Hey there,
As a newbie PR person, have you ever wondered about the level of research that is involved in the PR practice, it is not just about meeting people? You have to be able to figure out how to do basic research and it can sometimes be exhausting. Most people assume that PR is about networking, connecting with people, and basically the flash life!
However, PR is all of that and more! It involves knowing how to conduct the simplest of research, especially desk research, which is a helpful tool in carrying out any PR task. Also, there is simple research where you have to find out people’s perceptions, awareness, or behavioural patterns towards a particular brand. This can be done via online surveys, phone interviews, focus group studies and so much more.
The one thing that I know that doesn’t excite me about the PR process to date is the analysis, where you have to summarize your findings and draw meaningful conclusions from them. The analysis part stresses me out, but it can be fun as well, when you see all that data and how your basic assumption has been changed or verified.
So what about the part about meeting people in PR, isn’t that part of the show you may ask? Of course, it is! PR is fun when you get to network, attend parties, get access to influencers and celebrities and live a large life. As a PR person, you have to know the basics of networking, talking to people intelligently, and adding value. People like to interact with those that they perceive add value to their lives, not just people who only want to drain knowledge from them or get something from them.
Ask yourself, what value am I bringing to the table? What topics can I discuss with this person that will intrigue both the listener and also encourage interaction? Have I done some research on the individual hindsight to make the person realize that I am truly interested? For instance, you go to a conference and you meet that man that has been your idol for years, you want to strike up a conversation with this individual but you don’t know what to say. You are a bit lost but you really want to have that conversation. Here’s where your research comes in very handy!
You can start with:
Hi Mr …., my name is Theprchick and I have been following your work for over 3 years. I am particularly intrigued by your work on PR in the Tech space, particularly, how PR people should harness their skills and be more agile. I must say, that I am a bit curious as to what you recommend for budding PR practitioners to adopt as their strategy going forward in the digital space, especially for one entrenched in traditional ways of practicing PR. I have read up on some recommended strategies and they include learning how AI works, being involved in social media, and more, but I would also appreciate your recommendations on how they can change their ways and become more agile?
When you start with something that they are familiar with and end with a question, it shows that you really care about them and want to get something meaningful. You have also shown that you understand how valuable their time is and how their input will have a major effect on your life, and this can only be done through research and quick thinking.
I hope you enjoyed reading up to this point, thank you! Join me weekly in my journey into the PR world where I discuss challenges, tips, pointers, and wins in the PR career space. See you soon!
Warm regards,
The PR Chic
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