Oh and this is my first time blogging...

Dear Cousin Assignment

Dear Susie-

I received your e-mail expressing your curiosity for my minor in public relations. I am glad to hear you're interested in my chosen profession and happy to answer your questions. I will give you a general overview of the field covering how public relations is implemented, its differences from advertising, and why it is essential to business.

In a nutshell, public relations is the management of information between an organization and its publics. At its best, public relations creates a sustainable relationship to create change, action and or influence. A person working in the field of public relations, or "PR" could work within an organization or for an agency providing consulting to an organization or business.

A public relations professional develops a strategy around the company's goals, values and calendar. Using the strategy, this person works to communicate messages to the different publics, or important groups of people, that the organization needs to reach.

Some of the tactics a PR professional might use include writing press releases, pitching stories to media outlets, using social media to the benefit of the organization and dealing directly with the media. Crisis communication is also an important part of the job.

Many people get public relations and advertising confused. The biggest difference between the two is that advertising is typically purchased and public relations is not. Typically, if people read a message from a company that is generated from a public relations effort, it will seem more credible simply because it came from a source other than the organization. They don't feel that the organization is trying to sell them a product.

Public relations is essential to a business or organization because it allows them to strengthen their brand by delivering appropriate and accurate messages to key audiences using all possible opportunities. This is important to a company's growth and position in the marketplace and community.

I've found public relations to be a very rewarding field and I would love it if you would come join me for a day or two to see if you feel the same way.

Sincerely,

Dani