National Publicist Day - Still People Don't Get It!

Ok, so everyone wants their brand to shine under the national spotlight. But here’s the truth—if you want to sparkle on the big stage, you’ve got to build your foundation locally first. It’s like trying to sprint before you can walk. Spoiler alert: skipping local PR will leave you fumbling in the dark when the big lights finally hit.

So, why do so many people think PR is easy or believe they can start at the national level without earning their local stripes? Buckle up, because we’re diving into the myths, the misconceptions, and the magic of a PR journey that actually leads to the spotlight.

1. PR is Just Writing Press Releases, Right? Wrong.

So many folks seem to think PR is just about typing up a press release, slapping it into an email, and waiting for Oprah to call. Hilarious! PR is an ecosystem. It’s about strategy, timing, relationships, and, yes, a little finesse. It’s not just one tool—it’s the whole toolbox. Press releases are a tiny slice of the PR pie, but they’re far from the whole meal. If you’re not also building media relationships, networking, and strategically planning every move, that release will just collect dust in a journalist’s inbox.

2. “It’s All Luck” – The Ultimate PR Delusion

Some people think PR is like winning the lottery: all about luck. Just cross your fingers and hope someone important notices you, right? WRONG. PR professionals spend hours (yes, hours!) on research, crafting pitches, and understanding the ins and outs of media timing. We don’t just “hope” for coverage; we work for it. It’s about knowing when and where to pitch, and developing relationships with people who actually want to hear from you. So, thinking you can snag national media without putting in the groundwork? Good luck with that.

3. PR is Glamorous – Said No Real Publicist Ever

Ah, the Hollywood effect. Thanks to movies and TV, everyone thinks PR is glitzy events, fabulous parties, and hanging with celebrities. Spoiler alert: real PR involves a lot of late nights, strategic meetings, and managing more fires than a firefighter. The real PR grind is tough, often unglamorous work that requires grit and resilience. If you’re here for a “Devil Wears Prada” moment, you’re in the wrong industry.

4. “I Can Do It Myself” Syndrome

Now this one’s a classic. The “I’ll just do my own PR” crowd. Look, DIY PR is tempting. But there’s a reason PR pros exist (and no, it’s not to make your life harder). Effective PR requires media connections, timing, and an understanding of how to navigate the storytelling landscape. Thinking you can do this alone with no training? That’s like deciding to do your own surgery after watching a medical drama. Please, leave it to the professionals.

5. The Great “National Coverage” Fallacy

Why do people think national coverage is the holy grail? Sure, national media is exciting, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. Local coverage can be way more valuable for building a loyal audience, creating trust, and—oh yeah—actually driving business. If you can’t even get the local paper interested, what makes you think The New York Times will be knocking on your door? Starting local allows you to build credibility and make real connections with audiences that matter.

6. The “All Publicity is Good Publicity” Myth

This one’s a doozy. Some folks think any attention is good attention. Reality check: not all press is created equal, and bad press can bury your brand faster than you can say “PR disaster.” Good PR is strategic. It’s about crafting a narrative that represents your brand in the best light possible—not just going viral for the wrong reasons.

7. Underestimating the Power of Consistent Branding

PR isn’t about random one-off appearances. It’s about building a story over time, with consistent branding and messaging. You can’t jump into the media landscape with scattershot press releases and hope people “get it.” Consistency is king, and it requires strategy and long-term thinking. That kind of brand-building isn’t something you just “wing”—it’s carefully crafted and executed.

National Isn’t the Starting Line—It’s the Finish Line

Look, we all want to hit the big leagues. But in PR, the “big time” doesn’t come without first laying down a solid foundation. National media is not your “easy button.” If you’re serious about PR, start with the local scene, build your credibility, and grow from there. That’s how the pros do it. And trust me, there’s no shortcut for experience and relationships.

So next time you think PR is “easy” or believe you can skip straight to national, remember this: PR is an art, a science, and a little bit of magic. And if you’re serious about it, find someone who knows the ropes. Because in PR, as in life, the only way to go national is by going local first and get some “ink” first!