You're in PR? I see, so you're a spin doctor.

Hi Folks,

I apologize for the lack of updates - something in my account was messed up and my old blog "allisonfitton.blogspot.com" has disappeared ...

Here is my most recent post from that blog:

For those in the business of public relations, you will be able to relate to my first story. The setting is a cocktail party I attended over the holidays with my parents and their friends. As per usual, the crowd consisted of professionals (doctors, lawyers, engineers & business men/women).



When we arrived at the party my mother insisted on making the rounds to touch base with everyone at the party. After introductions and small talk, my mother made a point to tell each guest that her daughter was in "Public Relations".


Mom: This is my eldest, Allison, and she is in "Public Relations" ... she even lives in the big city!


*Party Goers raise eyebrows & smile politely*


Party Goer 1: "So you are the one who keeps the big guys out of trouble! Hah!"


Party Goer 2: "Oooh ... Spin Doctor! ... Fun!"


Party Goer 3: "Oh, I get it! Like Samantha from Sex & the City"


Me: *Polite Laugh* .. "Something like that .."


Me: Idiots (Ok ... that was in my head while I was politely smiling)



When I first started in PR I was constantly frustrated that, other than my fellow classmates & professionals, no one really seemed to know what PR was. In fact, amongst PR people there is discrepancy as to what PR really is.



I thought that it would be most appropriate in my first post to talk about what PR is so that subsequent posts will make sense for all reading.



At the basic level, PR is establishing, maintaining and managing relationships. These relationships are usually between companies and their stakeholders whether it be shareholders, customers, partners or their own employees.

PR is also a multi-faceted term. A public relations professional could work in a variety of areas including corporate communications, marketing communications, investor relations, media relations, employee communications, event planning and strategic communications to name a few.

PR practitioners also have transferable skills which allow them to work in almost every industry ranging from finance and IT to hospitality and sports.

Lastly, PR practitioners work in different organizational settings. They could work in a consulting agencies where they work with outside clients. For example, Hill & Knowlton, Weber-Shandwick, Ketchum PR and High Road Communications. They can also work within corporations where they become the client. For example, having the responsibility for corporate communications within Labatt.

So as you can see ... the world of PR is complex. I hope that I have cleared it up a tad for you. Keep in mind that this is my personal definition of the profession and that there are many out there.


I am making it my personal goal to educate as many people as possible about my chosen profession so please feel free to ask me any questions you have about PR and hopefully I can provide some answer!



PS - I apologize for the inconsistent formatting ... I am in the learning process here ...