I am sure many CEOs will have some amusing stories to share about the calls from journalists and their interactions with the journalists. So it happens everywhere. It depends on who makes the first call and why. The clients of PR agencies are also to be blamed for such goof ups. Just now I got a call from a PR girl (at 5pm) wanting to know whether I would be able to attend a meeting to be addressed by an official of the agency's client. Me: Ok. At what time? PR girl: The timing has not been finalised as the official is in a meeting. It will be late in the evening. Me: Ok. But you will have to tell me the time. Only then I can tell my position. PR girl: That is right. But the official is in a meeting and he asked me to find out from Chennai journalists whether they are available to meet him later. I have interacted with this girl and she is a capable hand. Perhaps due to the pressure from the client she made the call. V Jagannathan
--- On Tue, 9/2/08, Bhavani K <Bhavani_K@mica.gov.sg> wrote:
From: Bhavani K <Bhavani_K@mica.gov.sg>
Subject: Re: [prpoint] DNA Story on PR profession - Why PR is viewed negatively?
To: prpoint@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2008, 4:19 PM
I think these things do happen everywhere. Some PR practitioners, esp the young ones, often do have the skills in dealing with journalists. They should be trained in media handling skills. Cheers Bhavani  "vikram" <pr.vikram@gmail. com> "vikram" <pr.vikram@gmail. com>
Sent by: prpoint@yahoogroups .com 02/09/2008 06:13 PM | Please respond to
prpoint@yahoogroups .com | | | Dear Friends
Vivek Kaul, a senior journalist from DNA had written this piece in
its Sunday edition. Please go through this article and tell me how
exactly you feel after reading it? Do you think we should respond to
this? or we should admit that these things happen in our industry
and continue working without taking any corrective steps? Why is our
profession viewed in such a negative light? Can't we do anything to
change the perception.
I appeal to all PR specialists and specially the senior guys please
respond with your comments.
Do you have two minutes?
Vivek Kaul
Saturday, August 30, 2008 21:25 IST
I may be one of those lucky few who is not besieged with calls,
trying to sell a credit card, a personal loan or holiday packages.
Either my service provider hasn't sold its database yet or I am just
plain lucky. Nevertheless, that does not mean I do not get any
calls. I get lots of calls from public relations professionals (I am
wondering if you have two minutes types). And this is how a typical
call goes:
Me: Hello…
Caller: Hi. This is Shafalica calling from Next Generation Image
Management (Image Management, Peter Drucker must be turning in his
grave). Is that Vivek?
Me (in a rather bored voice): Ji. Boliye.
Shafalica: I was wondering whether you had two minutes? (For the
uninitiated 'wondering' is the most oft used word by Public
Relations and Corporate Communication Professionals. )
Me: Yes, Tell me. (now trying not to sound bored)
Shafalica: We have this client called Rose Wealth Management
(Management again. Drucker must be back to original position now,
since he must have turned again). Their CEO Vishal Mansukhani would
like to contribute to your newspaper. (Contribute is another
favourite with PR guys.)
Me: What does he want to contribute?
Shafalica: I was wondering (not again) if you would be interested in
an article from his side. (Now that gets me interested. An article,
so that means less work for a day. And since he is a corporate guy,
he won't charge. So suddenly, we are talking 'win-win' management
here)
Me: Hmmm. An article. So what does he want to write on?
Shafalica: I was wondering if you had any ideas on what he could
contribute on? ( If I have an idea, wouldn't I rather write it
myself? Those who write on a regular basis will understand that
figuring out what to write is the most difficult part. Writing it
out is much easier. If the person doesn't even have a clue on what
he wants to write, what sort of an expert is he supposed to be? Or
is it just laziness.)
Me: No. I don't have any ideas (And even if I had, why should I give
them to you. I am tempted to scream.)
Shafalica (now at a loss of words): Hmmm. Let me talk to Mr
Manshukhani, and ask him what he is comfortable writing on and then
get back to you.
Shafalica: Bye.
--
Best Regards,
Vikram Kharvi
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