Years ago, I heard some sound advice for marketing and PR professionals: Lead the circus parade or trail behind with a shovel. Visiting friend Tim Gallen's website this week, I ran across the extended version of that story, one that differentiates the disciplines of marketing and public relations quite neatly.
"When I accepted a position in public relations, a friend remarked that the job would be a breeze for me with my journalism background. I explained that the areas are quite different, and I illustrated my point with this example: If the circus is coming to town and you paint a sign saying 'Circus coming to the fairground Saturday,' that's advertising. If you put a sign on the back of an elephant and walk him into town, that's promotion. And if the elephant walks through the mayor's flower bed, that's publicity. But, if you can get the mayor to laugh about it, that's...Public Relations!"
Don't confuse the people with shovels and the true PR professionals who are leading the parade.
Other...: www.bestofzen.org
