Except from developing trust and credibility for an organisation what else does a PR officer do in private co.

Question

Now am an intern in a parastatal company as PR officer i will like to know what responsibilities can make me the best as i look for a job either in private, public, goverment organisations knowing well that as PR work always is to develop trust and credibility for the company incase of a problem and maintaining the good name of a company.

Answer 1

PR positions are a very important entity, especially to a "privately owned" business.  "Trust and Credibility" are two key ingredients for YOUR main "goal", be "PROFITABLE".  Creat an atmosphere for current clients to remain so and potential clients to "do business".

YOUR dedication to the business, number 1.  In establishing new clients it is your job as PR to "advertise", get the company "name" and what is offered "out" to the "people".  You MUST know the competition, how they operate, who is their "target" market.

As the PR, you will be the "uplifting" employee with enthusiasm at anytime you are in the office.  Give your ideas to the owner(s) for approval, and, showing you are doing a "good" as well.  Locate interesting "trade show" schedules and purchase a "booth".  In your "target market" go "greet and meet" where they maybe.  Create ideas for marketing, offer "deals" when you can or offer "current" with excitement, schedule a "breakfast" for current clients.

Be creative, an extremely "strong", "old method" with continued results, YOUR company logo on pens, pencils, coffee cups, paper pads, etc., anyone at any level get "excited" about this stuff.  A HUGE MISTAKE, along with the "logo" a "simple" statement on what YOUR company provides.  Recently, I was in my office, many "coffee cups" given to me by companies so I can "see" and do business, and I assure you, it does work.  Most have only company's name, no phone, no description of what they do, etc.  I, as a corporate manager can not remember every "Tom, d**k and Harry" I meet.  How am I suppose to remember by NAME only what the "heck" they do, therefore, I will not call.

A family friend back in the 1930's, he is dead now, was the PR for "Standard Oil Company", an "old" gas/petroleum company with gas stations throughout the U.S.  He knew I loved baseball, I was about 10, and he handed me a "baseball" with a signature,"Babe Ruth".  He, with Babe Ruth, traveled on behalf of "Standard Oil" making as many appearances as possible.  In the two years having Babe Ruth at his side "Standard Oil's" profits "sky rocketed".  Why?  Offering, in this case, an image known to all.  Clients became familiar with the "product" because of the "man".

YOU are there to PROMOTE, NOT handle problems.  YOUR job, promote the business NAME, its product(s), NOT selling.  YOU are either a PR or a Salesperson.  If YOU are selling company products it is the job of ALL salespeople to PROMOTE and take care of the client.  Insure by asking what is expected from YOU.

Good Luck.