5 common misconceptions about PR pros
From ‘spin doctoring’ to the lore about never-ending red-carpet galas, the industry—and its practitioners—have been erroneously depicted for decades. Let’s set a few things straight.
It’s a running joke in our industry that few outside public relations really understand what we do.
PR has the dubious honor of ranking among the 10 most misunderstood professions by parents of those in the biz, according to a survey conducted by LinkedIn. It’s right up there with data scientist and UI designer when it comes to jobs your mom just doesn’t get.
That’s OK in my book; it’s silly to be sensitive about it or to take offense when people ask if you created that cute TV ad.
More frustrating than ignorance about the practice of PR are the misconceptions and stereotypes about it. Some date from the birth of the industry, just after World War II; others are more recent media creations. They just won’t quit.
Here are the top tropes about PR people that I’d be happy never to hear again:
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