If you have been following the Maria Chrissovergis Public Relations blogs you are probably aware that I was once a TV news reporter and anchor. If you’re not familiar with the news industry you may not know about all of the work that goes into one news story that typically fills less than two minutes of the newscast (yes, that is all the time you typically get to tell your story). There is an assignment editor who often coordinates crews, a producer who will tell you what angle he or she is looking for from the story and your true partner in crime – your videographer who shoots and edits your story and is by your side for at least 10 hours a day.
The relationship between reporter and videographer is like a marriage. When things get stressful (equipment breaks, deadlines are moved up, or you’re faced with continuous “no comment” while trying to put your story together) reporters and videographers could possibly benefit from a couples therapy session…or several. Except sadly there is no time because your deadline was moved from the 6:00 show to the 5:00 show! And when a reporter and videographer team scores the BIG exclusive interview they are often overcome with excitement similar to a husband and wife getting an unexpected IRS refund check. The highs and lows of this relationship are tumultuous and can only truly be understood by those who have experienced it. The continuity, however, in this relationship is that the “guy (or girl) behind the camera” always has your back. If you as a reporter look good, they look good and vice versa. And as we say in the business, “You’re only as good as your last story.”
Public Relations efforts are no different. Except now your PR representative is “the guy (or girl) behind the camera”. Their job is to make you look good! A PR Agency is there to improve your brand, find creative opportunities to promote your company and generate positive “buzz” that makes your target market want to do business with YOU! From finding creative ways to dominate the world of social media marketing, purposeful ways to create PR opportunities, and innovative ideas for advertising and marketing your company – it’s imperative your PR team has your back! As the girl who was once in front of the camera and is now the PR girl behind the camera, I encourage you to make sure your PR Agency is always pushing your brand forward to assure you’re in a class of your own!
