As a PR Manager, you know how to represent your organization. However, as seasoned and knowledgeable as you may be, if you’re not careful, a minor mistake from a lapse in thought or a hurried report can come back to bite.
Before you make any move, double check to make sure you’re not falling into one of these slipups:
1. Cold Calls That Burn
This goes for any division of an organization, but especially fits the PR side. When trying to reach a reporter, potential client, or other organization’s PR department, know whom you’re calling before you pick up the phone. People are often hurt if they realize they just picked up a cold call, and it can ruin relationships. Try to find out the person’s name and a little information to connect with them before you reach out to them.
2. Social Media Wrong Opportunities
A few years ago, Microsoft tweeted out:
@bing: How you can #SupportJapan – http://binged.it/fEh7iT. For every retweet, @bing will give $1 to Japan quake victims, up to $100K.
What may have been in good faith backfired from critics claiming Microsoft was taking advantage of a horrible situation. While Microsoft was donating money, they were also showing off a new feature.
Lesson learned: Relevant news sparks clicks, but choose your news carefully.
3. Lack of an ‘About’ Page
Sometimes your work can become such a large part of your life that you forget so many people have never heard of your organization or don’t know much about it. An ‘About’ page is a crucial aspect to any website. Try to also include a link to the ‘About’ page in all information you send out to prospective clients.
4. Proofrede
Did that title bother you? It may sound simple, but a lack of proofreading can turn any informative, well-written message into negative advertising for your organization. Take a quick minute to proofread everything you send to those outside your organization (and inside too), to avoid embarrassment.
Sometimes it’s the simple things that can hurt the most. Looking over your work and thinking about the action you’re about to take one last time can save you from an embarrassing explanation. Checking for these four slipups can save you from a lot of those explanations as you advance through your career.