Why Public Relations?

Last week a harried colleague from the industry called up to ask that his management is asking him to explain as to why their organisation needs public relations? This is the question perhaps still taking the round of corporate circles primarily because most of the work relates to intangibles, and also because, majority of our PR practitioners have not started using the measuring techniques of their PR efforts.
Another significant aspect of PR is its role as a strategic management function. PR has, unfortunately, remained limited to media coverage and the amount of photographs or clips one can generate. Since PR is not a substitute for truth or the good work, the PR practitioner must set the agenda for the corporates to prepare itself to address larger issues since existence of every organisation impacts a large number of stakeholders. Therefore the moment we profile our stakeholders and address the issues that concern them directly or indirectly, there is whole lot of PR deliverables needed to generate goodwill and better understanding about the organisation through appropriate communication, which, at times, goes beyond mere media relations.
The challenge for the PR practitioners today is to understand the professional aspect of their calling, so that no one asks them 'Why PR?'

Happy New Year

This new year offers newer challenges to the Public Relations community worldwide...not only professionally but more importantly in finding solutions to the global problems that face our people, our only home-Earth. Remember collectively we can bring about the positive change around the world through effective communication. Let us put our heads together for leaving this earth for the posterity...for our children...a better place to live in!

Bloggers Code of Ethics

The Ogilvy PR's team has designed code of ethics for the bloggers. A must read. Click here.

Conference Registration

Further to my earlier communication, the brochure and registration form can be downloaded from either the website of Chennai Chapter or Chandigarh Chapter of PRSI, or you can also get in touch with the respective chairman of the local chapter of PRSI for registering yourself for the Conference.

All India PR Conference

The next All India PR Conference is being held in Chennai on 13-15 December 2007 at Hotel Green Park, Chennai.
The theme of this conference is, Public Relations & Infrastructure Development in India.
The registration details are as follows :
PRSI Members : Rs. 4,000/- per delegate (for registrations before 15 November '07)
: Rs. 4,500/- per delegate (after 16 November '07)
Non-Members : Rs. 5000/- per delegate (for registrations before 15 November '07)
: Rs. 5,500/- per delegate (after 16 November '07)
Participant's spouse : Rs. 2,000/- per delegate
Full-time Students : Rs. 2,000/- per delegate
Foreign delegates : US$ 250 per delegate
* 10% concession on total delegate fee for 3 or more delegates from the same organisation.
** Rupees 1000/- each for sight seeing on 16th December 2007 (Optional)

You can download the Conference Brochure and Registration Form from PRSI Chennai Chapter's website.

PR for Hospitality Industry

With booming tourism and the hospitality industry, here is a lesson for all of us, not to do what this hotel did to its valued customer. The customer made a power point and sent it to the hotel management as well as to their friends, and now it is available on the net. I am sure this would have turned away numerous customers from this hotel over the years. It is worth going thru this presentation.