10 things clients say that scare PR pros

Do any of these sound familiar?

The relationship that public relations professionals share with their clients is vital. When a PR consultant is hired, there is typically a learning curve as projects begin to take shape. It may take days or even weeks to get into the rhythm of working effectively with a new PR consultant.

Most people hire PR consultants because they are miffed by the news process and want someone who is well-connected, media savvy and creative. Or, they hire someone because they simply don’t have the time or desire to write, pitch and place press releases and stories for themselves.

If you are a PR professional, you’ll likely get a chuckle out of the following list. If you’re a business or nonprofit professional, please keep in mind that my list is intended to remind you, politely, that thinking and breathing is not newsworthy. That is, you must be willing to do or say something that impacts the public: press releases cannot simply be self-serving. Above all, after hiring PR consultants, allow them to use their expertise to help you get the publicity you need.

Here are 10 things clients say that scare PR professionals. Do any of these sound familiar?

1. I want to be on “Oprah.”

2. I wrote a press release once in college.