradation and skill enhancements. Character is what our own personal values are. Is our character impeccable? Are we honest in our dealing with our clients? or with our organisation's stakeholders? Are we truly the conscience keepers for the organisations that we represent?
The Golden Triangle concept comes at the most appropriate time. And with the support of Global Forum for Public Relations, we do hope that PR fraternity shall rediscover the most significant spiritual aspect of their lives. Yes, we are talking about fortifying the ethical behaviour that comes through spiritual practice, of understanding one's purpose in life, and also the direct impact that our life's work and decision has on the lives of the people around us.
Copyright September 2009 C J Singh . CorePR . Chandigarh . India
The Golden Triangle: A New PR Model
With rising scams, white collar crimes, and the PR practice coming under cloud for its role in disseminating false or inaccurate information amongst the stakeholders, the question of ethics, though discussed extensively at various fora, somehow has remained at the backburner amongst PR practitioners (though not all).
The Global Forum for Public Relations organised the National Roundtable at Mt Abu on 13th September and various speakers analysed the situation and Editor of PR Voice, Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi, who evolved the PR model for excellence in its practice, the Golden Triangle, was unveiled.
Rajyogi BK Karuna ji opened the discussions with the need to create a great India which can be achieved only through infusing spiritualism into PR practice.
Dr. Reddi lamented the fact that in our country PR practice has yet to acquire a status of a profession because of the absence of proper syllabus, text books, accreditation, and regulating unethical practices.
Following ethics and spiritualism by PR practitioner alone can bring about the desired change, he said.
The new model, Golden Triangle, promotes integration of Professionalism, Ethics and Spiritualism into the PR practice,in order to take it to the next level of excellence.
This is definitely a big challenge for each one of us to meet, yet imbibing spiritualism in PR practice is not a difficult task since it requires a PR person to be considerate, affectionate, and genuinely concerned about the welfare of other beings, said BK Sarala Anand, Manager HRD and PR from BHEL, Hyderabad.
Prof. K.C.Mouli, faculty at MLCN University of Journalism, Bhopal highlighted the instances in the government where PR practitioners have to succumb to the pressure from their superiors, but only a professional can put the things in right perspective in case he is courageous enough and understands his ethics.
BK Binny gave new perspective to the discussions saying that PR has a synonym in 'pyar', the spiritual factor that makes the difference.
Prof Ananya Mehta from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune, commented that though ethical practice in reality may be at stake, the values are being reinforced amongst the students right in the classrooms at Symbiosis.
Rajyogi BK Sheilu said that spirituality gives strength to face ethical dilemmas but one can resolve them by having a more holistic and long-term view of the outcome than the short-term.
I too had the opportunity to share my views on this subject which is very dear to my heart, which I shall be sharing with you later in a separate post. Overall, the interaction did brought an entirely different perspective and was an eye-opener, said one of the participant from Pune.
CJ
The Global Forum for Public Relations organised the National Roundtable at Mt Abu on 13th September and various speakers analysed the situation and Editor of PR Voice, Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi, who evolved the PR model for excellence in its practice, the Golden Triangle, was unveiled.
Rajyogi BK Karuna ji opened the discussions with the need to create a great India which can be achieved only through infusing spiritualism into PR practice.
Dr. Reddi lamented the fact that in our country PR practice has yet to acquire a status of a profession because of the absence of proper syllabus, text books, accreditation, and regulating unethical practices.
Following ethics and spiritualism by PR practitioner alone can bring about the desired change, he said.
The new model, Golden Triangle, promotes integration of Professionalism, Ethics and Spiritualism into the PR practice,in order to take it to the next level of excellence.
This is definitely a big challenge for each one of us to meet, yet imbibing spiritualism in PR practice is not a difficult task since it requires a PR person to be considerate, affectionate, and genuinely concerned about the welfare of other beings, said BK Sarala Anand, Manager HRD and PR from BHEL, Hyderabad.
Prof. K.C.Mouli, faculty at MLCN University of Journalism, Bhopal highlighted the instances in the government where PR practitioners have to succumb to the pressure from their superiors, but only a professional can put the things in right perspective in case he is courageous enough and understands his ethics.
BK Binny gave new perspective to the discussions saying that PR has a synonym in 'pyar', the spiritual factor that makes the difference.
Prof Ananya Mehta from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune, commented that though ethical practice in reality may be at stake, the values are being reinforced amongst the students right in the classrooms at Symbiosis.
Rajyogi BK Sheilu said that spirituality gives strength to face ethical dilemmas but one can resolve them by having a more holistic and long-term view of the outcome than the short-term.
I too had the opportunity to share my views on this subject which is very dear to my heart, which I shall be sharing with you later in a separate post. Overall, the interaction did brought an entirely different perspective and was an eye-opener, said one of the participant from Pune.
CJ
Sunday, September 13, 2009
National Round Table on Public Relations
Global Forum for Public Relations is conducting a National Round Table on Public Relations at Mt Abu today at 3pm, to discuss the new PR Model - The Golden Triangle -evolved by Dr. C.V. Narasimha Rao, Editor, PR Voice, Hyderabad.
The panel to be chaired by Dr Reddi, includes Yogesh Joshi from Mumbai, Zubair, a PR consultant from Pune, Prof Ananya Mehta of Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication;Debabvani Mukherjee, Deputy Director,DNPI, Kolkata; and yours truly from Chandigarh.
BK Sarala, Zonal Coordinator, Media Wing Andhra Pradesh and Manager HRD/PR, BHEL, Hyderabad would be doing the summing up while Ms Mumtaz Fatima, Joint Director, Youth Services, Govt of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad would be proposing the vote of thanks.
Check out future details on live blogcast from Mr Srinivasan.
CJ
CorePR
from Mt Abu
The panel to be chaired by Dr Reddi, includes Yogesh Joshi from Mumbai, Zubair, a PR consultant from Pune, Prof Ananya Mehta of Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication;Debabvani Mukherjee, Deputy Director,DNPI, Kolkata; and yours truly from Chandigarh.
BK Sarala, Zonal Coordinator, Media Wing Andhra Pradesh and Manager HRD/PR, BHEL, Hyderabad would be doing the summing up while Ms Mumtaz Fatima, Joint Director, Youth Services, Govt of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad would be proposing the vote of thanks.
Check out future details on live blogcast from Mr Srinivasan.
CJ
CorePR
from Mt Abu
Media Conference at Mt Abu
The National Media Conference organised by Global PR Forum and Media Wing of Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation and Prajapaita Brahma Kumari Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya at the International Headquarters at Mt Abu has seen numerous national and international speakers, professionals, academicians, and media personalities bringing to the fore the need for spirituality for achieving peace and development in the world.
The highlight of the conference has been the live webcasting on the prime point blog which has been well received by the internet community worldwide. The credit goes to Mr Srinivasan of Prime Point Foundation, who reached Mt Abu from Chennai to personally handle the blogcasts with the help of students of Symbiosis Institute.
On Sunday, the 13th, the Global Forum for Public Relations is conducting a roundtable to unveil the Golden Triangle model evolved by past president of PRSI and Editor of PR Voice, Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi.
Log on the the blog posts for regular updates, straight from Mt Abu.
The highlight of the conference has been the live webcasting on the prime point blog which has been well received by the internet community worldwide. The credit goes to Mr Srinivasan of Prime Point Foundation, who reached Mt Abu from Chennai to personally handle the blogcasts with the help of students of Symbiosis Institute.
On Sunday, the 13th, the Global Forum for Public Relations is conducting a roundtable to unveil the Golden Triangle model evolved by past president of PRSI and Editor of PR Voice, Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi.
Log on the the blog posts for regular updates, straight from Mt Abu.
Friday, August 21, 2009
3rd International PR Conference in Bangalore
Global Communication Association (GCA) in association with Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) is organizing its 3rd International Conference, this time in Bangalore, India on 26-27 November 2009 at Hotel Lalit Ashok, Bangalore.
The 2007 inaugural conference of the Global Communication Association at Shanghai & 2nd International Conference in Oman during the year 2008 was a great success.
Academicians, Policy Makers, Corporate Executives, Representatives from NGO’s and Research Scholars are invited to contribute papers on topics related to the theme “GLOBAL VILLAGE: Are we there yet?” or just participate as a delegate.
For more information on the event, you may visit www.globalcomassociation.com or www.prci.in or www.prciblr.in or mail to info@prci.in
The 2007 inaugural conference of the Global Communication Association at Shanghai & 2nd International Conference in Oman during the year 2008 was a great success.
Academicians, Policy Makers, Corporate Executives, Representatives from NGO’s and Research Scholars are invited to contribute papers on topics related to the theme “GLOBAL VILLAGE: Are we there yet?” or just participate as a delegate.
For more information on the event, you may visit www.globalcomassociation.com or www.prci.in or www.prciblr.in or mail to info@prci.in
Monday, August 17, 2009
Regional Seminar on TV News
Media Information and Communication Centre of India (MICCI) in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and CorePR, are organising a one day seminar on "TV News: Market Forces vs Social Responsibility" in Chandigarh on 21st August 2009.
This is an open forum in which the communication professionals, opinion leaders, and others are participating to brain storm on the growing commercialisation, and becoming entertainment oriented with 'news value' becoming more of a 'nuisance'.
Please respond back and email back to me for more details and participation in the debate.
CJ . CorePR
This is an open forum in which the communication professionals, opinion leaders, and others are participating to brain storm on the growing commercialisation, and becoming entertainment oriented with 'news value' becoming more of a 'nuisance'.
Please respond back and email back to me for more details and participation in the debate.
CJ . CorePR
Friday, August 7, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Design is the Differentiator!
Any brand to survive the aging process must look at the design component and it is more true for the print media with its dwindling circulation (world wide, though it is a little different story in India). We have seen various newspapers experimenting with its mast and a little about the page layouts, but Hindustan Times has undergone a complete metamorphosis with its more smart-looking designing.
In a word of competing brands and mushrooming 'me-too' products, the design emerges as the clear differentiator that adds value to the money one spends.
HT has acknowledged the presence of competition and numerous other access points for a prospective reader to get information and news and entertainment, and has clearly won over the hearts of the youthful India with its make over.
The mast set in lower case in a strong Swiss expanded type font, it is Vonness, in fact, in double color, stands our strongly, and the famous Florida based designer Mario Garcia has done an excellent job in carrying the design elements across various other pull outs and add-ons.
The clever use of color to highlight select words in the headlines or other text adds zing to the entire process of going through the newspaper. These 'hooks' indeed provide an entirely new experience of scanning a newspaper for a reader who is spending less and less time with it...approximately 14 minutes on an average.
It is however would be interesting to closely watch its circulation stats as to how the youthful design is impacting the readership.
CJ
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
TV Key to Media Future
Here's an interesting insight into the emerging online video viewing trends vis-a-vis television viewing and how it is impacting the tv advertising market place.
Our own Chandigarh lad, Mr. Manish Bhatia, who is currently the President of Advanced Digital Services for Nielsen in USA, discusses it with fellow professionals in a panel discussion. Read more on Media Daily News.
Friday, February 27, 2009
PR Lions - Jury President's Message
I am reproducing here the message of Lord Tim Bell, President of the Jury for PR Lions 2009 for the PR fraternity
"This is the first time the Cannes Lions Festival has acknowledged the existence of Public Relations as part of the communications and marketing mix and decided to award Lions for outstanding work in this field. It is long overdue and I’m flattered and privileged to be the first President of the jury.
In 1961, before most of you were born, I joined CPV, the first British-owned international advertising agency and its sister Public Relations company, Voice and Vision. I guess I learned how advertising and Public Relations were allied trades at that time and yet PR was considered inferior to advertising. Today, nearly fifty years later, the client community and the industry have finally recognised that they are both essential parts of the marketing business. Moreover, creativity and imagination, as well as skill, are vital to both.
I hope the first PR Lions will be a success and inspire better work, and recognise that all communications can change the way we live and the way we think; down to the mundane things like what we buy, what we wear, what we enjoy and most of all, the way we regard things, people, companies, countries and of course brands. I hope the winners will be proud and well-celebrated. I’ll do my best and I’m sure the jury will as well. But most of all, I hope it is all a very happy event."
In 1961, before most of you were born, I joined CPV, the first British-owned international advertising agency and its sister Public Relations company, Voice and Vision. I guess I learned how advertising and Public Relations were allied trades at that time and yet PR was considered inferior to advertising. Today, nearly fifty years later, the client community and the industry have finally recognised that they are both essential parts of the marketing business. Moreover, creativity and imagination, as well as skill, are vital to both.
I hope the first PR Lions will be a success and inspire better work, and recognise that all communications can change the way we live and the way we think; down to the mundane things like what we buy, what we wear, what we enjoy and most of all, the way we regard things, people, companies, countries and of course brands. I hope the winners will be proud and well-celebrated. I’ll do my best and I’m sure the jury will as well. But most of all, I hope it is all a very happy event."
Cannes 2009 to have PR campaign category
PR Lions would be the award that the PR fraternity can now vie for at the Cannes Lions 2009 scheduled for June 22, 2009.
The PR agencies can submit entries for Sector Related PR, Product and Service, and Techniques, which will have Lord Tim Bell, chairman of Chime Communications, to chair the inaugural PR Lions Jury.
Great news for PR fraternity for finding a space in the Cannes.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Public Relations Voice: New Issue released
Dear Members,
The October - December, 2008 & January - March, 2009 combined issue (Volume 12) of Public Relations Voice, (the only journal for Indian PR professionals) by Dr C V Narasimha Reddi, focusing on "history of Indian public relations" is now circulated.
'Which is the birthplace of public relations in the world?' questions Dr Reddy in his editorial. The lead story is on "the unseen power - a history of Indian public relations" travels from Indus valley civilization to globalisation.
Other important articles are -
(1) "PR's growth in India" by Dr Doug Newsom, US professor
(2) "My profession - my experience" by BD Sharma, CK Sardana & Charanjit Singh
(3) "Taglines that influence the people"
Also, find a report on 30th All India PR conference held at Guwahati in December 2008 and News about 10th APPR conference at Hyderabad in February 2009 and many more.
For copies and subscription details write to Dr CV Narasimha Reddi, Editor, PR Voice, House of Public Relations, 8-3-978/4, Srinagar Colony, Hyderabad 500 073 Fax +91 (40) 23307477, Ph +01 (40) 23745549, Cell 9246548901 and email drcvn@hotmail. com
Subscription details
Annual - Rs.200 (one copy) for individual and Rs.500 (two copies) for institutions
2 years - Rs.350 (one copy) for individual and Rs.800 (two copies) for institutions
Life subscription - Rs.2500 (two copies) for individuals and Rs.4500 (three copies) for institutions
Regards,
--
Babji. Y,
PR Practitioner & Teacher
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Power of PR
One of the greatest challenge for PR practitioners is to prove the worth of PR to their managements, and the common refrain one encounters is that "this was never done", "do the way we want it to be done", and "what are the financial gains of PR activity".
The PR practice being a management function, its practitioners must learn to communicate with these internal stakeholders in the language they understand, presenting them with the facts and figures that they cannot deny. The methodology is simple - just adapt the statistical analysis, time lines, and PERT charges and all other tools that the managements are familiar with. Using these tools also helps the PR practitioner in streamlining the work flow and communication strategies. And in so far as the measurements or the financial benefit a company can gain through PR activities, the exercise helps in quantifying the deliverables, making them, hence, measurable.
A long term and short term goals that the communication plan intends to achieve also helps in formulating budgetary requirements for a particular activity. The best part of PR efforts is the power of visualisation that the PR practitioner or the department can bring to the corporate actions, and breaking them down into the tactical aspects eases the operational aspects too.
Over twenty years back when I joined a German manufacturing company, the first bottleneck was tiding over these perennial queries and 'objections' that challenged me to break these internal barriers first and show the benefits that the Power of PR can bring to an organisation. It is also a misconception that the managements do not understand the role of PR. The fact is that we, at times, fail to educate and inform them the need and impact which an effective communication plan can bring about.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
PR Crisis for Satyam
With each passing day, Satyam crisis deepens as new 'a-satyams' emerge, tarnishing the image further. The new team would have hardtime to refurbish the body, heart and soul of the sullied image of Satyam in the months and years ahead...and there are others who are making 'hay while the sun shines'. A t-shirt company has launched a new range of slogans, what they call, "Satyam Raju Disgracing t-shirts". I don't know how many would like to wear it, except for the hard-hit stakeholders, or those wanting to publicly protest in front of their headquarters, yet the e-campaign would further add to the disgrace and challenge the communication brains assigned to salvage its image.
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