Research, Research, Research…

In class, any strategic model taught always begins with research. I’m finding out more and more how important research is to the practice of PR. It’s not just putting together strategic models, it helps you get better acquainted with a company so everyday tasks can be done such as press releases, bio’s and media lists. The more unfamiliar you are with a company, the longer it takes.

Take Eisbrenner, for example. Since nearly all clients are somehow involved in the automotive industry, your knowledge must go far beyond cars. You need to know about the entire market, including (but not limited to): automotive technology, specific company guidelines and the difference between new domestic and old domestic OEM’s.

I have done a lot of research in my internship. Although tedious, it has helped me learn a lot about this industry. Do you have any market information/articles that would help in learning more about this market?

Glitz and Glamour

Event planning is one of the most commercialized responsibilities of a PR practitioner. Reality shows like MTV’s The Hills and PoweR Girls illustrate the glitz and glamour of going to the hottest events and meeting a laundry list of celebrities. Here in Michigan (and yes, even in LA), events may not be as alluring as cable would like to make them seem. Things come up, plans need to be changed, and someone has to do the dirty work!

Last Friday was a big night in Detroit! Every year, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) throws an elaborate black tie charity event. Local corporations jump on the bandwagon and plan big after-parties for their clients. In fact, we at EPR had been getting ready for the after parties of Timken and T-Systems all week. From nametags and gift bags to confirming final lists, everyone was doing their part to make sure these events went as smoothly as possible!

At the last minute, a problem with T-Systems’ Midnight Masquerade arose. Gift bags (containing wine) sent to Comerica Park were quickly sent out because bringing in alcohol was against their liquor license. Only hours before the event, something had to be done quickly.

Coming to an unconventional solution, Megan (from EPR) and I spent the evening waiting in a van near the Comerica Park valet from 8:30-midnight to ensure a gift bag was put into every guest’s car! We then had to peak into each car and ensure that no one was left without a gift.

Dealing with issues such as these go unmentioned in classes, job descriptions and TV. Are there any unmentionables from your professional experience?

Back-up plans are essential!

Eisbrenner Public Relations (EPR) is an automotive-based public relations agency, meaning that nearly all of their clients in some way shape or form work with the automotive industry at large. One good example of their clientele is the Enhanced Protective Glass Automotive Association, more informally known as EPGAA or EPG.

Last Monday I had the opportunity to attend an interview featuring Channel 4’s Marc Santia with EPG. Stefanie from EPR had been trying to arrange for this interview/demonstration of laminated glass since Thanksgiving. Her pitch was originally for car safety during the holidays, but due to scheduling issues she changed this to tie in with the auto show (keeping her original emphasis on safety).

I was in the background taping this interview/demonstration for EPR so the client would have some footage. You might be wondering how you can demonstrate laminated glass…Marc Santia showed how easily a thief could shatter regular glass by smashing the windows in. The laminated glass on the other hand, was very difficult to crack let alone allow for a point of entry.

EPG’s interview aired last Friday! It just goes to show how flexible you have to be in public relations. Back-up plans are essential!

"So, what is PR?"

“So, what is Public Relations?” That was my mom’s first question after she got over the shock of realizing I didn’t want to be a doctor or lawyer. After trying to explain to her what it was, her second question was, “Yeah, but what will you actually be doing?”
This question has come up many times throughout my college experience.

While defining PR is easy, explaining the roles of a public relations practitioner can be difficult. Due to the broad nature of the field, there are tasks that seem to vary on a daily basis. From writing and event planning to compiling research, sticking to a budget and dealing with the media, there is so much to learn.

There are many resources available to learn about Public Relations, including the PRSA website and PR Week that may help in your search to define PR. Know of any additional resources? Let me know!

A Brief Introduction

My name is Amanda Robinson- welcome to the first blog I’ve ever written! I am a senior at the University of Michigan-Dearborn majoring in Communications and Business with concentrations in Public Relations and Marketing, respectively.

PR has always been something I could see myself doing. I like to write, I work well with people, and I embrace change. From what I’ve learned so far, Public Relations seems to combine all of these. Having a chance to intern at Eisbrenner Public Relations is a great opportunity to develop the more specific skill-set needed to succeed in this industry.

Throughout the next few months I will be writing about my intern experience. Feel free to ask questions, leave comments/advice and share stories as I get ready for life after college!