PR is still about relationships

There are so many buzz words swirling around PR these days -- brand strategist, social media expert, buzz agent -- yet the the folks here at Abbi PR still believe the most important part of PR is relationships. Sure social media is important -- but the relationships you have with bloggers are going to get you a lot further than just sending a release to a list of people you pulled off technorati. It's still important to post comments on their blogs, RT their stories, ask questions and interact -- especially when you're not digging for a story. Start the conversation, engage in the conversation and offer suggestions without pitching any ideas at all. The same goes for traditional print journalists -- it's crucial to develop relationships and fosters those relationships. Lunch, coffee, drinks and conversation still go along way. Anyone can claim to be a social media expert -- but it's how they interact with the "message makers" that's going to determine what kind of expert they are. We can all claim a lot of things -- but perhaps a quick call to the reporters that PR firms claim to have "friendships" with will go the farthest.

Pick up the Phone!!!!!

Ahhh -- the power of the telephone. I had lunch with a fellow PR colleague today and eventually the topic turned (as it tends to do) to media relations and how so many people just rely on e-mail to pitch a story. I'm still a believer that each e-mail should be followed up with a quick call to reinforce the message. Disclaimer -- "just following up to check you got my release, please let me know if you need anything else" -- does not count. That's a waste of every one's time. Have a reason for the calling the journalist, already know what topics the journalist has recently covered and be prepared to answer any questions with well thought out and intelligent answers. I regularly pitch journalists through social networks, but I still call if I believe my pitch/idea warrants that type of follow up. There's nothing more effective than personal contact and it will help develop stronger relationships over time-- so pick up the phone!