A colleague of mine pointed out to me today that sometimes she is embarrassed to say that she works in PR because of the negative connotations associated with working in the profession. I absolutely concur. Oftentimes when I tell people what I do they make comments like “Oh you’re a PR babe then!” or “I bet you spend all your time at boozy lunches, wining and dining people.” People can even accuse you of flirting or even worse to get business or get on the right side of journalists. And the majority of people really just associate PR either with Absolutely Fabulous or Max Clifford.
Ab Fab was based around the world of fashion PR and the limited experience I have of it shows me that it can be a bit mad like that but I also know that fashion PR is bloody hard work, really competitive and poorly paid – facts not reflected in a popular comedy programme.
Max Clifford, is not a PR He is a brilliant skilled publicist and I admire his knowledge and reputation. It infuriates me when he is called on the represent the world of PR. It’s simply not what he does.
When people do take the time out to understand what we do they are genuinely surprised. Creating and implementing a company’s communications strategy is a skilled practice and, actually, a huge responsibility. Shaping a company’s reputation requires immense knowledge, experience and expertise. Advising people on crisis strategy and helping companies with their crisis communications is an art-form! It is just a pity that the perception of PR is clouded by popular TV and ill-informed commentators. Instead of Max Clifford we should have the president of the CIPR or the editor of PR Week as the spokespeople for our profession. So come on Danny Rogers (and Il Presidento – nobody in the office knows your name even) make a stand!
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