What is Public Relations?

A very popular question I get all the time is ... What is Public Relations? 

I always pause and smile before responding with a response like "Well that's not an easy question to answer. PR is a lot of things. Where would you like me to start?"

So here's my answer, as brief as I can get:

I think a Public Relations professional is one who assists clients identify points of distinction and strategically deliver key messages through custom campaigns. They generally have expertise in crisis communications/reputation management, media relations, media training, event planning & facilitation, corporate social responsibility/community relations, internet and social media marketing and other related tasks. Some people think Public Relations is about sending out press releases, strictly managing matters regarding media for business, simply making people or businesses look good, or spend 95% of their time writing.

The definition of public relations has and will continue to change over time due to economic and technological changes. The PRSA defines public relations as “a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.” Considering our modern economy, I would accept their definition as my own. However, I believe my definition of public relations goes more into depth.

By Yana Gaines, CEO & President of Michigan Premier Marketing Team