Calling all CEOs: You need PR

In a commentary published on Forbes.com Harold Burson stressed the importance of public relations in today’s global economy. As Burson pointed out, with overseas public attitudes of Americans being so low, it is important for CEOs of large corporations to utilize PR practitioners to help them communicate with their target audiences such as investors, employees and customers. To do this, Burson recommends that CEOs demonstrate commitment to public relations. He urges companies to protect their reputations and use PR practitioners to provide a single, unified voice anywhere in the world. Lastly, he emphasizes the importance of public relations for corporations and their CEOs in proactive and responsive dealings with various publics.

I agree with Burson. Unfortunately, many public figures, companies and corporations don’t realize the value of public relations until it is too late. CEOs generally only look to public relations when it is time to handle a crisis or when they want to “advertise” to their target publics. It is evident when a company or public figure is not utilizing public relations initiatives and, even worse, just conducting bad PR.