On Tuesday, Mike Manuel wrote a strong piece about DIY PR, or do-it-yourself public relations. He's on point to show that while tools such as blogs, RSS feeds, podcasting and others exist and are fairly easy (for some) to roll out without outside assistance, that doesn't mean that public relations firms as we know them are going to vanish. If anything, the idea that agencies should be "adapting and exploring new ways to bring new value to businesses" is what we should all bet on, and not in the fashion that you throw some "extra" chips on black at the roulette wheel before walking out of the casino. If there was ever a sure thing, in my eyes, it was that agencies must get with the program when it comes to the tools of the trade, not so much to fend off the do-it-yourselfers and leaders of the new school, but to continue to act as the experts in their trade. Public relations is a lot about feet on the street, and knowing which tips, tools, and efforts work - and which don't.
Now obviously I am employed by an agency that is working in this space, and utilizing new media expertise in order to get our clients what they really need - not just publicity, press mentions, blog postings, and buzz - but end results, real customers, testimonials, and a return on their investment. That ROI might not just be measured with dollars in the coffers, though. Perhaps it's signups to a mailing list, site traffic increases, positive search engine results, whatever - what's important is that we're getting with the program. So obviously you can take me as an unbiased commenter on the subject - all well and good - but the objective here is to assist our clients in getting the word out, through whatever tools are applicable to their business. Not everyone needs a blog - or should have one. Not ever company should be podcasting. Perhaps a wiki isn't right for one client. But no matter what, there is a level of expertise that exists in the blogging space, podcasting space, wiki space, whatever. That's what part of our role will be going forward - knowing what to use, when, and for which customer. We all know that you can throw together a blog on Blogger in less than five minutes - but can you make it into an effective communication tool that builds your business, places you in the community you need to be near, and keeps people interested? I can't say that everyone would know how to do that, after opening up their "DIY Marketing Toolbox."
If there was ever a reason that people wanted to know why individuals like Mike Manuel, Steve Rubel, Jeremy Pepper and myself were working in the public relations industry, it would be for what I just mentioned above. None of us are magicians, as our transparency will clearly show - but these people exist as proof positive that not only are PR firms getting with the program (yes, I know I used the phrase three times now), but that they are committed to growing new and existing business through what new media has to offer.