Recently, the Public Relations Society of America led an international effort to update the 1982 definition of public relations. After a crowdsourcing campaign and public vote, the organization came up with a new definition that would be synonymous with modern times:
“A strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics”
After 30 years of misconception, we love this new definition! Concise, to the point and right on the money – just the way we like our writing.
Still, with all the talk of what PR means, we can’t help to think about all things it doesn’t. When asked what we do, the Bolt team has heard some humorous remarks from friends and family. Here are some of our most memorable:
- “So you design your clients’ logos, right?” “No, grandma, other people do that.” “Oh, because whoever designed Tiffany’s logo was really smart.”
- When my husband, who works in finance, tries to explain what I do, he tells people I “get products into magazines without having to pay!”
- Me: “I work in PR.” Friend: “OMG what celebrities do you know?” Me: “None.” Friend: “Oh, PR people aren’t allowed to tell confidential stuff – I get it.”
- My dad tried to explain to my grandpa what public relations is and what I went to school for. He failed and I got a phone call later asking me to explain.
- When I told my family I was pursuing a communication degree to be a public relations professional, they said “does that mean you are going to teach people how to communicate with each other?”
- “I can see you with a microphone talking to reporters.”
- My mom to this day still thinks I do advertising, and then I say, “No mom, PR,” and she says, “Yea, that’s what I said.”
- “PR people are outgoing and yack a lot!”
To some public relations is a glamorous lifestyle filled with parties, celebrities, and no office work. To others the public relations profession is a complete mystery. If you ask any one of us at Bolt PR though, PR is different every day and just simply fun!
For other PR extraordinaires who feel the same way, we’re always looking for new talent! Send your cover letter and resume now.
