I’ve been stewing on this post for a few days, hoping to add more to my list. But, I’m stuck on four. If, after reading this post you have other nominations, please let me know.
Do people really mean what they say? I don’t think so.
Take a look at public relations. When most people say public relations, they really mean writing news releases and trying to get media coverage. Actually, that’s media relations.
Public relations is a much broader term that I wish more people would use correctly. PR incorporates activities like event planning and organization, internal communication, community relations, and even blogging.
Marketing is another oft misused term. Some people use it when them mean sales. Some use it when they mean marketing communications. To me, marketing is the process of how you take a product, service, company, etc., to market. How you promote it, how you approach and best use your sales and distribution channels, etc.
Branding and brand are other often — very often — misused terms. A brand is not a slogan, logo or even name of a company or product. (I think cattle ranchers are to blame for this misinformation.) A brand conveys a set of emotions and/or perceived values. There’s more to it than just that, but I don’t have time for a seminar right now. My employer has an article that includes a good section on branding (published at MarketingProfs.com). Mike Bawden also often has good insight into branding.
And, finally, I have a problem with advertising. Or, specifically, the term advertising agency. Are there really agencies and firms who do only advertising? Maybe I’m naive, but I hope not. Why would any company want to work with such a limiting agency.
I assume that any “advertising agency” actually offers other marketing communications services, like literature development, direct mail, and — gasp! — even public relations. Er . . . I mean media relations.
If people would just say what they mean, the world would be a happier place. Or, at least I would be happier.
Are there any other words that you feel people often misuse? Comment away.
Take care,
– Mike
Technorati tags: public relations, marketing, branding, brand, advertising agency, communication
