The Scandalous Side of PR

Okay, I’ll admit it. I am slightly obsessed ABC’s hit drama, Scandal. Maybe it’s the insane plot twists and crazy back stabbing scenarios that keep me hooked. Perhaps it’s the never-ending love saga between Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and the President. Whatever it is, there is one thing I am sure of: when it comes to dealing with a major crisis, there is no scandal too big for Olivia Pope to fix. Olivia and her team of “fixers” work to manage the public images of D.C. power players. Although Pope and Associates are not necessarily the ideal PR role models, there are a few things any PR person can learn from them.

1. Confidence- Whether its addressing a room swarmed with media or doing damage control on the President’s affair with a White House intern, Olivia enters every situation with her head held high. No matter how stressful the situation may be, she handles it with confidence. It is a lesson to all PR people that when you are confident in yourself, your clients will be confident in you as well. Although Olivia may be unsure how a situation will turn out, she does not let it show. Instead, she throws on her best pair of heels and walks into the situation like she owns the room.  

2. Get the facts right- Just like any good PR person should know, Olivia knows credibility is a very delicate thing. Although she listens to her gut instincts, Olivia also knows that before acting on anything, she and her team must do their homework. All of the right facts must be gathered before addressing the public. One wrong move could destroy a client’s reputation. She also knows once you lose credibility, you lose everything.

3. Accept only the best- That is why Pope and Associates work tirelessly to provide their clients only the best help. They work hours on end to see that the job is done, and that it is done right. Pope and her team will travel anywhere at any time to help their clients. They don’t call themselves “gladiators in suits” for nothing! But when it’s all said and done, Olivia knows how to reward herself after a long day with a big glass of red wine.

So, are you hooked on Scandal too? I know I’ll be counting down the days until the crazy two part season finale airs!

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Lauren Bentley.

“Samantha Jones” PR verses Real Public Relations

Brushing shoulders with only the elite, standing in your brand new Christian LouBoutin heels, while staring out at the New York City skyline, all in a nights work. You may ask yourself, “What kind of profession will lead to that scenario?”  Well ask Samantha Jones, public relations expert.  Her character, played by Kim Cattrall on the hit TV series Sex and the City, depicts the life as a PR agent to be the most laid back and glamorous profession. 

Personally, my interest in the field sparked from Ms. Jones’s life style.   Who wouldn’t want to be in control of the VIP lists for extravagant events?  However, anyone within this field knows that this type of PR is not typical. 

One major difference between Samantha Jones and a real PR professional is the perspective on work.  As Jones’ character put it during the TV show, “I don’t believe in the Republican party or the Democratic party.  I just believe in parties.”  A party to Jones is a well-planned event to PR professionals.  Every event put together by a PR professional requires numerous little details that people outside this career sometimes overlook.  Research, promoting, networking, and planning are all crucial for a successful outcome. 

Luckily for Jones, she not only gets into and throws the best parties; she also has a never-ending client list.  You will never catch her staying late at the office, working on different pitches for new clients. Original ideas and theories need to be tested with PR considering the field is always changing.  With change comes a fresh challenge; thus, Jones never altering her strategies when working with new clients creates an unrealistic persona for this career.  Facing the task of constant change is what makes public relations a round-the-clock job.

All play and no work may be Samantha Jones’ way of tackling the PR profession, but when it comes to reality, public relations always challenges.

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Brittany Barish.