PUBLIC RELATIONS

Any activity designed to create goodwill (a favorable image) toward a business What is Public Relations?

Elements of Public Relations Employee Relations Customer Relations Community Relations Publicity

Employee Relations Job training House organs – newsletters about the company Employee discounts Promotion from within Employee suggestions/awards Stock ownership/profit-sharing Scholarships to employees Day care facilities Flexible scheduling

Customer Relations Extra facilities  Daycare (grocery stores)  Restaurants (Target/WalMart)  Restrooms Gift-wrapping services Free delivery Special events  Fashion shows  Preferred customer sales  Benefits/raffles  Celebrity appearances

Customer Relations (con’t) Customer Advisory Boards Panels of consumers who make suggestions on new products and extra services, such as store hours, billing procedures and delivery services Consumer Affairs Specialists Employees hired specifically to handle customer complaints and to serve as consumer advocates within the company

Community Relations Activities that businesses use to acquire or maintain the respect of the community Little League sponsor Scholarships to local high schools “Partners in Education” Membership in civic organizations (Rotary) Charitable donations

Placing newsworthy information about a company in the media Publicity

Advantages Free More credible Disadvantages No company control Can be negative

Examples of Publicity “Grand Opening” of a new store Awards won by employees Announcements of hiring, promotions or retirements Charitable activities

Prewritten article about a company that is sent to the various media. Used to relay public relations events or activities Public Relations Specialists News (or press) Release