Deirdre Breakenridge

I recently spoke at the Florida Public Relations Association’s (FPRA) National Conference in Boca Raton, Florida. It was an excellent conference with a variety of top notch speakers who covered topics ranging from Disney’s community relations program to the basics of SEO. I participated on a panel session, “PR under Fire” and discussed a few of the challenges in the PR industry today. One reason PR is under fire stems from PR professionals being seen as nothing more than handlers and facilitators of information. For years, unfortunately, our work has been reduced and described by the media and bloggers as broadcast messages in news releases with spin and hype that carry little value or meaning for the market. On a positive note, I also said that PR 2.0 would enable PR professionals to use social media to become influencers and to rebuild our reputation to the rightful status that we deserve.

The PR person has a new and important role. At my company, PFS Marketwyse, the PR department is comprised of PR people who take on the role of Research Librarians to aid in monitoring and measurement. Brian and I mention in our book, Putting the Public Back in Public Relations that PR professionals take on many roles in the new social economy. However, one of the most important roles is the Research Librarian, who actively listens, observes and dissects the conversations that take place with customers, media, bloggers, and other stakeholders in web communities.

In order to truly be a PR 2.0 champion for your organization, it starts with your personal involvement in web communities. I believe you have to take off your marketing hat and become a trusted peer. Ask yourself the following questions …