I have seen into the future (of public relations, of course) . . . and it is good.
It is filled with strategy-focused communicators.
It is filled with people who know the difference between affect and effect, and can spell correckly.
It is also filled with media relations professional who know more than a thing or two about the professional media — and the BadPitchBlog has nothing to post about.
It is filled with professionals who are familiar with a range of PR-like tactics and techniques. There will be no need to differentiate between “social media releases” or “social media newsrooms” and traditional news releases and newsrooms. We will know what’s best for communicating our clients’/employers’ messages in formats each of our media targets want them. As experts in communicating and dealing with people (i.e., social science), we will have the right tools for clients and employer’s needs — and recommend the right tools based on needs, not just because we can.
We will not be afraid of new tools of communicating or new audiences (i.e., bloggers). We respect all we encounter — whether online or in person — and don’t think of them as a “media hit” or a WOM prospect.
So, what do you see as you gaze into the future of public relations?
– Mike
Crystal ball image courtesy of SSQQ (self-proclaimed as “Houston’s largest Social Dance Studio”).
