I often get asked by my non-PR friends and family what exactly PR is… and despite my best efforts, most are still convinced that it’s either handing out leaflets (streets of Malia style) or, to all intents and purposes, advertising. So this one’s for you, mum.
One thing it is certainly not, is dull, as this week illustrates…
Monday began with a sell-in to national newsdesks, followed by a whistle-stop tour of the pack shot factory, for photography, Morplan for goody bags for an event and Waterstone’s to track down some hard to find titles to put in said goody bags. A few hours confirming attendance to tomorrow’s event, finalising press materials and stuffing goody bags and Monday is done.
Tuesday is an early start but joy, six pieces of national coverage resulting from yesterday’s sell-in which made the early wake up call worth it. The day begins with a breakfast event for journalists and key bloggers to launch a collaboration between a client and The School of Life, but by 10am, it’s back to the office to send coverage to client, follow up with media that attended the event (and those that couldn’t) and prepare for another event Wednesday.
Wednesday kicks off with a photocall with 1970′s rockers to announce an exclusive gig supported by a client. Photocall complete, its back to the office to send the photos out to all the picture desks for tomorrow’s papers. Come 3pm, the office downs tools; forwards phones to Blackberries and heads up to the bar for England vs Slovakia.
Thursday is more of a desk day, finalising a regional PR toolkit to enable members of a client organisation to do some of their own PR locally, participating in brainstorm or two, briefing designers, drafting a couple of press releases and having a conference call with a client in the states.
As for Friday, who knows – it might be pitch rehearsals, client conference calls or more media liaison. One thing is for certain, I won’t be bored.
So what exactly is PR? Well it’s certainly varied, often a challenge requiring you to think on your feet, probably not as glamorous as it sounds, but definitely exciting. And not a flyer in sight.