Beyond the Pitch: Building Genuine Connections in PR

One of the most crucial aspects of our PR world

Hey there, Chatterbugs! It's your friend Amy from Chatterbox PR & Marketing , coming at you with some heartfelt musings and tried-and-true tips on one of the most crucial aspects of our PR world – building genuine, lasting relationships. Let’s dive in!

The Magic of Human Connection

In the world of PR, we often get caught up in the hustle of crafting the perfect pitch or landing that dream placement. But here's the thing - at its core, PR is all about relationships. It’s about connecting, not just communicating. It’s about understanding, not just emailing. And it’s about listening, not just talking.

Storytime: It’s More Than Just Business

I’ll never forget the time I started following a journalist, Alex, on social media. I was a regular reader of Alex's articles, but I also took the time to engage with his content on a personal level. When he shared pictures from his hiking trip in Colorado, I didn’t just “like” his post; I commented with a recommendation for a hidden-gem trail I knew in the area. And when the holidays rolled around, I made sure to send a cheerful ‘Happy Holidays’ his way.

Fast forward a few months, I had to pitch a story that was right up Alex’s alley. Guess what? My email didn’t just land in another pile; it started a conversation. Because by then, I wasn’t just another publicist to Alex; I was Amy, the fellow hiking enthusiast who also happened to work in PR.

The Little Things Matter

Building relationships in PR isn’t always about grand gestures. It’s about the little things:

1. Follow and Engage: Don’t just follow journalists and influencers for the sake of having them on your list. Read their articles, engage with their posts, and understand their interests. This knowledge is gold when you tailor your pitches.

2. Personalized Communication: If a contact shares something personal, like a trip or a hobby, remember it. Acknowledge it in your communications. This shows you see them as a person, not just a means to an end.

3. Celebrate Their Wins: If they win an award, get a promotion, or write a killer piece, let them know you noticed and appreciated it. A congratulatory note can go a long way.

4. Be There, Even When You Don’t Need Anything: Drop a note or make a call when you don’t have a pitch. Ask them how they are, or comment on a recent piece they wrote. Let them know they’re on your mind, even when you don’t need a favor.

5. Remember, It’s a Two-Way Street: Always think about how you can add value to their work. Can you provide them with unique insights, expert quotes, or interesting story ideas (even when they’re not directly related to your client)?The Bottom Line

In PR, your contacts need to see you as more than just a publicist; they need to see you as a person. This doesn’t just make your job more enjoyable; it makes it more effective. When you build genuine connections, you create a foundation for mutual respect and understanding, which is the bedrock of successful PR.

So, dear Chatterbugs, let’s put the ‘relations’ back in Public Relations, one genuine interaction at a time. Remember, we’re not just building networks; we’re building relationships.

Till next time, keep connecting, keep caring, and keep being your wonderful selves!

- Amy, Your Relationship Builder at Chatterbox