October 25th, 2013
PR in some people's minds is 'spin' or 'hype'. In the past month and a half I have come to realize just how untrue this is, as well as how important it will be for myself to steer clear of situations in my career that present murky ethics or circumstances. We studied ethics and social responsibility this week in our PR Fundamentals class, and it really occurred to me just how tricky it can be navigating through the waters of being ethical while also being in business.
This is not to say that I have a negative view of the way business in general operates. I know of many companies, both for profit and nonprofit, that are exemplary in their practice of being both ethical and socially responsible. But I wonder where I will find myself in the future, and if I will ever be in a situation that calls into question ethics or the morality of the parties involved. While I consider myself someone with a solid moral compass, I know I won't always be in a situation to make the call solely by myself. I may have to rely on others to make decisions that are ethical and morally sound. This reiterates the importance for me to work for an organization that values ethical practice and social responsibility, so the expectation is already there.
Some people may not consider social responsibility to be a surefire way to increase market share or profit, but I think it should be something that more and more for-profit companies and businesses embrace. Myself as a consumer and a student of public relations, I know that I enjoy giving business to companies that can look beyond their bottom line and see what they can do for the communities in which they do their business.
Friday, 25 October 2013
Friday, 18 October 2013
October 18th, 2013
After a weekend full of turkey, our class was treated to another great meal on Tuesday. In a departure from a typical Tuesday class we attended the City of Calgary Crisis Commmunications during the flood luncheon at the Hyatt Hotel, which was hosted by the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS). It was a daunting experience walking into a room full of professionals, many of whom are in careers that I am striving towads. Daunting but invaluable and a great experience to say the least.
We helped ourselves to a delicious lunch buffet and then settled down to listen to the Director of Communications for the City of Calgary speak. It was so neat to hear the events of the flood relayed to me from a man who was behind the scenes of all the press conferences I watched or news releases I read. It really took me back to 4 months ago when the flood occurred and seeing the incredible and unbelievable photos and video on television and online.
I remember feeling rather helpless as I watched the flooding all unfold. Rob's talk on Tuesday highlighted the fact that he was very far from helpless during the flood. While him and his crisis communications team couldn't stop the floodwaters from wreaking havoc on our city, they played a crucial role in keeping the Calgary public informed, up to date, and safe. It really occurred to me then what a vital role communications plays not only in business but in the moments we can't prepare for or prevent. Through efficient and effective communications and public relations, we can feel far from helpless in a seemingly hopeless situation.
After a weekend full of turkey, our class was treated to another great meal on Tuesday. In a departure from a typical Tuesday class we attended the City of Calgary Crisis Commmunications during the flood luncheon at the Hyatt Hotel, which was hosted by the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS). It was a daunting experience walking into a room full of professionals, many of whom are in careers that I am striving towads. Daunting but invaluable and a great experience to say the least.
We helped ourselves to a delicious lunch buffet and then settled down to listen to the Director of Communications for the City of Calgary speak. It was so neat to hear the events of the flood relayed to me from a man who was behind the scenes of all the press conferences I watched or news releases I read. It really took me back to 4 months ago when the flood occurred and seeing the incredible and unbelievable photos and video on television and online.
I remember feeling rather helpless as I watched the flooding all unfold. Rob's talk on Tuesday highlighted the fact that he was very far from helpless during the flood. While him and his crisis communications team couldn't stop the floodwaters from wreaking havoc on our city, they played a crucial role in keeping the Calgary public informed, up to date, and safe. It really occurred to me then what a vital role communications plays not only in business but in the moments we can't prepare for or prevent. Through efficient and effective communications and public relations, we can feel far from helpless in a seemingly hopeless situation.
Friday, 11 October 2013
October 11th, 2013
After five years of university I thought I had it all down pat. I didn't think there was much academically that could come my way that I wouldn't be able to handle and excel at. I discovered this week though that I learned how to excel at what I studied in university, and it's very different from what we're learning now.
Yesterday we wrote our first midterm in Integrated Marketing Communications. It was material I was totally unfamiliar with six weeks ago, and yet I have found it to be really interesting and thought I had a good grasp on it. The test we wrote yesterday went alright, but it showed me just how much more I have to apply myself to this if I want to excel like I have before. I don't have 4 or 5 years to get this information into my head - less than three months will have to suffice. So I guess I better get to work!
After five years of university I thought I had it all down pat. I didn't think there was much academically that could come my way that I wouldn't be able to handle and excel at. I discovered this week though that I learned how to excel at what I studied in university, and it's very different from what we're learning now.
Yesterday we wrote our first midterm in Integrated Marketing Communications. It was material I was totally unfamiliar with six weeks ago, and yet I have found it to be really interesting and thought I had a good grasp on it. The test we wrote yesterday went alright, but it showed me just how much more I have to apply myself to this if I want to excel like I have before. I don't have 4 or 5 years to get this information into my head - less than three months will have to suffice. So I guess I better get to work!
October 4th, 2013
I want to start this blog with a quote by Wayne Gretzky. You may think, "What does a great Canadian hockey player have to do with public relations?". It's a good question. But what I have found in my first five weeks of studying public relations is that the big ideas are often confusing at first, mainly because they are different. And what is different and new can be unsettling to us, and I know this very well. I have discovered though that different and new are two things that make a big impact in public relations, and by extension, in my life.
I appreciated this comment from him as this ability to anticipate and accept change is something I can struggle with in life. Learning how to overcome this obstacle in my day to day life will certainly help me in my future in public relations.
I want to start this blog with a quote by Wayne Gretzky. You may think, "What does a great Canadian hockey player have to do with public relations?". It's a good question. But what I have found in my first five weeks of studying public relations is that the big ideas are often confusing at first, mainly because they are different. And what is different and new can be unsettling to us, and I know this very well. I have discovered though that different and new are two things that make a big impact in public relations, and by extension, in my life.
"I try not to skate to where the puck is, but where it's going to be".
Marc Binkley, founder of The Sleeping Barber, came and spoke to us last week in our PR and Digital Media class. He imparted on us this quote by the Great One, and explained how vital it is to stay innovative in the field of public relations. While many in business might be afraid of trying new strategies, the ability to stay fresh and innovative, constantly trying new strategies and tactics is essential to keeping your company competitive in an ever-changing marketplace. This is how we keep ahead of the competition, as well as constantly setting new standards of great to aspire to. It is creativity and foresight and an understanding of the industry all wrapped up into one goal: to keep looking forward.
I appreciated this comment from him as this ability to anticipate and accept change is something I can struggle with in life. Learning how to overcome this obstacle in my day to day life will certainly help me in my future in public relations.
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