Spin vs. Framing

The three words PR professionals don't want to be called are spin doctors, flacks and lairs. These three words has the power to challenge and damage the credibility of PR professionals with the media, public and the organization it represents. 

Whenever there's a crisis, which threatens the life of an organization, PR professionals are often blamed for "spinning" the truth in order to present an organization in a positive light. 

"Positive light" in the court of public opinion is lying because the public believes organizations are only considered about it's image and reputation rather than its publics. This ideology of the publics view of PR professionals in a crisis isn't true. 

PR professionals adhere to the PRSA Code of Ethics, which includes the following: honesty, advocacy, expertise, fairness, loyalty and independence. This is a worldwide professional standard of all PR professionals and also young professionals. Therefore, it would be unethical to lie ever. 

The job of a PR professional during a crisis is to be open and honest, communication with the masses, take a proactive role in solving the problem and NEVER say "No Comment." One more thing, PR professionals "tailor" or "frame" its key messages to communicate to the masses, which is not "spinning." 

PR professionals admit the organization made a mistake, show concern, explain what steps are being taken to solve the problem, REINFORCE key messages, REMIND the public of the organizations previous success and let the public know that everyone makes mistakes It's only how an organization recovers from a crisis that will say a lot about an organization. 

What are your thoughts on "Spin vs. Framing?" 

Until next time. 

Best, 

GPaul

Applying the Four-Step PR Process to Everyday Life

The four-step PR process of research, action, communication and evaluation, R.A.C.E, has been ingrained in future and current PR professionals brain from its first introductory PR class. After using the four-step PR process throughout my college career and internships, I realized it not only applies to PR campaigns, but also life. 

For example, job searching. Research the company you want to jump start your career (research). Then you submit your resume and cover letter (action). After you submit your resume and cover letter, then you'll receive a confirmation e-mail, depending on the company, in which they have received your information (communication). Last, the human resource person will evaluate your resume and cover letter to see if you fit their needs, which will hopefully turn into an interview and then a job (evaluation). 

Ironically, the four-step PR process can also apply to our new president-elect, Barack Obama. Obama research the problems facing the U.S., propose legislation to solve the problem, communicate with the American people on his position and then evaluate his decision accordingly, which will be four years from now when Obama is up for reelection. 

Everything I do or see, I'm beginning to view it as a four-step PR process, which results in the success or failure. Call me crazy, but in my opinion it's true. 

Until next time. 

Best, 

GPaul 

Job Fairs Online. Who would have thought?

Recently, I've been reading blogs and articles about the most effective ways to job search in a "not-so-friendly economy." Applying and searching for jobs can be tendencies and stressful, but it doesn't have to be. 

Wouldn't it be nice to have a employers come to you? Better yet, in the comforts of your own home. Well look no more, VisualCV is offering its first EJobFair. It's easy and simple.  With EJobFairs, you can interview and connect live, one-on-one, from your home computer. More than 30 actively hiring employers will be live on Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. To register visit visualcvjobfairs.com. 

VisualCV is an online service that helps you build an online resume and professional portfolio, which you can view my VisualCV at http://www.visualcv.com/gpaul. It's a great way to build your network and develop an online presence to have an edge over other future graduates. 

The job market and how we search for jobs is changing, why not be on the forefront of that change? 

Until next time. 

Best, 

GPaul 

Top 5 Job Seach Web sites for 2009

With 2009 well underway, the search for a job in PR begins. Critics say the job market will continue to decline until the economic crisis is over; however, this might not be the case. Through my research, there are many companies opening businesses, firms, manufactures and power plants, which create jobs.

I've been proactively job searching for at least two weeks because I graduate in May and would like to have a job when I graduate. After two weeks of job searching, I've developed a list of the top 5 job searching Web sites for 2009.

1. CareerBuilder
2. LinkedIn
3. PRSA
4. Monster
5. Indeed

What all of these Web sites have in common is it's ability for job seekers to search for jobs based on location, salary, company, industry and qualifications, which is key for recent graduates. Searching for PR jobs can be discouraging because a lot of the positions want applicants to have 3-5 years experience in the field, not including internships.

However, the job search Web sites I mentioned above let's job seekers search for entry level positions, which to my surprise there's a lot.

Hopefully, with a new year will come more jobs and the economy will slowly recover.

Until next time.

Best,

GPaul