This is where a|h get all our ideas down. All the things we want to say and do, but don't always have time...

:: Is Social Media the answer to everything? ::

Every now and then a new trend emerges in the pr market place.  We have had Corporate and Social Responsibility and now we have social media.   Everyone wants to be promoted through social networking and everyone is claiming to be an expert.

There is no doubt that using social media is important, and it is really important to understand what it can and can’t do.  It can spread information quickly, probably more quickly than swine flu, and has the ability to damage your reputation at the click of a mouse.

But we should remember that it is only one medium of communication – quick, compelling and up to date but also to be treated in the same way as other communications channels.

Wherever you are trying to get your messages across, on line or off line, or both, the messages are still the most important things, not the medium.  And it is important that the messages are consistent across all media.

So time, strategic thought and preparation are still vital before rushing to join the on-line revolution.   And if you are unlucky enough to be the target of bad on-line publicity, be just as considered in your response as you would if you were preparing for an interview on the Today programme.
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:: Don't mention the 'R'' word ::

Banks going bust; corporate reputations in tatters; advertising revenues slashed; retail freefall; redundancy; recession: Oh my goodness – cancel Christmas!

At times like these the preferred response from any organisation will be to batten down the hatches and ride out the storm. Not surprisingly perhaps, but a little short-sighted.

Trading conditions like these can offer great opportunities for organisations that are prepared to consider extending their public relations programmes. Not only is PR a cost effective way of keeping your brand and your company in the public eye, it can also present an opportunity for enhancing your reputation to take advantage of the inevitable upturn in the economy.

Individuals too could do with some help, and I don’t just mean George Osborne! No doubt Sir Fred Goodwin, recently resigned from RBS, will emerge unscathed by scandal to take his place as a non-executive director on the board of another company who will, and should be, delighted to have him. The same happy fate has already befallen a number of senior directors at Lehman Brothers, and quite right too. The world economic collapse can hardly be blamed on the actions of a few individuals.

However, these individuals might like to consider a little strategic PR help with their profile and the management of their future media exposure. The media can be very unforgiving and they have long memories. A little hand holding and advice from a media professional can work wonders. Ask Gordon Brown, although I think Baron Mandelson of Foy etc. might be a step too far.

So what do we mean by that much used and abused phrase - reputation management. At AHPR we believe that it is about considering very seriously HOW you would like to be perceived by the people who really matter to you and your business; planning the best ways of reaching them and structuring the messages you are sending; deciding what you will NOT do as much as what you will do; and working together with PR professionals who understand you and what you want to achieve. You should plan for the medium to long term, and be prepared to do nothing instead of too much.

Building or rebuilding your reputation should not be undertaken lightly, but if you are serious about long term business and riding out the recession it is well worth considering.
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