Book Review: Putting the Public Back in Public Relations

by Bill Rice on February 15, 2010

As I await Brian Solis’ next book, Engage I thought I would pull Putting the Public Back in Public Relations off the shelf. I must say it’s a great re-read. But, what really made me want to review the book here was when I spotted this blog post highlighting:

“39% of those surveyed said they did not plan to use social networking in their marketing plan in 2010”

What? Are you kidding me?

Amy Porterfield, from Social Media Examiner explains this with these numbers from the same report:

“This number is likely tied to the finding that 31% reported that their customers do not use social media…”

My point is you need to read Brian Solis’ book. Regardless of whether you think your customers are using social media or not you need to get in the game. It seriously impacts your business.

Here are just a few of the ways, illustrated in Solis’, book that Social Media and PR 2.0 will get you more sales:

1. New Journalism – bloggers and journalist are not so far apart anymore. Even when there’s a distinction it’s obvious that social media is increasingly the “real” assignment desk. So, if you want customers to find you in new media and traditional media you had better have a social media presence.

2. Social Media Releases &  Blogger Relations – The press releases and wire services are fading. Social media and RSS are replacing this paradigm for industry news. You need to learn how to work within this new environment if you want your business covered. Again, even coverage in traditional media, which your customer is still reading.

3. Technology Does Not Override Social Sciences – Take a look at recent politics and it’s obvious that the technology may be changing, but the way affinity groups and communities rally doesn’t change. Your customers will be influenced by social media. Don’t you want to make certain you are there and well positioned when they arrive?

My recommendation is that you get (or dust off) Putting the Public Back in Public Relationsand then stand in line for Brian Solis’ new one: Engage: The Complete Guide for Brands and Businesses to Build, Cultivate, and Measure Success in the New Web.

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  • Jim Mac
    Dear Bill,

    I appreciate your site. Thank you for your insights and guidance.

    In the midst of the financial crisis, there is indeed a lot of bashing and cynicism
    towards public relations, and that other "PR"-- performance recognition, and
    inspirational efforts in the workplace. Just check any bar in lower Manhattan!
    It's a shame.

    As a VP leading over 100 salespeople, I've found that the hard fact
    is that QUALITY performance recognition works. Not just for morale,
    but in dollars. I have been using a couple of different tools for retaining
    good people and bringing in the larger sales figures. A#1 is Design Your
    Inspiration ( www.dyi.successories.com ), intelligent, customizable with
    any words or great quotes you want to use. All on framed art photography
    prints. How handy is that!

    Again, the quality of these, and the MEANING emparted makes them
    highly effective for me. So while the cynics shed tears in their beers,
    we're laughing all the way to the bank! Thanks again. Jim
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